Bearers Of The Gospel
Being Bearers of the Gospel
We are all called to be bearers of the gospel, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need. This calling is not just reserved for preachers, teachers and theologians, but is a mandate for every believer. As Jesus instructed His disciples in the Great Commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20).
In these last words from Jesus the universal mission was entrusted to us as followers of Christ. When someone speaks their last words, they are always the most important. We should conclude that this mission to bring the gospel to the world should be the highest priority of every Christian.
So how does this work? Being a bearer of the gospel means embodying and sharing the message of salvation through our words, actions, and lives. The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of this mission in Romans 10:14-15: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Our responsibility is to make Christ known, enabling others to see Christ in us and call upon His name.
Paul also said it’s the gospel that’s the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). Our part is sharing it as an act of love and obedience. Yet, the task of being gospel bearers can seem more than I’m able to do. You may feel inadequate or fear rejection. However, we can find encouragement and strength in God's promises that we don’t do this alone. It is not by our power or eloquence that the gospel spreads, but by the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.
Jesus reassured His disciples before His ascension, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit empowers us to be effective witnesses, giving us the courage and words to speak.
Moreover, the love of Christ compels us to share the gospel. Paul expresses this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15: "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." Our motivation for sharing the gospel is rooted in Christ's sacrificial love for us and for all who call on His name.
Living as a bearer of the gospel also means reflecting Christ's love and truth in our daily interactions. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16). Our lives should illuminate the path to Christ, as the world around us sees how we’ve been changed by His grace.
And don’t forget that we are part of the body of Christ, and together, we can support and encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Fellowship and unity in the church strengthen us for the mission.
Prayer is another essential aspect of our role as gospel bearers. As we prepare for our mission, pray for opportunities to share the gospel, for boldness to speak the truth, and for the hearts of those who hear to be open to God's message. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, requests, "Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:" (Colossians 4:3). Prayer aligns us with God's will and invites His guidance in our efforts.
Finally, remember that success in sharing the gospel is not measured by the number of people you see who profess faith in Christ, but by your faithfulness to God's call. Isaiah 55:11 assures us, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Trust in God's sovereignty and His plan for each person we encounter. Embrace your role as bearers of the gospel, do so with joy, confidence, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Credit: Ron Kelley
We are all called to be bearers of the gospel, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need. This calling is not just reserved for preachers, teachers and theologians, but is a mandate for every believer. As Jesus instructed His disciples in the Great Commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20).
In these last words from Jesus the universal mission was entrusted to us as followers of Christ. When someone speaks their last words, they are always the most important. We should conclude that this mission to bring the gospel to the world should be the highest priority of every Christian.
So how does this work? Being a bearer of the gospel means embodying and sharing the message of salvation through our words, actions, and lives. The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of this mission in Romans 10:14-15: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Our responsibility is to make Christ known, enabling others to see Christ in us and call upon His name.
Paul also said it’s the gospel that’s the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). Our part is sharing it as an act of love and obedience. Yet, the task of being gospel bearers can seem more than I’m able to do. You may feel inadequate or fear rejection. However, we can find encouragement and strength in God's promises that we don’t do this alone. It is not by our power or eloquence that the gospel spreads, but by the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.
Jesus reassured His disciples before His ascension, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit empowers us to be effective witnesses, giving us the courage and words to speak.
Moreover, the love of Christ compels us to share the gospel. Paul expresses this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15: "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." Our motivation for sharing the gospel is rooted in Christ's sacrificial love for us and for all who call on His name.
Living as a bearer of the gospel also means reflecting Christ's love and truth in our daily interactions. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16). Our lives should illuminate the path to Christ, as the world around us sees how we’ve been changed by His grace.
And don’t forget that we are part of the body of Christ, and together, we can support and encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Fellowship and unity in the church strengthen us for the mission.
Prayer is another essential aspect of our role as gospel bearers. As we prepare for our mission, pray for opportunities to share the gospel, for boldness to speak the truth, and for the hearts of those who hear to be open to God's message. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, requests, "Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:" (Colossians 4:3). Prayer aligns us with God's will and invites His guidance in our efforts.
Finally, remember that success in sharing the gospel is not measured by the number of people you see who profess faith in Christ, but by your faithfulness to God's call. Isaiah 55:11 assures us, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Trust in God's sovereignty and His plan for each person we encounter. Embrace your role as bearers of the gospel, do so with joy, confidence, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Credit: Ron Kelley
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