Yesterday, I stated we cannot put our faith in someone we do not know. What does that mean for us? If we are attending worship services, we have heard about Jesus and put our faith in Him. How did we hear about Him? Did we grow up in the church? Did we hear about Him later in life?
Do we wonder why church membership is diminishing? The answer is simple, yet hard for us to hear—we have stopped executing the mission Jesus gave us. We are no longer telling others about Him. We have stopped spreading the good news.
Some of you may think this is bold and brazen statement, and you may think it is false. However, simply do some research to see what people say when asked about who Jesus is. Even more depressing is to see what they say when asked who Moses, Abraham, Esther, Ruth, Joseph, Jacob, Paul, Peter, or any other Bible character. Even if the question is prefaced by stating they are a Bible character, the answers would be laughable if it wasn’t so sad.
The church grew because it was missional, it was telling others about a Savior. Despite popular belief, telling others about Jesus does not mean we are to stand on a street corner on step stool with a Bible in our hand. It doesn’t require us to go around the neighborhood knocking on doors and handing out tracts. It doesn’t even require us to fight for Christian rights within our government.
The most effective way to spread the Word is through normal conversation with our family, friends, and co-workers. Isn’t that also the best way to increase a business? Word of mouth is always more effective than flashy advertising. That is not to say advertising cannot be effective, but to say people are more likely to check out something a friend recommends. Our mission is far from over. We must go about our day bragging on Jesus the way we brag about a new restaurant if we are going to be effective in bringing people to faith. When the majority of our society has come to faith, we will see a change in our world.
I pray we all spread the good news to people we know. I pray we tell others about Jesus in our normal conversations. I pray each one of us will be in mission, bringing people to faith. Be in mission. Tell others about Jesus. Spread the good news. Bring people to faith. Our world needs Him now as much at it ever has.
Romans 10:14-15 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Marty Pressey 