Teaching and Spreading the Good News of Christ Part 2

Mark 16:15-20 – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the Word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

Today I will highlight some fundamental points on the process of teaching and spreading the good news. They are as follows:

Who has God given the responsibility to teach and spread the gospel?

Every Christian has been given the responsibility to teach and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is one of the reasons why Jesus has not returned to take us to heaven. The return of Jesus Christ is partly dependent on the gospel being preached and witnessed all over the earth and we have been sent to undertake the task.

Where do we preach it?

In the entire world, starting from your circle of influence. From examining scriptures, we see that Jesus encouraged and instructed His disciples to begin the preaching of the good news in their immediate environment. He instructed them to start from familiar territory and then progress into unfamiliar territory. I call this progressive revelation and gospel. Jesus first came to his own before He offered himself to the whole world. Therefore, start from where you are and then move on to other places. Move from the inside, out.

Why is it important to spread the good news?

Because God commands us to do it – In the above scriptures in Mark, we note that Jesus commanded His disciples to go and preach the good news. It was neither a suggestion nor negotiation. It was a command. This is why it is called the “great commission” and not the great suggestion.

Because it brings more joy in heaven – One of the ways to bring more joy into heaven is by bringing people to the knowledge and acceptance of the gospel. The whole of heaven take a great deal of pleasure in seeing a sinner become a saint through the preaching of the good news.

Because we are the light and salt of the earth – God has made us the light and salt of the earth; light to provide visibility and salt to provide preservation. These roles are enhanced and effective when we bring the good news to our world. Our lack of action in this area impedes our influence and impact on earth.

It makes you shine -Every time we share the gospel in Word or deed, we further illuminate the world with the light of God. Bringing people out of darkness into the marvellous light of Christ results is a major boost to our eternal stand and relevance.

Because that is the way people will know the truth about the good news -Ignorance of God’s love and provision is eradicated through the preaching of the gospel. Most people have a distorted image of God and it is our responsibility to present to them, the right picture of who God is through the preaching of the gospel. People don’t automatically know; they are told and we are the tellers.

Because the gospel brings the power of God into manifestation – The manifestation of the power of God is a function of preaching the gospel. God backs up the message of the gospel when it is presented correctly. God is always delighted to prove you right through the manifestation of His power whenever we preach the gospel.

For Further Study

Acts 1:8, Luke 15:7, Matthew 5:13-16, Daniel 12:3, Romans 10:11-16, Romans 1:16

Personal declaration for the day

Today, the light of Christ will shine through me and I will add flavour to my world through the preaching of the gospel of Christ.

Questions for you to reflect on

How do you know when news is good?

What impact did the message of Jesus make on His hearers in Biblical times?

How do you intend to present the good news of the gospel?