There are always passionate people who teach scripture. They will find ways to make sure people hear it, whether it’s on a street corner or a status update. In fact, I am one of them.
I may not be on a street corner, but I aim to use my social media platform to encourage and inspire people in their faith journey.
I am honest about what scripture says in regards to our sinful self being separated from God without Jesus, but I also aim to help people see that God has created them to be more than what they are now.
The gospel is meant to draw attention to sin, but point us to the healing and hope of our Creator. It reveals the truth of our brokenness and the truth of our restoration through Christ. The true message of Christ is meant to edify and uplift the reader as well as cause a churning in their spirit to experience a new life in Jesus.
A gospel that doesn’t motivate change through acknowledging sin, yet ignores the redemption that makes us whole in Jesus is empty. However, a gospel that only focuses on how great we are through Christ, but never acknowledges the need we have for Jesus to heal us from our broken spirit, is not a healthy gospel at all.
We need to teach the message of Jesus with balance. People need to hear the good news of Christ, while recognizing their need for such news due to our sin.
Now, the real question is, “How do we share this type of gospel?”
Here is how NOT to do it:
- DON’T YELL. People don’t like being yelled at and Jesus only raised His voice at the pharisees and sadducees, so we shouldn’t yell at those who are seeking to understand the truth.The people who are yelling are the people Christ would most likely be yelling at.
- DON’T BE ARROGANT. Seriously, get over yourself. When you teach as if you have it all figured out, then you make yourself greater than our forefathers of the church. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and allow Him to speak, not you.
- DON’T BE RUDE. We all continue to need grace, but for some reason, we find it easier to receive it than to give it. Allow people to work things out without you trying to look at them condescendingly wondering why they don’t get it. Give space and give grace.
- DON’T FOLLOW MAN. We can all listen to the best preachers and teachers. We can follow some of the lessons given by the Church forefathers and foremothers. They are not the Spirit of God nor are they Jesus. Yes, listen to their lessons, but be wise and follow the lead of the Spirit in the way you speak to others.
- DON’T FORGET THE CHURCH. Your words influence how people look at the Church as a whole. You might think, “This is my personal evangelism. This is how I get my hi-five from God!” Yet,you have no clue that your words can shift the trajectory of another person’s walk with Christ in a good or bad way. Always think before you speak. The thought that should flow through you is, “How are my words going to influence whether or not this person will step foot into the Church?”
Ultimately, you need to always ask, “What am I doing to make sure the gospel the people are hearing from mess truly good news? Is it hindering their ability to seek God in the body of Christ or will it cause them to step into their role in the kingdom of God?”
May we speak truth into the lives of those who are seeking. May we be honest about sin, but teach hope in the message of Jesus.
Peace and blessings friends.
QUESTION: What is the worst experience you have had with someone teaching the gospel?
Bobby Benavides 