The Great Commission – Share the Good News!

Does anybody out there like a good deal? Have you ever gone shopping, in a ‘bricks and mortar’ store or online, and found something AMAZING at a bargain price? If you have, then I'm sure that after purchasing your new item you've told someone, or many people, all about it and how happy you were to get such a good deal. You've probably contacted family and friends so that THEY can get the same good deal as you didn’t want them to miss out. It’s such a common response that there are innumerable websites devoted to sharing, with complete strangers, the amazing deals which people have found.

The Best Promise of All Time

”Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

(Romans 8:2 - New International Version)

Incredibly enough, the most valuable purchase of all time will never be made by us. It was made FOR us. Jesus paid the full price for every sin we have, or ever will, commit. He did it willingly as a sacrifice. Jesus gave up his life and paid the highest price of all time so that we could have the best offer of all time for the princely sum of…nothing.

We don't even have to pay a single penny to receive redemption!

“But I am like an olive tree

    flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
    for ever and ever.”

(Psalm 52:8 - New International Version)

It’s an amazing gift that can be shared too, with no loss to us, only gain. There is abundance for all. God’s love is unfailing and never diluted when shared amongst more and more people. God has an infinite capacity for love and forgiveness in which all can flourish.

“How enduring is God’s loyal love; the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion.”

(Lamentations 3:22 - The Voice)

Share the gift of life

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

(Mark 16:15 - New International Version)

Anyone who asks can have this gift from God. All you have to do is ask for it and mean it in your heart. If you have already asked Jesus into your heart and, in doing do, received the Holy Spirit, then you have a job to do. When Jesus was speaking to the disciples his instruction was not just for them. The Bible was not written just for the people who were present at the time. It is a guide for all ages of humanity.

The word “disciple” is defined as: “One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.” Jesus always chose His words with incredible wisdom and clarity! When calling his followers 'disciples' he was giving us a clear understanding that there was a twofold meaning. We must believe in Him, but we also have to assist in spreading His teachings to others.

It doesn't mean that we all have to become preachers, pastors or vicars in an official capacity. What it does mean is that we're ALL commanded to tell people about Jesus, so that they can be saved, and that God will provide the opportunities and abilities needed to do so. We just need to keep our hearts, minds, eyes and ears open and not let those opportunities pass us by.

 “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”

(Ephesians 6:19 - New International Version)

“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ”

(Colossians 4:3 - New International Version)

Like Paul, we need to start with prayer. Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel, pray that the people we share it with will have open hearts and minds, and pray for the right words to say so we can have confidence.

Just the Beginning

It doesn't end there though. The ‘Great Commission’ does not end once the Good News has been shared with someone. That is just the start of what we have to do. We also have to walk alongside them in their new journey. We need to help our fellow Christians grow in their belief in Jesus and their understanding of The Bible. Then they too will become good disciples, embracing the truth of Jesus Christ’s gift of life and assisting in sharing that Good News.

Don’t Give Up – Don't Give In

I read recently that only a small proportion of Christians ever actively share their faith. According to some it could even be as low as 1 in 10 and even less will persevere and lead people to Christ.

So keep praying…keep sharing…keep shining God’s light into the world through your life. Seek the opportunities and be brave.

Love the people who you speak to.

Your testimony and why you believe can be a great starting point.

Be patient – sometime the journey takes a while!

Show them that you really do care for them – actions often speak louder than words.

Finally, if we wouldn't want someone to miss out on a good deal in a supermarket, how much more should we want to ensure they don’t miss out on the greatest offer of all time?