A new year brings a fresh start. Many choose to make New Year’s resolutions. Some resolutions may be to lose weight, to read through the Bible within one year, to start family devotions, or to get out of debt. These are all good resolutions. However, there is one resolution that we must focus on more intensely. Will we make a resolution to share the Gospel more in 2013 than you did in 2012?
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying “Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words.” Many people know this statement and ascribe him as the author. However, he didn’t actually make this statement. Additionally, I submit that this is not a biblical view of sharing the Gospel.
The Bible says it is absolutely necessary to share the Gospel by using words. More specifically, we must share the Gospel from God’s word. Paul warned against preaching “another gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:8) There’s general revelation; creation points to the Creator.
Then there’s special revelation; the Word of God. Without words, it’s just general revelation, which is not specifically the Gospel. People all over the world recognize the general but are never told the specific. Creation, itself does a wonderful job pointing to a Creator, but somehow humans do not. It’s been said; Oh the grace of God that I’ve heard the Gospel so many times when others have never heard it once! We must share the Gospel with words!
I challenge you to: Preach the Gospel from God’s word, and when necessary, preach it to yourself!
Share the Gospel with coworkers, neighbors, and other people we come into contact with on a daily basis. Let’s memorize the Great Commission:
And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)
We must sing with conviction, “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.”*
Respectfully,
George Fuller
Founder & CEO
Ikthoos, LLC
"Connecting the Christian Community!"
(650) 308-4667
*(Hymn “I Am Resolved” Words by Palmer Hartsough. Music by James H. Fillmore)
