How Can We Do More to Spread the Gospel?

By: Scott Shifferd, Jr

Last Lord's Day, the subject was addressed in study about what the world needs to know about Christ. Are we ready to spread the Gospel? Do we have tracts at hand and verses in mind? Are we prepared at all times to present the Truth?

Jesus did say, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad” (Mt 12.30). When should we do this - at work, in the park, or only in the church building? These are certainly matters that we should consider. Are we gathering with Christ or are we scattering against Him?

Here were some points to consider to increase our evangelism:

• Be an example (Mt 5.16). Love your enemies. Do good, bless, & pray for them (Lk 6.27-28).
• Talk about your Christian life (Ac 22, 26). Ask others about their beliefs. Tell others how you became a Christian.
• Seek ways to spread the Truth. Participate in community forums & actions (Ac 2-4, 13, 17). Post the Truth in public places & the internet. Give away tracts & other writings.
• Plant & water, but remember that God gives the increase (1 Co 3.6-8).

Remember essential teachings and scriptures that we need to use to teach others. These include teaching about:

• The cost of being a Christian (Lk 9.22-26),
• The true identity of Christ and the truth of His Word (Cl 1.15-23),
• The cure for sin is Christ that includes believers being raised with Christ from baptism (Ep 2.1-7), and
• The distinctive character of the church in contrast to manmade churches (Ac 2.37-47).

Here are a few essential characteristics of the church of Christ:

• Jesus is the Founder, the Head, & the Owner of the church (Mt 16.18, Ac 20.28, Ep 1.22-23).
• The church loves one another & all (Jn 13.35, Ga 6.10), and yet the Church exposes evil (Ep 5.11).
• Elders are pastors, who oversee & manage the congregation (Ti 1.5, 1 Pe 5.1-3).
• The church partakes of the Lord’s Supper every 1st day of the week (Ac 20.7, 1 Co 11.17-34).
• The church assembles to learn, pray, sing, & give (1 Co 14, 16.1-2).
• The church proclaims the Gospel (Mt 12.30, Ep 3.10-11, 1 Pe 2.9).