Telling others
‘For, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?’ (Romans 10:13-17).
Why should we tell others about Jesus? Simply because he told us to. In Mark 16:15 he commanded his disciples, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation’. God has given us the responsibility of spreading the good news of Jesus’ saving love.
This will mean different things for different people. Some are called to be missionaries abroad while others bear an equally important witness to Jesus at home, school, university and workplace. Because the consequence of sin is eternal separation from God, we need to share God’s love for the lost and his passion to see them repent and turn to him.
Charles Spurgeon said, ‘If sinners are to be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay’.
How can I witness for Jesus?
Sometimes we believe all this but are less keen about putting Christ’s words into practice. You may feel reluctant to tell your friends about Jesus. But remember God uses the weak and foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise.
We do not go in our own strength but in God’s, so pray that he will fill you with his Spirit so that you might serve him. As you go through school and university you will meet new people and make new friends – so step out of your comfort zone and make the most of your opportunities to tell the lost about the Saviour.
You will be surprised how people will respect your beliefs and how many conversations you will have about the things of God. God is faithful and the Holy Spirit will be with us as we go.
You can’t lose when you tell someone the gospel. Whether they receive or reject it, you are obeying Jesus’ command and your witness is ‘to God the fragrance of Christ among those that are saved and among those that are perishing’ (2 Corinthians 2:15).
And don’t give up if somebody doesn’t respond immediately. Did you believe the first time you heard about Jesus? I didn’t! Persevere, even when you think someone’s heart will never change, committing your friends to God in prayer continually.
Paul Boulter
