Why Christians Don’t Share The Gospel

 

There are many reasons believers don’t share the gospel.  Probably the main reasons are fear, anxiety and awkwardness.  We have a fear of rejection.  We are too worried what others will think.  We don’t want them to think we are Jesus freaks.  However, we do share when it’s convenient.

Many feel unprepared.  They are afraid people will ask questions they can’t answer.  Don’t worry about that.  That’s OK.  No one has all the answers.  If you don’t know the answer to their question, just say “I don’t know”.  Honesty is best.  Then it will give you a chance to follow up with them again.  The Bible does tell us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason of the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).   This simply means you can clearly communicate why you believe in Jesus.

Another reason may be that it’s not politically correct.  The world doesn’t like it when we say there is no other way to get to heaven than through Jesus.  The world thinks there are many ways.  But Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6.

Another reason Christians don’t share to gospel is some people don’t believe in absolute truth.  They think it’s not their responsibility.  They think everyone already knows about Jesus and they will figure it out for themselves.  They think everyone will go to heaven, because God loves all people and doesn’t want anyone to perish.  This is partly true.  Jesus loves all people and doesn’t want anyone to perish, but He wants people repent, believe and follow only Him.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9.

All these reasons are just excuses.   What it all comes down to is, maybe Christians just don’t care.  Maybe they are too busy with their own lives.  Perhaps they are too selfish to take the time to tell others about what will ultimately save their life.

Many assume that sharing the gospel is only about trying to convert people to Christianity.  Actually converting someone to Christianity is the work of the Holy Spirit.  By sharing the gospel you are simply telling them about God’s love and how sin separates us from God.  You are telling them God’s remedy of the cross and how they can be reconciled with God.  You may never see the person’s positive response to Jesus, but at least you’ve planted a seed.  The rest is up to God.  We don’t save people, God does.

Statistics show more than 60% of church going Christian never share their faith.  God has called all Christians to share the Good News.  It’s easy for pastors, but the truth is God calls every believer to share the gospel.                

Why should the gospel be shared? 

Christians should share the gospel because as believers we have been commanded to do so.  The Bible tells us we should preach the gospel to all creation.  Jesus’ last words before He went to be with the Father was, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matt. 28:19-20.

We should share the gospel because Hell exists!  “But I will show you whom you should fear:  Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell.” – Luke 12:5.

We are to share the gospel because to remain in silence is a sin.  “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” – James 4:17.

We should share the gospel because it causes us to search the Scriptures.  It deepens our prayer life, our walk with God, and our gratitude for the cross.  Not only is it our responsibility, but a privilege.  2 Corinthians 5:20 tell us we are Christ’s ambassadors.  It shows our gratitude for what Jesus has done for us.  Ephesians 2:12 tell us before we were saved we had no hope and were without God.

We are to share the gospel because we as believers are in the presence of God and He is watching us.  We will be judged on what we do and don’t do.  He anointed us and set His seal of ownership on us and put His Spirit in our hearts.  He’s given us a job to do. 

We should not be ashamed to share the gospel.  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of god for the salvation of everyone who believes” – Romans 1:16.

Don’t assume people already know about Jesus.  They may have heard His Name mentioned, but people need to hear the Gospel.  They need to hear that He died for them and that they can have eternal life.  

How to share the gospel?

The Gospel can be presented in six words:

GOD created us to be with Him.

OUR sins separate us from God.

SINS cannot be removed by good deeds.

PAYING the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.

EVERYONE who trusts in Him alone has eternal life.

LIFE with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.

One of the best ways to share the gospel is to live a godly life.  Non-Christians often look at Christians as hypocritical because they say one thing but do another.  Make a habit of reading the Bible, praying, going to church and practicing what you preach. 

Be sure to pray for those unbelievers.  Pray, pray and pray some more.

When sharing the Gospel, keep it simple.  Don’t make it complicated.  Tell them that because of sin we are separated from God, but God provided a way to restore a relationship with Him by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to the cross to die for their sins.  He was buried.  He rose again.  Tell them that they need to turn away from sin and accept what Jesus did on the cross. 

Share the ABC’s of Salvation:

ADMIT to God that you are a sinner.

BELIEVE in Jesus Christ as God’s Son.

CONFESS your faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Share these Scriptures:

Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

1 Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed”.

Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.

Romans 10:13, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Is the way you live pointing people to Jesus?

Do you know what Scripture actually says about sharing the gospel?

Do you truly understand grace and true humility?

Do you know the will of God for your life?

Are you unprepared to share the gospel?

What is keeping you from sharing your faith?                                                                                                                                       

If you have integrity, then share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Don’t keep it to yourself.  If you keep this important message to yourself, you are betraying your Savior.  You should have a real burden to reach people for Him.  If you are nervous about how you should do this or what you should say, ask God to help you.  Ask Him to give you the desire and confidence before it’s too late.  You never know if today will be your last day or their last day. 

Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Resources:

https://www.sonlife.com/blog/sharing-the-gospel/