Part 1 of 12 of the theme 'Answers to Questions' by Gijs van den Brink
There are many answers to that, but I am giving my view. I look at Jesus and at the apostles, how they did this. But first we need to know what the Gospel is. The Good News is that the Kingdom of God has come. Where do we see that kingdom? We see it where people serve Jesus as King. That is where we see something of the Kingship of God. In the perfect Kingdom of God, there is no more sorrow, there is no more sickness, there is no more poverty.
Jesus does many signs that indicate what this Kingdom will look like: he forgives and accepts sinful people. He heals the sick. He gives love and speaks to poor people who cannot read and write.
At this moment in the world, the Kingdom is very small, as small as a mustard seed, Jesus says. Even Christians are not yet perfect at all. But when Jesus returns, everything will be perfect, the whole world!
How can you make clear to others what the Gospel is? I learn that from Jesus, too.
He shared his life every day with 12 friends. They saw how he lived from morning to night. They saw how he had compassion for people, they also saw when he was tired, they saw how he prayed and how he read the Bible. Communicating the gospel to someone is done primarily by being an example.
Similarly, Paul taught that to Timothy in 1Tim.4:12b 'be an example to the believers in what you say, in your way of life, in love, faith and purity.'
Others will ask you why you do what you do. And why you make certain choices. Then tell them why you do. To honor Jesus, who redeemed us from sin.
Almost all people in the time of Jesus came to faith because of what they saw of Jesus, what He did. And that is still true today. Almost everyone comes to faith by being impressed by the life of a Christian they have come to know. Not what we say, but how we live has influence.
We are not perfect as Jesus was. So our example is only limited. That is why it is important to say honestly that you are still on the road and are not perfect.
Paul says: Follow me, as I follow Jesus. He founded small churches everywhere he went. Everywhere in every town and village small groups of believers who went to pray together. And went to serve Jesus together. They were an example to the rest of the town! Invite others to come along to the circle you visit.
A philosophy or a theory is not going to change someone. A good and loving example does. I have seen this hundreds of times in my life. I hope you too will make the right choice.
Next time: Part 2 of the series 'Answers to questions' is entitled ''How can I know that Jesus is God? '
See also: Part 8 of 8 of the theme 'Lessons from Ecclesiastes' 'worship, reverence and obedience'
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 1 of 12 from the theme "Answers to Questions' Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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