by Don Hooton
“Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:35). Most Christians know that they should be like Philip here. Yet, we often freeze or faint when opportunities come. Here are some ideas to help us be able to tell “the good news about Jesus.”
First, it’s about Jesus. If you want to share the heart of Christianity, your focus must be on Jesus Christ. The gospel is not about you and me. We should not go on nauseatingly about all the things that have improved in our life since becoming a Christian. The gospel is about Jesus—about who He is and what He has done—and we must make sure we remember that focus. As Paul the apostle wrote, “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1Corinthians 2:1-2). Or, “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2Corinthians 4:5).
Think about when you talk with people, do you use Jesus’ name? Sometimes, when we get a little bold in a “spiritual discussion,” we might speak of “Christianity” or “My faith” etc. There is nothing inherently wrong with using these words but sometimes, is it not because we see it might be too risky – personally – to use the name of Jesus? We may step up in courage and feel compelled to say “that God” said so and so and feel even more convinced we have spoken boldly. Yet still, nothing wrong with it, but that could be a broad stroke about the Divine with no reference to Jesus. But when we keep the conversation about the name Jesus (Acts 4:12), it means we are now engaged in conversation about the good news.
Admittedly, this is not ground-breaking because “my faith” (1Peter 1:17) or “my gospel” (2Timothy 2:8) and “God” (John 3:16 is just one) are used over and over in Scripture in words to describe what is the way to salvation. Still, the goal here is not to guilt or shame us in using these words when we have felt less courageous than we want to be. It is easier to say “As a Christian, I believe” or “I believe God says.” But when we pinpoint, “Jesus teaches {or} commands…” we are helping our listener be drawn to the good news. As God gives opportunities to share the good news, pray for courage and remember—it’s about Jesus.
Second, it’s news. The good news about Jesus may involve lots of things, but fundamentally… it’s news. The Greek word euangelion was used to describe the utterances of an imperial messenger – whether at his birth or at his conquests. In the ancient Roman world euangelion (i.e. “gospels”) would be spoken aloud in public squares, heralding “good news” of a Roman military victory, for instance, or the ascension to power of a new Caesar. This was Rome’s social media, a way to spread Roman military and political propaganda in order to keep the peace in Rome’s manner that was built on absolute authority, dominant power and an hierarchy of human value and control. So, when the Holy Spirit used this word to tell the story of Jesus, early writers (and listeners) would have seen the clear distinction of the news of the Prince of Rome and the Prince of Peace. The gospel of Jesus became a different kind of good news. Ecclesia, a political gathering, became the churches. “Savior of the World” was no longer Caesar to whom you must pay tax but a Redeemer to Whom you would want to pay thanksgiving and praise.
used to describe someone other than Caesar. When Paul tells us to remember the gospel, look at how he summarizes it: “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you… For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve” (1 Cor 15:1, 3-5).
The gospel—the message of Christianity—is not a philosophy for how to live. It’s not a list of moral rules or a system of religious practice. Of course, the New Testament does contain all of those things and Christians were obligated to follow the pattern of good words the chosen ambassadors (i.e. the Apostles) placed before the church. But if you are sharing the gospel – it is news about Jesus – how as the King of the Universe who overcame death and sin’s tyrant, the Devil, and how He rescues humans from all of it. The good news is “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). If the news we are sharing isn’t about Jesus, is it the good news?
Finally, it is good. It’s not always easy. It’s often challenging. And for some, it’s offensive. Modern “Christianity” among some churches have dismissed the power of the miracle of its inception (i.e. the resurrection) as fairy tale and some have dismissed the challenge. And God warned that this would happen (1Timothy 4:1-6; 2Timothy 4:1-4) because the sinful heart is blinded to the gospel’s light (2 Corinthians 4:4). Turning hearts to respond in faith to the news about Jesus seems insurmountable at times. But the reason that we “persuade men” is not merely because we know the fear of the Lord – but because “the love of Christ controls us” (2Corinthians 5:1-14); And we know that it is not just true, it is good – deep in our soul. Like Paul, who joyfully and naturally introduce people to Jesus, because he was convinced of “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).
Then, we can share a little good news about the big event that has changed our lives: “Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am chief… [so we too]… could be an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (1Timothy 1:15-17).