Most people love good news, and cannot wait to share it with others.
I remember when I was a kid, and my dad was celebrating his 40th birthday. A collection of friends and family were coming to be a part of a surprise birthday party for my dad. Somehow I learned that two of my dad’s brothers (who lived in Texas) were coming up to be part of the party. This news was SO EXCITING to my 7 year old mind. But the party was a surprise … how was I ever supposed to keep this a secret?
Well, I did pretty good all day leading up to the party, keeping the news to myself. But when I saw that Texas license plate rolling into the driveway, I could contain myself no longer, and ran inside to announce the arrival of the surprise guests.
“Dad, you’ll NEVER GUESS who just drove into the driveway,” I hollered as I swung open the front door.
My Dad calmly replied, “I bet its Frank and CB just arriving from Texas.”
How did he know? Did I have that poor a poker face that he saw right through me all day? Nope … someone else had already told him the good news. I missed out on the excitement of breaking the story, but we all still enjoyed the party.
Why do I say that today? I still believe people love to share the good news. And what is the BEST NEWS? That Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day. If we believe in Jesus, we will have our sins forgiven and be with God forever in heaven. This is GREAT NEWS.
If this news is so great, why do we struggle to share it with others?
We are afraid that we will botch the presentation of the Good News.
We are concerned about how people will respond when we share this message with them (will it be awkward? will they freak out? will it damage our relationship?)
We become paralyzed by these concerns and fail to share the good news with others.
But here is what I truly believe. If you are a Christian, deep down YOU FANTASIZE about seeing your friends and family who don’t currently know Christ begin to follow Him. Nothing would make you happier than to see your loved ones come to faith (what a party that would be) and you would especially love to play in role in sharing Christ with them. As believers in Jesus, you LONG to see people from other nations trust Jesus, and would love to have your life play a part in the expansion of the Gospel worldwide.
So, this Sunday, at Wildwood Community Church, we will gather to look at John 15:26-16:4 in part 5 of our “Fired Up” sermon series investigating the advantages the Holy Spirit brings to the believer. As we gather this week, we will see Jesus share insight related to evangelism (sharing the good news.) If our dream is to see our friends and family come to faith and to see the Great Commission flourish among all nations, then come Sunday to see how Jesus and His gift of the Spirit can help our dreams come true, even amidst a world that has rejected Him.
Join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 worship service for a time of worship where we will sing, pray, read God’s Word, and share the Lord’s Supper together. See you Sunday … and bring friends! This is another ministry/advantage of the Holy Spirit that you need to know about! My 51 year old mind is so excited to tell you.