We are all called to share the Gospel, and use words too!

I love having this experience at college, where I learn something or we talk about it in class, and then it appears in another area in my life. It happened again last week. I was reading a chapter in Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry for the Youth Ministry class I’m taking, that was about evangelism and how to help students talk about their faith. Then, this past Thursday, I had my regular Bible study that I have with two girls that I know from camp in Slovakia. In our discussion, one of the girls asked whether it’s necessary to actually tell the gospel to others, or if good actions are enough. I was so thankful to have just read that chapter and to have it fresh on my mind. We’ve talked about this in other classes, confronting the idea to “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words” (Francis of Assisi) because, while we must do good works, we are also called to share the Good News. As Paul wrote to the Romans:

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)

So we must listen to His words as well. In my small group, I was able to react quickly to her question and share with her the truth I had just read from the chapter, as well as from scripture. I was thankful to have some helpful practical advice that was given in the chapter as well, which includes something as simple as telling your friends that you go to church on Sunday (and why) or inviting them to a youth event. The main point of the chapter I read was to build a counter-culture to the present private faith culture, a culture that promotes having a public faith (which makes it easier to share the Gospel! and it’s what we’re called to as believers!)