Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. ––Matthew 28:19-20, CSB
Praise the Lord is a powerful song by Elevation Worship. It’s rooted in the understanding that we always have a reason to praise the Lord. Though the song's premise centers on the necessity of praise, it subliminally teaches us that our love for Jesus Christ and our understanding of him should be so potent in our hearts and minds that we can’t keep it inside.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is commonly referred to as the good news. The significance of any news is that it's meant to be shared, not contained. Yet many believers worldwide store knowledge of Christ for themselves instead of spreading it.
I was once this kind of believer with little to no desire to spread the gospel beyond myself. I felt intimidated and fearful of the thought of evangelizing.
Evangelism seemed to be restricted to the elite Bible scholars of the world, and I certainly was not that. I could not imagine how the word of God could stand up against the many beliefs of the world. I wrestled with this fear for years until I heard a powerful perspective from Dr. Brian Taylor.
Dr. Brian Taylor is the pastor of Every Nation Cincinnati. He received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and serves as chaplain for the University of Cincinnati football team. What immediately resonates with me regarding Pastor Brian’s ministry is his emphasis on the necessity of discipleship. He is adamant about teaching the congregation the magnitude of the Great Commission and how it is not optional but rather a command.
In Matthew 28:19-20, we read about the Great Commission. Jesus says, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
A commission is a command given to a person or group of people. It is not optional, yet all too often, we regard it as such. Once I learned the command of the commission, it helped me grasp just how much boldness I needed to combat my fears. I love that the last sentence of verse 20 demonstrates how God’s commission can be boldly carried out, as his Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way until the end of the age. God knew and still knows that spreading the gospel takes an exceptional boldness only granted through his Holy Spirit.
This type of boldness allows you to speak despite fear. It means that even when fear arises, you spread the good news because the Holy Spirit’s empowerment supersedes any fear you might face. Boldness like this enables you to see the significance and necessity of not just knowing the gospel but sharing it.
Someone else needs to hear of the hope you have. 1 Peter 3:14-17 CSB says, “But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.”
Never let fear stop you from spreading hope to the world around you.
Prayer: God, you have not given me a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Empower me through your Holy Spirit to boldly spread your good news beyond myself to those around me. The world needs you. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you ever struggled to share the gospel? If so, describe why you were afraid and how you navigated this fear. If you continue to battle the fear of sharing the gospel, what are three concrete steps you can take to overcome this?
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