Synod School of Discipleship Week 6
Be Aware
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” - 1 Peter 3:15
I am the child of two farming families, which means I have a lot of relatives. Anytime I go to a family gathering, inevitably someone will say to me, “Lukas, you have to watch this show/read this book/listen to this band, it’s sooooo GOOD!” My family loves to share good things they’ve discovered, and I am grateful for this. I don’t think it’s just my family that does this. I think this is part of human nature. When we have good news we have to share it with those we love. This week’s school of discipleship was all about this: sharing the Good News.
The word Gospel literally means “Good News”. It is the central message of Christianity. It’s that incredible news that changed the world. But what is this news? It's simpler than you think. The Gospel is the following:
- God loves you and has a plan for you life
- Sin separates us from God
- Jesus Christ died to save you
- Repent and believe the Gospel, the ‘good news’
- Be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit
- Live in Christ, through his body, the Church
Go forth and make disciples
Jesus’s last words to the Apostles was to go to all nations, baptizing them and sharing this gospel message, this good news. This can be intimidating, and we can think “well, that’s not my gift” or “I’m not really good at talking with strangers.” Jesus knows that can be intimidating, this is why he tells his Apostles to “be not afraid” and ”I am with you always”. You can do this. If you’ve ever shared a wonderful movie or great song with someone, you can share what God has done in your life. How much better is God’s love for you than any movie you’ve ever seen?
All you have to do is be aware. Listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes you will hear an opening in a conversation. You can say something like, “that reminds me of this incredible thing God has done in my life.” Share your story. Be attentive to how this person might need to receive the message. Then, be ready to encourage them. Invite them to take the next step. Ultimately, give them the truth: God loves them. What better news is there than that?
Challenge: Be aware of your surroundings throughout the day. Write down what you heard or observed or how you might have shared Jesus with another.