One bad habit of a Christian is to think of the gospel only as a decision—a commitment which was made years ago. So when he hears the gospel mentioned, he thinks “I’ve done that already,” almost as if God’s message of salvation has no further bearing on his life today.

Paul saw the gospel differently: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Paul not only found life through the gospel, he lived by the gospel.

What are some practical ways to live by the gospel? Here are some suggestions, with emphasis on evangelism:

1. Read the gospel. Why not select the one you are least familiar with?

2. Then read Acts—it’s the original “missionary biography.”

3. Improve your communication of the gospel. Start with Two Ways To Live, an excellent course which helps you to both understand and explain God’s salvation through Jesus.

4. Read John Piper’s Let The Nations Be Glad. This book explains the “big picture” of God’s mission and will inform and inspire you to join in God’s mission for his glory.

5. Keep praying for that person.

6. On your way to work, pray for yourself—that your work and character will glorify God today.

7. Participate in your church’s outreaches. Does your church provide evangelistic events? AWANA? Tract distribution? You don’t need to be eloquent to be involved in evangelism. Just help wherever you can.

8. Personally support a missionary or ministry. For example, you could commit to give $30 per month to a missionary for a term, ie three years. Your investment will not only support a gospel worker—it will continually remind you to keep your spending under control.

9. See for yourself: go on a mission experience trip. Several years ago I took a three-week mission team trip to Mexico. We helped missionaries, shared the gospel, and caught stomach flu. Flu aside, that cross-cultural ministry experience was well worth it. Start saving!

My friends in Christ, only the gospel matters. When Jesus returns, what will he commend about our lives? Will he give out rewards for what kind of car we have, what technology we use, how much money we earn, or our mastery of games? We have a higher calling. Let’s resolve to make our lifestyles worthy of the gospel of Christ.

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About Ben Kwok

Ben is part of a church plant team establishing the Rouse Hill Church. He holds a Master of Divinity degree. Ben and his wife Diahanna live in Sydney, Australia with their four young children.

3 Comments

  1. Jason Harris 1 April, 2009 at 9:32 pm - Reply

    Great post. It’s a reality that’s been on my mind a lot lately.

  2. Ben Kwok 1 April, 2009 at 10:46 pm - Reply

    I want to be more cross-centred in ministry. I think it’s Piper who said: “Don’t preach in a way that a Muslim would approve. Preach a divine crucified Christ.”

  3. Jason 2 April, 2009 at 11:04 am - Reply

    Yeah, it’s sobering to think that much of our teaching in Christian churches fails to bring Christ into the picture. I’m amazed how often my thoughts on a matter leave Christ out of the picture.

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