Sharing the Good News in the 21st Century
I had the unique privilege of sharing with a young man who claimed to be a “White Magic – Calvinist – Jew.” To say that it was an interesting conversation would be a gross understatement. The good news is that I was able to lead this young man to Christ and get him plugged into the local church. Other recent conversations seem to have some of the same undertones; people who have formulated their own definition of God and views about eternity. 
Welcome to the twenty-first century! The breakdown of absolute truth coupled with the erosion of Christian influence has paved the way to a new melting pot of religious views that have greatly impacted society, and our ability to reach those that need Christ. As a church leader, I am acutely aware of the fact that my approach to sharing the truth must radically change while still adhering to the timeless truth of the gospel; easier said than done.
Regardless of a person’s belief system or worldview, there are ten main pillars that we must continue to emphasize in our gospel approach.
These are: (FREE TEACHING NOTES on this topic available on my Resource Page).
Pillar #1: Every person has a perception of Eternity
Regardless of religious persuasion, or lack thereof, every person has a perception of what Eternity might be. Those views may consist of; heaven, hell, reincarnation, a distant galaxy, or cease to exist.
Pillar #2: Absolute truth is the foundation to life itself
To a generation that believes that truth is relative, the need for establishing the foundation is the beginning point of sharing the gospel.
Pillar #3: The Bible is the foundation for all Truth
There is only one book that has ever stood the test of time as being 100% infallible. Establishing the Bible as the sole source of your message is vital to the presenting of any future principles.
Pillar #4: The nature and characteristics of God can be defined
God must be redefined back to His original description. Without elevating God to His rightful place in the minds of man, it is impossible to present the gospel with any sense of need or urgency.
Pillar #5: Sin is an absolute problem not a relative, narrow-minded concept
People must understand sin as “rebellion against God” and it’s affect on humanity in order to understand the immeasurable gap between themselves and God due to their own personal sin.
Pillar #6: Hope and unconditional love are available to those who seek God
Even in the midst of judgement, God provides a way of escape and the opportunity for a new life. This is key to reaching a generation without hope.
Pillar #7: The Cross remains as the central message of the Gospel
- The message of the cross is the power of God unto salvation. The price that Christ paid for the sin of mankind must be clearly understood to make activate its power in a person’s life.
- We need to not only give attention to the cross, but also his resurrection power, that he conquered death and hell.
- There must also be the realization that Jesus is the only way, and no salvation is found in no other name.
Pillar #8: The only One who can truly fill needs and voids is God Himself
Society continues to look to everything but God to fill the immense holes in their life. The need for love, hope, peace, joy, purpose, acceptance and identity will only be found in God. This can only happen when people enter into a personal relationship with Christ. This too, is an important part of the gospel.
Pillar #9: Commitment to Christ is a life-long decision
People must understand the commitment of a life-long relationship before praying a prayer. Just as in a marriage, a couple must understand the cost before entering into a covenant relationship.
Pillar #10: Becoming a Fully Devoted Follower of Christ is the Goal
God desires disciples, not just decisions. The point of salvation marks the beginning of the journey, not the end. A key part of sharing the gospel is to assist people into understand the new life that has begun.
