There are so many positions in the church today. Not all of which are focused on proclaiming the Gospel. We, of course, need preachers and teachers in the church. But in our churches now we need people that are able to run sound, cameras, clean, and even open doors and greet visitors. All of which are important jobs in their own right. Whatever gift God has given us we should be used to further the Bible message.
1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
All that being said just because you fulfill one role in the church does not mean you are exempt from proclaiming the truth. It is truly the responsibility of every Christian to spread the salvation message. Even if that is not their primary role in the church. Just look at Stephen and Phillip(not the Apostle). Both of these men were chosen to serve food. So that the Apostles could focus on ministry work and studying the word.
Acts 6:2–5 (ESV)
2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
Even though both were given a specific job in the church. They did not allow that to be all they did. Stephen performed signs and wonders. He even preached the message of Jesus all the way up until the moment of his death. Proclaiming the good news before all those who would listen to him without fear.
Acts 6:8 (ESV)
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 7:54–59 (ESV)
54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Phillip also seemed to preach to anyone he could. While the primary role he played in the church was to serve. We still find him outside the church proclaiming the good news and trying to make disciples.
Acts 8:5 (ESV)
5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
Acts 8:35 (ESV)
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
Phillip and Stephen show us that no matter the position you are placed in a church you should still spread the gospel. Because that is what God wants His people to do. Every Christian has the responsibility to share the gospel with as many people as possible.
Too often we find too much satisfaction in our role in our local church. This leads us to believe we are doing all that we need to do for the Kingdom of God. But the truth is Jesus said for His followers to preach the gospel to every creature. Which means there is a whole world that needs to be saved. Preachers will not be able to accomplish this on their own it will take the dedication of every believer to full Jesus command.
Mark 16:15 (ESV)
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
There may be those who would claim not to know what to teach or tell others about the good news. But I have news for anyone who would believe that. If you know enough to have truly received salvation for yourself. Then you know exactly what you need to tell others to lead them to the cross. Present them with what helped to shape your faith. Then if they have further questions answer them if you can. And for the ones you can’t invite them to church and consult your pastor for the answer.
Assume your responsibility and start proclaiming the gospel now. You cannot continue to rely on churches and others if you truly want to see people receive salvation. And not have to face the perils of hell. We must all do our part to grow the kingdom.
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