Life in the Kingdom of God is like springs bubbling up from within and overflowing to those without.
We receive tremendous blessing when we believe in Jesus and experience life in the Kingdom of God. Life in the kingdom, though, is a blessing that’s not meant to be hoarded. It’s meant to be shared. In other words, there is work to do—good, life-giving and life-saving work.
They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest. -Psalm 107:37
Once we’ve received the life of God within us, it’s our job to share it with others. We’re called to sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest in the world.
Six years ago my wife and I planted our first “real” garden. One thing I learned as a young gardener is yielding a healthy crop is hard work… (And every farmer in the world said, “Amen.”) Here’s what I learned:
First: select and prepare the ground: You must choose a location with lots of sun, put up a fence to keep unwanted animals out, and then you till the ground until you can’t feel your hands and arms.
Second: Fertilize (organically) the ground to make sure there are enough nutrients for the plants to grow healthy and strong.
Third: Plant the seed.
Fourth: Water the seed.
Fifth: Care for the young plants by pruning them, spraying (organic material) for bugs, weeding around them and watering them often.
Sixth: Wait (continuing step 5 frequently).
Seventh: Harvest a (hopefully) healthy fruit.
Sowing spiritual fields and planting spiritual vineyards follows a similar process.
We’re called to share the gospel. The word “gospel” means “good news.” What’s the good news? The good news is God loved us so much He sent Jesus who lived, died, and was resurrected for us so we could live with God in His kingdom now and forever!
When we share the gospel we must:
First: Prepare yourself. Be ready to share the gospel through prayer, worship, and Bible study. Ask God to provide “divine appointments”, that is, opportunities for you to share the gospel with someone. Let the Holy Spirit lead the way. He will show you who you are to reach. By the way, this usually happens where you live, work, or play.
Second: Connect with the person in a meaningful way. Build trust. It’s been said: “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” That couldn’t be more true today. The days of standing on the street corner and proclaiming the gospel boldly are gone in America. You must make meaningful connections with people. Allow the love of God to permeate and fertilize the conversation.
Third: Plant the seed. When God gives you the opportunity to plant the seed of the gospel in someone’s heart, be courageous and take it. Let the person know how much God loves them, their children, or their grandchildren. Tell your story. Point people to Jesus and share what He’s done in your life. God is so excited for people to join His family! So excited, in fact, there is celebration in Heaven when someone commits their life to Jesus!
Fourth: Continue to invest in the relationship by being there for the person in thick and thin as God gives you the opportunity.
Fifth: Continue to speak the truth in love and live as Jesus lived in grace and truth.
Sixth: Wait and pray for the person.
Seventh: Hopefully the person will receive the truth, believe in Jesus and experience life in the Kingdom of God! If they don’t, continue steps 2-6 until the Holy Spirit instructs you otherwise.
Obviously this isn’t a full proof plan to lead someone to faith in Jesus. There will be many shifts and turns in the process. There will be people who outright reject the message. Remember, they’re rejecting Jesus not you.
Jesus commanded us to share the gospel with the people we do life with. Look what He said: “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.” (Matthew 28:19-20a CSB) My Pastor, Dr. Chris Marshall, instructed me about the word “go” in that passage. The word in the original language of the Scripture is a participle and should be translated, “As you are going…”
We’re always “going” somewhere in life. We always have people around us: Family, neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc. Wherever we “go” Jesus commands us to “make disciples” which begins by sharing the gospel!
As we do what Jesus commanded, Jesus gives us this promise: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b CSB)
As you are going this week—to work, to the store, or out to eat—pray for and expect opportunities to share the gospel and know that, no matter what, Jesus is with you.
-PB