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How to Share the Gospel of Jesus with Confidence
If you’d prefer to listen to this blog, rather than read it, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/sharing-the-gospel-of-jesus/
How difficult is it to share the gospel of Jesus?
Sometimes it can feel almost impossible.
We might think:
Don’t I need a theology degree? A diploma? A certificate? Surely someone needs to officially commission me first?We can easily disqualify ourselves before we even begin.
But here’s the good news: someone has already given us permission.
Jesus.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV)Actually, we have more than permission. We have been commanded to do this by Jesus himself. The question is, will we obey?
Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for trusting me with the message of Jesus. Thank You that I don’t need a degree, a title, or a platform. I only need a willing heart.
Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed fear, insecurity, or self-doubt to silence me. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Give me courage to speak when You prompt me and wisdom to know when to listen.
Help me share the gospel with gentleness, humility, and love. Not pressure, nor performance, but compassion.
Remind me that You are always with me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Activation
One Simple Step
Sharing the gospel doesn’t have to begin with a sermon. It begins with relationship.
This week, ask the Holy Spirit:
“Who in my life needs hope right now?”
Then take one small step:
- Send an encouraging message.
- Share a meal with someone.
- Invite people in – get to know them.
- Offer to pray for someone.
- Share a short testimony of what Jesus has done in your life.
- Invite someone to church or to listen to this podcast.
Remember, obedience begins with availability.
You are not responsible for results.
You are responsible for responding.And Jesus promised, He is with you always.
I hope you have enjoyed this post, please share with someone who would be blessed by it. If you’d like to comment or subscribe, please do so below. I’d love to hear what you are doing to share the Hope of the World with others.
Sources
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Rest.
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-n8xr3-17a691f
The podcast reflects on the overwhelming busyness of life, contrasting it with the need for true rest, which goes beyond sleep. Emphasizing the importance of spiritual renewal through time with God, the piece discusses the necessity of setting boundaries and prioritizing meaningful relationships over distractions. Seeking God’s guidance can lead to rejuvenation and peace.
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Seek God While You Can: A Journey of Redemption and Return
If you’d prefer to listen to this message, you can enjoy it on The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast here:
🎧 https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/seeking-god-a-journey-of-faith-and-redemption/You can also listen on your favorite streaming platform including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
If we are blessed enough to have a Bible, whether physically or online, we hold in our hands a love letter from God.
The Bible contains wisdom, guidance, correction, and the countless promises of a faithful Father to those who love Him. In its pages we discover who God is, who we are, and how we are meant to live.
Jesus made it beautifully simple:
Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”God loves us. He has spared nothing, not even His one and only son, who came in human form to bring us the good news, proclaimed good news, died on a cross, and rose again so that we might be saved.
Every moment of every day, God invites us to notice Him. To meet with Him. To know Him.
But He asks that we seek Him earnestly.
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)In the Western world, it is so easy to become distracted. We pour ourselves into careers, raising families, paying bills, planning holidays, or chasing our next purchase. Life feels busy. We tell ourselves we’ll focus on God later, when things slow down. We assume we have plenty of time.
Unfortunately, that was true of my own walk with God.
A Twelve-Year-Old Encounter
When I was twelve years old, I was given a small red Gideons New Testament at school. Every student in Year 8 received one. I had never read the Bible for myself before. I don’t think we even owned one in our Catholic household.
As I began reading about the ministry of Jesus — His miracles, His authority, His compassion — I was captivated. But when I reached Matthew’s account of His betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection, something shifted inside me. I had heard the story many times in church.
But this time was different.
Tears flowed uncontrollably. The words felt alive. Personal. Real.
The Holy Spirit was drawing me.
Wandering and Returning
When I was first touched by God, I was 12 years old. I had been given a small red Gideons New Testament at school. Everyone in Year 8 received one. I had never read the bible before. I don’t think we had one in our Catholic household. I can remember being entranced while reading the miraculous and powerful ministry of Jesus. When I read Matthew’s description of his later betrayal, death and resurrection I was overcome. Tears flowed uncontrollably. I had heard these things many times before, when I was in church. But, this time was different.
Wandering and Returning
As a teenager, I drifted away. I briefly returned at seventeen, only to slip back into a partying lifestyle.
Then at twenty-three, I found myself single and pregnant to a married man. I was faced with difficult choices:
Keep the baby and face shame?
Place the baby for adoption?
Or terminate the pregnancy?Even though I wasn’t walking closely with God at that time, He placed a clear word in my heart:
“This baby is a gift from God.”
I chose to keep my precious baby boy. That decision changed the direction of my life. My son has grown into a strong and good man with a beautiful family of his own.
When he was six months old, God brought a wonderful man into my life, the man who became my husband. He loves and cherishes me, my son, his sisters, and our entire family.
Yet more than ten years later, after being deeply offended by people in our church, we walked away. I never imagined I would fall so far from the Lord.
Seventeen years passed.
It wasn’t until my one-year-old grandson lay in ICU in a coma, on the brink of death, that I returned fully to Him.
Altogether, I had spent twenty-four years distracted — believing I had forever.
But in that crisis, I sought Him with all my heart. I seized every opportunity to draw near again.
And He met me.
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.
Deuteronomy 4:29-31 (NIV)
Why Did I Weep at Twelve?
Looking back, I’ve often wondered why I wept as a twelve-year-old reading something I had heard many times before.
It’s simple.
God’s Word comes alive when we read it for ourselves.
The Holy Spirit breathes on Scripture when we pursue Him personally. A rhema word, a living word, ignites something deep within us. Even familiar passages become fresh revelation when we seek Him wholeheartedly.
God reveals His heart to those who lean toward Him.
He speaks through Scripture, through prayer, through worship, through nature, through other people, through dreams, impressions, or a quiet knowing in our spirit.
He is always speaking.
The question is — are we seeking?
Don’t Wait
So I urge you, don’t wait.
Seek God now. Pursue Him today. The years pass more quickly than we realise. The pleasures of this world are temporary, but the rewards of walking with Jesus are eternal.
Prayer
Father God,
Thank You that You never give up on us. Even when we wander, even when we delay, You remain faithful.
Forgive us for the times we have assumed we had more time. For choosing distractions over Your presence. Awaken our hearts again. Stir a holy hunger within us. Help us not to postpone what matters most.
Teach us to seek You now. Not out of fear, but out of love.
Draw us close, Lord. We don’t want to waste another day.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Activation
If God has been nudging your heart, take one step today, not tomorrow.
• Open your Bible and read one passage slowly and intentionally.
• Set aside ten quiet minutes to sit with God.
• Whisper a simple prayer: “Lord, I want to know You more.”
• Remove one small distraction that has been stealing your focus.Don’t wait for the perfect season. Don’t wait for a crisis. Don’t wait until life slows down.
Seek Him now.
It’s never too late to return.
Right now is always the best time to begin. 💛
If this message encouraged you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need it today.
I would love to hear about your journey with God. Feel free to comment or subscribe below. May you experience the mercy, love, and nearness of our faithful Father.
God bless you 💛
Sources:
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Seeking God: a Journey of Faith and Redemption
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-s3t7d-179307d
The Bible serves as a divine love letter, offering wisdom and promises from God. Emphasizing love for God and others, it highlights the significance of seeking Him wholeheartedly.
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Finding Hope in Grief: Embracing God’s Love
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fbneq-177bf97
This podcast addresses the complexities of grief and loss, exploring how individuals react to such experiences. It emphasizes the importance of faith in God, suggesting that despite life’s hardships, divine love and support are available.
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How to Handle Theological Differences with Grace and Unity
If you’d prefer to listen to this message, you can enjoy it on The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast here:
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/embracing-theological-differences-in-faith/
You can also listen on your favorite streaming platform, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Many people leave churches, ministries and even friendships because of theological differences.
Sometimes it isn’t major doctrine. Often it’s simply a different interpretation, another emphasis, or an alternative expression of faith. Yet those differences can feel deeply personal.
Why is that?
Perhaps it’s because we’re so certain we’re right that disagreement feels threatening. We may not say it aloud, but internally we can think, If they don’t see it my way, they must be wrong.
But what does that display to the rest of the world?
Is it humility?
Is it love?
Is it unity?Or does it reveal our need to be right?
The truth is, we have far more in common than we often acknowledge. We share faith in Jesus. We believe in the work of the Holy Spirit. We honour the Father. We cherish the Word of God.
The church is described as the body of Christ, with Jesus as the head.
Ephesians 4:15-16
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Notice the phrase: speaking the truth in love.
Truth matters. Jesus is the truth, the perfect doctrine, and love must carry this message.
Every part of the body has its role. Every believer has their “lane” to run in. Maturity is not proven by winning arguments. It’s demonstrated by humility, integrity, and kindness.
Later in the same chapter, Paul gives simple guidance for how believers are to treat one another:
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Kindness. Tenderheartedness. Forgiveness.
It really is that simple.
Jesus Himself summarized everything this way:
Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”If we hold tightly to love, we won’t drift far from truth.
The world is not looking for a church that agrees on every secondary issue. It is looking for a church that reflects Christ.
We can disagree without dishonouring.
We can hold convictions without harshness.
We can pursue truth without losing tenderness.Unity does not require uniformity.
May we be known for our love, not for our arguments.
Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for the body of Christ in all its beautiful diversity. Forgive us for the times we have valued being right more than being loving. Teach us to hold truth with humility and to speak with kindness.
Help us reflect Jesus in the way we disagree, discuss, and relate to one another. Grow us into mature believers who build others up in love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Activation
This week, notice how you respond when someone expresses a different theological view.
Instead of preparing your rebuttal, try asking a gentle question.
Instead of correcting immediately, listen first.
Instead of focusing on differences, acknowledge what you share in common.Choose one conversation where you intentionally practice “truth in love.”
Let your tone reflect Christ as much as your theology does.
If this message spoke to you, please share it with someone who might benefit from it. I’d love to hear your thoughts. You’re welcome to comment below or subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.
You can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite platform, follow for future episodes, and help spread hope across generations.
Right now is always the best time to begin.
Sources:
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Embracing Theological Differences in Faith
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-wm2bt-176b2b4
Many individuals distance themselves from churches and friendships due to differing theological views, showcasing a need to be right over love and unity. The church, as the body of Christ, should foster growth through truth in love, focusing on commonalities rather than divisiveness, and encouraging kindness and forgiveness among believers.
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Who’s Your Daddy?
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jr3pf-175e938
This podcast discusses how to deal with conflict and feelings of misrepresentation. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, forgiveness, and inviting the Holy Spirit into difficult situations.
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Healing from Emotional Wounds
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-qyn8v-175381e
This podcast discusses the emotional pain caused by others, highlighting how past traumas can lead to bitterness and rage. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love.
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Healing from Emotional Wounds: How to Forgive and Find Freedom
If you would prefer to listen to this message, you can enjoy it on The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast here:
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/healing-from-emotional-wounds/You can also listen on your favorite streaming platform, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
When Words and Actions Hurt
At times, people say or do things that deeply wound us — whether intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes they are unaware of the pain they have caused. Yet the hurt feels real.
We may feel crushed, insignificant, overlooked, or uncared for.
It can be as though our soul has suffered an injury. Old wounds resurface, emotions return with surprising intensity, and we find ourselves staring into the abyss of discouragement.
In those moments, it’s easy to overreact. We may say things we regret. Perhaps we withdraw. Or possibly, we respond in ways that damage both ourselves and our relationships.
But why does this happen?
When Old Wounds Resurface
Often, present pain connects with past trauma. If previous hurts were never fully healed, they can quietly shape how we interpret new situations.
Unresolved pain can turn into bitterness. And bitterness distorts perception.
Scripture gently reminds us:
Above all else, guard your heart,
Proverbs 4:23-26 (NIV)
for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.If our heart is full of resentment, grief, or anger, that is what will overflow into our words and actions. Alternatively, we may shut down emotionally, building walls to protect ourselves from further harm.
Neither path brings healing.
If left untreated, emotional wounds can slowly erode joy, hinder relationships, and limit our growth.
A Different Way: The Way of Jesus
When we are hurt, the world tells us to defend ourselves, retaliate, or speak poorly of those who wronged us.
But Jesus offers a radically different response.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV)This can feel impossible. Yet Jesus never asks us to do something He hasn’t first modelled. He forgave. He showed mercy. He entrusted justice to the Father.
Forgiveness does not mean denying the hurt. It means choosing not to let the hurt define us.
We have been forgiven much. And as we receive that mercy deeply, we are empowered to extend it.
Handing the Pain to God
If forgiveness feels out of reach, we don’t have to manufacture it ourselves. We can bring our pain honestly to God.
The Holy Spirit comforts, softens hardened places, and restores tenderness to wounded hearts. He can replace anger with compassion. He can guide us in wise next steps.
Sometimes reconciliation is possible. Other times, healthy distance may be necessary. But forgiveness always frees the one who chooses it.
When we release grudges and thoughts of revenge, we lift a heavy burden from our own shoulders. We entrust the situation to God, who sees clearly and works justly.
Forgiveness is not weakness.
It is freedom.
Prayer
Father God,
You see every wound, every harsh word, every painful memory. You know the weight we carry.
Soften the places in my heart that have grown hard. Help me release bitterness and receive Your healing. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me.
Restore my joy and guard my heart.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Activation
Today, bring one specific hurt before God.
Name it honestly.
Acknowledge the pain.
Then consciously release it to Him.If forgiveness feels difficult, simply pray:
“Lord, help me want to forgive.”Take one small step toward freedom.
If this message encouraged you, would you consider sharing the link with someone who may need it today?
I’d love to hear how God has brought healing in your life. You are welcome to like, comment and subscribe below so you don’t miss any future messages.
You can also listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite platform, follow for future episodes, and help spread hope across generations.
Right now is always the best time to begin.
God bless you and your family.
Jesus 4 Generations
Revealing our loving God to generations
Jesus 4 Generations 