I start today with an explanation as to why I have been neglecting Driving Thought the last couple of weeks. My dad is 83 years old and has had a major health issue arise that is making changes to my parent’s weekly schedule. I needed to the with them a few days two weeks ago and again last week and that cut into my time. I ask that you keep my parents in your prayers as they learn to navigate these changes and health and that God is with them and the medical professionals that are treating my dad. Thank you!

Now on to the thought of PROCLAMATION. To proclaim is to declare, to herald, to publicize, to announce, or to make known. As Christians we have something to make known, something to proclaim. “What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord . . . for Jesus’ sake.” (2Co 4:5). We have Good News!

Good News that is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,” (Rom 1:16). Good News that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that proves He is Christ, the Son of God (1Co 15:1-4). As Christians it is our duty, our responsibility, and our privilege to be heralds of this wonderful message – the Gospel.

What many of us struggle with is the practical side of sharing this Good News. How can we proclaim the Gospel to the world around us? Here are a few suggestions:

Be Loving. Have concern for those who are struggling with and in sin. Your love will open the door of their heart much sooner than words of condemnation (which may never open doors). Friendships are key. Have friends into your home, into your life. Let them see your connection to God through Christ and the contentment and blessing that relationship brings.

Be Prayerful. Make a list of 5 people you know that need to hear the Good News. They may be family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, relatives of fellow Christians, or that barista that greets you with a coffee every morning. Whomever they are, pray for them every day. Pray that they will see Christ in your interactions with them. Pray that you will see the opportunity to speak with them about the Good News.

Invite Them to Christ. I purposefully said invite them to Christ and not invite them to church. People need to connect with the salvation that is in Christ, first. After they are in Christ, they are then part of His chosen people, the Kingdom, His Church. Lift Christ up and let His sacrifice draw them (John 12:32).

Share the Good News: Show them Christ in your life. Asked them about their confidence in of fear of eternity. Offer to study with them more about why they need the blood of Christ. Set a time and day and study together.

Let’s ring the message out!

– Scott