Learn to Reach Your World - Episode 5
This episode of the Learning to Reach Your World Podcast, hosted by Josh Combs, focuses on sharing the gospel amidst the challenges of distraction and discouragement. The discussion, featuring guest Samantha Woodbeck, is rooted in the Christian framework of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible. The goal is to encourage believers to proclaim the gospel clearly, boldly, and effectively.
Key Themes Discussed:
What is the Gospel?
The hosts emphasize the simplicity and power of the gospel: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). It centers on Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and the necessary response of repentance and belief: Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Challenges in Sharing the Gospel:
Distraction: Samantha shares how being a mother, educator, and someone with ADHD often makes it difficult to focus on opportunities for sharing the gospel. She encourages listeners to pray and trust God to highlight openings for gospel conversations amidst life's busyness.
Discouragement: Both Samantha and Pastor Josh discuss the disheartening moments where gospel-sharing doesn’t yield visible, immediate results. An example is when people respond dismissively or fail to grasp the beauty of the message. The hosts remind listeners of the importance of trusting God's timing and sovereignty in spiritual growth as described in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth."
Understanding Your Listener and Building Relationships:
Samantha highlights the importance of tailoring the approach to different people, especially non-believers who may lack any theological background or knowledge of the Bible. Drawing attention to Paul’s method in Acts 17, where he starts with the concept of an “unknown god” and creation when speaking to the Athenians, Josh underscores the need to simplify the gospel and meet people where they are—planting "little seeds" rather than overwhelming them with theological depth.
Personal testimonies are also a relatable and effective way to point others toward Christ, as demonstrated by Samantha's story of transformation. Her life changed after she persistently heard "seeds" planted over time, culminating in her surrendering to Christ and being baptized on Easter Sunday 13 years ago.
Dealing with Pride and Results-Driven Mentality:
The hosts caution against pride, whether it stems from insecurity (feeling inadequate to share) or the belief that the results are within our control. Samantha, as a self-confessed “Type A” personality, wrestles with a desire for instant gratification and results, which can lead to pressure and discouragement. Pastor Josh adds that being results-driven can lead to missing what God is doing behind the scenes, as ultimate transformation is the Holy Spirit's work.
Practical Encouragement for Gospel-Sharing:
Rely on the Holy Spirit and Prayer: Boldness in sharing the gospel comes through dependence on God. As Paul asks for prayer in Ephesians 6:19-20, "Pray also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…”
Don’t overcomplicate the message: Like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), even basic testimonies of what Jesus has done can touch lives deeply.
Sow Seeds and Trust the Process: Just as a small seed may someday grow, every act of faith—whether a passing comment, an invitation to church, or a small act of love—can be used by God. Samantha reflects on how others planted seeds in her life over the years, leading her to Christ. Similarly, believers are called to plant or water while trusting God to bring about the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
Live Christ-Centered Lives: By embodying Christ’s love authentically, believers can spark curiosity that leads to gospel conversations. People are drawn to consistency and transformation over time.
Encouraging Highlights:
Even Apostle Paul struggled with the boldness to share the gospel and sought God’s help. (Ephesians 6:19-20).
Transformation often happens over time, even when believers don’t immediately see the fruits of their efforts.
Distractions, pride, and self-doubt are common challenges, yet God is faithful in using our obedience, however imperfect, for His purposes.
The podcast concludes by challenging its listeners to boldly share the gospel with someone in their lives today and trust God to handle the results.