Learn to Reach Your World - Episode 6
This episode of Learning to Reach Your World, hosted by Josh Combs, focuses on the central mission of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. The central theme is the importance of "getting to the point" when presenting the gospel message, avoiding distractions and secondary topics, and focusing on calling people to repentance and faith in Christ. This episode is enriched by a heartfelt and inspiring real-life story shared by the guest, Charles Raymond Lindsay III (affectionately referred to as Chuck), about leading his own Mormon grandmother and atheist grandfather to Christ. The episode emphasizes staying mission-focused and relying on God's timing in bringing clarity and opportunity to share the gospel effectively.
Key Points:
The Gospel Message
Josh begins the podcast by reminding listeners of the core gospel message: humanity’s sin against a holy God, Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, and the call to respond through repentance and faith in Him. This foundation is derived from passages like Romans 10:9: “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.”
Focus on Clarity and Mission
The hosts discuss “getting to the point” in evangelism, avoiding distractions like debating political ideologies, theological nuances, or moral issues initially. Instead, the main task is to rely on the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16) and present a clear and focused message that points directly to repentance and faith in Jesus.
Illustration of Mission Clarity
Josh uses the story of the Doolittle Raid during World War II as an illustration of staying focused on the mission. Just as the bombers modified their planes and took a risky one-way trip to accomplish their goal, Christians must have similar mission clarity when sharing the gospel.
Chuck’s Inspiring Story of Witnessing to His Grandparents
Chuck shares an emotional journey of witnessing to his devoutly Mormon grandmother and his atheist grandfather, both of whom were resistant to the gospel for much of their lives.
Grandmother’s Story
Chuck’s grandmother became deeply involved in the Mormon church after the death of his biological father when Chuck was three. Her faith was steeped in Mormon doctrine, which gave her a false sense of assurance rooted in works and ritual but no ultimate confidence in salvation.
From a young age, Chuck prayed fervently for his grandmother and shared the gospel with her on numerous occasions. However, she would often redirect him to Mormon elders or deflect the conversation.
When her health deteriorated from lung cancer, Chuck seized an opportunity to present the gospel one last time. As they looked through her photography together (something she loved), her mind suddenly became sharp and clear for a brief window of time. Chuck shared the gospel with her, highlighting Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
In a miraculous moment of clarity, Chuck’s grandmother confessed her faith in Jesus and prayed to receive Him as her Savior. Soon after, she passed away, securing an eternal life with Christ.
Grandfather’s Story
Chuck's grandfather, a staunch atheist, dismissed all forms of religion and faith. However, after his wife’s miraculous conversion, Chuck promised her that he would share the gospel with him.
Over the course of five years, Chuck gradually built opportunities to talk with his grandfather, but the latter always deflected or avoided deep discussions, often making jokes.
During his grandfather’s final days, Chuck found himself in another moment soaked in prayer and urgency, knowing this would likely be his last chance. Amid the chaos of hospice care, a non-believing uncle unexpectedly cleared the room for Chuck, giving him a private moment with his dying grandfather.
With deep love and urgency, Chuck held his grandfather’s head and plainly presented the gospel, telling him there was no way to save himself and that only Jesus could. For the first time, his grandfather displayed humility, asking Chuck to help him pray. Together, they prayed, and his grandfather received Jesus as his Savior just before he passed.
Lessons Learned:
Urgency of the Mission: Urgency in presenting the gospel is critical, especially with loved ones nearing death. Chuck’s story highlights how God provides moments for us to act boldly if we remain prayerful and ready.
Don’t Get Distracted: When sharing the gospel, avoid being sidetracked by secondary issues like doctrinal debates, personal interests, or other distractions. Focus solely on pointing to Jesus.
Power of Prayer: Chuck’s persistent prayer for years played a significant role in preparing his grandmother and grandfather’s hearts for salvation.
God’s Timing and Power: Both moments of conversion hinged on miraculous clarity granted by God. The gospel’s power was evident, with both individuals surrendering to Christ in moments orchestrated by Him.
Questions Asked During the Podcast:
What is the "mission" when sharing the gospel, and how do we avoid distractions?
How did Chuck’s grandmother grapple with a lack of assurance in her Mormon faith?
What was the significance of the "window of clarity" Chuck’s grandmother and grandfather experienced?
Why is it essential to stay focused on sharing the gospel, even in emotionally charged or last-minute situations?
How can we remain mission-focused and trust God to create opportunities to share effectively?