In the late 1800s, Charles Spurgeon was the pastor of London’s Metropolitan Tabernacle Church. It was built to hold the huge crowds that came to hear Spurgeon speak – 23,000 people a week! But today, that same church’s attendance has dwindled to 75 people per week.

What happened? Although the times and culture changed, the church didn’t. Of course, you never change the sacred message of Jesus Christ, crucified on the cross for sins of the world. But methods can, and should, remain flexible.

Over the years, our own team has sought to integrate fresh approaches to evangelism. That’s why we began having Good News festivals. They’re outside in parks, with lots of music, food, extreme sports, and a children’s area.

The Good News is presented clearly, throughout the day, at various locations. Praise God, it’s been enormously effective!

So remember, never water down the truth of the Good News Gospel. As Hebrews 9 says: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” But, find creative ways to present it. As you engage the minds and hearts of this generation within their culture, you’ll help them see their need for a Savior.

Have you ever noticed a very, very wonderful verse in Matthew 10? It says, “It is the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” When you are sharing the Good News with someone, never forget that. Because it’s really God, who wants to have an encounter with the person that you’re talking to- through the Holy Word of God, through the Divine voice of God speaking through you, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In other words, when you’re sharing a Bible verse, or trying to explain what the cross of Jesus means, or the resurrection, or the blood of Jesus Christ, or His power to forgive you and to change you, remember- God the Father, by the Holy Spirit, is speaking through you. And the most amazing thought is this, God is using me to bring this person to an encounter with God Himself.

It isn’t just hot air, it isn’t just words, it isn’t just argument- it’s actually the Spirit of God longing to bring an encounter between God the Father, and this person that you’re talking to. So, speak with authority, speak with joy, and remember that God is speaking through you by the Holy Spirit, and therefore God will do a deep work in that person’s life. That is so exciting, don’t you think?

When my wife and I met Donna, she was an 18-year-old single mom with two children. As we talked with her, we found out she had grown up going to church. But Donna ended up on a destructive path when she hit her teenage years. When we asked why, Donna said she was molested multiple times as a child, and her mother abandoned her when she was 13.

Donna eventually got into the wrong crowd in school, getting involved with boyfriends, alcohol, and drugs. Yet, deep down she knew that it wasn’t right.

It was heartbreaking to hear Donna’s story. No one should have to endure what she had gone through!

We shared with Donna that Jesus Christ not only will forgive her sins, He’ll also help her to forget the incest, the rape, and the hurt. We shared this beautiful verse with her from Hebrews 9: “The blood of Christ will cleanse your conscience from evil works so that you can serve the living and true God.” Donna said that’s what she was looking for. We rejoiced as she surrendered her life to Jesus!

Do you know a struggling teenage mom? Instead of judging her, try reaching out to her. Offer to watch her baby so she can have a break. Ask if you can bring her a meal, or treat her to coffee. Your simple act of kindness can be a powerful example to her of Christ’s amazing love.

Think back to the first time you heard God’s revolutionizing Good News. What made the biggest impact on you? Why did you decide to give your life to Jesus Christ? What sins did He free you from? How would your life be different without God’s forgiveness?

It’s important to remember – really remember – just how powerfully our lives have been transformed by the Lord. That way, we’ll be less likely to view the Good News as ’old’ news. Yes, you and I may have heard it hundreds of times.

But, there will always be someone who needs to hear the amazing Gospel for the very first time. It’s liberating for those who are lonely, burdened with guilt, or frightened of the future. The Good News is the best news they will ever hear!

Paul gives us a great exhortation in Romans 10: He says, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? … As it is written, ’How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

So, may your feet – your hands – your voice – your life – bring the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ to someone in your