The doctrine of the cross is absolutely fundamental when it comes to sharing our faith. I think in many circles, it’s become almost forgotten. Christians just don’t talk about the cross much anymore.

But we must remember that the crucifixion death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christianity. It’s only through our Savior’s shed blood that we find peace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Ephesians 1:7 is a great verse. The apostle Paul writes, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” The doctrine of the cross is so fundamental when it comes to sharing our faith.

It’s the only way to give a full and accurate picture of what Christ has done for us. The world is full of people who are laden with guilt. So forgiveness through the cross of Christ is what makes Christianity so appealing!

Jesus Christ comes to forgive, cleanse, and disinfect our souls from ’acts that lead to death.’ What an amazing Savior we serve! Is there someone you know who needs to hear about the powerful cross of Christ? It’s wonderful news for a friend who needs a fresh start!

Are you in a spiritual crisis? At some time or another, most people come to a place of crisis in their faith. Maybe you used to be on fire; you were excited about Jesus Christ; you were joyful; you loved talking about the Lord.

Then, like a slow leak in a tire, you began to lose momentum. The joy disappeared; and the fire fizzled out. Now you’re settling for a mediocre existence, and the last thing you think about is evangelism!

Does any of that describe what you’re going through? If so, don’t despair – there is hope for change! The answer is found in Romans 12:1&2. In this passage, Paul urges believers to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy, pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”

What does this look like? It means you come to the Lord. You confess to Christ where you’re at. You fall on your face and present yourself as a ’living sacrifice’ to God. It’s a re-commitment, in a sense, of your life to Christ.

And then, as Romans goes on to tell us, Jesus begins transforming your mind and heart so that you desire what He desires. His passions become your passions. His priorities become your priorities – including Christ’s heart for the lost.

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, is one of my heroes! He had a famous quote he’d say to Christians who said they weren’t ’called’ to share the Good News.

“’Not called?’” He’d ask. “’No, Not heard the call,’ I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin!”

Wow – those are pretty strong words, aren’t they? But that’s why I like men like William Booth. They confidently spoke what they knew of God and Jesus Christ, and exhorted others to do the same. No excuses. No apologies. There was no reason not to pour their hearts and souls into evangelism!

Jesus prayed for His followers in John 17:18. “As you sent me into the world,” He said, “I have sent them into the world.” Jesus has sent you into your world, too. Whether that’s to a foreign land, your cubicle at work, or in your neighborhood book club.

Wherever God has placed you, He’s done it for the purpose of influencing those around you with the Good News. So let’s take William Booth’s challenge to heart. Let’s you and I listen to God’s call, and ’pull sinners out of the fire of sin.

The apostle Paul risked everything for the sake of spreading the Good News. In the book of Acts he says, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Later, in II Corinthians, Paul says that “Christ’s love compels us.” That’s why he was risking life and limb, reputation and sickness, hunger and discomfort, to spread the message of Jesus Christ all over the world.

Well, that’s fine for Paul, you might think. But I’m certainly not called like that. It may be true that not all of us are called to travel to the furthest corners of the earth to share the Good News. But each person is called to testify about the grace of God that’s changed our lives. Jesus commands it!

Paul was always aware that he was nothing without Christ’s love and forgiveness. It’s what compelled and motivated him to speak of the Savior until his dying breath. Are you and I that overwhelmed with God’s grace?

If not, maybe it’s time to ask God to remind you how He’s changed your life. That revelation can be a great motivation to speak His truth to your world!