What “Counts” as Sharing the Gospel?

He had everything, but he felt nothing.

Ryan began a spiritual journey that led him to Jesus, who he now considers his source of joy and positivity. His testimony was authentic and vulnerable, and Anthony was clearly touched by it. But here’s where things get tricky.

Anthony applauded Ryan’s new found joy, and confessed that what his friend had found in Jesus, he finds in himself. Their interview ends with them congratulating each other’s journeys and laughing at how serious the conversation got. As followers of Jesus, how do we view this situation?

The simple answer? Celebrate when someone with significant influence talks about Jesus outside the Church. Don’t be a cynic or nitpick Ryan’s words. Ask that God would give him more opportunities to share, and that the Holy Spirit would refine his ability to do so.

That said, what is fair to critique about Ryan’s testimony, and how can we learn from it? It’s clear that Anthony Padilla either unintentionally or willfully misunderstood what Ryan meant. I don’t think Jesus is just one of many options for Ryan, and yet his explanation left room for doubt.

The Gospel contains both subjective and objective elements. Everyone has unique experiences when they give their lives to Jesus. We feel emotions and our lives change in some way. These are the subjective aspects of becoming a believer.

On the other hand, there are objective aspects of our faith. Jesus is a real person who walked the earth, was killed, and rose from the dead. He is the Son of God and the only way to the Father.

When sharing our faith, it's tempting to emphasize the subjective and ignore the objective. Why? Honestly, it’s easier. Who doesn't want their life to improve? Or to experience newfound joy? It’s the objective facts of our faith that draw a ‘line in the sand’ and cause offense.

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are objective facts, and the source of joy and life transformation. It’s possible to communicate both facets of who He is quickly, lovingly, and without compromising.

For example,

For the longest time, I was lonely and lacked purpose. I started to ask deep questions, and eventually I was led to Jesus. I prayed and asked if He was real and if I could know Him. This might sound weird, but He answered me! I experienced joy like never before. I realized that I am not better than anyone else. I am imperfect and do bad things, and no matter what I try, I can’t seem to make it better. It’s like I was in a deep pit and I was stuck, and Jesus came along, offered me His hand, and pulled me out.

He healed me, forgave me, and set me free. I did nothing to earn it - it’s a gift. All I did was recognize that only Jesus could do this for me…no one else. I would love for you to experience this joy and freedom and receive this amazing gift also!

This example is by no means foolproof, nor is it a formula to blindly follow. It demonstrates that it’s possible to share the objective and subjective truths of the Gospel in a way that a person outside the Church can understand.

You will still be laughed at, rejected, and dismissed - that’s inevitable when sharing the Gospel. Moreover, only the Holy Spirit can change lives and hearts. But at least you will walk away knowing that you shared the full truth in love, and left the rest to God!

Want to listen to the full conversation? Listen to Episode 446: What Counts as the Full Gospel and Does Pickle Ball Suck?