While it’s important to go into dark spaces where people are looking for an escape, Jack urges that we must not water down the gospel at any cost. Christians need to enter these places with confidence—being sure of what they believe and why they believe it.
Referencing John 17:14-16, the Bible reminds us that we will be in the world, but we must not be of it. There is a clear distinction:
*”I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”* (NIV)
Jack emphasizes that this is why deep and personal knowledge of the gospel is essential:
*”There are many, many well-intentioned people who seek to use the things of culture as a gateway into giving people access to the gospel, but over time, their good intention of desiring to impact and encounter people in the cultural space starts to eat away at the integrity of the gospel,”* he explains.
It’s becoming easier to share the gospel even in dark places, but we must never alter it just to “win others” to Christ. Paul warned against this very thing in the book of Galatians. We must not add to or subtract from the true message of salvation. Jesus Christ alone is the true gospel—He alone can and will save. Any deviation from this is simply a counterfeit god.
If we want to reach the world with the Good News by 2033, Jack says we need to do two key things:
1. **Commit to the Gospel above all else.**
2. **Anchor ourselves in the firm foundation of Christ, not merely in traditions.**
He further explains:
*”Ask careful questions about our traditions because we want to be rooted in our tradition enough that we are not tossed around by the spirit of the age—that we have an anchor, a firm foundation—but that we are not so beholden to traditions that are extra to the tenets of the Gospel itself that we then fail to be faithful to the opportunities that God has for us.”*
There are many dangers to a diluted gospel, but our mission as Christians is to be obedient, not necessarily successful. Share the Word the Lord has given you, and leave the results up to Him.
If you are evangelizing, consider these questions:
– Am I staying true to Scripture?
– Do I care more about my conversion success or what God’s Word actually says?
– How can I share the gospel authentically and accurately today?
Then, ask the Lord to evaluate your outreach efforts. Engage in local missions, youth ministry, or even digital evangelism. Regardless of the method, pray for the boldness to share your faith without compromise.
*Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Khaosai Wongnatthakan*
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