Read Colossians 1:5b-8

If you consider yourself a follower of Christ, I want you to take a moment and think back to remember how you came to faith in Christ. How did you first hear about Jesus and His love for you? Who told you about your need for a Savior?

History tells us that Paul did not plant the church at Colossae. Rather, Epaphras and Philemon came to faith in Christ through the preaching of Paul at Ephesus. These men then took the gospel message back to the city of Colossae and founded the church there.

…about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:5b-8 NIV

Notice a few important aspects of this gospel message…

First, the gospel spreads when faithful Christ-followers tell others about the hope they have found in Jesus. This was God’s intention all along for His followers to spread the Good News that salvation has come. Epaphras shared it with the Colossians and the Colossians shared it with friends and loved ones. This same cycle continues today.

Second, the true message of the gospel bears fruit and continues to spread throughout the “whole world”. Perhaps, Paul was using hyperbole here, but he understood that this gospel message could not be held back and would one day spread to the farthest corners of the world.
Third, to truly understand and receive the gospel, we must first understand God’s grace. God’s grace is best understood as His unmerited favor which is completely undeserved. This is a gift from God and there is nothing we cannot do to earn it. If we feel we must earn our salvation through good works, then we haven’t truly understood or received the gospel message.

Questions to consider:
Take a moment and write down a one sentence summary of the gospel message. Are you able to do this? Write this in your journal.
If we were to die today, why would God let you into heaven? Because you are a good person? Because you do a lot of good for others? Is this the essence of the gospel message?
With whom have you shared the gospel message? Who will be in heaven because of you?
Ask God to give you the courage to share your faith with someone today.