Learn to Reach Your World - Episode 7
The episode begins with host Josh Combs introducing the theme of the podcast: encouraging Christians to boldly and clearly share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around them. Josh defines the Gospel as the transformative message that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, offering salvation to those who repent and believe in Him as Lord and Savior. Supporting verses include John 3:16, Romans 10:9, and Acts 4:29-31. This episode specifically focuses on the importance of boldness in sharing the Gospel.
Josh references Acts 4:29, where the early church, amidst persecution, prayed for boldness to proclaim God's Word. He notes that boldness is essential for Christians, as fear of rejection, laziness, or a lack of urgency can deter people from sharing the Gospel with others. The podcast then transitions to a personal testimony shared by guest Brian Spencer, a friend of Josh.
Brian recounts a transformational moment in his life that took place in a public school, specifically during a third-hour English class at Madison Junior High in Pontiac, Michigan. During a few minutes of downtime, a classmate turned to Brian and boldly asked, "Do you know Jesus loves you and that He died for you on the cross?" This simple question, paired with a follow-up offer to pray after class, prompted Brian to stay behind. The classmate led him in what is often called the "sinner's prayer," where Brian repented of his sins and asked Jesus to come into his life as his Lord and Savior. This moment marked the beginning of Brian’s spiritual transformation.
Brian recalls feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and peace that contrasted starkly with the turmoil in his home life. At the time, his family was struggling with a strained marriage between his parents, occasional church attendance, and the looming threat of divorce. Despite this, Brian returned home that day and boldly shared his decision to follow Jesus with his mother. His mother then told his father, and the family decided to attend church the following Sunday. During that service, an altar call was given, and Brian’s father walked forward and gave his life to Christ. That single moment led to immense change in their family--his father stopped drinking completely, their home life stabilized, and they became active churchgoers. The family legacy was transformed, with their household now centered on faith and Biblical principles.
Josh marvels at how one middle schooler’s simple act of boldness changed the trajectory of Brian’s life and his family’s legacy, even leading Brian’s father to over 60 years of marriage. This story illustrates how sharing the Gospel, even in seemingly mundane moments, can have eternal significance.
Brian emphasizes the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit’s nudging in moments where we feel prompted to share the Gospel. He shares how his own experience has inspired him to be bold in his faith, especially in everyday opportunities, whether it be with friends in his lake community or fellow water skiers. Josh and Brian discuss the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, noting that spreading the Gospel is similar to scattering seeds. Some hearts will be ready to accept the message, while others may reject or ignore it. However, Christians are called to faithfully plant, water, and nurture these seeds without concern for immediate outcomes.
Brian reflects on how David (the classmate) planted, watered, and harvested a Gospel seed in a single moment, leading to Brian’s dramatic conversion. Josh also shares a personal regret about not seizing an opportune moment to share the Gospel with someone who eventually passed away--a sober reminder of the urgency and eternal weight of these conversations.
The episode concludes with Josh urging Christians to pray for boldness, just as the early church did in Acts 4, and to overcome fear or hesitation by trusting the Holy Spirit to guide them. The hosts express hope that sharing Brian’s story will inspire listeners to share the Gospel courageously and utilize the unique opportunities God opens for them.