First, losing confidence in the gospel. Perhaps you think that the gospel is not relevant to people. More relevant are the following: telling people about how to earn money, how to keep healthy, how to score good grades in school, or how to manage relationships with children or colleagues. But this is untrue. Anyone who thinks more deeply and who wants to have a truly happy life will find the above-mentioned shallow and Jesus Christ critically relevant. To start off the discussion, the apostle Paul in the Bible says that “for I am not ashamed of the gospel [about Jesus Christ] because it is the power that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). The gospel saves us completely from anything that can harm us. Money, good grades, human relationships, or wealth can never truly satisfy the feeling of emptiness in us, a sense of discontentment. These things can bring moments of joy, but this joy does not last. For instance, even if you could be a billionaire forever, after a little while, the thought that you have a lot of money no longer excites you. Furthermore, money, good health, good relationships are so fragile. You have it today. Tomorrow, it is gone. Even if riches could make you happy continually and your wealth will never deplete, one day, you must die. Your joy still must end. Another thing takes joy away from life: death. Death frightens everyone. Anyone who says he is not afraid of death is not because he is brave. Rather, he has not thought about death deeply enough. How can a person not fear death when he does not know where he is going? God’s Word says very clearly that after death, you will either enter heaven or hell. How could the thought of hell not frighten you? Jesus Christ can satisfy completely the emptiness in us and has conquered death. This is the good news. Thus, the gospel is critically relevant to everyone.

Second, some are not telling people about Jesus because they are afraid that they could not answer the questions non-Christians may ask. To being with, the Bible has answers to every question that is relevant to living a happy and meaningful life. Sometimes, however, you may not have the answer to certain questions. The reason is not because there is not answer but because you lack the knowledge. For such occasions, it is alright to say, “ I don’t have the answer to your question. But let me find out and I’ll let you know.” It is alright to say you do not know. That said, however, you should learn the answers to common questions, for instance, “Why is Jesus the only way?” More importantly, by listening to Sunday sermons and attending Sunday Schools and reading books, you can be adequately equipped.

Third, some Christians have lost compassion for non-Christians. “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt 9:36). Without Jesus, people will find life unhappy and they will be tormented day and night in hell. How can we not be burdened for lost souls?

I urge you to set this important goal for the year 2020 that you will be a good Christian in the family, at school, and at work, and that you will pray regularly to bring someone to know Jesus this year.