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Happy Tuesday, friends!!
Last week I announced that one of my new bloggy missions is to let you know when I come across new books, CDs, or products that I believe will bless and encourage you toward Christ. Today’s feature is a book and message that is both challenging and COMPELLING! It’s called The Fifth Gospel and it’s written by Bobby Conway (with Jeff Kinley). This book would be great for personal reading, a small group, a book study, or for a sunday school class.
Normally, I focus on topics a bit more in the “women’s interest” genre. Today, however, this book feature is gender neutral… written not for men or women, but simply for the believing Christian. It is a call to action – a call to live out our faith so that others see Christ in us. A call to action that I surely need – and, I suspect, one that you probably need too. (You’re welcome. Winks.)
BOOK SCOOP:
Most Christians are familiar with the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. But do you know that there is actually a fifth gospel? Pastor and author Bobby Conway (@TheBobbyConway) says that the fifth gospel is YOU.
“Many of today’s Christ followers are either riddled with guilt for not preaching the Gospel or so silent that no one really knows they’re a Christian,” says Conway, author of the new book, The Fifth Gospel. “And the vast majority of us don’t have a clue about communicating our faith and translating it through a lifestyle that actually makes sense to the average person.”
Conway believes that Christians are one of the greatest convincers or de-convincers of Christianity. He argues that Christians need to go beyond reading the Gospels, and begin to actually live them out.
“From the very beginning, Jesus intended His truth and character to be revealed, not only through the printed page, but in the lives of His followers,” says Conway. “God wants Christians to live the word and share the word. To show and tell what they have seen and heard. To simply live a good Christian life isn’t enough. By living out the Gospel, we gain credibility. By verbalizing the Gospel, we gain clarity.”
STRAIGHT UP? I believe that we all need to hear this fifth gospel message and I believe in Bobby Conway. My husband and I have known him personally for ten years. We can testify that he is a man of integrity… a man of passion for the truth… a man of God. He’s my pastor and my friend. And it’s my joy to be able to share this book with you!
HOORAY! HOORAY! It’s a GIVEAWAY!!!
I’m giving away a copy of Bobby Conway’s new book , The Fifth Gospel, and it could be yours!
To qualify for the drawing, you need to do TWO things:
#1. ANSWER THIS QUESTION: What is ONE THING you could do today to be a fifth gospel Christian? You can leave a comment by CLICKING HERE.
#2. SHARE THIS POST by using one of the social media buttons below.
That’s it! Super Simple! Once you do both, your name will be entered into the random drawing. Be sure to tell your friends so they can sign up too. This is great stuff!!
UPDATE: A winner has been chosen – Congratulations to Melanie Gail Devito YEA!!!!!!
BOBBY CONWAY is lead pastor of Life Fellowship Church (@lifecharlotte) near Charlotte, NC. He’s a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM) and Southern Evangelical Seminary (DMin), and is the author of Hell, Rob Bell, and What Happens When People Die?. Bobby is also the founder and host of the One-Minute Apologist. In addition, he and his wife, Heather, serve on the Family Life “Weekend to Remember” marriage conference speaking team.
Comments 97
Speak of Gods goodness to everyone God put before me. To tell others of His great love for them. Share How Jesus saved me from myself. I had self doubt, did not felt God could use someone like me. I was very shy and afraid of my own shadow. Jesus changed all of that, He made me see, that others would listen because they also felt like me. God uses those others may reject. God is real, He wants what is best for us.
Go the extra mile to serve my husband with the love of Christ.
Show the love of Jesus to everyone I come in contact with. It could be just a smile and a good morning or by giving a hug to a friend who is naving issues at home or at work. Through these things the opportunity could arise to talk about Jesus.
I would tell more people about Jesus and let them see him through my life and actions…Would also minister in song more if given the opportunity to share what all Jesus has done for me!
Let the love of Jesus shine thru me to everyone i come into contact with today
Share a testimony, for we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb & the Word of our testimony…
I am a sinner this is understood. I will follow Our Lord till the end of time. Helping Christians like myself understand there is a God and He LOVES US ALL Dearly…….
Start with praying & reading God’s word.
When I fill myself up with Christ, it overflows
onto others!
Be a Tent of Witness as Jesus was a Witness in living His life for His Father, our ABBA Father’s will and purpose to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen?
Just Love others…
Congratulations!!!! You are this week’s winner of my Blog giveaway!!!! Please send your contact information to my ministry director: Kim@GwenSmith.net Blessings!!! 🙂
I can treat everyone with love, and share the Gospel. If I don’t treat people with love and compassion first, why would they even listen when I try to share my faith or invite them to my church?
In all situations, focus on God and in God alone, declare the promises of God! Speak words of affirmation as we are who the bible says! Amen.
I let the people around me know that Jesus is in my heart, by being caring, loving, and kinder at work.
To be a letter of recommendation, written on everyone’s heart, to be known and read by all written not by ink, but with the spirit of the living God and not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Don’t tolerate gossip and negativity toward others. Be the one who confronts & sends out a message of love.
Reach out too the teens in our youth group, love them and share Jesus 🙂
I seem to easily share with strangers or friends but it is harder with family who have turned their back on Jesus or act hostile when His name is proclaimed. How do I become more natural around these family members who leave me uncomfortable ??
I would share how Jesus found me
To share the Gospel (tell others of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ)Obey God, truly follow Jesus , die to ourselves. And live my life in such a way that when others see me they see Christ in me.
“Visit” someone in prison by becoming a penpal
Encourage others, praise Jesus, and love always. Throw no stones….
Pray for my enemies more, I love the lord with all of my being I want to always be grateful and obedient <3
Praise God for His goodness and mercy!
If we are going to reach people for Christ, then we must seek out lost people, care for them, fellowship with them, share the truth with them, and teach them how to live and how to give their lives for Christ.
I don’t see where my answer went so will write it again. Declare the love of God through the way I live.
Yes… live love. May we all…
Gwen, this blog post describing what we as Christians should do to reflect the Holy Spirit within us was very inspirational. I would appreciate being entered in your ‘give-away. I posted this blog on Facebook so all my FB friends have access to it. I plan to reflect being a Christian by revealing more faith in my daily walk. Plus offering myself and others more Grace.
Share with unbelievers what Christ has done in my heart to change me, and what He did on the Cross for me, by shedding His own blood for my sins, and by loving me first!
“Be Still” when I am called to be, and “Stand Firm” in “KNOWING He is God” which simply but profoundly means – I will NOT worry! I WILL however TRUST God in ALL my circumstances – which ultimately will show Christ’s Love in me – Hopefully drawing others to wonder what is different about me – what do I have that gives me the strength to “Be Still”
Living my life so others can see Christ in me. Being kind, loving and helpful.
Talk about God. Think more about heaven than earth. Follow Jesus instead of man.
be bold and spread the word more
Engulfing the much needed word of God takes not only time and resources , specially down here (Honduras , Central America ) . It would empower me to where God wants me to be
Always take that extra step to help others out.
Live closer to God
loving others better.
Living and teaching Gods way.
+Speak kindly in words and mind.
Not to being shy about sharing what God is doing for me with Others who need to hear his word
Praying for boldness to share and purposing to be obedient in sharing my love for my Savior and Lord.
Living out my purpose. Not missing the BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Yeah, girly! 🙂
To let God’s Word shine brightly through you each and every day. LIVE HIS WORD!!
To show grace through actions, not just words. Even if that means leaving family and friends, stepping way past comforts, to go live with 11 children without parents in a foreign country for 2 to 3 months at a time as voluntary help.
I am going to live out the Fifth Gospel by always keeping in mind the fruit of the spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And most importantly…DAILY living those out, not by my strength, but with the strength that comes only from the Lord!!! 🙂
Love it. Yes. HIS strength for sure!
LOVE your blog Gwen!!! Thank you for being so open and honest about how life REALLY is!!! 🙂
Digging deep to learn the word of GOD, so that i can spread the word of GOD, Faith, hope and love always
Live unafraid.
Love that idea! Yes…
I would love to be able to cook more meals for those who are sick and unable to “go out.”
I think the biggest battle is just being aware that the situation (which may look like a normal trip to the grocery store or whatever) may in fact be a God appointed opportunity to share His love.
I was born and raised a Lutheran and thought I new what it meant to be a Christian, that is until I met my husband a year ago. Since God brought him into my life I have learned so much and thanks to GiG as well! However it wasn’t until a week ago after joining a new church as well as the choir that one of the women stayed behind to get to know me and God called her to bring me to him and that day I am glad to say I became born again! I also had the pleasure to join a simulcast this last Saturday and it was a great start to allowing God to rewrite my story. I am proud to say I am a women of GOD, Redeemed by Jesus Christ, Loved, pursued and chosen, Equipped with words of life, Clothed in strength and dignity, Commissioned here and now, Gifted by the spirit, Forgiven and unbound, I am a women who believes!!!! Halleluiah and Amen! God bless each and every one of us!
Wow!!! So great to hear your story, Becky!! Thanks for sharing it!! 🙂
Blessings,
Gwen
I would change my daily routine to be much more suitable to that of a 5th Gospel messenger. I would re-evaluate what I do each day so that I fit MORE time in the Word (this, I need to do anyway-5th G or not!) and I would work to incorporate it into the Women’s Ministry Leadership role that I have. It is time!! This book could help move these ladies in a whole new direction! 🙂
LOVE that you have leaned into HIS strength through that horrible time, friend. I’m pleading the 5th too!!
Blessings in Christ,
Gwen
Giving my daily schedule to Him and praying for the Holy Spirit to guide my tongue and my mind….to focus on my very purpose.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Spirit lead us!
I will be starting a Discipleship Teaching series for new believers in Christ!
I am a recovering addict and I love telling my story of how God took me from the pits of hell and into his loving arms of mercy!! I can’t get enough of him and I’m not afraid to share it!!
Isn’t our GOD incredible, Angela!? Sounds like you have a real broken-into-beautiful story. Me too. Keep sharing!
Gwen
Give a smile to everyone I meet in the world today and make them feel like I’ve seen them, acknowledged them and that they matter.
Controlling my tongue – to be an example!
Yes. This is huge!
Giving praise to God for His faithfulness in the presence of others, is one way to express I’m living the “Fith Gospel” life! I long to represent The Lord well in every way! Bringing Him glory and honor!!! 😉
Just chowing the love of God been someone who listen instead of been the one that talks, been humble and not judge just open your heart so you can see the needs and pain of others that way you can help them heal and find a true relationship with God.
Just be love, and don’t question why.
Living your life as if you were Christ, talking to everyone you meet and being the fifth
Disciple share Gods Word and that’s sharing Gods Love with Each and Everyone that
You come in contact with. Sharing God love to the lost is our first priority. That is Gods
Comandment is to love your God with all your heart your soul with all your might. Reach
out and spread the Gospel to the lost that’s being a Christian. So they can experience that love of Christ.
Share my experience with others of my life’s journey going thru a Big Trail-Brain Injury! It’s been a long ride but I feel God saved me from death for a reason
The people I have the most influence over are my kids, ages 8 & 10. Making certain that our scripture time is included in the day and praying with them, not just for them is a good step for today.
I love the concept of my being the 5th Gospel. I’ve always claimed my life to be an open book so I’m knowing I’ve been living the writing of my Gospel. The one thing I would do? Share my experiences with others while my life’s journey takes me into Christlikeness…becoming the imitator of Christ as He calls me to be.
Am attending Red Hot Faith bible study right now and am in the process of writing my testimony so I am always ready! This book would be great!
Love
I am going to be proactive in setting a date for 2 Bible studies. One for my nearby rural neighborhood and one for a new young ladies Bible study. I believe we called to be engaged in sharing the good news of Jesus and let Him transform our lives.
Live the 5th by listening when that holy spirit voice guides me to take a minute to encourage that person I don’t know, or help that person that is struggling. Look outward instead of inward which can be too easy in the hustle and bustle of the schedule of the world
Love my husband, and pray for those I will connect with through a volunteer position.
I can be the 5th gospel by walking in the Fruit of the Spirit and letting the world see the transforming power of Jesus Christ in my life. And by seeing everything that happens to me on the backdrop of the Cross knowing that God will work all things for good (Ro 8:28). Resulting in the attitude that was also in Christ Jesus.
Today, I will reflect God’s grace in my interactions with others – so they can see His love pouring through me.
I will ask God to show me his way and direct my path and life. I desire to be Christlike in all that I do and say and think so that others can see Christ in me. I pray for an opertunitie to witness to others in words and actions. Help me oh lord to be your hands and feet.
Tonight I will be out with people who don’t faithfully worship God. I will show my faith in many ways, one in which I will say a prayer of thanks for our food amd our opportunity to share time eith them.
I want to share what Jesus has done for me with whom ever the Lord puts in my walk today. My husband and I are looking and praying for a study for a small group. This may be the book.
Love it. I think this would be an incredible choice for a small group study & discussion boo, Glo! Let me know if you move in this direction.
Blessings in Christ,
Gwen
Wow! Different perspective for sure – certainly brings home the responsibility of witnessing for Christ. (Shared on Twitter)
Oh, absolutely! Thanks for sharing, Linda! 🙂
His,
Gwen
Today, I will invite a friend to join me and go to one of our women’s ministry Bible study which starts the Fall semester this week.
Spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to others!
Today, I can simply listen to each person I speak with. Listen to them, with no personal agenda. Let them feel God’s love by me listening to their story, their need and feeling valued and knowing that what they have to say matters!
Today I can smile and take care of myself. I have a desire to help others but I need help . And love my husband.
I can be a fifth Gospel person by allowing GOD to do his work and trying not to rush and do his work for him with my kids.
I am struggling lately with being pleasant to a difficult person in my life. Its hard to be positive when faced with extreme negativity all day long. But I pray every morning about the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart…I know God is changing me, because most of the time I can hold my tongue. but I need to be more loving. I will pray for more wisdom to be loving but not get sucked into the negativity vacuum. I tend to withdraw when faced with challenges like this, but greater is He within me than he that is in the world. I will pray more today.
share what the Lord almighty has done in my life..
I can be a fifth gospel Christian by taking time with the Lord and just following thru with what He speaks to me about. To keep serving & feeling like I’m getting jipped somehow & without complaining
I’ve had much and I’ve had little. 2013 was a year of the deepest grief from loss of my son and now physical pain that continues . I want to volunteer at the Tampa VA hospital as soon as the Lord takes the pain from me and tells me to go. Take my eyes off myself and keep them on my Savior. Introduce others to Him in their pain and grief.
I can be a fifth gospel Christian by allowing God to work through me. Being so consumed by God that He can use me to touch someone.
Take my time with The Lord this morning, ponder His Word all day and take the opportunities He puts before me to get out the way and let Him work through me! May it be so, Lord!
I can allow GOD to use me by getting out of my comfort zone. By going out and inviting those around me to church.