ALLOW NO BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL

ALLOW NO BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2025

An In-Depth Look at Overcoming Obstacles to Spread the Good News


BIBLICAL FOUNDATION:

  • MEMORISE: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” (Isaiah 61:1, KJV)
  • READ: 1 Corinthians 9:16-17 (KJV)
  • BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 25-27

 

MESSAGE: ALLOW NO BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most powerful message ever given to humanity. It is the good news that brings hope, healing, and freedom to a lost and broken world. However, spreading this message is not always easy. From the time of the early apostles to the present day, believers have faced various barriers—physical, social, political, and spiritual—that threaten to hinder the spread of the Gospel. Yet, the call to every Christian is to not only overcome these barriers but to allow no barrier at all.

 

The Compulsion of the Gospel

The Apostle Paul understood this principle deeply. In 1 Corinthians 9:16-17, he writes, “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” For Paul, preaching the Gospel wasn’t a choice; it was a divine compulsion. He felt a profound sense of urgency, knowing that a responsibility had been entrusted to him. This is the spirit that should be in every believer. We have been given a priceless treasure—the Good News of salvation—and we are accountable for sharing it with a world in desperate need.

This is why The Redeemed Christian Church of God has seen such remarkable success across the globe. As a ministry, it has prioritized a commitment to spreading the Gospel without compromise. Even in nations where Christianity is not permitted, the work continues. The message is shared secretly, with codewords used for sacred terms, and miracles happen in open fields. This is not because of a grand strategy, but because the ministry has embraced the principle of allowing no barriers to the Gospel. The political leaders who come quietly at night, acknowledging the Almighty, are a testament to the fact that God’s power cannot be contained by human laws or man-made boundaries.

 

The Ultimate Sacrifice for the Gospel

The story of the lady evangelist and the elderly man in the African village is a powerful illustration of this truth. The villagers, having been saved and transformed, understood the value of the Gospel and were willing to pay any price to see it reach others. When the evangelist wanted to go to the neighboring village, they tried to stop her, not out of malice, but out of fear of the hungry lions.

The elderly man’s offer to walk ahead of her and be eaten by the lions is one of the most profound acts of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. His words, “I will walk ahead of you, the lions will kill and eat me, and then your way will be clear,” are a living testament to Romans 5:7-8, which says, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This elderly man, in his feebleness, demonstrated a love for souls that mirrored the love of Christ. The villagers were ready to lay down their lives for the Gospel to reach the unreached, proving that no physical or spiritual barrier is too great.

 

Overcoming Modern Barriers to Evangelism

Today, the barriers to the Gospel may not always be hungry lions or hostile governments. They are often more subtle and, in some ways, more difficult to overcome. We face modern-day lions:

  • The fear of rejection: What will my friends think? What if my family disowns me?
  • The fear of losing something: What if I get fired from my job for sharing my faith? What if my business loses clients?
  • A feeling of inadequacy: I’m not a pastor or an evangelist; I don’t know enough to share the Gospel.

The message today challenges us to confront these fears and excuses. God is not asking you for too much by telling you to preach to your boss or your colleague. The value of a single soul is priceless. If you allow the fear of losing your job to keep you from sharing the Gospel, you are not only hindering the salvation of an unsaved soul but also allowing a barrier to stand between you and God’s perfect will.

God is counting on you to prevent many people from heading towards eternal damnation. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is for every believer. You are a missionary in your family, in your workplace, and in your community. Your mission field is wherever you are. Do not let any barrier—whether it be the fear of man, professional consequences, or personal insecurity—keep you from preaching the Gospel.

 

Action Point

Always use every opportunity you have to tell people about Jesus. You don’t need a pulpit or a special title. You just need a willing heart and a story to tell. Your testimony is your greatest tool.

The hymn, “Take My Life and Let It Be,” is a beautiful prayer of surrender that perfectly encapsulates this message. When we surrender our lives, hands, feet, voice, and will to God, we give Him permission to use us to tear down every barrier. He will go ahead of you, making your way straight and using you as His vessel to reach the lost.


 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Is it really my responsibility to preach the Gospel? Isn’t that for pastors and missionaries?

A: Yes, it is your responsibility. The Great Commission was given to all believers. While not everyone is called to full-time ministry, every Christian is called to share the Gospel in their daily life, through their words and actions.

Q2: What should I do if I am afraid to share the Gospel?

A: Acknowledge your fear and take it to God in prayer. Remember that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). The Bible says the fear of man brings a snare (Proverbs 29:25). Ask God to fill you with boldness and to help you value the salvation of souls more than your comfort.

Q3: How can I share the Gospel without offending people?

A: The goal is not to avoid offense, but to present the truth with love and respect. The Gospel itself is often offensive to the natural man, but when you share it in a loving way, people are more likely to listen. Focus on sharing your personal testimony and let the Holy Spirit do the work of conviction.


 

Question and Answer

Q1: What does Paul say about the necessity of preaching the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 9:16?

A: Paul says that a “necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”

Q2: In the story of the missionary and the lions, what did the elderly man offer to do?

A: The elderly man offered to walk ahead of the missionary so that the lions would attack and eat him, clearing the way for her to go into the village.

Q3: According to the article, what is one of the modern-day barriers to the Gospel?

A: One of the modern-day barriers is the fear of losing a job or some other personal asset.

Q4: What is the main message of the article about barriers to the Gospel?

A: The main message is that believers should allow no barriers to stop them from preaching the Gospel, whether they are physical, political, or personal.

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