This episode of Learning to Reach Your World Podcast revolves around the theme of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and calling people to a moment of decision about their faith. The podcast aims to encourage Christians to boldly and clearly spread the good news of salvation through Christ, emphasizing both the sense of urgency and the transformation that faith brings.

What is the Gospel?
Host Josh Combs begins by defining the gospel, explaining it as the good news that God created humanity, but we have sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Despite this, God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to die for our sins, was buried, and triumphantly rose from the dead, providing salvation for those who choose to repent and believe. Josh quotes Romans 10:9, emphasizing the necessity of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection to receive salvation. He elaborates that every person must face "the moment of decision" where they respond to who Christ is—a choice that cannot be ignored, as indecision is itself a decision.

The Moment of Decision
Josh highlights pivotal moments in the scripture, such as Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, where 3,000 people turned to Christ after being convicted of their sins. He also points to Matthew 16:15, where Jesus directly asks His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" These instances reflect the personal and crucial decision every believer must make to accept or reject Christ.

The podcast transitions to an interview with guest Anthony Jasso, who shares his powerful testimony of hitting rock bottom and encountering Christ in a life-changing moment of decision. His story exemplifies the transformative power of the gospel and underscores personal evangelism in everyday life.

Anthony Jasso’s Life Story
Anthony, a former Catholic, grew up attending both Catholic services and a small Bible church. Although he encountered the gospel as a child, it did not take root until years later. By his teenage years, Anthony faced challenges such as bullying, family conflicts, and eventually being forced out of his home. This turbulent journey led him to live on the streets in Florida and later California, engaging in a tumultuous lifestyle of survival.

Returning to Michigan in his early twenties, Anthony began working in the concrete business, achieving financial success but spiraling into a deep sense of despair. On December 17, 1996, feeling profoundly hopeless, Anthony contemplated ending his life. He sought help from Catholic priests, but their responses left him seeking something deeper. Desperate, Anthony remembered Bill Stamper, a former concrete truck driver who had frequently prayed for him years earlier. Miraculously, Bill answered Anthony's call late that night and invited him over to read scripture. This encounter led Anthony to commit his life to Christ in what he describes as an unexplainable and transformative moment.

Gospel Transformation
From that day forward, Anthony’s life radically changed. His speech, attitude, and priorities were renewed through Christ’s power. Anthony became passionate about sharing the gospel with others, planting seeds of faith wherever he went. His boldness in evangelism stems from his profound gratitude and love for God’s sacrifice, which he connects to the message of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” Seeing the transformative power of the gospel first-hand, even his wife and others close to him were drawn to salvation through witnessing his radical change.

Encouraging Bold Evangelism
Josh and Anthony discuss the importance of calling people to a decision about Christ. They stress that sharing the gospel means confronting others lovingly but boldly. Anthony shares how his work in prisons and with others in dire situations reinforces the universal need for Christ, urging listeners not to shy away from these hard conversations. He recounts prison ministry stories where hardened individuals became humble when confronted with the love of God and eternity. Drawing inspiration from Romans 1 and Ecclesiastes 3:11 (which speaks of eternity in the human heart), Anthony advocates for prompting decisions about Jesus as an act of love and recognition of God's sovereignty.
Anthony also shares deeply personal stories, such as bringing the gospel to Bill Stamper's funeral and ongoing moments where God uses him to pray and share with others. He concludes that the love of God compels Christians to carry out the Great Commission boldly and passionately, knowing it is life-transforming.

Josh wraps up the podcast with an encouragement for listeners to be bold witnesses of Christ, trusting God to use them in everyday situations to plant seeds of faith and guide others to their moment of decision. 

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. 

This episode of Learning to Reach Your World, hosted by Josh Combs, focuses on the central mission of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. The central theme is the importance of "getting to the point" when presenting the gospel message, avoiding distractions and secondary topics, and focusing on calling people to repentance and faith in Christ. This episode is enriched by a heartfelt and inspiring real-life story shared by the guest, Charles Raymond Lindsay III (affectionately referred to as Chuck), about leading his own Mormon grandmother and atheist grandfather to Christ. The episode emphasizes staying mission-focused and relying on God's timing in bringing clarity and opportunity to share the gospel effectively.

Key Points:
The Gospel Message
Josh begins the podcast by reminding listeners of the core gospel message: humanity’s sin against a holy God, Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, and the call to respond through repentance and faith in Him. This foundation is derived from passages like Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Focus on Clarity and Mission
The hosts discuss “getting to the point” in evangelism, avoiding distractions like debating political ideologies, theological nuances, or moral issues initially. Instead, the main task is to rely on the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16) and present a clear and focused message that points directly to repentance and faith in Jesus.

Illustration of Mission Clarity
Josh uses the story of the Doolittle Raid during World War II as an illustration of staying focused on the mission. Just as the bombers modified their planes and took a risky one-way trip to accomplish their goal, Christians must have similar mission clarity when sharing the gospel.

Chuck’s Inspiring Story of Witnessing to His Grandparents
Chuck shares an emotional journey of witnessing to his devoutly Mormon grandmother and his atheist grandfather, both of whom were resistant to the gospel for much of their lives.

Grandmother’s Story
Chuck’s grandmother became deeply involved in the Mormon church after the death of his biological father when Chuck was three. Her faith was steeped in Mormon doctrine, which gave her a false sense of assurance rooted in works and ritual but no ultimate confidence in salvation.

From a young age, Chuck prayed fervently for his grandmother and shared the gospel with her on numerous occasions. However, she would often redirect him to Mormon elders or deflect the conversation.
When her health deteriorated from lung cancer, Chuck seized an opportunity to present the gospel one last time. As they looked through her photography together (something she loved), her mind suddenly became sharp and clear for a brief window of time. Chuck shared the gospel with her, highlighting Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

In a miraculous moment of clarity, Chuck’s grandmother confessed her faith in Jesus and prayed to receive Him as her Savior. Soon after, she passed away, securing an eternal life with Christ.

Grandfather’s Story
Chuck's grandfather, a staunch atheist, dismissed all forms of religion and faith. However, after his wife’s miraculous conversion, Chuck promised her that he would share the gospel with him.
Over the course of five years, Chuck gradually built opportunities to talk with his grandfather, but the latter always deflected or avoided deep discussions, often making jokes.

During his grandfather’s final days, Chuck found himself in another moment soaked in prayer and urgency, knowing this would likely be his last chance. Amid the chaos of hospice care, a non-believing uncle unexpectedly cleared the room for Chuck, giving him a private moment with his dying grandfather.
With deep love and urgency, Chuck held his grandfather’s head and plainly presented the gospel, telling him there was no way to save himself and that only Jesus could. For the first time, his grandfather displayed humility, asking Chuck to help him pray. Together, they prayed, and his grandfather received Jesus as his Savior just before he passed.

Lessons Learned:
Urgency of the Mission: Urgency in presenting the gospel is critical, especially with loved ones nearing death. Chuck’s story highlights how God provides moments for us to act boldly if we remain prayerful and ready.
Don’t Get Distracted: When sharing the gospel, avoid being sidetracked by secondary issues like doctrinal debates, personal interests, or other distractions. Focus solely on pointing to Jesus.
Power of Prayer: Chuck’s persistent prayer for years played a significant role in preparing his grandmother and grandfather’s hearts for salvation.

God’s Timing and Power: Both moments of conversion hinged on miraculous clarity granted by God. The gospel’s power was evident, with both individuals surrendering to Christ in moments orchestrated by Him.

Questions Asked During the Podcast:
What is the "mission" when sharing the gospel, and how do we avoid distractions?
How did Chuck’s grandmother grapple with a lack of assurance in her Mormon faith?
What was the significance of the "window of clarity" Chuck’s grandmother and grandfather experienced?
Why is it essential to stay focused on sharing the gospel, even in emotionally charged or last-minute situations?
How can we remain mission-focused and trust God to create opportunities to share effectively? 

This episode of the Learning to Reach Your World Podcast, hosted by Josh Combs, focuses on sharing the gospel amidst the challenges of distraction and discouragement. The discussion, featuring guest Samantha Woodbeck, is rooted in the Christian framework of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible. The goal is to encourage believers to proclaim the gospel clearly, boldly, and effectively.

Key Themes Discussed:
What is the Gospel?
The hosts emphasize the simplicity and power of the gospel: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). It centers on Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and the necessary response of repentance and belief: Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

Challenges in Sharing the Gospel:
Distraction: Samantha shares how being a mother, educator, and someone with ADHD often makes it difficult to focus on opportunities for sharing the gospel. She encourages listeners to pray and trust God to highlight openings for gospel conversations amidst life's busyness.

Discouragement: Both Samantha and Pastor Josh discuss the disheartening moments where gospel-sharing doesn’t yield visible, immediate results. An example is when people respond dismissively or fail to grasp the beauty of the message. The hosts remind listeners of the importance of trusting God's timing and sovereignty in spiritual growth as described in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth."

Understanding Your Listener and Building Relationships:
Samantha highlights the importance of tailoring the approach to different people, especially non-believers who may lack any theological background or knowledge of the Bible. Drawing attention to Paul’s method in Acts 17, where he starts with the concept of an “unknown god” and creation when speaking to the Athenians, Josh underscores the need to simplify the gospel and meet people where they are—planting "little seeds" rather than overwhelming them with theological depth.

Personal testimonies are also a relatable and effective way to point others toward Christ, as demonstrated by Samantha's story of transformation. Her life changed after she persistently heard "seeds" planted over time, culminating in her surrendering to Christ and being baptized on Easter Sunday 13 years ago.

Dealing with Pride and Results-Driven Mentality:
The hosts caution against pride, whether it stems from insecurity (feeling inadequate to share) or the belief that the results are within our control. Samantha, as a self-confessed “Type A” personality, wrestles with a desire for instant gratification and results, which can lead to pressure and discouragement. Pastor Josh adds that being results-driven can lead to missing what God is doing behind the scenes, as ultimate transformation is the Holy Spirit's work.

Practical Encouragement for Gospel-Sharing:
Rely on the Holy Spirit and Prayer: Boldness in sharing the gospel comes through dependence on God. As Paul asks for prayer in Ephesians 6:19-20, "Pray also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…”

Don’t overcomplicate the message: Like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), even basic testimonies of what Jesus has done can touch lives deeply.

Sow Seeds and Trust the Process: Just as a small seed may someday grow, every act of faith—whether a passing comment, an invitation to church, or a small act of love—can be used by God. Samantha reflects on how others planted seeds in her life over the years, leading her to Christ. Similarly, believers are called to plant or water while trusting God to bring about the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Live Christ-Centered Lives: By embodying Christ’s love authentically, believers can spark curiosity that leads to gospel conversations. People are drawn to consistency and transformation over time.

Encouraging Highlights:
Even Apostle Paul struggled with the boldness to share the gospel and sought God’s help. (Ephesians 6:19-20).
Transformation often happens over time, even when believers don’t immediately see the fruits of their efforts.
Distractions, pride, and self-doubt are common challenges, yet God is faithful in using our obedience, however imperfect, for His purposes.
The podcast concludes by challenging its listeners to boldly share the gospel with someone in their lives today and trust God to handle the results. 

The podcast episode titled Learning to Reach Your World focuses on encouraging Christians to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around them—family, friends, and the larger community. Hosted by Josh Combs, the episode features Mark Pittenger, who shares his personal story of faith, struggle, and transformation, illustrating how our life's journey can become a powerful tool for evangelism.

Defining the Gospel
Josh opens by grounding the discussion in the biblical definition of the gospel. The "good news" is the message that Jesus Christ came into the world, died on the cross to pay for humanity's sin, was buried, and rose from the dead. He cites Romans 10:9—“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” He emphasizes the gospel requires a response of repentance and belief.

Using Your Story to Share the Gospel
The primary topic of the episode is how personal testimonies can serve as effective tools for sharing the gospel. Mark’s story illustrates this, as he walks listeners through his journey of faith, detours, and eventual recommitment to Christ.

Mark’s Testimony:
Childhood and Early Faith Formation:
Mark grew up attending a small Baptist church in Fenton with his grandparents, who played a significant role in shaping his spiritual foundation.

His grandfather, a deacon, and his constantly singing grandmother modeled a life of faith. At age eight, Mark approached his grandmother asking about Jesus, leading to his salvation and baptism shortly thereafter.
Church life (Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday meetings) and music—particularly hymns like "The Old Rugged Cross"—were central to his early spiritual life.

Adolescence and Departure from Faith:
As a teenager, Mark discovered hip-hop and developed a passion for poetry and creative writing. This became an outlet for self-expression but began to pull him away from actively living out his Christian faith.
Mark experimented with a brief "country music" phase in his youth but later embraced rap as his medium of choice. Initially inspired by mainstream hip-hop artists, he began crafting music that emulated the prevailing themes of the genre, such as party culture and gang-related subjects—not authentic to his own life.
His music career took off modestly; he was recording songs, forming a group called Midwest Guys, and performing in Detroit’s hip-hop scene. However, his faith was sidelined during this period.

Grandma’s Warning and Hitting a Low Point:
Mark’s grandmother persistently warned him that he was not using the talents God had given him for God’s purposes. She predicted he would lose his ability to write music if he continued to neglect this calling.
Around 2012, Mark experienced a three-year period of writer’s block and general dissatisfaction with his music career. Despite achieving some milestones, like opening for a well-known artist (Obie Trice), he felt unfulfilled and disconnected from his purpose.

Turning Point: The Legacy of His Grandfather:
The passing of Mark's beloved grandfather in 2016 was a key moment in his spiritual journey. Feeling the weight of his loss, he began reflecting on the legacy his grandfather left behind. What made his grandfather special, he realized, was his unwavering faith in Jesus.

Mark and his wife decided it was time to recommit to following Christ sincerely. In November 2016, just months after his grandfather’s passing, Mark, his wife, and their children were all baptized, marking a fresh start in their faith journey.

Post-Commitment Life and Sharing the Gospel:
Since returning to his faith, Mark has sought to use his testimony to share the gospel with others. He reflects on how his story—though not dramatic like a "Damascus road" conversion—is relatable and uniquely impactful.

The central takeaways from his story are that fulfillment comes only through Christ, and God graciously uses even our detours to lead us back to the truth.

Challenges of Sharing Your Story:
Josh and Mark discuss how people might feel their stories are “too plain” or “not exciting enough” to be worth sharing. However, the hosts affirm that every story is a testimony to God’s grace, and even "basic" stories have profound value as they're part of God’s larger plan. Importantly:

Stories don’t need to emphasize dramatic details to be effective.
Authenticity, humility, and pointing others to Christ as the center of the story are what make a testimony impactful.
Using our God-gifted talents and sharing relatable struggles can open doors for gospel conversations with others.

Key Bible References:
Romans 10:9 (ESV): "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Luke 15: The parable of the prodigal son emphasizes God's willingness to welcome those who turn back to Him.
Matthew 16:25 (ESV): "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Exodus 3-4: The story of Moses and God’s assurance that He equips those He calls.

Call to Action:
The podcast concludes with Josh urging listeners to embrace their story as part of God’s bigger story, trust God to use their testimonies for His glory, and take the step to share the gospel with someone today. 

This podcast episode, titled "Learning to Reach Your World," is hosted by Josh Combs and focuses on the importance of godly character in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Josh is joined by guest Dave Hudgens, who shares insights from both his ministry experience and time working with the Salvation Army. The episode weaves together theological perspectives, practical advice, and personal stories that emphasize the critical link between a Christian's life, Godly behavior, and the effectiveness of sharing the good news.

Introduction to Sharing the Gospel:
Josh begins by defining the gospel in simple terms: the good news that Jesus Christ came to pay for humanity’s sins through His death, burial, and resurrection. He highlights the biblical response to the gospel, referencing Romans 10:9-11 (ESV): “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

The podcast is designed to encourage believers to share the gospel boldly and effectively while living lives that reflect their faith.

Key Personal Story - Dave’s Time with the Salvation Army:
Dave shares his experience working for the Salvation Army in both ministry and professional development (fundraising). He discusses how the organization is often known for its charitable works but emphasizes the Salvation Army’s mission: “To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

Dave recounts meetings with donors, highlighting the tension between fundraising and staying uncompromised in proclaiming the gospel. His father, who also worked in the organization, taught him a key principle: “The moment you think you can’t—or shouldn’t—mention Jesus, get out.”

A poignant story is shared about Dave’s father negotiating a lease for a Salvation Army thrift store. During the negotiation, his father shared the gospel with the landlord, resulting in a powerful moment of prayer and ultimately a favorable outcome for the ministry. This story underscores the importance of consistent godly behavior, as Dave’s father’s character allowed him to reflect Christ effectively to everyone he encountered.

Tension Between Mission and Practical Challenges:
The podcast explores the temptation to compromise integrity or water down the gospel message for practical gains, such as financial donations. Dave describes how it’s easy to rationalize poor behavior or compromises by telling oneself it's “for the greater good.”

Key Lesson: Christians should guard against rationalizing moral failings in the name of furthering God's mission. As Josh says, “We are ambassadors for Christ first, not just workers or fundraisers doing the things of God.”

Godly Character and Its Role in the Gospel:
Josh and Dave reflect on Philippians 1:27 (ESV), which says, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” They emphasize that a Christian’s life must match the message of the gospel they proclaim.
The hosts discuss how failing to live in alignment with Christ’s teachings—whether by hypocrisy, concealment (hiding one’s faith), or lacking kingdom ethics—undermines the effectiveness of a believer’s witness to others.
Dave references Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which outlines kingdom ethics such as mercy, peacemaking, and love for enemies, as the ultimate example of godly character. Christians are called to embody these values authentically.

Challenges Facing the Church Today:
The conversation shifts to discussing the broader American church. Josh raises the hypothetical question of what Paul might write to churches in America, given the current state of Christian culture. Both hosts agree that American Christians often send confusing messages about Christ’s values, making it difficult for non-believers to see a clear distinction between Christians and the world.

They critique how modern believers sometimes celebrate things that are contrary to God’s character or blur moral lines through compromise or disobedience.

Practical Takeaways:
Be Consistent: Christians must exhibit Christ-like character in public and private. A life lived with integrity will support their gospel proclamation.
Avoid Concealment: Don’t hide your faith or soften the message of Christ for fear of offending others. Speak the truth in love.
Kingdom Ethics: Live according to Christ's teachings from the Sermon on the Mount—be a light in a dark world.
Stay Rooted in Christ: Allow God to guide and transform your character rather than working in your own strength.
Conduct Matters: As Josh summarizes, “If it’s important to Christ, it should be important to us. Let Christ’s character be our character.”

Memorable Quotes:
"You can get so wrapped up in doing the things of God that you forget the God of the things you're doing."
On godly character: “If your life doesn’t match your message, it creates a struggle for others to believe in the gospel.”
“The church has done incredible good and incredible harm in 2000 years, but what has remained is Jesus.”

Listener Call to Action:
The podcast closes with a challenge: Live a life of Christ-like character so that when you share the gospel, it aligns with how you live. The hosts encourage listeners to share the gospel boldly and effectively, starting today. 

This episode of the Learning to Reach Your World podcast, hosted by Josh Combs, focuses on equipping Christians to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with friends, family, and those they encounter in everyday life. The gospel is succinctly defined as the good news that humanity has sinned against God but, in His love, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for those sins, be buried, and rise again. The proper response to this gospel, as declared in Romans 10:9, is to repent of sin and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior—a central theme discussed throughout the episode.

The episode begins by posing a reflective question: “Am I prepared right now to share the hope of the gospel?” Josh is joined by his wife, Jen, who provides a vulnerable yet relatable perspective as a self-identified "non-talker" with social anxiety. Her personal journey sheds light on practical ways to prepare for gospel-sharing, even if it doesn’t come naturally.

Key Lessons and Preparation Tips:
Understand the Gospel Deeply:
The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—nothing more and nothing less.
Ensure you clearly distinguish the gospel from other truths, like "God loves you," while navigating conversations.

Be Immersed in Scripture:
Jen emphasizes the importance of continually reading the Bible, as it equips your heart and mind with truth. As she notes, Scripture has to be "in there for the Lord to pull it out."
Reading regularly, even without perfect memory, helps the Holy Spirit bring the right words to mind during crucial moments of sharing the gospel.

Mental and Spiritual Preparation:
Pray for boldness and opportunities to share the gospel.
Overcome reluctance or discomfort by recognizing that temporary nerves are far better than the longer-lasting regret of not sharing when the opportunity arises.

Simplify the Message:
Focus on essential truths: repentance (turning from sin) and belief (trust in Jesus' resurrection and lordship). Have bullet points or a cheat sheet to guide conversations.
It’s not about speaking perfectly but about conveying truth. As Jen says, “People get saved in spite of us.”

Be Available and Attentive:
Avoid overloading your schedule to the point where you have no margin for unexpected encounters.
Structuring your life to include quiet moments and flexibility enables you to notice and engage with others.

Gentleness and Respect:
First Peter 3:15 serves as a cornerstone verse: “...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Approach conversations with respect for the other person's background and patiently guide them toward the gospel.

Practical Strategies:
Write down essential scriptures and carry them on your phone for easy access.
Practice sharing the gospel with family or a friend who already knows Christ to build confidence and clarity.
Acknowledge dependence on God to work through your weaknesses and inadequacies, as described in Exodus 4:10-12, where God reminds Moses that He will guide his mouth and teach him what to speak.
The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to take the next step in sharing their faith today, and to trust that God will use their willingness for His glory. Josh and Jen inspire believers to overcome their fears, minor inadequacies, or social anxieties and recognize they are instruments in God’s hands. 

The podcast, Learning to Reach Your World, hosted by Josh Combs, is a Christian podcast aimed at encouraging and equipping listeners to boldly and clearly share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this heartfelt and powerful first episode, Josh interviews Donny Gushen, a guest whose life story illustrates the urgency and importance of spreading the message of the gospel with family, friends, and those around us. The episode centers on themes of faith, grief, hope, and the transformative power of the gospel.

The podcast begins with Josh defining the gospel, emphasizing its core message of salvation through Jesus Christ, based on John 3:16 and Romans 10:9:
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (ESV). Donny and Josh highlight that sharing this message of hope is vital because it has eternal implications.

Donny's Story: Faith and Loss
Donny recounts a deeply personal and emotional testimony involving the birth and loss of his second son, David, and how that experience profoundly shaped his faith and commitment to sharing the gospel:

The Birth of a Miracle
In 2015, Donny’s five-year-old son, Carlos, prayed for a brother, and soon after, his wife became pregnant. Carlos, with childlike faith, believed God had answered his prayer and was confident the baby would be a boy. The pregnancy unfolded with excitement, but complications arose during delivery. Baby David was born with severe medical issues. Despite the family’s prayers and hopes for a miracle, David only lived for 17 days before passing away.

Prayer and Wrestling with God
Donny shares moments of wrestling with God in the hospital, questioning why this tragedy was happening after fervent prayers had been answered with the baby’s birth. He referenced passages he had taught in Sunday school, such as the father in John whose son was healed by Jesus, and felt the Holy Spirit challenging him: "Did you mean what you said about trusting God fully?" Donny responded, "Yes, Lord, I meant it."
As Donny and his family walked through grief, he testified to having peace despite devastating pain. He clung to the promise that David was safe with Jesus and that they would be reunited one day (referencing Psalm 23).

Gospel Opportunities Through Grief
Donny and his wife consistently encountered doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff who were moved by their peace and faith. Some explicitly asked, "How do you have such peace?" This opened doors for Donny and his family to share the gospel message with unbelievers, planting seeds of hope even in the midst of their sorrow.

The funeral for Baby David became another unexpected platform for gospel proclamation. It was packed with family, friends, coworkers, and even hospital staff, many of whom heard the gospel through Donny’s testimony, a poem he wrote, and the Christ-centered service. In Donny’s words, everything about the situation—though tragic—pointed back to God’s power and glory.

Young Carlos’s Journey of Faith
Donny shares about his son Carlos’s spiritual journey throughout this ordeal. Carlos struggled to reconcile the loss of his newborn brother with his understanding of God’s goodness. One night, Carlos admitted he didn’t feel peace about David’s passing, but after hearing his father explain his own peace—rooted in knowing David was with Jesus—Carlos said, "I guess I have peace now too."
In April 2016, Carlos asked to receive Christ as his Savior in a heartfelt prayer. Over the next years, he grew in his faith and eventually was baptized on Easter Sunday at age 11, publicly proclaiming his commitment to Jesus.

A Lesson in Why We Share the Gospel
The hosts tie Donny’s story to the overarching theme of the episode: why Christians must share the gospel. The gospel brings hope, assurance, and eternal perspective. It provides an anchor for the soul in times of joy and sorrow. Donny’s story illustrates how God uses our trials and grief to display His power and to draw people closer to Him. Whether through words, actions, or simply the peace of His presence in difficult seasons, Christians are called to reflect "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).
The episode ends with a direct challenge: “Go today and share the gospel with someone.”

Questions from the Podcast
Why is it important for Christians to share the gospel?
How do we share hope with those who are struggling with doubt, fear, or grief?
What does it mean to have peace and assurance in Christ despite life’s uncertainties?
How can Christians display Christ’s hope even in personal trials?