This week someone earnestly asked me, “How much do you need to know to share the gospel?” In answer to their question, I told them about a man I know a long time ago named Ronnie. Ronnie lived in a group home facility for people with cognitive challenges. Ronnie loved to smile and Ronnie loved to tell his story. Ronnie would gently and sincerely tell people about how his life used to be before he knew Christ. His was not a life filled with drugs or violence but he would tell you it was a life filled with anger, bitterness and frustration on a daily basis. Ronnie said that one day he finally went to church with a friend who had been consistently inviting him; a friend who treated him with gentleness and respect. Ronnie said he began to learn about Jesus and after several weeks of fellowship in a bible study with his friend, he prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Ronnie sang in a choir with some of his friends from the group home. Ronnie loved to put on his suit and go out and minister in the community as a part of the choir. As a member of the choir, God blessed Ronnie with many opportunities to share his story.

Ronnie was not what most people would consider a highly educated man, but he had a great deal of understanding. He understood what Jesus did for him. He understood that Christ had delivered him from his sin and from a bitter attitude and an angry spirit. Ronnie knew his personal story. Ronnie knew Christ as Lord and Ronnie took advantage of every opportunity to tell his story. When I hear that question, “How much do you need to know to share the gospel?” I think of my friend Ronnie. And then I understand, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Oh, I hope you know Christ like Ronnie did. I hope you know Christ as Lord and Savior. And if you do, I hope you tell your story.