A 'good news' announcement has an amazing effect. Those fearing the worst from the cancer doctor are relieved and then joyful - they feel free. They are free from the uncertainty with its worry, and from the chaos of life into which a more sombre diagnosis threatened to plunge them. Forgiveness of all sin, and acceptance into the intimate household of God, is good news indeed - that is why it is called the Gospel (that just means 'good news').

Gospel preaching happens because Jesus commanded His people to announce peace with God through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 5:1). Christ was speaking through the apostles (2 Corinthians 5:20), and that is how we also heard the Gospel. For us, someone took the apostles' words (in the Bible) seriously enough to help us to see the truth in the Gospel; and when we believed, the Holy Spirit declared peace in our hearts (Romans 8:16). At that moment we were granted free access to Father God and were made His children (John 1:12). That same peace declaration remains true for all who will hear it and respond in faith. And it does not matter how far away they may seem to be.

Paul is writing in the context of possible friction between Jewish-background believers and those who had previously been Gentiles (non-Jews) (Ephesians 2:11-18). The peace which God graciously brings to repentant hearts is a peace to be shared between people who previously had no time for each other. The access point to God's kingdom is not good behaviour or pious religious activities, but trusting in Jesus. He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). As we trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit welds us into God's family as adopted children – wherever we may have come from (Romans 8:15).

D.T. Niles (a 20th Century Sri Lankan evangelist) described evangelism as, "one previously starving beggar telling another 'down and out' where to find the bread". The Gospel is Christ preaching through His people. If you mainly link 'preach' with pulpits and hard pews (and therefore think it is not for you), think of 'victory broadcast' or 'group email about vast salary increases' or the excitedly gossiped announcement of an engagement or a new birth. It is good news that you want to share, and cannot hold in. But it is not all up to you, because the Holy Spirit will also be at work. He will help you to see the opportunity, and help you to speak the truth (and to be sufficiently bold). Then He will apply the truth to your friends' heart, and help them to respond in faith and receive Christ's peace. So, although it is not all down to us, none of us should wriggle out of playing our part.