PERSONAL EVANGELISM
What is the true meaning of evangelism?
Evangelism, at its core, means sharing the "good news" or gospel of Jesus Christ, inviting others to know and follow him, and encouraging them to live a life of faith and discipleship.
Typically, we have considered “evangelism” to mean public meetings, conducted by pastors, to convert “non-believers” to their religious persuasion.
But evangelism has a much broader meaning than that.
Consider God’s call for both personal and public evangelism:
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." –Matt. 28:19-20
This verse, often called the "Great Commission," is a direct mandate for Christians to share the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. This happens when we use the spiritual gifts we have been given to honor God.
Note: It doesn't say "make church members" it says "disciples." A Christian disciple is a person who follows Jesus Christ and accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of salvation through Him. Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow spiritually to be more and more like Jesus… as they daily invite the Holy Spirit to change their selfish nature to be like the unselfish nature of Jesus. A Christian disciple is one who puts Jesus first, obeys the Lord, produces good fruit, loves others, and makes more disciples. Such a one is sure to make an impact in this fallen world for the glory of God.
"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." –Mark 16:15
This verse reinforces the universal scope of evangelism, urging Christians to share the good news with everyone.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to account for the hope that is within you, yet do so with gentleness and respect." -1 Peter 3:15
This verse encourages believers to be ready to explain their faith and share their hope in Christ, emphasizing the importance of doing so with kindness and respect.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one they have not heard about? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach if they are not sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the good news!" –Rom. 10:14-15
This passage highlights the importance of preaching the Gospel and the role of messengers in sharing the message of salvation.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." –Acts 1:8
This verse emphasizes the role of believers as witnesses, calling them to share their faith both locally and globally.
"So we are Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We plead with you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." -2 Cor. 5:20
This verse portrays Christians as ambassadors of Christ, tasked with sharing God's message of reconciliation.
Here’s a new approach to understand God’s call to evangelism for Christians like you and me.
Natural Approach:
This focuses on sharing your faith within the context of your everyday relationships, like with coworkers, neighbors, or friends. It emphasizes genuine connection and living out your faith authentically. Through the presence of Christ in you, His character is manifested through your everyday life. It’s just who you are.
Acts of Serving Others Approach:
This involves using your life and actions as a witness, demonstrating the values and principles of your faith. As the Holy Spirit prompts you to acts of caring and kindness for others, you find joy and purpose in being a “co-partner” with Christ in service.
Ministry Approach:
This involves more structured and intentional efforts to share your faith, such as through church events, bible studies, or other faith-based activities. It can involve direct outreach and inviting others to participate in faith-related activities.
Where do you see yourself fitting into our Father’s call to evangelism? The Bible is clear that sharing our faith – the “good news of the gospel,” is not optional. But for those who do not feel comfortable with the traditional approach to evangelism … to stand before the public and preach … here is some very good news!
Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me."…. There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit. -Ministry of Healing, p. 143
What the world needs today is what it needed nineteen hundred years ago … a revelation of Christ. The last message to be taken to this wicked, corrupt world is a “revelation of God’s character of love.” While only a few have been given the spiritual gift to preach, ALL of God’s children are endowed with the heart of Christ to care for the needs of others. Through the GRACE of Christ, we have been given the compassionate heart of Christ.
So where does evangelism take place? Answer: everywhere and all the time.
With our eyes and ears in tune to the quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit … we are called by God to simply follow through and DO what He prompts us to do.
ACTS OF SERVING AND CARING FOR OTHERS ARE SIMPLY THE PRICE YOU PAY TO ALLOW JESUS TO MANIFEST HIS CHARACTER … THROUGH YOU!
Allow me to start a list of various forms of evangelism for you … things you do for mission not for money … then you add to your own personal list:
- Lawn cutting evangelism
- Card sending evangelism
- Minor carpentry evangelism
- Painting evangelism
- Cooking/Baking evangelism
- Snow shoveling evangelism
- ENCOURAGEMENT evangelism (many people need a simple smile or kind word to lift them up)
I think you get the idea! With Christ in you … everything you do will become an act of evangelism. In your acts to helps others, you will be richly blessed … and … our Father in heaven will be honored.
Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. -1 Cor. 10:31
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God. –Col. 3:12-17
WE ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!
Peace and Joy, Garry Sudds