Evangelism
Evangelism is the act of telling the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to others.
Christians in Western nations have the idea that soul-winning is done inside their church auditoriums. While many find Christ in church buildings, in Bible times soul-winning was done out where the people lived. Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves – on town garbage heap, at a crossroads travelled by people of so many nations. The Son of God was crucified at the kind of place where cynics talk smut, where thieves curse, and where soldiers gamble. Because that is where Christ died and since that is what He died about, that is where Christians can best share His message of love because that is what real Christianity is all about.
A. Two Methods Of Evangelism
In the Book of Acts there were only two methods of evangelism: mass evangelism and personal evangelism.
B. Why We Should Evangelise?
In this lesson we will take the seven reasons for winning souls
1. Because Jesus Was A Soul-Winner
“This statement is completely reliable and worthy of universal acceptance, Christ Jesus came into the world to rescue sinners…” (1Tim 1:15).
“For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
2. Because The Harvest Is Great
“The he said to his disciples, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (Matt 9:37). Jesus sent labourers into the harvest field (see Luke 10:1-3). We must go out”… into the highways and byways and compel them to come in” (Luke 14:23)
There is an element of urgency when harvest comes. If the fields are not quickly reaped, the harvest may perish in the field. Storms may come and damage the wheat or corn. If not harvested quickly, fruit can over-ripen and spoil.
This simple plan of action – See, Pray, and Choose – will start the process of ingathering.
Our Motto: Every Christian, A Witness!
Our Mission: Out Where the People Are!
This is the second reason we are soul winners: The Harvest truly is great!
3. Because The Labourers Are Few
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, here am I; send me” (Isa 6:8)
4. Because Of The Great Commission
“He said to them, “Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation. (Mark 16:15). See also Matthew 28:18-20.
Every believer is commissioned and called. “Who saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have…but because of his own purpose and grace… “ (2Tim 1:9). Every believer has a responsibility and has three priestly ministries:
a. To minister to the Lord in prayer, praise and worship
b. To minister to one another in loving relational, financial and spiritual support
c. To minister to the world (unbelievers) by healing the physically and emotionally sick, casting out demons and telling them the good news of salvation.
5. Because Of The unfulfilled Prophecies Concerning Jesus’ Return
The return of Christ to earth is the blessed hope of millions in the persecuted Church. We joyfully embrace that hope. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (1Cor 15:19). We long for His return.
6. Because God Will Hold Us Accountable
God specifically warns His servants that they must deliver the message He gives them, to the peoples whom He sends them. Otherwise they will be held accountable for their failure to do so. (Read Ezekiel 3:17-18, Ezekiel 33:6-8)
7. Because Of What We have Experienced
“What makes us think that we can escape if we are indifferent to this great salvation announced by the Lord Jesus himself, and passed on to us by those who heard him speak?
“”God has always shown us that these messages are true by signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving certain special abilities from the Holy Spirit to those who believe; yes God has assigned such gifts to each of us” (Heb 2:3-4 tlb).
Pray to receive the power Of The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem (our immediate family), and in all Judea and Samaria (extended families and neighbours), and to the ends of the earth” (different nationalities).