Introduction
Evangelism is the mission statement of the Christian faith and it is often surrounded by differing opinions and methodologies. There are several debate on what evangelism should be about and whether or not it is more effective one way or another. As we approach the end of the holy week, on whose wings evangelism soars, we will discuss in this blog post the essence of evangelism and why its significance should transcend traditional boundaries.
Evangelism Beyond Boundaries
When you ask a non-Christian what evangelism means, the typical response you get is this: evangelism is the act of sharing the Christian gospel message with the intention of converting others into Christianity. If this is what you think evangelism means, you are not completely wrong and neither are you completely right. More importantly, anything that is not the complete truth is equally as dangerous as a false statement. Thus, it is save to acknowledge how this false statement has caused more havoc over several generations. What then is evangelism? Before I go into its historical root, let me make one clear statement that will make more sense as you read on: Evangelism is not a religious conversion; It is an introduction to a new life. There is a difference between changing one’s way of life and being born into a new life. This is the reason why evangelism has been misunderstood for years. Okay, that being said, let’s dive into the details.
The word Evangelism finds its origins in the Greek term “euangelion,” meaning “Good News.” Matthew 28 records the events that took place after Jesus resurrected and we read in verses 18-20 the last words of Jesus to His disciple, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This commandment from Jesus is commonly referred to as the Great Commission. To some observers, especially non-followers of Jesus, it may appear that Christians are on a mission to convert individuals to follow Jesus. Analogously, one might liken it to a parent instructing their children on proper behavior when guests are expected. It can be challenging to discern whether these instructions are directed at well-behaved children or those who need encouragement to behave in the presence of guests. Merely reading Matthew 28:18-20 might lead one to conclude that evangelism is primarily about conversion. However, we must not draw conclusions solely from the conclusion itself. Matthew’s Gospel, encompassing 27 preceding chapters, records encounters and instructions from Jesus that peaked in His final words found at the end of Matthew 28. Having this understanding should prompt us to explore deeper the significance of the “Good News” and its relationship to the Great Commission.
What is the Good News? Prophet Isaiah declares in Isaiah 52:7 (NLT), “how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” Prophet Isaiah then further declares in Isaiah 61:1 (NLT), “the spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners’ will be freed.” These verses are fulfilled in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He came to bring salvation, healing, freedom, and enlightenment to all who would believe in Him. Furthermore, His disciples and their disciples and all who become followers of Christ are the messengers who bring this good news of salvation to the world. The good news is this: We are made right with God through our faith in Jesus Christ alone. Romans 3:23-28 (NLT) records, “for everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.”
This brings us back to the profound truth that the Great Commission extends beyond mere conversion; it’s about embracing a new life in Christ. John 1:12 (NLT) beautifully states it, “But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” Here, Jesus offers a transformative promise: those who believe and accept Him are granted a new identity as children of God. Furthermore, to seal this identity, we receive the indwelling presence of the Spirit of Truth (John 14:15-21), marking our adoption into God’s family. The apostle Paul expounds on this concept of adoption in Romans 8:14-16 (NLT), elucidating that believers are not merely converted, but adopted into God’s family: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God… Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” When the royal family adopts a child, we don’t simply say they converted the child. Instead, the child receives a new name and identity. Adoption in light of the gospel is a complete transformation. This truth is radically expressed by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5: 15-17 (NIV): “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” In Christ, believers experience a radical transformation—they become new creations, leaving behind their old selves and embracing a renewed life in Him.
Now that we have clarified the true essence of evangelism as an introduction to a new life, let’s conclude this blog post by addressing the concept of effective evangelism. When discussions arise about what constitutes effective evangelism, the debate often centers around in-person outreach versus digital outreach. This debate reminds me of a similar scenario recounted in 1 Corinthians 3. In that instance, there was a dispute among believers, with some claiming allegiance to Paul and others to Apollos. Upon hearing of this division, Apostle Paul offered wisdom in verses 5-9 (NIV): “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” In light of this, when considering effective evangelism, I align with the wisdom of Apostle Paul. Our primary responsibility is to proclaim the gospel, whether in-person or online. The efficacy of our evangelism is not contingent upon the medium through which it is delivered. Ultimately, it is God who brings about transformation in hearts and lives. Our role is to faithfully sow the seeds of the gospel and trust in the sovereign work of the God of the harvest to bring forth the increase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as we’ve explored the essence of evangelism and its significance, we’ve come to understand that it transcends mere conversion; it is an invitation to embrace a new life in Christ. Drawing insights from Scripture, particularly 1 Corinthians 3, we recognize that effective evangelism is not determined by the medium through which it is delivered but by the power of God to transform hearts and lives. Therefore, let us approach evangelism with humility and obedience, recognizing that our role is to faithfully sow the seeds of the gospel, whether through in-person interactions or digital platforms, and trust in God’s sovereign work to bring forth the increase. As co-workers in God’s service, may we be guided by love, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to all.
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the privilege of participating in your kingdom work through evangelism. Grant us wisdom and courage as we share the gospel with others, both in person and online. May your Holy Spirit empower our words and actions, that hearts may be opened to receive the message of salvation. Help us to trust in your sovereignty and to remain faithful in our calling to spread the good news to the ends of the earth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Salvation Prayer (say this prayer of confession if you desire to dedicate your life to God and trust Him to be Lord over your life): Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner in need of a savior. I am sorry for living my life following the will of my flesh and my sinful nature. I renounce my covenant and longing for a glorified sinful lifestyle. I proclaim that all my heart desires are the things of God. My Lord and my God, I want to do your will. Forgive me for every time I have tried to initiate or impose my will as your will for my life. Come into my life afresh and make me whole again. I believe you, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, died on the cross, bore my sins, and rose again that I might become the righteousness of God. I accept this invitation to become a child of God. Holy Spirit, come into my life and guide me in all truth. Teach me the ways of the Father as I study scripture. My good God and Heavenly Father, show me where you are already at work in my life and give me a willing and obedient heart to join you in fulfilling your will at your timing, walking in your way at your command, and abiding in a continual fellowship with you. So help me, God. Amen
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)
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Till next time, Shalom!
