The opportunity of evangelism.

Evangelism gives Christians an opportunity to participate in the sharing of the Gospel and the opportunity to introduction others to  Jesus Christ.

The Gospel, is God’s proclamation to the world, that because of Jesus we now have a way to have a relationship with the God of all of creation. The Gospel tell us how to enter into that relationship

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Paul reminds us of what the gospel is, and what the gospel does, He states “[1] Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, [2] and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,”

Because of all that Christ has done for us, we have been charged to share this Gospel with others.

Evangelism is our opportunity to share the gospel, it is our opportunity to join in this mission of God. We share with others, what has been shared with us. We are enlisted by God to take the message of Jesus Christ, to a lost and dying world.

So many people I have talk to have told me, that they are just not good at sharing the Gospel,  that they don’t know enough, or the don’t want to offend people. I do understand all of those fears, but the truth is Christ has still commanded us to go and share.

I thing I have found that in regards to the sharing of my faith is this, more often than not the  encounter is not as hard as I feared it would be, and often time it has life changing affects for both myself, and the person I talk with.

But evangelism doesn’t have to involve a formal presentation, it can be simple and grace filled. I could be just handing out a tracks (if you are going to hand out a tracks do it with kindness!)

Evangelism must include a few things,

•  Honest sincerity. Paul has explained that unlike so many false teachers, we are not “peddlers of God’s Word” for profit but people “of sincerity” (2 Cor. 2:17). In chapter 4, having explained that evangelism is the ministry through which God’s Holy Spirit gives new life, he elaborates four principles (The Gospel Coalition)

• Respect and kindness.  We must remember that we represent God when we share our faith. 2nd Cor 5:20 states “ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 

We must remember that our job is to implore, others to see their need for Jesus, to love them with a sincere love, with the hope that they would come to know Jesus as both Lord and Savior.

It can be done sitting over coffee, or while playing a sport you enjoy, it does not need to involve pressure, but it does require preparation.  
1st Peter 3:15 tells us “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

So don’t be afraid, rest assure that God is for you in this endeavor of Evangelism, remember it is his plan, and as you trust in Him, prepare and pray, know that he will bring the increase.

- Don Stubbs