Evangelism & World Missions

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others… All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:11, ESV

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And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8 ESV

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV

For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Romans 10:13-15 ESV

For many believers in the first century (and many believers around the world today), preaching the gospel costs something – maybe a relationship with a friend or a family member, maybe their livelihood. Many were imprisoned, physically abused, or even killed because they refused to be silent about their faith. “The Purple Book” p. 108

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you John 15:18-21 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God…To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains… Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV

If we are Christ’s body – his presence in the world today- then Jesus’ mission is our mission. He has called us to proclaim good news to the poor, the captives, the blind and the oppressed. He has called us to participate in destroying the devil’s work. In other words, when we share the gospel with lost people, we are engaging in spiritual warfare. “The Purple Book” p. 110

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city. Acts 8:4-8 ESV

Our part is to boldly preach God’s salvation and pray for him to act. As we do this, God will work powerful miracles in people’s lives. In other words, we do the preaching; he does the healing. “The Purple Book” p. 111

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:12-14 ESV

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:12-14 ESV

 Whose job is it to evangelize the world? Is it part of your job description?  Who can you talk to about Jesus among those whom you already know? Where may God be asking you to go out of your way (or out of your comfort zone) to share your faith?  Reaching to “the ends of the earth” is not something that anyone can do alone, but everyone can partner together with someone to accomplish this. How can you reach the world?