Why We Emphasize Evangelism

All of us who have been in Christ for any length of time are living in transition.

Romans 12: 1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

How does this relate to “Why We Emphasize Evangelism ?”

An evangelistic mindset flows from a heart that is devoted to God’s will. I Timothy 2: 3-4 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. II Peter 3: 9 – The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Winning souls reflects God’s highest desire for mankind. John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

I. The final command of Jesus was to commit to us the stewardship of evangelism.

Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Matthew 28: 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Luke 6: 46 Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? John 15: 14 You are my friends if you do whatsoever I command you.

Our command from Jesus is to make disciples. Matthew 28: 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

After one is discipled and baptized he needs to be taught more completely. Matthew 28: 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 18: 25-26 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

II. We emphasize evangelism because we love our neighbor as ourselves.

We cannot love our neighbor as Jesus commanded and have no compassion. II Thessalonians 1: 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power.

How can we enjoy a spiritual feast while our family members, neighbors, co-workers are lost ?

Ephesians 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, I Peter 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

There is no salvation outside of Christ. Ephesians 2: 12 Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Can we be guiltless if we do not share the cure for terminal sin ? Romans 10: 13-14 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how are they to 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?

III. We share the gospel to glorify God.

Matthew 5: 16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

When one becomes a Christian loving Jesus lays a claim to His life. II Corinthians 5: 14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

We are God’s ambassadors on the earth. II Corinthians 5: 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. Whether we’re a good one or a bad one, we are one.

In Christ we are called upon to overcome our fears so we can speak out boldly.

I Peter 3: 14-15 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

Why do we emphasize personal evangelism so strongly ?

The final command of Jesus was to commit to us the stewardship of evangelism. I Corinthians 4: 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

When we share the gospel, God is glorified. John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. We are extolling God’s love and His justice.

God’s love and Jesus sacrifice Are for you !