13.09.2020

Does a Christian necessarily need to evangelise?

Bible passages: 
1Peter 3:15, Mark 16:15-18, Matthew 5:14, Proverbs 11:30, John 4, Matthew 28, Ephesians 4:11, John 4:35-38, 2Timothy 4:1-4, 2Timothy 1:8.

Discussion:
What is evangelism?
In Christianity, evangelism is the commitment to or act of publicly preaching the Gospel with the intention to share the message and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus gave us instruction in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-16 to preach the gospel - telling others of what we know about Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20 says go and make followers of all people in the world…..verse 20 teach them to obey everything that I taught you….
Mark 16:15-16 Jesus said to His followers, “go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone”…..
The instruction to preach the gospel is being referred to as the great commission. The instruction is given to everyone believer regardless of your ministry. There is no specific qualifications that you have to attain to spread the gospel. You don’t need to be a university graduate or very eloquent in English. The instruction is for everyone, followers of Christ that has determined to follow Jesus.
What does it mean to proclaim?
Proclaiming is to announce or declare in an official or formal manner: to announce or declare in an open or ostentatious way: to proclaim one’s opinions. to indicate or make known publicly or openly. to extol or praise publicly: proclaim the Lord.
Paul says in Romans 1:16 that “I am proud of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes” We should be proud to share the Good News, share our testimonies of how we became born again. Paul is telling us to be proud of the Good News that we believe in.
We also learnt about evangelist in the  Fivefolds ministry. In the Old Testament, God sets aside evangelist that are dedicated in warning the Israelites of God’s anger and telling them to forbid sin.
In New Testament, Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;….
Christ gave gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving to make the body of Christ stronger.
Evangelist in Fivefold ministry is an official position to promote the work of God and they take lead and motivate the church of God in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Reasons to evangelise:
John 4:35 the fields is ripe for harvest
John 4:36-38 field is ripe for harvest but there is no workers to work on the field.

Ways to evangelise:
1. Telling people about Christ;
2. Create gospel tracks and share it;
3. Social media - Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, video clips and so on;
4. Song, books, drama, sharing testimonies of what God has done;
5. Be a light, giving to the needy, encouraging others in the Lord;
6. Prayer evangelism;
7. Street evangelism - obtaining license for public speaking;
8. Door to door evangelism;
9. Revival or crusade
10. Preaching in schools, hospitals, care homes, prisons.
There are many other ways…

In conclusion Proverbs 11:30 says “the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

May God help us to be wise.

Praise God 🙏🏽