What is Evangelism?
Evangelism is everything we do get the message of Jesus Christ to souls who need to be saved, which have neither heard the gospel before but are not yet born again. It is dogged commitment to soul winning through ther leading and help of the Holy Ghost.
Evangelism is sharing the word of God and doing those good deeds that touch people's hearts. Evangelism is a command of our savior to every believer as we are all product of someone's evangelism in the years' gone bye.
What does it mean to Evangelize?
Christian who love soul-winning and take an active part in sharing the gospel with others are called evangelists. Believers, born again Christians are called to win souls, we are told we should evangelize, starting from our families, neighbors and then communities. But what does it mean to evangelize?
To evangelize is to “to preach the good news” of Jesus Christ and the victory He obtained for all mankind at the Cross. It is to tell people about eternal life, life of peace and joy forever with the Lord. It is to help unbelievers come to terms with the reasons for their creation - Everyone was created with a purpose in Christ, Everyone has a divine assignment from the Lord, which may be difficult to discover when one is not in Christ.
To evangelize is also to announce to the people that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and charge them to repent from their sins and accept the love of God, Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and walk in righteousness and holiness, thereafter and fulfilling their destiny.
One of the critical reasons for evangelism is to reconcile people to their God. There are many who do not know or believe there is God in heaven. For such people, the good news is to inform them that there is God in heaven, who created all things. That He is a holy and righteous, but the sin in the world and our wrongdoings have separated us from Him. He had created man for fellowship, which the first man Adam and Eve enjoyed until the enemy Satan deceived them to disobey God, and by so doing brought sin into the world and separation from God.
God did not want us to stay separated from Him forever. So He sent His son Jesus to came and die for the sins of man and thereby reconcile man back to God. Jesus is the way to God, the truth and the life and men that want to escape punishment that will come upon Satan and his agents in the last days, would have to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
We share this good news to the unsaved because the person separated from God by sin has no inner peace and no real relationship with God. God has set “eternity in the hearts of men”- Eccl. 3:11, but there are many today, who do not believe or accept that there is God. So, we explain the salvation process that delivers a man from the kingdom of darkness (which the devil controls) to the kingdom of light, which Jesus Christ controls.
Our Master Jesus started it
The Lord Jesus spent three and a half years training His disciples before sending them into all the world with the good news of Salvation. He gave them this commission just prior to His ascension into heaven: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:18-20).
He also said, “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The disciples took these commands literally and began evangelizing.
To evangelize is to “to preach the good news” of Jesus Christ and the victory He obtained for all mankind at the Cross. It is to tell people about eternal life, life of peace and joy forever with the Lord. It is to help unbelievers come to terms with the reasons for their creation - Everyone was created with a purpose in Christ, Everyone has a divine assignment from the Lord, which may be difficult to discover when one is not in Christ.
To evangelize is also to announce to the people that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and charge them to repent from their sins and accept the love of God, Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and walk in righteousness and holiness, thereafter and fulfilling their destiny.
One of the critical reasons for evangelism is to reconcile people to their God. There are many who do not know or believe there is God in heaven. For such people, the good news is to inform them that there is God in heaven, who created all things. That He is a holy and righteous, but the sin in the world and our wrongdoings have separated us from Him. He had created man for fellowship, which the first man Adam and Eve enjoyed until the enemy Satan deceived them to disobey God, and by so doing brought sin into the world and separation from God.
God did not want us to stay separated from Him forever. So He sent His son Jesus to came and die for the sins of man and thereby reconcile man back to God. Jesus is the way to God, the truth and the life and men that want to escape punishment that will come upon Satan and his agents in the last days, would have to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
We share this good news to the unsaved because the person separated from God by sin has no inner peace and no real relationship with God. God has set “eternity in the hearts of men”- Eccl. 3:11, but there are many today, who do not believe or accept that there is God. So, we explain the salvation process that delivers a man from the kingdom of darkness (which the devil controls) to the kingdom of light, which Jesus Christ controls.
Our Master Jesus started it
The Lord Jesus spent three and a half years training His disciples before sending them into all the world with the good news of Salvation. He gave them this commission just prior to His ascension into heaven: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:18-20).
He also said, “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The disciples took these commands literally and began evangelizing.
The Disciples Continued it
At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples, the work of evangelism began. Peter, who had earlier denied the Lord, was now filled with the Holy Spirit and stood among the many Jews present and boldly proclaimed the first gospel message.
He then told them about Jesus and how His miracles were proof of God’s power on Him. How he was killed and rose up again after three days by the power of God and that Jesus Christ is now Lord and Christ (Acts 2:13-36). The hearers’ hearts were touched and they asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them," Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Three thousand made that decision that day.
Stephen, the first martyr of the new Testament Church, was criticized for using his spiritual gifts to glorify the Lord Jesus and do the work of an evangelist. They accused him of many things wrongly and eventually stoned him to death because he told them how they had slain “the Righteous One,” and criticized their hardness of heart, which angered his accusers.
With the killing of Stephen, great persecution broke out against the disciples of the Lord, which resulted in many of them running for their lives. This development itself was in the long term interest of the gospel, as the fleeing disciples did not stop preaching and teaching the Word of God.
Philip was one of those who had left Jerusalem. He went down to Samaria and “proclaimed the Christ”. In Acts 8:4-25, the bible said Philip single-handedly won Samaria for Christ. This is practical evangelism, it says thus:
This is Evangelism
Acts 8:4-25 - Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 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. ...
We are to Follow
Evangelism is seeking for the lost souls by a believer, who is grateful that God saved him and delivered him from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His dear Son, Jesus Christ. Recall that Jesus came to earth to seek souls of men and to reconcile them to His Father according to Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples, the work of evangelism began. Peter, who had earlier denied the Lord, was now filled with the Holy Spirit and stood among the many Jews present and boldly proclaimed the first gospel message.
He then told them about Jesus and how His miracles were proof of God’s power on Him. How he was killed and rose up again after three days by the power of God and that Jesus Christ is now Lord and Christ (Acts 2:13-36). The hearers’ hearts were touched and they asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them," Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Three thousand made that decision that day.
Stephen, the first martyr of the new Testament Church, was criticized for using his spiritual gifts to glorify the Lord Jesus and do the work of an evangelist. They accused him of many things wrongly and eventually stoned him to death because he told them how they had slain “the Righteous One,” and criticized their hardness of heart, which angered his accusers.
With the killing of Stephen, great persecution broke out against the disciples of the Lord, which resulted in many of them running for their lives. This development itself was in the long term interest of the gospel, as the fleeing disciples did not stop preaching and teaching the Word of God.
Philip was one of those who had left Jerusalem. He went down to Samaria and “proclaimed the Christ”. In Acts 8:4-25, the bible said Philip single-handedly won Samaria for Christ. This is practical evangelism, it says thus:
Acts 8:4-25 - Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 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. ...
We are to Follow
Evangelism is seeking for the lost souls by a believer, who is grateful that God saved him and delivered him from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His dear Son, Jesus Christ. Recall that Jesus came to earth to seek souls of men and to reconcile them to His Father according to Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
He started going out to preach and teach immediately He returned from the wilderness. He also began to invite men to join Him in soul winning. Math 4:19 - Jesus says “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Evangelism is "fishing for men" for the kingdom of heaven. The Lord said the banquet is ready, go out to the highways and at every crossroads, major markets and shopping Malls and bring men to fill the banquet.
What is Soul-winning?
Soul winning is everything we do to explain the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to people who did not know Him, teaching them the word and the ways of God for their salvation in Christ. When we win a soul, our duty continues on that soul till he/she is brought into the church and established in the faith. Soul winning includes every good deed done to unbelievers and everyone that do not know the Lord, with a heart of love, not expecting anything in return.
...And Witnessing:
Witnessing Christ is one of the sweetest aspect of soul winning. It is representing Christ to people and doing those good deed He did while He was on earth. He told the apostles to wait behind in Jerusalem and receive the promise of the Father, which He told them about- Acts 1:4
And you shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Witnessing Christ is with power, it is not just teaching and preaching the word of God, it is teaching and preaching the word with power.
This is what happens when we pray for a sick brother and he receives his healing. We witness Christ to a Spinster and assure her that God is a mercy to grant her the most important prayer request....and she say, that I may get married. And the witnessing team presents the lady's request before the Lord in faith and gives thanks for the marriage, and after a few months, the sister gets married.
This is what happens when we receive word of wisdom and knowledge for the people we are meeting for the first time and the Lord confirms the word of prophesy we gave them, and they are grateful to God for locating them and remembering them.
Brethren, witnessing Christ, brings the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alive to people and build their faith in the Living God. It gives hope to the youth of today who thinks there is no God or God is not near His people - for if this generation will believe in living Christ, they will have to see signs and wonders John 4:48
It has been said that 95% of all Christians never lead a soul to Jesus. May that never be said of you.
It is also true that 95% of sinners and unbelievers do not go to church, the church and everything we do in the house of God do not interest them. They may never attend either Church or Crusade meetings, so we have a duty to go for them where they are - on the streets. All that Jesus is asking for is your availability to witness and faith that Christ will touch these people by the Spirit of God and convict them unto repentance.
What are the hindrances to Evangelism and Soul Winning Today:
I believe the hinderances to witnessing Christ among Christians can be categorized into spiritual and physical challenges:
Spiritual:
1. Many are not sure of their salvation
2. The demand for righteousness and holiness
3. Lack of Word of God
4. Many believers are facing spiritual problems
Physical
1. Lack of Trust
2. Fear of being mocked and
3. Fear of persecution
4. Work and business schedule
5. Shyness - Not knowing what to say
Before looking at the problems obstructing witnessing or hindering believers from soul winning, it is important to say that all the problems can be satisfactorily addressed so that the man/woman with a passion for the soul can shine like a star in the firmament. The Lord has taken some of us from those backgrounds to where we are standing by His grace alone, so we are not left without hope.
Secondly, the harvest is truly great, as we seem to have many people well educated, but lacking in the knowledge of God and unsaved. Great harvest indeed, but the labourers are few and so I am praying that God will touch you and send you forth into the harvest today!
Why are Believers not winning souls?
Some of the reasons why believers are not evangelizing and winning souls include:
They are Not Sure of their Salvation:
The spiritual reasons why many are shy to witness Christ is because many of the Christians or believers today are not sure of their salvation. In a situation where the born again sister or brother still keeps his female lover(s) after repentance, such a brother going out to witness is only deceiving himself. A businessman brother who continues to deceive and cheat his customers and business partners can hardly have the courage to witness Christ
Also, a sister though born again, who gossip, lies and quarrel a lot with her neighbors and friends can hardly go for evangelism. She may be truly born again, but she has to deal with those attitude problems.
Work Excuses:
I am busy in the office and after office hours I am tied, infact too tied to do anything. Let us make out time to do God's work - for it is He that gave us the work and business we are doing.
Lack of Readiness:
Brother, I am not well prepared, I don't know the bible enough and “I’m afraid to talk.” “I don’t know the Bible well enough.” “I’m afraid I’ll offend someone.” “I tried it once and I’m not good at it.” “It’s too personal to discuss.”. I am not gifted in preaching the word of God, so we just gather to pray for the salvation of souls. Let’s not give excuses. Let’s obey the Lord.
Fear
Fear is a big reason Christians do not win souls. Most Christians fear what to do and how to do it in soul winning. Jeremiah had fear. God destroyed his excuse with Jeremiah 1:8, which says: “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.” Also in:
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Psalms 81:10, “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.”
Do not fear being rejected by people. Jesus was despised and rejected of men. We are not out to be popular but to spread the gospel! Some fear they will say the wrong words. The smoothness of your presentation will come with practice. Besides, if the person is on their way to hell, you can do no damage if you are sincerely trying to get them saved. Where love is felt, the message will be heard.
Shyness: - This is overcome by experience. A new man on the job may feel awkward for a while until his skills are sharpened and he feels comfortable. The same goes with soul winning. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will be.
Lack of Deep Bible Knowledge
No one knows the Bible as well as they should. Do not be intimidated if someone asks you the age-old questions about “who made God?” and “where did Cain get a wife?” and other foolishness. Politely tell them that whatever is not written in the bible is not important information and so if the bible did not tell us where Cain's wife came from, then it's not important for us to know.
FIRE...
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