I’ve been thinking in recent days about modern evangelism and how we, at least in my estimation have erred in the contemporary church. The following are five reminders (I’m sure there are many more) that will
help us be more biblical in sharing the gospel.
1. Trust the power of the gospel, not your ability.
This should really be a no-brainer, but unfortunately it tends to be the norm for many within the local church; more times than not we strive to practice sharing the gospel in our own power and ability. It is vital that we go forth relying on God, resting in his strength, and allowing His Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We are totally dependent on God for all that we do, including evangelism, so “Cease striving and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10)
This should really be a no-brainer, but unfortunately it tends to be the norm for many within the local church; more times than not we strive to practice sharing the gospel in our own power and ability. It is vital that we go forth relying on God, resting in his strength, and allowing His Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We are totally dependent on God for all that we do, including evangelism, so “Cease striving and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10)
2. Evangelism is about God’s glory, not yours.
Again, this should be a no-brainer… Far too often I have heard individuals and even churches as a whole boasting about the great number of converts they have won and baptisms they have performed, all while seemingly assuming it was accomplished by their own strength, techniques, and overall charm. If this was true, and it’s not, then the glory would rest upon those who share, not God. Never, never, never seek to steal God’s glory! “I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” (Isaiah 42:8)
3. Evangelism is more than simply inviting someone to church.
It’s been my experience throughout my approximately forty five years of church experience that many, maybe even the majority of church members think that evangelism equates to inviting people to their church. At that point it’s up to the preacher to work his magic from the pulpit and convince the person to be saved! Regrettably this mindset has alarming consequences in the local church setting. It can ultimately result in a Pope like mentality where the pastor/preacher is the only one that can reach God and share the gospel. It also relegates preaching to evangelism alone, in turn causing the church to be biblically ignorant and vulnerable to “every wind of doctrine…” Also, it causes people to miss out on one of the greatest personal privileges, pointing someone to Jesus!
4. Evangelism should be driven by joy, not guilt.
Sharing the amazing gospel should be one of the greatest joys we have as Christians; yet too often it is “performed” out of guilt. How many times have we been brow beaten with statistic after statistic about how few people share their faith, and then sent out to “share the love of Jesus”? Sharing the gospel should be joyful, not a chore! Yes, there is a sense of duty involved, but that duty should be fueled by joy. Think of it this way, you have the greatest news of hope that the world is in desperate need to hear, and you have the privilege of sharing that good news with them!
5. Evangelism should be practiced with respect to others.
The best way to share the gospel is after you have earned the respect of the one you want to share it with. Those with who we witness to should not feel like they have been at a used car lot after we have talked with them, rather they should feel as if they have been talking with a friend who truly loves them. If we love people with the love that Christ loves us we will treat people like the priceless souls they are and not like a number. Be a good friend, co-worker, neighbor, etc., and earn the right to tell them about Jesus. More times than not, when we are a true friend, they will ask us about the hope that is within us!
“Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!”
(Psalm 96:3, ESV)
(Psalm 96:3, ESV)
Treasuring Christ 