Why Evangelize?

As believers it seems like one thing that we don’t do in our Christian walk is actively engage people about and with the Gospel. Evangelism. Why is that? Are we afraid to say the wrong things? Do we try to be politically correct? Do we have an apathetic outlook? Do we have the mindset or, just let the church staff do that? Here’s some thoughts on why we as followers of Jesus should actively evangelize.

1. We are commanded to.

Matthew 28 says,

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 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 inthe 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 ‭28:16-20‬ ‭

I don’t know about you but the word, go, is not a noun. It’s an action verb and it also is a command not an option. Jesus says to “go and make disciples” and that would require us to share our faith and proclaim the Gospel. The Gospel is the core element to our faith. Sharing the gospel should be in our DNA as surrendered disciples of Jesus. It’s time to go. Side note: this isn’t a set of verses more international mission trips. It’s a command. Maybe if people did this we would see a thing called revival take place. So be it or amen.

1. Souls are at stake.

The battle for the soul is absolutely real. On one side we have an enemy that wants to kill, steal and destroy. The other offers life and life to the full.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭

This is a vicious battle that’s taking place and while I believe that it’s the individuals choice, followers of Jesus should be burdened by the souls of men, women, boys and girls. Because of this burden I believe that we should be compelled to share the Gospel with anyone and everyone. A friend of mine named Hayden is a senior adult in Oklahoma. This man though has a burden for souls. A major interstate runs right by his small town. There is a gas station that many days he will go and share Jesus with those that are passing through. Interstate 40 goes from one coast to the other. So many people just passing through. Hayden shares the Gospel and is a light in this part of the world for Jesus. I’m sure people reject or say no to the news of the Gospel but that doesn’t stop my friend from sharing Truth.

1. Let the Bible speak for itself.

I’m a quote person. This is one of the most powerful ones that I’ve came across:

“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.”

• Charles Spurgeon

So many times I think believers are afraid when it comes to evangelism. Afraid of saying the wrong thing. Afraid of people saying no. Afraid of being made fun of. May we never be ashamed of the Gospel. May we never be afraid of what people will think. May we never be comfortable to being quiet with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

The Bible can stand on its own. I want to give you a series of verses that could help you in the area of evangelism. Using your voice, reading the Word and having boldness in Jesus could help others come to faith in Him! Here’s some verses to share with others:

Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
Romans 5:8
Romans 10:9-10
Romans 10:13
John 3:16

Walking through these verses has been something I have personally done and sometimes that person surrenders to Jesus and sometimes they don’t. We can’t control how someone will react to the Gospel. We can control if we share the Gospel. May we be a people that will allow the Word to stand on its own while being a voice for Christ. Again, there are souls at stake and we are instructed to go and make disciples. Evangelism is the first part. It’s related to Discipleship. Maybe that’s what we will look at next time.

Until then:

Teach the Gospel.
Advance the Gospel.
Share the Gospel.
Preach the Gospel.
Be excited about the Gospel.
Believe the Gospel.
Trust the Gospel.
Love the Gospel.
Never be ashamed of the Gospel.
Give the Gospel.
Proclaim the Gospel.
Live the Gospel.
#itsallabouttheGospel

In Him,
-Ryan Young
Collegiate Minister