“Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.” Habakkuk 2:2 (NLT)
Use Your Voice - Make the Message Clear - Trust the Holy Spirit!
Most people can’t wait to share news. They want to be “in the know” and they take great pleasure in passing the “dish”; but the news they desire to share is almost always Bad. How different would life be if we refused to share gossip and instead spent our time sharing the good news of salvation?
Somehow in this fallen world we live in we have been convinced we cannot evangelize. I’ve even heard some add the phrase, “evangelistically speaking” to their conversation when they are clearly exaggerating, stretching the truth, or outright lying. The truth of salvation cannot be improved. The hope that is available in Christ cannot be exaggerated! The love of God and His life changing power is no joke and it is not a lie. God offers us a choice between sin and salvation. If we’ve experienced the faith, hope and love God offers, we should be active in evangelism.
Evangelism - Sharing the good news of salvation
Sharing the experiences we have had is not a job that can be “left to the professionals”. Telling our stories can only be effectively done by us. God has moved heaven and earth in our lives. He has answered our prayers. He has been our help in times of trouble. No one but us can do those stories justice.
Accessing the power of the Holy Spirit to offer salvation
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of the Apostles 1:8 (NLT)
Effectively telling our stories is a matter of timing. Waiting on the direction of the Holy Spirit is a critical aspect of evangelism. Being in the right place at the right time is equally important, but the most powerful element in the process of evangelism is willingness. We must individually choose to go, to share, and to invest in others.
Going everywhere with the news of Redemption & Restoration
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
We’ve made some assumptions over the years about the word “go” in the great commission. We have thought it meant those who are active in evangelism must travel the world, seek out new cultures and bring them into the Christian faith. But, that is not the only way to be an evangelist. We can simply live our lives where we are, go about our daily routines shining the light of Christ into the places and people who surround us.
Reaching the World for Jesus Christ
“And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16 (NLT)
Going into the world, is an invitation to live our lives in full view of others. God wants the world to see what He does to care for His children. We are special. We are blessed, and we have the power to influence the direction society takes. All the powers of hell are attempting to force us into isolation, but the Holy Spirit is calling us out into the world. The blessings we have experienced, God desires others to experience.
Evangelism is a battleground of spiritual warfare, but God has promised His presence, His power, and His blessing. Our stories can and will produce disciples! Don’t be afraid to tell your story. Write it down and run with it. Be an evangelist.
