Evangelism

Elder Kevin Littlewood

The purpose of evangelism is to pronounce the eternal truths of the gospel that Jesus Christ was crucified for the sins of all those who would ever turn and trust in Him for their forgiveness by faith alone and grace alone. Evangelism is the message that there is one God in three persons and that he has created the world and all that is in it and we are His creation, and all things exist for His glory and honour.
The Scriptures teach that we are sinful and in a state of separation and open rebellion against our Creator and as such are the objects of His wrath. Humans left in their sinful state and unrepentant in their hearts will upon death be separated from this holy and just God, justly condemned for their sinful lives; this is the “Bad News.”
But, there is “Good News!” God will forgive the sinner through faith in the meritorious works of Jesus Christ and as they turn from sin in repentance. God applies the righteousness of Christ and no longer sees our sin but the perfection and holiness of Christ giving eternal life, the gift of grace, all this through Christ to His glory.
Now, how to share this with others? First, do you have the desire to share the gospel, and if you do, that desire is from the Holy Spirit and is one of the many evidences that you are saved. You want to see people come to a saving knowledge of faith in Jesus and you pursue God in prayer on the behalf of others. Of course, now you have to know how to share the “Good News” in a way that is clear and precise in approximately 90 to 120 seconds.
The “Good News” has four essential parts.

1. We were created in the image of God to know Him.
2. We have sinned (missed the mark of God’s holiness) against our righteous and holy Creator. His wrath is being revealed from heaven against godlessness and wickedness.
3. Jesus Christ lived the perfect holy life [was without sin], and satisfied the holy justice of God the Father as our sacrifice (substitute) dying in our place for our sin and in His resurrection demonstrated His sacrifice was accepted by the Father!
4. By repentance (turning from our sin) and through faith alone in Christ, God now forgives us through Jesus’ merit and no longer sees our sin but the righteousness of Christ and applies it to us.

The message must be simple and clear and we realize only through the power of the Holy Spirit can a person come to a saving knowledge of faith in Jesus. Always begin with prayer and ask God for opportunities to share the gospel, and be prepared to share the gospel when God answers your prayer. Be creative in how you bring people together and be deliberate in wanting to share the message. You need to be convinced that the message that you have needs to be heard by everyone!
The best evangelistic tool is the testimony and evidence of a changed life; your conduct, language and the choices you make around others shows that you no longer think like the world. If you are unsure you are saved, pray unceasingly that God will give you the assurance you are and read the scriptures daily. Be prepared by knowing God’s Word and in knowing His Word you can know His will.
Jesus taught us “to have faith in God...believe and not doubt...that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” “Seek first His kingdom and righteousness not the things of the world” and that “only through the Spirit can we say that Jesus is Lord.”
By filling our minds with the things of God, our thoughts and attitudes will change and we will long more and more for the things of God and want to put to death the things of the sinful nature. By constant re-examination, our focus will be on serving others and our Lord.
Evangelism arises as we: live to serve others, live to please God.