Beth-El Baptist Church

09/05/2010

Greg Tomlinson


What is evangelism?


Some people are identified as being gifted at evangelism. Some people believe that evangelism is solely the work of the professional evangelist or the pastor of a church. Some people claim it does not need to be done at all since God has it all under control. Some people claim that the salvation entirely rests on their shoulders and therefore see a personal salvation need for evangelism.


  1. What does it mean to evangelize?

Acts 21:8 Ephesians 4:10-14

2 Timothy 4:1-5 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

John 16:8-11; 12:47-48


The word 'evangelist' (euvaggelistaj,) appears 3 times in the King James version of the Bible. It is listed as one of the office type gifts of Ephesians along with apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers. Part of the root of the word that is translated “gospel” (euvagge,lion). An evangelist is someone who brings forth good news. He is someone who brings the good news of Jesus Christ.


  1. Who should evangelize?

Ephesians 4:10-14; 6:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Matthew 28:18-20 John 20:21

Luke 9:49-50


In a very specific and straightforward fashion, the work of evangelism was originally given directly to the Apostles as those who have been sent by Jesus. Paul extends this to not only those who are specifically gifted in evangelism but to all believers. There are no believers exempt from sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. It is part of what being saved is all about. That is part of what the metaphor of the well outfitted soldier with the helmet, belt, breastplate, shield and the shoes. Being and doing the work of an evangelist is what Christ saved us to be and to do. The work of evangelism is also called “the ministry of reconciliation” by Paul.


  1. Why should we evangelize?

Matthew 28:18-20 Ezekiel 33:7-9

Jeremiah 31:33-34 John 3:36

Romans 10:13-15


First and foremost, the reason to evangelize is because Jesus says to. Those who do not believe will have to face the eternal wrath of God who will rightly and justly condemn them for their heinous crimes against the person and character of God. Paul makes it clear that people cannot believe unless they hear the Gospel and they will not hear the Gospel unless someone tells them the Gospel.


  1. What examples of evangelism are there in the Bible?

Jonah:

Jonah 3:4



John the Baptist:

Matthew 3:1-8


Jesus:

Matthew 4:17 Mark 1:14-15

Matthew 19:16-21 Mark 10:17-21

Luke 18:18-22 Luke 16:19-31; 18:10-14

John 16:7-11


The Apostles:

Mark 6:7-13


Peter:

Acts 2:14-41; 3:12-26; 8:12-23; 10:34-43


Paul:

Acts 17:22-32 1 Timothy 1:8-11

Galatians 3:21-27


The scriptures have differing amounts of details related to the evangelistic work of the prophets and Apostles. In every case though, the context makes it clear that whether speaking to Jews or Gentiles, the essence of the message is the same. There is the call to repent. Jonah's message was one of pending destruction yet the people of Nineveh understood that mercy might be shown them if they repent of their sins. This indicates that Jonah taught about man's sin, God's perfect righteousness, and God's eternal and proper judgment to be executed upon sinners. When evangelizing, there is a need to assess the knowledge of the ones you are speaking to. The Jews clearly understood the concept of a single, perfect, Holy, righteous judge of all mankind so Peter did not have to teach the Jews that concept first. With Paul and the Gentiles, there is a need to deal with the reality of a single, perfect, Holy, righteous judge. Using the Law of God, the evangelist opens up the person to an understanding that they stand as a convicted felon before God's Holy and perfect law and thus rightly deserving of death. It is only when the person truly understands their just condemnation before God that they can begin to comprehend the glorious gift of God in Christ by shedding His Holy and perfect blood in the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all who will believe.