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Is evangelism just an optional vocation?
James encourages us to 'be doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving yourselves' (James 1V22) and it is also true that your lifestyle must reflect your words to be an effective witness. Furthermore our actions are part of our evangelistic efforts. However it shouldn't stop there!
I have heard it taught that we can help convince others by the way that we live our lives. I wouldn't by any means attempt to refute that and I am obviously in favour of the same. However we need to bring some balance here and it is also vital that we tell others as Peter reminded us 'always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.' (1 Peter 3v15). On a practical note Paul said 'And how shall they believe in Him who they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10v14)
If we are just simply nice to others but don't tell them of our faith in God how will they know? I know plenty of nice people, people nicer than I am, but I haven't endeavoured to ask them why they are so nice, because I just simply like them because they are nice. If we don't tell others a reason for the hope within us and they have never heard the gospel, then they are no better of for knowing us and our efforts will be in vain. If you know you'll never see a certain person again, then what have you or I to lose by telling them the reason for the hope within us and the best thing that we know?
To prove the importance of telling others, I shall quote some scriptures, but it should be remembered that there are different ways or styles of evangelism.
Most people in church were previously non-Christians, they were invited by their friends. Often non-Christians don't go to church, because they are waiting for an invite. The believer doesn't ask the non-believer because they think they are not interested! We are all capable of asking/inviting our friends to church! While I write this if I am painfully honest, it's been a while since I asked any of my close friends if they wanted to attend a service! Also if we are not good at speaking or putting a message across, why not make your own tract and give someone a Bible with a tract containing a testimony? Why not keep Bibles/tracts on you, in your bag or in your car to be able to do that? Again if we are brutally honest with ourselves most of us are capable of that too! A written tract doesn't have to be a dissertation of your doctrinal beliefs, but the Gospel and your testimony is a great place to start, or we can simply offer to pray for someone!
For the bolder amongst us, knocking on peoples doors and open air preaching is a tremendous way of reaching people that wouldn't hear otherwise. Wesley and Whitfield lead hundreds of people to know Jesus through preaching in public places, because they took the church to the people. Oh but that wouldn't work today. Really? Have you ever tried it? Aren't we praying to the same God that Wesley and Whitfield worshipped? Is God limited by our methods? I find it helpful to remember that we don't have to be successful in our efforts, but we must be obedient to Him and tell others!
How does scripture affirm us to tell others about the hope within us?
'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,' (Matt28v19)
'And He said to them "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."' (Mark 16v15)
'Then He said to them, "Thus it is written and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."' (Luke 24v46-47)
In Acts 21v8 we read that Philip was an evangelist and 2 Tim 4v5 says 'But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.'
Finally I am not advocating forced evangelism and by that I refer to unhelpful methods that ram a message down someones throat, not allowing hearing, and not taking time to listen to the other person - If you force someone into a corner they'll probably fight, although people do need to be convicted rather than having their ears tickled!
Having said that, why not pray that God will bring people across your path this week, people you can share the gospel with and if your faith in Him gives you the assurance you need, then why not joyfully declare the good news with boldness and for His glory! Amen |
