Jesus issued a clear directive to all believers that outlined our mission when He declared,
“I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, [a] baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.
Despite this unmistakable call, only a minority of Christians engage in personal evangelism. Among the primary reasons for this disobedience is fear, which is a formidable obstacle that plagues around 75% of Americans. Yes, you heard me right, fear of conversing with strangers or addressing crowds affects three out of four Americans. This fear of public speaking has tragically caused Christians to allow countless individuals to pass away without encountering Christ. This fact alone should compel Christians to confront and conquer this fear.
This article aims to equip Christians with the means to overcome this fear. Overcoming fear requires knowledge. Fear of the unknown is real. In personal evangelism, possessing specific insights about evangelism eliminates the unknown and enables Christians to become fearless advocates for Christ. Let’s delve into these insights.
First, Christians must know Jesus by cultivating a deep relationship with Him. Effectively conveying the message requires a personal knowledge of Him. Your relationship with Jesus is pivotal since personal evangelism centers on Him. You’re introducing others to the transformative power of Jesus, inviting them into a personal relationship with Him and a place within His Kingdom. Presenting an authentic glimpse of Jesus by highlighting from personal knowledge His incredible qualities and the positive impact He can have on their lives, significantly bolsters personal evangelism
Second, know the Holy Spirit because as He equipped the early church, He stands ready to empower us in personal evangelism. He endows us with the capabilities required for this task, guiding our words and timing. A reliance on the Holy Spirit should permeate every facet of personal evangelism.
Third, know the Great Commission. Jesus’ clear words in Matthew 28:18-20 encapsulate this mission. While already introduced, its importance cannot be overstated. The instruction mandates us to go into the world, disciple the unsaved, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and instruct them in God’s Word. Jesus’ intent couldn’t be more explicit.
Fourthly, know the Scriptures scriptures about salvation. One needn’t be a biblical scholar; a basic understanding of salvation is essential. This includes possessing a fundamental knowledge of concepts such as the meaning of salvation, who needs to be saved, why, and other core aspects. Armed with this foundational knowledge, you can confidently guide people towards Christ.
Fifthly, know the dire consequences of people dying without Christ. Knowing and understanding the perils awaiting the unsaved after death fuels personal evangelism. Knowing the horrific prospects of hell should stir compassion for the lost and motivate urgency in personal evangelism. Scripture even portrays personal evangelism as a rescue mission, snatching souls from eternal damnation.
Last, know that flawless perfection is not a prerequisite for evangelism. While striving for a Christ-like life is important, it’s not necessary to win souls. Our imperfections should not deter us from sharing the message. The stakes, both for the unsaved and ourselves, are too high. The Bible emphasizes that we are accountable for not fulfilling our evangelistic responsibilities.
In conclusion, personal evangelism carries abundant rewards for both the unsaved and the Body of Christ. Jesus pledged rewards for these efforts, as echoed by Paul’s words, “Stand firm, dear brothers and sisters. Be steadfast and unwavering in your dedication to the Lord’s work, for your labor in His service is never in vain.” With this assurance, let us endeavor to know the things above we can press forward boldly in personal evangelism! Stated colloquially, let’s leave the pews and go share the Good News!
