Winning Souls or Evangelism

 

Winning Souls or Evangelism

 

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who sins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

 

Solomon is clear that living a righteous life and winning souls are connected or this would be two proverbs not one. We are all called to evangelize those who do not know about or believe in JESUS. Before John the Baptist started his ministry of evangelizing the Jewish people with the announcement that The Kingdom of GOD was at hand and baptizing people to show their heart of repentance, It was the Nation of Israel that was supposed to be the witness of GOD, His justice and Mercy to the nations.

 

JESUS, after His baptism by John started proclaiming the Kingdom of GOD was at hand to the Jewish people; after His first Passover Celebration after His baptism He started revealing Himself as The Messiah that the Hebrews had been waiting for. During His ministry to Israel He sent out His twelve closest disciples in pairs (Luke 9:1-6) and then He sent out seventy disciples in pairs (Luke 10:1-11, 17-20) to proclaim that the Kingdom of GOD was at hand. After His death on the cross and His resurrection He commanded all Christians to share the Gospel with those who did not know GOD or His salvation plan (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:44-49; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:4-8)

 

The first and slowest form of evangelism is what I call static evangelism or lifestyle evangelism. That is just living your life by telling family, friends, co-workers and neighbors your testimony; how or why you became a Christian and then living your life according to the commands of JESUS: stop sinning, love your neighbor, love your enemies, and love all other Christians. To me that is the simplest form of evangelism and it is mostly effective with those who know you or who see you regularly; especially those who knew you before you became a Christian.

 

The more active forms of evangelism are face to face and group evangelism. Face to face is when you alone or with one or two others knock on people’s door, stand is a public place and talk to people who will stop to listen, or just proclaim GOD’s love and salvation to all who are passing by. Group evangelism is when you alone or with others assemble a group of people to proclaim the Gospel too. It might be by personal invitation or public invitation, it might be an open meeting to all who will come or it might be for those specifically invited. It should be free, do not charge people to hear the Gospel! Another more passive public form of evangelism is to pass out tracts or New Testaments to people in public places. Always be respectful of those who refuse to listen or except what you are offering, be especially respectful of businesses and their employees. Offending people is not a good witness of the Gospel.

 

Everyone should try the active forms of evangelism, not everyone will enjoy them but GOD calls us to obey and our enjoyment should come from our obedience. We do not know what we are called to do or what we will be good at until we have tried. GOD by His SPIRIT and His Word will teach us and show us when, where, how and to whom. But! Don’t let, “I’m waiting on The SPIRIT to lead me.” be your excuse for not evangelizing.

 

The greatest forms of evangelism are the ministry gifts, especially Apostles, Evangelists and Missionaries; these are the most active is telling people who do not know GOD or JESUS about salvation and The Kingdom of GOD. These are not positions we choose they are appointed by GOD through His SPIRIT. Some have tried and failed because it was not GOD’s plan or timing that is why we must listen to GOD’s SPIRIT and allow Him to direct us in these ministries. They take time in prayer, GOD’s Word, The Bible and experience in obeying GOD’s SPIRIT in our life choices and style.

 

So seek GOD, study His Word and obey His SPIRIT!

GOD Bless, Bob & Charlene