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XI. Evangelism and Missions
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It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
Evangelism - The Perfect Love
Evangelism is all about love. The perfect love -- the love that God's been showing us throughout time. There has never been a moment when His love hasn't been present, and there never will be.
I don't know about you, but God's love makes me want to shout! From the moment I wake up, I'm amazed by the love that surrounds me and the continued invitation that God extends to all humanity -- that He will come in, eat with us, and us with Him (Revelation 3:20). This invitation hasn't changed and is available to everyone. It's a reflection of God's perfect love, and it's because of His love that I can love others.
Evangelism - More Than a Commandment
Evangelism - sharing the Word of God with others -- isn't an exclusive job of the "Evangelists." As part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), evangelism is a calling on all Christians. However, it's more than a commandment. Evangelism is an honor, a joy, and a pleasure! It is also important to show God's love; our actions shout louder than our voices. We are living examples of the grace of God, and our attitude towards others should impact their lives.
Sometimes it seems that we enjoy talking more about an awesome movie than God's awesome love. It seems that we prefer to have a conversation about a good drink, and not about His living water (John 7:38). Why do we spend more time talking about our economic resources than the source of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9)?
How can we remain silent about God's perfect love? Jesus affirmed that we are the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). It's because of us that others can come to experience the enduring love of God. It's you and me who can reach out and touch the lives of our neighbors, families and friends.
We can't change the hearts of people, but God promises to do that (Ezekiel 36:26). That's the actual miracle that doesn't belong to us. However, we can do what's in our hands and hearts, by sharing God's perfect love with others and letting that love be expressed in our behavior.
Evangelism - A God-given Privilege
Evangelism isn't a commandment-driven exercise for me - it's a God-given privilege from the heart! The reason I want everybody to feel the love of God is because I experience it. Because I know His love, I want everybody to know it. It's all for love! The same love that Jesus expressed for us on the Cross is the same love that flows through you and me. If we love our neighbors like ourselves (Mark 12:33), we should want them to have a relationship with the Ultimate Source of Love.
Look around you. People are hurting. The world is searching for earthly answers and earthly pleasures to fill the void that only God can fill completely. They're looking for all kinds of truths, where the truth is only One (John 3:16). Who's going to tell them about the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15)?
Evangelism - Remember Those Who Invited You to God's Banquet!
Remember, evangelism is the direct spark that saved you and me! In my case, I'm thankful to God and to that special person that loved me enough to share God's love with me. If it wasn't for that person, I would still be hungry. That person invited me to the banquet God prepared in advance for me. Who's going to invite your coworker, roommate, or family member to the banquet that we both experience today? We can all share the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16)! We can all share His love that endures forever (Psalm 118:1)!
Let's go out and share this peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Let our motive not be a commandment, but all for love!
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