Evangelism is a Lifestyle

REALITY IS that when you go out and preach the gospel in Spirit and Truth, the world will hate you (Matthew 10:22), persecute you (2 Timothy 3:2) and not understand you (1 Corinthians 2:14). But God says GO into all the nations and preach the gospel. Preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near (Ephesians 2:17) and let everyone know of the saving grace of Jesus and the Father’s love.

REALITY IS that there are billions of people in the world who do not know Jesus - the ONLY way to eternal life. The Father longs for every single person to know His love (2 Peter 3:9).

WARNING: I am now going to give you information that will hold you accountable for the evangelization of the world.

When you became a Christian, the Holy Spirit started living inside of you. He has COMMANDED you to go preach the gospel to all creation. It is not just for some, not just for the called, not for the “evangelists”, not only for radicals and not only for your missionary friend. This command is for YOU.

Although you may be a bit overwhelmed with all of this, evangelizing really isn’t as scary as it seems. During an evangelism night with one of our Discipleship Training Schools, the Lord told me to go up to a woman I didn’t know and give her a hug. I fought God at first and asked Him to change His mind. Despite my misgivings, the Spirit told me to go and go now.

I went up to the woman, and -- stumbling through my Spanish -- told her that I believe God speaks to me. I told her that God had asked me to give her a hug to show that He loves her. The woman instantly burst into tears, and her friends sitting next to her wept as well. One of her friends told me that all night she had been asking for a sign from God. They all stood in amazement and agreed that God is big and God is good. We prayed and cried together. All I did for that woman was give her a hug. I simply demonstrated the love of God, and that was enough.

As you go out, expect the impossible. God is a God of miracles. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Expect that God will give you an encouraging word for your cashier at the grocery store. Be aware that while you are walking your dog, you may run into someone who needs to know the love of God. Be prepared to share a Bible verse with a friend at school.  Know that the Lord wants every single person on this planet to know His love and encounter His grace. And He wants to use you to share His love!

Evangelism is a lifestyle. I pray for boldness inside of you and signs and wonders to follow you as you go about your day.

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”    Acts 4