SpiriseBible
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
Jesus' final earthly words weren't suggestions but commands—marching orders for every believer until He returns. The Great Commission isn't the Great Suggestion, reserved for missionaries and evangelists. It's the mission that should drive every Christian's life. Yet many believers have never led anyone to Christ, treating evangelism as optional. Understanding our mission rekindles passion for the lost and mobilizes us for eternal impact.
The Heart of God for the Lost
Evangelism flows from God's heart:
God desires all to be saved: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
Christ came for this purpose: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). His entire mission was evangelistic.
Heaven celebrates each conversion: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:7). Every soul matters infinitely.
The fields are ready: "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35).
Understanding the Gospel Message
Before sharing, we must clearly understand the gospel:
The problem: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Everyone needs salvation.
The penalty: "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Sin separates us from God eternally.
The provision: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
The promise: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).
The response: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9).
Why Every Believer Must Evangelize
This isn't optional ministry but essential obedience:
It's commanded: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Jesus expects every disciple to make disciples.
We're ambassadors: "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
People are perishing: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?" (Romans 10:14).
We've been entrusted: "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak" (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
Love compels us: "For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Corinthians 5:14). How can we claim to love people while withholding eternal life?
Overcoming Evangelism Obstacles
Common barriers and biblical solutions:
Fear of rejection: "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe" (Proverbs 29:25). Remember, they're rejecting Christ, not you.
Feeling inadequate: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Corinthians 2:4). God uses weakness.
Not knowing enough: Share what you do know. The blind man said, "One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25).
Past failures: "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days" (Ecclesiastes 11:1). Keep sowing; harvest will come.
Busy lifestyle: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time" (Colossians 4:5). Make evangelism part of daily life.
Effective Evangelism Methods
Different approaches reach different people:
Lifestyle evangelism: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Live attractively for Christ.
Relational evangelism: Build genuine friendships that create trust for spiritual conversations. Andrew "first findeth his own brother Simon" (John 1:41).
Testimonial evangelism: Share your story. "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul" (Psalm 66:16).
Servant evangelism: Meet practical needs to demonstrate God's love. "By love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).
Invitational evangelism: Bring people to church or events. Philip said, "Come and see" (John 1:46).
Digital evangelism: Use technology and apps like SpiriseBible to share Scripture and testimonies online.
The Power of Personal Evangelism
Most people come to Christ through personal witness:
- You have unique relationships others don't
- Your testimony connects with specific people
- Personal concern shows authentic love
- One-on-one allows for questions
- Follow-up discipleship happens naturally
"He that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). No investment yields higher returns than leading someone to Christ.
Practical Evangelism Tips
- Pray consistently: Keep a list of unsaved friends and pray daily
- Build bridges: Find common ground for natural conversations
- Listen actively: Understand their spiritual background and questions
- Share appropriately: Match your approach to their readiness
- Use tools: Carry tracts, use apps, share helpful resources
- Follow up: Salvation is birth, not maturity—help new believers grow
- Team up: Partner with other believers for encouragement
The Urgency of Now
Time is limited for evangelism:
Life is uncertain: "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour" (James 4:14).
Opportunities pass: "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4).
Christ returns soon: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed" (Romans 13:11).
Hell is real: "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments" (Luke 16:23). Eternity hangs in the balance.
The Joy of Soul Winning
Nothing compares to leading someone to Christ:
- Participating in eternal transformation
- Seeing God work through you
- Experiencing heaven's joy on earth
- Building eternal friendships
- Storing up heavenly rewards
- Fulfilling your highest purpose
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5-6).
Starting Today
Don't wait for perfect conditions: "He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Start where you are with what you have.
Reflection Questions
- When did you last share the gospel with someone? What holds you back from evangelizing more?
- Who are three people in your life who need Christ? How can you begin reaching them?
- What evangelism method best fits your personality and gifts? How will you develop it?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You came to seek and save the lost, and You've commissioned me to continue this mission. Forgive me for treating evangelism as optional rather than essential. Break my heart for the lost people around me. Give me boldness to overcome fear, wisdom to share effectively, and love that compels me to speak. Open doors for gospel conversations this week. Help me see people as You do—precious souls for whom You died. Use me to lead someone to You. May I never be ashamed of the gospel that saved me. Make me a faithful witness until You return. In Your name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Take three concrete evangelistic steps today: 1) Write down the names of five unsaved people in your life and commit to praying for them daily this month. 2) Choose one person from your list and plan a specific way to show God's love to them this week—perhaps through service, a meal together, or a thoughtful gift. 3) Prepare your personal testimony in 3 minutes or less, focusing on life before Christ, how you met Him, and the difference He's made. Practice sharing it so you're ready when God opens doors.
