Thursday, 11/14/19 – Discipleship – Evangelism

You, the Evangelist…

Two paths lay before every soul and Jesus described them clearly:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matt. 7:13-14).

“…Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.’” (John 10:7-9).

In the classic novel by John Bunyon, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian stands before this gate, seeking entrance…

…At last there came a grave person to the gate, named Goodwill, who asked who was there, and whence he came, and what he would have.

Christian: Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the city of Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come; I would therefore, sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in.

Goodwill: I am willing with all my heart, said he; and with that he opened the gate.

…So when he was got in, the man of the Gate asked him who directed him thither.

Christian: Evangelist bid me come hither and knock, as I did: and he said, that you, sir, would tell me what I must do.

Goodwill: An open door is set before thee, and no man can shut it.

Christian: Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards.

“Evangelist bid me come hither,” replies Christian. The term “Evangel” originates from two Greek words: eu (well) and angelein (announce). Essentially it means ‘bringing good news.’ An “Evangelist” is a person who does this, the one who brings the good news. Without this herald, none can be saved.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” writes Paul (Rom. 10:13). But how can anyone know this if there is no one to tell them? He continues…

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Rom. 10:14-15).

“We are Christ’s ambassadors,” Paul writes elsewhere. “God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” (2 Cor. 5:20 – NLT). “By the Holy Spirit we take God into Creation,” challenged Pat Emerick, one of our recent Revival Conference speakers. And Jesus’ commission to every believer is very clear: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19).

Every believer is called by God to do this — and every believer can! If you know how to gossip, you know how to evangel. It’s simply a matter of content!

Another conference presenter, Manuel Brayley, showed us a tiny seed, and then a fully grown apple. He reminded us that we are all landscape-changing ‘Johnny Appleseeds.’ We sow the seeds of the gospel and our efforts are not wasted — God, through Isaiah, has guaranteed it:

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isa. 55:10-11).

Be an evangel in the setting and situation in which God has placed you. You are His agent there. Your story is precisely the one needed among those very people around you. You are not in your place by accident, but by appointment. Rely on His Spirit. Walk through all doors He opens to you. Be obedient moment by moment; open your mouth when He tells you and trust that He indeed will fill it with the life-giving words that are needed.

“Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” (Ps. 126:6).

Nothing of your testimony is ever wasted!

Press on…

Are you interested in being discipled one-on-one in the fundamentals of new life in Christ? Or, perhaps you would you like to know how to begin this journey and take the very first of the First Steps by turning from your current path and committing your path to Christ? — Use the Contact page and we’ll get you started.