Evangelism
Posted by Stan Williams on July 22, 2003
Our Mini-Campaign was a great success. We continue to look for additional contacts. We are so thankful for all who participated and prayed for the success of our efforts. Thus far, six calls have been received on our Bible Learning Center line and one study has begun.
Brother Ron Bamburg was a blessing to all. Truly, Ronnie is one of the most dedicated and effective evangelists I have known.
I am happy to share with you an article of evangelism taken from one of Ronnie's books, "Running on Eagle's Wings". I hope all will be challenged and encouraged by it:
- After we have been saved, one of our most important purposes in life is to tell others about the One who shed blood on a cross for their sins. We do this out of our love for God and others, whether we are outgoing or bashful, whether we are a carpenter or a preacher. We memorize, color or mark key verses in our Bibles so that we can share the good news of Jesus with others. We write letters to relatives with Bible verses at the bottom of the letters. We give our lives to the cause of evangelism in the church. Whether we are supported financially to do it, or whether we work twelve hours per day in a factory, God will help us to do it: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phillipians 4:13). We must do it. If we love God and believe that others will go to hell without the blood of Jesus, can we possibly keep quiet?
ABC's of Evangelism
A. Always live for Jesus -- Jesus said, "Let your light shine": "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV).
B. Be Responsive -- Paul taught all Christians in Colossae to talk about God: "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV)
C. Call Sin, "Sin" -- God taught Ezekiel to warn the lost about their sin whether they listened or not: "You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house..." (Ezekiel 2:7-8, NIV)
D. Don't be Silent -- Paul was innocent of man's blood. He talked about Christ: "Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. " (Acts 20:26-27, NIV)
E. Evangelize, Evangelize, Evangelize! -- Jesus told even new followers to go and tell others about God: "'Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.' So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed." (Mark 5:19-20, NIV)
In order for us to win souls for Jesus, we must keep our eyes on the cross and off ourselves. It is not our talent that saves souls, but rather, the good news about Jesus. When we share that good news with others, we are evangelizing for Christ.
Are there some people on your heart today that you really want to be saved? Write their names down and talk to God about them. Under their names, write down some ways in which you might be able to win them to Jesus.