Evangelism
Lesson Five
What Is Evangelism?
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
FOCUS: Provide a clear picture of what is meant by “evangelism” and explain why we should obey the great commission.
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
Close your eyes. Allow your mind to draw a picture of evangelism or an evangelist in action. What do you see? Do you see a crusade with thousands of people gathered listening to a fiery, anointed evangelist? Do you see someone passing out tracts? Do you picture a believer sharing his testimony with an unbeliever? What about a preacher preparing a radio broadcast? Do you envision a revival meeting in your local church? The picture you imagined explains much about your concept of evangelism.
Evangelism is:
1. Sowing (planting) the seed (Psalms 126:6).
2. Reaping the harvest. Jews historically called their rabbis and students “reapers” and their work of instruction “the harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).
3. Fishing for men (Matthew 4:19).
4. Persuading men (2 Corinthians 5:11).
5. Rescuing men (Jude 22-23).
6. Sharing the good news (Luke 2:10).
7. Winning souls into the kingdom of God (Proverbs 11:30).
8. Fulfilling the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
9. Going (Mark 16:15).
10. Witnessing (Acts 1:8).
11. Answering questions concerning the hope within (1 Peter 3:15).
12. Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
13. Guiding others to salvation (Acts 8:29-30).
14. Salting the earth (Matthew 5:13).
15. Lighting the world (Matthew 5:14).
16. Turning people from darkness to light (Acts 26:18).
17. Bearing precious seed that develops into fruit that will remain (John 15:8, 16).
18. Seeking the lost (Luke 19:10).
Evangelism is like a garden; if it is not planted, it cannot be harvested.
Evangelism is God’s work done through people. It is reaching out to others who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ.
W. E. McCumber in Everybody Into the Field explains that in pagan times the announcement of the emperor’s birthday or his ascension to the throne was called an “evangel.” The church later adopted this terminology in talking about the gospel. He defines evangelism as “everything the church does that aims at the conversion of people.” It is more than just good news. It is God’s news!
Evangelism has been likened to
one beggar telling another beggar where to go to get bread.
The great commission is found in five locations.
Matthew 28:19-20.
Mark 16:15-18.
Luke 24:47-49.
John 20:21-22.
Acts 1:8.
Why obey the great commission?
1. It finishes the job Christ started and allows us to fulfill our purpose (and His) on the earth.
2. It helps us discover our potential and use our talents for the expansion of the kingdom.
3. Evangelism provides new members for the church and members provide the needed finance.
4. Obedience brings the joy to the soul-winner. Leading someone to the truth is the greatest contribution you can ever make to his life.
5. It helps us to establish life-long relationships with others.
6. It builds up church attendance and assures the future of the church.
7. It causes rejoicing in heaven.
8. It reminds us that we too were once sinners.
9. It keeps us on fire for God.
10. It allows us to have a greater passion for the lost and vision to reach them.
Think about it. If you knew you had only five minutes left to live and many people were listening to your last words, what would you say?
With Jesus’ last earthly words He reminded His disciples of what He expected from them. He expected that wherever they went, they would tell others the good news about Him. It was not only a command, but also a promise.
“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere" (Acts 1:8, NLT).
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
1. Provide ten phrases and corresponding scriptural references that give us an idea of what is meant by evangelism. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Give five reasons why we should obey the great commission. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Define evangelism.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evangelism Lesson Four The Lost Harvest “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved” (Jeremiah 8:20). FOCUS : If we do not reap the harvest it will be lost or someone else will reap it. what i have learned Jesus used the example of the harvest to represent the millions of people that need to be reached with the gospel. This example is relevant for all times. The image of the harvest speaks to everyone [BW1] . Even those who live in the city understand the importance of the harvest. The harvest is necessary for our survival. Without it, there is suffering. An elderly, pioneer preacher was sitting beside a young pastor in a church service, when John 4:35 was mentioned. With his huge hand, he slapped the young man on the leg and said in a loud voice, “Young man, do you understand what that scripture means? I’ll tell you. The crop is so ripe that unless someone gets to it immediately, it will spoil.” It is not time to sleep during the...
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