Draw Nearer Group – Our Way Forward
The Draw Nearer Group meet on the 10th August at St. Wilfrid’s Church, Barn, where we studied –
EVANGELISM
Definition and Origin
Evangelism comes from the Greek words euaggelion (good news or gospel) and euaggelizo (to announce or proclaim this good news). It involves communicating that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who lived a perfect life, died for humanity’s sins, and rose again, offering eternal life to all who believe. Those who practice evangelism are often called evangelists, and the writers of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are referred to as the evangelists
Purpose
The primary purpose of evangelism is to share the message of salvation and God’s love so that others can enter into a relationship with Him. It is rooted in the biblical mandate, such as Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 28:19-20 to “make disciples of all nations”.
Evangelism is not just about conveying information; it is about persuading and guiding people toward faith, helping them move from spiritual darkness to light
Methods and Practice
Evangelism can take many forms, including personal conversations, preaching, media outreach, missionary work, and even social media engagement. It can be as formal as organized missions or as informal as sharing one’s personal story of faith in everyday life. The key is to communicate the gospel authentically and lovingly, meeting people where they are.
Biblical Basis
The Bible emphasizes evangelism throughout the New Testament. Jesus and His apostles actively shared the gospel, and believers are called to continue this work. Evangelism involves giving a Spirit-empowered, intentional witness to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, and inviting others to repent, believe, and follow Him.
Modern Perspective
Today, evangelism is understood not only as a formal ministry but also as a personal, everyday practice. It can include acts of kindness, sharing encouragement, or using digital platforms to point others to God. The essence of evangelism is love—sharing the transformative message of Jesus because of the believer’s own experience of God’s grace.
Questions
- What do we think constitutes evangelism?
- Have you shared things with others because they have benefitted you?
- Did you worry about sharing this sort of information?
- Do you worry or are you reluctant to share the good news of Christ?
- How do we overcome this?
- is it easier to share the gospel with strangers than people close to you? Why?
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A Selection of Bible Verses for Overcoming Fear of Evangelism
Acts Chap: 1 Ver: 8 – You Will Be My Witnesses
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Romans Chap: 1 Ver: 16 – I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
2 Timothy Chap: 1 Ver: 7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Isaiah Chap: 6 Ver: 8 – Here I Am! Send Me
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
1 Peter Chap: 3:15 – Always Be Ready to Give a Defense
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Mark Chap: 16 Ver:15 – Go Into All the World
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’
2 Corinthians Chap: 5 Ver: 20 – We Are Ambassadors for Christ
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
Romans Chap: 10 Vers’ :14 &15 – How Beautiful Are the Feet
14 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?
15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Matthew Chap 10 Ver:19 & 20 – Do Not Worry About What to Say
“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you”
Luke Chap:12 Vers:11 &12 – The Holy Spirit Will Teach You
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
Ephesians Chap: 6 Ver:19 – Pray That I May Declare It Boldly
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel”
Acts Chap: 4 Ver: 29 – Grant Your Servants to Speak Your Word with Boldness
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
1 Corinthians Chap: 2 Ver: 4 – My Message Was Not with Persuasive Words
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power”
Colossians Chap: 4 Ver :6 – Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
1 Corinthians Chap: 9 Ver:16 – Woe to Me If I Do Not Preach
“For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”