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by Toni Star
What is evangelism, why is it so necessary and what are the positive and negative ways to witness?
From Encarta’s Dictionary comes this: “evangelism, spreading of Christianity, especially through the activities of evangelists, 2. crusading zeal: great enthusiasm, fervor, or zeal for a particular cause.”
We see on TV and in our daily lives with pastors, priests, friends and often strangers, examples of helpful and inspiring Christian acts. In my opinion, an excellent example of positive evangelism is Billy Graham. For over 50 years he has spread the word of God and he has done this particularly well because he has lived a Christian life---by example, and by living as Christ taught us to do. “Spreading the good News” is what many in and out of the religious arena, call it. Anyone can evangelize, anywhere—anytime. The secret to evangelizing is to live your life for Christ. By living your life for Christ, you will reach many and find great personal happiness and fulfillment.
I have found that the best way to evangelize is by example, in other words as the late Johnny Cash was fond of saying.. “Talk the Walk and Walk the Talk.” People watch what we do, everyday. Kindness, rudeness, helpfulness and uncaring acts are observed by many, daily. Are you kind to others? Are you helpful? What do you do when confronted with problems? Are you mean, unforgiving? Are you quiet, purposeful or loud, obnoxious and uncaring of others? However you behave, it is noticed.
One of the best examples in the Bible concerning evangelism comes from Matthew 8:8 when a centurion asked help from Christ. The centurion said,(Reconstruct this sentence.) “The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
Another great example of “spreading the word comes from 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
One last reference to spreading the word comes from 2 Timothy 16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Simply put, evangelism is spreading the word of God. It is what Christians are made and meant to do! Spreading the word of God to all who want to know more about Christ, is the main purpose of evangelism. But, spreading the word needs to be done correctly, with passion and authority and with humility. Spreading the word is the highest honor and calling of any Christian.
A definition of an evangelist comes from “Easton’s Bible Dictionary” Evangelist - a "publisher of glad tidings;" a missionary preacher of the gospel (Eph. 4:11). This title is applied to Philip (Acts 21:8), who appears to have gone from city to city preaching the word (8:4, 40). Judging from the case of Philip, evangelists had neither the authority of an apostle, nor the gift of prophecy, nor the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a portion of the flock. They were itinerant preachers, having it as their special function to carry the gospel to places where it was previously unknown. The writers of the four Gospels are known as the Evangelists.
Why is evangelism so important, especially in the 21st century? With the onset of 9-11, terrorism around us all, immorality at an all time high and uncertainty in all walks of life, there is a searching, a need, for comfort and guidance that only scripture and God’s word can answer. With most of us in a hurry these days, evangelism may be one of the few ‘tools of Christianity’ that can answer our need, our craving for ‘how to be saved and how to save.’
So, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and spread the Good Word. Many are hungering for the Truth—and you could be the one to answer the ‘call.’
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