“Personal Evangelism”
The Bible says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Also Jesus said, “Go therefore and
make disciples of all the nations… (Mt. 28:18). The term “Personal Evangelism”
scares a lot of Christians. They see folks laughing at them, slamming doors in their
face and being shot at.
However, “Personal Evangelism” is something we do on a day- to- day basis.
I understand from those who know the Greek language that the word, “GO” in
Mark 16:15 is saying, “As you go.” In other words, as we go about our daily activities,
we are to teach and encourage others to do the will of God. What does it take
to be a “Personal Evangelist”?
1. LIVE! We must live right every day. The Bible teaches, “Let your light so
shine before men…” (Mt. 5:16). Do we draw others to us? How does this work? I
was preaching at the Bristol Rd. church in Flint, MI. Our Insurance Agent came by
my office to introduce himself. He invited me out to lunch (always feed a preacher),
and we struck up a close friendship. He drove my kind of car (Buick Electra
225), lived in my kind of house etc. In other words he had a lifestyle that I liked.
It wasn’t long until he convinced me to sell insurance for his company. What convinced
me? His life style. We, as Christians, must live in such a way that it will motivate
others to want to be Christians. Just as the world convinces us, we can convince
the world. Are we happy? Are we friendly? Are we approachable? Will our
family, friends and neighbors see Christ in us?
2. LEARN! Learn how to be more effective as a “Personal Evangelist”. Jesus
said, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you” (Mt. 28:20). Paul wrote, “The things that thou hast learned of me among
many witnesses the same commit thou unto faithful brethren that they may be
able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Be teachable when it comes to teaching
others. Learn better how to do it.
3. PRACTICE! Not just live and learn but practice. Practice with someone you
know. Ball players practice. That is what makes them good. Don’t hesitate to say
something to someone about Christ and their need for the gospel. The more we do
it the better we get at it.
Yes, let’s each of us learn to be a personal evangelist.
Larry