The Biblical Definition: evangelism, according to the Bible, is the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. It involves sharing the gospel—the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ—with others, aiming to lead them to repentance and faith. The concept is rooted in the Greek word “euangelion,” which means “good news” or “gospel.” Evangelism is not just about converting people but also about spreading the teachings of Christ and witnessing to the world.
Key Scriptures:
- Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission:
- “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
- This passage is a direct command from Jesus to His disciples to evangelize the world by making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to follow His teachings.
- Mark 16:15:
- “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
- This is another commission from Jesus, emphasizing the need to spread the gospel to all people.
- Acts 1:8:
- “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
- Evangelism is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and the disciples are called to be witnesses of Christ in all parts of the world.
- Romans 10:14-15:
- “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
- This passage highlights the necessity of evangelism and the role of preachers in bringing the message of salvation.
- 2 Timothy 4:2:
- “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
- Paul instructs Timothy to preach the Word at all times, indicating the persistent nature of evangelism.
- 1 Peter 3:15:
- “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
- This verse emphasizes the importance of being prepared to share the gospel with others and to explain the hope that Christians have in Christ.
Prayer Points for Evangelism with Scriptures:
- Prayer for Boldness to Share the Gospel:
- Scripture: Acts 4:29 – “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.”
- Prayer Point: Pray for courage and boldness to share the gospel with others despite opposition, fear, or challenges.
- Prayer for the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit:
- Scripture: Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”
- Prayer Point: Ask God for the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective in witnessing and for His guidance in reaching others with the gospel.
- Prayer for Open Hearts and Receptive Souls:
- Scripture: Acts 16:14 – “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”
- Prayer Point: Pray that God would open the hearts of those who hear the gospel so that they would receive it and believe.
- Prayer for Opportunities to Evangelize:
- Scripture: Colossians 4:3 – “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.”
- Prayer Point: Ask God to create divine opportunities for you to share the gospel with others.
- Prayer for Wisdom in Sharing the Gospel:
- Scripture: James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
- Prayer Point: Pray for wisdom to know how to present the gospel in a way that is clear, compassionate, and compelling.
- Prayer for the Harvest of Souls:
- Scripture: Matthew 9:37-38 – “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
- Prayer Point: Pray for more laborers to be raised up for the work of evangelism and for a great harvest of souls to be brought into the Kingdom of God.
These scriptures and prayer points can guide personal and communal efforts in evangelism, emphasizing reliance on God’s power, wisdom, and timing in sharing the gospel effectively.