Matthew 28:19–20 – “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…”
The Divine Mandate to Evangelize
Evangelism is not a suggestion; it is a command issued by the risen Lord. Christ’s words in Matthew 28:19–20 and Mark 16:15 establish evangelism as the perpetual mission of every believer. This mandate is not confined to pastors or evangelists but extends to all who bear the name of Christ.
The early church understood this. The book of Acts does not present evangelism as the activity of a few gifted leaders but the natural overflow of Spirit-filled believers (Acts 8:4). Evangelism is the believer’s participation in God’s eternal purpose—to call sinners out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Evangelism matters because it aligns the believer with the heart of God. God “is not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9), and He has chosen to reach the lost through His redeemed people. The church is God’s witness on earth, and each Christian is a living ambassador of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Why Evangelism Is Important
Evangelism Honors the Finished Work of Christ
The Gospel is the message that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). When believers proclaim the Gospel, they testify that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient and universally needed. Evangelism exalts Christ as the only Saviour of mankind (Acts 4:12).
Evangelism Rescues Souls from Eternal Judgment
Scripture plainly declares that without Christ, men are lost (John 3:18; Romans 6:23). Evangelism is eternally significant because it confronts the sinner with the reality of judgment and the promise of salvation. God uses the preached word to bring faith to the lost (Romans 10:17). Silence is complicity. To withhold the Gospel from a lost soul is to withhold the only hope of eternal life.
Evangelism Advances the Kingdom of God in a Dark World
We are living in prophetic days marked by deception, rebellion, and spiritual darkness (2 Timothy 3:1–5). The Gospel alone breaks generational bondage, transforms hearts, and restrains evil. Every soul won is a testimony against Satan’s dominion. Evangelism pushes back the darkness and magnifies the light of Christ.
Evangelism Is the Fruit of Genuine Discipleship
A believer who walks in obedience naturally shares Christ. Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). If we are not fishing, we are not following. Evangelism is the outward fruit of an inward transformation.
How Individuals Can Evangelize
Live a Life That Confirms the Gospel
A holy life authenticates the message. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works…” (Matthew 5:16). The believer’s conduct must reflect Christ’s character. Holiness, integrity, kindness, and love make the Gospel visible.
Share the Gospel Through Personal Conversation
Evangelism often begins with simple, Spirit-led conversation. Jesus evangelized the woman at the well with a single question (John 4:7). Believers can speak about Christ in everyday encounters—at work, at home, and in the community. The key is readiness: “Be ready always to give an answer…” (1 Peter 3:15).
Use Scripture as the Foundation of the Message
The power is in the Word, not in human skill. God promised that His Word “shall not return… void” (Isaiah 55:11). A believer should know a handful of foundational verses that present the Gospel clearly—such as Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, and Romans 10:9–10.
Pray for the Lost
Evangelism is spiritual warfare. Paul prayed “that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly” (Ephesians 6:19). Believers must pray for opportunities, open hearts, and courage. Prayer softens soil, breaks chains, and prepares divine appointments.
Invite Others to Hear the Word
Throughout Scripture, people encountered Christ through invitations. Andrew “first findeth his own brother Simon” and brought him to Jesus (John 1:41–42). A simple invitation to church, a Bible study, or a Gospel-centered conversation can be the turning point in a person’s life.
Share Personal Testimony
No one can argue with a testimony. The man born blind declared, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). Believers should share how Christ changed their lives. A testimony is a bridge that carries the Gospel into the heart.
Use Your Gifts
Every believer has gifts that can be used to reach others—whether hospitality, teaching, music, writing, serving, or encouragement (Romans 12:6–8). When spiritual gifts are offered to God, He multiplies them for evangelistic impact.
Conclusion
Evangelism is the sacred duty and privilege of every follower of Christ. Rooted in the Great Commission, fueled by the power of the Holy Ghost, and grounded in the authority of Scripture, evangelism is the believer’s participation in God’s redemptive plan.
The world is darkening prophetically, and the coming of the Lord draws near. The time is short. Souls hang in the balance. As Paul declared, “Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
Let every believer rise to the call—preaching, teaching, praying, witnessing, and living the Gospel with boldness—until the day when we hear the trumpet, and the Church is gathered into the presence of the Lord.