Evangelism, the act of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, is a fundamental calling for every Christian. It's not just a task for pastors or missionaries, but a commission given to all believers. In this article, we'll explore three key passages that highlight the importance, approach, and power of evangelism.

Exegesis of Key Passages

1. Mark 16:15

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'"

This verse, known as part of the Great Commission, encapsulates Jesus' mandate for evangelism:

1. "Go" (πορευθέντες, poreuthentes): This participle implies movement and action, suggesting that evangelism requires initiative.
2. "All the world" (κόσμον ἅπαντα, kosmon hapanta): This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of the mission.
3. "Preach" (κηρύξατε, kēryxate): This term means to proclaim or herald, implying a clear and authoritative announcement.
4. "Gospel" (εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion): Literally "good news," this refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
5. "All creation" (πάσῃ τῇ κτίσει, pasē tē ktisei): This phrase further emphasizes the inclusive nature of the mission, extending beyond just humanity.

This passage presents evangelism as an active, global mission to share the good news of Jesus with everyone.

2. 1 Peter 3:15

"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."

Peter provides guidance on the approach and attitude for evangelism:

1. "Revere Christ as Lord" (Κύριον δὲ τὸν Χριστὸν ἁγιάσατε, Kyrion de ton Christon hagiasate): This emphasizes the primacy of personal devotion to Christ.
2. "Always be prepared" (ἕτοιμοι ἀεὶ, hetoimoi aei): This suggests ongoing readiness and preparation.
3. "Give an answer" (ἀπολογίαν, apologian): This term, from which we get "apologetics," implies a reasoned defense.
4. "Gentleness and respect" (πραΰτητος καὶ φόβου, prautētos kai phobou): This describes the manner in which we should share our faith.

This passage presents evangelism as a natural outflow of our devotion to Christ, emphasizing preparation, reason, and a respectful approach.

3. Romans 1:16

"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."

Paul expresses confidence in the gospel message:

1. "Not ashamed" (οὐ ἐπαισχύνομαι, ou epaischynomai): This implies boldness and conviction in sharing the gospel.
2. "Power of God" (δύναμις γὰρ θεοῦ, dynamis gar theou): This emphasizes the divine efficacy of the gospel message.
3. "Salvation" (σωτηρίαν, sōtērian): This term encapsulates the comprehensive deliverance and restoration offered in the gospel.
4. "Everyone who believes" (παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι, panti tō pisteuonti): This phrase highlights the universal availability of salvation through faith.

This passage presents the gospel as a powerful, transformative message that we should boldly proclaim, confident in its divine power to save.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you personally interpret the call to "go into all the world" in your daily life and current circumstances?
2. In what ways are you preparing yourself to "give an answer" for your faith? What areas do you feel you need to grow in?
3. How can we balance the boldness expressed in Romans 1:16 with the gentleness and respect mentioned in 1 Peter 3:15?
4. What fears or hesitations do you face when it comes to sharing your faith, and how can you overcome them?
5. How has your understanding of evangelism evolved over time, and how has this impacted your approach to sharing your faith?

Life Applications

1. Develop a regular practice of studying and memorizing Scripture to be better prepared to share your faith.
2. Practice sharing your personal testimony, refining it to clearly communicate God's work in your life.
3. Look for natural opportunities in your daily interactions to bring up spiritual topics or share your faith.
4. Engage in active listening and ask thoughtful questions to understand others' beliefs and create meaningful dialogue.
5. Participate in evangelism training or workshops offered by your church or Christian organizations.
6. Pray regularly for opportunities to share your faith and for the courage to take them when they arise.
7. Cultivate relationships with non-believers, demonstrating Christ's love through your actions as well as your words.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts for the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank You for entrusting us with the privilege and responsibility of sharing this life-changing message with others.

Lord, give us courage and boldness to proclaim Your gospel. Remove any fear or shame that might hold us back from speaking of Your love and grace. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we might have the power and wisdom to share effectively.

Father, help us to be always prepared to give an answer for the hope we have in You. Grant us discernment to recognize opportunities to share our faith, and the wisdom to do so with gentleness and respect.

We pray for those who have yet to hear or accept the gospel. Open their hearts to Your truth, and use us as instruments of Your love to reach them.

Lord Jesus, may our lives reflect Your character, so that others might see You in us and be drawn to Your saving grace. Help us to live out the gospel in our actions as well as our words.

Grant us patience and perseverance in our evangelistic efforts, knowing that You are the one who brings growth and salvation. May we be faithful in planting and watering seeds of faith, trusting You for the harvest.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.