Evangelism

As Christians, when we think of evangelism, we think of tent meetings, inner city events to find the lost and share the Gospel message, and even passing out tracts. However, according to the dictionary it is also great enthusiasm, fervor, or zeal for a particular cause.

As a former New England resident for most of my life, I can understand the zeal others have for the New England Patriots. They are enthusiastic about their team and even come to work with jackets, hats, and other items with their team colors and even its name emblazed on each piece. Some even have screen savers on their computers showing the team.

Do not get me wrong. This kind of enthusiasm is good. They are evangelizing their team. They brag about their victories prophecy their future.

We all know who Microsoft is. They have Technical Evangelists and Developer Evangelists and others. These experts spread the word about Microsoft and their products.

Many Christian evangelize their church and their pastor. They are enthused and let others know about how great they are. They invite them to church and pray their friends will be saved at an alter call. In their initial talks, the gospel message is never brought up; just the church and how great it is.

The fact is that their friend knows what is coming next. After all, it is a church they are going to. Let's look again at the great commission.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

He tells us to go into all nations and make disciples. He did not tell is to go out and coerce people to come back and meet Jesus. They meet Jesus in us and it is our task to tell others about Jesus in our life and explain the gospel message. Then, after they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we are commissioned to teach them to obey all of His commands.

Where does church fit into this? Being a Christian is not a Lone Ranger thing. It is important that we gather together with other Christian to Praise God, to hear new revelation, and to experience Him in the signs and wonders that follow His presence. Church is the body of Christ and although this does not mean a physical brick and mortar building, most Christian attend a church of their choice on Sunday mornings and experience the joy of corporate worship.

We are all to evangelize, but this does not mean we wear Jesus tee shirts and hand out tracts. It means we are to be a light to the world through our lifestyle and as such draw the lost into conversation as the Holy Spirit leads. It is there that we introduce them to what a relationship with Jesus has done in our life.