What does the Bible say about Evangelism?
When the Bible speaks of evangelism, it refers to proclaiming the gospel message of Jesus Christ with one’s mouth and spoken words. Paul consistently emphasises that evangelism is an verbal transmission, typically through preaching (for example, Rom 1:15, Rom 10:15, Rom 15:20; 1Cor 1:17, 1Cor 9:16, 1Cor 15:1-2). Evangelism is not merely sharing your testimony or showing love and care for others. Although both of these are important and needed, these are not what the Bible description evangelism as. Bearing witness to the work that Christ has done in our lives do not, alone, convey or proclaim the Gospel’s content. Similarly, righteous living and caring for our neighbours, alone, does not mean we have shared the gospel (evangelised) to that person. No one hears the gospel by our humility or kindness. True evangelism happens only when the Gospel is proclaimed.
As Paul writes in Rom. 10:17
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Paul makes it clear that it is not enough just to love and care for people; we are called to communicate the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Similarly, the apostle Peter instructs believers to be ready to explain the hope they have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
“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”
The Bible is the story of God choosing a people for Himself and expanding His Kingdom on earth. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to participate in this mission, with evangelism being central to our calling as Christians.
Evangelism means preaching, announcing, or communicating the Gospel. It is delivering the message that Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, but also gave His life for our sins and by so doing, offers eternal life to all who believe.
As we are told in John 3:16,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus further declares in John 14:6,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Accepting this good news and sharing it with others is the definition of evangelism.
Additional resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vY3j0Vgt3A&ab_channel=GracetoYou
youtube.com/watch?v=Qu4GFqcire4&ab_channel=ChristianThoughts
youtube.com/watch?v=DHQBoLo31Ns&ab_channel=EvangelicalAlliance