The Importance of Evangelism: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16

Evangelism is the act of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others who do not know him or follow him. It is one of the most important duties of every Christian, as commanded by Jesus himself before he ascended to heaven. In this blog post, we will explore why evangelism is important and how we can do it effectively.

First, evangelism is important because it is the way God has chosen to spread his kingdom and save people from their sins. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20 , “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is known as the Great Commission, and it shows that Jesus wants his followers to reach out to people of every nation, tribe, language and culture with his message of love, forgiveness and hope. He also promises to be with us as we do this, empowering us by his Spirit and confirming his word by his signs.

Second, evangelism is important because it is the way we show our love for God and for our neighbors. Jesus said in Mark 12:30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” If we truly love God, we will want to obey him and please him in everything we do. And if we truly love our neighbors, we will want to share with them the greatest gift we have ever received: eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Evangelism is not a burden or a duty, but a joy and a privilege.

Third, evangelism is important because it is the way we prepare for the return of Christ. Jesus said in Mark 16:15-16 , “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” This shows that there is a sense of urgency and responsibility in evangelism. We do not know when Jesus will come back, but we know that he will judge everyone according to their response to his gospel. Therefore, we should not be ashamed or afraid to proclaim his name to everyone who has not heard it or believed it. We should also pray for God to send more workers into his harvest field (Matthew 9:37-38).

How can we do evangelism effectively? Here are some practical tips:

• Pray for God to give you opportunities, wisdom and boldness to share your faith with others.
• Be ready to give an answer for the hope that you have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Know what you believe and why you believe it. Be able to explain the gospel clearly and simply.
• Build relationships with people who do not know Christ. Show them genuine interest, care and respect. Listen to their stories, struggles and questions. Share your own testimony of how Jesus changed your life.
• Invite them to join you in church activities, Bible studies or other Christian events where they can hear more about Jesus and meet other believers.
• Follow up with them regularly. Pray for them, encourage them, answer their doubts and invite them to make a decision for Christ.
• Disciple them if they accept Christ as their Savior. Help them grow in their faith, obedience and service to God.

Evangelism is not optional for Christians. It is essential for fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives and for his glory. Let us be faithful witnesses of his grace and truth to a lost and dying world.