"We have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One and He Himself is the propitiation [atoning sacrifice] for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 2:1b-2.
It seems that many of us are a bit hesitant about evangelism. Perhaps it is because we feel that we need special training or that we have to "know the bible" to be able to share our faith with those who do not know the Lord. This presnts us with a problem that most people do not realize they have. Jesus said to his apostles (and to us by extension), "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" Matt 28:19-20. For the purposes of our discussion, "commanded you" is the key phrase. The Lord has given us all instructions to share his message with others.
Beloved, I invite you to think about the best news you have ever heard. More to the point, I invite you to think about the best thing that has ever happened to you. No one has to tell you to share the good news. In fact, no one could keep you from doing it. It is not unusual to get on the phone with friends in loved ones, post to social media, tell acquaintances at work, school and even church about your blessed good fortune. There is often little technical knowledge necessary, you are simply relating a difference that has been made in your life. That is all evangelism really is; it is simply sharing the good news of the gospel with someone else. All you really need to know is what it took to convince you. Naturally you will come to know more and be able to share more both from a biblical education and a life experience perspective, but to start, it could be as little as inviting someone to attend services or an organized bible study with you.
When we think about the enormity of what has been shared with us and the difference that it has made to our lives, think about the importance of our sharing the same thing with each other. John wrote that Jesus sacrificed himself not only for those of us who have come to believe but for everyone who ever has and ever will live. Somebody has to tell people this amazing fact. That somebody is you.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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