Three Reasons to Evangelize - Part 1
By Bro. John Burns

II Corinthians 4:3
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:"

Evangelism ought to be the main endeavor of the local church in its efforts of community and worldwide outreach (Acts 1:8).  Sadly though, many Christians and churches as a whole are neglecting that which our God desires for us to do. 

I offer three simple reasons why every Christian ought to evangelize the unsaved.  The first and most clear is because we are commanded. 

Christ Himself gave the command to evangelize in Matt. 28:19, Mk. 16:15, Lk. 24:46-48, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8.  This command was obeyed and perpetuated by believers throughout the book of Acts and continued throughout church history and is to continue today until the return of Christ. 

The meaning of the word evangelize is to bring, to herald, or to announce good news.  The term only appears three times in the New Testament.  Once in reference to Philip the evangelist in Acts 21:8, once in 2 Timothy 4:5 as a command from Paul, the Apostle, to Timothy, a young preacher, to do the work of an evangelist and then lastly in Ephesians 4:11 it is stated that evangelists were given by God as a gift to the local church. 

One might wonder as to what the good news is that the Christian is to be proclaiming.  Well, the good news is actually the definition of the term gospel.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of the forgiveness of sins that He offers through His death, burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-4; Eph 1:7).  This is obtained when one combines repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).

To evangelize or to do the work of an evangelist is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is for this purpose that we, as Christians, are left here on earth: to be a witness and a herald of this good news. 

God is interested in His children reproducing themselves by leading others to saving faith in Jesus Christ.  There are a plethora of verses throughout the Bible that command those who have the truth to proclaim the truth.  The most convicting that comes to mind is penned by the Apostle Paul in the book of 2 Corinthians 4:3 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:” 

It is interesting to note the use of commands in the Bible.  When I see a command given I try to remember a command is given because typically it is something we normally would not do, and need to; or something we would normally do, but God’s will is for us to not. 

It may not be natural to evangelize but it is the heart of God, so much so that He “spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,” (Romans 8:32a).  God has done everything that is needed to secure the forgiveness of sin for all mankind.  However, God has made room for those who have received Him to have a part in proclaiming Him that others may be “born again.” 

We Christians need to let the lost know that the forgiveness of sins is available to every man.  Romans 10:17 tells us “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  If we do not communicate the gospel to the lost then how will they hear?  If they do not hear then how will they be saved?  If they are not saved then how will they ever escape the damnation of the lake of fire? 

The answer is clear.  Without Christians evangelizing the lost through the gospel of Jesus Christ then they will be lost forever.  It is imperative that we herald the good news!!  We must go and tell the untold millions, starting here at home.

Will you, Christian, heed the command and concern of Christ to preach (herald) the good news of God’s forgiveness through faith and repentance in Jesus Christ to the world?  Will you reach your neighbor before it is eternally too late?

John 20:21 “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”