Evangelists are not only fishers of men; they also are God’s front line soldiers in a clash between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.
The gospel is the most powerful weapon we have been given to bring down the kingdom of darkness. (Romans 1:16) Satan recognizes this and resists those who preach it in order to try to stop the advance of the kingdom of God.
Because evangelists carry the heavy weaponry of the kingdom of God and are targeted by the kingdom of darkness, they must be fearless front line soldiers.
Even though persecution is mediated through human beings who oppose the gospel, Paul made it clear that the real battle is a spiritual one.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
Where evangelists preach the gospel, it opens the door for God’s kingdom to break through.
This happened in Samaria when Philip took the good news there. (Acts 8) Conversely, it is not uncommon for all hell to break loose, too, in a counter attack, as happened when Stephen preached to the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 7) or pretty much anywhere Paul preached. It has been my experience as a pastor that the devil usually gets riled up any time an individual or group starts sharing the gospel.
The evil one will tolerate unopposed many church activities, but not the preaching the gospel or actively making disciples, the two chief components of the Great Commission.
If we are easily intimidated, he will push back against us and try to crush our resolve. Satan knows how powerful the gospel is. The bigger question is, “Do we?”
Jesus said that he was sending his disciples out as “sheep among wolves.” (Matthew 10:16)
It takes great courage from the Holy Spirit to go up against the powers of darkness to preach the gospel.
This is one of the chief reasons we need the baptism in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) When the first apostles were threatened and told not to preach the gospel any more, they prayed the following prayer, which should be ours, too.
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31 (NLT)
Conclusion
I hope that what I have shared in this series on the five-fold ministry gift of evangelist inspires all of us to become more dedicated fishers of men. May we all apply ourselves to becoming gospel fluent so that we are able to present Jesus from any and every angle, from Genesis to Revelation, depending on the need of the moment. May we all receive the baptism in the Spirit and enroll in the Great Commission army of disciples under the command of the Lord of the Harvest. Let us become proficient in listening to the Spirit’s voice and operating in the spiritual gifts. Let us determine to spend time in fishing for people. Lastly, let us also spend time in prayer for the lost, asking God to give us his heart for them. May the Lord open doors of opportunity for us to herald the gospel to individuals and great crowds. May he work in the hearts of those who hear to enable them to understand and receive the good news by faith. May the Lord give us great success as his ambassadors of reconciliation and may he raise up many more fishers of men and true evangelists. Amen.
