Category: The Gospel

How Well Can You Share the Gospel Story?

God wants us to be fluent enough in the gospel to share it like a story. Jesus frequently used stories because they are such a powerful way to communicate.

The gospel is the true story of Jesus Christ set in the context of Israel’s history with God.

Each of the four Gospels are presented in story form. We learn about Jesus from seeing how he was born, lived, died, rose again, and later ascended into heaven, where he now rules, waiting for the Father’s set time for his return to judge all people. In the Gospel story, we see how our Lord Jesus interacted with God the Father and those who lived around him. We listen to his words and marvel at his deeds.

In the gospel, we encounter the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who became a human being.

Each one of us has a personal story to tell, too. Our life stories are set in the context of the history of our families, when and where we have lived, what we have gone through, decisions we made, opportunities we received, victories we won, battles we lost, and any number of factors that make us unique and interesting.

Being a witness for Christ involves telling our own stories, with a special emphasis on how Jesus intersected our lives and the difference he made and is making. Ideally, our story should enable us to share His story, so that Jesus can become a major part of our listener’s story, too.

If we familiarize ourselves with the gospel message, we can learn to present the Jesus story in our own words. Through practice we can get more and more proficient and confident. When we are able blend our own story with the story of Jesus, it can be very effective. The Apostle Paul was a master at telling his own story and going right to the punch line of the gospel message – Jesus’ death for our sins and resurrection as the Lord who will come again as the judge of all the earth.

The Gospel can be presented in a variety of ways, depending on the leading of the Holy Spirit and the need and openness of the hearer. Below are some of the essential elements of the Gospel story. It is a good idea to study these in order to be able to share from the heart. If you can mix in a few relevant Bible verses, it will be even better.

The Essential Elements of the Gospel

  • Creation. This is where it all started for us. The creation story includes acknowledging that the Creator has always existed and reigns supreme. Creation means we owe our very existence to God, upon whom we were meant to rely. John Chapter One reveals that Jesus is the Creator. (John 1:3)
  • Mankind’s Rebellion. Adam and Eve chose to believe the devil’s lie that God cannot be trusted. They disobeyed him in an effort to become like God in order to be able to navigate life on their own. The essence of sin is self rule apart from God. Adam’s sin brought death to the human race and separated us from God. (Isaiah 53:6) This rebellion against God’s rule has permeated all of humanity and is the basic sin for which we need forgiveness and restoration. People are unable to save themselves because we are all sinners under judgment. Salvation would have to come from elsewhere.
  • Promise of a Savior. God took the initiative to provide amnesty and forgiveness to all those who want it. He promised Abraham, who became the father of the Jewish people, that one of his descendants would be a blessing to the entire earth. (Genesis 22:18) He later promised King David, one of Abraham’s offspring, that one of his descendants would rule on God’s throne forever. (2 Samuel 7:12-13) God also promised that he would establish what is called a New Covenant, which would provide people with a “new heart” toward God and forgiveness of sins. (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
  • Birth of Jesus. The four gospels show how Jesus’ birth fulfilled these prophecies and promises. As prophesied, Jesus was born to a virgin through the supernatural activity of God. (Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:22-23) The eternal and pre-existent Son of God became a human in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. (John 1:14) This enabled him to be a perfect sacrifice for our sins, in accordance with John the Baptist’s announcement that Jesus was the Lamb of God. (John 1:29) He lived and died in complete obedience to his heavenly Father, undoing the rebellion of Adam, and became the progenitor of a new race of humans through what is called the “new birth.” (1 Corinthians 15:45)
  • Jesus’ Itinerant Ministry. Jesus spent three years announcing and ushering in God’s kingdom on earth. (Acts 10:38) As the Messiah King designate, Jesus preached the Good News of God’s kingdom rule and performed the works of that kingdom – healings, miracles, deliverances, resurrections, and forgiving sins. He befriended those who were humble enough to admit they needed him. He elevated the worth of women by including them in his traveling band of disciples. He taught with authority about God’s kingdom and his loving, but just, Father. Jesus claimed to be the one God had promised – the long awaited Messiah and eternal Son of God. In doing all this, he made the religious authorities jealous and angry; so much so that they put him to death as an act of supreme defiance against God’s rule over them.
  • Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection. As part of God’s eternal plan, Jesus was put to death on a cross as God’s Lamb, who took away the sins of the world. (Isaiah 53:7) He was buried, and after three days he rose again. His resurrection validated his claims to be God’s Messiah and the Lord of Lords. (Romans 1:1-4) His resurrection also proved that his Father accepted his sacrifice on our behalf. After appearing to his disciples and teaching them for forty days, he ascended into heaven where he now sits at God’s right hand as Lord of lords.
  • The Sending of the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to fill and empower his disciples to be bold and effective witnesses to his resurrection. He told them to go and make disciples throughout the world. (Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:18)
  • Second Coming, General Resurrection, and Final Judgment. Jesus promised that he will come again to raise the dead and sit in judgment upon every human being who has ever lived. (Matthew 16:27) He will assign them their eternal reward, good or bad. He will reign forevermore as God’s King of Kings with his church at his side. (Colossians 3:1-4)

This is the Gospel.

The Desired Response

We share the Gospel to help people come face to face with Jesus’ claim to absolute sovereignty over all creation and his magnanimous offer to pardon all rebels who will accept his rule in their lives. Allegiance to Jesus is the desired response.

People need to know that only Jesus can provide forgiveness for our rebellion against the rule of God. They need to understand that they will be held accountable to him at the last judgment for how they lived and responded to the gospel message.

As part of our surrender terms, we are able to receive all the benefits of his death and resurrection: forgiveness, reconciliation to God, being set free from all that enslaves us, having our guilt permanently removed, and receiving eternal life, the indwelling Spirit, and all the benefits and privileges of being God’s child.

The true story of the gospel has the power to save people and set them free. (Romans 1:16) Let’s make a habit of sharing it regularly with as many as we can. If we work at it, we will become very good at sharing it. There is no telling how many people will one day thank us for this service.

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Is the Wrath of God Part of the Gospel?

Even though it is not heard very often today, the wrath of God is actually part of the gospel message.

Most people know what “fire and brimstone” preaching is. The preacher focuses on God’s wrath against sin in an effort to motivate people to repent and accept God’s provision of forgiveness. It is sometimes viewed negatively as an attempt to scare people into the kingdom of God. However, Jesus was not averse to warning people of impending judgment.

I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. 5 “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Luke 12:4–5 (NASB95)

In contrast, many present day preachers portray God as a merciful and kind dispenser of good will and blessings, who wants everyone to experience the best that life has to offer, without ever calling people to acknowledge and repent from their sins. We used to call this kind of preaching “greasy grace.” The general idea about God that results is that he is a “smiley face” who doesn’t get “bent out of shape” if we break his commandments. The only thing he really hates is intolerance. Churches who hear this kind of message are encouraged to embrace the latest trends of  “morality” and lose touch with Biblical standards of morality.

Mercy without repentance is foreign to the Bible.

Forgiveness with Strings Attached

Jesus died as God’s Lamb, taking upon himself the just penalty for our sins, in order to offer forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This gift of God is freely given; however, it comes with “strings attached.” Jesus does not simply offer us a “get out of hell free” card with nothing required of us. He calls us to acknowledge his lordship over every area of our lives. (Romans 10:9-10)

Humanity’s root sin is rejection of God’s right to rule over us. It is only by acknowledging Jesus’ lordship that we prove we are genuine about repentance.

God’s Wrath: The Other Side of Forgiveness

It is good to emphasize forgiveness in our presentation of the Gospel, as long as we include the necessity of repentance.

The cross was necessary because God’s wrath against sin is real.

If, as some suppose, God does not really care whether we sin or not, forgiveness has no real meaning and the Gospel no has no significance. But, if God’s wrath against sin is real and his judgment is waiting for us at the end of our lives, forgiveness becomes extremely meaningful!

The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day utterly rejected his claim that he was their messianic king descended from David, the one about whom the Scriptures spoke. (Matthew 26:63-68) They condemned the Lord of lords to death, mocked and spat upon him, and had him nailed to a cross to die the horrendous and torturous death of a criminal. This was the sin for which Jerusalem was subsequently annihilated by the Romans in 70 AD, just as Jesus warned would happen. (Matthew 23:37-39)

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, he poured out the Holy Spirit upon his disciples, empowering them to announce the good news that those who turn to Christ and acknowledge his lordship will be forgiven for their treachery. Many took advantage of this magnanimous offer and were saved. Others, however, turned their backs on God’s offer of mercy. God’s wrath awaited those who rejected Jesus’ lordship. The same is true for us today. Will we accept Jesus as the Lord and the coming judge of all humanity, or will we reject him and his rule, just as did the Jews so long ago?

If we acknowledge Jesus’ lordship, we will be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God, become part of God’s family, and receive eternal life. If we refuse, however, God’s wrath abides on us and awaits us.

This is the clear teaching of scripture. Jesus said:

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36 (NASB)

Therefore, it is altogether proper and necessary to impress on our listeners and readers the certainty of their running headlong into God’s wrath one day, unless they accept and declare allegiance to the one who absorbed that wrath for us on the cross.

Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica:

…you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10  and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (NASB)

It is clear from this passage that Paul majored on the need for us to be “saved” from the coming wrath of God. We should do the same.

Peter said that Jesus “ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this [He] is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.” (Acts 10:42 NASB)

Jesus emphasized and “ordered” that his disciples tell everyone that he is coming back as the Judge! Jesus will judge us for how we lived.

Did we dedicate our lives to him, or did we, like so many others, reject his claims of lordship, throwing away our opportunity to be forgiven?

How about you? Have you accepted or rejected God’s offer of mercy? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus’ rule, or do you persist in trying maintain self-rule, living independently from him? Have you made the choice that will enable you to encounter God’s mercy at the Last Judgment, or does God’s wrath await you? The choice is ours. Choose wisely.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I now realize that I have until now rejected your mercy. I have changed my mind and ask you to forgive me for my rebellious ways. I acknowledge and surrender to your lordship over my life and all creation. Thank you for dying for me on the cross. Thank you that, after you rose from the dead, you did not hold our sins against us, but offered us a chance to be reconciled to you and your heavenly Father. I am grateful that I am now included as one of God’s family. Thank you for eternal life. Thank you for sending your Spirit to live in and through me. Help me to be your disciple and tell others about this amazing good news. Amen

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The Second Coming Is Fundamental to the Gospel

Christ’s Second Coming is an important tenet of faith for Christians and is fundamental to the gospel.

1971. That was the year that the Holy Spirit opened my spiritual eyes and allowed me to see that Jesus is who the Bible says he is. The result was that my life was fundamentally altered. Everything changed inside. My purpose for living became entwined with Christ’s plan for my life, which resulted in pastoring a small church for thirty-four years and teaching the Bible for many more. I have written a few books, too. When God reveals Christ to us, the impact is dramatic. Just ask Paul the apostle.

You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie. 21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me. Galatians 1:13–24 (NLT)

During the sixties and seventies, God orchestrated a gigantic in-gathering of people into his kingdom. Some called it the “Jesus Revolution,” during which thousands of so called “hippies” and others from that generation of “Baby Boomers,” as well as people from other age groups, became followers of Christ. Concurrent with that “awakening” was another “movement” called the Charismatic Renewal, in which thousands, if not millions, of people across a wide range of denominations and “non-denominations” received what many call the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit, complete with speaking in tongues, prophecy, and other manifestations of God’s Spirit. Many of those who came to Christ during that time became leaders in the church. What God did during that decade still impacts the church more than fifty years later.

One of the hallmarks of that ingathering was a profound interest in Christ’s Second Coming. People were fascinated with trying to piece together a proper sequence of future end-time events. Those who professed to know all about it worked out all kinds of charts showing their predicted scenarios. Many of us expected that Jesus would come very soon, just as did the early church.

The Gospel is the good news about a person named Jesus, who is the promised Messiah King of Israel. His grand mission is to reclaim and transform all creation under God’s rule. Jesus began his public ministry by proclaiming that “the kingdom of God is at hand.” The reason he could say that was because the King himself was then present on earth. Wherever king went, the kingdom was at hand. He introduced his kingdom rule into the lives of those who followed and believed in him by releasing them from the power of the devil and sin and calling them to follow him without reservation or hesitation.

His new way of living asks us to renounce all competing allegiances and surrender to his lordship in every area of life. This is what it means to follow Christ.

While he was here on earth physically, he was the epicenter of the kingdom of God and the focus of the messianic expectations of those around him. These expectations reached a crescendo when he entered Jerusalem on a donkey to the shouts of the crowd: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Those present proclaimed that he was the long promised successor to David’s throne – the Messiah!

Believing that Jesus was a spiritual and political threat, the religious and civil authorities put him to death, apparently dashing the hopes of his followers. But this was all part of God’s eternal plan to redeem us from our sins. The Messiah King first had to suffer and die in order to pay the penalty for our sins. Three days later our hope was restored when Jesus emerged from the tomb! For forty days he instructed his band of faithful followers in the things related to his kingdom. Then Jesus ascended to heaven to sit at his heavenly Father’s right hand upon the throne of God, waiting for his enemies to be made his footstool and for the appointed time for his return, this time as the victorious and glorious King of Kings, the Son of Man prophesied by Daniel, who will judge the living and the dead and put an end to every other rival kingdom. He will permanently install God’s long awaited rule over all creation!

The Second Coming will be the culmination of God’s grand plan to redeem and restore all things to himself through his Son.

On Pentecost the Holy Spirit was unleashed to baptize and empower Christ’s followers. The apostle Peter, filled with the Spirit, preached the first sermon in this new age of the Spirit-filled church. His conclusion is quoted below.

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Acts 2:36 (NLT)

Peter’s listeners responded, “What should we do?” Why would they feel the need to do anything? It was because they realized that they were answerable to God for rejecting and murdering his Son, who, amazingly, was still alive and sitting on God’s throne!

Jesus’ resurrection made him the de facto ruler of the universe to whom everyone must answer.

Behind Peter’s words is the understanding that Jesus will come again as the glorious Son of Man to judge every human being and punish those who choose to reject his benevolent rule.

The gospel is an invitation to all who have previously rejected the Messianic King to finally get right with God by confessing that Jesus is indeed the LORD, who has risen from the dead and who will come again one day to judge those who reject his kingly authority.

In Acts Chapter Three, Peter again preached.

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. 21 For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets.  Acts 3:19-21 (NLT)

The Gospel preaching of the early church was completely focused on the person named Jesus Christ, his lordship, and the Second Coming, which included the resurrection of the just and the evil, the last judgment, and the restoration of all things under God’s rule. It is no wonder that when this Gospel is preached, whether then or today, that those who hear and believe will become intensely interested in Jesus’ Second Coming!

The faith that saves is based on the Gospel revelation that Jesus is the Messiah King who is coming again to firmly establish God’s rule on planet earth.

Sadly, if all we do is present this glorious coming Lord as a “personal Savior” who rescues us from the consequence of our sin, it is no wonder that some people are not greatly moved and changed when they believe in him. A “personal savior” requires little or nothing from his adherents, but the glorious Lord of lords expects complete surrender from those who follow him!

Have we yet seen him for who he really is? Have we surrendered to him? Until we do that, we have not really known him.

Ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and heart, just as he did for those who heard Peter’s sermon so long ago.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, I ask you to reveal Jesus to me so that I may properly surrender my life to him. My desire is to know Jesus to the greatest degree possible and serve him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

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How to Present a Concise Gospel Message

Understanding the basic elements of the gospel message will enable us to share the good news in a concise way when we have limited time.

The gospel is the true story of Jesus Christ, who he is, what he did, and what he will do when he returns, which deserves a response of repentance and faith from the hearer. The gospel or good news is found in the four New Testament books that carry that name, the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Being able to summarize the Gospel is very important. Its core truths provide a framework for any presentation we have the opportunity to make.

The following passage from Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost in Acts Chapter Two is a great example of a brief gospel presentation. 

"People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23  But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24  But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip... "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33  "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34  "For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, 35  UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET."' 36  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 2:22-24, 32-36 (NASB)

Now, let us break apart what Peter said.

  1. Jesus died as the Lamb of God for the forgiveness of our sins. This ministry was prophesied by John the Baptist (John 1:29). After his death, he was buried.
  2. Jesus rose from the dead in power (Romans 1:4), which was witnessed by many people, and was exalted to the right hand of God’s throne as the Lord. He now has all authority (Matthew 28:18) and currently reigns in heaven. He sits at God’s right hand, and his church is spiritually seated with him (Ephesians 2:6 & Colossians 3:1), waiting for his enemies to be brought into submission. Jesus is both Lord and Messiah. He is the Son of God, the messianic King of Israel, who was introduced through prophecy by John the Baptist (John 1:34).
  3. Jesus ascended into heaven and “poured out” the baptism in the Holy Spirit upon the church to equip his followers to be his witnesses and fulfill the Great Commission. This fulfilled his role as the Baptizer in the Spirit and Lord of the Harvest, just as John the Baptist prophesied (John 1:33).
  4. A fourth point, which is implied in John 1:35, is that Jesus is the Son of Man (Matthew 25:31-32), who will return to earth in glory and triumph over his enemies. He will judge the living and the dead and rule over a new heaven and earth.

These gospel pronouncements, if understood and believed, will elicit a response of repentance, faith, and and allegiance to Jesus.

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38  Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39  This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40  Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41  Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:37-41 (NLT)

Declaring allegiance to Christ and coming under God’s sovereign and benevolent rule is what saves us. (Romans 10:9-10) When we do this, our sins are forgiven and Jesus will send his Spirit to equip and empower us to be his disciples and witnesses.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NLT)

Let me recap the four main points of the gospel.

  1. Jesus is the Lamb of God.
  2. Jesus is the Lord.
  3. Jesus is the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and
  4. Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.

If we include these four points in our gospel presentation, we will have included the core truths that people need to understand. We can go into as much depth as we want relating to each part. You may wish to ask yourself, have I ever really understood the gospel and made this transaction with God? If not, why not now?

Prayer

Jesus, I realize that you are very great and deserve my worship and allegiance. I believe that you died for me and rose again as the Lord of Lords. Thank you for forgiving my sins and making a way for me to be right with Father God. Thank you for giving me eternal life. Thank you for setting me free so I can live for you. I receive you into my life to live through me. Baptize me in your Spirit and help me to live the rest of my days for you. Amen.

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Healing and the Gospel

Physical healing is part of the good news about Jesus the Messiah King.

And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2  and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal… 6  And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Luke 9:1-2, 6 (ESV)

As proof of Jesus’ authority and ability to set prisoners free, he regularly healed people when he walked the earth. After his resurrection and ascension, his disciples also healed people through the power of the Holy Spirit to demonstrate the reality of God’s rule. Healing is linked to the gospel message.

Jesus launched his public ministry in a synagogue in Nazareth by sharing his messianic mission statement from the prophet Isaiah.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)

The Father in heaven sent Jesus to planet earth to release those who under the oppression of the devil. This oppression manifests itself in many ways, including sickness and disease, which is sometimes caused by demonic oppression.

The gospel is not limited to the forgiveness of sins. It provides liberty to the entire being – body, soul, and spirit.

When Luke wrote his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, he included this marvelous summation of Christ’s ministry, which was spoken by the apostle Peter:

And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38 (NLT)

The anointing of the Holy Spirit, mentioned in Luke 4:18, empowered Jesus (and us today) to heal those who oppressed by Satan by overcoming sickness, demonic oppression, and even death, not to mention the spiritual and psychological oppression related to sin, guilt, and condemnation.

Paul also operated in healing and miracles when he presented the gospel.

For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NLT)

Was this a peculiar operation of grace for those early days, or does it continue? Some theologians have proposed that the gifts of the Spirit ceased after the deaths of the twelve apostles and the completion of the New Testament. This is a human theological construct designed to account for the lack of the miraculous today by claiming signs and wonders were only for the early days following the resurrection, before the church came into possession of the New Covenant scriptures. According to this theory, now all we need to do is to proclaim the truth without having any confirming signs of Christ’s reign over the oppression of the devil.

It is always a bad idea to build our theology around our experience instead of around the Word of God.

Nevertheless it is a common practice, since we all tend to explain away that which makes us uncomfortable. It’s what psychologists call denial. We don’t want to be confronted by the truth; so, we build walls and fences to keep it at a distance.

The truth is that Jesus never stopped setting the captives free, body, soul, and spirit. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

If the early disciples needed the confirming signs of God’s presence and power in their presentation of the gospel, how much more do we need it? Evil and deception is just as strong today as ever, perhaps even more so.

We need both God’s truth and his power to be effective witnesses.

Denying the power of God to heal is a serious error which deprives our gospel presentation from being confirmed by the Holy Spirit the way God intended.

When Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples in Luke Chapter 10, he told them:

Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ Luke 10:9 (NLT)

When we engage those who do not yet know Christ, it is a divine strategy to pray for their healing. When we do so, we give God the opportunity to reveal himself to the hearer in a way that confirms his existence, power, and love. Healing is a function of God’s divine compassion for our predicament.

Healing reveals God’s love in a way that anyone except the most hardened religious people can understand and accept.

Healing confirms the words of the gospel and opens the heart to believe that Jesus is both Lord and Savior. Some call miracles the “dinner bell” to salvation. Evangelists in third world countries know the importance of signs and wonders. Have we become so intellectual that we no longer require God’s power? How foolish!

We do well to take Jesus’ commands to those early disciples to heart.

We should look for any and every opportunity to pray for the sick in order to open the door to sharing the gospel of grace with people we know and love.

It is not up to us to actually heal anyone: that remains under God’s jurisdiction. However, as Christ’s representatives, we have an amazing opportunity to open the door for God to work. If we pray for the sick, we may see a miracle with our own eyes! More importantly, we may open the door for our hearer to receive eternal life through faith in Jesus!

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The Evangelist: Part 4 – Front Line Soldiers

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.

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The Evangelist: Part 3 – Fishers of Men

Jesus told his disciples that he would make them into fishers of men.

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19 (NLT)

Jesus’ disciples fished for a living using boats and nets. There was nothing fun or romantic about it, but I imagine it was something that at some level they loved. Otherwise, why not find another occupation? Today we still have commercial fishermen, but most are recreational anglers who love the sport. They invest in acquiring the proper equipment, sometimes spending far more than what they could ever recoup in the value of the fish caught. Fishermen have to go to where the fish are. They cannot be passive just waiting at home for fish to show up. Avid fishermen learn as much as they can about fish, so they will not waste their time using unproductive techniques. They use all their creativity and expertise to catch as many as they can. For those who truly love to fish, it is almost an obsession. You will find them at the lake or the coast whenever they can find the time. If that is how you think of evangelism, you just might be a true evangelist.

Evangelists are deeply motivated to “catch” people with the gospel.

They dedicate significant amounts of time and effort in this pursuit. They invest in becoming fluent in the gospel by much study. We should allow ourselves to fall into the rut of using simplistic formulas and trite sayings or only sharing our personal testimony.

As seen in the four books called “gospels,” the gospel is the true story of an amazing Person that demands a response.

Evangelists practice presenting the gospel to refine their abilities.

They listen to the Holy Spirit to learn how to reach the hearts of lost people, just as Jesus did.

They work at becoming proficient in allowing the Holy Spirit to operate through them via the spiritual gifts, just as Jesus did.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:8 (NLT)

Evangelists use the spiritual gifts as “dinner bells” for salvation. God heals people and does miracles to reveal that he is real and cares about them.

Such demonstrations of power validate the message and the messenger, creating openness to the gospel.

Evangelists use the authority of Jesus to cast out demons when necessary, giving proof of Christ’s authority over the kingdom of darkness. (Luke 11:20) Evangelists are careful to keep themselves free from the corrupting power of money, freely giving away the good news.

There are evangelists who fish for people with huge nets, such as Peter in Acts Chapter Two, speaking to massive crowds, and there are those who go after individuals, such as Jesus at the well in Samaria or Philip sharing with the official from Ethiopia.

Evangelists listen to the Holy Spirit to learn how to present Jesus to people in a way that meets their deepest longings to be forgiven, to know God, and to experience his life and love.

Examples of Fishing for Individuals and Crowds

At the well in Samaria, Jesus showed us how to fish for the single individual. He addressed a very unlikely person, a Samaritan woman coming to the well alone in the middle of the day to draw water. Jewish rabbis did not talk to women, especially not Samaritan women or those who probably were being shunned by the other women in town. That did not matter to Jesus. He saw her as a lost sheep who would be open to him and his message.

Evangelists are not restricted by what people think.

They are not held back by man-made customs and rules. Their love for the lost overcomes traditional barriers. Evangelists engage least likely people that many in the church might choose to avoid, just as did Jesus.

[Jesus said]...“Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NLT)

As a good fisherman, Jesus invited this woman into a conversation, hoping she would “take the bait,” so to speak. Unless we engage people in conversation, how will we ever be able to share the gospel with them?

Evangelists learn to use the art of conversation as a springboard for sharing the gospel.  They understand how to present Jesus in a way that arouses their curiosity and interest.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” 15  “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” John 4:13-15 (NLT)

She did not grasp all that Jesus communicated to her, but she understood enough to make her want to find out more. This set up what became the turning point for the entire interaction.

When Jesus instructed her to go get her husband, which was the proper thing to do, it set the stage for him to operate in the spiritual gift of the word of knowledge. When he told her things that only God would know, it revealed to her that God and he knew about her sordid past and present, but loved her anyway.

Her encounter with God’s power and amazing love opened her heart to Jesus, instantly transforming the conversation.

She believed in Jesus, and God used her to win an entire village – all because Jesus loved the least likely, overcame cultural barriers, engaged her in conversation, and demonstrated God’s power and love to her. This is the way evangelists fish for individual people.

Peter used a huge gospel net to catch 3000 in a single message. He explained that Jesus, whom the Jews had just put to death, was the long awaited Messiah King. When they showed remorse and asked for help, he showed them how to escape God’s judgment for their recent horrendous crime of killing their own Messiah. Peter met a very real felt need in those guilty people by offering them forgiveness through the gospel, if they would pledge allegiance to the One they had previously rejected.

The evangelist helps people understand their sin of rebellion against God and offers a way of escape from God’s judgment through repentance and faith in Christ.

Fishing for people with the gospel under the direction of the Holy Spirit is most rewarding and exciting. There is nothing like it. Those who make a regular practice of praying for the lost, preparing their minds through studying the gospel, practicing their presentations to refine their abilities, learning how to operate in the gifts and power of the Spirit, and devoting significant amounts of time to the pursuit of lost people fulfill the call to be fishers of men. Who knows, the call of evangelist might be on your life, too!

One thing is for sure: we are all called to “go and make disciples.”

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The Evangelist: Part 2 – Shepherds of the Lost

Evangelists seek the lost in a similar fashion as good shepherds go after lost sheep.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT)

Love for those without hope motivated God the Father to send his Son to die on a cross as the Lamb of God to rescue us from the consequences of our sin. Love for his Father and a desire to be part of this great salvation plan were the primary motivations for Jesus to voluntarily lay down his life for those who were his enemies.

Love for the God who loves the lost is the first and greatest motivation for the evangelist. Such love for God translates into love for his lost sheep.

Jesus, who is the perfect image and representative of the Father, came to the earth to “seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

His love was and is most amazing because it extends to his enemies.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9  And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10  For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11  So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:8-11 (NLT)

When Jesus began his public ministry, the Bible says that his own people rejected him and his message.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11  He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:10-12 (NLT)

Although many accepted his message and believed that he was indeed the Messiah, the Jewish leaders hated him and eventually put him to death. Jesus knew beforehand that this would happen but was undeterred.

His love for his Father and those who were at that time God’s enemies gave him the strength lay down his own life to rescue them.

Sharing the gospel causes those who are open to it to be saved, but those whose hearts are antagonistic toward God become angry.

Inspired and empowered by God’s Spirit, evangelists are willing to risk their own lives in order to show love to those who are still God’s enemies by sharing the gospel with them.

Jesus taught that his shepherd’s heart was behind his willingness to die for lost sheep.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 (ESV)

The evangelist is a shepherd at the core, who is sent to those outside the church rather than to those who are already saved.

Whereas shepherds of those who are already in the church are willing to lay down their lives to protect the sheep, the evangelist is willing to lay down his to go after the ones who do not yet know Christ.

Jesus explained that the evangelist experiences more joy over one lost sheep being rescued than he has for a hundred already saved people. (Luke 15:7)

The evangelist is motivated to leave the safety and comfort of the local church to go into the world after the lost, thus fulfilling Christ’s command to “go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19)

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37  He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38  So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:36-38 (NLT)

Evangelists see people with the eyes of the Good Shepherd.

Their hearts go out to the lost, confused, and helpless all around them. They know when they are in the presence of people who need Jesus. Their hearts are pulled toward them. Compassion for the lost not only propels the evangelist into the harvest field of the world, but it motivates him or her to pray for God to raise up more shepherds of the lost.

Evangelists equip others to do the work of evangelism, in fulfillment of the Great Commission mandate to make disciples.

We are able to give away what we have. Through the Holy Spirit, evangelists are able to impart to others their love for the lost.

Prayer

Jesus, I ask you to give me your heart for the lost. Holy Spirit, motivate and empower me to lay down my life for those who are still your enemies. Father God, let me fall so deeply in love with you that I become totally immersed in your will. I want to be someone who puts your glory and honor above all else. Amen.

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The Evangelist: Part 1 – The Message

An evangelist is a herald of gospel. As a representative of the Good Shepherd, he announces the amazing good news that God has made it possible for those who are helpless, harassed, and lost because of their participation in mankind’s rebellion against God to once again have hope. The evangelist proclaims Jesus, the Savior-King, who conquered sin and death and made a way for those who believe and receive this good news to be reconciled to God by being born again into God’s eternal family, to receive eternal life, to participate in his glorious mission to announce this good news to the world through the power of the Spirit, and to share his glory and rule for eternity. His plea is for people to be reconciled to God.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)

The evangelist’s desire is to present the gospel accurately and passionately. Since the gospel is the power of God to save people (Romans 1:16), he takes great care to present it fully and correctly, not watering it down into some sort of easy to remember formula or consumerist sales pitch.

The evangelist’s goal is to make disciples who worship and serve Jesus, not merely add more uncommitted believers to church rolls.

Part 1: The Message

The First Evangelist: Seeker of Those Who Are Afraid and Hiding

When Adam and Eve turned their backs on God, choosing a self-directed life instead of one of joyful dependence on their Creator, in the very act of pronouncing righteous judgment on his wayward creatures, God himself preached the first gospel message. Our Lord was the first evangelist. He told the serpent, the one who orchestrated the rebellion, who no doubt believed that he had just pulled off an amazing victory, that in the future one of Eve’s descendants would bruise or crush his head, at great cost to himself.

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15 (ESV)

The good news was that God would judge evil on man’s behalf, even though it would be very costly to him personally. This was the first Messianic promise, the first announcement of the gospel. Someone was coming who would turn things around!

The evangelist offers hope to those who are under judgment for their sin.

Adam and Eve had been hiding in the garden due to their guilt and fear, but God the Evangelist came looking for them, which foreshadowed the Good Shepherd, who came to seek and save the lost. This foreshadowed the Great Commission through which Jesus sent the entire church to go after those who don’t know him yet.

One of the marks of an evangelist is that he seeks those who are lost. He doesn’t passively wait for them to come to him.

God of the Impossible

Many centuries later, God the Evangelist, who is also God the Promise Keeper, undertook to launch his program to judge the Evil One and redeem his fallen people. He chose a particular individual named Abram, through whom he would eventually bring his Messiah King into the world, a second Adam who would restore the universe back to God’s purposes. This is the good news that evangelists continue to herald.

God reached out to the least likely of people, which is another mark of the evangelist.

Abram was an old childless man married to an elderly barren woman. They had long before given up on having children; yet, the God of the impossible selected him and gave him the following amazing promise.

I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18  and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Genesis 22:17-18 (ESV)

God would use Abram and Sarai to begin a lineage that would eventually produce the offspring God promised Eve in the garden, the one who would crush Satan. Here the Lord expanded the promise, saying that this Promised One would gain a victory over his enemies and become a blessing to all the nations of the earth! This was another proclamation of the gospel!

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9  So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Galatians 3:8-9 (ESV)

The evangelist announces that God has done the impossible, what we could never do for ourselves, in order to keep his promise to save us from our sins.

God Who Sets the Captives Free

Centuries later God the Evangelist chose another very unlikely person, a fearful man who was hiding from his destiny. Moses had been trained to be a leader, but was living as a lowly shepherd in the wilderness. God appeared to Moses and told him that he had heard the desperate cries of the descendants of Abraham who were cruelly enslaved by the powerful nation of Egypt. He told Moses that he had chosen him to confront Pharaoh and demand their liberation.

Through Moses, God demonstrated the good news that he will use his power to strengthen the weak, humble the proud, devastate the powerful, and liberate the oppressed.

This is when God first revealed the need to sacrifice a Lamb so that a people could be spared from God’s wrath, foreshadowing the Lamb of God who died for our sins.

Evangelists today also herald the wonderful news that God uses the death of Jesus, the Lamb of God, to spare his people from judgment and set them free!

Good News Beyond Our Wildest Imagination

Much later God the Evangelist chose another unlikely person, a lowly shepherd boy named David, the youngest in his family. David never dreamed or aspired to be Israel’s king; nevertheless, God elevated him to become probably that nation’s greatest ruler. A man after God’s heart, he desired to honor God by building him a proper house. God’s response, communicated through a prophet, overwhelmed David. It was beyond anything David could have ever imagined. Here is what God told him.

When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13  He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (ESV)

Instead of David’s building a house for God, God would build an eternal house for himself from David’s line!

This foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah King Jesus who rose from the dead as the King of Kings, re-establishing God’s rule in the earth, something Adam had forfeited. This Messiah King would build God’s house, the true temple made without human hands, transcending anything man could ever create.

The apostle Paul, another herald of the gospel, wrote about this spiritual temple.

So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20  Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21  We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22  Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 (NLT)

The evangelist announces that it was not enough for God to merely forgive us. The good news exceeds our wildest dreams, informing us that God has restored his benevolent rule on the earth and made a way for us to be united to the Spirit of God forever. Jesus, the Messiah King, will come as Emmanuel – God with us.

The Angel Evangelist

When God’s timing was perfect, God chose a young virgin to be the mother of his promised Messiah King. God sent an angel evangelist to herald this amazing and wonderful good news to Mary.

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33  and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:30-33 (ESV)

This soon to be born baby was the one promised in the garden, the one promised to Abraham and to David. The angel told Mary the good news that she had been chosen by God because he highly favored her.

The evangelist realizes that  the proclamation of the gospel is a demonstration of the favor of God to those who hear it.

John the Evangelist
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7  He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. John 1:6-7 (ESV)

God selected Jesus’ cousin John to be the one who would introduce the Messiah to Israel and ultimately to the world. John is a wonderful example of an evangelist, who knew that Jesus must have the preeminence. He said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

John heralded that Jesus was the Lamb of God who would die for our sins, (John 1:29), explaining in more detail what the Exodus Passover lamb foreshadowed and what Isaiah had prophesied centuries before.

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:6 (NLT)

John also announced the good news that Jesus is the Son of God or Messianic King (John 1: 34) and the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit (John 1:33).

Evangelists continue to herald the message that Jesus is the Lamb of God who died for our sins, the risen Lord who rules over all, the baptizer in the Spirit, who is Lord of the harvest, and the coming Son of Man who will judge the living and the dead.

Jesus the Evangelist

When time finally arrived for Jesus to begin his public ministry, he made an amazing announcement at the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth.

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19  and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” 20  He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21  Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:18-21 (NLT)

The Promised One was fully aware of who he was and is. He understood that in and through him the good news announced through the centuries was being literally fulfilled. He is the good news!

Evangelists understand that the good news is a person whose name is Jesus!

Peter the Evangelist

When Jesus rose from the dead, he announced that all authority in heaven and earth had been given to him. (Matthew 28:18) Our Lord shares his authority with those who follow him. God has authorized us to speak on God’s behalf to announce the gospel.

Evangelists understand that it is an amazing privilege to be given the authority to announce to people how they can be forgiven and reconciled to God.

When the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples on Pentecost, fifty days after the crucifixion in fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that they would be baptized in the Spirit, Peter stood up and publicly heralded the gospel to the assembled crowd, closing with these convicting words.

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Acts 2:36 (NLT)

Evangelists pin on their listeners the responsibility for Christ’s death. Our sin nailed him to the cross. They also proclaim the good news that Jesus also rose from the dead as the Lord of lords.  They look for the appropriate Spirit-inspired response of repentance coupled with surrender and a declaration of allegiance to Christ.

Paul the Evangelist

After his dramatic conversion, Paul, the former persecutor of the church, became one of its preeminent evangelists, a herald of the gospel message. (2 Timothy 1:11) As an evangelist, he trumpeted the good news, using his ability to persuade and reason with people.

As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3  He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” Acts 17:2-3 (NLT)

The evangelist should be “fluent” in the gospel and able to speak persuasively about Jesus the Messiah.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for promising to rescue us and following through on that promise. Thank you that you sent evangelists to bring that good news to us. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for working in our hearts to make us receptive. I give you my heart and my life. I receive your promise and life in exchange. Thank you for forgiving my sins and setting me free from guilt and shame. Help me to be a bearer of good news to those around me who are still without hope. Amen.

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Freedom from Fear of the Unknown

The gospel provides freedom from the fear of the unknown.

People generally resist change because we fear the unknown. Why else would an abused spouse choose to stay with someone who routinely hurts her instead of venturing out on her own away from danger?

We fear what we do not know because it makes us feel vulnerable and out of control.

Do we take the new better paying job or stay with the one we have, which seems familiar and secure? Do I risk marrying the one I love, or stay in relationship limbo out of fear that the marriage may fail? Should we have another child, even if we are not positive we can “afford” it?

Fear of the unknown is another reason people feel so confused and frightened when unpredictable bad things happen for no apparent reason. It is why we are so prone to assign blame for tragedies, when there was none.

We want to be able to predict the future and control it, but God does not allow for that. In fact, he wants us to become comfortable in being uncomfortable. He wants us to trust him in our uncertainty and fear.

Albert Smith wrote the familiar hymn, I Know Who Holds the Future.

I know who holds the future , And I know he holds my hand;
With God things don’t just happen ev’rything by Him is planned.
So as I face tomorrow with its problems large and small,
I’ll trust the God of miracles, Give to Him my all!

These words are based on one of the most foundational of all Bible doctrines, the sovereignty of God. I wrote an article devoted entirely to this truth, entitled The Unexpected Key to Happiness. I encourage you to read it.

Faith in God’s loving sovereignty is the key to happiness.

This is based somewhat on the following verse and other related verses that agree with it.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Jesus believed this, which is proved by the way he lived and the words he spoke. If Jesus believed that his Father is absolutely sovereign and nothing happens outside his will, we should believe it, too. Another way to put this is that, even though God is not the author of evil, he bends and shapes evil to conform to his purposes and makes everything, even bad things, work for our good and his glory. Otherwise, he would not be sovereign at all.

We need not fear the unknown because God will make it work for us, no matter what. Another reason we need not fear the unknown is because God is always with us. (John 14:16)

When the Lord challenged Moses to confront the most powerful ruler in the world, to assuage his fear and uncertainty, God promised him, “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12) When David fled for his life from King Saul, and his future seemed very uncertain, he wrote these beautiful words that confirmed his trust in the ever present sovereign God.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NASB)

As Thomas and the other disciples contemplated their uncertain future, Jesus comforted them with these words.

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4  And you know the way to where I am going.” 5  “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6  Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:1-6 (NLT)

Even though we do not know the way, the Way knows us. He promised us that he will be with us, keep us, and guide us. The future is in his hands, and so are we.

No matter what unknown confronts us, the answer to our fear is always the same. God is with us and controls our destinies. Whether we live fearlessly or timidly largely depends on whether or not we believe this. Which is it going to be for you and me?

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