And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Mark 16:15
Have you ever met a great evangelist? Maybe in your lifetime you’ve had an opportunity to shake hands with a Billy-Graham-level Gospel-giver (maybe Billy Graham himself!). Even if only on TV or online, it’s always inspiring to experience the power of the life-changing message of salvation given with passion and clarity. My pastor, who launched our Bible-based church about a decade ago, noted in a recent sermon that more than 10,000 people have surrendered their lives to Jesus in that time! The Lord has given our pastor an enormous platform (and gifting), and the Holy Spirit is doing huge things through his leadership. It’s amazing to be part of this movement of God and breathtaking to view its impact firsthand—especially how the Gospel is intricately woven into every sermon, every gathering.
Of course, inspiration is no further away than our Bible—the go-to example being the Apostle Paul, who always did whatever it took to share the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22). You can read Acts, as well as the 13 books in the Bible written by him to learn more.
“Oh,” you may be thinking, “that’s PAUL! I can’t be that bold.” Well, my friend Wendy would beg to differ. This woman has the gift of evangelism oozing out of her every pore. She goes out to dinner, and the server will hear about Jesus. Gas station coffee run before work? The three circles will no doubt be scrawled on a napkin for the cashier. Her immense enthusiasm and sheer joy to tell others about the free gift of salvation is truly astonishing. Again, you may be thinking, “Well, evangelism is her gift—that’s not mine.” Friend, I hear you…
It’s true that upon salvation, believers are gifted differently by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7). And we must each recognize how the Lord has equipped us to glorify Him and impact others for the Kingdom—and, of course, we must be using those gifts accordingly. That said, the Great Commission has been given to every Christian (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). (I’m going to start preaching to myself now…you can listen if you want.)
If you have made Jesus your Lord and Savior, you are an evangelist.
Yes, we’re to shine our light before others (Matthew 5:16). Yes, we are to show love to one another, so everyone will know we’re a Christian (John 13:35). But we’re also to open our mouth and share the Truth with words (Romans 10:17). In fact, if we’re living differently than the world, others should notice! And when they do, many will comment about it—or outright ask. In 1 Peter 3:15, we’re told to always be ready to tell others the reason for our hope! This is everyday evangelism—a readiness to share the why behind our set-apartness, our joy, our hope.
So, let me ask: Are you ready? Am I?
Lord, You have called me to be a disciple who makes disciples. Prepare my heart, mind, and mouth to share the eternity-changing Truth of Jesus.
encouraged by grace 