What is Evangelism?

And He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

How many of us are doing this?
Let me answer that for you...........NOT ENOUGH!

Plenty of surveys have been done on this subject to conclude that less than 2% of us who call ourselves Evangelicals are actually being evangelical. Compare that statistic with the number of "converts" who can actually be found still serving Christ just two years after responding to an altar call (less than 5%) and we must conclude that there are few people being reached with the Gospel today. Much of the blame can be placed at the doorstep of modern evangelism.

There are grand efforts to reach people with the "Gospel", but for over fifty years now the message that Christ Himself preached has been watered down to fit the mold of our modern culture. The modern Gospel promises happiness and well-being to those who would simply say a prayer. "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Would you like to pray a prayer that will bring you joy and happiness?"

Ask any unbeliever what a "wonderful plan" means to them and they will most likely respond with answers like wealth, health, security, expensive cars, nice homes, good education and so on.

The chief end of man within secular humanism is happiness. Modern evangelism has embraced this philosophy by appealing to man's desire to be "happy", "fulfilled", "secure".

Biblical evangelism does not appeal to the senses by offering fulfillment. Though as Christians, we know there is nothing more fulfilling than to live for Christ,

Biblical evangelism does not offer happiness. Though Christians have the most reasons to be happy,

Biblical evangelism doesn't offer a life void of problems. Though I couldn't imagine going through my many problems without Christ.

So what is Biblical Evangelism then?

Biblical evangelism appeals to the conscience of sinners who have grieved and offended God in their sin.

Biblical evangelism is a call for sinners to repent of their sin and trust God, not just as Savior but also as their Lord.

Biblical evangelism seeks to convince the sinner of his sin. Once conviction has taken root and there is sorrow for having grieved God, then and only then does the message of grace make any sense.

From what are we saved? And unto Whom are we now committed? Unfortunately modern evangelism doesn't deal with these questions; rather, "decisions" for Christ have become the goal. But what information are we giving to a lost and dying world to assist them in this decision-making process? If we're simply offering them peace and happiness we are making a huge mistake! The sinner who turns to Christ to have his problems solved will be greatly dissatisfied when difficult times arise.

Keith Green once said, "I'd rather have people hate me with the knowledge that I tried to save them." Let's be bold in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let's withhold nothing from the sinner in need of a Savior, as we give him the reality of his sin, and pray that the Holy Spirit will convince him of his offense to a just and holy, yet loving God.