Evangelism: How To

Pastor Lucy Paynter Daily Insights

Evangelism involves sharing the message of Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Here are key principles according to the Bible: 1. Pray for Guidance and Boldness - Prayer is essential for effective evangelism (Ephesians 6:18-20). - Ask God for boldness and the right opportunities to share the Gospel (Acts 4:29). 2. Live a Godly Life: - Your life should reflect the message you share (Matthew 5:16). - A righteous life can attract others to Christ (1 Peter 2:12). 3. Understand the Gospel - Be clear about the core message: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). - Explain that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). 4. Build Relationships - Engage with people where they are, as Paul did (1 Corinthians 9:22). - Build trust and genuine friendships (John 13:34-35). 5. Share Your Testimony - Share your personal story of how you came to faith (1 Peter 3:15). - Your experience can be powerful in connecting with others. 6. Use Scripture - The Bible is the foundation for your message (Hebrews 4:12). - Use relevant verses to explain the Gospel (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16). 7. Be Prepared for Questions: - Be ready to answer questions and objections with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). - Study and understand the Bible to provide clear answers (2 Timothy 2:15). 8. Rely on the Holy Spirit: - Trust the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those you speak to (John 16:8-11). - Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and power (Acts 1:8). 9. Follow Up and Disciple - Evangelism doesn’t end with a single conversation; it’s important to help new believers grow in their faith (Matthew 28:19-20). - Encourage them to join a church community and study the Bible. By incorporating these biblical principles, you can share the message of Jesus effectively and compassionately. The Bible provides numerous examples of evangelism. Here are a few significant ones: 1. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42) - Context: Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at a well, breaking cultural norms. -Approach: He begins with a simple request for water, leading to a deep conversation about her life and spiritual matters. - Outcome: The woman believes in Jesus and brings many from her town to hear Him, resulting in many conversions. 2. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) - Context: Philip, led by the Holy Spirit, meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. - Approach: Philip asks if the eunuch understands what he's reading and explains the passage, relating it to Jesus. - Outcome: The eunuch believes and is baptized, rejoicing as he continues his journey. 3. Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41): - Context: After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter addresses a crowd in Jerusalem during Pentecost. - Approach: He explains the fulfillment of prophecy and proclaims Jesus' death and resurrection. - Outcome: About 3,000 people repent, believe, and are baptized, forming the early Christian community. 4. Paul in Athens (Acts 17:16-34) - Context: Paul is distressed by the idolatry in Athens and speaks at the Areopagus. - Approach: He starts by acknowledging their religiosity and uses an altar to an unknown god to introduce the true God. - Outcome: Some mock him, but others are intrigued, and a few become believers. 5. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:5-15) - Context: Jesus sends His twelve disciples to the towns of Israel. - Approach: He instructs them to preach the Kingdom of Heaven, heal the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons, relying on God’s provision. - Outcome: They spread the message widely, with varying reception, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. 6. Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16:11-34) - Context: In Philippi, Paul and Silas meet Lydia and later are imprisoned for casting out a spirit. - Approach: They pray and sing hymns in --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support