Years ago I read an article that said evangelism is not offering service, giving testimonies, inviting people to church, or discussing apologetics. The author of the article insisted that evangelism must involve sharing the entire gospel and praying with the sinner to receive Christ. He said that anything less was not evangelism.
I don't agree.
We're naïve if we think people come to Christ from a single encounter. If it happens, it's rare. Typically, there are multiple people and events involved in every conversion. There certainly were in mine.
Sharing testimonies, inviting people to church, mentioning Christ in a conversation with an unbeliever, telling someone you will pray for them, discussing apologetics, taking a meal to a sick friend, and living our faith openly … these are just a few of the things that can contribute to a person's decision to follow Christ.
And when a person accepts Christ, that's just the beginning.
"Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." 1 Corinthians 3:7
Instead of debating who is doing "real evangelism," let's ask God to make us faithful to use our gifts for His purposes (Ephesians 2:10).
I encourage you to check out the Bite Size Bible Study that reinforces and expands the truths in this devotion: Real Evangelism.
💙 And please check out The Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life. It features 1-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and is on sale at reduced prices on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD
We're naïve if we think people come to Christ from a single encounter. If it happens, it's rare. Typically, there are multiple people and events involved in every conversion. There certainly were in mine.
Sharing testimonies, inviting people to church, mentioning Christ in a conversation with an unbeliever, telling someone you will pray for them, discussing apologetics, taking a meal to a sick friend, and living our faith openly … these are just a few of the things that can contribute to a person's decision to follow Christ.
And when a person accepts Christ, that's just the beginning.
Then other people help in the process of sanctification—Bible study leaders, pastors, friends, and even strangers living their faith in front of us.
Sometimes God calls us to share the full gospel with someone and ask them if they'd like to pray to accept Christ. Other times He leads us to do other things that will lead to their salvation. So let's listen to the Lord because He's the one who does the real work in people's hearts:
"Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." 1 Corinthians 3:7
Instead of debating who is doing "real evangelism," let's ask God to make us faithful to use our gifts for His purposes (Ephesians 2:10).
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BLN
so true...one drops a seed, another waters, fertilizes, etc! always appreciate your devotionals.
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