Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin Evangelism is the act of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ with the intent of spreading the Christian faith. The term originates from the Greek word "euangelion," meaning "good news" or "gospel." Evangelism is a central tenet of Christianity, rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. Biblical Foundation The mandate for evangelism is explicitly stated in the New Testament. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This passage underscores the responsibility of Christians to spread the teachings of Christ globally. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus further instructs His followers, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse highlights the empowerment by the Holy Spirit for the task of evangelism, emphasizing its importance and scope. Methods and Approaches Evangelism can take various forms, including personal witness, public preaching, and the use of media and literature. The Apostle Paul exemplifies diverse methods of evangelism in his missionary journeys, adapting his approach to different audiences. In 1 Corinthians 9:22 , Paul states, "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I might save some." Personal evangelism involves sharing one's faith through personal relationships and conversations. This method is often seen as effective due to its relational nature and the opportunity for genuine dialogue. Public evangelism includes preaching in churches, open-air meetings, and events designed to reach larger audiences. The use of media, such as radio, television, and the internet, has expanded the reach of evangelistic efforts in the modern era. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in evangelism, providing believers with the boldness and wisdom needed to share the gospel. In John 16:13 , Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" who will guide believers into all truth. The Spirit's work is essential in convicting individuals of sin and drawing them to Christ, as seen in John 16:8 : "When He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." Challenges and Opposition Throughout history, evangelism has faced challenges and opposition. The early church encountered persecution, as recorded in Acts 4:18-20 , where Peter and John were commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Despite such opposition, the apostles declared, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." In contemporary times, evangelism may face resistance due to cultural, religious, or ideological differences. However, Christians are encouraged to persevere, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. Theological Significance Evangelism is not merely an activity but a theological imperative rooted in the nature of God and His redemptive plan for humanity. It reflects God's desire for all people to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved, as expressed in 1 Timothy 2:4 : "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." The act of evangelism is an expression of love and obedience to God's command, seeking to fulfill His purpose of reconciling the world to Himself through Christ. As ambassadors for Christ, believers are called to share the message of reconciliation, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:20 : "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." Topical Bible Verses Matthew 28:19-20Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Topicalbible.org Mark 16:15 Acts 1:8 1 Corinthians 1:17 Romans 1:16 Library New Evangelism and other Papers The New Evangelism The New Evangelism: and Its Relation to Cardinal Doctrines New Evangelism and other Papers Success. The Method of the New Theology, and Some of Its Applications Proving God's Faithfulness (1902-1908) The Conflict with Evil A Memorial Sketch by W. Robertson Nicoll Introduction Resources What does the Bible say about the evangelization of children? | GotQuestions.orgInclusivism vs. exclusivism-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why had the believers in Samaria not received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8)? | GotQuestions.org Evangelized: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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