Welcome to The Bare Essentials!
Why Evangelism?
Have you ever asked yourself, "Why should I witness?" Several
reasons should come to mind. First, because Jesus commands you to: "Go
therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit," (Matt. 28:19).
Also, Ezek. 3:11 says, "and go to the exiles, to the sons of your
people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not..."
Second, you must witness because you love the unsaved (if you don't,
you should). The most loving thing you can do is present the gospel
in hopes of bringing others to salvation. Galatians 5:22 lists love
as one of the fruit of the Spirit. It is love's nature to give. Take
for example John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son..." Love gives, and if you have only a small
portion of His love, you will want to give to others.
Third, witness because it is a wise thing to do. Prov. 11:30 says, "...he
who is wise wins souls." Now, I know I am not a very wise person.
But, since God says I'll be wise to win souls, or try to, then great,
let me at it. I want to be wise in God's sight.
Fourth, witness to keep people out of hell. Hell is a terrifying place
of utter anguish and eternal separation from God. Those who are not
saved go there. Witnessing is an attempt to keep them out of hell.
Fifth, witness because it pleases God and brings glory to His name.
And finally, witness so they may find the love and fellowship of God
(1 John 1:3), the greatest of all treasures. I can think of no greater
gift than salvation. It frees the sinner from sin, it delivers the lost
from damnation, and it reveals the true and living God to those who
don't know Him.
The angels of heaven rejoice greatly when anyone passes from judgment
into salvation (Luke 15:10). Shouldn't we as Christians rejoice too?
Shouldn't we weep over the lost? Shouldn't we ask the Lord of the field
to send laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2)? Certainly! The salvation
of others is the goal of your efforts. The love of God is your motive.
Is there anything greater? So, give.