Going to Battle for God Series
When you think of the word evangelism, what comes to your mind? Do think of preachers? Missionaries? Maybe other religions like Mormonism, or even Jehovah Witness? Well, before I get started I think it would be fitting that I give the true definition of evangelism. It is “the spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness.” So when I asked you the question what do you think of when you hear the word evangelism, what did you say? Based upon the true definition we know it cannot be sharing anything religious, except by Christian preachers or by a personal Christian witness.
I would like to do this study on the second part of the definition, personal witness. The reason for this is, God did not call us all to become preachers. He did, however, tell us that we all need to go and tell the Good News of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
I titled this series “Going to Battle for God” because I believe it is a battle for us. The word BATTLE is my acronym for this series. I will go through each letter so that it may help you become a better witness for Christ.
First off, is the letter “B” in the acronym BATTLE. I have chosen the word "Believer." I have chosen Believer because we must believe Jesus is the Son of God in order to become a true evangelist. Mormonism, Jehovah Witness, and all the other religions do not believe He was. They say He was “Prophet,” or a “Good Man,” but not the Son of God. Well, for me, if He is not the Son of God, then this is a complete waste of time to write or for you to read. So let me just ask, "Have you ever asked Jesus to come in your life?" Have you asked Jesus to forgive you for your past sins? And do you believe He is the Son of God? If you have never asked Jesus to come in your heart, will you do this right now? Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
If you want to learn more about who Jesus is and how to accept him in your life, click here.
The second thing you must do is actually believe in what you are doing. You may be a believer of Christ, but do you believe you have a testimony that others would like to hear? Do you feel God has changed your life? If you have just accepted Christ, why did you do so? Do you think people accept Christ only for fire insurance, or do think they truly want to live a different lifestyle? I will tell you if you are only asking Jesus into your heart so you do not go to Hell, then you need to be very careful with that thought. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23, ”Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in Heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord!, we prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name'. But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's Laws'.”
I felt this verse was very important. I wanted to remind you that we must be doing the Will of God and we must obey God's Laws, so that we can successfully be a true witness for Christ. If we are professing to be a Christian, we must do our very best to look more like Christ. If we are cussing, cheating, lying, gossiping, sending dirty emails, watching porn, having fights with other believers, have no desire for church, nor a desire to spend time in God's Word, then do you think others believe you have made a change for Christ? Did you really mean you want Jesus in your heart and to help you become more like Him? Or did you just want that fire insurance you think you are going to get? God knows your heart, but you will not be an effective witness if you do not have a desire to also change.
Evangelism starts with being a believer. But for others to believe you are a believer, you have to have a desire to be a better person. I believe with all my heart that if you have come to know Jesus is the Son of God and truly desire to grow close to Him, you will be saved. We are going to sin. We are going to makes mistakes. Jesus tells us He is faithful to forgive us. However, we need to repent and we do need to start changing our sinful ways. You cannot blame Satan for your actions. It does not work that way. God gives us a free will so that we will choose to do what is right, not the sinful desires of man.
Tomorrow's letter is “A”. I have chosen the word “All-In” for the "A" in BATTLE of Christ. I hope you will continue to go with me through this short series and see how you may become a better evangelist.
Have a good evening,
E