**John 10:10 (KJV)**: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
In the world, almost at whatever time and wherever you go, there is always some bad news about this or that. The Devil is on the prowl, evil seems to be lurking in every corner, and darkness seems to be spreading like a plague. But wait a minute, it is not all bad news. There is the Good news that maybe people have not heard about yet.
The word Gospel comes from the Greek word euangelion, which literally means “Good news.”
Spreading the Gospel (Good news) is the fundamental mission for all Christian believers. Here are some key points on its importance:
1. **Salvation**: The primary goal of spreading the Gospel is to offer people the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as their saviour, which is the path to eternal life.
**John 3:16 (KJV)**: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
**Acts 4:12 (KJV)**: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name (Jesus) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
**Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)**: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
These verses emphasise that salvation is found through faith in Jesus Christ.
2. **Fulfilling the Great Commission**: In the Bible, Jesus commands his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This is known as the Great Commission and is a driving force for evangelism.
**Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)**: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
**Mark 16:15 (KJV)**: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
**Romans 10:14 (KJV)**: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
**Acts 26:18 (KJV)**: “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
**Matthew 9:37-38 (KJV)**: “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
These verses emphasise the importance of spreading the Gospel and the responsibility of Christians to share the message of Christ with the world.
3. **Sharing God’s Love**: Spreading the Gospel is seen as an act of love and compassion. Christians are sharing the message of God’s love and grace, that can bring hope and healing to those in need.
**Ephesians 2:4-5 (KJV)**: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
This verse highlights the importance of love and compassion as integral components of sharing God’s message of love and grace through the Gospel.
4. **Building God’s Kingdom**: Evangelism is contributing to the growth of God’s kingdom on Earth. The more people accept Christ, the world becomes a better place. Spreading the Gospel brings God’s kingdom closer to humanity and encourages people to seek God’s righteousness.
**Matthew 6:10 (KJV)**: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
**Matthew 6:33 (KJV)**: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
**Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)**: “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
**Mark 1:15 (KJV)**: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel.”
5. **Testimony and Witness**: Sharing one’s own testimony and experiences of faith can be a powerful way to spread the Gospel. Personal stories can resonate with others and encourage them to seek a relationship with God.
**Revelation 12:11 (KJV)**: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
**1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)**: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
**Psalm 66:16 (KJV)**: “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.”
Now, here are some tips for effective evangelism in a diverse world:
1. **Respect Cultural Differences**: Understand and respect the cultural norms and beliefs of the people you’re sharing the Gospel with. This will help you connect with them on a deeper level.
**1 Corinthians 9:22 (KJV)**: “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
2. **Build Relationships**: Establish meaningful relationships with individuals before diving into evangelism. Trust and rapport are crucial for effective communication.
**Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)**: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
3. **Active Listening**: Listen actively to the concerns, questions, and doubts of those you’re engaging with. Addressing their specific needs and doubts can be more persuasive.
**James 1:19 (KJV)**: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
**1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)**: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
4. **Use Relatable Language**: Avoid using religious jargon or terminology that might be unfamiliar to your audience. Use language that resonates with their daily lives.
**1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (KJV)**:
“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”
5. **Be a Role Model**: Live out your faith by demonstrating love, compassion, and humility. Your actions can speak louder than words.
**1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)**:
“Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
**Matthew 5:16 (KJV)**: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
6. **Share Personal Stories**: Share your own experiences and testimonies to make the Gospel more relatable and real to others.
**Psalm 66:16 (KJV)**: “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.”
**1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)**:
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
7. **Be Patient and Persistent**: In some cases, evangelism can seem like a long and ongoing process. Be patient and continue to do your bit, offer support, guidance and prayers.
**Galatians 6:9 (KJV)**: “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
**2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)**: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
8. **Prayer**: Seek guidance through prayer for both yourself and those you’re trying to reach. Prayer has the power to open hearts and minds. The devil cannot oppose God directly; he tried it once and failed woefully (Isaiah 14:12-14), but he has power over those who are not saved. He can blind their minds, so prayer is very important for effective soul-winning.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV): “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
**1 Timothy 2:1-4 (KJV)**: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
**Philippians 4:6 (KJV)**: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
**James 5:16b (KJV)** – “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Remember that effective evangelism is not about imposing beliefs but about sharing a message of hope and love in a respectful and caring way.
**Acts 1:8 (AMPC)**: “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.”
God has sent you, and as you go, He backs you up in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit to reprove people for their sins, and bring judgment it is not yours.
**John 16:8-9 (KJV)**: And when he (Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me.
You just preach the word.
**Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)**: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Salvation is a free gift from God. God has made a way for everyone to come to Him through Jesus, not by force but by choice.
**John 14:6 (KJV)**: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
**Romans 10:8-11 (KJV)**: “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
Peradventure, you are not yet saved, but after reading about this Good news, your heart is stirred up, and you want to experience Salvation, then please pray this prayer and mean it:
Father, I come to you in the Name of Jesus. I know that I’m a sinner and cannot save myself. But Jesus died for me; He shed His blood that I might be saved; today, I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour; forgive me all my sins, wash me with your blood and make me whole. I forsake the devil, the world and all sinful habits; I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord. Father, I thank you because you have saved me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Congratulations if you prayed that prayer. The next step is to get into the right place and the right help to grow and develop in God’s plan and purpose for your new life. Join a living Church and be thoroughly discipled.
At my Church, Life Oasis Int’l Church https://lifeoasisinternationalchurch.org/, we are committed to helping you realise your God-given dreams in life. You can complete the online form https://form.myjotform.com/52455229473560 or send an email to info@dreamcentre.org or contact me directly for an anointed chat by emailing smilingpreacher4eva@gmail.com
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 