“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the 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.’” (Matthew 28:18–20 NLT)

 

One thing many believers and nonbelievers have in common is that both are very uptight about evangelism. Believers are uptight about evangelizing, and nonbelievers are uptight about being evangelized.

Maybe you remember someone sharing the gospel with you when you really didn’t want to hear it. Or maybe you know what it’s like to share with someone who had no interest in what you were saying. If you’re new to the Christian faith, you may have recent memories of both scenarios.

As intimidating or uncomfortable as sharing your faith may be, it’s something every believer has been called to do. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:14, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (NLT). There’s no arguing with his logic.

Jesus left marching orders for everyone who follows Him: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NLT). In the original language, this verse could be translated to say, “I command you to go into all the world.” That’s why we call it the Great Commission and not the Great Suggestion. It’s an order from our Commander-in-Chief. If we’re faithful followers of Jesus, then we need to make the attempt. We need to do what we can to share His message.

The when, where, and how are up to us (to a certain extent). Evangelism strategies are like fingerprints and snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. That’s because no two experiences with Jesus are exactly alike. In John 9, Jesus healed a man who had been born blind. When the Jewish religious leaders interrogated the man, hoping to get him to change his story, he said, “I know this: I was blind, and now I can see” (verse 25 NLT). That’s what evangelism is: telling others what we know about Jesus, what He’s done for us. It’s the logical next step after receiving Christ: telling others how to do it, too.

When you start to tell others about Christ, you’ll discover something amazing: For every lock, there is a key. Your story, your experience, your specific approach to sharing the gospel may succeed where others have failed. You may be able to reach people whom others cannot.

That’s why God wants to work through you. He wants to use your unique experience to reach others for Him. Will you be open to His guidance and direction? Will you be available? The opportunities are plentiful. But it’s up to you to seize them.

 

Reflection question: How would you describe your approach to sharing your faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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