What is Evangelism? Using both biblical and contemporary perspectives, explore the nature and purpose of evangelism.
Introduction
This essay is to explain what evangelism is contextualising it with the bible; the contemporary world exploring what it really means and the purpose of it.
What is the nature and Purpose of Evangelism?
Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life (John 14:6). If we can dissect this script, ‘I am the way’, Jesus was telling us his way was the way to live life, so long as we walk in truth meaning true to his way of life, following his example which is classed as truth which further leads us to eternal life. The dictionary’ definition for evangelism is; someone who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith, zealous advocates of something. This is a complete distortion of the truth of course. If the postmodern person read this definition it would create a storm, the post modern critique undermines all levels of truth whether it is from the English dictionary or the Holy Bible. The English dictionaries definition of evangelism is someone having a hidden agenda
Depending on what domain of Christianity you are from depends on the word used, but in this case we are discussing the purpose of evangelism, it comes to something when Christians cannot agree on a word of God and use it universally, never mind the authors of books.
We are talking about spreading the word of God in the first instance and then demonstrating Gods word in actions; and that is when it has to come from the heart and the agape of God’ love is witnessed in others. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be a Christian to be an example to God. Demonstrating Jesus’ actions is of primary concern in liberate others from...
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... components of mission and may never been given a life of its own.’ Having read this, it is infuriating how the ecclesiology can digress so far from what Jesus Christ tried to portray. The CWME (Commission of World Mission Evangelism) defined evangelism as the “commission to give the whole church, and take the whole gospel to the whole world”. It is this definition which seems more in line with the plumb line of God.
Conclusion
In drawing everything to a close it is concluded the Samaritan from the biblical perspective is no different from the contemporary. The psalms of songs are no different from the worship of the contemporary so long as they are humble unto God. We have no chance to be like God but we have the ability to demonstrate how he would like us to live and in doing so he will do a works in us, so we can give testimony unto him.
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In a survey conducted in 2012, LifeWay.com inquired about the importance of evangelism among members of the Christian faith. The results of the survey showed that 80 percent of people who claimed to follow Jesus Christ and had openly devoted themselves to the teaching of Christianity, felt that they had a “personal responsibility to share their religious views and beliefs about Jesus Christ with non-christians” (Wilke, LifeWay.com). Surveys such as this reflect the Christian doctrine of evangelism and the weight it holds within the Christian faith. As can be seen back in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ commanded His followers “to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).” However, Jesus never told His followers how doing this.
... The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha Revised Standard Version.(1977). New York: Oxford University Press, 1977. Nyberg, Nancy.(November 1997). Personal Interview and survey with Pastor of 1st Congregational Church of Dundee. Poole, W. Michael, D.Min., Th.D.(November 1997). Personal Interview and survey with pastor of Calvary Church of God. Strong, James.(1996). The New STRONG'S Complete Dictionary of Bible Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Tierney, Michael J.(November 1997). Personal Interview and survey with Priest from Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Parish. Unger, Merrill F.(1967). Unger's Bible handbook. Chicago: Moody Press. Weizsacker, H.I(1958). The Apostolic Age. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications. White, R.E.O.(1960). The Biblical Doctrine of Initiation: A Theology of Baptism and Evangelism. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
In the bible we see that one of the first well-known missionaries was the Apostle Paul. Even though we see that Paul had background work in taking care of or killing those who did not share the same mind set as he did, he did however experience a life changing moment where he was able see the importance of acceptance and bringing Christianity into ones own identity. The work of the Apostle Paul was given by God to serve all people and share with them God’s grace and message through Jesus Christ. 3 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for[a] Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you,.” Paul traveled to many places and was known for sharing the...
Servant evangelism comes with advantages for those serving, too. Christians today are commissioned to "be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). This is why it is highly important to study upon the Word of God so that we will have an appropriate response for any question
to spread the word, to preach, to teach, to learn from others. It is a
Therefore, through this, Christian adherents are able to express their faith. Hence, as a Christian adherent, it is essential that they follow the words of the Lord and express their faith in the correct manner.
The debate of the destiny of the unevangelized is an issue that both Calvinist and Arminian continue to study. They attempt to answer questions similar to, “what about those who have never heard the gospel?” “Will they be judged simply for living in some faraway place where no missionaries have been?” “What about the people who lived before the time of Christ?” These questions are based on the exclusive claim of Christianity that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. There are four views that have strived to answer these questions. There is the restrictive view, universal opportunity view, postmorten evangelism view and inclusivist view. Each stance offers a Biblical argument, however not every view can be correct. In effort to answer the question, this paper will review each position and explain why of the four views; universal opportunity makes the most theological sense and in no way conflicts with the great commission.
Many years ago, a friend and pastor whom I dearly loved and respected told me that there are three areas of responsibility in sharing the gospel. They are ours, the Holy Spirits, and the one that hears the gospel. Our responsibility is to go where we are called. That is it, to go and allow our self to be used. The Holy Spirit’s
Lynn Malone, is currently the senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. On June 13, 2008, Malone gave a homily that entailed a very key component of the Christian faith, the church. In this homily, the main concept of the homily is the church as being one whole entity. Throughout the homily, numerous examples are given that exemplify this concept. I will be discussing two themes more in depth throughout this paper, the Christian Church as one entity, and the universality of Christianity and Christ’s teachings.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew records Jesus’ last words to His disciples these verses have become known as “The Great Commission.”Since, the giving of the Great Commission followers of Christ has left their own culture in order to engage another with the saving message of the Gospel. Numerous books, articles and blogs have been written on the subject of World Evangelization or Missions. One such book on missions is called, “The Changing Face of World Missions: Engaging Contemporary Issues and Trends” this book was written by Michael Pocock, Gailyn Van Rheenen, and Douglas McConnell. All three men are experts in the field of missions; the writers have served overseas and are now currently engaged in equipping the next generation through teaching at Dallas and Fuller Theological Seminary. The authors bring a wealth of personal and academic excellence to their particular chapters as well as a passion to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The balance between academia and real world application make “The Changing Face of World Missions”, an informative and exciting read.
The after effects of Evangelicalism have moved in other directions. Because the Evangelicals were, from the outset, intent on expanding church membership, they managed to define the daily religious life of the United States in a way that no other movement had done before, or has done since. Ever since the Second Great Awakening, the power of Evangelicalism has derived from its practical character -- its ability to distribute its message, to help guide the religious lives of its adherents, to organize its members into cohesive groups. Modern Evangelical preachers follow in their predecessors footsteps by continuing to spread the word of God -- although now they have moved beyond rural camp meetings to take advantage of the power of television.
Although Postmodernism is all around the world today—there is something that is much more significant that affects the lives of many, and that is the Word of God. When referencing the Word of God, there are two ways that it can be interpreted. The first being to Scripture, and the second being Jesus. While there is scripture to support either, many try to refrain from referencing Scripture as the “Word of God” because Jesus is the “true, living, and eternal Word of God”. Though as mentioned in the book, people continue to reference Scripture as the Word of God—while still knowing that Jesus is the true Word of God.
The first is that it over-simplifies the process of being converted and the Gospel. The fact that those who are being preached to by the message have probably never heard the Gospel before or may have heard very little. Thus by making it oversimplified.... ... middle of paper ... ...
Evangelism is one of the key component for changing people’s lives. McRaney states, “The word evangelism comes from a combination of Greek words for “good” and “messenger.” Evangelism involves bringing the goods. Kent Hunter reminded us that “when Christians witness, they tell how Jesus Christ has changed their own lives. The change in their own lives gives them the desires to share the Good News with others.” Christians must share their testimony to people and spread the gospel so that they can bring lost souls to Christ. God has commissioned every Christian to evangelize so that people will learn about Jesus Christ and accept Him as their personal savior. Matthew 28:19 states, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. Christians are required to spread the Gospel throughout the world and can no longer just attend church. Christians must plant seeds and water the seeds so that lost souls will be saved.
The method of evangelism that I used for my witness report was the “Four Spiritual Laws.” I chose this method because it is simple straight to the point, and has facts that I believe cannot be disputed. It is also quick and simple to explain. How I started the conversation was simple actually, for a while one of my family members has been confused about if there is a god or not and the last time I came home we spoke about what I have learned down at Liberty. Thus I thought it would be a good idea to bring up what I learned during these past few weeks from this class. of course what I have learned from this class are different ways to evangelize and that is how the conversation started.