Devotion/Study – “Evangelism” – 07/16/2025 – Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

COMMENTS

Why do we need Evangelism? For me, the answer is simple: without it, I would still be mired in my own sins. There were a few Bible verses, studies, sermons, and such that worked upon my stone-cold heart. One of these was John 3:19, which led me to realize that I (and all sinners) genuinely appreciate the dark side of life. Remember that this verse actually begins in John 3:16 and continues through 3:21. Here, Nicodemus and Jesus discuss what one must do to be saved. Jesus says, “For God so loved the world…but mankind loves darkness.” Christian, unless you live in a false Eutopia, there is undoubtedly someone you know who loves darkness and is waiting to be told of the light beyond. This should be a motivator for you to evangelize.

Today’s Devotional is a review of the forthcoming book by Robin Ventura entitled Equipped to Evangelize: A Biblical Foundation (Christian Focus, 2025). Within it, seven main divisions outline the necessity for Christian evangelism.

In the final paragraph, we find the following sentence: “If you are a Christian, you are an evangelist.” Based upon this review, it appears the author is making the case that every “born again believer” is an evangelist. While I understand the connection he makes (see Study Below for Definition), that everyone who shares the Gospel is in fact Evangelizing, I think it must also be reconciled with this text.:

Eph 4:11-12 (AMP) And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church),

In the Holy Bible, we see an explicit command to participate in Evangelism:

Matt 28:18-20 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).

I do not see an explicit command to be an evangelist, nor that everyone is gifted as one; only a command for personal evangelism is given. (See reference below) Some may argue that this is merely a matter of semantics or theological word salad. If you have followed these posts at all, you know that we put great emphasis on CONTEX. What does the Bible actually say (or command), not what it appears to say? Can the CONTEXT be interpreted to mean that everyone is gifted to be an Evangelist? My answer is no. Can the CONTEXT of scripture be construed to say that everyone is blessed to partake in Evangelism? My answer is a resounding Yes! Word Salad or not, CONTEXT rules in Biblical text study (Hermeneutics).

Even considering my concern about that one part of the article, I think this review has merit. As the Bereans (Acts 17:11) did, I encourage you to do your own research. Are you called to be an evangelist, or are you called to witness (share the good news) with family, friends, coworkers, etc.? There is a difference between Evangelism and Witnessing; for a study on that, follow the first link in the references below.

One final thought: you can Google search, read numerous commentaries, and be Berean, yet still miss a critical Doctrine, that of Apologetics (see definition below). Simply put, Apologetics is the defense of our Christian faith. Apologetics and Evangelism go hand in hand. If you evangelize or Witness, folks are likely going to ask questions. You need to be able to answer at least some of these questions. I would recommend ( based upon my past mistakes) that everyone have at least a basic understanding of God, Salvation, and Sin. Also, with the internet available on phones, I recommend uploading a few resources that can assist you (Ask your pastor or message me for recommendations.)

STUDY

Apologetics – The art of explaining the faith in such a way as to make a reasoned defence against its detractors. Paul’s Areopagus sermon is a classic example of biblical apologetics.
Paul speaks to his listeners on their own ground, starting on their own terms, Ac 17:22-23.

Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

Evangelism. The proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. The goal of evangelism is to participate in God’s work of bringing *salvation through *faith in Christ as enabled by the Holy Spirit. Traditionally, Reformed theologians see no contradiction between God’s *predestination of the elect and the necessity of sharing the gospel with unbelievers through *preaching, conversation, and relationships. Reformed evangelism has historically emphasized God’s *sovereignty, the efficacious work of the Holy Spirit, and the responsibility of God’s people to invite others to hear and respond to the call of the gospel.

Kelly M. Kapic and Wesley Vander Lugt, Pocket Dictionary of the Reformed Tradition, The IVP Pocket Reference Series (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2013), 50.

Evangelist. NT term referring to one who proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are only three occurrences of the word in the NT. The apostle Paul exhorted the Ephesian church to walk worthy of their calling (Eph 4:1–12). The exhortation stressed the gifts given to each within the unity of the Spirit. Paul explained that the ascended Christ has given “some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers” (4:11 NASB). Paul was saying that Christ calls persons to these ministries and gives them to the church. The evangelist is one of Christ’s gifts to the church. The meaning of the term indicates that the task of such a person is to function as a spokesperson for the church in proclaiming the gospel to the world. An evangelist is similar to an apostle in function, except that being an apostle involved a personal relationship to Jesus during his earthly ministry (Acts 1:21, 22). The evangelist stands in contrast to the pastor and teacher. The former makes the initial proclamation, and the latter provides continuing follow-up ministry that develops maturity in the believer. The reference to Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8) supports the idea of evangelism as a gifted ministry to which Christ calls some in the church.

More than one gift or ministry may be performed by the same person. Paul charged Timothy with his responsibilities as a pastor and teacher, and also exhorted him to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Tm 4:5). Therefore, evangelist can refer to a person called to that distinct ministry, and also to a function that may be performed by others.

Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Evangelist,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 730.

Spurgeon’s Early Dedication to Evangelism

Themes: Evangelism; Joy – C. H. Spurgeon converted on January 6, 1850. On June 11, 1850, [he] wrote to his mother: “I have 70 people whom I regularly visit on Saturday. I do not give a tract and go away; but I sit down and endeavour to draw their attention to spiritual realities. I have great reason to believe the Lord is working …” (p. 166). [This was] eight days before his sixteenth birthday!

His first convert gave him such rejoicing that he wrote: “If anybody said to me, ‘Someone has left you £20,000,’ I should not have given a snap of my fingers for it, compared with the joy I felt when I was told God had saved a soul through my ministry” (p. 167).

SOURCE: Richard E. Day, Shadow of the Broad Brim: The Life and Legacy of Charles Haddon Spurgeon (Judson, 1955).

John Stott, The Preacher’s Notebook: The Collected Quotes, Illustrations, and Prayers of John Stott, ed. Mark Meynell (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).

DEVOTION