What is Evangelism?
Evangelism is spreading the gospel of Christ (1 Cor 15:1- 4), warning others about sin and consequences of sin (John 16:8), explaining God’s remedy for sin (2 Cor 5:21), calling others to repentance and to believe in God (Mark 1:15, Acts 17:29-31), calling others to believe on Christ and accept Him as personal Lord and Savior (Rom 1:17, Rom 10:9–13).
Why We Must Evangelize?
Jesus has given us the Great Commission:- “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mat 28: 18-20).
Our service is needed:- “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Rom 10:14-15)
Considering the ultimate sacrifice Jesus did to save us, how can we ignore His call to service? If we love our neighbours, how can we not be concerned with their eternal destiny?
So in gratitude and obedience to Jesus; and moral duty, love and compassion towards the lost, we ought to be committed to Personal Evangelism (PE).
PE is the most important rescue mission because it is a matter of Eternal Life and Eternal Death. I picture myself in a shipwreck. Someone threw a lifeline from a rescue boat. I grabbed it and have been saved. In turn I must throw the lifeline to others in danger of death. If I fail to act and just watch as they drown, guilt and shame would haunt my conscience for life. I dare not imagine that at heaven’s gate the Lord’s eyes pierce me and He asks, “Why didn’t you throw the lifelines?”
Stepping Forward
Since May 2012, after completing my BSF studies, I have been doing street evangelism with a group of fellow Christians in different parts of Singapore. Elder Stephen Yoong from Bethesda Chapel has joined us since July 2014. Other older retirees have added to the number of volunteer Personal Evangelists. Each person added is an inspiration and confidence booster to the team of volunteer PEs. Additionally on my own, I habitually look for opportunities to evangelize anytime, anywhere and to anybody with open ears.
To-date, by the grace of God, I have shared the gospel with about 1,000 persons of very diverse backgrounds. Less than 10 have received Christ on the spot. I understand the difficulty in believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I myself took 20 years before I received Jesus as my personal Saviour and Lord. Some sow, some reap. Salvation belongs to God. I pray for His grace to be upon those who have received the seeds of the Gospel of salvation.
The critical importance of PE has given me a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and fulfilment in life. PE keeps me very close to Jesus. Joyfully sowing the Gospel seeds with my Lord, with His arm around my shoulder and His whispers in my ears.
Are you resting on the sidelines watching the days go by or are you throwing lifelines to those in danger of eternal death?
My utmost Praise, Honour and Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ!
Brother Richard Chng
