(1) Instrumental in evangelism.
(2) Opens doors. (Colossians 4:3) Example: I prayed for an opportunity to evangelise to two contacts whom I had not seen for some time. Within a week, I received a lunch invitation from them through a mutual friend. The following week, I shared the gospel with them and another friend who was also invited.
(3) Gives power. (Acts 1:8)
(4) Gives wisdom, knowledge and discernment. (1 Corinthians 12:8)
(5) Emboldens evangelists. (Acts 4:31) Example: Some years ago, I evangelised in Chinatown (Chin Swee Road precinct), a very rough neighbourhood where many gangsters and drug addicts lived. A number of those I preached to were heavily tattooed, stern-looking men. I had to pray for courage and protection before speaking with each one of them. Surprisingly, the one whose whole body, hands, and legs were completely tattooed received Christ. PTL.
(6) Instils perseverance, even in anticipation of rejection. (Acts 20:22–23) Example: In May 2012, without training and with very little experience, I started evangelising at Changi Airport. For the first eight weeks, I persevered through a baptism of fire alone – nervous yet determined to endure mostly outright rejection and indifference.
(7) Directs efforts. (Acts 8:28–30) Example: At People’s Park Complex, I walked past a lady on the second floor because I was focused on the crowd on the ground floor. Upon reaching the ground floor, I sensed a strong prompting by the Holy Spirit to return to the lady on the second floor. She was initially resistant, but the Holy Spirit led her to receive Christ.
(8) Convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 16:8–11)
(9) Brings regeneration and assurance of salvation. (John 3:5; Romans 8:16)
Richard Chng
