The Motivation and Rationale for Personal Evangelism
Motivation
- The need for revival – See charts. Psalm 85:6; 51:12-13.
- National statistics for Churches of Christ indicating that we are losing churches and members in the U.S.
- Steps for revival.
- Realization – What is the business of the church? Luke 19:10. How’s business?
- Personalization –What did Jesus call us to be? Mark 1:17. How’s your fishing?
- Visualization – We are God’s watchmen. Ezekiel 3; 33.
- Motivation – Exodus 3-4. What’s your excuse?
Rationale
Our Calling: When Ivan Stewart read Matthew 28:18-20, he said, “Go ye means Go me.” Christians are those who have put on Christ in New Testament baptism (Galatians 3:26-27) and are committed to following/imitating Christ in every way (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Our Mission: Jesus’ number 1 mission and calling was to seek and save the lost. He called us through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), and we are to do the same with others (Mark 16:15-16).
Our Fishing: When Jesus called His first disciples, He said that if they followed Him, He would make them to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18-19; Luke 5:10).
Our Teaching: Jesus was called “Rabbi,” which means “Teacher” (John 1:38, 49; 3:2, 26; 6:25; 20:16; Mark 10:51). We are commanded to teach the word (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2; Acts 8:26-40). Jesus gave some of His greatest lessons to one individual (personal evangelism—John 3; 4; 11; and 21).
Our Lifestyle: When the early church was persecuted, they “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4; 5:42). Christians are commanded to have an answer when asked about God’s word and salvation (1 Peter 3:15). Christians constantly study to be equipped to do such (2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 5:7).
Our Salvation: (1) Evangelism strengthens the member as well as the prospect (2 Timothy 2:2). (2) Evangelism is the bottom line to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20 – “Go ye means Go me.”). (3) Evangelism is not an option when it comes to our salvation (Ezekiel 3:18-19).
Our Training: Otis Gatewood said, “Know definitely why you should be a personal worker (evangelist) and the how will not be difficult” (p.25). See handout, #1 – 10 minute exercise.
