Selected Scriptures
Ps Paul Cheng
“…the aim of evangelism is to confront the world with the gospel of Christ…”
~4 min read
Dear Brethren,
Why do people evangelise? Obviously, most people would answer that without the gospel of Christ people would be eternally lost; So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Indeed, nothing is more valuable than salvation and nothing more crucial than evangelism, yet why aren’t people evangelising? Let us consider this most vital command given by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself to go ye therefore, and teach all nations (cf. Matthew 28:18-20).
The Meaning Of Evangelism
Basically, evangelism is the presentation of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit so that people may come to put their trust in God through Him, accepting Him as their Saviour, be saved and to serve Him as their Lord. Fundamentally, it has to do with gospel-sharing. To help us to better understand the biblical definition of the word “evangelism,” let us consider some of the Greek words related to gospel-sharing found in the New Testament.
- The word euangelizo means “to preach glad tidings.” The word “evangelist” is derived from this word… and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8). An evangelist is one who spreads the good news of the kingdom of God.
- The word kerusso means “to herald or to preach.” And Jesus went about all Galilee… and preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23). It signifies a herald, like the picture of a messenger going from village to village making known the decree of the king.
- The word didasko means “to teach.” And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues (Matthew 9:35). Jesus not only preached the truth but He also clarified and illustrated them. He was the master-teacher.
- The word martus means “witness.” Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). From this word “witness” we get the word “martyr.” A martyr is one who backs up his witness with his blood. A true witness will preach the Gospel, and will die for it if necessary.
- The word mathatas means disciple. Go ye therefore, and teach (disciple) all nations (Matthew 28:19). It means more than leading a man to become a Christian, it also includes instructing, to disciple and make him a student.
As Christians, we are to preach glad tidings, to herald, teach, witness and instruct with the gospel of Christ.
Is Theology Important In Evangelism?
The biblical definition for “theology” is the study of God; it is the study of God’s dealing with man whom He had created, but fallen into sin. John Calvin says, “The study of God and the study of man is true wisdom.” You cannot evangelise without having a proper understanding of theology. Evangelism and theology must complement each other and they are dependent upon each other. The heart of the Gospel involves theology. The purpose of theology is to help us explain our message.
- The Apostle Paul was a great evangelist and it was theology that formed the basis of his powerful message.
- John Calvin and Augustine were great theologians and they were also effective evangelists.
- Jonathon Edwards and George Whitefield were great theologians as well as missionaries with a fiery passion for evangelism.
AL Peverall Jr, a retired pastor, aptly illustrated, “Theology is to evangelism what the skeleton is to the body. Remove the skeleton and the body becomes a helpless quivering mass of jelly-substance. By means of the skeleton, the body can stand erect and move. The great system of theological truths forms the skeleton which enables our evangelism to stand.”
Our evangelism must not be drawn from a bag of clever tricks. We must never employ worldly activities, like using rock music, social dancing and other secular enticing programmes to draw the people into the church. We should instead build upon the foundation of God’s Word and put aside all tricks, traps and unbiblical techniques which will cheapen evangelism.
Different Types Of Evangelism
There are different types of evangelism like gospel rallies, evangelistic meetings and outreaches, television and internet evangelism, evangelistic literature, tracts and personal evangelism. It is my conviction that personal evangelism is perhaps the most effective. A classic example can be found in John 1:40 when Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to the Lord Jesus Christ and later Philip followed the pattern of Andrew and reached out to Nathanael. One leads to another. Dear friend, our parents, siblings, relatives and friends are people whom we often meet and associate with. How tragic it would be if all of a sudden one of them dies without believing in the Lord Jesus Christ? We must be like Andrew, who has a heart for evangelism, to bring the lost to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Whatever type of evangelism we may employ, it must be based upon the principles of the Word of God. It is not wrong to use evangelistic techniques but we must make sure they are scriptural rather than just gimmicks.
The Essential Elements Of Evangelism
Some people wonder what they should tell others during evangelism, while others stay away from evangelism because they are fearful, not knowing how to handle the responses. Yet others are very confident in communicating but they misrepresent the gospel message. They either miss out some essential elements of the gospel or they distort the truth of the gospel. Christians must avoid all these situations. If we study the Bible well enough, we would be equipped to present the gospel correctly and confidently.
In evangelism, one must get these three elements right; the true Gospel, the true Messiah and the true method.
- The true Gospel — The true Gospel consists of the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ – His death, burial and resurrection – the complete payment of our sins, past, present and future (1 Cor 15:1-4).
- The true Messiah — It is important to have a right concept of the Person of Jesus Christ, He is the Son of God (Matt 16:15-16).
- The true Method — Salvation is by grace (Eph 2:8-9). Salvation is through faith (Rom 1:17). Salvation is in Christ (Acts 16:30-31).
Basically, the aim of evangelism is to confront the world with the gospel of Christ that the people may make clear and definite decisions to accept Christ as Saviour and make them disciples of Christ. Through effective evangelism and the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, it is our prayerful desire that the hearer would respond to the sharing of the gospel by acknowledging his sinfulness, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and coming before Him in confession and repentance.
God willing, next week we will consider the power behind evangelism and the hindrances to evangelism.
With love in Christ,
Pastor Paul
STANDALONE2023 ACM Preamble2023 ACM Preamble1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Essential Attitudes for the New YearEssential Attitudes for the New Year1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jerinah Orgasan’s TestimonyJerinah Orgasan’s TestimonyNumbers 6:24-26
Pr Donald Dela Cruz’s TestimonyPr Donald Dela Cruz’s TestimonySelected Scriptures
The Providence of God in Bringing First BPC and Bethel BPC into OneThe Providence of God in Bringing First BPC and Bethel BPC into OneSelected Scriptures
Five Exhortations for the New Year by Charles SpurgeonFive Exhortations for the New Year by Charles SpurgeonSelected Scriptures
Charles Spurgeon on ChristmasCharles Spurgeon on ChristmasSelected Scriptures
Eulogies for Eliana GanEulogies for Eliana GanSelected Scriptures
Why KJV is the Best Translation of the Bible?Why KJV is the Best Translation of the Bible?Selected Scriptures
What About Evangelism? (Part 1)What About Evangelism? (Part 1)Selected Scriptures
Dull Of HearingDull Of HearingHebrews 5:11-14
Not Forsaking The Assembling Of The SaintsNot Forsaking The Assembling Of The SaintsHebrews 10:25
A Short ReportA Short ReportSelected Scriptures
The Responsibility Of The Church To Strengthen The Believer Through PrayersThe Responsibility Of The Church To Strengthen The Believer Through PrayersSelected Scriptures
Living In The Fulness Of The SpiritLiving In The Fulness Of The SpiritEphesians 5:18
The Importance Of The Church — Church MembershipThe Importance Of The Church — Church Membership1 Timothy 3:15
The Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church GovernmentThe Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church GovernmentSelected Scriptures
The Man Of SorrowThe Man Of SorrowIsaiah 53:1-12
The Triumphant EntryThe Triumphant EntryMatthew 21:1-9
A Matter To Commit To PrayerA Matter To Commit To PrayerSelected Scriptures
A Short TestimonyA Short TestimonySelected Scriptures
My Son, Be Strong!My Son, Be Strong!2 Timothy 2:1-7
Testimony & EncouragementTestimony & EncouragementSelected Scriptures
The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 2)The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 2)2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
“Be Filled With The Spirit”: A Short Reflection“Be Filled With The Spirit”: A Short ReflectionEphesians 5:18-33
The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 1)The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 1)Ephesians 5:1-18
The Man Of GodThe Man Of God1 Timothy 6:11-14
A Time To Build (Part 2)A Time To Build (Part 2)Ephesians 4:11-13
A Time To Build (Part 1)A Time To Build (Part 1)Ephesians 4:11-13
The Greatest Assurance In LifeThe Greatest Assurance In Life2 Peter 1:10
New YearNew YearProverbs 16:33
But Mary Pondered Them In Her HeartBut Mary Pondered Them In Her HeartLuke 2:19
My Mission Trip To Singapore & IndonesiaMy Mission Trip To Singapore & IndonesiaLuke 1:78
10 Lessons From Spurgeon On Luther’s Life And Ministry10 Lessons From Spurgeon On Luther’s Life And MinistryBefore You JudgeBefore You JudgeMatthew 7:3-5
Greetings From Our Philippines Missions PartnerGreetings From Our Philippines Missions PartnerSelected Scriptures
Greetings From Our Myanmar Missions ChurchGreetings From Our Myanmar Missions ChurchSelected Scriptures
A Blessed 39th AnniversaryA Blessed 39th AnniversaryGalatians 1:10-12
Reaffirmation Of Faith TestimonyReaffirmation Of Faith TestimonyProverbs 3:5-6
YPG Camp TestimonyYPG Camp TestimonyProverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24
Honour The WidowsHonour The Widows1 Timothy 5:3
A Blessed Time Of Fellowship With Our Myanmar BrethrenA Blessed Time Of Fellowship With Our Myanmar BrethrenPsalm 133:1
The Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry In The Old TestamentThe Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry In The Old TestamentJohn 7:39, 14, 16
Thanksgiving On Relief 2025Thanksgiving On Relief 2025Selected Scriptures
The Lord’s ComingThe Lord’s ComingSelected Scriptures
Commemorating The Passion WeekCommemorating The Passion WeekSelected Scriptures
Update For CongregationUpdate For Congregation1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Comfort For A New YearComfort For A New Year2 Samuel 22:47
The Meaning Of ChristmasThe Meaning Of ChristmasWhy KJV Is The Best English Translation Of The BibleWhy KJV Is The Best English Translation Of The BibleSelected Scriptures
A Blessed 38th AnniversaryA Blessed 38th Anniversary1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Now Therefore Fear The Lord And Serve HimNow Therefore Fear The Lord And Serve HimJoshua 24:14
2024 YPG Camp2024 YPG Camp1 Corinthians 13
An Example Of The BelieversAn Example Of The Believers1 Timothy 4:12
True Life BPC CampTrue Life BPC CampSelected Scriptures
The Ordination Of Jeffrey Tial Hre Mang & Ngalti BPC Camp 2024The Ordination Of Jeffrey Tial Hre Mang & Ngalti BPC Camp 2024Selected Scriptures
Christ Lifted Up!Christ Lifted Up!John 12:32-33
A Willing HeartA Willing HeartExodus 35:5
A Brief Report of Myanmar Missions ChurchA Brief Report of Myanmar Missions ChurchSelected Scriptures
God Sent His SonGod Sent His SonMatthew 21:33-46