Dr. Billy Holland

What's the big deal about evangelism?

Within the Christian worldview, some might ask, "What's the big deal about evangelism?" We would think this response would come from non-believers, but sadly, there are also church members who have the same calloused attitude. When we consider the idea behind sharing the good news, we begin with comprehending that it's the announcement and proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It reveals the greatest love story of all time about the Heavenly Father who sent His Son to be tortured and to die on a wooden cross, and was miraculously resurrected from the dead for all who would trust in Him as their Lord. Within this amazing truth, we consider what is at stake for those who accept or refuse this message. God has promised eternal life in Heaven for whoever embraces Jesus Christ as their king, while warning about the repercussions of rejecting Him. Those who rebel and refuse to repent and surrender their will to God are literally lost forever. Do you believe this?

In First Corinthians chapter 15:3-4, Paul writes, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures." The Son of God has the power to ransom and rescue the lost, which makes it the greatest sacrifice and invitation that has ever been given. The question is, who will believe that God is waiting for every soul to fall deeply in love with Him? Verse 22 continues, "For as in Adam all die" (without being born-again, we are hopelessly lost), "even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (which is referring to receiving Jesus into their spirit, mind, and conscience). As nearly everyone has heard the popular passage found in John 3:16, we know that God's love and grace are the foundation of our salvation, and that our love and obedience are expressed back to Him and to others through evangelism.

So, if this is so crucially important, why do many Christians seem to be unconcerned about sharing it? Well, I'm sure people will come up with lots of different reasons, but I believe we can agree that the lack of agape love would be (as the family feud game show would say) the number one answer. If we had a cure for a deadly worldwide plague, would we keep it to ourselves, or would we try to save as many as we could? If we knew the bridge was out, would we stand in the highway and try to warn others? Some Christians are disengaged because they have no personal investment. Prayer increases our discernment and transforms our attitudes, but some misunderstand salvation as a life of blessings without letting their light to shine. The idea of salvation being a free gift of mercy has distorted the responsibilities and conditional requirements for working within a personal covenant with God. We are called to listen with our spiritual ears and respond with faith and works. There is no such thing as a salvation that does not involve the obedience of taking up our cross and living in the awareness of His presence.

Is it possible for a Christian to become spiritually numb? Without a burden for the lost, our love has waxed cold. Many believe that telling others about Jesus is the duty of the paid clergy, but the sobering truth is that every Christian is a minister with the same divine commission. Untold church members are generally intimidated and avoid being mocked, ostracized, and considered a weird fanatic by family and friends. Yet, we are excited to talk about others whom we highly respect. Romans 1:16 encourages us to please God despite being condemned and persecuted, as Paul is quoted again, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes: to the Jew first and also to the Greek." There are no excuses for anyone to attempt to justify their lack of spiritual zeal. In Matthew 28:19-20, we read the demand of Christ to stay focused on this mission - no compromise, no embarrassment. "The fields are white with harvest" is a phrase from John 4:35-38, where Jesus tells His disciples that souls are ready to hear and accept His gospel. Maybe some have lost their sense of urgency because they choose to ignore the eternal consequences.

Dr. Holland is a licensed and ordained minister, chaplain, teacher, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.