The Joy That Empowers Our Evangelism
Following from our Church Camp’s focus on being a community that goes out on a mission, Pastor Oliver exhorts us to consider the ways we can all share the gospel, both individually and as a church. He also highlights some existing outreach efforts by our church.
What is evangelism? It is telling non-Christians the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why should we evangelise? What motivates our hearts in outreach?
Some would point to Matthew 28:18-20 and say it is because we want to obey Jesus' Great Commission to make disciples by evangelism. Others would say it is because we have good news that needs to be shared. Others point to Jesus' command in Acts 1:8, which states that the Holy Spirit has empowered us to be witnesses to Jesus Christ in the world. Yes, we should abide by Jesus Christ's instructions and share the good news of the gospel with everyone everywhere in the power of the Spirit. But what should drive our obedience?
Joy drives evangelism
One insight into what should form our heart motivation is found in Luke 15:1-10. In these verses, we observe the first two of three parables of lost things in Luke 15: the lost sheep (Lk 15:1-7) and the lost coin (Lk 15:8-10). When we interpret parables, the 'principle of end stress' should guide us. This principle suggests that we should pay particular attention to what is emphasised at the end of the parable, commonly known as the moral of the story. Let's look at the conclusion of the first two parables to see how this principle works in practice.
Luke 15:7 says, "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
And Luke 15:10 reads, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Joy is the thread that weaves its way through these two parables. Joy is reiterated at the conclusion, but it is elevated to a superlative: joy in heaven (Lk 15:7) and joy before the angels of God (Lk 15:10). This divine joy, this heavenly approval, should fuel our evangelism, knowing that our efforts can bring such immense joy in heaven and before the angels of God. It is a powerful encouragement, a reminder of God's delight in our actions.
Beloved, is the joy of heaven, the motivation that empowers your evangelism? If you struggle with indifference for non-believers, what can you do? You can first repent of your lack of concern, and then you can pray for God to give you a desire to reach out to the lost. Finally, you can start with small steps in evangelism, and as you do so, you will experience the joy as some respond in repentance and faith. Of course, you will face opposition, but joy breeds more joy. Soon, when God grants the fruit of conversion among some of your non-Christian family and friends, you will experience the pleasures of God, and this will encourage you to have even greater faithfulness in reaching out.
Five simple steps for all of us
However, what practical steps can we take to strengthen our efforts in evangelism as a church? I would suggest five ways we can grow and be fully equipped for this task:
First, we start by praying. List two to three names of people (either family, friends or colleagues) who need to know the joy of being found by Jesus. Pray for them as a small group. Pray for your church's outreach efforts.
Second, we identify opportunities to connect with those who are lost. How can you find the lost if you do not go where they are? Avoid our holy huddle. Find ways to connect with your non-Christian family members, friends and colleagues. Spend time connecting with them in your workplaces, where you spend recreation time, and when you celebrate holidays together as a family. Make friends with them.
Third, we show practical love. When you start spending time with people, you see needs arising because we live in a broken world. When opportunities arise, offer to pray for them and to lend a helping hand. Or show practical love by providing hospitality. Invite your friends out or over for a meal and conversation.
Fourth, we share the gospel with them. Prepare and remember your testimony. Remember to make the gospel of Jesus Christ the central point. Your testimony reveals how God, in Christ, has sought and saved you. Also, equip yourself with some handles to clearly and faithfully share the gospel. One easy way to share is the A, B, C method:
Acknowledge that you are a sinner.
Believe in God's provision of His son, Jesus Christ, to save you,
Confess your need of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
You can also use gospel tracts such as "Two Ways to Live" by Matthias Media or "Right with God" by Michael Reeves.
Fifth, we reach the lost as a church community. God has given us different gifts as a church community. Reach out to the lost as a church. One person may excel at making connections with others, another at serving and providing hospitality, while someone else may excel at connecting the gospel to real life. Work as a team together.
Being a joyful community that evangelises
What are some evangelistic efforts and outreach platforms that Grace Baptist Church is involved in? For evangelism, we provide training at our EQUIP classes and make resources available at the book table for free. The aim is to help you to be better equipped and have resources to reach out to your family and friends. We also have a monthly "Prayer for the unreached", where we pray for our lost friends. We also do twice-yearly block visitations, reaching out to our neighbours in the Circuit Road and Bidadari HDB Estates.
For outreach, we have a ministry targeting girls at Gladiolus Place. This year, we have started a monthly basic English Class for our guest workers (or migrant workers). We are also praying and exploring the possibility of partnering with St Luke's Eldercare to reach out to seniors. Remember, our outreach is designed to address practical needs, enabling us to build meaningful relationships. With these friendships established, we seek to tell our non-Christian friends of our friend Jesus Christ.
Do keep our evangelistic efforts and outreach in prayer! And if you have questions or would like to participate, please drop a note to Elder Steven (Mobile: 9666 6127) or me (Ollie) (Mobile: 9657 1672).
Finally, we strive to be faithful to this task of evangelism and outreach.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." This verse from Luke 19:10, spoken by Jesus Himself, reinforces the message of the parables in Luke 15. It reminds us that Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost and that our evangelism is an extension of His mission.