Witness to the End of the Earth
11:19 to 28:31
42-62 AD
We are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Ruach ha-Kodesh (Matthew 28:19). This commandment is for every true follower of Jesus Christ, not just those with the gift of evangelism. ADONAI wants every disciple to be a dynamic witness for Him. Therefore, it is the Big Idea that runs throughout the first twelve chapters of the books of Acts. Peter was a fisherman, untrained in the fine details of theology, yet the Spirit of God used him in dynamic ways to bring many people to a saving faith in Yeshua as the Messiah.
So here’s the question. How can we be like Peter and share our faith with others in effective ways even when we’re scared and may not really want to? The answer lies in knowing how to use four tools of evangelism: service evangelism, lifestyle evangelism, friendship evangelism, and confrontational evangelism. Let’s open up our evangelism toolbox and learn how to use each one effectively.
Tool Number One: Service Evangelism: Think of service evangelism as a way of sharing the love of Messiah with others in practical ways that meet specific felt needs. It’s giving the cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty (Matthew 10:42). Now, the difference between humanitarian aid and service evangelism projects is that humanitarian aid doesn’t typically share openly about that person and ministry of Jesus Christ, but in service evangelism you do. And as you serve people, with no strings attached, you will quickly discover that they ask you why you are helping them, and this gives you the opportunity to share the gospel, “I’m just sharing God’s love in a practical way. Can we talk about Jesus?” Many times people are both grateful and inquisitive as to why you are helping them, and it gives you a great opportunity to share with them the love of Yeshua. As a result, service evangelism is a simple way to meet human needs while talking about Messiah.
Tool Number Two: Lifestyle Evangelism: This means of evangelism is based upon Jesus’ words to be light in the world: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). To be the light that Messiah is referring to simply means that as a believer, I am to reflect who Yeshua is to others. For example, the moon has no ability to generate light on its own; it simply reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, as believers, we are to reflect the light of Christ’s love, mercy, and kindness to others everywhere we go. No doubt you’ve heard some variation of this illustration, “If you were put on trial because you claim to be a believer, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” That’s what we’re talking about in lifestyle evangelism, living out the faith in such a way that others can see the difference and ask you about it.
Tool Number Three: Friendship Evangelism: When my wife and I were at a church plant in La Crosse, Wisconsin, our young son was participating in his first year of T-ball (they hit the baseballs off of batting tee) and I was the manager. A man who lived down the street from us had a son playing on our team and he was my coach. He knew I was a pastor, but I never brought it up. I was earning the right to be his friend. By the end of the season, he asked me some question about the Lord and I was able to invite him to our church. But we were friends first. I think friendship evangelism operates in a similar way to another statement Jesus made about believers in Matthew 5:13. Salt was used to preserve meat without refrigeration, and salt is also a flavor enhancer. I believe as we build relationships with unbelievers, and they get to know us and we them, our friendships can act like a flavor enhancer bringing out the God flavors of His Word. I like how The Message version of the Bible puts it: Let Me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth (Matthew 5:13). When we become friends with an unbeliever, our friendship becomes a God-ordained flavor enhancer that draws them to Yeshua.
Tool Number Four: Confrontational Evangelism: I consider most street preachers to be very confrontational in their approach to evangelism. It makes me uncomfortable most of the time, it certainly isn’t for everyone, but it sure is effective in the right context. Sometimes, timing is everything. There are crisis points in people’s lives where they are more open. Sometimes the death of a family member or close friend will open the door of opportunity. There is no better time. Many people have talked to their parent on their deathbed about the Lord who never wanted to hear about Him during their lifetime.
So now you have a full toolbox of evangelistic tools that you can choose from, depending on the situation you find yourself in. Just remember, if you have the opportunity to lead someone to the Lord, great, but otherwise, just keep sowing the seed of the gospel. As you do so, the Spirit of God will do the rest of the work, drawing people into a relationship with Jesus Christ.244
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