5 Bible Verses to Encourage Evangelism
Evangelism is the practice of sharing the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ with others. And while it is a vital aspect of the Christian life and mission, many Christians often approach it with fear or apathy. I’ve found that the best way to conquer fear and change apathy to action is to meditate on Scripture and let that influence my posture towards something. In that spirit, below you will find my top 5 scripture verses that not only remind Christians what the bible says about evangelism, but also provide guidance, inspiration, and encouragement for evangelism.
1) Jesus’ last command was that we do evangelism
Matthew 28:18-20
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These were the last words the Son of God spoke while he was still on earth, knowing he wouldn’t be speaking to his people face to face, in the flesh, until his return. In other words, out of everything Jesus could have left us with before he departed he left us with this—go and share the Gospel.
2) We aren’t left alone or powerless when we evangelize
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This is one of the most comforting scriptures when it comes to evangelism. We’re reminded we don’t do this on our own or in our own power. We’re given another power to draw from completely, the Holy Spirit.
3) It is a gift to be part of God’s global plan to save others
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
Evangelism was never meant to be a burden, or something we have to will ourselves to do, like taking cough medicine. It’s a joy to partner and colabor with God and to be part of his HUGE cosmic plan to redeem the world and bring salvation to others. Let that motivate you to share your faith!
4) No matter how hard it is, we know it will end in joy
Psalm 126:5-6
“Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.”
Even though evangelism can be a gift, it can still be difficult. Not everyone will accept what you have to say. Discouragement will come, especially if your friends and family reject the Gospel. But be encouraged, even when you encounter sorrow when sharing the Gospel, this scripture encourages us that our labors in evangelism ultimately end in joy!
5) If you don’t share, people won’t hear
Roman 10:14-17
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
And finally, there is a process for people coming to faith, and a key element of that process is simply people hearing the good news of Jesus. As Christians, we have been given a part to play, and it simply requires trusting God, being obedient to what He has told us to do, and leaving the rest up to Him.
Be Encouraged
I pray that as you read and reflect on the scripture verses above that you will feel both empowered and encouraged to follow the Lord as he leads you to share the Gospel with friends, family, and strangers in the midst of your everyday life.
Need some extra tools and inspiration to grow in evangelism? Get my free e-book, Why Not You, for download HERE.