July 30, 2024
The Spoken Word

Urgent Call of the Evangelist | A Message of Urgency and Opportunity

Greetings to all those passionate about spreading the Good News! Today, we delve into the vital role of the evangelist, drawing inspiration from the Guardians of Biblical Truth. The essence of our calling is beautifully captured in John 4:35, which urges us to “wake up and look around for the fields are already ripe for harvest.” This Scripture embodies the urgency and the fleeting nature of our evangelistic mission.

The Limited Window of Opportunity

The evangelistic harvest is not just a task; it’s an urgent calling. As Proverbs 10:5 reminds us, “A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during the harvest is a disgrace.” This proverbial wisdom echoes the pressing need for evangelists to seize the moment, recognizing that the time for reaching the unreached is limited.

The Heart of God for the Lost

Reflecting on Luke 19:10, where Jesus states, “I came to seek and to save the lost,” we see God’s heart for the lost. This profound truth underlines the core of our mission. It’s a mission that extends beyond the four walls of the church, reaching into the world in desperate need of a spiritual awakening.

Preparation, Presentation, Preservation: The Iceberg of Evangelism

The work of evangelism can be likened to an iceberg, where a significant portion of the effort remains unseen. Approximately 45 percent of successful evangelism is preparation. This preparation involves organized prayer, fasting, and strategic planning. Following this, the actual event of evangelism constitutes about 10 percent, with the remaining 45 percent focused on preservation—nurturing and discipling new believers.

Raising Up Evangelists in the Modern Church

The modern church often grapples with the definition of an evangelist. In my youth, I felt God’s call not necessarily to evangelism, but to teaching the Word of God. However, with that said, the Christian walk involves evangelism no matter what your call may be. Thus, it is important that we all raise up as evangelists in some form or another in obedience to the Great Commission, commanded upon all Christians alike.

The True Definition of an Evangelist

Billy Graham aptly defined an evangelist as “a person with a special gift and a special calling from the Holy Spirit to announce the Good News of the Gospel.” This definition emphasizes the divine nature of the calling. Evangelism isn’t just another ministry; it’s a specific, Holy Spirit-empowered role essential for the church’s health and growth.

The Motives of the Evangelist

Our motives as evangelists must align with God’s heart. 2 Corinthians 5:14 tells us, “Christ’s love controls us.” This love propels us to share the Gospel, understanding the gravity of approaching judgment and the urgency of saving souls from eternal separation from God.

The Message of the Evangelist

Our message must be clear and simple. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, the Gospel is about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It’s this message we are entrusted to share, ensuring its clarity and accessibility to all.

1 “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (NIV)

The Evangelist’s Role in a World in Need

In a world increasingly curious about Bible prophecy, last days, and end times, the evangelist has a unique role. We can use prophecy to demonstrate the Bible’s authenticity, connecting current events to scriptural truths. This approach can be a powerful tool in leading people to Christ.

Conclusion: Forward and Upward

As evangelists, we’re called to a path that’s always forward and upward. It may start with humble beginnings, as my journey did, but it’s a path marked by God’s faithfulness and growth. Remember, “as long as he sought the Lord, God causes him to prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:5).

In this journey, we must embrace the urgency, prepare diligently, and carry the simple yet profound message of the Gospel. Let’s step forward in faith, knowing that in God’s timing and through His power, our efforts will bear fruit for His Kingdom.

In His Service and with an enteral perspective,

Guardians of Biblical Truth

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