Understanding Evangelism In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15 God Was Always Missional! -God’s plan was to bless all people through Abraham (Genesis 12:3) - God’s name would be declared in all the earth (Exodus 9:16) -Jonah was sent by God to the Assyrian empire -Some prophetic books served to lead non-Jewish people to repentance (Amos, Nahum, Obadiah) During the Old Testament times, God’s presence was manifested specially in the Temple at Jerusalem—people were supposed to “come” and witness what God was working and doing with his Jewish people. After Jesus died and rose again, he commanded his followers to “go” into all the earth and make disciples of all the nations. Passages like John 13:35 and Colossians 4:3-6 reveal the way in which God wants to reach people through the lives of Christians. Does my lifestyle reflect the character of Jesus? Would people notice something different in my life if I were to never tell people that I’m a Christian? Are there certain situations that serve as a temptation for me act and speak without the “seasoning of salt”? Passages like Romans 10:14-15 and Luke 19:11-27 reveal that God wants us to be intentional about reaching people. Once our lifestyles reflect the character of Jesus, we are to tell others (evangelize) the good news about salvation! In the Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27), which servant best reflects how well I am doing in evangelism? What happens to the person who doesn’t multiply? There is a real danger in not multiplying the spiritual gains I have received! Reflection: How well am I doing with lifestyle evangelism? How about professing evangelism? What practical steps can I take to become better at both? Does my lack of evangelism reveal a possible ‘fear of man’ inside me? Prayer: God, would you fill me your Spirit so that I can honor you with the way I live. May my lifestyle serve as a testimony to your salvation plan, and may you offer me wisdom and courage to tell others about Jesus Christ.