How Evangelism Changes You
Devotions

How Evangelism Changes You

After a
close shave with the deadly rabies infection, it prompted me to do a rural free
vaccination for the local communities. Coincidentally a group of young
evangelists were in the area so I joined in!

The Bible
on one hand and my vaccination kit on the other. That rural evangelism changed
me. Until today, I hold evangelism very close to my heart and have a deep respect for
those who step out of their comfy place to go where no one wants to. I write this mini-series to focus on some easily overlooked aspects of evangelism. 

>>Are you
called to be an Evangelist?<<
Whenever I
share my field stories and testimonies with my teens, they glare with so much fascination. It makes me happy that I have a memory to share. Perhaps someday they too will heed the call.
Every one of
us, as Christians, has the powerful mandate to let someone out there know about Jesus. That’s the core fibre of evangelism. Although, some have the gift, everyone has it as a mission! 

Go
ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with
you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen Mathew 28:19-20

It may
not be as a rural evangelist or a telecast or some big fancy way but in your own
sphere of influence, in your community, in your workplace, you can reach others for Christ.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and
he that winneth souls is wise. 
Proverbs
11:30
>>Can God Use
Me too?<<
Yes Yes and
Yes! 
I love how God works with us especially when we feel like the most
unqualified to do the job. Hahaha
He picks us
out of the rumbles, shakes the dirt out, gets us to work.
If you
think you are one little person, God uses ‘the little people’ too.
Remember,
the Samaritan woman at the well? 
I do wonder
why Jesus would choose her whom we call unworthy as the mouth piece of His
Kingdom. But this most unqualified was the tool He needed. She reached her whole community for Christ after one encounter. John 4:39
I used to
have the notion Soul winning was about the people who were saved. Because I thought it
changed them. 

But here is
something I learnt
The Good News changes ‘the messenger’ and ‘the messaged’.


And how shall they preach, except they be sent?
as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of
peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

There are
many ways it has changed me here are a few:

–>You see the power of the glorious gospel. The testimonies of healings, transformations and salvation,
much more is overwhelming. The Lord touches the so many people whether young or old
they experience the power of His Love.

–>More compassionate. Did my hear become more tender towards people? Of course…not out of mere
emotions but deep sense of empathy for those held captive by the enemy. You become
dissatisfied with their condition and you want to pray even more. You yearn for helping people and
sometimes it scares you!

–>You learn never to take for granted your salvation.
That’s one precious lesson I went home with.
Salvation is a gift we should handle with care. It is a gift we have that many others don’t have. A gift that offers us freedom for the bondage of the world and it’s systems.
Not everyone has received the
gift even though they have an opportunity. But we have received that grace
to be partakers of God’s Kingdom. We should never take that for granted.


–> Whatever you have in hand becomes a tool for the
mission
. I never say I don’t have anything to use anymore.
God can use your career, your gift or talents big or small to do the work. 
Never
despise that gift in your hand. 
You can sew, use it. Remember Dorcas? You can
cook, use it. Everyone has a unique place and purpose in the kingdom


Did you miss a thing? Catch all articles in The Evangelism Series
How Evangelism Changes you


Comment Prompt:
How Has sharing the Message of the GoodNews changed your heart? 
Are you afraid to step your feet out there?

By His Great Grace,
Ifeoma Samuel

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  • I too love how God works with us when we feel most unqualified! I believe this is when He does his greatest work because our egos are removed from the equation, and pure ministry takes place. Great post Ifeoma:) Crystal~

    • 8 years ago

    Funny, I just commented on your "7 Habits of an Effective Evangelist", then I came here and read some of the exact words I put in the comment! 🙂
    So, how has sharing the gospel changed my heart?
    It has been a journey from childhood. I loved leading other children to Christ; it gave/gives me great joy! It also gives me joy just to have shared with a stranger, even though I don't know if he or she will end up believing. I know I have given them a wonderfully valuable gift, and it is now in their hands what they will do with it.
    Also, the discipling can sometimes be burdensome, but I bring my burden to the Lord, and He has reminded me that "He who began a good work in (that person) will be able to complete it."
    Once again, there is such joy in seeing the changes over time in the lives of those in whom we have invested.
    It brings me greater faith, too, I think, to see what God can do in a person when He brings them out of the mire and sets their feet on a solid foundation. Praise be to our God!

  • The Evangelist is a "Sent One." So send I you says Jesus. I like how you have covered areas where each person can use their particular gift in being a sent one. I am happy you can share your experiences with your class of youth. May they be challenged to use their gift to share the Good News. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story. Love you, Aunt Hazel

  • Sharing the love of Jesus in our everyday lives is so powerful. I know people get images of the word "evangelize" that can be negative. But the negative is not what you are talking about. It's about the love and sharing of the Savior without hesitation. It does change both of us! Thank you for sharing this hope alongside me at #MomentsofHope!
    Much love,
    Lori

  • This is a powerful teaching post/ Evangelism is not taught much anymore in churches. I love that I got saved in one of those churches that ran buses to pick up people to come to church. We went out into the hedges and highways as the Word says and brought them in. It's exciting to ask God to open a door to talk to someone about Him and then step through that door , what a rush of joy. I am all for lifestyle witnessing but if we never speak God's Word to those around us, how are they to know. Faith comes by hearing, so glad I heard, need courage to speak faith not only live it. Great post.

  • This is a great reminder! Thanks for sharing it at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week! Always a pleasure to have you.
    Tina

  • Amazing how sharing God to others change the sharer as well.
    Blessings!

  • Wonderful lessons! Thanks for sharing!

  • This is a awesome post! Very encouraging and insightful. Thank you for the post!

  • I too experienced fear when I first began reaching out in love. I believe that fear is a tool of Satan to stop us from being obedient. In 2 Tim 4:5 we are told to "do the work of an evangelist." I believe that means ALL of us. If we truly care for others then we want them to have the peace, joy and promise of eternal life that comes with salvation. You might like to check out my experience doing evangelism last Sunday: http://www.kathleensfaithwalk.com/beach/100-bill-female-surfer/

    • 8 years ago

    So encouraging! I love how you encourage others to share the Good News!

    • 8 years ago

    Hi Ifeoma! I love your point about always having something to use. That God can use me in any of my circumstances or place in my life. Your attitude of knowing that you have a life that can be used is so inspirational. I know that's what keeps your teens engaged 🙂
    Blessings,
    Ceil

  • You make such great points here! I never thought about evangelism much until my friend suggested some great ideas! And now I love it! I share more about it here: https://journeyoftheword.com/2016/03/20/why-i-evangelize-and-love-it/.

  • I love the quote about how the gospel changes the messenger and the messaged!

  • Ifeoma, I think the very word "evangelism" strikes a fear in many of us. But over the years, I have come to realize that God provides the opportunities for me, opening doors where He has already prepared the heart. Most times, it happens in my daily errands and going about. Casually and comfortably, not forced. Thank you for this helpful post! Blessings!

  • Thank you for this call to come out of my comfort zone!

  • Thank you for sharing some beautiful insight. Unfortunately, every encounter I've had with Evangelists has been a negative encounter. I grew up, and still am, Methodist. In our church, in my 28 years of life, I cannot remember one single time my pastor nor a member of my congregation yelling out that someone was going to hell. Our congregation is primarily caucasion, well put together middle class people.

    I can, however, remember a homeless man … a black homeless man at that … entering our sancturary one morning. The men's choir took him to Good Will after the service (he argued that the mall would provide clothing too nice for him that would be stolen and he could not accept that but that he would appreciate the Good Will), breakfast at iHop, and dropped him off at a specific shelter that could help him provide an address for a job application. Most don't consider this evangelism. But, I do. That is acting the Word. That is showing someone the power of Jesus, weather he knew Jesus before or not.

    However, every experience I've had with self-proclaimed evangelists was negative. In highschool I was wearing black scrubs leaving my 3rd period class to head to a veterinary internship. I was told I was going to hell by the preachers on our street corner because gothics (wearing black) weren't Christian and I shouldn't be skipping school (I wasn't). They would stand on the corner each morning with posters of aborted babies dooming people to hell for far far less (wearing black). While scripture was sighted and handouts were shoved into my windows… this was judgement. Not spreading the good word!

    As a parent, I headed to the fair. Beacuse I wasn't wearing my wedding ring (I was very swollen and pregnant with my second) I was doomed to hell for parenting out of wedlock (no, I wasn't married either). But, they judged based on the fact I was too fat to wear any of my rings.

    Then, of course, I had a lady PUSH HERSELF into my home uninvited.

    It was quite disheartening.

    Now I always remember that it is just as okay, even better, to introduce people to God in a humbling and loving manner instead of a pushy judgemental one.

    • Oh my, it is aweful reading about your experience.
      I truly agree with you that a loving, humbly way of showing Jesus even does more healing, reconcilation and restoration than we can imagine. Our everyday lives should be impactful enough to lead more people to Christ. The light of Jesus should shine through us.

      Like the parable of the prodigal son, let us be eager to run, embrace and welcome those who were once lost than be quick to rub their faults all over them.

      Jesus was the perfect example of Grace-giving and Truth-sharing evangelist. With love and compassion He reached unworthy sinners like us and washed us with His blood and is leading us gently in the Way we should go.
      I know not a perfect Grace other than that which Jesus showers on us. Let us likewise shower the same grace and love while we point others to the way of Life in Christ Jesus.

      Thank you for sharing this. It is a word of wisdom for us all.

  • Such beautiful thoughts! It's amazing how we find the strength to keep going when we get to witness someone come to Christ! We get a little bit reborn ourselves it think.

  • Beautiful, scary, this call to share the One who's given us the hope that resides deep in our souls.

    A humble, yet necessary call. Sharing Jesus.

  • Oh yes I agree so much with this: "The Good News changes the 'Messenger' and the 'Messaged.'" We traveled for many years sharing Biblical Dramas at various outreach settings, and my heart was never the same! I think that listening to the beautiful stories of how God touches a heart, caused my own heart to be humbled and convicted! Thank you for sharing these beautiful words today, Ifeoma! –Blessings to you!

  • Ifeoma, your posts are always so informational and inspirational. Thanks for always sharing with us on #shinebloghop! We're always so glad to have you every week!

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