FEATURE ARTICLE

Pastor Amos Dada Ph.D, P.EngFriday, February 5, 2016
[email protected]
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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MY MONTH OF EVANGELISM

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elcome to this great month. The Month of February 2016. It is our year to prosper. One of the ways to prosper is doing what is profitable-Evangelism (A.K.A.Soul winning!)

Jesus said go ye into the world and make disciples of all nations. Let's do it.

Let us save someone from hell fire.

Let us save someone from hell on earth.

Let us save someone from being a threat to our environment.

Let us save someone from pains, sorrow, depression, suicidal thoughts and misery.

Let us open the gate of heaven for someone today.

What is Evangelism?

Before we go too far, maybe you are wondering what is this evangelism. A word that is not even mentioned in the bible! Evangelism is the spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness. Evangelism is the announcement, proclamation, and/or preaching of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), the good news of and about Jesus Christ. Evangelism includes warning people about sin and the consequences of sin Revelation 20:11-15). It includes an explanation of God's remedy for sin-the gospel (Acts 8:29-35) And it includes the clear call to repent (to turn from sin and to turn toward God) and believe the gospel by faith (Mark 1:15)

The imperativeness of Evangelism.

Since Jesus came on Earth he has spoken clearly about how imperative, urgent and important the preaching of the gospel is. Before he was crucified, one day he was hungry and his disciples brought food for him to eat, he told them point blank:

In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know."33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?"34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! John 4:32-35Jesus was literarily saying leave that food you are eating or postpone your lunch or breakfast, go and get someone to the kingdom first! It is that important. You have no reason to eat any day if you have not spoken about Jesus to someone. This month and going forward that is your mandate. In another place he gave an urgent command.

After resurrection before going to heaven this is was his final charge - And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

What is the strategy For Carrying out Evangelism.

Prayer! Prayer!! Prayer!!! In Lk 10 verse One Jesus paired the people up and told them to go and preach, then he quickly warned them, pray. The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.Lk 10:2

Firstly, Pray specific prayers, before you go. God is a God of details, He knows them, and He wants you to know them too. Secondly. Pray where the people are. Public school teachers, you can come to your class early, sit in your student's seats, and pray for each of them, so each student gets prayed for, at least once a week. Pastors and church leaders should do this for those who just attend the worship services as well as for those in the Sunday school classes. This also works for your work place and your family; just make sure you do not intrude or violate their privacy. Thirdly. Identify any demonic influences areas. These are called "strongholds" and include cults, temples, government offices where policies are made, sin-based businesses such as adult bookstores and strip clubs, voodoo centers and pray against them. (Matthew 12:29; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 4:27; 6:11-17; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8).

How do you do evangelism.

Simple. Nothing complicated. Just tell somebody about Jesus directly or indirectly, intentionally. The bible language is' witness'. Meaning share what you know. Tell them about how you were a sinner and he saved you, how you were sick, or your relation and your colleagues and he healed them. Tell them a story. Tell them salvation is a gift, they don't need to pay. Everyone wants free stuff. Tell them it is very important. Tell them of the dangers of not being saved. Tell them the advantages of believing. Once you open your mouth you cannot stop .God will be putting the right word in your mouth, and the Holy Spirit will be working on the heart of the person. Challenge them to make a decision. He/she may accept him right there and then (which is great) or he may not that is not your own area of operation. Leave that aspect to the Trinity to figure it out ( John 16). Those who are willing to accept Jesus, pray with them and make plans to follow them up. Direct them to a living church or invite them to yours whichever one is more realistic.

But I am Afraid Or Shy

Don't be afraid. Are you afraid or shy when you are discussing with people, or asking for a favour from someone? No. Well even if you are afraid ask God to take away the fear. There are 355 'Fear Not' in the bile take one along. Look to this promise he gave to the disciples and those who may be afraid. 'But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.' Acts 1:8 Tap on the power of God. God is going with you. You may not see them but angels of God are watching over you. You are on assignment for the God of heaven. Remember!

Sold out to Jesus

One of the prerequisites of going out for evangelism is that you are not only born again, you are totally sold out to him. The reason many are not evangelizing today is that they want 'bread and butter' Christianity. You are saved, fine but you must rise up for the salvation of others. If our faith fathers were complacent as you are now the message will not get to you in the first place.

Listen to the most serious, thought provoking words that a Christian could ever hear from the lips of our Savior.

Luke 14: 25-27, 33."Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them.

'If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. So likewise, whoever of you who does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.'" Those are heart-searching, soul-stirring words. All Jesus is saying is that Christianity is a serious business. You are saved to serve. Get out of your comfort zone and do something for the Master.

What is In Evangelism for me?

I know you will think that way! Expect a reward. God will pay you - on earth and in heaven by Jesus Christ the Master Saviour. Mark 10:28-30. He is the ONLY one that makes such double planets, eternal and jumbo payments! Wondering what the details of the heavenly rewards are? They are five special crowns. These are:

  1. The incorruptible crown, for those who live a disciplined life (1 Corinthians 9:25);

  2. The crown of life, for those who patiently endure trials and testings (James 1:12);

  3. The crown of glory, for those who faithfully care for the flock (1 Peter 5:2-4);

  4. The crown of righteousness, for those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8);

  5. The crown of rejoicing, for all who are faithful soul-winners (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).

God had promised you power to do it.

Delay is dangerous! Delay is deadly!

Maybe you are reading this article and you are not born again. I have a simple counsel for you accept Jesus now, today. Tomorrow may be too late. It is dangerous to delay, too deadly. Eternity is at stake. A Christ-less life is in crisis on earth and planning for greater crisis eternally.

In Hosea 4:17 we read a startling statement concerning Ephraim,

"Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone."

God crossed hand to bless Ephraim but he took God for granted. Maybe you are successful in business, you are an A+ student, your marriage is great, your children are healthy and doing well in school, you have a big house, ride the best of cars but you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior. Those blessings came from God but instead of celebrating God you have joined yourself to idol like Ephraim. So God made that pronouncement.

"Don't pray for them -- for her -- for him.", "They are tied to their idols -- leave them alone!","That woman is tied up with her filth -- leave her alone!", "That man is tied to his evil habits -- leave him alone!","Let them have what they desire!" They will regret their decision forever and forever!

Don't permit yourself to come to the place where God leaves you alone - for destruction!

Read my book -Turning Curses To Blessing for more details on this.

In the first chapter of Romans you will read startling statements like this:

"God gave them up," or "God gave them over."

No, don't wait till God gives you up. Watch out for spiritual stubbornness!

Habit hardens and age fossilizes."Sow a thought and reap an act. Sow an act and reap a habit.

Sow a habit and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny."

It is best to seek the Lord early in life. The vast majority of all the decisions for Christ are made in the early part of life. The mathematical chance of an elderly person being converted to Christ is exceedingly slim."Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:22)."

Salvation has nothing to do with whether you are going to church or not, singing in the choir or even being a pastor. If your heart tells you you are not born again, seize this moment. I know a pastor that came to our church for New Year Eve service one year and the daughter wrote a note to me -'Pastor pray that my Dad will be born again' Thank God for that request. The pastor is on fire for God today.

You read this article to this point for a reason. If you are aware that the Saviour is knocking at your heart's door;

Open your heart -- let Him in! He died at Calvary to save you from your sins. He rose from the dead that you might live forever! He knocks now! He may not knock again. Receive Him now! Do not delay!

Come now! If you are making this decision right now:

Pray this simple non- complicated prayer sincerely:

Lord Jesus I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Forgive me my sins. Write my name in the book of life. Teach me to follow you forever.

Guess what, join others to go out for evangelism now. This month let us not look at what Satan is doing let us engage ourselves in the mandate of Jesus - GO YE and get all to be saved!

So don't be afraid go for it. Evangelism is the supreme task.

This is your purpose on earth fulfill it. Don't just talk about it let us do it today. It is our Father's business! There is someone beside you waiting for you to share the greatest message of love and victory.

This is the catch only wise ones do it. Prov. 11:30 .Be wise! You are blessed!!!!!

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