2 Timothy 4:5
- I believe I’m qualified to speak on evangelism.
- Evangelism is the preaching of the Gospel/Good News in view of rescuing the perishing for eternal life.
- Evangelism is the closest thing to God’s heart …“Who will have all men to be saved” (1 Tim. 2:4; Titus 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9)!
- I believe our top priority must be evangelism – we can’t teach them until we win them. Target the children, poor class, working class, rich and famous…“Not many wise…mighty…noble” (1 Cor. 1:21-29; Lk. 18:15-17).
- Evangelism must begin with prayer …“I exhort therefore prayer” (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
- Evangelism must be packaged in the garment of holiness… “Let your conversation…” (Phil. 1:27, cf., Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 4:1; Titus 2:10).
- I believe the Gospel truth must be spoken in love…“Speech always with grace…”(1 Cor. 13; Col. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:7).
- I believe evangelism must be conducted with a passion for sinners. We hate sin but love sinners. See example of Christ…“When He saw the multitude, He was moved with compassion” (Mt. 9:36).
- Evangelism is promoted by Christ’s love…“The love of Christ constrains” (2 Cor. 5:14)…“God commendeth His love” (Rom. 5:8).
- I believe evangelism must be executed by the demonstration and power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:4)…“To know His power” (1 Cor. 4:20)…“Demonstration of the Spirit and power” (1 Thess. 1:5).
- I believe evangelism is the greatest demonstration of God’s grace…“Enabled me…putting me in the ministry” (1 Thess. 1:12).
- Evangelism is hard work…“Daily and from house to house” (Acts 20:31)…“Whatsoever your hands find to do.” “Weariness” (2 Cor. 11:27; 6:5).
- I don’t believe the Gospel is well served or evangelism properly conducted when it is served on a tin plate…“Adorn the doctrine of God” (Titus 2:10). The method must compliment the message. We are to adorn the Gospel by our work habits, dress, character, music, where we go, and what we do. This is illustrated by David and the Ark (Num. 7:9; 1 Chron. 13:6-11; 15:2).
- I believe conversions resulting from evangelism using a mixed or unclear Gospel may rightly be suspect…“If our Gospel be hid” (2 Cor. 4:3)…“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Cor. 14:8).
- I believe aggressive/confrontational evangelism is the most effective but difficult – but most Biblical!
- I do not believe that everyone has the gift of an evangelist but I believe that everyone is to evangelize …“That those who live”…“We are ambassadors” (2 Cor. 5:14-21).
- I’m not interested in evangelism that is not tied to a local church… “The pillar and ground of truth” (1 Tim. 3:15).
- I’m not interested in neo-evangelicalism or ecumenical evangelism. I’m a fundamentalist…“Come out from among them” (2 Cor. 6:17) – Promise Keepers – (ECT) Ecumenical Ministerial Association.
- I’m not interested in any form of dispensationalism that does not emphasize and encourage evangelism. The Apostle Paul was a pacesetter – an example of balance between evangelism and preaching the Word rightly divided… “Those things…seen in me, do” (Phil. 4:9).
- I believe the Grace Movement, if it is to survive, must become as well known for its evangelism as it has been for its Bible study.
- The Grace Movement, if it is to survive, must forsake its sectarianism/denominational spirit.
- Evangelism is the response to:
- A commission from above…“Given to us the ministry and Word” (2 Cor. 5:18-21).
- A call from without…“Come over and help” (Acts 16:9-10).
- A constraint from within…“The love of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:14),“Woe is me” (1 Cor. 9:6).
- A cry from beneath…“Testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment” (Lk. 16:28).