In a few weeks, I will be preaching a sermon entitled “All Around the Neighborhood.” I am very excited about this lesson because it is evangelistic in nature. Evangelism is something I have always enjoyed talking about. This lesson is about what we hear is being taught all around the neighborhood and what I should be teaching for others to hear all around the neighborhood. Do you see how very evangelistic the lesson will be?
Before this sermon comes up, I want to lay some groundwork. I want to share a few reasons why we should evangelize. But first, let’s define the word. The word “evangelize” is not found in the Bible, but its root word certainly is. The term “evangelist” is found in three verses in the NASB (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11 and 2 Timothy 4:5). To evangelize means to share the good news with someone else. Personal evangelism should be a way of life for every Christian. It is not something that you do, and then you don’t do. It should be at the forefront of your purpose for living every day. We need to wake up each morning and ask ourselves the following question: “Who can I evangelize today?” We have been given a great gift, and the Lord expects us to share that gift with others (Matthew 28:19-20). So besides it just being a command from the Lord, what are other reasons we should evangelize?
Here is one:
Evangelism is LOVE. Tell people all around the neighborhood about Jesus because you love them. Love must be the defining characteristic of everyone who follows Jesus. John 13:35 says, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so anyone who is being led by the Spirit and is “in step” with the Holy Spirit will demonstrate love in our neighborhoods.
We have the most fantastic news in the world, and love should be what catapults us to share it with those who have never heard it. Love wants all our neighborhoods to hear the most fantastic news. If we hold it back from our neighborhood, then we are keeping souls from experiencing the love we enjoy in Christ. Let’s be evangelists because evangelism = LOVE. Love your neighbor.
I love you,
Alex