JUN 11

Matthew 28:18-20
Memorise Matthew 28:19
“…woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”

IS EVANGELISM IMPORTANT?

There are some churches which believe that there is no need to evangelise. Their basis for this belief is that, since God has already predestinated those who will be saved, there is no point in sharing the gospel – those who are elected will ultimately be saved somehow; while those who are not elect will never be saved no matter how many times they hear the gospel.

This teaching is most unbiblical indeed. We see in today’s reading Christ’s clear command given to His disciples before His ascension. We are commanded in no uncertain terms to go – to go forth into the world and bring His Word to all nations. What exactly does this entail? Firstly, the command in verse 18 is to “teach all nations”. The word ‘teach’ here means ‘to make disciples of’. The ultimate goal of every evangelism effort is to have the hearers become the disciples of Christ, i.e. for them to be saved and follow after Him. Next, the command in verse 19 is to be involved in “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”. The word here for ‘teaching’ is a different Greek word which refers to teaching in the sense of give instruction and imparting knowledge and understanding of the Word of God.

William Carey, the famous missionary to India, also faced much objection when he desired to bring the gospel to the heathen. An elderly pastor sought to discourage him by saying, “Young man, sit down; when God pleases to convert the heathen, He will do it without your aid and mine”. Such was the prevailing mindset at that time, and sadly it still persists in certain circles even today. But if neither you nor I are to be God’s hands, feet and mouthpiece on the earth, then who will be?

Dear teen, there is therefore no excuse at all not to be involved in evangelism. While it is true that God has His elect already foreknown to Him, on our part, we have to put in the effort too to bring His Word to those still lost in sin. For if Christians do not preach the Word of God, how else will unbelievers come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ? May you therefore heed the command of Christ, and allow yourself to be used of Him to bring the wonderful good news of salvation to all who are around you, and even to the regions beyond.

Thought: All Christians are called to be evangelists.
Prayer: Lord, use me to bring Thy Word to a lost soul today!