“You are the Light of the World”

Chapter One: A Definition

By Pastor Stephen Kurtzahn


If you would ask a hundred people to give their own definition of the word “evangelism,” you would probably receive a hundred different answers. When one hears the word “evangelism,” Billy Sunday of years gone by might come to mind, or Billy Graham and his huge evangelistic crusades.


Some believe that “evangelism” is done best when you stand on a street corner and hand out religious tracts. In some parts of the South we are used to seeing self-made “preachers” evangelize in parking lots with very loud PA systems. Still others feel that to be an “evangelist” you must approach every person you meet with the question, “Are you saved?”


On the other side of the coin we have a large number of people who think “evangelism” is best accomplished through social activism.

To “evangelize” means simply to proclaim Good News – the Good News that a Savior has come who has removed the curse of sin and has clothed us in robes of righteousness.

How often haven’t we heard it said, “You must fill a person’s stomach before he will want to feed on the Word of Life?” As a result of this kind of philosophy, many denominations, especially those who belong to the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the National Council of Churches (NCC) spend their mission money mostly on the relief of world hunger, injustice and poverty. Yes, the Lord wants us to love our neighbor, as He taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan, but is that what is properly called “evangelism?”


What is “evangelism?” To answer this question simply and plainly we must go back to the original language in which our New Testament was written. Our English word “evangelize” comes from the Greek word “EUANGGELIZEIN.” This Greek word means literally, “To proclaim good news.” (Cf. Luke 9:6; 1 Corinthians 1:17; Acts 8:25; Luke 7:22; Acts 14:7.)


We see then that to “evangelize” means simply to proclaim Good News – the Good News that a Savior has come who has removed the curse of sin and has clothed us in robes of righteousness. This Good News brings light, joy, and peace to guilt-ridden hearts, for they have come to trust in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ (John 1:29).


Before we go on to study the Biblical reasons why we should “evangelize,” we must realize three things ---


1.       The Bible does not tell us that we must use a certain method to bring the Good News to others. At Jacob’s well the Master casually brought in the fact that He is the Water of Life – in a normal, everyday conversation (John 4:1-16). When He gave His magnificent Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sat on a hill so all could hear, even though He addressed His disciples (Matthew 5:1-2). He taught in homes along the seashore. If Jesus would have come to save humanity in our day, He very likely would have used radio, television, dvd's, the Internet, texting and many other technological advances (Mark 2:1-2; Mark 4:1).


2.       We must always remember that “evangelism” consists ONLY of proclaiming the Good News of the Redeemer. Feeding the poor, caring for the needy, bringing people into the church by means of its social and recreational programs, is not “evangelism” in the Scriptural sense of the word. What this world needs most of all right now is a knowledge of the Savior’s love, a love so great that it cost Him His life. If the church is concerned only with taking care of people’s physical needs, who is left to give them the life-giving Word? (Cf. Matthew 28:19-20.)


3.       We do not “evangelize” in order to build up the visible church with a great number of people. We do not preach the Gospel to increase our membership rolls. We share the Good News of divine love so that those around us may know the only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent (John 17:3). Our primary purpose for doing mission work, whether at home or abroad, is to bring the Savior’s forgiveness to those who have not yet experienced it (Mark 16:15). Involvement in a church, among a group of believers, follows in order that these new Christians may continue growing in the Word of God (John 8:31-32; John 15:1-9).


Things to Do Before the Next Lesson



         Pray for your pastor, your congregation, your church body, and your own evangelism efforts. Ask the heavenly Father to bless us as we endeavor to reach out to others with the Gospel.



 



         Keep your eyes open during the coming week, and look for opportunities to share the Savior with others. Keep track of these throughout the week.



 

         Make a list of people who, as far as you know, are not regular attenders of any Christian church. Consider this your personal Responsibility List. Add to it each week. Pray for these people by name.







Discussion Questions

  

1.       What is the basic meaning of the word, “evangelize?”


 


2.       What is the main purpose behind our evangelism efforts?


 


3.       What message, and what message only, is to be proclaimed to those outside of the church?


 


4.       How have many churches failed in their evangelism efforts?


 


5.       Why should people be invited to church and encouraged to become members?



 

6.       Give some examples of how we can use modern technology in our mission work.



 

7.       How should we consider those people who have not yet known the love of Jesus?






Note: This study was prepared by Pastor Steven Kurtzahn and was used at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Lawrenceville, Georgia by Pastor Nathanael Mayhew.

If you would like more information about this study,
please contact Pastor Mayhew