Evangelism Passages: A Guide to Scripture for Kingdom-Minded Disciples

Evangelism, the act of sharing Jesus Christ with the world, lies at the heart of the Christian faith. The Bible contains numerous passages that provide guidance, encouragement, and practical wisdom for those who seek to spread the gospel effectively.

Essential Evangelism Passages

1. Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

This passage establishes the fundamental purpose of evangelism: to make disciples, baptize believers, and teach them the ways of Christ.

2. Mark 16:15-16 (The Gospel for All)

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

This passage emphasizes the universal nature of the gospel, calling believers to share it with everyone they encounter.

3. Acts 1:8 (The Power of the Holy Spirit)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses for Christ, giving them boldness and wisdom in sharing the gospel.

Practical Passages for Evangelism

4. 1 Peter 3:15 (Be Ready to Answer)

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

This passage encourages believers to be knowledgeable about their faith and ready to explain their beliefs to others.

5. Colossians 4:6 (Use Gracious Speech)

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Evangelism should be conducted with kindness and respect, using language that is both appealing and persuasive.

6. Ephesians 4:29 (Speak Uplifting Words)

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, so that it may benefit those who listen."

The words of an evangelist should be uplifting and encouraging, building up the faith of those who hear.

Overcoming Obstacles in Evangelism

7. 2 Timothy 4:2 (Preach the Word in Season and Out of Season)

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."

Even when faced with opposition or discouragement, believers should remain faithful in sharing the gospel.

8. Romans 10:14-15 (How Can They Believe?)

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

Evangelism is essential for bringing people to faith in Christ, as they cannot believe in someone they have never heard about.

The Rewards of Evangelism

9. Matthew 10:41-42 (Receiving a Prophet)

"Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he is righteous will receive a righteous person's reward."

Those who support and encourage evangelists will receive a special reward from God.

10. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (Planting and Watering)

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

Evangelism is a collaborative effort, and all those involved will share in the rewards of those who come to faith.

Frequently Asked Questions on Evangelism Passages

What is the importance of evangelism in Christianity?

Evangelism is the act of sharing the gospel message with others, inviting them to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. It is an essential aspect of Christian faith and a fundamental responsibility of all believers.

Why is evangelism commanded by Jesus?

In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This command obligates Christians to actively share the gospel with others.

What are some key evangelism passages in the Bible?

• Matthew 28:19-20
• Mark 16:15-16
• Acts 1:8
• 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

How do I start an evangelistic conversation?

• Be friendly and approachable: Establish a personal connection with the person.
• Ask open-ended questions: Engage in conversations that allow them to share their thoughts and beliefs.
• Listen attentively: Show genuine interest in their perspective and respect their views.
• Share your testimony: Briefly and authentically share how your life has been transformed by the gospel.
• Present the gospel clearly: Explain the core message of salvation, highlighting the need for repentance and faith in Jesus.

How do I deal with objections or resistance?

• Listen patiently: Allow the person to fully express their concerns or questions.
• Address objections with grace: Respond respectfully and provide biblical answers.
• Use analogies or stories: Help the person understand the gospel through relatable examples.
• Pray for guidance: Seek the Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance in approaching objections.
• Do not argue or condemn: The goal is to witness with love and patience, not to win an argument.

What are some effective evangelistic methods?

• One-on-one conversations: Have personal interactions with people and share the gospel in a conversational manner.
• Small group Bible studies: Gather a small group to study the Bible and discuss spiritual matters, creating an environment for evangelism.
• Gospel tracts or brochures: Distribute materials that clearly present the gospel message.
• Social media outreach: Use social media platforms to share the gospel and connect with potential seekers.
• Local church involvement: Participate in church outreach programs and events that provide opportunities for evangelism.