One of the things that I have noticed with Christians today when discussing evangelism is this topic is usually talked about and thought of as something that we do. Don’t get me wrong, evangelism is an action since we are to speak forth the Words of Christ. But if we only think of it as an activity that we do then I believe we miss the underlying engine by which we evangelize.
As I stated in the previous post, to be a Christian is to be one who represents Christ. We do that in and out of the Church. We do that with each other, pointing each other back to the joy of our souls in the person of Jesus, and we warn and call those outside of the Church to come to the only One who can give rest and joy.
But here is the thing, that is something that should flow out of every believer, since it is Jesus who is in us. It’s not so much about what we do than it is about who we are. And we will act according to our identity, therefore having a lifestyle.
Evangelism is an inherent part of our identity since evangelism is something that has been granted to us to do as ambassadors for Christ.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20
And since this is the case, it behooves us to remember that it is not our message delivered in our power. It is the message of Christ delivered “as though God were making an appeal through us.” This fits inline with our identity as blood bought servants of God to be useful in His service to bring about the salvation of many. This is the life that we live.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me
Galatians 2:20
For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (emphasis added)
So it is imperative for us to remember that evangelism isn’t simply something that we do, but who we are since we are dead to the world and alive to Christ and are put into His service with the power of His Spirit.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
So child of God, be not afraid to speak forth the Words of Christ knowing that it is God in you making the appeal. That is your identity.
What other truths motivate you to preach Christ? Comment below.