A Plea for Personal Evangelism

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” – John 4:10

Summer is all about outdoor events. I see the crowds gathering at picnics and parades; I see their faces. They’re real human beings with real souls. They live near you, dear reader. They are your cashiers, waiters, mechanics, and bank tellers. They are linemen, electricians, plumbers, and call center professionals. They are janitors, lawyers, emergency professionals, and nurses. I see their faces and wonder, “Has my flock told you the good news?”

We are commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the good news message of Christ to all people. Jesus in John 4 proclaimed the Kingdom of God to the Samaritan woman, not as a marketed event or shouting to the masses, but personally. Do you evangelize to people personally? Do not simply invite the Samaritan woman to church or be preachy without personal relationships. Are you building relationships with the steadfast love of Christ you now possess? 

You must treasure Christ to talk about Christ to others, because we only talk about what we love. If you evangelize without treasuring Christ, it will feel more like being a marketing professional rather than a delight. I beg you, desire Christ. Make your heart’s treasure be Christ above all else.

When you treasure Christ, be the earthen vessel that carries this Treasure and speaks this Treasure (II Corinthians 4:7)! As a shepherd in Christ’s rule, I beg you with tears: go, serve, love, build relationships with your neighbors with Christ as your foundation. Do not remain silent, feasting at the Lord’s table of mercies while countless souls starve around you without tasting and seeing that the Lord is good! 

Spurgeon once said, “To be a soul winner is the happiest thing in this world. And with every soul you bring to Jesus Christ, you seem to get a new heaven here upon earth.” Let us be found faithful soul winners with great joy proclaiming the glorious good news of great joy that is for all people.

Heavenly Father, we need Your grace and power to still our hearts in peace, dispel our fears, and open our lips to talk to others about Christ our treasure. Prepare the fields, O Lord of the harvest! Prepare Your laborers and send us out. Lord, use my rescued life as Your instrument to Your glory. Amen.