A Simple Commission
I think a lot of people are intimidated to evangelize because you have to know the next step. It may be easy to engage a non-Christian in a conversation about Christ, but then what? What if I don't know the answers?
Jesus gave a very simple outline for simple evangelism in Matthew 28:19-20.
First, He said "Go."
If we are truly salt and light like he commands (Mat. 5:13-14) then when we go, people will see Christ in us. To be salt and light we need to first live the example of Christ out in the open. Second we need to talk about how Christ makes the difference in our lives.
Second, He said "Make Disciples"
The word for disciples in the original language means "students" or "pupils." I wonder, "students of who?" Of Christ! Point people asking questions to the Word. Some non-Christians what to ask calculus questions or challenges when they don't yet know arithmetic. Before we should try to answer questions about complicated doctrines - there should be a foundation of Jesus. I find it effective to start by directing them to the book of Mark or another of the four Gospels. Mark is the shortest and so often the least intimidating. The story of Jesus is convicting. Since "evangelism" is sharing the "good news" and the "good news" is about Jesus - point to him. Do whatever you can to get them into the word - therein lie the answers.
Third, He said "Baptize"
This is a call for commitment. Most people come to a point when they simply need to be asked "Are you ready to commit your life to Christ?" Even Paul required the nudge in Acts 22:16. Baptism requires more than just water. As Peter says in Acts 2:38, baptism is preceded by repentance (a redirection of the mind and life). Later, in 1 Pet. 3:21 he describes baptism as a pledge of a good conscience toward God. Baptism is the culmination of a process - giving one's self to Christ. When someone is ready to make that commitment, look through Acts with them to see how believers give themselves to Christ - keep it in the word and out of opinion.
Finally, He said "Teach"
"Teach them to obey everything I have commanded." We all need follow-up. In Matthew 12:43-45 Jesus said that when an evil spirit leaves a person, it returns. All Christians are attacked by the demons of temptation. It is okay to hold each other accountable. When we became Christians we said "I want to live the way Jesus wants me to live (He is Lord of my life)." Therefore, it is right and good for Sisters and Brothers in Christ to help protect each other from temptations. We can't do that if we are not involved in each other's lives. If you have been through the "Great Commission" process with someone, you have likely discussed things in their life (and in yours) that need to change. You have the foundation to follow up with accountability. Also, this is a great time to discuss more complicated doctrinal issues as we all grow in our understanding of the finer points of Christianity.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 to learn from Him. We don't have to have all the answers. We can simply go back and read the gospel with someone and let it speak for itself. Every time I go to scripture with a non Christian (and Christians too) I ask the questions 1. What does this passage teach me about God and Christ?, 2. What does this teach me about myself and God's relationship with me?, and 3. What changes do I need to make to be more like Jesus?
Jesus said "Go," "Disciple," "Baptize," and "Teach." It's a pretty simple formula.
Do you have the courage to carry it out?
Jesus gave a very simple outline for simple evangelism in Matthew 28:19-20.
First, He said "Go."
If we are truly salt and light like he commands (Mat. 5:13-14) then when we go, people will see Christ in us. To be salt and light we need to first live the example of Christ out in the open. Second we need to talk about how Christ makes the difference in our lives.
Second, He said "Make Disciples"
The word for disciples in the original language means "students" or "pupils." I wonder, "students of who?" Of Christ! Point people asking questions to the Word. Some non-Christians what to ask calculus questions or challenges when they don't yet know arithmetic. Before we should try to answer questions about complicated doctrines - there should be a foundation of Jesus. I find it effective to start by directing them to the book of Mark or another of the four Gospels. Mark is the shortest and so often the least intimidating. The story of Jesus is convicting. Since "evangelism" is sharing the "good news" and the "good news" is about Jesus - point to him. Do whatever you can to get them into the word - therein lie the answers.
Third, He said "Baptize"
This is a call for commitment. Most people come to a point when they simply need to be asked "Are you ready to commit your life to Christ?" Even Paul required the nudge in Acts 22:16. Baptism requires more than just water. As Peter says in Acts 2:38, baptism is preceded by repentance (a redirection of the mind and life). Later, in 1 Pet. 3:21 he describes baptism as a pledge of a good conscience toward God. Baptism is the culmination of a process - giving one's self to Christ. When someone is ready to make that commitment, look through Acts with them to see how believers give themselves to Christ - keep it in the word and out of opinion.
Finally, He said "Teach"
"Teach them to obey everything I have commanded." We all need follow-up. In Matthew 12:43-45 Jesus said that when an evil spirit leaves a person, it returns. All Christians are attacked by the demons of temptation. It is okay to hold each other accountable. When we became Christians we said "I want to live the way Jesus wants me to live (He is Lord of my life)." Therefore, it is right and good for Sisters and Brothers in Christ to help protect each other from temptations. We can't do that if we are not involved in each other's lives. If you have been through the "Great Commission" process with someone, you have likely discussed things in their life (and in yours) that need to change. You have the foundation to follow up with accountability. Also, this is a great time to discuss more complicated doctrinal issues as we all grow in our understanding of the finer points of Christianity.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 to learn from Him. We don't have to have all the answers. We can simply go back and read the gospel with someone and let it speak for itself. Every time I go to scripture with a non Christian (and Christians too) I ask the questions 1. What does this passage teach me about God and Christ?, 2. What does this teach me about myself and God's relationship with me?, and 3. What changes do I need to make to be more like Jesus?
Jesus said "Go," "Disciple," "Baptize," and "Teach." It's a pretty simple formula.
Do you have the courage to carry it out?
posted by Daniel Cherry at 1:53 PM
3 Comments:
Daniel,
I like what you said about baptism and commitment...we have a friend working as a missionary (not coc) and she just sent an email saying to pray that the commitments people made to Christ stick. It seems that when a person commits to being baptized, the commitment is more serious to them and more readily 'sticks'. What a plan God has!
Thanks for the reminder. We often don't get past the word "baptize" in this passage because that was the answer we were looking to show someone. Wouldn't it be just as wrong to fail to follow up #2 with #3 as it would be to fail to follow up #1 with #2? Or would it actually be worse because Jesus said those who believe and fall away may be worse off than those who never heard?
Thank you for your comments. God is amazing. Although baptism is such a simple act, it takes a certain amount of humility to admit you want to change and then let somone dunk you under water. If we don't follow up quick, we may miss the most important moments of that young Christian's life when they are most vulnerable to Satan and most tender to the gospel.
And Matt, you know it is interesting that Matthew 28:18ff was spoken by Jesus to those who would Teach, not to those who were not yet Christians. This is written to us. This is our process for evangelism, not their process for response. We read about the believers' response in Acts. What a blessing to be an instrument in such a beautiful process!
Blessings, Daniel
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