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Evangelism
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One of the major purposes of Christ is found in the following words "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost". (Luke 19:10) John 1:29 points out that Christ is the Saviour of the World. Also, it is evident that the Church, which Christ purchased with his own Blood (Acts 20:28) will have the same purpose and intent in this world. Eph 3:10 teaches it is the church's responsibility to make those things known to the world. For that reason one of the major works of the church is evangelism. The word "evangelism" comes from a Greek word meaning "good news", the "evangelist" therefore, is a proclaimer of Good news.

This work has some important concepts we need to understand as Christians. This has a universal need to tell the world about Salvation, which is in Jesus Christ. It is evident from Rom 3:9-10 that all have sinned, therefore they have a deep need of Salvation. Rom 8:23 teaches that all have sinned and fallen short of God, His righteousness and His grace. Gal. 3:22 puts all things under sin for those outside of Christ. Eph. 2:1-5 points out that one can be dead in trespasses and sins, which means we are lost. This according to Eph 2:12 leaves one in a state of no hope, without God. Therefore lost.

Paul in Romans 1:16-17 says that the Gospel is God's Power unto Salvation. As we study the New Testament there are several things that begins to stand out as necessary. In I Cor. 15:1-4, we learn that the Gospel saved the Corinthians. In Acts 11:14 the words, which the preacher gave to Cornelius, lead him in obedience to what Peter preached to those present. This will save those who will obey what was preached. I Cor. 4:15 points out that they were begotten by the Gospel (I Pet. 1:28). Christ makes it clear in John 16:3 that they were cleansed by the words of Christ. Note this, that in Matt. 13:19 and Luke 8:1 the word of God is the Seed of the Kingdom. This seed produces Christians, who have been saved in obedience to what that seed taught. In Eph 3:6, we will become partakers of the promises of Christ. Thus, as in Acts 20:32, we are able to have inheritance among the sanctified. Thus as 2 Tim. 1:10 teaches: in Evangelism the life and immorality are brought to light to those who hear it. Then, in Rom. 16:26-27, it is made known by obedience thru faith. This faith comes from the Word of God as we learn in Rom 10:17. The Lord's Church is God's agency in this work of Evangelization of the world. Matt 20:1-16 talks about the Church as compared to a householder who goes out to hire laborers into the Vineyard. The members of the congregation are to carry out the work of the householder. Also, in Acts 13:1-3, we learn of the church as a sending agency. Then, Matt 13:3-39, teaches that the church is the sowing agency of the Seed of God's word. With the Church being the pillar and ground of truth (I Tim 3:14-16) we find the support here on earth. We soon learn that the church makes known the wisdom of God to the world. (Eph 3:10) Then, in Verse 21, God is to be glorified in the Church throughout all ages. Eph 4:11-12 points out that the building up of the body of Christ is the mission of the Church---along with evangelization.

The local congregation was the medium through which the work of the church was done in the New Testament days. The local congregation is the primary missionary "sending place" of the New Testament church, today. We find local congregations at work in the first century. We find examples of Churches of Macedonia; (2 Cor. 11:8-9) Church at Thessalonica; (I Thess. 1:2-8) Church at Philippi; (Phil. 1:3-6; 2:25-30; 4:14-20) Church at Antioch; (Acts 13:1-3; 14:27-28) and Jerusalem church. (Acts 8:1-6) There were many others, who were busy about the King's business as there are today. This business is found in pattern form in the New Testament and is plainly taught today.

Evangelism is as important today as it was then. [ The End ]




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