Evangelism – Today, we’re going to talk about evangelism—specifically, how it starts right where we are. Our guiding scriptures are Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:16-20. Let’s begin by reading these powerful passages from the King James Version.
Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Matthew 28:16-20: “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Jesus’ last words before His ascension were a call to action—a command, not a suggestion. In Acts 1:8, He lays out a strategy: begin in Jerusalem, move to Judea, then to Samaria, and finally to the ends of the earth. This model is powerful because it teaches us that evangelism starts at home before it moves outward.
Evangelism – So, what does this mean for us?
- Jerusalem represents our immediate circle—our families, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Sharing the gospel starts with the people closest to us. Sometimes, this can be the hardest mission field, but it’s also one of the most impactful.
- Judea represents our community—the people we see regularly, whether at school, work, or the grocery store. We can live out our faith by showing love, compassion, and integrity in our daily interactions.
- Samaria represents those who are different from us—people we may not naturally associate with. Jesus reached out to the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking social barriers. Likewise, we are called to step outside our comfort zones and share Christ with those who may seem distant from us in culture, background, or belief.
- The ends of the earth represent global evangelism—missions, outreach, and supporting those spreading the gospel worldwide. But notice how Jesus’ strategy starts close and works outward.
Evangelism – How do we apply this in our daily lives? Evangelism isn’t just about standing on a street corner with a microphone—it’s about intentional living. Here are three practical ways to start evangelizing at home:
- Live a transformed life. Before we ever speak a word about Jesus, our lives should reflect His love and truth. Our families and friends should see Christ in us through our actions, attitudes, and the way we handle challenges.
- Pray for opportunities. Ask God to open doors for conversations about faith. He will provide divine appointments where you can naturally share the hope of the gospel.
- Be prepared to share. First Peter 3:15 reminds us to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” You don’t have to be a theologian—just be honest about what Jesus has done in your life.
One of the biggest obstacles in evangelism is fear. We fear rejection, awkwardness, or not having the right words. But here’s the good news—Jesus didn’t call us to do this alone. He promised in Matthew 28:20, “Lo, I am with you alway.”
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses. We don’t have to rely on our own strength or wisdom—God goes before us, prepares hearts, and gives us the words we need. Trust Him, step out in faith, and watch how He moves.
Evangelism is not just for missionaries or pastors—it’s for every believer. Start where you are. Share Christ with your family, love your neighbors, reach out to your community, and support the gospel going to the ends of the earth. The Great Commission is our mission.