Evangelism

by Candace Joy M.
​from Virtuous Daughters, May 2008~Volume 8, Number 2

Dear Sisters, 
My parents suggested this topic, evangelism, as a good way that we can work with children to advance God’s kingdom. How does evangelism tie in with working with children? Encourage your siblings to witness (by both your words and example). Many people are more receptive to children than to adults. Also, is it ever too early to form habits of obedience to God?

I think that we all understand that it is important to share the Gospel with others. We see this concept not only revealed as a commandment (Matthew 28:18-20), but also as a priority in Jesus’ and early Christians’ lives (examples can be found all throughout the Gospels and Acts).
 
Acts 1:8 shows us that we do not need to move to another country to tell other people about the Lord. We should start right in our community (“Jerusalem”), and move out from there to our “Judea,” “Samaria,” and “uttermost parts of the earth.” As Matthew 25:21 tells us, we need to be faithful with what we have if we want to be entrusted with more.
 
Here are some practical tips about sharing the Gospel with others:
 

• Easter is a great witnessing time. When people (cashiers, unsaved relatives) say “Happy Easter” or ask if you have any special plans, use the opportunity to turn the conversation to spiritual things. You could ask them if they know why they celebrate Easter, or a similar question.
• To remind those he is speaking with of what we should be celebrating, my dad likes to say “Happy Resurrection Day” instead of “Happy Easter.”
• Find or make Christ-centered Easter cards. This is a good way to witness to relatives, friends, and neighbors. Easter is not a day to focus on pastel colors, eggs, or baby rabbits. It is a day to focus on Jesus’ resurrection; if Christ did not rise, then we would have no hope (1 Corinthians 15:13-14).
• Purchase (or write your own) theologically sound tracts and give them out to people. Our family has printed business cards with a Scripture (such as Romans 10:9). We carry them in our pockets or purses when we go to town. We like to hand one to our cashier as he/she hands us our receipt or put one on the restroom mirror.

 
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Remember that actions can speak louder than words. If you quarrel with your siblings, and then share that Christ changes lives, do you think that others will listen? Suppose that you hand someone a tract, but then speak impatiently to your little brother; who will want the relationship with Jesus that you have? On the other hand, if one of your siblings accidentally runs into your heel with a grocery cart and you gently ask him to be more careful, what sort of witness will your actions be? If someone hears you speak in an honoring manner to your parents, will they think you are just a typical young person, or will they wonder what causes the difference in your life?
 
I hope that you are encouraged to share the good news of the Gospel with the lost souls all around you. The Gospel truly is good news! We have sinned (broken God’s law), and deserve eternal punishment; our merciful God, however, has made provision for us to be reconciled to Himself. Jesus came to earth and lived a sinless life so that He could be a perfect sacrifice. He took our sins and the punishment for them upon Himself—He paid our debt. Jesus rose again on the third day, and later ascended to the right hand of God. If we repent and believe in Jesus, His blood cleanses us from sin and His righteousness is imputed to us. We now have hope! The world does not have this hope, and we need to obey Jude 1:22-23 which says, “And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” May you and the little children in your life make a difference in the world for Christ!