Problems with Today’s Evangelism: Part 2

This is a continuation from “Problems with Today’s Evangelism Part 1.” If you haven’t already done so please read the previous article prior to reading this one.

The Model Citizen

Sometimes, Christians believe that all they have to do is exhibit the character of Christ and shine a light of example to others. They believe that by doing this, unbelievers will see the error of their ways and choose to come to Christ. Preachers will claim, “You may be the only Bible they will ever read, so make sure you’re being the best you can be.” But wouldn’t it be awesome if you actually read the Bible with them? Do we have the expectation that everyone we come in contact with is going to ask us why we’re such “model citizens”? Don’t get me wrong. We have to be living like Christ or else we’re just hypocrites. But aren’t we also hypocrites if we don’t share the word with others?

Is it because we’re afraid?

Certainly it is common to fear persecution. No one likes being ridiculed or made fun of, but I’d like for us to consider the attitude of Jeremiah when it comes to God’s Word and teaching it to others. Jeremiah was tired and afraid of persecution but notice what he said when he decided not to teach others.

“If I say, ‘I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,’ there is in my heart

as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I

cannot.” - Jeremiah 20:9

Jeremiah’s greatest desire was to teach others about God and when he withheld the message he could hardly stand it. Don’t you want to teach others God’s word? Does His word dwell in you like a fire? Have you set up any Bible studies lately? When was the last time someone responded to your example? When was the last time someone came to know Christ and was saved as a result of your example? The point here is to keep on being the example you’re supposed to be, but also take the next step and preach the word to others.

Instant Salvation

Another problem with today’s evangelism is the idea of “instant salvation.” For those of us who do try to evangelize, we sometimes have this expectation that an unbeliever will become a believer in just a matter of a few bible studies. We sometimes even read this into the text of scripture, thinking that it only took people like Peter, Philip, and Paul a few words before people wanted to change their whole life. We must remember that there is a lot of thought behind the decision to become a Christian. How long did it take you before you wanted to give your whole life over to Christ? Let’s think about the approach of these three men and the patience that they needed to work with unbelievers at they taught.

Peter

In Acts 2:38, Peter gives an answer to those who asked, “What shall we do to be saved?” We fail to realize that it wasn’t until after he spoke many other words testifying and exhorting them to be saved (V40) that they actually were saved. Peter’s sermon must have lasted hours, but somehow we take this passage to mean that it all happened quickly and with a measly 4 steps. 1) Peter told them they killed Jesus 2) They asked what to do 3) Peter said repent and be baptized 4) 3000 souls were saved. We must realize that that’s not exactly how it went down. Teaching and understanding takes time and patience.

Philip

When Philip approached the Eunuch in Acts 8 and asked him about the scripture he was reading, he began to teach from that very passage about Jesus. Shortly afterward, we see the Eunuch requesting to be baptized. We can gather two crucial aspects about evangelism from this passage. First of all Philip recognized that the Eunuch wanted to learn and started with the passage he was at. Many times we don’t have to start with the existence of God when we evangelize because a lot of non-Christians believe there’s a God. It’s important to try to start at the right place. We also see that Philip was thorough with his teaching because the Eunuch knew about baptism. It is that specific reason why we shouldn’t expect “instant salvation”. Because unbelievers have a lot to learn, we must be patient and thorough with our teaching.

Paul

In Acts 17, Paul arrives in Thessalonica and does what is his custom when he comes to a new town. He reasoned with them in the synagogue. Evangelism needs time for reason. Unbelievers must have time to consider what you’re saying, respond to it from their point of view, and discover the truth for themselves. One reason why we fail in our pursuits for evangelism is because there is not enough time spent reasoning together. In order for reasoning to be beneficial, we also have to be prepared to defend the truth and know why it is we a preaching what we’re preaching.

Repent and Then Believe?

The examples of Peter, Philip, and Paul provide excellent models for how we ought to attempt evangelism. There exists however a false model today that actually pushes more people away than saves and that’s the method of “repentance then belief.” In an attempt to evangelize others, Christians will sometimes point out an unbeliever’s sins before they teach them about devotion to God. This happens most often with people trapped in homosexuality, fornication, alcoholism, lying, people in unscriptural marriages and many other sins. We expect people to change before they can be welcomed in the church and this is a false belief. Galatians 2:20 reveals that a life modeled after Christ comes after we have been crucified with Him not before. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us the same thing: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” We must be careful not to expect a non-Christian to act like a Christian without first becoming a Christian.

Have you been guilty of any of these hindrances? It was by my own past experiences that I realized these methods are useless and that it better to evangelize the way Jesus and his early disciples did. Let’s keep Christ in mind when we preach and put ourselves in the shoes of the unbelievers. Let’s resolve to be fully dedicated, patient, understanding, and intentional when we evangelize and to do so recognizing that it is our purpose and our desire to teach others about God. Let’s do it for His glory.

Yours in Christ,

Zack