In this world which is increasingly hostile to Christians, evangelism is a touchy subject. Many churches prefer to take an, “If they’re interested, they’ll come to us” stance in order to avoid creating any sort of enmity. Matthew 28: 19 & 20 says:
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (NKJV)
These are the marching orders Jesus gave His disciples (past and present) before ascending to return to God in Heaven. In this directive are four points we need to understand.
Go
As relating to His original audience, this means, “get out of Jerusalem, teach the gospel in outer areas, even to the gentiles”. And they did. Or some did. As it turned out Paul was the primary “evangelist”, and he wasn’t one of the original apostles or even a disciple. He started out as a vehement persecutor of The Way (as the followers of Jesus called themselves). But after he encountered the resurrected Jesus, he became equally as enthusiastic in promoting the gospel of Jesus. It was primarily his travels that brought Christianity throughout the known world of that time. He even traveled to Rome (as a prisoner) and his witnessing to those he encountered there resulted in the Roman empire becoming Christian.
Had they all stayed in Jerusalem, it is quite possible that The Way would have been a short-lived movement easily quashed by the Pharisees. But, that was not the case.
Make Disciples
Telling others about Jesus, what He did, who He is, and how that relates to us can result in others seeing a need and accepting Jesus as Lord of their lives. Some do not want to hear it. That’s okay; they’ve made their decision, don’t force the issue. But those who are receptive will become new disciples.
It may not happen all at once. Sometimes it does; some will see the situation, and genuinely accept Jesus. The Holy Spirit is born in them and they begin to walk with God. Others, particularly those who are responding to a fiery sermon on damnation and eternal punishment, may be reacting out of fear and self preservation more than a love of Jesus. But even these can grow into true disciples if they don’t fall away. More on that in a minute.
Baptize
Among the various Christian denominations, this is one of the most hotly contested points of the Gospel. Is the baptism spoken of here the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or of water? If water, how much water? My own view on this is that it is the Holy Spirit that equates with salvation. Water will not save you. Water is a point of obedience; part of professing Christ before men. If you are more comfortable with being baptized with water by all means, be baptized with water: it will do no harm. But recognize that saying some words and getting wet is not an insurance policy against Hell if you have not truly believed and are not willing to follow Jesus.
Teach
“…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;” This is the part that is too often trimmed away by what I call Hit & Run Evangelists. These folks want to engage in a highly mobile style of evangelism, holding short, emotionally charged sessions in each community. Initiates come tearfully down the aisle to be prayed over and profess their faith. The evangelist tally’s up his or her running count and moves on. If there is a solid church in that community where these initiates can learn about the Christian life and offer service to God: this style of evangelism is fine. But where there is none, this is equal to giving birth and leaving the infant along side the road, hoping someone else will come along and care for it.
The Bible tells us that wherever we plant the seed of faith, the enemy comes immediately to steal it away (Matthew 13:19). Handing a new disciple a towel and a bible and saying, “Go; live for Jesus” is not likely to get the job done. Left on their own, Satan will draw them away. They may think, “I’ve done the thing so now I’m good, I can go on with my life and know I’ll end up in Heaven”. And maybe they will: if their faith is genuine. Only God knows for sure. But without guidance, they will not (usually) learn to live life as a productive, Jesus-following Christian. Few take it upon themselves to, as 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show yourself approved”.
Study of God’s word is important. Through it we come to know God and we learn to be guided by His precepts. Without this we may be wearing the name badge of “Christian” but we think, act, and live just like the rest of the world.
Those who responded out of emotion rather than faith, can grow into salvation by coming to know Jesus through their studies. They may come to a point of public re-dedication or a private submission, but as long as the Holy Spirit indwells them and they truly accept Jesus, they are now among the saved. This won’t happen in the wake of a hit & run evangelism campaign. To grow into a mature Christian (Jesus follower) takes a dedication to learning – and sharing. Repeating some words and getting wet will not save your soul. Coming to know and love Jesus, and committing to follow Him, will.
