1. God has called us to lead unbelievers to Jesus

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He said… 
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

2. Because unbelievers matter to God

In Luke 15, we find Jesus telling the stories of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son. Bill Hybels explains how these stories raise the value of evangelism…

Firstly, in each of the stories, that which is lost is extremely valuable.

Secondly, the central character in each story is prepared to do whatever it took to find that which was lost

Thirdly, there is great celebration when that which is lost is finally found.

3. Because it’s our purpose for being on earth

Bruce Wilkinson asks the question…
“If the God of heaven loves you so much that he wants to spend eternity with you, and he has done everything necessary for you to be there with him right now, why on earth are you still here?”

Paul said, “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Philippians 1:22-23)

He said “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace”. (Acts 20:24)

4. Because God wants to use us

The Apostle Paul said…
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 9:13-15).

5. Because it benefits our faith

The Apostle Paul taught that evangelism actually drove our spiritual growth…
”I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ” (Philemon 1:6)

6. Because we can’t help it!!!

The early followers of Jesus were so overwhelmed by His grace, that they could not help but speak. So much so, that they even disobeyed Jesus when He asked them to hold off until the appointed time…
”For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) “Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it”. (Mark 7:36)

7. Because we long to see people encounter Jesus

The Apostle Paul was even willing to be cut off from God if it meant his own people would come to place their faith in Jesus…
“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel”. (Romans 9:2-4)

8. Because it’s the end result of the discipleship journey

Consider Jesus’ approach to discipling his followers… 

Jesus casts vision for all of his followers to become missionaries
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:18)

Jesus trains the 12 for mission by sending them on a short-term mission trip
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2)

Jesus trains the 72 for mission by sending them on a short-term mission trip
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field”. (Luke 10:1-2)

Jesus commissions all his followers to be missionaries of all nations
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit so that they may be effective missionaries
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

9. Because we want to see God’s power at work.

Rick Warren says…
“So much of what we do won’t matter in a year, much less eternity… You only get the highest power when you do the highest task. God is not obligated to empower your ‘to do’ list. If you want to revitalize your life, your ministry, your church, your denomination, then you need to focus on the greatest task, and not some subtask. And what God cares about most is redeemed lives”

Jesus said…
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

10. Because Jesus died to save sinners

“About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice… “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46)

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us” (2 Cor 5:21)

11. Because everybody spends eternity somewhere

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! (Romans 5:9)

12. Because it brings glory to God

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. (Psalm 96:2-4)

SHARE THIS ON FACEBOOK