Why Faith is Fundamental to Evangelism

[Steven]

The Gospel, God’s word, is like a fire. There is no substance on earth that can compare to the power of God’s word; the heavens and the Earth may pass way, but God’s word will yet remain. When we wield this power--through the Holy Spirit—it must be coupled with Faith.

Evangelism is one of the unique gifts within the Body of Christ which uses the power of the Gospel. When we go out to preach from the Bible, God’s inspired and holy word, we believe that this Gospel  “divides asunder the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12)

Therefore, Evangelism in of itself requires faith, believing the promises despite what we may see.  Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10) Without faith it is impossible to please God. By faith Abel pleased God by offering a more excellent sacrifice.  Noah, by faith, moved with fear and thus saved his house, condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness. Abraham by faith removed himself from his home, and dwelt in a strange land; by faith, he sought a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Abraham’s wife Sara, by faith, bore a child despite being far too old, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. By faith, these never received the promises but saw them from a distance; these promises they believed and embraced, and confessed being strangers and pilgrims upon the Earth.

As Christians, and evangelists, we do walk as strangers on the earth, looking forward to the Kingdom of God and placing our hope in the promises of God’s word. Our lives should reflect that it is by faith that we have grace and peace with God, through our Lord and savior Jesus the Christ… our Messiah. When we go out to declare the gospel by preaching, our motives should be out of faith, knowing that our eyes can be deceived and also knowing that Faith is the evidence of things not seen. 

As one who has evangelized over the years, I have seen many brethren come out--for a period of time--then shrink back from the preaching of the Gospel. As is often the case, they expected to see droves of ‘converts’ appear; they believed the lie that unless one sees such numbers the methods are thereby ineffective and the ministry lacks ‘fruit’.  The fruit of preaching, however, is not measured by the number of converts but by faith and obedience. One may plant, another may water, but it is God who gives the increase. (1 Cr. 3:6 & 7) In this evangelism is similar to farming, in tilling and preparing the ground continually and sowing the seed; when the seed lands on good soil God brings the increase and more often than not it is someone else who harvests the fruit. By faith we go out regardless, preparing the ground and sowing the seeds, knowing that this is God’s beloved church; it is He who cares for the seed and oversees the flock, which He has redeemed.

“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?”  2 Cr 2:15 & 16

Therefore, brethren, when you go out to preach the Gospel do not forget the Shield of Faith, knowing that the devil is a diabolical deceiver and a master archer; he fires the flaming arrows of Doubt and Hardship which, without faith, lead to bitterness and despair. However, God uses tribulations to produce in His faithful patience, character and hope.

As we preach the word of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel does not return void, but accomplishes that for which He sent it.

Steven

[Pete72]

Great article.