The Objectives :To equip and inspire disciples to bold, respectful, and (most of all) effective evangelism.

Evangelism is part of living out the Great Commission of Matthew 28 and a responsibility all Christians have. To “evangelize” literally means to “proclaim the gospel”. When it comes to evangelism, few young Christians possess both boldness and tact. People usually go to one extreme or the other: so tactful that they say little, if anything, or so bold that tact and respect is thrown to the wind. This Bible study teaches us the balance we need to effectively “proclaim the gospel.”

The Scriptures:

1. Motivation

2 Corinthians 5:10-21
20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

We proclaim the gospel (trying to persuade men) because we know and fear God. Furthermore, Christ’s love “compels” us to live our lives for Him as His ambassadors. Understanding that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

2. Boldness

Romans 1:16-17
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

The gospel is nothing to be ashamed of because it has the power to save.

Luke 9:23-26
23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.
25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?
26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

If we are ashamed of Jesus and his words, he will be ashamed of us.

3. Spiritual Principles for Effective Evangelism

Matthew 10:11-14
11 "Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave.
12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting.
13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.
14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

Be discerning and do not be focused on or discouraged by those who aren’t serious about God.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.
8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Invest in a friendship, don’t just get together to do Bible studies; have fun together, study books together, eat meals together…share your life!

Matthew 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Be an Example. It is God’s intention that our lives shine in the world for all to see and for our good deeds to bring him glory

Q: Does the example of your personal life, academics, finances, work ethic, etc. bring glory to God and make the gospel attractive, or would you be ashamed to show people how you behave in certain areas of your life?

Acts 4:29-31
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Pray for boldness! God will answer your prayers.

1 Peter 3:15-16
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Show gentleness and respect.

4. Helpful Hints

1) Push yourself to be friendly and to start conversations wherever you go.

2) Have a notebook/journal where you collect names and phone numbers of those you are reaching out to; this is doubles as a follow-up list and as a prayer list.

The Spiritual Exercise: Make a list of people you would like to see become a disciple in the next year (family, friends, co-workers, classmates, etc.). Add this list to your prayer journal. Pray that God will open a door for you to share your faith with the people on your list. Pray for boldness and then go proclaim the gospel together.