The Purpose of Evangelism
A couple of weeks ago, I went to a weekend seminar on Evangelism, and one of the things that was presented was that the primary purpose of Evangelism is to make more worshippers. Not just mere converts, but worshippers.
Worship is active. Very active.
There are too many people who accept religion, who believe in God, but who do nothing in particular about it. If you look at both the Old and New Testaments, true worshippers of God are extremely active. In fact, God calls for lots of activity in service to Him.
2 Chronicles 5:13
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
Luke 2:20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Matthew 28:19-20
(19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Luke 24:52-53
(52) And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
(53) And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Vibrant worship leads to effective evangelism, which fuels the cycle all over again. The act of praising and glorifying God for what He has done, inspires us to tell others about what He has done, which is what evangelism is all about.
Vibrant Worship...
Acts 1:12 to Acts 2:4 (excerpts provided below)
(12) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
(13) And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
(14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
(1) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
(2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
(3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
(4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Effective Evangelism...
Acts 2:5-41 (excerpts provided below)
(37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
(40) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
(41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Even More Worship...
Acts 2:42-47 (excerpts provided below)
(42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
(46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
(47) Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
When Jesus has returned to take His children home, and the earth is remade as in the beginning, and sin and suffering are no more, there will be no need for new converts, but we will still have worship...