Shaking Salt & Shining Light (Part 1)

     As I begin to prepare for a new Sunday night series to start at the end of January on the topic of evangelism, I thought I would spend the next several weeks writing about it as well. Most reading this have probably heard the word evangelism before and most likely know what it means; but, in case you don’t let me explain it. The word evangelism comes from the Greek word: euangellion. This word is divided into two parts: eu—meaning good and angelos—meaning message or messenger. So, evangelism really just means good news, good message, or good messenger.
     The word euangellion was not invented by the writers of Scripture; it was word already in popular use by the Romans. The Romans used it to refer to an announcement of glad tidings or good news regarding a birthday, rise to power, or decree by the emperor that would bring hope and peace to the people under his rule. The word is most often translated in our English Bibles as “gospel.” The parallels to the Roman secular use of the word are of significant importance when considering how Mark uses the word in Mark 1:1, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” The implication is clear that Jesus’ birth and actions will truly change the world in a way no earthly king ever could; this is good news that must be shared. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings real hope and peace to the all the world living under his Sovereign rule.
     But what exactly is the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ? The apostle Paul answers this question in the most clear way possible when he writes in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved… For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” That is it—plain and simple. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the message that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again according to the Scriptures.
     In recent years, evangelism has become synonymous with sharing your faith. What is meant by this is that Christians should be telling others about their relationship with Jesus Christ and their faith in Him. This is true and is part of effective evangelism but true evangelism involves sharing the gospel. Telling your story of faith in Christ is vitally important but remember to explain the facts of Scripture as outline in 1 Cor. 15, that helped bring you to that faith.
     Next week, I will explain how we determined from Scripture that every Christian is commanded to evangelize.

-Pastor Matt