Note: This is an old comic. I have since learned a whole,lot more about evangelism. I still firmly believe in the importance of evangelism, but I am now much more aware of the difficulties and responsibilities behind it, much less naive, if you will.
This whole series was inspired by an allegory that Ray Comfort gave. Check out his ministry: Living Waters. It is my favourite evangelism ministry.
Episode 1 Commentary (Originally written January 26th, 2020)
This series is inspired by a segment in Ray Comfort’s “Evidence Bible” where a parable was told. The parable compared fishing to spreading the gospel.
This week’s story is about how one person inspired many to catch fish. Catching fish in this story represents leading people to Christ. There is great joy in leading someone to Christ! The joy knowing that you took part in their eternal salvation, their escape from punishment, their acceptance into God’s family, and their bondage of sin being broken is such an exciting thought!
However, a lot of churches are hesitant to do outreaches, perhaps people individually will reach out to friends and family on their own time. To put it bluntly, we are NOT doing a great job of fulfilling the great commission. Which is why we should really start taking action.
I understand that it can be scary to do evangelism, especially in a world where Christianity is getting increasingly less popular and more people are hostile Christian believes and values. But isn’t the eternal fate of these people more important? Do we care about our own comforts more or their souls more? God says that we need to be sowers of his crops, so why are we doing nothing?
This series will get into more details and deal with more situations with modern-day evangelism in the following weeks, hope this will encourage you and make you think.
Episode 2 Commentary (Originally posted February 2nd, 2020)
We come to the second chapter of our little parable. The fishermen have forsaken fishing to attend fishing conferences instead. Is this true in today’s churches? Everyone minding their own business in the church and attends things that are good for themselves but forgetting about the gospel. I’m not saying everybody is like that, but chances are, not a lot of people at your church actively do any outreach work. Listen, attending youth group, Bible studies, worship services, all these are GREAT things, these are great for your personal growth in the Lord! But what about others? The non-believers who live in sin not knowing anything about the Gospel and the danger they are in? Why are we afraid to reach out to them?
Here’s a portion in James that is really challenging, but fits the situation well. “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James 2:14-17 NKJV We are seeing these people living without Christ who are heading towards God’s judgment, and they will be condemned. Let me tell you, the services you attend at church will not help them, but YOU can! I know this is a super uncomfortable topic but I really hope that more people can realize just how important evangelism is, including myself. Tune in next week to see how people can mean well, but harm the big picture when it comes to evangelism.
Episode 3 Commentary (Originally posted February 9th, 2020)
I’m not gonna point fingers, but is it true that some people use their other callings as an excuse to not spread the gospel? And if everyone is only doing things within the church and for themselves, how do we expect the church to grow? Where will new believers come from?
Of course, it’s perfectly fine to feel the calling to do things other than evangelism, but remember, the Lord Jesus specifically ordered his followers to spread the gospel, it is the utmost important task we should be doing! The other things are important too, but they are lesser things compared to gathering souls for God’s kingdom and people’s eternal fate!
Episode 4 Commentary (Originally posted February 16th, 2020)
Thus ends our series on evangelism. In this final chapter we discuss fear, the main reason why we don’t evangelize. I think the best way to overcome this fear is to first, pray for strength and courage, and second, realize that people’s eternal fates are way more important than our own pride!
I think this verse says it well “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Matthew 10:28 NKJV In this context we should fear the fate that awaits people who do not accept Christ instead of fearing what they might say or do to us if we do tell the, about Jesus. We should of course tell them in love, without judgment, but also let them know about GOD’s judgment that awaits and the seriousness of their sins.
With that said, I hope we can all go evangelize just a little bit more! Be it talking to your friends, coworkers, families, or going out into the streets to preach, it is all a part of God’s work!
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