In his compelling new book, Penetrating the Darkness, Jack Hayford describes how the message of Jesus communicated hope at every point.
He came to bring “life abundant”—life in a new dimension—both present and future. And He offered the gift of a Kingdom to all who would accept it—a dual offer of salvation, to birth us into the Kingdom, and the gift of partnership, to enable us as citizens to extend His Kingdom into all the world.
What a message! And what an honour to be able to proclaim it to all the world, nation by nation, home by home, person by person! This has been EHC’s primary task for 65 years, and by God’s grace it will remain our priority until Jesus comes again.
Some may ask why we contend that evangelism is of first importance. I believe the answer to this question is clearly seen throughout Scripture. Consider these facts…
- The First Song at the Birth of Christ was Evangelistic. “I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10)
- The First Prayer taught by Jesus to His Disciples was Evangelistic. “Thy Kingdom come.” (Matthew 6:10)
- The First Actions of the First Disciples were Evangelistic. Andrew found Simon and brought him to Jesus. Philip found Nathaniel and led him to the Lord.
- The First Element of Discipleship is Evangelistic. “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19)
- The First Commandment of the Risen Lord was Evangelistic. “As my father has sent me, so send I you…” (John 20:21)
- The First Directive of the Great Commission is Evangelistic. “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation…” (Mark 16:15) The First Sermon delivered at the Birth of the Church was Evangelistic. “Peter lifted up his voice… 3,000 souls were added…” (Acts 2:14-19)
- The First Chapter of Church History was Evangelistic. The description of Mark 16:20—“They went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following”—is vividly depicted in expanded form in the Acts of the Apostles.
Paul the Apostle certainly recognized the priority of evangelism. He wrote in Romans 1:14, “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel…” And two verses later he emphasizes: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…”
Just like Paul we have an obligation. We cannot and must not keep silent. Everyday, as the Good News of Jesus is shared around the world, millions respond and find life and hope and peace. May God help us to never be ashamed of his gospel. May he help us to always be unrelenting in our devotion and unwavering in our commitment to tell others about Jesus. The Good News of Jesus is the power of God that brings salvation.