How to Become an Evangelist

January 03, 2023

“And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:18-20

By Brooke Holt

Divine transformation is an amazing thing to behold! A man at our church in Florida experienced a physical healing that radically changed his life and ministry. After receiving prayer one night, this man was healed from Lou Gehrig’s disease. As one who had powerfully experienced the Lord’s healing touch, he sought for all to know that God heals and to make that healing available to those in need. Healing prayer was no longer an occasional offering at the church. Instead, thanks to the efforts of this changed man, weekly services were offered followed by daily offerings at the center for healing he built.

The shepherds experienced this kind of divine transformation because they obeyed the angels and found the Christ child just as they had been told: “lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16). That transformation was demonstrated in what they did with this good news that the Savior of the world had been born: “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). These men became the first evangelists as they declared the gift of God in sending his Son. They shared the good news readily and enthusiastically.

How do you share the good news of Christmas? Everywhere you look these days, people are hurting. Suicide rates are up, depression abounds, financial concerns continue, and people desperately need a Savior! Are you willing to share what God has done in sending Jesus to live as one of us and to die on behalf of our sins? Do you bring light into the darkness so that others may see and hear the invitation of the Lord to come and find hope?

Like the shepherds on that first Christmas, you have been entrusted with the most glorious message ever – Jesus Christ has come. And you know the next part of the story as well – Jesus Christ will come again. There is hope for this broken world, hope for healing, restoration, and everlasting life. Will you return to your homes and workplaces glorifying and praising God for all he has done? Others are watching, waiting, and longing for this good news!

Reflection:

Is this how you see evangelism – just telling the good news of what God has done? Try sharing your own faith story today. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.