Why Bother With Evangelism?

One of the great preachers of all-time was a man by the name of Dwight L. Moody. He was also a bit of an odd ball. On more than one occasion he would walk out into the streets of 19th century Chicago with a sandwich board strapped across his shoulders with messages on them. One of his favorites was one which said on the front, “I am a fool for Christ” and asked a question on the back, “Whose fool are you?” You see, Moody lived through the Chicago fire of 1871 when hundreds of people lost their lives. He decided that he would always present the gospel message to everyone he could because he wanted everyone to accept their salvation.
Who among us today has such determination to present this message? Moody, while sometimes considered weird made it a practice to interrupt with the gospel message for which he was so zealous. He was told by one particular woman, “I don’t like the way you do evangelism!” To this he replied, “I understand that there are some objectionable ways in which I do evangelism. Tell me, how do you do it?” She said, “I don’t do evangelism.” To this he retorted, “Well then, I like my way better!”
Today all Christians have great opportunities for evangelism. Are we taking those opportunities? If not let me give you reasons for sharing with someone the fact that God loves them and has already made arrangements to receive them into heaven. First, if you had the cure for cancer would you tell anyone who is suffering from such a dreaded disease? Of course you would! In Jesus Christ, you have the cure for the sickness of sin and death itself. Your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and acquaintances are dying in this life dominated by dread, fear, lust for material goods, and earthly power. Sure it might feel weird or even scary, but have you spoken to anyone about the saving power of Jesus that exists both here and in the afterlife? I think people are hungry to know God and have peace within their life. But to whom will someone listen? Maybe someone has been wondering what it is that makes your life different from theirs. No, it’s not that you are less of a sinner or a “perfect” person. That is false pietism. It is simply the fact that you know who you are and whose you are. You are a fool for Christ! So start acting like it and spread the Good News, not fear of Hell, but the love God has for each and every person. Simply understand that God’s grace is for you and know that God gives life, earthly and eternal to anyone who will accept it.