Evangelism

A View From Pastor Charlie’s Study

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

This coming Sunday I will have the privilege of preaching the Word while Pastor Reggie is away. What a blessing that is. I will be preaching on the discipline of Evangelism, and we will be looking together at Matthew 28:18–20, the passage commonly known as the Great Commission, along with other selected texts.

This particular text contains some of the final recorded words of Jesus before His ascension. In these verses we see both the authority of Christ and the mission He has entrusted to His people. Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” That statement is the foundation for everything that follows. The mission of evangelism does not begin with our ability, our courage, or our strategies—it begins with the authority of the risen Christ.



From that authority comes a command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Evangelism is not presented in Scripture as a suggestion or a specialized ministry for a few particularly gifted Christians. It is part of the ordinary life and calling of every disciple of Jesus. We are ambassadors of a King, carrying the message of reconciliation to a world that desperately needs to hear it.

As we work through the passage on Sunday, we will consider three important truths that shape our understanding of evangelism. First, we will see the authority of Christ, which gives confidence and clarity to our mission. Second, we will look at the task of making disciples, which involves both proclaiming the gospel and teaching people to follow Jesus. Finally, we will see the promise of Christ’s presence: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The work of evangelism is never carried out alone. The Lord Himself goes with His people.

One of the things I hope we will all be reminded of this week is that evangelism is not primarily about techniques or perfectly crafted arguments. It is about faithfully bearing witness to the truth of the gospel. God has not called us to save anyone—that is His work alone. But He has called us to speak, to love people well, and to point them to Christ.

CG leaders, thank you for the role you play in helping our church apply the Word together. My prayer is that this passage will stir our hearts toward greater faithfulness in sharing the gospel and greater confidence in the power of God to save.

Here are a few questions you may want to reflect on as you prepare for Sunday:

1. Why does Jesus begin the Great Commission by declaring His authority? How should that shape the way we think about evangelism?
2. What is the difference between making converts and making disciples?
3. What fears or obstacles often keep Christians from sharing the gospel?
4. How does the promise of Christ’s presence encourage us in the mission He has given us?
5. Who in your life right now might the Lord be prompting you to pray for or share the gospel with?

Thank you for your faithfulness in shepherding your groups and helping our church grow in Christ.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Charlie