Originating with the act of sharing the Gospel of Yeshua, Jesus, evangelism has historically been about salvation. Only now it has become watered-down to mean something akin to "being zealous about something to the point of sharing it." The word comes from the Greek, literally meaning "the act of sharing the Good News." But evangelism has also become a buzzword in today's secular world to describe the act of influencing or convincing someone to try a product, subscribe to a service, or buy a new brand. With the rise of social media, the hottest commodity has become people's attention. Views, clicks, likes... they're all indicators of mental energy being spent. And companies all over the world, in every industry, are paying millions of dollars to the people who can get their product in front of you.
But what does that mean for the heart of true Evangelism? It means that the Good News is fighting harder than ever to get out! There's so much "noise" filling every minute of every day that the Gospel message can often get lost in the fray. Instead of being worried about their eternal destination, the recent generations are more consumed with concerns over their individual feelings like anxiety, loneliness, or unhappiness. For those of us who are firmly set upon the Rock of our Salvation, we know that all of those feelings are merely symptoms of the deeper issue: being out of communication with the Creator of the Universe. Without the peace that passes all understanding, we can get overwhelmed. Without the joy of the Lord as our strength, despair can set in. Without the comfort of the Holy Spirit, we can feel abandoned. But for those who don't have that relationship with ADONAI, admitting that they need saving is hard-won.
Former generations used to be taught the reality of sin and understood their need for atonement. But in today's individualistic culture, evangelism can no longer walk the path of offering salvation. Instead, we have to present the Gospel message in a way that truly speaks to each hearer's hidden need. For some, it may be that they are struggling with identity and wholeness. The path of evangelism then needs to be one of divine formation and belonging - meaning that each person is made specifically according to exactly how God intended and are completely welcome in the arms of the Father. For another who is suffering with depression and sorrow, the path of evangelism may look like physically helping your loved one until they reach a point of curiosity over your willingness to sacrifice on their behalf. Your behavior, ethic, and efforts are all proclamations of the Gospel in a culture flooded with words and opinions. And in a world of digital assets, each person's physical belongings are now more carefully curated and more precious than ever.
Many Americans have access to a Bible, but don't pick it up to read what's inside. Some already think they know what it says. Or that its wisdom is out of touch with their own lives. Such a thick book can be daunting, and many say they don't know where to start. Other than the beginning - literally Genesis 1 - those of us who successfully share the Good News have found that starting with the Gospels is most effective. Which is why we made the Book of Matthew for you to give away! Often thought of as the most culturally Jewish gospel telling, the Book of Matthew is a fantastic and easy way to introduce the Bible to a loved one. Since the Book of Matthew opens with the genealogy of Yeshua, beginning with Abraham, it's easy to see how the Old and New Testaments are connected. Additionally, the writing style of the Apostle Matthew is less terse than Mark, less clinical than Luke, and less loquacious than John. Comfort, compassion, and the unending love of God can be found in Matthew's dynamic relaying of the Good News.
As an unassuming but aesthetically pleasing booklet, this little book can be a fantastic tool for getting your friends, family, and even strangers to open up the Bible for the first time. Whatever path of Evangelism you need to take in order to present the Gospel to your neighbor, it will always lead to the same destination: the Gospel. And in the Gospel message itself is where the power of transformation lies. Through Yeshua's death and resurrection, we are brought back into communion with our Heavenly Father - where life everlasting can be found forevermore. You have the best news in the whole world at your fingertips. Why wouldn't you share it?
Just keep in mind: Evangelism without empathy can turn people away from hearing your message. So! Tread carefully, listening closely to the Holy Spirit, as you walk down an evangelistic path towards someone's heart-wound that only Yeshua can heal. It's not your job to save anyone. Instead... It's your job to introduce them to the One who is Salvation made flesh.
