Introduction to Evangelism
Overview
Alvin Reid writes that evangelism is “central to the mission of the church in any age.” Here, Reid traces the essence of evangelism—its history and character—teaching Christians how to preach the Gospel effectively. Using methods built upon biblical, historical, and theological foundations, this introduction to evangelism integrates doctrinal issues with practical matters of methodology, while developing the personal spirituality of those who seek to carry out the Great Commission. By recognizing the timeless aspects of the evangelistic task and adapting them to today's needs and the needs of the future, Reid gives Christians the tools they need to spread the Word with assurance.
Top Highlights
“Evangelism is the communication of the gospel by saved people to lost people. It is not inviting people to church or getting people to be religious. Evangelism, in its essence, is none of the above.” (Page 8)
“Evangelism is critical because people apart from Christ are lost. They are swimming in a riptide of sin that will yank them into the abyss of hell for all eternity—unless they meet the One who is the lifeline for all mankind: the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as confusion reigned when the young man was first missing, the church is confused about evangelism because the message has been diluted.” (Pages 3–4)
“‘You have invited me to church,’ the hairdresser said. ‘You have invited me to Sunday school. You have asked me to come hear your pastor preach. But you have never told me about Jesus. Why?’” (Page 9)
“Our primary message is the specific news that Jesus died and rose again. Paul told the Corinthians: ‘Morever, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you’ (1 Cor. 15:1 KJV). He then summarized the gospel with the death, burial, and resurrection. There are two essential issues that confront every person: sin and death. On the cross Jesus dealt with the sin problem; in the empty tomb he defeated death. We have good news to share!” (Page 10)
“The character of Christ shined through the prism of their witness for him. Character apart from biblical truth lacks the heart of the Christian faith; but the truth of the gospel devoid of character is the epitome of hypocrisy.” (Page 105)
- Title: Introduction to Evangelism
- Author: Alvin Reid
- Publisher: Broadman and Holman
- Publication Date: 1998
- Pages: 376#