The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18–20. The main phrase of the Great Commission is “make disciples.” We tell unbelievers the good news and then help those who believe in Christ to grow in their faith. Some churches prioritize evangelism, while others prioritize discipleship. These are like two wings on an airplane. Lifeway Research …
Author Archives: Jonathan Kobayashi
67012 The New Roman Roads
When the Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire, his efforts were greatly facilitated by the network of Roman roads that covered 120,000 kilometers (almost 75,000 miles). God used these roads to spread the good news of Christ throughout the Roman Empire. Jesus …
67011 How Christians and Churches Reach Out
There are countless ways that Christians and churches can reach out with the gospel. People all over the world are sharing Christ one-on-one; in large gatherings; and through the media, radio, TV, Bible translations, podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and the Internet. There is one gospel but many ways to share it. Equipping People for Evangelism It …
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67009 The Process
Evangelism is usually a process of sowing the seed of the gospel. That takes the pressure off our having to “seal the deal” and keeps us from being discouraged if a person does not receive Christ immediately. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts people of their need for Christ, but it is our responsibility …
67004 Why Christians Don’t Witness
Fear is one of the main reasons people don’t witness. I was teaching evangelism at a church, and one of the attendees raised her hand and said, “I agree with what you have said, but how do you get rid of the fear?” I said, “You don’t. You need to do evangelism, and then you’ll …
67003 Who to Share Christ With
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. —Acts 1:8 ESV “Jerusalem” refers to those who are closest to you—family, coworkers, neighbors, people you hang out with. “All Judea …
41014 Answering Specific Objections
I’m an Atheist An atheist believes that nothing × nobody = everything. Sam Chan recommends Tim Keller’s book Making Sense of God because it focuses on the reasons we need to believe in the existence of God. Anthony Flew, probably the most respected atheist of the last 100 years, changed from atheism after studying DNA …
41013 Answering Objections
What Is Apologetics? In the book Therefore Stand, Wilbur Smith defines apologetics as “a verbal defense, a speech in defense of what one has done or a truth which one believes.” First Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you …
41010 Articulating the Gospel
What’s Your Style? In the book Becoming a Contagious Christian by Mark Mittelberg and Lee Strobel are six evangelistic styles: (1) direct (Peter in Acts 2); (2) intellectual or apologetical (Paul in Acts 17); (3) testimonial (blind man in John 9); (4) interpersonal or friendship (Luke 5:27–29); (5) invitational (Andrew told Peter, “We have found …
41008 Asking Questions Using Conversations
Every day we have conversations about things such as sports, hobbies, health, diets, politics, finances, weather, shopping, family, children, pets—you name it. I recently was at the airport, and standing next to me was a man in a suit who looked like he worked there. I asked him if he worked at the airport, and …
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