Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

What Is Evangelism?
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. The work of the local church has often been described as threefold...
a. Edification - equipping the saints for ministry
b. Benevolence - meeting the needs of destitute brethren
c. Evangelism - spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the lost
2. The organization and worship of the local church naturally focus attention on...
a. Edification - the office of elders (pastors) speaks to the work of building up the saints
b. Benevolence - the office of deacons along with weekly contribution speak to supplying the needs
of the saints
3. Unless frequent attention is given to Evangelism, it can become easy for churches...
a. To focus solely on edification and benevolence
b. To neglect evangelistic efforts both as congregations and as individuals
[To neglect evangelism is harmful to the spiritual life of the church. That we might not neglect this
important duty, let’s take this opportunity to address the question...]
I. WHAT IS EVANGELISM?
A. CONSIDER THREE GREEK WORDS...
1. The Greek word translated gospel is euaggelion - cf. 1 Co 15:1
2. The Greek word translated preach is euaggelizo - cf. 1 Co 15:1
3. The Greek word translated evangelist is euaggelistes - cf. Ac 21:8
B. NOTE THEIR CLOSE ASSOCIATION...
1. The word gospel (euaggelion) means “good news”
2. The word preach (euaggelizo) means “to bring good news”
3. The word evangelist (euaggelistes) means “one who declares good news”
4. In the NT, to “evangelize” refers to bringing the good news of Jesus Christ - cf. 1 Co 15:1-4
[Evangelism is sharing the gospel about Jesus Christ. To appreciate the role of evangelism in the
church and the lives of Christians, let’s look a bit closer...]
II. EVANGELISM IS SHARING THE GOSPEL
A. AS COMMANDED BY JESUS...
1. Evangelism is sharing the gospel, just as Jesus commanded
2. In the Great Commission, first given to His apostles - Mk 16:15-16
3. He wants the good news proclaimed to every person in the world!
B. BY PREACHERS...
1. Evangelism is sharing the gospel, by preachers who were also known as evangelists
2. Like the apostles did on the day of Pentecost - cf. Ac 2:36-38
3. Like the evangelist Philip did, both to groups and to individuals - cf. Ac 8:12,35
Topical Sermons 374