A. INTRODUCTION
Love evangelism begins with the immediate family, then branches out to all relationships, but doesn’t stop there. Love evangelism includes neighbors, extended family and strangers. Perhaps love evangelism is best described by the acrostic F.R.A.N. (Friends, Relatives, Associates and Neighbors). Many years ago, the outreach program, F.R.A.N.tastic Days, was a campaign to reach all types of people for Christ.
B. LOVE EVANGELISM AND THE GROWTH OF THE EARLY CHURCH
1. Jesus taught love evangelism. He told the maniac of Gadera who was healed, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19).
2. As soon as Andrew came to know Christ, he went out to find his brother, Simon Peter (John 1:40-42).
3. When Philip came to know Christ, he found his friend Nathanael (John 1:44-45).
4. The Great Commission includes evangelizing culture. “Go and make disciples of all the nations (ethnae, i.e., people groups). That includes individuals who live differently than us.
C. LOVE EVANGELISM NEEDED TODAY
1. Eight out of ten persons were first brought into the church by a friend or relative, someone in a love relationship.
2. Love evangelism is sometimes referred to as Web Evangelism or Circles of Concern. You invite a non-Christian friend to take part in a church ministry. They accept and have a good experience. Others in the church meet them and they become involved. Next, their family get involved, etc.
D. WHY DOES LOVE EVANGELISM WORK SO WELL?
1. Love evangelism utilizes already established social networks.
2. Love evangelism emphasizes those who are most receptive.
3. Love evangelism capitalizes on the life-changing power of Jesus Christ in the one doing evangelism.
4. Love evangelism gives adequate time to sow the seed, water it, and see it bring forth life.
5. Love evangelism has a built in follow up.
E. TAKE AWAY
1. Every Christian has a responsibility to share the gospel with everyone. It is natural to begin with those you know and love.
2. No one individual can accomplish the task of reaching the whole world. Therefore, take you special responsibility for those in your network (see, 1 Tim. 5:8).
3. Love evangelism worked in the early church.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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