ADVANCING THE KINGDOM: EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 28:19-20
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Supporting Texts: Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-15, 2 Timothy 4:5, Isaiah 6:8
INTRODUCTION
The heartbeat of God is the salvation of souls. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s relentless pursuit of mankind, drawing them back to Himself. Evangelism and missions are not just activities of the Church but the very essence of why the Church exists. Jesus came into the world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), and before ascending to heaven, He gave His disciples the Great Commission—to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
Many believers today see evangelism as the responsibility of pastors, missionaries, or evangelists, but the truth is that every Christian is called to share the gospel. Missions extend beyond personal evangelism to reaching nations and cultures with the good news of Jesus Christ. God has called us to be His witnesses, spreading His love and truth to the ends of the earth.
This sermon will examine the importance of evangelism and missions, the methods we can use, and the rewards of advancing God's Kingdom through soul-winning.
1. THE MANDATE OF EVANGELISM
Evangelism is not optional for a believer; it is a command from God.
a) Jesus Commanded Us to Preach the Gospel
The Great Commission is a divine instruction for all believers (Mark 16:15).
b) The Gospel is the Power of God for Salvation
Only the gospel can transform lives and bring eternal life (Romans 1:16).
c) Evangelism Demonstrates Our Love for God and Others
When we share Christ, we show love for God and compassion for the lost (2 Corinthians 5:14).
d) The World is in Darkness Without Christ
People need the light of the gospel to be saved from destruction (John 8:12).
e) Biblical Example: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)
Philip obeyed God's leading and preached Christ, leading to the eunuch’s salvation.
2. THE PURPOSE OF MISSIONS
Missions is about taking the gospel beyond our immediate environment to reach the unreached.
a) God Desires All Nations to Be Saved
God’s plan is for every tribe, tongue, and nation to worship Him (Revelation 7:9).
b) Missions Fulfills God’s Covenant with Abraham
Through Abraham, all nations of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
c) The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Missions
We are anointed to be witnesses in all the earth (Acts 1:8).
d) Missionaries Carry the Light to Dark Places
Many people are still waiting to hear the gospel (Romans 10:14-15).
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Missionary Journeys (Acts 13-28)
Paul tirelessly preached in different regions, planting churches and spreading the gospel.
3. THE METHODS OF EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
There are different ways to share the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission.
a) Personal Evangelism
Every believer should witness to family, friends, and colleagues (John 1:40-42).
b) Open-Air Preaching and Crusades
Public preaching was used in the early Church (Acts 17:22-34).
c) Media and Technology
The internet, television, and social media are powerful tools for evangelism (Psalm 96:3).
d) Missionary Journeys and Church Planting
Sending missionaries and establishing churches is vital (Acts 14:21-23).
e) Biblical Example: Jesus Sending Out the Seventy (Luke 10:1-17)
Jesus trained and sent disciples to preach, heal, and deliver the oppressed.
4. THE CHALLENGES OF EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
Despite its importance, evangelism and missions face many obstacles.
a) Persecution and Opposition
Believers face hostility for sharing the gospel (Matthew 10:22).
b) Fear and Inadequacy
Many Christians feel unqualified to evangelise (Exodus 4:10-12).
c) Lack of Resources
Finances and manpower are needed for missions (Philippians 4:19).
d) Spiritual Warfare
Satan resists the spread of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).
e) Biblical Example: Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:18-20)
They faced threats but boldly continued preaching Christ.
5. THE REWARDS OF EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
God honours those who labour in soul-winning and missions.
a) There is Great Joy in Heaven Over Every Soul Saved
Angels rejoice when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
b) Soul Winners Shine as Stars Forever
Those who turn many to righteousness will shine in eternity (Daniel 12:3).
c) God Rewards Labourers in His Vineyard
Those who serve in His kingdom receive blessings (Matthew 10:42).
d) Evangelism Expands God’s Kingdom on Earth
As we preach, God’s kingdom grows (Acts 6:7).
e) Biblical Example: The Reward of the Faithful Servants (Matthew 25:21)
Jesus rewards those who are faithful in their assignments.
CONCLUSION
Evangelism and missions are at the centre of God's plan for the world. Every believer has a responsibility to share the gospel and be actively involved in missions. The world is waiting to hear the good news of salvation, and we must rise to the task.
Let us be intentional about winning souls, supporting missionary work, and using every available means to spread the message of Christ. The time is short, and the harvest is ripe. Will you answer the call?
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, give me a passion for soul-winning.
2. Father, open doors for the gospel in my community.
3. Lord, raise up missionaries to take the gospel to the nations.
4. I break every spirit of fear hindering my evangelism efforts.
5. Holy Spirit, empower me to be a bold witness for Christ.
6. Lord, provide resources for evangelism and missions.
7. Father, let every unsaved person in my family come to Christ.
8. Lord, open the hearts of people to receive the gospel.
9. I declare that the enemy will not hinder the spread of the gospel.
10. Lord, reward all labourers in Your vineyard with eternal blessings.
