Like Bread to a Beggar

Why and How to Evangelize

The Great Commission

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)

Why Evangelize?

• Because Jesus told us to proclaim the Gospel (from the Greek: “evangelium”).
• Because it’s true! Jesus (and His Church) is not just “an” answer. Jesus is THE answer.
• The word Gospel means “good news.” If there is good news, it necessarily follows that there must be bad news: We are sinners, and we need a savior.
• The Gospel is the only cure for the disease of sin and death.

If you don’t know the bad news…

Sadly some don’t even recognize their need for a Savior. “If you don’t know the bad news, the good news is no news at all,” my professor memorably puts it. There are five primary gospels sources: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and your words and actions. Many will never read the first four.

“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

Romans 1:16

I was a young sailor when I was invited by my friend Tom to an older shipmate’s barracks room. Bobby opened the Bible and had me read a series of passages from Paul’s epistle to the Romans. It’s known as “The Romans Road,” and it floored me.

• The Bad News: There is no one just (3:10). All of us are sinners, and separated from God (3:23).
• The Consequence: The wages of sin is death (5:12, 6:23a).
• No excuses: We can’t plead ignorance (1:20-21).
• God’s Merciful Love: Christ died for our sins (5:8).
• The Response: Confess and believe in Jesus (10:9a).
• The Good News: Salvation from sin and eternal life with God (10:9b, 13; 6:23b).

Despite 12 years of Catholic schooling, an inherent belief in God, and semi-regular Mass attendance, I had neither an active prayer life nor a true understanding of the beauty of the faith. By proclaiming the Gospel in this simple but memorable way, Bobby ignited my intellectual curiosity about God and scripture.

One Beggar to Another

“Evangelism is simply one beggar telling another beggar where to find the bread”

Rev. D.T. Niles (1908-1970)

In addition to the Romans Road, there are other simple ways to share the faith. Type “sharing the gospel” into your search engine and pick one or two. One fairly natural way is to include “Jesus talk” in everyday conversations. As an example, when someone asks “How are you doing?” make it a point to include faith in the answer. “I’m great, praise God.” “Blessed for a sinner!” “So-so, but God is working in me.” When saying goodbye, do the same. “Have a blessed day!” “God bless you.” “Vaya con Dios.”

The Gospel is a sword, however (Matthew 10:34, Hebrews 4:12). People can and do reject it (Titus 3:9-11, Matthew 10:14). Sow the seed, and leave the results to God the Holy Spirit.

“Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desire…will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.”

2 Timothy 4:2-5

Four Habits of an Effective Evangelist

1. Be Prayerful: Before and after faith discussions. Live a prayerful and sacramental life. Pray for and with others.
2. Be Present: Treat others with patience. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions, don’t just answer them. The questioning soul is more important than the perfect answer.
3. Be Charitable: Don’t be judgmental. Assume the good of the other. Have a generous and joyful spirit. Contend for the faith (Jude 3) but don’t be contentious.
4. Be Humble: Share your knowledge, but admit your ignorance. Accept feedback with humility. All of us are beggars seeking bread, but only the Bread of Life ultimately satisfies.

The Reason for your Hope

“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,but do it with gentleness and reverence.”

1 Peter 3:15

As a long-time youth baseball coach, I often told the youngsters that the objective of the game was the same as the objective for their life: Get home, and bring as many of your teammates home as you can.

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus tells us in John 6. “Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.

Feature Image Image by Sabine Schulte from Pixabay