In an era of confusion, hopelessness, and moral decay, the call to evangelize—to share the Good News of Jesus Christ—has never been more urgent. As Christians, we’re called not merely to “blend in” but to boldly proclaim the truth, offering the world something vastly different from what it finds in secular ideologies. Jesus, before ascending to Heaven, left us with a powerful directive in the Great Commission, instructing His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
This call is not exclusive to pastors, missionaries, or church leaders; it is a mission entrusted to all believers. As followers of Christ, we are responsible for stepping up, speaking out, and making Jesus known to the world. Today, more than ever, we need to embrace this sacred duty to evangelize.
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1. God's Heartbeat for the Lost Calls Us to Share Hope
Scripture consistently reveals God’s heart for the lost. Jesus explained His mission by saying, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). In this single verse, He encapsulates the heart of the Father’s desire: to save His children from eternal separation. If this is the heartbeat of God, it must be ours as well.
Many people today are longing for purpose, truth, and hope. As Christians, we are uniquely positioned to offer what the world cannot—true peace, found only in a relationship with Christ. Evangelism is not about imposing our beliefs on others but sharing a truth that offers genuine freedom. It’s about saying, “We’ve found the cure to what’s hurting you, and we want you to know it, too.” By choosing not to share the gospel, we withhold the very hope and purpose that others are searching for.
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2. Voting as an Act of Faith to Uplift Godly Values
As Christians, our call to make disciples extends beyond personal interactions—it also encompasses how we participate in society and influence the world around us. One way we can fulfill this responsibility is through our civic duty to vote. Voting is a privilege that allows us to contribute to shaping the moral and spiritual landscape of our communities and nation. By casting votes that reflect biblical principles, we actively seek a society where godly values can flourish, creating an environment where the gospel can take root and discipleship can thrive.
Proverbs 29:2 reminds us, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” As followers of Christ, we are called to use our voices to support leaders, policies, and laws that honor God and promote justice, compassion, and righteousness. By voting, we help pave the way for a culture that respects life, protects religious freedom, upholds family values, and encourages justice for the oppressed. These are not just political issues; they are deeply spiritual ones that directly affect our ability to live out and share the gospel.
Our involvement in the voting process is also a way to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16) in the public sphere, influencing the direction of our nation toward righteousness and away from the moral decay we see so often in our world today. When we cast a vote grounded in biblical conviction, we bear witness to the importance of God’s principles, showing others that faith is not confined to the four walls of a church but is integral to every part of our lives, including our civic responsibilities.
Moreover, by voting wisely, we help foster a society that protects and respects religious liberty, allowing Christians the freedom to share the gospel without restriction. When believers are free to openly practice and preach their faith, the mission to make disciples is not only protected but encouraged. In this way, our votes have a lasting impact on the ability of the Church to carry out the Great Commission, both now and for future generations.
So, as we approach the ballot box, let us remember that our choices reflect our values and our faith. Let us vote prayerfully, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance and committing ourselves to elect leaders who will enable the flourishing of godly principles. In doing so, we fulfill our civic responsibility not only as citizens of a nation but as ambassadors of Christ, advocating for a society where the gospel can be freely proclaimed, lives can be transformed, and disciples can be made.
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3. The Great Commission Calls Us to Boldly Share Christ’s Truth
Jesus’ final instructions to His followers were crystal clear. He didn’t say, “If you feel like it, share the gospel.” Instead, He commanded us to go and make disciples. Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. It is the very purpose for which the Church exists. We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). When we step into this role, we become agents of change, helping others see the truth of Christ.
This call to make disciples is as relevant now as it was for the early Church. Throughout the book of Acts, we see the apostles tirelessly spreading the Good News, unafraid of persecution or ridicule. This same boldness is required of us today, even in a world that increasingly views Christian beliefs as outdated or intolerant. Jesus reminds us, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). With the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we can stand firm, sharing the gospel with love and compassion.
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4. Advancing God’s Kingdom through Your Vote
Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:37-38 should challenge us: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines, expecting others to carry the mission alone. People all around us need God’s love and salvation, and we are called to be the workers in His harvest field.
Every believer has a role to play in God’s kingdom. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a stay-at-home parent, there are people in your life who need to hear the gospel. Evangelism does not always require a pulpit or a platform; it starts with simple, genuine relationships. Start by praying for those around you, asking God to open doors for meaningful conversations. When we view our daily interactions as opportunities to share Christ’s love, we participate in the harvest work He has called us to.
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5. True Love Compels Us to Share the Gospel Boldly
In a society that often equates love with tolerance, true biblical love can seem countercultural. But sharing the gospel is, at its core, an act of profound love and compassion. In Ezekiel 33:8, God warns Ezekiel about the responsibility of the watchman: “When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.” This verse reminds us of the gravity of withholding the truth. If we truly love others, we won’t sit idly by while they walk toward destruction.
Genuine love compels us to speak the truth even when it’s uncomfortable. The gospel has the power to transform lives, and we cannot underestimate the impact of planting seeds, even in hearts that seem hardened. As 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” If we love as Christ loves, we will be relentless in our pursuit of sharing His message with others.
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6. Voting with Faith Strengthens Our Walk and Witness for Christ
Interestingly, evangelism is not just about others; it also strengthens our own faith. In Philemon 1:6, Paul says, “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” When we actively share our faith, we’re reminded of the goodness and truth of the gospel, reinforcing our own beliefs.
The more we speak of Jesus, the more we realize how much we need Him ourselves. As we share His love, we become witnesses of His work—not just in others but in our own lives. Through evangelism, our faith is stretched, and we grow closer to God, learning to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength in every conversation. This process refines us, making us more effective ambassadors of Christ.
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7. Let Your Vote Be a Light for Christ’s Eternal Hope
Finally, we must remember the eternal perspective. The Bible is clear that our time on earth is temporary and that eternity is at stake. In Revelation 20:15, we read, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” This sobering truth reminds us that the stakes of evangelism are infinitely high.
When we consider the weight of eternity, our reluctance to share the gospel should be overshadowed by a sense of urgency. This world offers fleeting pleasures and temporary solutions, but we hold the key to eternal life. Knowing this, how can we remain silent? We must prioritize the salvation of souls above our comfort, reputation, or convenience.
In conclusion, the call to evangelize is more than a task—it is a privilege and a profound responsibility. We are the hands and feet of Jesus, carrying His message to a world in desperate need. As Christians, it is time to step up, speak out, and share the hope of Jesus Christ with a world that is longing for the truth. Let us answer the call of the Great Commission, not with reluctance, but with boldness and love. After all, we carry within us the greatest news humanity has ever known.
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Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, as well as on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, author, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the author of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org
Originally published Monday, 04 November 2024.