Encouragement For Evangelizing During Times Of Hostility

How do you share the gospel with a culture that is increasingly hostile? As society becomes defined more by conflict than courtesy, this has become a frequent question. Further impacting evangelism is the amplified antagonism directly specifically towards biblical Christianity. The result is a hesitation towards openly identifying oneself as a disciple of Christ and a hindrance to sharing the gospel. As committed Christians, though, we must not permit ourselves to be deterred by the tone of the culture, and instead not only identify as followers of Christ but also link our confidence to Him as well.

‍The Connotations Indicated by the Fear in Evangelism

‍When we permit cultural overtones to impede us from God’s call to preach Christ crucified (Mk 16:15; 1Co 1:23) and make disciples (Mt 28:19-20), we reveal some aspects about ourselves. First, we divulge that our confidence is not in God's authority but in our ability. Yet, Scripture never suggests that the act of proclaiming His message emerges from our ability alone; and God certainly does not burden us with the responsibility of someone's salvation. Instead, our obedience to God's call in any discipline (including the Great Commission) is the result of God's work through us. Paul writes, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Php 4:13). He does not write that in some aspects, we work alone, and other elements are by Christ's work. Even the Great Commission is marked by Christ's authority, setting the foundation for His decree to make disciples. Thus, it is His authority, not our ability.

The result of having greater confidence in our own ability naturally leads us to fear man more than we fear God. The decline of our gospel witness is no revelation of something new but is the consequence of a weak view of God's authority. During His earthly ministry Christ openly shared that the world will act with hostility towards both the message of God's grace and those who follow Christ (cf. Mt 10:22; Jn 15:18-25). Christ even marked His prayer to the Father with notes about the world's hatred (Jn 17:14). Because that enmity is expected as part of accepting Christ's lordship, not only do we have no excuse for our fear of people, but we also have a greater need to rely on the ability and authority of God.

An unwillingness to yield to Christ’s command to preach, even in the midst of opposition is simply disobedience. This attitude is proof of our sinful nature and rebellion against God. It's a failure to place ourselves under His authority and lordship and comply with His call to make disciples.

‍Why We Have No Need for Anxiety in Evangelism

‍The character of God, revealed by the Word of God assures us that we don’t need to live this way. Instead, there are valid justifications for trusting the Lord’s work in evangelism and discipleship, even amid intense resistance to the saving work of Jesus Christ.

Last week, I shared some reflections about how the Lord’s omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence influence the Great Commission (to read those observations, click here). By aiming our attention specifically towards the power of God, we learn that the attitude of the culture does not need to discourage us from engaging others about God. First, because of God's power, His will always prevails. In Isaiah 46:9, the Lord declares, “I AM GOD” Thus, there is no other God. He alone is sovereign over His creation. Therefore, it is reasonable for him to follow that declaration with the words, “I will accomplish all my purpose” (v. 10). He accomplishes not only His purposes but he stipulates that He will achieve them in their entirety. His will depends not on our ability but only on the Lord's activity. Therefore, we move forward in evangelism confident that His will will prevail regardless of how inept or capable we are.

It's reasonable then to consider that if God is all-powerful, he is all-saving. In a conversation with the disciples in Matthew 19, Christ explains that it is more difficult for a rich person to go to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (v. 24). This statement concerns the disciples, and they ask, "Who then can be saved?" (v. 25). The response of Christ is simple and yet, profound, saying to them, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (v. 26). Possessing all power, the Lord is able to overcome the natural resistance of man. So, we share with others not to convince them but to be used by the Lord to convict them.

Paul's perspective on life is noteworthy here. Here succinctly sets aside anything this life has to offer, counting it worthless when compared to knowing Christ (Php 3:8). Is that not the testimony of any Christian who has come to saving faith? Nothing in this life compares to the intimate relationship with God through Christ. With that perspective, there is no need to fear men, even in hostile times, but rather, we revere the Lord, trusting His omnipotence in these times.

Do not allow divisive cultural conditions to discourage you because the Lord is all-powerful, the ruler over all things. And certainly do not allow them to dissuade you from preaching the gospel. In fact, such conditions emphasize the need for the gospel even more. They are evidence that those around us need the gospel now, and we must no longer delay our participation in God’s call. Let us boldly proclaim the gospel because He is the source of that boldness (Php 4:13). Let us proudly proclaim the gospel because He is the all-powerful One who transforms hearts and minds by the setting forth of His truth of grace.