YHWH Jesus Ministries

Fundamentals of Evangelism

by GAT, written 09/22/2025 updated 1/16/2026

Introduction

These fundamental principles serve as the basis for our evangelism program. In evangelism we are proclaiming the person, accomplishment, and faithfulness of God. The Gospel message may encompass broad Biblical concepts, should focus attention on God's character and achievements, while of necessity pointing singularly to Jesus Christ. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me' " John 14:6.

Before reading further please remember this: the reason for sharing the Gospel is so that someone may come to know God and Jesus Christ. While going to heaven and an abundant life now are important and valuable, eternal life is about knowing God and being known by Him. Paul wrote that he counted "all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" Php 3:8. God's word is near and the kingdom of heaven is at hand, this because of the ever present LORD and His Spirit who are searching for the lost with a desire that none perish.

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent John 17:3.

The Breadth of the Gospel

The Gospel is for everyone in the world, it is for whosoever (John 3:16). God desires all men to be saved (1Tim 2:4) and to show mercy to all men (Rom 11:32). Jesus draws all men to Himself (John 12:32). Jesus "gave Himself as a ransom for all" 1Tim 2:6. Jesus Christ is Himself the propitiation, the atoning sacrifice, for the sins of believers and for everyone in the world (1John 2:2; see John 1:29). We are delivering the gospel of God's peace and reconciliation being offered to anyone who will believe. See Born From Above: The Father's Testimony of Immanuel regarding salvation for every one believing.

The Core of the Gospel

The fundamental events surrounding the Gospel of Jesus Christ did not occur in a vacuum. As such their necessity, history, context and application need to accompany a presentation of the Gospel. The essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is found in 1Cor 15:3-4, that:

  • Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures
  • He was buried
  • He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures

The Gospel itself is informational news, a good announcement. The Gospel is for sinners, for every person who has sinned. It is not instructions or an invitation, although it is surrounded by them. The Gospel announces the fulfillment of God's promise to make an end of sin; to take away the power of sin to bring about spiritual death. The Gospel points to God working in and through His Son Jesus Christ. God confirmed His righteousness and the One through whom He fulfilled His promises by raising Jesus Christ from the dead. Everlasting salvation and righteousness are based on these truths, and are independent of one's works before or after believing God. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not out from yourselves. The gift is of God" Eph 2:8.

Guides For Sharing the Gospel

If you are wondering where to begin sharing the Gospel, consider the following guides. The first is more concise than the others. The last guide includes cross references and a brief explanation after each section.

The Power of God's Word

The Christian witnessing about Jesus is a servant, a vessel, and an implement in God's hand. Men deliver the Gospel while God opens the eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to believe. God opens hearts to understand the Scriptures, even the Gospel (Lk 24:46, Isa 35:5). He can help witnesses speak (Exo 4:10-12, Ps 51:15). We persuade others with truth, share our own experience, employ logic and reason, develop trust and build relationships; however, the power of God's word works internally and changes to the heart occur from within. Paul wrote about the Gospel saying, "it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" Rom 1:16. See Heb 4:12 The Word of God.

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do Heb 4:13.

The Holy Spirit

Jesus spoke of His Spirit, "When the Helper comes ... He will testify about Me" John 15:26 and "when He arrives the same will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" John 16:8. Every one needs forgiveness for sins, to realize their need for God's righteousness accounted to them by faith, and that salvation from the consequences of death and the judgement of God comes only through Jesus Christ. God's Spirit guides us (John 16:13) and testifies of Jesus Christ (1John 5:6-9). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of grace and supplication, of mercy and freedom, of truth and revelation of Jesus Christ. Remember also that you were sealed with God's Spirit as a testimony of your own faith, that He helps us in our weaknesses and that He is able and willing to deliver God's word through your witness.

Begin Evangelism With Prayer

Acknowledge God with reverence before ministering to others. Be thankful for God's gift of eternal life. Remember from where you came, God's patience and mercy towards you, that God knows the heart and that you are one member of Christ's body acting corporately. Ask God for opportunity and His guidance to share the Gospel. Ask that His kingdom, grace and peace abound.

Evangelism Is A Process

By the time you begin witnessing to an individual it is likely that the Spirit of God or another witness has already spoken to that individual. And someone else may need to witness to that person again.

What one may understand readily another may need time to ponder, contemplate, choose and decide. Eyes adjust to light.

Be Equipped to Evangelize

The Holy Spirit equips believers differently to evangelize, as one sows and another waters. God appoints some men as teachers, preachers or evangelists. Some evangelize through personal relationships, others to large crowds, still others to complete strangers. Every believer knows the Gospel, has a meaningful testimony and should be ready to share it.

Put on the armor of God, and then use it. See Eph 6:10-18.

Be prepared with and know the Gospel as written in the Scriptures. Knowing the Gospel is more than memorizing scriptures and responses. Know God's word broadly and deeply, so that you may share the gospel overflowing with abundance. For the most part, witnessing is as fluid as the uniqueness of each individual.

The Gospel does not need to be softened, embellished, partially withheld, custom tailored, delivered with bias or prejudice. "but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts" 1The 2:4. Study God's word to apply it accurately, direct to the point. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth" 2Tim 2:15.

Be ready for dialogue with your audience including their acceptance or rejection, to give an effective defense of the Gospel and God's character, to address objections and excuses, to steer away from misdirection. Leave room for their personal worth and dignity, time to contemplate matters and for their interaction with God's Spirit.

You are bringing someone to where the Lord is staying so that they may see and experience Him. Call for action with loving-kindness, patience and gentle strength. Lead gently and with direction.

Take the Gospel To The World

Jesus instructed His disciples to go to the nations, out into the world. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" Mar 16:15; see Mat 28:19, Luke 24:47, Col 1:23. Sometimes a witness is one-on-one or one person to a crowd, but generally endeavor to take one or more believers with you. Invite people to Church to hear the Gospel, but after going to where they are to share the Gospel. Find a wilderness or roadside, a fishing port or marketplace, a park bench or perhaps under a fig tree. People are thinking about the matters of life and perhaps wondering about God.

Listen

Be ready to listen before you begin sharing the gospel. Sometimes the first words become vague or out of focus before actual listening commences. Listening is an acquired skill. You must want to listen, focus, filter out noise and understand that communication takes two. The audience will tell you their perspective and what is important to them. More importantly the Spirit of the Lord will tell you what is necessary for and relative to a potential believer.

As a witness for Jesus Christ you may not immediately understand why you turned that way in a crowd, looked toward a certain person, heard a particular sound, recalled an obscure verse of Scripture; but it is God who is at work in and through you, and preemptively in the heart of those needing to hear the Gospel. Listen to God and follow Him.

Give An Account of Your Faith

Your personal experience with God has weight, in that you know whom you have believed. A personal conviction and testimony lends credibility; as you were saved from eternal death once and forever, your life is sustained daily and you have the hope of a future resurrection. "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" 1Pet 3:15. Read about Faith, and how Faith Is Necessary.

Plan For Discipleship

When someone believes in God they will need to join a local fellowship of believers and receive discipleship. Plan in advance of sharing the Gospel a means for fellowship and discipleship of new believers.

Parting Thoughts

Evangelism is sharing a very good message, across valleys through mountain passes on congested and sometimes lonely roads. The message is in your person, both in your mouth and in your heart. And it is in your hands to the extent that you deliver the word of God to another, perhaps literally if you have a Bible with you; nothing else is in your hands but to remain faithful with your eyes upon Jesus. May God enlarge His tent; may you and He prosper in these endeavors.

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it Isa 55:11.