Evangelism Equals Hope: Message and Lifestyle Go Hand in Hand

“Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
John 4:29 NLT

Say the word “evangelism,” and many believers start to act nervous, hoping they won’t have to explain why they can’t do it. Christians have long debated the merits of personal evangelism versus lifestyle evangelism. What’s more effective: boldly sharing a clear, direct explanation of the good news, or living in a way that draws people to Jesus?

My answer? Both.

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, he met her graciously, acknowledging the remedy for physical thirst: water drawn from the well. Yet, by the end of their conversation, the woman had realized her deeper need, an unquenchable spiritual longing that only Jesus could satisfy.

Personal evangelism and lifestyle evangelism go hand in hand. Of course our message needs to be communicated in a life of biblical integrity. But I’ve seen that many unbelievers have no idea of the depth of their spiritual emptiness—and they can only confront this when they hear the gospel clearly explained. As our Lord modeled for us in his life on earth, we must develop a sensitivity toward individuals and the complexity of their needs in order to find opportunities in the conversation to share the gospel.

Everyone must face the reality of a life left to itself without God. Eternity looms for all of us. Death will knock at everyone’s door eventually. So having honest and truth-filled conversations about the brevity of life is crucial. People must consider this important question: “Where is your hope when you leave this world and enter eternity?”

Our answer must be ready on our lips and flow from the kindness evident in our interaction with them all along the way. Like the Samaritan woman, people know their lives are broken. But an empathetic ear and a nonjudgmental heart offer a trust that allows the presentation of gospel truth.

Consider the apostle Peter’s words:

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. . . . And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. (1 Peter 3:8, 15, NLT)

That’s it! Evangelism equals hope. And the hope we offer is the hope that comes from Jesus. He offers the only hope for anyone caught in the unbending grip of sin and the brokenness it brings.

Let us commit to lives of winsome, authentic witness—and be ready, as the Spirit leads, to speak the saving name of Jesus Christ to hearts eager for the best news in the world.

About the Contributors

Dr. Mark M. Yarbrough

Dr. Mark Yarbrough began his tenure as the 6th president of DTS on July 1, 2020. He has served in a variety of positions during his tenure at DTS: Research Assistant to the President, Executive Director of Information Technology, Associate Dean for External Education, Vice President for Communications, Academic Dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs. His love for the classroom draws him to the Bible Exposition department where he serves as Professor.
Along with his responsibilities of leading DTS, he serves as an elder of Centerpoint Church in Mesquite and travels extensively leading tours and speaking at conference centers. Mark has authored Jonah: Beyond the Tale of a Whale and Tidings of Comfort and Joy. He has been married for thirty years to Jennifer, his high school sweetheart. They have four adult children, one son-in-law, and reside in Sunnyvale, TX.