Evangelism | My Assignment from Heaven | Pastor Jerry Lawson | Daystar Church
Devotional
Day 1: Evangelism Is Every Believer’s Assignment
God has given each of us the privilege and responsibility to share the good news of Jesus with others, not just pastors or preachers, but every follower of Christ. Jesus’ command to “go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone” is a personal invitation to openly share what God has done in your life, whether with one person or many. Evangelism is not about having all the right words or being perfect; it’s about being willing to proclaim the hope and transformation you’ve experienced, trusting that God will use your story to reach others. [01:00]
Mark 16:15 (ESV) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to hear the story of what God has done for you, and how can you share it with them this week in a natural, authentic way?
Day 2: God’s Relentless Pursuit and Second Chances
God’s love and pursuit are not just for the lost, but also for those He calls to share His message—even when we fail or resist. Like Jonah, we may run from God’s assignments or feel unworthy, but God doesn’t give up on us. He offers second chances, inviting us to become people of hope and compassion, remembering our own need for grace as we reach out to others. God’s relentless pursuit is a reminder that He desires to use us, not because He needs us, but because He wants us to experience the joy of being part of His redemptive plan. [07:42]
Jonah 3:1-2 (ESV) Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.”
Reflection: Is there an area where you’ve resisted God’s call to reach out to someone? How might you respond differently if you believed God was giving you a second chance today?
Day 3: Kindness and Compassion Lead to Repentance
It is not angry judgment or condemnation that draws people to God, but kindness, compassion, and genuine relationship. Jesus modeled this by loving and accepting those whom society rejected—Zacchaeus, the adulterous woman, and the outcast—meeting them with grace before addressing their sin. The apostle Paul reminds us that it is God’s kindness that leads to repentance, and our posture toward others should reflect that same heart, especially toward those who feel marginalized or judged by the church. [11:55]
Romans 2:4 (ESV) Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
Reflection: Who in your life might need to experience God’s kindness through you, especially someone you find difficult to love or understand?
Day 4: Every Believer Has a Part in God’s Plan
Sharing the gospel is a partnership with God, where each person plays a unique role—some plant seeds, others water, but it is God who brings growth. We are called to live authentically, build relationships, and be ready to share the hope within us, trusting that God will use our small acts of faithfulness as part of His greater plan to bring people to Himself. You don’t have to be a preacher or have all the answers; simply be willing to be sent, to speak, and to love, knowing that God makes your efforts beautiful in His sight. [19:14]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV) How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can play your part in God’s plan this week—whether by sharing, inviting, or supporting someone else’s faith journey?
Day 5: Live Authentically and Be Prepared to Share Your Hope
The most powerful witness is a life that reflects Christ—living authentically, building real relationships, focusing on what is eternal, and being prepared to gently and respectfully share the reason for your hope. When you live with hope, gentleness, and respect, people will notice and be drawn to the source of your joy. Be ready to answer with kindness, and don’t let feelings of unworthiness hold you back; God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things when they are willing to step out in faith. [27:17]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally show hope, gentleness, or respect in your interactions today, so that others might be curious about the source of your hope?
Sermon Summary
Evangelism is not just a task for a select few; it is a divine assignment given to every believer. God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has chosen to partner with us in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. This calling is not about standing on a stage or having all the right words, but about openly sharing what God has done in our lives. The original Greek word Jesus used, “keruso,” means to proclaim or share openly, not just to preach from a pulpit. Each of us has experienced God’s goodness, and we are called to share that with others, whether it’s with one person or many.
The story of Jonah reminds us that God’s heart is for the lost, even those we might consider undeserving. Jonah’s reluctance to go to Nineveh was rooted in his judgment of their evil and violence, yet God’s response to evil is always love and truth. God’s pursuit is relentless—not just for the lost, but for us as well. He doesn’t need us, but He wants us to be part of His redemptive plan. Our failures don’t disqualify us; God gives second chances, inviting us to step into a better version of ourselves, one that is marked by hope, compassion, and humility.
Jesus modeled evangelism through relationships, not condemnation. He met people where they were—Zacchaeus, the adulterous woman, the prostitute—and led with love and acceptance. Kindness, not judgment, leads to repentance. The church must be known for its grace and truth, not for harshness or compromise. We are called to build authentic relationships, to live out our faith genuinely, and to focus on what is eternal rather than getting entangled in temporary, worldly affairs.
Practical evangelism starts with living authentically, building relationships, focusing on eternal things, and being prepared to answer questions about our hope with gentleness and respect. The call is simple: have one real conversation, make one invitation, and pray one prayer for someone this week. It’s not about being perfect or having it all together; it’s about being willing to be used by God, laying aside our insecurities and stepping into the privilege of sharing His love. When we do this, revival can break out—not because of our efforts, but because God works through our obedience and love.
Key Takeaways
1. Evangelism is a personal calling for every believer, not just for pastors or those with a public platform. The Greek word “keruso” means to openly share what God has done, reminding us that our testimony—no matter how ordinary it may seem—is a powerful tool in God’s hands. Each of us is uniquely positioned to reach people in our own circles with the good news of Jesus. [01:36]
2. God’s response to evil and brokenness is always love and truth, not judgment or withdrawal. The story of Jonah shows that even when we fail or resist God’s call, He pursues us relentlessly, offering second chances and inviting us to participate in His redemptive work. Our failures do not disqualify us; instead, they become opportunities for God’s grace to shine through us. [05:20]
3. True evangelism is rooted in authentic relationships, not in arguments or condemnation. Jesus led with compassion, meeting people where they were and building trust before addressing their spiritual needs. When we approach others with grace and truth, we reflect the heart of Christ and create space for genuine transformation. [09:35]
4. The church must resist the temptation to become entangled in temporary, worldly affairs and instead focus on eternal purposes. Our primary mission is not to win arguments or fix society’s problems, but to be a voice of hope, love, and kindness in a broken world. When we live with this focus, opportunities to share our faith will naturally arise. [26:41]
5. Practical evangelism is about small, faithful steps: having real conversations, making invitations, and praying for others. We don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect; we simply need to be available and willing. When we lay aside our insecurities and trust God to work through us, we become part of His beautiful plan to bring the good news to the world. [29:17]
**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Evangelism—A Divine Assignment for Every Believer**
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### Bible Reading
**Mark 16:15 (ESV)** > And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
**Jonah 1:1-3 (ESV)** > Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.
**Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)** > How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
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### Observation Questions
In Mark 16:15, what specific action does Jesus command his followers to take, and who is included in this command?
According to the story of Jonah, what was Jonah’s initial response to God’s assignment, and what reasons did he have for that response? ([05:55])
In Romans 10:14-15, what steps does Paul outline as necessary for someone to come to faith in Jesus?
The sermon mentions the Greek word “keruso.” What does this word mean, and how does it change our understanding of what it means to “preach” the gospel? ([01:36])
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### Interpretation Questions
The sermon says evangelism is not just for pastors or those with a public platform. Why do you think many Christians feel unqualified or hesitant to share their faith? ([01:11])
Jonah’s reluctance to go to Nineveh was rooted in his judgment of their evil and violence. What does this reveal about our own hearts when we avoid sharing God’s love with certain people or groups? ([05:55])
The sermon highlights that Jesus led with love and acceptance, not condemnation, when interacting with people like Zacchaeus and the adulterous woman. What does this teach us about the most effective way to share our faith? ([09:35])
Paul’s words in Romans 10:14-15 show a process for people coming to faith. Where do you see yourself in this process—planting, watering, or sending? How does this shape your view of your role in evangelism? ([18:22])
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### Application Questions
The sermon challenges us to have one real conversation, make one invitation, and pray one prayer for someone this week. Who is one person in your life you could do this for, and what might that look like? ([29:17])
Jonah tried to run from God’s assignment because he didn’t want to reach people he considered undeserving. Is there a person or group you find it hard to love or reach out to? What would it look like to respond with love and truth instead of judgment? ([05:55])
The sermon says that our failures don’t disqualify us from being used by God. Is there a past failure or insecurity that holds you back from sharing your faith? What step could you take to lay that aside this week? ([33:17])
Jesus modeled evangelism through relationships, not arguments. Think of someone you know who is far from God. What is one way you could build or strengthen your relationship with them this month? ([09:35])
The church is called to focus on eternal things, not get entangled in temporary, worldly affairs. What is one “civilian affair” or distraction that keeps you from being available for God’s mission? How can you refocus on what is eternal this week? ([26:41])
The sermon encourages us to be prepared to answer questions about our hope with gentleness and respect. If someone asked you why you have hope in Jesus, what would you say? Is there a way you could practice or prepare your answer? ([27:17])
The pastor prayed for a burden for lost and hurting people. When you think about your daily routine, what is one practical way you could become more aware of the spiritual needs of those around you? ([32:09])
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**Close in prayer, asking God for boldness, compassion, and opportunities to share His love this week.**
Sermon Clips
So let me stop and ask you in the light of Jesus saying, tell the good news to everyone. Let me ask you something. Has any good news from heaven been done in your life? Yes. What preach means? It means to openly share that with someone. It could be a bunch of people or one person or a handful of people. And Jesus says, this is what I want you to do.
[00:01:50]
(20 seconds)
When Jesus met Zacchaeus, he was a liar and a thief and a traitor. And what did Jesus do? Jesus didn't open up the scriptures. He knew them. He had scrolls. He could tell him all the ways he was violating scripture. He didn't do that. What did he do? Went to his house. He had a conversation with him. He got to know Zacchaeus. He let Zacchaeus get to know him. And through a relationship. That's what we call relationship. That's what we call evangelism. And that actually is the best way. It's done.
[00:09:13]
(27 seconds)
#RelationshipEvangelism
When Jesus met Zacchaeus, he was a liar and a thief and a traitor. And what did Jesus do? Jesus didn't open up the scriptures. He knew them. He had scrolls. He could tell him all the ways he was violating scripture. He didn't do that. What did he do? Went to his house. He had a conversation with him. He got to know Zacchaeus. He let Zacchaeus get to know him. And through a relationship. That's what we call relationship. That's what we call evangelism. And that actually is the best way. It's done. He got to know the person and he expressed compassion over them.
[00:09:13]
(32 seconds)
When people are broken and hurting and confused, the last thing they need is our judgment. The Bible says kindness leads to repentance. So the ending of Jonah's story is that he got a second chance. Jonah got a second chance. His story of they're not good enough. They don't belong. They don't belong. That was not the end of the story for him. God gave Jonah a second chance. It says, now the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. I'm so thankful that God has often given me a second chance.
[00:12:25]
(32 seconds)
#SecondChancesMatter
When people are broken and hurting and confused, the last thing they need is our judgment. The Bible says kindness leads to repentance. So the ending of Jonah's story is that he got a second chance. Jonah got a second chance. His story of they're not good enough. They don't belong. They don't belong. That was not the end of the story for him. God gave Jonah a second chance. It says, now the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. I'm so thankful that God has often given me a second chance.
[00:12:25]
(32 seconds)
You don't have to stand up here to preach. Do you understand that? Same Holy Spirit that anoints a preacher or a singer anoints a conversation. And I started to see the change in John's face. His whole countenance changed. And while I didn't get on that 10-hour flight a chance to hear him confess Jesus as Lord, I like to believe that. That I planted a seed in his heart. Or maybe I watered something his grandmother planted. I don't know. And maybe I'll see John in heaven someday. And, you know, that's the story of evangelism.
[00:17:28]
(31 seconds)
#SpiritAnointedConversations
You don't have to stand up here to preach. Do you understand that? Same Holy Spirit that anoints a preacher or a singer anoints a conversation. And I started to see the change in John's face. His whole countenance changed. And while I didn't get on that 10-hour flight a chance to hear him confess Jesus as Lord, I like to believe that. That I planted a seed in his heart. Or maybe I watered something his grandmother planted. I don't know. And maybe I'll see John in heaven someday. And, you know, that's the story of evangelism.
[00:17:28]
(31 seconds)
You are playing a part in a big plan. And you get the privilege of being one small part of it. In fact, the apostle Paul explained it like this. He said, I planted the seed. And this other guy named Apollos watered it. But God has been making it what? God does that. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything. Just chill out. It's not that big a deal. You don't have to be Billy Graham to have a spiritual conversation with someone.
[00:18:06]
(33 seconds)
#PartOfGodsPlan
You are playing a part in a big plan. And you get the privilege of being one small part of it. In fact, the apostle Paul explained it like this. He said, I planted the seed. And this other guy named Apollos watered it. But God has been making it what? God does that. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything. Just chill out. It's not that big a deal. You don't have to be Billy Graham to have a spiritual conversation with someone.
[00:18:06]
(33 seconds)
Right now, start with this one. Live authentically. Just be yourself. Don't try to be something that you're not. These words are attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. He said, Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words. Just live authentically. How you live preaches the gospel. How you treat people preaches the gospel. You don't have to try to be something you're not. Just try to be me more like Christ every day.
[00:23:24]
(32 seconds)
It's been said that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. And so building relationships, caring for people is so important. And the model, of course, is Jesus. John, the apostle, said that Jesus was full of grace and truth.
[00:24:30]
(16 seconds)
#GraceAndTruthBalance
It's been said that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. And so building relationships, caring for people is so important. And the model, of course, is Jesus. John, the apostle, said that Jesus was full of grace and truth. Now, too, to our, you know, one-dimensional minds, you know, we can see that if you're full of grace and truth, then you're probably 50% grace, 50% truth. But that's not what John said about Jesus. He is full of grace and full of truth.
[00:24:30]
(32 seconds)
Could I suggest to you that the body of Christ is completely entangled in civilian affairs? Your 401k, your career, your next promotion, the sales job you're working on, politics, all the house you're building, all necessary and important things, but you're not serving as a soldier. You're a part of the eternal army of God. And Paul says, let's don't get tied up in civilian affairs. Let's focus on what is eternal.
[00:26:30]
(32 seconds)
Today, have one conversation, make one invitation and pray one prayer. You can do this. Can I get an amen to that? You can, you can do just three things. One conversation. I want you to ask one person a real question about their life with spiritual curiosity.
[00:29:20]
(18 seconds)
#SmallPartBigPlan
Today, have one conversation, make one invitation and pray one prayer. You can do this. Can I get an amen to that? You can, you can do just three things. One conversation. I want you to ask one person a real question about their life with spiritual curiosity.
[00:29:20]
(18 seconds)
You got the privilege of playing a small part in the grand picture of what God is doing. So make one invitation and leave the results up to God and then pray one prayer. Here's, here's, this is so powerful. If you start having spiritual conversations, a need is going to arise. You start getting to know people. They're going to talk about something that's going down in their life. And don't just say, well, that's really tough, man. I have empathy. I care. Go beyond that. Don't just say, I'll be praying for you. Stop what you're doing right there and pray.
[00:30:45]
(34 seconds)
#PrayAndCare
You got the privilege of playing a small part in the grand picture of what God is doing. So make one invitation and leave the results up to God and then pray one prayer. Here's, here's, this is so powerful. If you start having spiritual conversations, a need is going to arise. You start getting to know people. They're going to talk about something that's going down in their life. And don't just say, well, that's really tough, man. I have empathy. I care. Go beyond that. Don't just say, I'll be praying for you. Stop what you're doing right there and pray.
[00:30:45]
(34 seconds)
Everybody's got a thing. You got to learn to get past that thing because it's not about you. It's about the lost broken people that you can connect with. I want to ask you to give that thing to Jesus today. If you'd say, pastor, there's something that, just hinders me. I don't feel like I can do it because I'm not worthy. I'm not ready. Haven't gotten this under control. I want to ask you today to hand that thing over to Jesus, leave it at his feet.
[00:33:06]
(29 seconds)
#LetGoAndTrust
