Why the Why Matters

This teaching is about the why behind evangelism. Because if we don’t know why we’re doing it, we won’t be effective in how we do it.

We can have all the tools to pray for the lost, but without knowing the heart behind it, our evangelism risks turning into performance—something we do because we feel we have to, not because we understand the Father’s desire to seek and save the lost.

This message isn’t just a teaching or training. It’s an invitation into the heart of the Father. That’s why it begins with worship—so our hearts are positioned humbly, our eyes fixed on Jesus, the one who gives us compassion and calls us to preach the gospel.

Evangelism in Everyday Life

I want to begin by sharing three testimonies from evangelism moments I’ve personally experienced:

1. The Man on the Plane

I was flying back from Florida and sat next to a blue-collar worker, probably in his 30s or 40s. I love sharing on airplanes because people are stuck and can’t go anywhere. We started talking about life, and I presented the gospel. He told me he was ready to return to church and give his life to the Lord. Right there, he repented and said he was going to share with his wife and kids that he had surrendered to Jesus.
When I asked where he worked, he said, “JDH”—which happens to be my initials. That detail blew his mind. Sometimes we don’t need a direct prophetic word—God weaves one in.

2. The Man on the Beach

While walking along the beach, I met a man fishing. He wore a cross necklace and had a cross tattoo, so I asked if he was a Christian. He replied that he was “seeking the mind of Christ” but didn’t believe Jesus was the only way. He was into psychedelics, alcohol, and said he saw demons regularly. I told him how I had been delivered from demons myself, but he wasn’t open. He didn’t want to be free. Though he didn’t receive the gospel, the seed was planted.

3. The Movie Star Encounter

This story involves a well-known actor, Russell Brand, who had recently transitioned to Christianity. We’d heard of a church in North Carolina praying for and baptizing him. Then, unexpectedly, he showed up at a church service we attended in Florida. We preached the gospel to him and urged him to be baptized. Though he was initially fearful, he was later baptized by someone he had in his heart to do it.
This shows how we may plant or water, but God brings the increase.

Letting Go of Evangelism Expectations

Each of these stories had a different outcome—one man repented, one was uninterested despite appearances, and one came to faith through someone else later. We must let go of preconceived notions about what evangelism looks like.

1 Corinthians 3:5–6 reminds us:

"Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase."

We are called to be gardeners of the field. Sometimes we sow. Sometimes we water. But only God gives the increase.

Evangelism Is for Everyone

Some believers say, “Evangelism isn’t for me—I’d rather disciple people through relationship.” And while relational discipleship is powerful, it’s not the only way.

When Jesus emerged from the wilderness, He didn’t wait for everyone to build relationships. He preached:

"Repent and be baptized every one of you for the forgiveness of your sins."

Jesus also said in Luke 14:23:

“Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

Every believer is called to preach the gospel, regardless of gifting or title. We carry the good news of Jesus.

A Call to Salvation

If you’ve never surrendered your life to Jesus, consider this:
He came and died on the cross because you are the pearl of great price. He longs for you to spend eternity with Him.

If you're reading this and feel conviction, don't wait.

"Today is the day of salvation." —2 Corinthians 6:2

Jesus said:

“If you confess me before men, I will confess you before my Father in heaven. But if you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father.”

You will one day stand before the Father. Be ready. Come to Jesus. He offers eternal life and a clean conscience.

Why We Evangelize: Because He First Loved Us

1 John 4:18–19 says:

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear... We love Him because He first loved us.”

That’s the why behind evangelism: Jesus first loved us.
We’re not trying to earn anything—we’re responding to His love.

And if we don’t start from that place, our evangelism becomes performance-driven.
We evangelize from love, not striving.

Remember Your Testimony

You have a testimony.
Whether your story is radical or simple, Jesus saved you—and that alone makes you a witness.

Go back with the Lord.
Remember your history with Him. Reflect on when He first encountered you. When you do, you’ll look upon the lost with compassion and say,

“Lord, they have to know you—because I know you, and what you did for me, I know you long to do for them.”

Paul’s Compassion and Labor Pains for the Lost

Galatians 4:19:

“I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you.”

Paul suffered with deep compassion. The Greek word for compassion speaks of a yearning from the bowels—a physical ache.

John 16:21 compares this to a woman in labor:

“She has sorrow, but when her child is born, she forgets the anguish because of the joy.”

That’s evangelism. We suffer and labor because we know the joy of someone finding Jesus. Paul felt this. Jesus felt this. And we are invited to feel it too.

Eternal Perspective: The Heart of the Father

Why is eternity so important?

Because the Father is eternal. And so is your soul.

You will either spend eternity in the presence of Jesus—or separated from Him.
That truth should move our hearts.

If you don’t feel moved, ask the Lord:

“God, show me your heart. Break my heart for what breaks yours.”

Evangelism is the heart of the Father.

2 Peter 3:9:

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Matthew 18:11–14:

“If a man has 100 sheep and one goes astray, does he not leave the 99 and go after the one?”

God is not willing that even one should perish.

But how often do we let bitterness, pride, or political disagreement keep us from sharing the gospel?

The Father is coming for every single heart. That’s why we must set aside every lens—political, denominational, or personal—and see people through His eyes.

Jesus’ Compassion Is Our Example

After Jesus heard John the Baptist was beheaded, He withdrew—but the crowds followed Him. And though He was grieving, He had compassion and healed them all.

Then, when the disciples told Him to send the crowds away, He said,

“No, you give them something to eat.”

Jesus gave both healing and spiritual food—and calls us to do the same.

Final Charge: Go Feed His Sheep

Jesus prepared the way for us to preach the gospel unhindered, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

As you go, look upon the crowd with compassion. Feed them. Give them the words of life.

“Now go feed my sheep.” —John 21:17

You carry the words of eternal life. You carry the testimony of Jesus.

The Why of Evangelism

At the core, the reason we evangelize is simple:

“The Lord desires that none should perish, but all come to eternal life.” —2 Peter 3:9

If that truth hasn’t taken root in your heart, ask God:

• “Lord, make this a revelation.”

• “Where is the block?”

• “Break my heart for what breaks Yours.”

Respond: Two Invitations

1. If you don’t know Jesus—now is the time. Surrender your life to Him. He will wash you clean and make you new.

2. If you desire compassion for the lost—ask for it. Pray for the heart of the Father to fill you. That’s where bold, authentic evangelism begins.