Just What Is Evangelism (Part 5)

Evangelism carries with it the roles of HERALD and AMBASSADOR.

What is a herald?  In New Testament days, a herald was one who would journey from one village, town, or city to the next representing the king or governor or magistrate.  He would stand in a prominent place and “herald” forth the message he was sent to give.  Packer tells us, “Paul saw himself as a herald.  When he describes himself as ‘appointed as a preacher’ of the gospel (2 Tim 1:11), the noun he uses is keryx, which means a herald, a person who makes public announcements on another’s behalf.

When he declares, ‘we preach Christ crucified’ (1 Cor 1:23), the verb he uses is kerysso, which denotes the herald’s appointed activity of blazoning  abroad what he has been told to make known . . . Paul, in his own estimation, was not a philosopher, not a moralist, not one of the world’s wise men, but simply Christ’s herald.”  That, dear Christian, is what you are!

So…here’s the question—are you fulfilling your function as a herald of the good news of Jesus?  If yes, rejoice and press on!  If no, Jesus stands ready to forgive and to encourage.  Go to Him.  Repent for not obeying the gospel call.  He is sure to grant immediate mercy!  See, the gospel is good news both to lost and saved!  Isn’t that wonderful?  Then, after repenting, rise up, put on the shoes of the gospel of peace, and go into your world—heralding forth the good news.

What is an ambassador?  Find out in the next blog!