{ "title": "Evangelism", "language": "en", "url": "https://66bible.org/leitura/en/evangelizacao/", "description": "Bible study: Evangelism. Discover how faith was proclaimed and shared.", "content": [ [ { "number": "01", "title": "Complete Dependence on the Holy Spirit", "scripture": "Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5", "explanation": "Evangelism is not human persuasion or rhetorical technique, but a demonstration of the power and Spirit of God. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8)." }, { "number": "02", "title": "The Centrality of the Cross and Resurrection", "scripture": "1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 1:16", "explanation": "The gospel is not merely morality or self-help, but the power of God for salvation. Its nonnegotiable message is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day." }, { "number": "03", "title": "Radical Humility and Prayer Before Action", "scripture": "John 3:30; Luke 10:2", "explanation": "Before speaking to people about God, intercede with God for people. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers." }, { "number": "04", "title": "Breaking Barriers with Genuine Love", "scripture": "John 4:7-9; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23", "explanation": "Like Jesus with the Samaritan woman and Peter with Cornelius, the evangelist overcomes ethnic, social, and moral prejudices to reach people where they are." }, { "number": "05", "title": "Begin with the Listener’s Interests", "scripture": "Acts 8:30-35; Acts 17:22-23", "explanation": "Philip asked the Ethiopian, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Starting with that passage in Isaiah, he told him about Jesus. In Athens, Paul began with the altar to the “Unknown God” to proclaim the Creator." }, { "number": "06", "title": "Personal Testimony and Integrity", "scripture": "Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15", "explanation": "The Christian’s life is the first Bible an unbeliever reads. Always be ready to answer anyone who asks for the reason for your hope, with gentleness and reverence." }, { "number": "07", "title": "The Goal of Evangelism Is Discipleship", "scripture": "Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2", "explanation": "The Great Commission does not end with conversion or baptism, but with “teaching them to observe everything.” Evangelism without discipleship produces rootless converts and fragile churches." } ], [ { "category": "Precursores", "title": "John the Baptist: The Voice in the Wilderness and Forerunner of the Lamb", "biblicalHeroOrModel": "John the Baptist (Prophet of the Most High)", "scriptureRefs": [ "Luke 3:1-18", "John 1:19-34", "Matthew 3:1-12", "John 3:26-30" ], "historicalContext": "After 400 years of prophetic silence since Malachi, a thunderous voice appeared in Judea, clothed in camel’s hair in the Jordan wilderness, preparing Israel’s heart for the approaching Messiah.", "coreMessage": "“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” and “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”", "approachAndMethod": "Courageous, uncompromising preaching, a baptism of repentance in the Jordan River, denunciation of sin across every social class (soldiers, tax collectors, and even Herod the tetrarch), and directing his own disciples to follow Jesus.", "challengesAndOpposition": "Relentless persecution by religious leaders and arbitrary imprisonment by Herod Antipas, culminating in his martyrdom by beheading at the fortress of Machaerus.", "fruitAndImpact": "He prepared Israel’s spiritual soil; Jesus’ first apostles (such as Andrew and John) had previously been disciples of John the Baptist, whom he himself directed to the Messiah.", "practicalTakeaway": "A true evangelist never draws glory to himself. John’s attitude expresses the highest aim of ministry: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30)." }, { "category": "Mandato e Comissão", "title": "The Great Commission: The Universal Mandate and Promise of His Presence", "biblicalHeroOrModel": "The Risen Jesus Christ Speaking to His Disciples", "scriptureRefs": [ "Matthew 28:18-20", "Mark 16:15-18", "Luke 24:46-49", "Acts 1:8" ], "historicalContext": "On a mountain in Galilee, before His glorious ascension, Christ, victorious over death, gathered the eleven disciples to entrust them with the supreme mission of the church age.", "coreMessage": "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.", "approachAndMethod": "Progressive outreach (“in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”), public proclamation, patient doctrinal teaching, and the formation of obedient disciples.", "challengesAndOpposition": "A small minority of ordinary men and uneducated Galileans facing the full weight of the Roman Empire, the Jewish Sanhedrin, and the world’s pagan religions.", "fruitAndImpact": "The birth of the global Christian church, crossing centuries and continents to reach thousands of peoples and ethnic groups.", "practicalTakeaway": "The church’s mission is neither optional nor an isolated department: it is the very reason the redeemed exist. And the promise is unshakable: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”" }, { "category": "Modelo de Jesus", "title": "Sending the Seventy: Multiplying Workers and Practicing Gentleness in the World", "biblicalHeroOrModel": "The Seventy Disciples Sent Two by Two", "scriptureRefs": [ "Luke 10:1-24", "Luke 9:1-6", "Matthew 10:5-16" ], "historicalContext": "On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus expanded evangelism beyond the Twelve, sending seventy other disciples ahead of Him to every town He intended to visit.", "coreMessage": "“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest. The kingdom of God has come near you!”", "approachAndMethod": "Teamwork and companionship (two by two), freedom from material dependence (“carry no purse or bag”), seeking a “person of peace,” healing the sick, and announcing the nearness of the kingdom.", "challengesAndOpposition": "Deliberate vulnerability (“I send you like lambs among wolves”) and unrepentant towns that rejected the message and bore grave responsibility before judgment (Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum).", "fruitAndImpact": "They returned with great joy, testifying that demons submitted to Jesus’ name and preparing dozens of villages for the Savior’s visit.", "practicalTakeaway": "Biblical evangelism takes place in community and prayer. The greatest reason to rejoice is not power or miracles, but having your “names written in heaven” (Luke 10:20)." }, { "category": "Modelo de Jesus", "title": "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman: Breaking Taboos and Offering Living Water", "biblicalHeroOrModel": "Jesus at Jacob’s Well in Sychar", "scriptureRefs": [ "John 4:1-42" ], "historicalContext": "Jews did not associate with Samaritans because of centuries of racial hatred and religious division dating back to the Assyrian captivity. A woman came to the well at noon to avoid the village’s stares.", "coreMessage": "The water of life that satisfies the soul’s eternal thirst and true worship of the Father in spirit and truth, culminating in the revelation: “I who speak to you am He.”", "approachAndMethod": "Jesus began by asking a simple favor (“Give me a drink”), awakened spiritual curiosity, addressed her moral wound lovingly without humiliating her (“Go, call your husband”), and answered her central theological question.", "challengesAndOpposition": "The astonishment of His own disciples (“they were amazed that He was speaking with a woman”) and the listener’s own deeply rooted prejudice.", "fruitAndImpact": "The woman left her water jar, ran to town, and became Samaria’s first evangelist: “Come and see a man who told me everything I have done!” Many Samaritans believed and confessed, “This truly is the Savior of the world!”", "practicalTakeaway": "Never judge anyone as beyond the reach of grace. A genuine personal conversation, free from arrogance and full of truth, can transform an entire community." }, { "category": "Modelo de Jesus", "title": "Jesus and Nicodemus: The Religious Intellectual and the New Birth", "biblicalHeroOrModel": "Jesus and Nicodemus (a Jewish Ruler)", "scriptureRefs": [ "John 3:1-21", "John 7:50-51", "John 19:39-40" ], "historicalContext": "Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a respected teacher in Israel, and a member of the Sanhedrin. He cautiously approached Jesus at night, fearing public disapproval from his peers.", "coreMessage": "“Truly, truly, I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (John 3:16).", "approachAndMethod": "Jesus was not impressed by Nicodemus’s polite compliments; He went straight to the heart of the human problem: religious observance and morality cannot save; spiritual regeneration by the Holy Spirit is necessary.", "challengesAndOpposition": "The learned teacher’s theological blindness (“How can someone be born when he is old?”) and fear of losing standing among his fellow Pharisees.", "fruitAndImpact": "Nicodemus defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin (John 7) and, after the crucifixion, publicly expressed his faith by bringing about a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes for Christ’s burial alongside Joseph of Arimathea.", "practicalTakeaway": "Evangelism must reach every sphere, including intellectuals and leaders. No one is so good as not to need the new birth, or so guilty that the cross cannot redeem them." }, { "category": "Igreja Primitiva em Atos", "title": "Philip in Samaria and with the Ethiopian Eunuch: Obedience to the Spirit", "biblicalHeroOrModel": "Philip the Evangelist", "scriptureRefs": [ "Acts 8:4-40", "Isaiah 53:7-8" ], "historicalContext": "After Stephen’s stoning and the great persecution in Jerusalem, the disciples were scattered. Philip went down to Samaria and was later sent by an angel to the desert road to Gaza.", "coreMessage": "Proclaiming Christ to the marginalized and explaining Isaiah 53: Jesus is the silent Lamb led to slaughter for our salvation.", "approachAndMethod": "Preaching to crowds with signs in Samaria while remaining ready to leave the great revival and go into the desert to serve a single soul in his chariot (“Do you understand what you are reading?”).", "challengesAndOpposition": "The deceptive sorcery of Simon the Magician in Samaria and the cultural distance from a high official in the court of Candace, queen of Ethiopia.", "fruitAndImpact": "Great joy in the city of Samaria and the conversion and baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch, who went on his way rejoicing, carrying the gospel to the African continent.", "practicalTakeaway": "Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit matters more than our strategic plans. Never underestimate the value of a single soul in a lonely place." }, { "category": "Igreja Primitiva em Atos", "title": "Peter and Cornelius: The Dividing Wall Falls and Gentiles Receive Salvation", "biblicalHeroOrModel": "The Apostle Peter and Cornelius the Centurion", "scriptureRefs": [ "Acts 10:1-48", "Acts 11:1-18" ], "historicalContext": "Jewish believers thought messianic salvation was limited to Israel or circumcised proselytes. Cornelius was a God-fearing Roman centurion in Caesarea.", "coreMessage": "“I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but accepts anyone in every nation who fears Him and does what is right. All the prophets testify that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”", "approachAndMethod": "God first worked on the evangelist’s heart through a rooftop vision in Joppa (the sheet containing unclean animals: “Do not call common what God has cleansed”); Peter respectfully entered a Gentile home and preached the risen Christ from Scripture.", "challengesAndOpposition": "Ancient cultural and religious prejudices that almost prevented the church from reaching the Greco-Roman world, prompting sharp questions from circumcised believers in Jerusalem.", "fruitAndImpact": "The Holy Spirit fell on all the Gentiles who heard the word; they spoke in tongues and glorified God, leading to baptism and the formal opening of the gospel to all nations.", "practicalTakeaway": "God often needs to transform the evangelist’s prejudices before using his words to convert the sinner." }, { "category": "Princípios e Métodos", "title": "Paul at the Areopagus in Athens: Contextualization and Apologetics", "biblicalHeroOrModel": "The Apostle Paul Before the Philosophers", "scriptureRefs": [ "Acts 17:16-34" ], "historicalContext": "Athens was the cultural and philosophical center of the ancient world, filled with idols, where Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debated new ideas at the Areopagus.", "coreMessage": "The God who made the world and everything in it is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. He now commands everyone everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day to judge the world in righteousness through Jesus, whom He raised from the dead.", "approachAndMethod": "Cultural sensitivity: Paul did not begin by quoting Moses, but observed the altar to the “Unknown God” and quoted Greek poets (Aratus and Epimenides) as a bridge for communicating the Creator’s absolute truth.", "challengesAndOpposition": "Intellectual mockery and contempt when they heard about the resurrection of the dead (“We will hear you again about this”).", "fruitAndImpact": "Some believed and joined him, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, establishing Christianity in the cradle of Western thought.", "practicalTakeaway": "Know your listeners’ culture without compromising the gospel. The resurrection may sound foolish to the world’s wise, but it remains the heart of God’s power." } ], [ { "title": "Abide in Christ: fellowship is the root", "summary": "Be with Jesus, hear his Word and live in obedience.", "references": [ { "title": "Mark 3:13-15", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%203%3A13-15&version=KJV" }, { "title": "John 15:4-12", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015%3A4-12&version=KJV" }, { "title": "1 John 1:3", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A3&version=KJV" } ], "explanation": "In Mark 3:13-15, Jesus appoints the Twelve to be with him and to be sent out to preach. Their mission grows from that shared life. In the vine imagery of John 15:4-12, the disciples receive from Christ the life they need to bear fruit. Abiding in him involves receiving his words, asking in prayer and keeping his commands, especially loving one another.", "example": "In John 1:35-42, Andrew hears John the Baptist’s testimony, follows Jesus and spends time with him. He then finds his brother Simon and brings him to Jesus. The narrative connects a personal encounter with an invitation to someone else.", "application": "Set aside time to read a Gospel passage, respond to God in prayer and put what you learn into practice. In conversation, share what you are coming to know about Christ. Fellowship with him accompanies a whole life of witness." }, { "title": "Behold the Lord and be transformed by the Spirit", "summary": "Know God’s glory revealed in Christ and grow into his likeness.", "references": [ { "title": "2 Corinthians 3:17-18", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%203%3A17-18&version=KJV" }, { "title": "2 Corinthians 4:5-6", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%204%3A5-6&version=KJV" }, { "title": "Galatians 5:22-25", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205%3A22-25&version=KJV" } ], "explanation": "In 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Paul connects beholding the Lord’s glory with ongoing transformation through the Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 4:5-6, he explains that he proclaims Jesus Christ as Lord and that God illuminates the heart to know his glory in Christ’s face. Beholding involves attending to who Christ is and allowing that knowledge to transform our character.", "example": "In John 13:3-15, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and explains the example he has given. They see their Lord serve and are called to do the same. As we consider this act, we learn his humility and receive concrete direction for treating others.", "application": "As you read about Jesus, ask: what does this passage reveal about him? What attitude of his do I need to learn? Ask the Spirit to produce love, patience and self-control in you, the fruit described in Galatians 5:22-25. This directly affects how we listen, answer and serve." }, { "title": "Be moved by Christ’s love", "summary": "See people with compassion and desire their reconciliation with God.", "references": [ { "title": "2 Corinthians 5:14-20", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205%3A14-20&version=KJV" }, { "title": "Matthew 9:35-38", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209%3A35-38&version=KJV" }, { "title": "1 Thessalonians 2:7-8", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%202%3A7-8&version=KJV" } ], "explanation": "In 2 Corinthians 5:14-20, Christ’s love moves Paul: Christ died and rose, and those who live now live for him. Within this setting, Paul presents the ministry of reconciliation. In Matthew 9:35-38, Jesus sees distressed and helpless crowds, has compassion on them and calls his disciples to ask the Lord of the harvest for workers.", "example": "In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Paul recalls caring tenderly for the community. His affection led him to share both the gospel and his own life. The message came within a caring relationship.", "application": "Think of a particular person: learn their story, listen to their questions and offer help where needed. Pray for them and seek an opportunity to speak about Christ. Continue caring even when a response takes time." }, { "title": "Depend on the Spirit to bear witness", "summary": "Receive courage from God and respond to his direction.", "references": [ { "title": "Acts 1:4-8", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201%3A4-8&version=KJV" }, { "title": "Acts 4:23-31", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%204%3A23-31&version=KJV" }, { "title": "1 Corinthians 2:1-5", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%202%3A1-5&version=KJV" } ], "explanation": "In Acts 1:4-8, Jesus tells the apostles to wait for the Father’s promise and connects the Spirit’s power with their mission as his witnesses. Later, in Acts 4:23-31, the threatened community prays, is filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks the Word boldly. Dependence on God continues amid difficulty.", "example": "In Acts 8:26-35, Philip responds to an angel’s instruction to go to the road and the Spirit’s command to approach the chariot. He hears what the Ethiopian is reading, asks a question and, beginning with that passage in Isaiah, tells him about Jesus. The Spirit’s direction leads to an attentive conversation centred on Scripture.", "application": "Ask for courage to speak and readiness to obey God. Approach people, listen and open the Scriptures with them. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul recalls proclaiming Christ crucified in weakness and fear, trusting God’s power." }, { "title": "Pray, listen and speak with grace", "summary": "Ask for opportunities and clarity, treating each person with respect.", "references": [ { "title": "Colossians 4:2-6", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%204%3A2-6&version=KJV" }, { "title": "1 Peter 3:15-16", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%203%3A15-16&version=KJV" }, { "title": "James 1:19", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201%3A19&version=KJV" } ], "explanation": "In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul requests prayer for God to open a door for the Word and for clarity in proclaiming it. He then calls Christians to act wisely and answer each person with gracious words. In 1 Peter 3:15-16, explaining Christian hope goes together with gentleness, respect and a good conscience.", "example": "In John 4:7-26, Jesus begins his conversation with the Samaritan woman by asking for water. During their exchange, he speaks of God’s gift, addresses her life and answers her question about worship. The conversation reaches his identity as the Messiah.", "application": "Before answering, seek to understand the question. You might ask: “What leads you to think that?” or “Would you like to look at this passage together?” Explain your hope clearly and give the person room to speak. James 1:19 teaches readiness to listen and slowness to speak and become angry." }, { "title": "Proclaim Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection", "summary": "Make the gospel known, including its call to repentance and faith.", "references": [ { "title": "1 Corinthians 15:1-4", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015%3A1-4&version=KJV" }, { "title": "Luke 24:46-49", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024%3A46-49&version=KJV" }, { "title": "Mark 1:14-15", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%201%3A14-15&version=KJV" } ], "explanation": "In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Paul recalls the gospel he received and proclaimed: Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. In Luke 24:46-49, the risen Jesus connects his suffering and resurrection with proclaiming repentance for forgiveness of sins to all nations and with the promise of power from above.", "example": "In Acts 2:22-39, Peter proclaims Jesus, his death and resurrection. When his hearers ask what they should do, he calls them to repent and be baptised in Jesus Christ’s name. The witness presents who Jesus is and calls for a response.", "application": "When sharing your faith, explain who Jesus is, the meaning of his death for our sins and his resurrection. Read one of these passages together and discuss the call to repent and trust him. Your personal testimony can help show how you received this message." }, { "title": "Keep caring and trust God for growth", "summary": "Teach people to follow Jesus with perseverance, care and humility.", "references": [ { "title": "Matthew 28:18-20", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028%3A18-20&version=KJV" }, { "title": "1 Corinthians 3:5-9", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203%3A5-9&version=KJV" }, { "title": "2 Timothy 2:2", "url": "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%202%3A2&version=KJV" } ], "explanation": "In Matthew 28:18-20, making disciples includes baptising and teaching them to keep everything Jesus commanded, relying on his presence. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Paul addresses divisions around leaders: he planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. Each servant has a task; growth belongs to God.", "example": "In Acts 14:21-23, Paul and Barnabas return to the cities where they had proclaimed the gospel. They strengthen the disciples, encourage them to remain in the faith and appoint elders with prayer and fasting. Care continues after the first proclamation.", "application": "Arrange another conversation, read the Bible together and help the person participate in a Christian community. Walk with them through questions and difficulties. Thank God for the fruit: the results of ministry call for gratitude and humble service." } ] ] }