Are You An Evangelist?

Sermon Summary: Are you an Evangelist?

Bro. Ong Eng Boon | 28 December 2025 | John 1:17

你是个传道者吗？

Many months ago, controversy erupted in a congregation where the preacher says that, unless you shared the gospel and study the bible with others, you cannot inherit the kingdom of God. One senior member who is much older in age, refused to swallow what he says and told him off that if such is the case, most of us will not make it to heaven.几个月前，教会里爆发了一场争论。一位传道人声称，除非你与他人分享福音、研读圣经，否则就去不了天堂。一位年纪较大的长者对此嗤之以鼻，斥责传道人说，如果真是这样，我们大多数人就进不了天堂了。The matter is being made worse when this preacher then go on to consult another preacher who has been in the fields for many years and he concurred with what this preacher has said.更糟糕的是，这位传道人随后又去咨询了另一位在教会传道多年的老传道，而这位老传道竟然也赞同他的说法。This older member who is of age who every now and then calls me up for Bak Kut Teh session then ring me up and asked me what do I think of what this preacher said, “is it true that we must share the gospel or study the bible with others so that we won’t miss heaven?”  I paused for a moment and told him that this preacher is not exactly right and not exactly wrong but he is not thorough enough in his presentation as far as everyone can be an be evangelist as he failed to tell the how can you be involved in the work of evangelism.这位年纪较大的长者，偶尔会打电话给我，邀请我一起吃肉骨茶。这次，他打电话问我对这位传道人的说法有何看法：“我们真的必须与他人分享福音或研读圣经才能进天堂吗？”我停顿了一下，告诉他，这位传道者说的既不完全正确，也不完全错误，但他的讲解不够透彻，因为他没有说明如何参与传福音的工作，而忽略了每个人都可以成为传福音者这一点。

We all know that not all of us are able to fulfil the role of a preacher, or teacher, or elder, or deacon. But in the general sense, you can be an evangelist. Today, let us examine of the how that each one of us can be an evangelist我们都知道，并非人人都能胜任作传道人、教师、长老或执事的角色。但从广义上讲，每个人不管怎样，都能通过各种不同的方式和不同的管道把福音传杨出去。今天，让我们探讨一下，我们每个人如何才能成为福音的传播者。

The Great Commission大使命

A former tax-collector一位前税吏、a political activist and a few fisherman — eleven common Hebrew men一位政治活动家和几位渔夫——十一位普通的希伯来人，I said eleven because at this point of time Judas Iscariot has betrayed Jesus and hang himself when Jesus issue the great commission before his ascension back to heaven.我说十一位，是因为此时犹大已经出卖了耶稣，并在耶稣升天前颁布大使命时自缢身亡。The initial eleven, having no organization and no resources but only their faith in the promises of Jesus Christ, these first eleven apostles were charged by our Lord to do the impossible — go and evangelize the world. What an awesome task — what an awesome responsibility!最初的十一位使徒，没有组织，也没有资源，只有对耶稣基督应许的信心。主赋予他们这十一位使徒一项看似不可能完成的任务——去向全世界传福音。这是何等艰巨的任务——何等重大的责任！

But each one of the eleven, with the later addition of two more (Matthias and Paul), served their Master nobly, fulfilling his command and dedicating their lives, and the lives of their families as well, to bringing the gospel of Christ to all the nations.这十一位使徒，以及后来加入的两位（马提亚和保罗），都热心地服侍他们的主，履行他的命令，并将自己和家人的生命奉献给福音，传遍万邦。

And the charge now comes down through the centuries to us. We must evangelize the world. We must not allow our friends and loved ones, nor strangers afar, to pass from this world without hearing the good news — that Jesus will save them from their sins.如今，这项使命跨越数个世纪，传到了我们这里。我们必须向全世界传福音。我们绝不能让亲朋好友，乃至远方的陌生人，在离开人世时没有听到福音——耶稣会拯救他们脱离罪恶。

So, are you an evangelist那么，你是一位传福音者吗？

The Bible records that Philip was called "Philip the Evangelist" (Acts 21:8). Timothy was also honored as the Evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5). Evangelists in the first century played a vital role in the edification and evangelistic work of the church (Ephesians 4:11-12). We still need evangelists today because the church will continue its work of evangelism and edification until Christ's second coming.圣经中记载，腓利被称为“传福音的腓利”（使徒行传 21:8）。提摩太也被尊称为传福音的（提摩太后书 4:5）。公元一世纪的传福音者在教会的造就和传福音事工中发挥了重要作用（以弗所书 4:11-12）。今天我们仍然需要传福音者，因为在基督再来之前，教会将继续开展传福音和造就的工作。

The term “evangelist” is an anglicized form of the Greek euanglistes, from eu (“well”) and aggelos (“messenger”). It refers to one who proclaims the good message, a gospel herald. Often, the term is used in the New Testament in a restricted sense — equivalent to a gospel preacher, a minister (cf. Acts 21:8; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5). In this sense, a woman cannot serve as an evangelist (1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:12). “传福音的”（evangelist）一词源于希腊语（“εὐαγγελιστής/euangelistes”），意为“传递好消息的人……指‘福音的传道者’”[Vine, www.studylight.org/dictionaries/ved]。泰耶尔（Thayer）将其定义为“带来好消息的人”[e-Sword 词典第 2099 条]。在新约圣经中，“传福音者”一词通常指福音传道者或牧师（参徒21:8；弗4:11；提后4:5）。按照这种定义，女性不能在教会担任传道人这职责（林前14:34；提前2:12）。

但就该词的普遍用法而言，任何通过各种方式将福音带给他人的人，无论男女，都是传福音者。每个基督徒都应该以某种方式参与到传杨耶稣基督福音的行列中。

The Reward of Evangelism传福音的奖赏

We need a readiness of mind to share the gospel because Satan longs to keep men away from the power of the gospel.  God’s power to save is the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). God chose the message preached to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21). We must preach the word “in season, out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2) at every opportunity, so that people can be persuaded to “ receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).我们需要随时预备好分享福音，因为撒旦渴望使人远离福音的大能。神拯救的大能就是基督的福音（罗马书 1:16）。神拣选了所传讲的信息来拯救那些相信的人（哥林多前书 1:21）。我们必须抓住一切机会“无论得时不得时”（提摩太后书 4:2）传讲神的话语，好让人们来“领受所栽种的道，就是能救你们灵魂的道”（雅各书 1:21）。

God’s word changes lives. We must believe the word of God has the power to convert and pierce the heart. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”神的话语改变生命。我们必须相信神的话语有能力使人悔改，直击人心。希伯来书 4:12 “12 神的道是活泼的，是有功效的，比一切两刃的剑更快，甚至魂与灵、骨节与骨髓，都能刺入、剖开，连心中的思念和主意都能辨明。”

We can carry the gospel, we can carry the good news (Mark 16:15,16). We can grasp opportunities to share the power of the gospel constantly. We can be like apostle Paul who says, “19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:19-20).我们可以传扬福音，传扬这好消息（马可福音 16:15-16）。我们可以抓住机会，不断地分享福音的大能。我们可以像使徒保罗一样，他说：“19 也为我祈求，使我得着口才，能以放胆开口讲明福音的奥秘—— 20 我为这福音的奥秘做了戴锁链的使者——并使我照着当尽的本分放胆讲论。”（以弗所书 6:19-20）

Brethren, Christ promises great rewards for those who serve in this way. His recognition and praise should motivate us to want to become his evangelists.弟兄们，基督应许那些这样服事的人必得丰厚的奖赏。祂的认可和赞扬应当激励我们渴望成为祂的传福音者。

How To Be an Evangelist如何成为一名传福音者

You may not be able to fulfill the role of a preacher, or teacher, or elder, or deacon. But in the general sense, you can be an evangelist. Here’s how.你或许无法担任牧师、教师、长老或执事的角色，但从广义上讲，你可以成为一名传福音者。方法如下：

Go About Doing Good行善

When Peter  came to Caesarea household and proclaimed the glad tidings of God, with great attention Cornelius listened as Peter told him about Jesus, the man from Nazareth who went about doing good (Acts 10:38).彼得来到凯撒利亚一家，宣讲神的福音时，哥尼流全神贯注地听彼得讲述耶稣——那位来自拿撒勒、周游四方行善的人（使徒行传 10:38）。

34 彼得就开口说：“我真看出神是不偏待人， 35 原来各国中那敬畏主、行义的人都为主所悦纳。 36 神借着耶稣基督——他是万有的主——传和平的福音，将这道赐给以色列人。 37 这话在约翰宣传洗礼以后，从加利利起，传遍了犹太。 38 神怎样以圣灵和能力膏拿撒勒人耶稣，这都是你们知道的。他周流四方，行善事，医好凡被魔鬼压制的人，因为神与他同在。”

With Christ as our example, one of the best ways you can begin to be an evangelist is to go about your day-to-day activities looking for good things to do. Of course the first things is we must have an interest in others and we must find satisfaction in helping others; especially to those who are of the most vulnerable in society, namely “widows” and “orphan” in their affliction.以基督为榜样，成为福音传播者的最佳途径之一，就是在日常生活中寻找可以行善的事。当然，首先我们必须关心他人，并从帮助他人中获得满足感；尤其要帮助社会中最弱势的群体，例如在苦难中的 “孤儿”和“寡妇”。

27 在神我们的父面前，那清洁没有玷污的虔诚就是看顾在患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且保守自己不沾染世俗。（雅各书 1:27）。

保罗总结道：

“9 我们行善不可丧志，若不灰心，到了时候就要收成。 10 所以，有了机会就当向众人行善，向信徒一家的人更当这样。”（加拉太书 6:9-10）。

For the Christian evangelist, not just every now and then doing good, but, as the Paul noted, at every opportunity. There can be no better compliment than to have other people said and remarked that :“He is always going about doing good.”对于作为一位为基督传福音者而言，行善并非只是偶尔为之，而是如保罗所言，要抓住每一个机会。没有什么比别人说：“他总是四处行善”更令人欣慰的了。

Good deeds are your first tool of evangelism. They open the door. They let someone know that you care. Master the example of Christ (Acts 10:38), and you’ll be well on your way to being a great evangelist.善行是你传福音的首要工具。它们能打开人心之门，让别人感受到你的关爱。效法基督的榜样（使徒行传 10:38），你就能走上成为一名优秀和杰出传福音者的道路。

Talking to Friends与朋友交谈

Do you have friends or family members who are in need of salvation?你是否有需要救恩的朋友或家人？（Left左看，Right右看，Front/Back前看后看，Look all around you四周围看看）Many times, it’s difficult to talk to someone about their spiritual condition. Here’s a formula you may find helpful很多时候，与人谈论他们的属灵状况并不容易。以下方法或许对你有所帮助。

Instead of trying to “win an argument,” try just letting them know that you’ve been thinking  for them. Or that you’ve been praying about them — that you’re genuinely worried for their soul. With a genuine sense of care, they cannot help but want to reassure you that they’re all right与其试图“说服他们”，不如让他们知道你一直在为他们着想，或者一直在为他们祷告——你真心实意地关心他们的灵魂。当他们感受到你真挚的关怀时，他们就会很自然的会向你保证说， “我没事， 我都过得很好。 但你要他们今生在基督里能过丰盛的生命，而在来生有永生的生命。

Perhaps, at that point, you can have tea or coffee together to talk about life, talk about spiritual things. Wouldn’t it make you feel better if they allowed you the time just to present the gospel to them ? Or, if they would promise you they would read something (always have some tracts in your bag) that you brought along and consider it或许，这时你们可以一起喝杯茶或咖啡，聊聊生活，聊聊属灵的事。如果他们愿意给你一些时间，让你向他们传福音，你会不会感觉好些？或者，如果他们答应你，他们会阅读你带来的东西并考虑一下。

Perhaps it would be helpful to focus on expressing concern, asking for a chance at least from them to hear you out, and providing them the opportunity to hear the gospel. Whether through the preacher, a tract, an article, or a DVD or a bible study, you have fulfilled your loving responsibility to bring them the message of Christ或许，你可以着重表达你的关心，请求他们至少给你一个机会听你讲述，并为他们提供聆听福音的机会。无论你是通过讲道、福音单张、文章、DVD还是圣经学习，你都已尽到了将基督的信息带给他们的爱的责任。

If they have a spark of spiritual interest, eventually they will comment or ask questions. Watch for open doors. Paul was in prison when he prayed for open doors that the gospel might be preached如果他们心中燃起属灵的兴趣，最终他们会发表评论或提出问题。留意那些敞开的门。保罗在狱中祷告，祈求神为我们敞开传福音的门。

“3 也要为我们祷告，求神给我们开传道的门，能以讲基督的奥秘——我为此被捆锁—— 4 叫我按着所该说的话将这奥秘发明出来。”（歌罗西书 4:3-4）

Helpful to those travelling on behalf of the gospel行真理和接待主仆

1 做长老的写信给亲爱的该犹，就是我诚心所爱的。

2 亲爱的兄弟啊，我愿你凡事兴盛，身体健壮，正如你的灵魂兴盛一样。 3 有弟兄来，证明你心里存的真理，正如你按真理而行，我就甚喜乐。 4 我听见我的儿女们按真理而行，我的喜乐就没有比这个大的。

5 亲爱的兄弟啊，凡你向做客旅之弟兄所行的，都是忠心的。 6 他们在教会面前证明了你的爱。你若配得过神，帮助他们往前行，这就好了。 7 因他们是为主的名出外，对于外邦人一无所取。 8 所以我们应该接待这样的人，叫我们与他们一同为真理做工。

Here we see apostle John pray for Gaius, he was highly regarded by John as he is designated as “beloved” four times in this brief letter (vs 1,2,5,11). John , in writing to Gaius, mentioned two kinds of workers for the truth, and refers to them as fellow workers (vs 8) 在这里，我们看到使徒约翰为该犹祷告。约翰非常器重该犹，在这封简短的信中四次称他为“所爱的”（第1、2、5、11节）。约翰在写给该犹的信中提到了两种为真理而作工的人，并称他们为同工（第8节）。

First, there are those who work on the “front lines,” preaching and teaching the gospel (as John describes them, those who “went forth for His name’s sake” (vs 7) 首先，有些人奔走在“前线”，宣讲和教导福音（正如约翰所描述的，他们“为主的名出外”（第7节）。

Second, there are those who work “behind the scenes,” supporting the preaching and teaching of the gospel (as John characterises them, those who “send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God (vs 6) 其次，有些人默默奉献，支持福音的宣讲和教导（正如约翰所描述的，他们“以合乎神的方式帮助他们前行”（第6节）。）

The church needs those who will go out preaching the truth (Mk.16:15); but, equally important are those who will stay home, working to support those who spread the good news (vs 8) 教会需要那些出去宣讲真理的人（可16:15）；但同样重要的是那些留在家里，支持那些传播福音的人的人（第8节）。

Here Gaius is praised for his consistent involvement in a particular “faithful work” (vs 5) 这里，该犹因他始终如一地参与一项“忠心的工作”（第5节）而受到称赞。This brother had the reputation of being hospitable and helpful to fellow Christians (perhaps missionaries) who passed through his region (many preachers passed through Klang Valley) 这位弟兄以热情好客、乐于助人而闻名，他经常接待途经他所在地区的基督徒（或许是传教士）（许多传道人都经过巴生谷这一带）。He appears to be a brother of some substance who willingly shared with others, perhaps providing lodging and financial help to forward them on their journeys including strangers. Here strangers are probably those who were unknown to Gaius initially but he did not hesitate to accommodate them (vs 5b) 他似乎是一位颇有分量的弟兄，乐于与他人分享，或许提供住宿和经济援助，帮助他们继续前行。包括陌生人。这里的陌生人可能指的是该犹起初并不认识的人，但他毫不犹豫地接待了他们（第5节下半句）。

You can read for yourself that the apostle John encourages the generous brother to continue in this good work for the benefit of those who traveling on behalf of the gospel. “To set them forward on their journey” would involve praying for them, giving them words of encouragement, and helping them with supplies for their travel. Such an effort would be a valuable service, and certainly one God would consider as “worthy” (vs 6b) 你可以自己读到，使徒约翰鼓励这位慷慨的弟兄继续做这件好事，造福那些为福音奔走的人。“帮助他们往前行”意味着为他们祷告，给予他们鼓励的话语，并帮助他们准备旅途所需的物资。这样的努力是一项很难得的服侍，也必是神认为“配得的”（第6节下半句）。

Brethren, those preachers/missionaries who faithfully proclaim the word of God ought to be welcomed and encouraged. When possible, they should be supported, for when we do such, we become “fellow-workers of the truth” along with them 弟兄们，那些忠实宣讲神话语的传道人/宣教士应当受到欢迎和鼓励。如果可能，我们应当支持他们，因为当我们这样做时，我们就与他们一起为“真理的做工”。

Helping Evangelistic Works协助福音事工

The Philippian Christians were so eager to help Paul fulfil the Savior’s plea. Paul responded腓立比的基督徒们非常热切地帮助保罗完成救主的请求。保罗回应说：

“3 我每逢想念你们，就感谢我的神； 4 每逢为你们众人祈求的时候，常是欢欢喜喜地祈求。 5 因为从头一天直到如今，你们是同心合意地兴旺福音。 6 我深信那在你们心里动了善工的必成全这工，直到耶稣基督的日子。”（腓立比书 1:3-6）

Generally speaking, most of us have somewhat limited spheres of influence. We have our families, those with whom we worship, our friends at work, neighbours who live nearby, and acquaintances we run into from time-to-time. But there are a lot more people out there in the world 一般来说，我们大多数人的影响范围都比较有限。我们有家人、同工、同事、邻居，以及偶尔遇到的熟人。但世界上还有更多的人。

We cannot go individually to every person in the world. We are limited by the demands of living, the responsibility of family, and our geographic location. We can, however, cooperate and help others expand the borders of the kingdom. Collectively, we can reach far more people than we can individually.我们不可能亲自去接触世界上的每一个人。我们受到生活所需、家庭责任和地理位置的限制。然而，我们可以合作，帮助他人拓展天国的疆界。我们集体的力量远胜于个人的力量。

Many congregations support missionaries to spread the gospel to far away places. These dedicated people do not receive the praise and gratitude they deserve in this life (the Lord knows, though). They often sacrifice comfort and convenience in order to carry the gospel to those distant lands. And, too often, their safety is in jeopardy as well. Those involved in mission work in a foreign land indeed is a noble servant. I am impressed by the Mission work carried out by the Subang Jaya congregation in Sabal Kruin, Africa, Philippines.许多教会支持传教士将福音传播到遥远的地方。这些奉献的人在今生并没有得到他们应得的赞扬和感激（但主知道）。他们常常为了将福音带到那些遥远的国度而牺牲舒适和便利。而且，他们的安全也常常受到威胁。在异国他乡从事传教工作的人，的确是高尚的仆人。

The world's population is projected to reach 8 billion on 15 November 2022. The latest projections by the United Nations suggest that the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 10.4 billion in 2100. And it is estimated that about 1/3 of the population are yet to hear the gospel of Christ and without even had the chance of  hearing of the good news, they cannot respond in obedience to that saving message. What will happen to these people?   预计到2022年11月15日，世界人口将达到80亿。联合国最新的预测表明，到2030年，全球人口可能增长到约85亿，到2050年达到97亿，到2100年达到104亿。据估计，大约三分之一的人口尚未听闻基督的福音，他们甚至没有机会听到这好消息，也就无法顺服这救赎的信息。这些人将会怎样呢？

“7 也必使你们这受患难的人与我们同得平安。那时，主耶稣同他有能力的天使从天上在火焰中显现， 8 要报应那不认识神和那不听从我主耶稣福音的人。”（帖撒罗尼迦后书 1:7-9）

“我们若忽略这么大的救恩，怎能逃罪呢？这救恩起初是主亲自讲的，后来是听见的人给我们证实了。”（希伯来书 2:3）

You can do no better service than to help someone else teach the gospel. Through the combined efforts of Christians, thousands upon thousands of souls have been saved in this manner — souls that were doomed and would not have been rescued if not for faithful and good Christians continuously supporting their mission work in a foreign land 帮助他人传福音，就是你能做的最好的事奉。藉着基督徒的共同努力，成千上万的灵魂因此得救——若非忠心良善的基督徒持续支持他们在异国他乡的宣教事工，这些灵魂原本注定沉沦，无法得救。

Paul commended the church at Philippi for the support of his work, noting that such assistance was like making a deposit  in their own spiritual bank accounts 保罗称赞腓立比教会对他事工的支持，并指出这种帮助如同在他们属灵的账户里存入了一笔钱。

“15 腓立比人哪，你们也知道我初传福音，离了马其顿的时候，论到授受的事，除了你们以外并没有别的教会供给我。 16 就是我在帖撒罗尼迦，你们也一次两次地打发人供给我的需用。 17 我并不求什么馈送，所求的就是你们的果子渐渐增多，归在你们的账上”（腓立比书 4:15-17）。

You may not have the ability to make the sacrifice to go, but you can surely do as the Philippians did. Be an evangelist — support a faithful mission work 你或许没有能力向外传福音，但你完全可以效法腓立比人。成为一名传福音者——支持忠心的宣教事工。

Encouraging Your Church Leaders鼓励教会领袖

Your local ministers, elders, and deacons need your encouragement. It may not look like it, but it’s true 你当地的传道、长老和执事需要你的鼓励。这或许并不明显，但事实的确如此。

Consider your local minister — so much is expected from him. He must lead the congregation in the study of God’s word. Whether the message encourages, rebukes, or instructs us, it is a demanding job that requires skill and dedication 想想你当地的传道——人们对他寄予厚望。他必须带领会众研读神的话语。无论信息是鼓励、责备还是教导我们，这都是一项需要技巧和奉献精神的艰巨工作。

The preacher is expected to visit the sick, the elderly, and the weak. He waits at the bed beside those who soon will meet their Maker. He often labors under criticism — sometimes valid, sometimes not. Frequently he sacrifices his personal “family-time” for the interests of the church 人们期望传道探访病人、老人和软弱的人。他守候在那些即将要离世的人的床边。他常常承受批评——有时合理，有时不合理。他常常为了教会的利益牺牲自己的家庭时间。

Your church leaders labour similarly — because they love the church of Christ. You can be an evangelist by being an encourager of those who have dedicated their lives to the work of evangelism in your local congregation. Your partnership — through support, kind words, and thoughtful gratitude — mean so much  你的教会领袖也同样辛勤劳作——因为他们爱基督的教会。你可以通过鼓励那些在你当地教会献身于福音事工的人，成为一名福音传播者。你的支持、鼓励的话语和真诚的感谢，对他们意义非凡。

In this life, to tell others how to gain eternity, is the greatest thing you can do for them. Preaching the gospel, is not something that you can do with or without. It matters the most as it concerns man’s eternal life 今生，告诉别人如何获得永生，是你所能为他们做的最伟大的事。传福音并非可有可无，它关乎人类的永生，至关重要。Remember, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) 记住，福音是神的大能，要救一切相信的人（罗马书 1:16）。It is by the gospel that we actually are saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) nor there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).我们得救是本乎福音（哥林多前书 15:1-4），因为在天下人间，没有赐下别的名，我们可以靠着得救（使徒行传 4:12）。The gospel is to be proclaimed to every creature (Mark 16:15) and he who believes the gospel and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16) 福音要传给万民（马可福音 16:15），凡信福音而受洗的，必然得救（马可福音 16:16）。It starts with “You” and “Me” to share the gospel Christ with our loved ones, our families, our colleagues, our friends , and with all wherein we have the opportunity!传福音要从你和我做起，与我们的家人、朋友、同事、我们所爱的人，以及所有我们有机会接触的人分享基督的福音！

(Story of sis Lian Swan, Melaka)

The Lord is depending on you. You can do it. Be an evangelist for the gospel! 主在倚靠你。你能做到。成为一名传福音者吧！