Evangelism Begins At Home

by Micky Galloway

We are beginning a series of gospel meetings today on the subject of “Evangelism.” The word itself means “a bringer of good tidings” (Thayer). Perhaps when we think of evangelism, we think of teaching the lost of the world. A good friend who is a gospel preacher explained his idea of evangelism when he was younger, while his children were at home. He said, “I thought my responsibility as a gospel preacher was to save the world. I was gone from home in gospel meetings much of the time.” He lamented after sober reflection upon the neglect of his children, “I didn’t realize that saving the world meant saving my own children.”

Our children are precious. “Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6). Israel was commanded to teach their children and their children’s children. “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children’s children; the day that thou stoodest before Jehovah thy God in Horeb, when Jehovah said unto me, Assemble me the people, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:9-10). This was emphasized over and over again in the law (Deuteronomy 6:6ff; 20ff; Deuteronomy 31:9-13, etc.). The observance of the Passover was a teaching opportunity to remind their children of the great works of God (Exodus 12:24ff). The twelve stones that Joshua set up in Gilgal as a memorial of God parting the Jordan river that the people may enter the land of promise (Joshua 4:20ff), were also to be a reminder of the great things God had done in Israel. Isn’t it important that our children hear these great lessons from the lips of those they are the closest to? To teach these great lessons we must talk with our children about spiritual things as well as teach by example. Yet, concerning ancient Israel we read, “And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, that knew not Jehovah, nor yet the work which he had wrought for Israel” (Judges 2:10).

It is a tremendous grief when children or grandchildren of faithful brethren never obey the gospel or, as soon as they are out from under their parent’s rule they forsake the Lord and His church. This weighs heavy on my mind, especially because I am a parent and a grandparent who, above all else I want for my family, I want them to go to heaven. If they forsake the Lord, I must examine myself to see if I did all I should have to provide for them spiritually (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Matthew 16:26). Most would be willing to sacrifice their lives in a moment for their children, but are we willing to sacrifice the time necessary to teach them the good news of salvation in Christ and set before them a lifetime of consistent examples?

Timothy is described as one of “unfeigned faith … which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice …” (II Timothy 1:5). It was because of the faithfulness of his mother and grandmother, who taught him the scriptures from the time that he was a “babe,” that he became “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 3:15). This is not to suggest that one cannot become a Christian who was not reared by a godly family, nor is it to diminish from the fact that one’s salvation is an individual choice. However, I am persuaded that one reason why we may lose our young people to the world is because parents (and grandparents) are failing in their responsibility to evangelize at home from the time our children are born.

The apostle Paul, who considered himself Timothy’s spiritual father, gave him specific instructions and warnings to prevent him from casting aside his faith. Be godly (I Timothy 4:7-8), completely dedicated, as opposed to half-hearted service (I Timothy 4:13-15). Trust in God (I Timothy 4:10). Be a faithful example to others in all areas of life (I Timothy 4:12). “Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching” (i.e., practice what you preach) (I Timothy 4:16). Flee sin and follow after righteousness (I Timothy 6:11). Keep the commandments until the day of the Lord (I Timothy 6:14). Do not be ashamed of your faith nor the gospel, be bold (II Timothy 1:8, 11-14). Be diligent and study (II Timothy 2:15).

Our children (and grandchildren) today need to hear and give heed to these things. It is possible for our children to believe certain things just because Mom and Dad believe them. Individual conviction is “learned” (John 6:44-45) by knowledge of the Scriptures. Please note the individuality of faithfulness. “… The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:20). Some never learn true commitment to Christ. They view being a Christian on the basis of having been baptized and attending worship services, but we must be “subject to Christ” (Ephesians 5:24). “Subject” is a military term meaning “to line-up under” and denotes complete submission and obedience to authority. Our job in evangelism involves teaching one personal responsibility. Christians, from the beginning, must “long for the spiritual milk …” (I Peter 2:2), so they may grow in faith. We may admit our lack of Bible knowledge and will hunger and thirst to obtain it; but, some who are “raised in the church” may think they already “know” all they need without personal study. Taking my children to worship is essential, but it is no substitute for providing a godly atmosphere in the home with regular Bible study coupled with a good example.

Noah preached for a long time about the coming of God’s judgment upon the world. The masses of men did not believe him and made no preparation. Yet, when Noah was six hundred years old the flood waters came upon the earth. “And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood” (Genesis 7:7). Eight souls in all were saved (I Peter 3:20). We might reason, “All that preaching and only eight were saved.” However, we read, “By faith Noah, being warned (of God) concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7). Noah saved his family! I would God we should do as much. Indeed, evangelism begins at home!