The Power and Urgency of Personal Evangelism: How to Obey Jesus’ Non-Negotiable Command
- Edikan Uko
- 16 minutes ago
- 7 min read
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19
There are moments in history when heaven presses urgently on the hearts of men and women. Moments when eternity draws so close that you can almost feel its breath on your neck. This is one of those moments.
We are living in what the Bible calls the last days — a time when the world is shaking, systems are failing, hearts are empty, and souls are searching, whether they admit it or not. And in this hour, Jesus is not whispering. He is commanding: Go. Preach. Make disciples.
This is not a suggestion. This is not for pastors alone. This is not optional Christianity. This is the Great Commission—the final marching order of the risen Christ to His Church.
The Great Commission: Heaven’s Non-Negotiable Assignment
Jesus did not leave the earth with a vague encouragement. He left with a clear command: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18–20)
Notice this carefully: All authority belongs to Jesus and ALL nations are the target, and undoubtedly all believers are responsible. As Gene Taylor explains in his book, "A Study of Personal Evangelism" [download it free here], the mission of Christ—to seek and to save the lost—was first carried by Jesus, then transferred to the apostles, and finally handed to every believer.
If you are saved, you are sent. There is no such thing as a silent disciple.
Why Personal Evangelism Still Matters (Now More Than Ever)
Many believers assume evangelism is about pulpits, crusades, microphones, and platforms. But Scripture—and church history—tell a different story. Jesus also did one-on-one work that is notable in the scriptures:
Nicodemus at night [See John 3:1-2]
The Samaritan woman at a well [See John 4: 5 - 42]
Zacchaeus in a tree [See Luke 19: 1 - 10]
Cleopas on the road [See Luke 24: 13 - 35]
The early church grew explosively not because of buildings or programmes, but because ordinary believers went everywhere preaching the Word (Acts 8:4). Personal evangelism works because it is relational, not mechanical. It is anytime, anywhere. It reaches people sermons never will. It places responsibility back where God intended—on the believer. You do not need a pulpit to win a soul. You need love, the truth of God's Word, and obedience to the great commission.
Why Many Believers Don’t Win Souls (And How to Change That)
Many Christians happen to love God deeply, yet rarely speak about Him. Why? There are several reasons as Gene Taylor identifies, and they still apply today.
1. A Lack of Personal Urgency
We forget what is at stake. Eternity dulls when the world becomes too loud. As a believer, you should think about eternity and ask yourself, "is it right to just allow this person whom Jesus died for to go on not knowing Him, and eventually end up in hell?"
2. Fear of Rejection
But rejection of the message is not rejection of you. Results belong to God. Lean on the Holy Spirit to do the work of convicting people and bringing them to Christ. Pray and fast towards your evangelism efforts, and spend hours praying in the spirit (praying in tongues) regularly to reach people. The Spirit of God does the work. [READ The Powerful Benefits of Fasting and Prayer]
3. Misunderstanding Responsibility
The church is not an agency that hires evangelists to do our work. The church is a body, and every part must function. The moment you became a child of God, Jesus gave you the command and responsibility to win souls and disciple them.
4. Cold Love for the Lost
You cannot win souls you do not weep for. But here is the good news: God never asks you to save anyone. He asks you to sow, pray, love, and obey. Souls are so important to God, so much so that there is great rejoicing in Heaven over a soul that repents [See Luke 15: 7 and 10].
The Missing Key: Prayer That Interferes With Darkness
This is where many believers misunderstand evangelism. They say: “But they don’t want Jesus.” “They’ve already chosen.” “Prayer won’t change their will.” “.”They are destined for destruction". That sounds reasonable—but it is not biblical.
Unbelievers who reject Christ are not making a fully free decision. Scripture says they are blinded by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4). That means something critical:
You are not praying against their will, rather you are praying against the spiritual blindness.
And that changes everything.
How to Pray for the Lost
Kenneth Copeland taught this model for praying for the lost where you command Satan to stop interfering in the salvation of a person or persons. Jesus said: “How can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?” (Matthew 12:29)
And He also said: “Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:38) .
Here is how to pray—boldly, scripturally, and effectively for the salvation of souls:
Step 1: Bind the Blinding Spirit
“You spirit blinding the eyes of ____________, you stop what you are doing to keep them out of the kingdom of God. In the Name of Jesus, you stop NOW.”
You are not commanding people. You are addressing spiritual opposition, which Jesus already defeated. The spiritual controls the physical; always remember that.
Step 2: Ask God to Send the Right Laborers
“Lord of the harvest, send someone to ____________ with the Word of God—someone they will listen to.”
God knows who they will hear and listen to. God is the Master Strategist.
Step 3: Claim Their Salvation in Faith
“We (or I if its just you praying) claim ____________ for the Kingdom of God. We believe we receive their salvation and deliverance.” This is faith agreeing with God’s will that none should perish.
Step 4: Praise God in Advance
“In faith, we thank You, Lord. We praise You for their salvation—even before we see it.”
Why This Prayer Works
Kenneth Copeland recounts praying this way for a man’s brother who had resisted Christ for years. Within days, the man called and said: “Everyone I meet is preaching to me!” That is not a coincidence, rather that is intercession interfering with darkness. [Read this article on the Power of Intercession].
The Bible says we plant and water, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6–7). Prayer creates the conditions for the Word to be received. We have to do our part, as God has given us the assignment to preach the gospel. God will bring them unto salvation and write their name in the book of life.
Beloved child of God, do not sit by while the enemy steals your loved ones without a fight. Do not sit by while your community becomes overrun by the devil and his evil works. You were saved to be sent. You were loved to love others and bring them to Jesus. You were rescued to rescue. The Word of God says in Jude 1: 22 - 23: "22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh". - NKJV
The Amplified Classic version states:
"22 And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt. 23 [Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality."
Lift up your eyes—the fields are white already. It is time for harvest. Be a labourer in God's vineyard, not a spectator.
Go. Pray. Speak. Love. Believe. Jesus is coming soon. And in this 11th Hour, you will see souls come running into the Kingdom—not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit of the living God. Amen.
And if as you read this, something is stirring in your heart—if you know that you have never fully surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, or you fell away, or you are not certain that if Jesus were to come tonight you would be with Him in Heaven—then this moment is for you. Salvation is not about church membership, good works, or trying harder; it is about surrender. The Bible says that if you believe in your heart that Jesus died to save mankind and that God raised Him from the dead, and you confess Him as Lord, you will be saved [Romans 10:9]. Right now, take that step of faith. Click the link below and read the Salvation Prayer. Pray it out loud, and mean it from your heart. Heaven will hear you.
If you prayed this prayer, we would like to know. Email us at newlife@lovefaithandmiracles.com so we can pray for you, and send you relevant resources to help you grow as a Christian
About the Author
Edikan Uko is a visionary entrepreneur and business leader who uses technology to build ventures that empower lives and solve real-world problems. With deep expertise in digital ecosystems and a passion for innovation, she leads multiple tech-driven businesses with purpose and impact. An alumna of the University of Strathclyde Business School, Edikan is also a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, and founder of Arise Global Intercessors and the Uko Literacy Initiative, which provides free adult literacy programs in underserved communities.
She is the editor of LoveFaithandMiracles.com, a Christian platform dedicated to evangelism and discipleship, offering biblically-based content to help people know Jesus and grow in their faith. The site features practical resources for all areas of Christian living in a dynamic, tech-enabled format. Across business, ministry, and education, Edikan is committed to using technology to inspire, uplift, and transform lives.
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