Here's a quick sound-bite:

Evangelism. What kind of images does that word conjure up in your mind? Handing out tracts to strangers? A wild-eyed man standing on a street corner declaring the gospel to a fallen world? A tent revival or a crusade? How about something a little closer to home. Sharing your faith with those close to you is probably the most effective form of evangelism, although this often evokes a paralyzing fear of talking about a potentially controversial topic with friends, neighbors, and family members. While these are common images and feelings, it is important to remember that evangelism is one of the most important things we can do as Christians. A pastor once told me, "Look around you. This is the last generation of Christians on the face of the Earth. This is, unless we all take the great commandment personally and share the good news of Christ with everyone." The end of Christianity is closer than you might think. Chuck Swindoll tells the true story of a teenaged girl who walked into a jewelry store wanting to buy a cross to hang around her neck. When asked which one she wanted, she replied that she wanted the one "with the little man on it." She had no idea that it was Christ. The point is further illustrated with an old story which describes the scene shortly after Christ's return to heaven following his death, burial and ressurection. The angel Gabriel came up to him and said, "Lord, you suffered terribly for men down there." "I did." he replied. Gabriel continued, "do they know all about how you loved them and what you did for them?" "Oh, no," said Jesus, "not yet. Right now, only a few people in Isreal know." Gabriel was puzzled. "Then what have you done to let everyone know about your love for them?" Jesus said, "I've asked Peter, James, and John, and a few of their friends to tell others about me. Those who are told will in turn tell still other people, and mys story will be spread the the farthest corners of the Earth. Ultimately, all mankind will have heard about my life and what I have done." Gabriel appeared a bit skeptical. He knew how little mankind could be depended upon. "Yes," he said, but what if Peter, James and John grow weary? What if the people who come after them forget or simply don't follow through? Haven't you made any other plans?" Jesus answered, "I have no other plans. I'm counting on them." Two thousand years later, he still has no other plan. He is counting on us. Jesus once said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16). The contemporary Christian song, "Go Light Your World," has fanned into flame a desire to evangelize to the world, to share the joy and peace that I have in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that the lyrics to this sweet song will inspire each and every one of you to share your faith with a lost and searching world. If every Christian shared the gospel with just one non-believer a year, the great commandment would be fulfilled in our lifetime...