Evangelism: Fulfilling All Joy through His Pattern

by Chuck Cordon

Have you ever paused to consider how remarkable it is that God would place the work of sharing the Gospel into human hands? He entrusted mankind with carrying forward the mission begun by His Holy Son—the teaching of the Gospel to the world (Matt. 28:19–20). It pleased Him that our involvement would be essential to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:12).

This is no accidental plan. It is a living, purposeful design, initiated by Christ and entrusted to His apostles, and which continues to reproduce disciples and children of God. We understand how this works. When a recipe or blueprint is followed exactly, the result matches the original. In the same way, God has given us a clear and deliberate pattern: His scheme of redemption through the gospel system of faith in Jesus Christ. God’s pattern is orderly. Creation itself testifies that God does all things in good order. Such order reveals not only the nature of the Divine Architect, but also a logical and understandable plan. This same order is evident in how the Godhead fulfills the hope of salvation through the work of the church (Eph. 3:10). Seeing this, the conclusion becomes clear: We are wise to keep to the pattern God has given. Scripture repeatedly encourages this faithfulness, always pointing toward the same outcome—Eternal success.

Yet keeping the pattern is more than following a design; it is lived out through example. The connection between example and discipleship is firmly established in Scripture. Jesus impressed this truth upon His apostles when He said:

“So if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example, that you also should do just as I did for you… If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (John 13:14–17).

This principle extends to every disciple. Peter reminds us, “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).

As we walk in His footsteps by imitating His love, His faith, and His obedience, and as we share the Gospel with the lost, we are continually being shaped and conformed into His image. And to what end, brethren? Joy. Not reluctance. Not fear. Not duty alone—but joy. The joy of the Master, into which He invites us to enter. Jesus Himself promised, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11).

When we keep to His pattern and follow His example, evangelism becomes not a burden, but a blessing, one that fills our hearts with the joy Christ desires for every faithful disciple.