John 1:1-51
“… With Our Mouths.” (Stand-Alone on Being Witnesses)
In 2007 I was on a plane from Beijing to Yanji, China ● I’m not the type to do this sort of thing
o I normally get settle into my seat and grab a book or close my eyes when I am travelling alone
o I don’t normally talk to the passenger next to me
- ● For some reason, though, this time was different
o I ended up sitting next to a guy who was definitely not Chinese
o He stood out on the plane as much as I did
o So did the other guys he was with
o He appeared to be some sort of athlete, so I started asking questions
o He was a semi-pro soccer player from Croatia who played for a Beijing team o We talked about Vlade Divac - ● After we arrived in Yanji we parted ways
o We ended up waiting at the baggage claim for the same length of time o I approached him and gave him my New TestamentRead John 1
Come back to John 1:6-7WE ARE SENT FROM GOD…
On the day you were saved, you were given a commission…a Great Commission ● As you are going make disciples of all nations
● Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
● And teaching them to obey everything Jesus’ has commanded youWe are sent from God
● He has brought you to this community to make His name known
● He has placed you on your street to make His name known
● He has surrounded you with friends, family, and neighbors to make His name known ● He has given you the job you have to make His name known
● We are sent from GodWe are sent…
● To those we love (v.40-42) Andrew bringing his brother, Simon Peter ● To those we know (v.43-45) Philip bring Nathanael
● To those who will not receive Him (v.10-11)
● To those who will receive Him (v.12-13)…AS WITNESSES TO TESTIFY CONCERNING THE LIGHT…
Look! (v.29, 36)
- ● Pointing people to Christ
- ● Pointing out Christ to people
- ● With his testimony, John made sure to inform people that Jesus was the Messiah
- ● This is how we are to share our faith with others
o Who are the people you need to point to Christ? ● Pray for them right now
o Point them to Christ
o Point out Christ to them
● Make a list of those on your heart
Come and see! (v.43-46)
- ● Would it make a difference in this church if we all asked someone to “Come and see”?
- ● “Growing Your Church from the Outside In”: George Barna, 2002
o 1 out of 7 unchurched people who are asked will attend church
o The problem is that 3 out of 4 unchurched people are never asked
o 96% of unchurched people stated that if a friend or neighbor invited them to church it would have an impact upon the likelihood of their attending church
o 94% of unchurched people stated that if a pastor invited them to church it would have an impact upon the likelihood of their attending church
o 96% of unchurched people stated that if they heard good things about the church from a friend it would have an impact upon the likelihood of their attending church
● Who are those you need to invite to come
When we are asking God to help us reach those who do not know Him, are we praying
according to His will?
…SO THAT THROUGH US ALL MEN MIGHT BELIEVE.
All I am is this. (Hold up a toilet paper tube.)
● Remind them of the games we used to play as kids
● Remind them we are merely God’s conduit for salvation
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