In yesterday’s sermon I challenged everyone to choose one of the four gospels and read one chapter a day from that gospel. I mentioned that I had chosen John and would post on my blog each day what the Holy Spirit said to me as I read that from God’s word.
Today I read chapter one in John’s gospel and what stood out to me was a few thoughts on evangelism. The pattern we should follow in doing New Testament evangelism is evident in this chapter.
Six times it is mentioned that John the Baptist’s role was to testify about Jesus (verses 7,8,15,19,32,34). This chapter also says something about the spiritual condition of those who are lost. In v.10 we learn that even though Jesus, who created the world, was in the world people did not recognize Him. I thought about how so many people don’t believe or even recognize God’s existence. Combining that thought with John the Baptist testifying, I was reminded that our role really is to testify about Jesus to people who don’t recognize or know Him. Such a task can seem daunting.
Then I read verses 31-33 where we’re told that even John the Baptist did not recognize Jesus on his own. He needed the Father’s help. God the Father had told John the Baptist he would see the Holy Spirit descending from heaven in the form of a dove and resting on the Messiah. That is what He saw when He baptized Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:21-22).
Finally in verses 35-37 John the Baptist pointed two of his own disciples to Jesus and in verses 40-42 one of the two, Andrew, went and brought his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus. In verses 45-46 Philip went and brought Nathanael to Jesus.
Putting all this together was a powerful picture of evangelism. Our role in evangelism is to be intentional about testifying, praying, and going. They are spiritually blind to their need for Jesus and we need God to reveal Himself to them. He does that as we pray and talk about Jesus. He does that as we share scripture with people.
So pray for the lost people in your life. Ask God to reveal Himself to them and make them aware of who He is and of their need for Him. Pray that John 16:8 happens in their life.
But do more than pray. Also talk. Talk about what Jesus has done in your life, about your positive experiences at church, and about Bible verses that explain how they can know Jesus.
Finally go. Notice that Andrew and Philip went to people they already knew. John the Baptist pointed two of his own followers to Jesus. We often say that family members are the hardest people to witness to, but I would argue the opposite. While the conversations may sometimes be emotional because of the close connection we have with them, they are the very people it is most natural for us to talk with about almost anything. Evangelism needs to begin at home and then move outward. We are not likely to talk with strangers if we never talk with those we already know.
Pastor Steve Hogg
Gail Carpenter says
The blogs really open my eyes to things I might not have thought of as I read. I am reading the blog first to help me understand. Thank you for studying with me.
Will Beaty says
I am reading Mark and what stood out to me was 1:35 where Jesus went off by himself. He was very busy and people where constantly seeking Him out so He would do something for them but Jesus intentionally took time away to pray and be with the Father.
Charles C Dotson says
Steve, first of all, PRAISE GOD for saving me. I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior, two years ago, today. Thank GOD, he did not give up on me.
I too am reading your blog before reading the Bible. Thank you for the insight and encouragement.
Steve Hogg says
Charles, Happy birthday! I rejoice with you that you were saved two years ago and I pray you keep growing in Jesus.