Overview
British evangelist J. John encourages Christians to be intentional in sharing the message of Jesus through prayer, caring actions, and direct sharing with those in their existing circles and beyond.
The Mission of Every Christian
- Christians are called to reach the world by engaging their current relationships—family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
- A missionary is defined not by location, but by recognizing the significance of Christ's sacrifice.
- The Great Commission in Matthew 28 urges believers to go and make disciples, starting from their own circles outward.
The Power and Cost of Witnessing
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses, as stated in Acts 1:8.
- Being a witness may come with personal cost and discomfort.
- Jesus instructs starting outreach where we have faltered—often with close contacts.
Reaching Out Through Relationships
- Evangelism should begin with cultivating existing relationships, not just distant missions.
- Practical outreach includes inviting others into your home before inviting them to church.
- Most Christians are called to impact their local environment rather than distant lands.
Three Keys to Intentional Evangelism
1. Be More Intentional in Praying
- Prayer leads to divine coincidences and opens opportunities for outreach.
- Examples include answered prayers in critical situations and daily commitment to pray for specific non-Christians.
- Write down and regularly pray for everyone you know who does not know Jesus.
2. Be More Intentional in Caring
- People respond to genuine care before they are open to hearing the message.
- Always be prepared to help others in practical ways, such as giving to the homeless or comforting those in distress.
- Simple acts of kindness and readiness to serve can open hearts.
3. Be More Intentional in Sharing
- Share personal stories and faith experiences, focusing on what Christ has done in your life.
- Break down social and cultural barriers by finding common ground, as exemplified by Jesus with the Samaritan woman.
- Every believer is a witness; just share what you know rather than arguing or convincing.
Building Bridges and Seizing Opportunities
- Build relational bridges so Christ can reach others through you.
- Be open to God's prompting ("a quiver in the liver") to engage with people around you.
- Evangelism can happen with anyone, anywhere—neighbors, Uber drivers, or strangers in need.
The Core Message of Christianity
- All people are broken and can only be healed through Jesus Christ.
- Jesus offers forgiveness, new life, and hope for the future to anyone who accepts Him.
Recommendations / Advice
- Make a list of those you know who are not Christians and pray for them daily or weekly.
- Be expectant and prepared to act on opportunities to care and share.
- Use resources, such as books and classes, to facilitate conversations about faith.
Decisions
- Be more intentional in praying, caring, and sharing the message of Jesus.
Action Items
- TBD – Listeners: Start praying daily or weekly for everyone you know who does not follow Jesus.
- TBD – Listeners: Reach out with acts of kindness and open conversations about faith with those in your circle.