FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM(1)
February 17, 2002 AM
Sermon Outline
Isa 55:10,11
INTRO: Not very long ago we had what I have heard was an excellent evangelism seminar. Brother Stephen Rogers has developed a very successful method of studying with people who are searching for the truth of Gods word. However, no matter how successful the method we use and with which we are familiar, until we take the initiative to study with people, that method will not succeed in its intended purpose. With that in mind I want us to think together about what some people call friendship evangelism. The most difficult thing for most of us is not a study method. The most difficult thing is to initiate a study with another person! This is where friendship evangelism (or relationship evangelism) helps us. So, consider it with me.
I. SOME PRELIMINARY ESSENTIALS
A. We must remember the great commission
1. Mt 28:19,20 - we have a commission from the Lord
2. Phil 2:14-16 - yes, the commission is indeed ours, too!
3. a consciousness and concern for people who are out of Christ
B. The example of a faithful Christian life
1. your life must be a model of a Christian life for others to copy
2. so, 1 Cor 11:1 (also 1 Thes 2:10 - he could point to his life without worry that it did not reflect Christ as it should)
3. if you have doubts about your conviction, your confidence, your practical life in Christ, you are defeated before you begin
C. A desire to teach others
1. Eph 1:3 - all spiritual blessings in Christ ... so, what of the condition of any out of Christ? - Eph 2:1
2. such a condition should move us to do all possible to help them
3. I have seen wonderful expressions of practical assistance for friends and family who are physically ill - why, though, should there not be even more expressions of practical assistance for friends and family who are out of Christ?
D. A knowledge of the word of God
1. I like to note 2 Tim 2:2 - who shall be able to teach others also
2. how can we teach what we do not know? We cannot
3. it is imperative that every Christian devote himself to such a study of the word of God that he is equipped to teach others!!!!
II. WHY FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM?
A. Survey results from 14000 church members who were asked, What or who was responsible for your coming to Christ and the church?
1. 75% to 80% - friends and/or relatives!!!
2. do that number not tell us the reason for friendship evangelism?
B. Question? Who are the people in whom you have greatest interest?
1. is not your family? Your friends? How natural!!
2. Jno 1:40-42 - Andrew is a wonderful example of such interest
3. Jno 1:43-46 - Philip is another example of such interest
4. here are two men, not especially well known, who desperately wanted family and friends to know the Lord! And they did what they needed to do to make that possible
C. Question? Who are the people you are most likely to influence?
1. I suggest to you that experience proves it is family and friends
2. Acts 9:26,27 - who influenced the Jerusalem church to accept as a brother in Christ Paul? It was Barnabas, whom they knew and trusted!
3. my own experiences in Australia
a. our question? How to evangelize?
b. we used newspaper, T.V., leaflets, door knocking, radio, etc.
c. what was most successful in reaching people? Contact with friends and acquaintances (barber, banker, dry cleaning delivery man, etc.)
4. my long termed experience? Always most successful reaching people with whom there is a relationship; hence, my earlier thought relationship evangelism
CLOSE: There is more to come. Remember, your personal mission field is much nearer than you think. The question each of us must answer is this, When am I going into the field? Friends and family are waiting.
Cecil A. Hutson
17 February 2002