Sermon Tone Analysis

That You May Believe and Have Life John #14

John 4:13,14; 3:1-16

 

Well … I want to give you a visual illustration today … it may get a little busy, but there's a point so please help me …

Everyone here today should have a little envelope.

If you don't have one, let us know and we will get you one.

So, open your envelope and look inside and see what you have …

 

Now there is something you need to know …

A Black ribbon symbolizes death

A Blue ribbon symbolizes a NEED for resources (i.e. money etc)

A Green Ribbon means LIFE and can be exchanged for a Black ribbon

A Yellow Ribbon means Resources and can replace a Blue Ribbon

 

<<PERFORM ILLUS>>

 

That was fun huh?

Simple?

Addition is not the most productive way to bring about change from Black to Green or Blue to Yellow

Multiplication is the way to go

 

Paul introduces the idea and doctrine of evangelism in Romans 1:14-17

 

READ Romans 1:14-17

 

Romans 1:14-17 (NIV)

/14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.

15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."/

Not my sermon, but quickly, the doctrine of evangelism in a nutshell …

 

>  I am Obligated to share the gospel

    a.

I have been forgiven

    b.

I have been freed

    c.

freedom has an obligation

    d.

I pay back by telling others of the freedom and forgiveness available in Christ Jesus

    e.

to everyone - Greek and non Greek that is Nationals and Internationals; Acceptable and Unacceptable - wise and foolish

    f.

I have been commanded so I am obligated

>  I am Eager to Evangelize

    a.

eagerness comes from understanding the obligation

understanding the condition - God's wrath ~/ condemnation is on those who don't believe

understanding the potential - it is the power of God for Salvation

>  Why we don't Evangelize?

    a.

shame - we don't think it's powerful enough.

We don't think we are good enough to share

    b.

ignorance - we don't know that righteousness is available and that faith is the key.

We don't realize that it is our obligation

 

SO --- recognizing our obligation, the condition of people without Christ and the power available IN Christ, let's see something in our passage today

 

2 weeks ago we read of Jesus sharing with Nicodemus

Today we see Jesus sharing with a Samaritan woman by a well.

READ JOHN 4:1-15

 

"SIR GIVE ME THAT WATER"

 

There is no greater thing than when someone, with whom we share, says "give me Jesus"

 

We have been commanded to share the gospel

We are compelled to share out of gratitude for the love outpoured

We are convinced to share because of the power of God that is available to all who believe

 

Jesus shared with nicodemus because the Gospel has the power to transform him from Religious Ruler to Reborn Teacher.

Jesus shared with this Samaritan Woman because the Gospel had the Power to transform her from Outcast Sinner to Reconciled Saint

 

Nicodemus didn't have to search the scriptures for salvation but that he might share salvation and know the hidden wonders of grace

 

This woman didn't have to search for acceptance in imitation love but she could live in the love of God lavished on her and from that position give and receive love that is authentic and redemptive

 

So … let me give you some very practical steps for sharing your faith.

Let's call it Soul Winning 201

Remember

S.W. 101

- Meet Jesus

- Share Jesus

 

S.W. 201

- more intentional

- more educated

- more observational

- more challenging

- more rewarding

 

So, if you are willing

If Jesus would give you an opportunity … would you share your faith?

If you had some tools would you share the story of Jesus?

I'm not preaching but sharing some principles

5 quick principles

 

1.

Be Available

What kind of mat do you have on your front door?

We have a mat at our house that is a joke, it says "go away" … J

Do we send out signs like that sometimes, spiritually?

Jesus was available to those seeking him.

He never rejected "sinners" "outcasts" "forsaken ones"

John 6:37 - /"whoever comes to me, I will never drive away …" / he goes on to explain that this is the very reason for which he came.

Sometimes we forget why we are here.

Are we just here as a lecture house?

Are we just here as a worship facility?

Are we just here to meet people and network?

Like a country club?

Sometimes we shut people out because we forget why we are here.

Nicodemus came in the middle of the night

The Woman came in the middle of the day

Nicodemus came for wisdom into the mysteries of God

The Woman was looking for love and truth.

As a matter of fact, she had really stopped looking.

She was avoiding people and though married 5 times, she no longer even bothered to get married.

Jesus was available because that is why he came to earth

We must be available because 1 Peter 1 says we have been chosen and transformed, included in the family of God for the purpose of declaring his him and to show him to a pagan world that needs him.

We are commanded that "as we go" we must be witness and disciples makers.