Message Notes

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL 4 April 2021
Text: John 1
Subject: Evangelism
Sub-Topic: Pre-Evangelism

INTRODUCTION

1. There is much to learn about Evangelism from the Lord Jesus Christ

a) The Gospels captured succinctly a good number of instances of how the Lord Jesus helped people to come to faith

b) We would do well to learn from the Master-Evangelist

2. An important consideration: “Pre-evangelism”

3. What is “Pre-evangelism?”

a) It is about “Relationship”

i) Friendship

ii) Conversation

b) It is about “Openness”

i) We need to be open

ii) People need to know about the evangelist as much as evangelism

THE DISCIPLES OF JOHN THE BAPTISER

1. There were “two disciples” who were standing beside the Baptiser (John 1:35)

2. They heard what the Baptiser said
“Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36)

3. They “followed Jesus” (John 1:37)

a) Good indication

b) There is personal interest

c) There is a good sense of inclination

This is to be noted.

THE RESPONSE OF THE LORD JESUS

1. What the Lord Jesus did not do

a) He was not presumptuous

b) He did not assume anything

c) He did not make them feel uncomfortable about following Him

2. What the Lord Jesus did

a) He befriended the two disciples of John

b) He asked them a good and direct question
“What do you seek?” (John 1:38a)

i) This was a good opening

ii) He allowed the 2 Disciples of John to express themselves

3. We need to learn how to make good and favourable responses

a) Warm

b) Friendly

c) Open

d) Ready

THE INTERACTION OF THE TWO DISCIPLES OF JOHN

1. They were just as forthright

2. They asked a basic question
“Rabbi, where are Your staying?” (John 1:38b)

3. Meaning behind this polite question

a) “Can we talk to You further?”

b) “It may take some time”
(It was already the 10th hour)

c) “We have questions to raise up”

d) “We want to know more about You”

e) “John said that You are the Lamb of God. What does that mean?”

THE INVITATION OF THE LORD JESUS

1. Consistent openness
“Come and see” (John 1:39)

2. Meaning:

a) “I am happy to talk to you”

b) “Feel free to ask any question you wish”

c) “I will answer your questions”

3. The session they had with the Lord Jesus

a) They came and saw where He was staying

b) They remained with Him that day

c) It was the tenth hour (Jewish time: 4.00pm)

THE RESULTS OF THE SESSION WITH THE LORD JESUS

1. Andrew was one of the two Disciples of John

2. He was obviously:

a) Impressed

b) Impacted

3. He sought out his brother, Peter

a) He shared with Peter what he now believed

b) That they had found the Messiah

c) Andrew was convinced that the Lord Jesus was the Messiah

d) A mark of genuine faith
We want to share something we believe in!

IMPORTANT LESSONS TO LEARN ABOUT EVANGELISM

1. Pre-evangelism

a) It can lead to evangelism

b) Andrew came to faith in the Lord Jesus

2. Understanding how a person comes to faith in the Lord Jesus

a) Questions

i) They need to be raised

ii) Answers must be found

b) It takes time

i) To discuss

ii) To satisfy what the heart and mind need to know

3. How people tend to respond

a) They are more open when they know the “evangelist”

b) They must not feel they are rushed to make a decision to believe

4. Answers must be given

a) The evangelist must know the Gospel well

b) He must be able to present the Person of the Lord Jesus

i) As the Saviour

ii) As the Messiah

iii) As the Lord

5. Conviction of the heart

a) It is an individual thing

b) If faith is genuine, it would lead to salvation

c) We must never “push” a person to make a hasty decision