Andrew said to his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah.” JOHN 1:41 With Jesus’ coming, He was focused on seeking the lost “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” LUKE 19:10 The movement of Christianity is based on personal contact. If you really know Jesus, you will want others to know Him too. Andrew’s words “We have found” he was complete in the knowledge of Jesus. Personal evangelism is sharing what you have discovered. What did Andrew do? “he brought him to Jesus.” JOHN 1:42 Jesus gives the answer “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” MATTHEW 4:19 The love of Jesus produces the love of others!

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We must live it. You can’t say “Do as I say, not as I do.” Others must see Christ in you. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:5 Your strongest testimony is your daily life!! We cannot effectively evangelize others unless we love others. Pray and ask Jesus to give you a love for others. Not just the “pretty ones,” but also the ones who do not look like you! Practice this and your vision for all others will change.

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You may say “I’m not good at meeting people.” If this is the case, practice. Paul said, “I have become all things to all men that I may by all means save some.” 1 CORINTHIANS 9:22 A kind word or a kind look will open many doors. Embrace others. EPHESIANS 4:32 You will be surprised as to how many people are ready to talk. Everyone has a human need. This is the point we can introduce them to Jesus!

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Stay away from a debate. When Jesus met with the Samaritan woman, she said, “Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, and your people say that Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” JOHN 4:20 She didn’t have a head problem, but a heart problem. She needed Jesus before she needed a church!

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Do not put too much “I” in your testimony. Avoid spiritual pride. Think about “He must increase, but I must decrease.” JOHN 3:30 Our job is to present Jesus, not ourselves. We must have a sensitivity to the other person’s feelings. We must use discernment. Be natural. Be courteous. Be a good listener. Ask wise questions. Pray for discernment, wisdom, & boldness.

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Look to bring a person to a decision. This can only effectively be done in the power of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). It may seem hard to ask for a decision, but a decision is not conversion. A decision is an act of human will. God does not regenerate until man takes this step. Then God knows his heart and will respond to his confession. “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” ROMANS 10:10

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This chance may never come again. Divine appointments are God-given. Go for a decision. “You do not have because you do not ask.” JAMES 4:2 Let it not be said “He never asked me to be a Christian.”

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Follow-up Discipleship

Let the person hear the voice of God speaking to him assurance and comfort. Have your friend read a few verses: John 3:16, John 5:24, John 6:47.

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Help him know the difference between “Knowing God” and “Knowing about God.” “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” JAMES 4:8 We must associate our friend with the Word of God. The devil is lurking to say “This is not real.” The authority is in the Word. Believe Jesus. Trust Him!! He says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father, but through Me.” JOHN 14:6

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Jerry Parker, Minister of Evangelism & Pastoral Care
Email: jerry@walnutstreetbaptist.org