One
Introduction
"Philip found Nathanel” – just one.
“One pearl of great price” – just one. Testimony of my first “one” - Marty (Betty) Lewis, Peace Baptist Church, Whiteville, N.C.
Read where 20% of believers will invite another believer to church but only 2% of believers (Christ-followers) will invite an un-churched or unsaved person to church.
N.W. Pridgen - just “one” invited me to come and see.
I was in Wilmington, N.C. with our Senior Adults on tour. We ministered at Scotts Hill Baptist Church. But I remember only “one” responded to Christ, James Ray Oxendine.
Can you name “one” in your spiritual journey that has come to Christ through your invite and witness? Just “one"?
I received a call from a long time dear friend while living in Raleigh, N.C. I went to his home and it was after he had come to church with me on Easter. That day he was saved – just “one” - Donald Pope.
The Gospel makes this possible. It’s “the power of God unto salvation.” Romans 1:16 Paul, in the same passage, said, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.”
Since I am from the coast of N.C., let me illustrate the Gospel from an oyster.
“In this parable, Jesus shares that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. There are two things you must know about pearls to understand this illustration. First of all, back then, pearls were the most precious commodity; not one of, but the most precious commodity, more highly valued than diamonds are today.
Pearls were greatly valued because diving for the oysters that contained the pearls was an extremely hazardous exercise. There were many people who lost their lives diving for these oysters. Both the beauty and the scarcity of the pearl made it extremely valuable and people often gave all of their money and belongings to possess just one priceless pearl.
It was on the cruel Roman cross that the only perfect God/man who ever lived suffered, bled, and died. It is only through His grinding death on the cross and ultimate resurrection from the dead that the priceless pearl of salvation is available.
Nothing can be compared with this pearl. Only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can we be assured of heaven. Only through Him can we find forgiveness of sins. He is the only one who provides true peace of mind, security, identity and rest for our souls.” Dr. Michael Youssef
In the New Year, I’ve made a new commitment to be an intentional witness.
THREE WORDS:
Intentionality
Accountability (Partner)
Maturity as a Disciple Maker
While in Gatlinburg on January 2nd, I witnessed to Miss Ashley Claxton.
Those who accept Christ’s identity will also embrace this important mission – sharing Jesus with others. Leading others to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord is the greatest expression that we really understand Who He is. With whom will you share Jesus today?
The Kingdom Life: Come and See, but we must first, Go and Tell.
Personal Challenge to Each of You:
Each disciple, Christ-follower (church member) invites ONE unchurched (unsaved) person to breakfast, lunch, or dinner in 2013. Share your testimony and tell the Gospel story. Jesus regularly ate with the unsaved.
Invite ONE family in your neighborhood to your home in 2013. Choose one of your family members to tell their story of coming to Christ.
Invite ONE unchurched (unsaved) person to attend church with you in 2013. Peter invited Andrew to come meet Jesus.
CHALLENGE – Each ONE bring ONE in 2013.
My devotional for 1-1-2013 was “Come and See”
THREE THOUGHTS:
Invite
Invest (Meal) prayer and fasting
Introduce
Christ in us is a window into the wonders of God’s grace.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.”
“Remember, We Have Not Reached The Unreached” – Thom Rainer
I. Spiritual Lethargy
This takes place when we fail to obey. A lack of growth inevitably leads to a diminished desire to share Christ with others.
II. Growing Inclusiveness
All religions lead to God? Sometimes this view affirms Jesus is not the only way to salvation, but He can be found in other “good religions”! A subtle belief that somehow “good” followers will make it to heaven outside of true Christian conversion.
III. Disbelief in Hell
This undermines the urgency of placing one’s faith in Christ alone. One must escape the wrath of God, and Jesus is the only REFUGE.
IV. Busyness
The unchurched needs us to tell them about Jesus. This needs to be on our to-do list. What priority do you give to reaching the lost?
EXAMPLE: Too many Bible studies?
V. Fear of Rejection
Research shows that only 1 in 4 unchurched persons will be resistant to faith discussions; 75% are open. The few with an antagonistic attitude are not rejecting you personally, their anger is merely a reflection of something in their past.
VI. A Desire to Be Tolerant
The Gospel in some sense is intolerant. The one true God insists there can be no others gods. He is a jealous God. The Christian message speaks of a “narrow way,” “no other name under heaven,” and “I am the way…”
VII. Losing the Habit of Witnessing
You used to witness, but for many reasons you have quit. Witnessing is a discipline. It can be regained!
VIII. Lack of Accountability
This can increase your zeal for witnessing.
IX. Failure to Invite
When was the last time you invited an unchurched person to church? Have you offered to take someone to church or meet them? Such a simple gesture.
X. We Go To Churches That Do Not Reach The Un-churched.
It takes 85 church members to reach an unsaved person; terrible ratio.
BACK TO CHALLENGES FOR 2013
1. Invite ONE person to breakfast, lunch, or dinner; share
2. Invite ONE neighbor to your home; share
3. Invite ONE person to church
Remember, you may only touch ONE, but that ONE may touch thousands.
CONCLUSION
Will You Be Intentional
Will You Be Accountable
Will You Be Mature As A Disciple-Maker