The Power of Personal Invitation

The Power of Personal Invitation

Introduction:

John 1:35-51 provides us with some interesting insights into the lives of some fascinating people. John; Jesus; Andrew; Peter; Philip; and Nathanael are all mentioned.

I. Focus on Andrew for a few moments:

A. Andrew is referred to 12 times in Scripture. 6 as Peter’s brother. Only once is he mentioned without any connection to Peter.

B. From that moment on – Andrew began bringing other people to Christ.

C. He is mentioned again in John 6 – when Jesus was about to feed the 5000.

D. Next time we read about Andrew is in John 12:20-22.

E. He is also mentioned in Mk. 13:3. Not mentioned again after Acts 1:13.

II. Some practical applications:

A. Andrew shows us the glory of the ordinary. Eph. 6:6

1. God calls not only great leaders, but great followers.

B. Jesus calls people to be His disciples for what they can do for Him and what He can do for them!

III. There is power in personal invitation…

A. Each one of us can invite people to church. We can be just like Andrew! Share with others why you worship God.

1. Don’t we come to grow closer to God?

2. Don’t we come to appreciate Jesus more & more?

3. Don’t we come so we can see our blessings more clearly?

4. Do we come so our understanding of Jesus, Our Lord can grow deeper?

5. Are our lives more spiritual because every week we’re studying about & worshiping God?

B. Don’t we want to share these blessings with others?

IV. Others need to see the hope within us.

A. Peter said many things about a Christian’s attitude toward suffering other’s cause: 1 Pet 4:1; 12-13.

B. 1 Pet. 3:13-16

1. How can you do good things for other people & suffer?

2. Where do you find the hope to keep on doing well?

C. Our hope in Christ needs to be such a force in our lives that people see our hope & ask about our hope!

D. For this to happen: certain things must be true:

1. We must be controlled by faith in Jesus – not by fear.

2. We must not be intimidated or troubled by suffering

3. Jesus must sit on the throne of our hearts – He rules us every day!

4. We must be gentle & reverent

5. We must keep a good conscience

6. We must have godly behavior.

Conclusion:

A. How is our love for others? Let’s earnestly work to bring others to Christ?



The Power of Personal Invitation Introduction: John 1:35-51 provides us with some interesting insights into the lives of some fascinating people. John; Jesus; Andrew; Peter; Philip; and Nathanael are all mentioned. I. Focus on Andrew for a few moments: A. Andrew is referred to 12 times in Scripture. 6 as Peter’s brother. Only once is he mentioned without any connection to Peter. B. From that moment on – Andrew began bringing other people to Christ. C. He is mentioned again in John 6 – when Jesus was about to feed the 5000. D. Next time we read about Andrew is in John 12:20-22. E. He is also mentioned in Mk. 13:3. Not mentioned again after Acts 1:13. II. Some practical applications: A. Andrew shows us the glory of the ordinary. Eph. 6:6 1. God calls not only great leaders, but great followers. B. Jesus calls people to be His disciples for what they can do for Him and what He can do for them! III. There is power in personal invitation… A. Each one of us can invite people to church. We can be just like Andrew! Share with others why you worship God. 1. Don’t we come to grow closer to God? 2. Don’t we come to appreciate Jesus more & more? 3. Don’t we come so we can see our blessings more clearly? 4. Do we come so our understanding of Jesus, Our Lord can grow deeper? 5. Are our lives more spiritual because every week we’re studying about & worshiping God? B. Don’t we want to share these blessings with others? IV. Others need to see the hope within us. A. Peter said many things about a Christian’s attitude toward suffering other’s cause: 1 Pet 4:1; 12-13. B. 1 Pet. 3:13-16 1. How can you do good things for other people & suffer? 2. Where do you find the hope to keep on doing well? C. Our hope in Christ needs to be such a force in our lives that people see our hope & ask about our hope! D. For this to happen: certain things must be true: 1. We must be controlled by faith in Jesus – not by fear. 2. We must not be intimidated or troubled by suffering 3. Jesus must sit on the throne of our hearts – He rules us every day! 4. We must be gentle & reverent 5. We must keep a good conscience 6. We must have godly behavior. Conclusion: A. How is our love for others? Let’s earnestly work to bring others to Christ?