DCLM Higher Everyday 14 November 2024 — Friendship Evangelism
DCLM Higher Everyday 14 November 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Friendship Evangelism
Topic: Friendship Evangelism
Text —John 1:41-45
41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
43The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
Key Verse: “And Nathanael said unto him, can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see” (John 1:46).
Message
The Institute for American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question: “What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?” Their replies were: I had a special need – 3%, I just walked in – 3%, I liked the minister – 6%, I visited there – 1%, I liked the Bible classes – 5%, I attended a gospel meeting – 0.5%, I liked the programs – 3% and A friend or relative invited me – 79%. What can we learn from a survey like this? If churches are to grow, it will be through the efforts of individual members!
Also Read: Higher Everyday 13 November 2024 – Search The Scriptures
Friendship evangelism is a crucial means of reaching out. Just as Philip found Nathaniel, we are to reach out to our friends about Christ. It begins with invitation. If you haven’t invited any of your friends to any church program before, you can start doing so now. Share your testimonies with them to persuade them to follow you. Even if they are pessimistic like Nathaniel and say, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Use Phillip’s response: “Come and see.”
Quote: Share your testimonies
Challenge: Invitation is a powerful tool for souls salvation.
Prayer for today: Oh God, convict my friends to accept Christ.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
