Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 - Philip and the Ethiopian

1. Spirit-led (v. 26, 29)
   • By living out the fruits of the spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22,23) -- Christ's character will be visible to those around us.
   • Being faithful to these 'small' things will lead to the 'bigger' things like evangelism.
2. Seeker-sensitive (v. 30, 31)
   • Remember not to witness based on our own agenda.
   • We should be asking questions like: What is going on in their life? What are their struggles?
   • Be an active, attentive, empathetic listener. Know when to shut up.
   • By finding out more about them, you can make scripture relevant to them.
   • Slow down to bring Christ's love to them.
3. Scripture-based (v. 32, 33)
   • It can't be just our own story or testimony.
   • It should be based / grounded on the Word of God.
   • Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.
   • Don't be afraid to use your bible as it is your best 'weapon'.
4. Saviour-focused (v. 35)
   • Ultimately, all evangelism should eventually focused and lead to Christ / Cross.
   • Always remember to lift up our Lord Jesus.

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2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"The God of All Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

1. Look to God for Comfort
2. Don't look inwards.
3. Look for lessons.

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Scripture: John 1:35-49 - Jesus' First Disciples

1. A stranger asked you.
2. It was a self-initiated investigation.
3. A friend was key to your conversion.

Is this the pattern in our own lives? Are we actively striving to win them over to Christ?

Three principles of Friendship Evangelism:

1. Understand our cultural climate.
   • Modernism vs. Postmodernism
   • The cultural worldview that is common in our society now. People value service, community, relationships, relevance, authenticity. Is it applicable to our current lives?
   • We are transitioning away from modernistic values for outreach like rational proof, science, conquest, program oriented.
2. Establish a relational bridge.
   • Nowadays, Christians tend to hang out with only other Christians.
   • How many opportunities do we miss to reach out and establish relational bridges with those who don't know him--e.g. at work or at school.
   • Take the opportunity to initiate conversations about your faith. Planting a seed for future conversations.
3. Share your greatest belief.
   • We have to verbally and clearly talk about our faith. Even if others know that we are a Christian, it's important to state it clearly and talk about it.
   • We should try to steer the conversation on a spiritual direction.

Outside of the doors of the church, there are many people who need the Lord. It requires courage and conviction to go and seek them.

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