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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