Andrew’s Example: One Soul at a Time

The gospel burden in Togo begins with a man who came out of a Muslim family and cannot get away from the fact that Muslim communities do not have the truth. The yellow water beside that boy becomes an image that stays in the mind, because physical thirst opened a door for the gospel. God provided what looked impossible, even when a well sounded like too much money, and that well now stands to serve more than a thousand people from many villages. Christ answers both kinds of thirst, because clean water gives a platform, but the gospel gives life.

The work in Togo also stands in a place of voodoo, witchcraft, animism, and spiritism. The gospel comes into that world and says another sacrifice does not make sense when Christ already done the sacrifice. The God of the Bible does not join the “more, the merrier” system of many spirits and many gods. Christ presents Himself as the exclusive God, the One trusted with the whole life, with nothing else needed.

Andrew’s life gives the main picture of that kind of gospel work. Andrew was Peter’s brother, always the behind the scene guy, often introduced by somebody else’s name. His life did not look famous, and his name only appears a few times, but his name means brave, and his bravery showed in simple faithfulness. Andrew did not seek fame, did not fight Peter’s shadow, and did not look for a comfort life.

John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes the sin of the world,” and Andrew follows Christ. The moment Andrew understands who Christ is, he takes action. Andrew brings Peter to Jesus, and Peter later preaches at Pentecost where thousands come to Christ. Peter’s ministry, in part, rests on Andrew’s faithfulness.

Andrew keeps doing the same thing. Andrew brings the little boy with two fish and five loaves, and Christ feeds the crowd. Andrew helps bring the Greeks who want to see Jesus, and Christ speaks truth to them. Andrew becomes both a homegrown family missionary and one who helps foreigners come to Christ.

Gospel-centered relationships become the pattern. God grows His kingdom one soul at a time, often through people without a big name. The believer’s job is not to save people, because that belongs to the Holy Spirit. The believer’s responsibility is to be a tool in God’s hand, plant the seed, and trust God for the result.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Hidden faithfulness can change generations Andrew lived behind the scene, but his bringing Peter to Christ mattered far beyond what anybody could see at first. Peter’s later preaching did not erase Andrew’s quiet obedience, because God had used one faithful invitation to set much in motion. The kingdom often turns on small acts that do not carry a famous name. [49:44]
• 2. Witnessing is not saving people The burden to speak does not mean the power to convert belongs to the witness. The Holy Spirit convinces, brings repentance, and gives life, while the believer tells what Christ has done. That truth frees fearful people to plant seed without pretending to control the harvest. [63:59]
• 3. Relationships must serve gospel purpose Family, neighbors, coworkers, and friends are not accidental contacts floating through life. God places people in particular homes, jobs, and circles so the light of Christ can be seen and the gospel can be spoken. Gospel-centered relationships keep ordinary life from becoming spiritually careless. [66:19]
• 4. God uses people without big names Charles Spurgeon heard Christ from a layman, D. L. Moody heard from a Sunday school teacher, and many great gospel lines began through ordinary voices. God does not need fame before He can bring transformation. A person unknown to history may still be known in heaven as one God used to change a life. [57:05]
• 5. Sacrifice reaches beyond front lines The work in Togo did not happen only because somebody stood in a village or preached in a clinic. Somebody prayed, somebody gave, somebody encouraged, and that hidden sacrifice helped make gospel ministry possible. God’s will in saving people often includes unseen partners who share in the blessing.
  
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [31:57] - Gospel Burden for Togo
• [33:00] - Yellow Water and the Well
• [35:08] - Christ’s Sacrifice in Voodoo Regions
• [36:35] - Togo’s Open Door for the Gospel
• [37:03] - Training Pastors and Church Leaders
• [39:38] - Gratitude for Prayer and Support
• [42:43] - Someone Helped Bring the Gospel
• [43:31] - Andrew, the Behind the Scene Disciple
• [47:11] - Andrew Meets the Lamb of God
• [50:27] - Andrew Brings Peter to Christ
• [51:17] - Andrew Brings the Boy’s Lunch
• [52:34] - Andrew Helps Bring the Greeks
• [55:29] - Ordinary People God Used
• [62:10] - One Soul at a Time
• [67:34] - Young People and Gospel Seeds

1. In John 1:40-42, what immediate action did Andrew take after meeting Jesus, and who did he bring to Him?
2. How did Andrew’s introduction of the boy with five loaves and two fish lead to a larger miracle in John 6:8-9?
3. According to the sermon, what two key roles did Andrew play in sharing the gospel (e.g., family missionary, helper for foreigners)? [53:29]

1. Why might Andrew’s willingness to bring individuals to Jesus (like Peter, the boy, and the Greeks) matter more than seeking personal recognition?
2. The sermon mentions that “hidden faithfulness can change generations” through small acts. How does Andrew’s story illustrate this principle? [49:44]
3. In John 12:20-22, why do you think the Greeks approached Philip first, and what does Andrew’s involvement reveal about his character?

1. Andrew’s first step after meeting Jesus was to bring his brother to Him. Who in your family, workplace, or community have you hesitated to share the gospel with, and what practical step could you take this week to start a conversation?
2. The well in Togo provided physical water and a platform for the gospel. How can meeting a practical need (e.g., serving, giving, praying) open doors to share Christ in your relationships? [34:41]
3. Andrew didn’t need a “big name” to impact others. What fears hold you back from sharing Jesus in everyday conversations, and how can focusing on faithfulness (not results) ease those fears? [01:03:59]
4. The sermon highlights “gospel-centered relationships.” Is there a friendship or connection in your life that feels spiritually careless? How could you intentionally redirect conversations toward Christ? [01:06:19]
5. Think of a time someone’s quiet faithfulness (prayer, encouragement, etc.) impacted your faith. How can you similarly support others serving “behind the scenes” in ministry? [39:02]