Embracing the Urgency of Faith Sharing
Summary
Summary:
Today, we explored the profound simplicity and urgency of sharing our faith with others. The message, titled "Come and See," draws from John 4, where Jesus speaks of the fields being ripe for harvest, emphasizing that the time to act is now. We often find ourselves waiting for the perfect moment or feeling inadequately prepared to share our faith, but the truth is, God calls us to act right where we are, with what we have. Sharing our faith is not about having all the answers or waiting for a future time when we feel more equipped. It's about recognizing the urgency of the present moment and the opportunities around us.
Reflecting on personal experiences, I shared how even in the busiest seasons of life, we can find ways to reach those around us. Whether it's through simple conversations at work or inviting someone to church, the act of sharing our faith is foundational to our Christian walk. Hebrews 9 reminds us of the eternal significance of our actions, as everyone will one day stand before God. Our role is to be the messengers of hope, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have yet to hear it.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 calls us to make disciples as we go about our daily lives. Evangelism is not a separate task but an integral part of our journey as believers. We are called to be excited about our faith, to go back for others, and to bring them to Jesus. Our testimony and enthusiasm can be contagious, drawing others to the transformative power of Christ. We don't need to be experts; we just need to be willing to share our story and invite others to experience the love and grace of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Urgency of the Present Moment: The fields are ripe for harvest, and the time to share our faith is now. We often wait for a future moment when we feel more prepared, but God calls us to act in the present, using the opportunities around us to reach others. [05:20]
2. Sharing Faith in Everyday Life: Even in the busiest seasons, we can find ways to share our faith. Whether through conversations at work or simple invitations to church, our daily interactions are opportunities to point others to Christ. [04:33]
3. The Simplicity of Evangelism: Sharing our faith doesn't require having all the answers. It's about being willing to share our story and invite others to experience the love and grace of God. Our testimony and enthusiasm can be powerful tools in drawing others to Christ. [17:04]
4. The Great Commission: As we go about our daily lives, we are called to make disciples. Evangelism is not a separate task but an integral part of our journey as believers. We are called to be excited about our faith, to go back for others, and to bring them to Jesus. [10:43]
5. The Power of Personal Testimony: People are drawn to Christ not just by the message but by the transformation they see in our lives. Our excitement and testimony about what God has done can be contagious, leading others to seek the same hope and salvation. [23:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:17] - Personal Story: Finding God in Busy Seasons
- [04:33] - Serving God in Everyday Life
- [05:20] - The Urgency of Sharing Faith
- [06:59] - The Eternal Significance of Our Actions
- [08:00] - The Role of Christians in Sharing Hope
- [09:10] - The Unique Call to Proclaim the Gospel
- [10:43] - The Great Commission: Our Mission
- [12:37] - Evangelism: Proclaiming Good News
- [13:55] - Overcoming the Need for Perfection
- [16:22] - The Power of Personal Testimony
- [19:10] - The Contagious Nature of Excitement
- [23:22] - Is Your Excitement About God Contagious?
- [27:13] - Going Back for Others
- [35:55] - Bringing Others to Jesus
- [45:42] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Come and See"
Bible Reading:
1. John 4:34-38
2. Hebrews 9:27-28
3. Matthew 28:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 4:34-38, what does Jesus mean when He says the fields are "white for harvest"? How does this relate to the urgency of sharing our faith? [05:20]
2. According to Hebrews 9:27-28, what is the significance of Christ being offered once to bear the sins of many? How does this passage emphasize the importance of sharing the gospel? [06:59]
3. What does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 instruct believers to do as they go about their daily lives? How is this reflected in the sermon? [10:43]
4. How did the pastor describe his personal experience of sharing faith during a busy season of life? What practical steps did he take? [04:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the fields being "white for harvest" challenge the common perception of waiting for the right moment to share faith? What does this imply about the readiness of people to hear the gospel? [05:20]
2. Hebrews 9:27-28 speaks of judgment after death. How does this reality impact the urgency with which believers should share their faith? [06:59]
3. The Great Commission calls believers to make disciples as they go about their lives. How can this be integrated into everyday activities, according to the sermon? [10:43]
4. The pastor shared a story about leading people to Christ in a call center. What does this story illustrate about the simplicity and accessibility of evangelism? [04:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current life situation. Are there opportunities around you where you can share your faith, even in small ways? How can you act on these opportunities this week? [05:20]
2. The sermon emphasized the power of personal testimony. How can you share your story of faith with someone this week in a way that is natural and authentic? [16:22]
3. Consider the people in your life who may not know Christ. What steps can you take to invite them to "come and see" what God has done in your life? [35:55]
4. The pastor mentioned the contagious nature of excitement about God. How can you cultivate and express genuine enthusiasm for your faith in your daily interactions? [23:22]
5. Think about a time when you felt unprepared to share your faith. What can you do to overcome this feeling and be more confident in sharing the gospel? [13:55]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of going back for others. Who in your life can you reach out to this week to share the hope and love of Christ? [27:13]
7. How can you incorporate the Great Commission into your daily routine, making disciple-making a natural part of your life? What specific actions can you take to start this process? [10:43]
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of Now
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to postpone sharing our faith, waiting for a more convenient time or until we feel more prepared. However, the reality is that the fields are ripe for harvest, and the time to act is now. God calls us to seize the present moment, using the opportunities He places in our path to reach others. This urgency is not about pressure but about recognizing the eternal significance of our actions and the potential impact we can have on others' lives. We are called to be messengers of hope, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have yet to hear it. [05:20]
"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest." (John 4:35, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus today? How can you take a step to share your faith with them this week?
Day 2: Faith in the Everyday
Sharing our faith doesn't require grand gestures or perfect timing. It can happen in the midst of our everyday lives, even during the busiest seasons. Whether through simple conversations at work, acts of kindness, or inviting someone to church, our daily interactions are opportunities to point others to Christ. By being intentional and open to the Spirit's leading, we can find creative ways to share the love and grace of God with those around us. Our lives can be a testament to the hope we have in Jesus, even in the mundane moments. [04:33]
"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one small way you can share your faith in your daily routine this week? How can you be more intentional in your interactions with others?
Day 3: The Simplicity of Evangelism
Evangelism is often perceived as a daunting task, requiring extensive knowledge and preparation. However, sharing our faith is about being willing to share our story and invite others to experience the love and grace of God. We don't need to have all the answers; our testimony and enthusiasm can be powerful tools in drawing others to Christ. By simply being ourselves and sharing what God has done in our lives, we can make a significant impact on those around us. Our excitement about our faith can be contagious, leading others to seek the same hope and salvation. [17:04]
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: What part of your faith story can you share with someone this week? How can you express your excitement about what God has done in your life?
Day 4: Living the Great Commission
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples as we go about our daily lives. Evangelism is not a separate task but an integral part of our journey as believers. We are called to be excited about our faith, to go back for others, and to bring them to Jesus. This mission is not just for pastors or missionaries; it's for every believer. As we live out our faith, we have the opportunity to influence and disciple those around us, helping them grow in their relationship with Christ. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, drawing others to the hope we have in Jesus. [10:43]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the Great Commission into your daily life? Who can you disciple or mentor in their faith journey?
Day 5: The Power of Personal Testimony
People are drawn to Christ not just by the message but by the transformation they see in our lives. Our personal testimony is a powerful tool in evangelism, as it showcases the real and tangible impact of God's love and grace. When we share our story with authenticity and enthusiasm, it can be contagious, leading others to seek the same hope and salvation. Our lives should reflect the joy and peace that come from knowing Jesus, inspiring others to explore their own relationship with Him. [23:22]
"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11, ESV)
Reflection: What transformation has God brought about in your life that you can share with others? How can your testimony inspire someone to seek a relationship with Jesus?
Quotes
"Do you not say there are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest." [00:01:25] (12 seconds)
"And the answer is right where you are, whenever you are. Did you know that sharing your faith is one of the most basic practices of a Christian? It's like it's like the ABCs. It's like the beginning thing." [00:05:16] (14 seconds)
"Jesus said in this passage, he said, hey, look, man, they're ready. The kingdom of God, they're ready. They're ripe unto harvest. They're ready for the kingdom of God. It's harvest time. It's time. You think it's some time in the future, but I'm telling you, it's right now." [00:05:30] (13 seconds)
"There's going to be a day where all of us are going to give an account for our souls. We're going to stand before God. We're going to account for our lives. And for some, this is going to be a day of judgment. For others, it will be the day their salvation is complete." [00:06:46] (13 seconds)
"But we're the ones that are called to proclaim the good news of the gospel. We're the ones that are supposed to share that Jesus loves people. We're the ones that are supposed to communicate the good news that Christ has come. We're the ones that are supposed to tell somebody." [00:09:10] (16 seconds)
"To be a Christian doesn't mean you have all the answers because if that were true, none of us would be a Christian. Only Jesus has all the answers. Listen, I don't have all the answers, but I know where to look for them." [00:14:03] (14 seconds)
"Are you so excited about the things of God? Everybody's like, man, I got to find out what you're talking about. I got to know. Do people get interested in the things of God because of your enthusiasm?" [00:23:40] (13 seconds)
"God sends the Holy Spirit to help us in that process. What does He do? He brings conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Jesus said, If I am lifted up, I will draw all men. Jesus Himself is drawing people to Himself." [00:43:23] (16 seconds)
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