FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM

John 1:45-49

45Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.

47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."

48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

FRIEND HEARING CHRIST

45Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.

Shortly after Philip encountered Jesus (John 1:43), he found an opportunity to share with a friend named Nathanael. This passage of scripture showed Nathanael made a conscious effort to locate and share with his friend.

"We need to overcome the fear of objections from friends so they can hear the gospel".

Our friends need to hear about Christ. We may be their only source of knowing Christ. Do not allow the fear of objections, rejection or offending our friends to stop us from sharing. Philip had a little objection from Nathanel about Jesus’ origin (John 1:46), but he persisted on. Philip invited Nathanael to come and experience Christ personally.

FRIEND RECEIVING REVELATION

47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."

48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." John 1:45-49 John 1:47-49

Nathanael was stunned when Jesus foretold about his family background and personal trait because they have not met before. Jesus also knew where Nathanael was located (under a fig tree) even before Philip called him (John 1:48b). These supernatural signs caused Nathanael to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God.

God can touch our friends when we shared with them about Christ. They can begin to receive a personal revelation of Christ.

"God will do the supernatural in our friend’s lives when we move in the natural".

CONCLUSION

Friendship Evangelism can be natural and supernatural occurrence. We share with our friends on a day-to-day basis and God will touch their heart supernaturally at the right time.

Questions to Ponder.

What is ‘Friendship Evangelism’?

How do you find sharing with your friends?