Come and See -October 20, 2024

Join us in today's sermon podcast as we explore the Apostle Paul's prayer request and the profound impact of personal invitations to faith.  The sermon emphasizes the importance of fearlessly sharing the gospel and God's plan for our lives.

Reflecting on a personal journey with the Church of the Nazarene, the sermon highlights the incredible transformations witnessed when people are invited to "come and see" what God is doing. Through the story of a small church in Lemoore, California, we learn how simple invitations led to miraculous changes in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction, broken marriages, and more.

Delve into the biblical narrative from John 1, where the ripple effect of relationships and invitations to follow Jesus are explored. Discover how the disciples' encounters with Christ brought about radical transformations and confessions of faith.

This sermon challenges us to reach out, build meaningful relationships, and invite others to experience the hope and joy found in Jesus. As we prepare for next week's fall celebration, we are encouraged to invite others to hear the good news and witness the transformative power of God's love.

With Pastor Mike Curry.

“Come and See”

John 1:35-49

Main Idea: Other people come to faith in Jesus Christ because of personal connections with believers.

1. The Ripple Effect of Relationships

John the Baptizer - “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (vs. 35-37)

>  John, son of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21-22)  

              >  James, son of Zebedee

>  Andrew - “We have found the Messiah” (vs. 38-42)

                             >   Simon {Peter} - “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)

>  Philip - “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law…” (vs. 43-49)

                             > Nathaniel {Bartholomew} - “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

2. The Principle of Bonding

• Relationships are the glue that bonds people to the church.
  • The fewer relationships a person has in a church, the more apt that person is to leave.
  • The more relationships a person has in a church, the greater their potential for staying and participation.
• It takes, on average, 7 “touches” and  3  “hearings” for some to come to Christ.
  • Touches = Personal contacts
  • Hearings = Clear presentations of the Good News

3. The Power of an Invitation

• Jesus invitation to “come and see” transformed lives.
• The disciples’ invitation to “come and see” radically changed lives.
• Who are you inviting to come and see?

Action Steps: 

Over the next 30 days…

• Pray each day for 5 unsaved people.
• Receive and read an email and/or text.
• Participate in at least one prayer walk.
• Send a note or email to 5 people.
• Invite at least 8 people to visit our church.

Find Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. www.mvcnaz.org/live

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