People who love football talk about it all week! They plan their entire day around Game Day. What do you talk about? You talk about what is important to you. You can’t help but talk about what you love. When you hear, see, and experience something you have to tell somebody! Another way we can “get in the game” when it comes to the Christian life is to talk about Jesus.
Incarnation
In John 1, we read that God became flesh and dwelt among us and that John the Baptist told this same story over and over. “The next day John… said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God… (v. 29)! “Again, the next day, John… said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’” (v. 35-36). He was a witness; he simply told what he saw. Every football team has a Game Plan. For Christians, that plan is found in Acts 1:8 – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The number one reason we exist as a church is to bring people to Jesus. He changes lives, communities, and the world. We are not responsible for the results, but we are responsible for the witness.
Identification
Another thing we read in John 1 is that the disciples followed Jesus. Jesus followers are not ashamed to identify with Jesus. I love “Miss” Tammy. She makes me so proud. I am not ashamed of her! Some people claim to follow Jesus but they are ashamed to talk about Him to their friends. To follow Him is to identify with Him. John brought Andrew to Jesus. Andrew’s witness was only 5 words, yet it had powerful results. It was simple and spoken. You may never preach a sermon, but you can talk to people where they are. Speak their language- speak mom, speak mechanic, speak text messaging, etc.
Invitation
Look at the pattern in John 1. John the Baptist preached and Andrew was saved. Andrew went and brought his brother Peter to Jesus. John found his brother James. Jesus called Philip to follow Him. Philip shared his testimony with Nathanael. Each individual was invited by someone else. It was contagious. Have you ever noticed when one person comes to Jesus their friends start coming to Jesus?
There is only one way to be saved, by faith in Jesus Christ, but there are a variety of ways for people to hear. Where you live, work, or go to school is your mission field. Make a list of names of individuals you know need Jesus Christ, and pray for them. God changes people through prayer. Then, spend time with them. Invite them to dinner or a sporting event and build friendships, which can open the way to talk about Christ. Remember, don’t preach. Listen and be a good friend. We scatter the seed, and we water, but God brings the increase!
Inclusion
Philip told Nathanael in John 1:46 to “come and see.” Jesus gave the same response in John 1:39, “Come and see.” It took time. Nathanael had questions. People have honest questions. In verse 48, Jesus tells Nathanael, “when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Before Philip thought about Nathanael, Jesus saw him. Before you talk to someone, Jesus sees them. The only thing we can take to heaven with us is people. Who are you talking to and inviting?
You were not created to sit on the sideline.
Church, this is why we are here! You were not created to sit on the sideline. You were created to take the field, to share the Gospel, to press on toward the prize. We were made for this! Get off the bleachers and get in the game!