Bible Text: John 1:35-51 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: Good News…Pass It On, John

1.  One of the features of the fourth gospel is John’s use of personal contact in communicating the message of the gospel. 

-“John always brings actors upon the scene that they may bear testimony.” (Charles Erdman)

-“Of great importance in communicating his message is John’s use of personal interviews.  Again and again, people are brought into contact with Jesus.  They are never the same again.  Either they believe and follow Him, or they turn away in unbelief.” (Walter Dunnett)

-“Jesus called a few men to follow Him, and He transformed their lives and used them to transform the lives of others.” (Warren Wiersbe)

2.  Illustrating this point is that John the Baptist’s testimony was primarily the catalyst which influenced his disciples to follow Jesus.

3.  Evangelism was a way of life among the men and women of the New Testament.  They were active in influencing others toward Jesus Christ. 

4.  In the article “Relationship Evangelism” in the Navigator’s 2:7 series the author identifies four attitudes essential to effectively reaching others with the gospel: “1.We must be willing to initiate relationships; 2.We must show the same kind of love and acceptance toward sinners that Jesus displayed; 3. We must be willing to boldly identify with Christ early in a relationship; 4. We must demonstrate dependence on God through persevering prayer.”