“Come and See”
January 12th, 2010
Today, we heard about how Philip invited Nathanael to “come and see” Jesus. He did not answer all of Nathanael’s questions, or et involved in a debate, he simply extended an invitation. That is the heart of Christian evangelism. We are called to invite others to “come and see” what God is doing in our midst.
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John 1:43-46
1. Today, we are continuing “Heroes,” our exploration of some of the lesson known people in the bible.
a. Philip – definitely one of the lesser know disciples. His name is mentioned on 14 times in the gospels.
b. Not much is known about Philip from the biblical accounts. He is from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galiliee.
c. So, why am I counting him among the heroes of the bible?
d. An ordinary man who does an ordinary thing that has extraordinary consequences.
e. He meets Jesus, and determines him to be the one “about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote.”
f. And what does he do? What is the first thing that he does? He goes and tells someone else He invites his friend Nathanael to “come and see.”
2. One of my goals for 2010 as LOTC – create a culture of invitation. What does that mean?
a. Create an environment where we are all inviting people to “come and see” what is happening at LOTC.
b. I know this is frightening. It is supposed to be. But, I want you to realize something.
c. Philip was not a great theologian. He was not a great speaker. He was not ordained. The only thing going for Philip was that he understood that Jesus was Savior.
d. And he was going to tell people about it.
e. He was not going to stand on a street corner, nor was he going to go to seminary and get an advanced degree. He was merely going to share his faith. Period.
f. And, for that, Philip is a hero of our faith.
3. Would you like to be a hero of the faith like Philip? It is not as hard as you might expect. A few simple things to remember.
a. Pick someone out that you will invite to LOTC. Pray for that person. Pray that God might present you with opportunities to invite them.
b. Pay attention to what is happening at LOTC (sermon series, special events, etc.). When the time is right, tell them to “come and see.” No fuss, no muss – three simple words.
c. Come and see…sermon, worship, Easter Egg Hunt, personal finance workshop, etc.
d. It is the job of the church to develop worship and programs that are meaningful and relevant.
e. But, it is your job to invite…come and see.
f. Remember the 85% rule – 85% of people that come to church and stay do so at the invitation of someone else.
4. Come and see. It is not that hard. Come and see. You may hear “no” a hundred times before you hear a “yes.”
a. But, don’t let that stop you. Come and see.
b. The heroic calling of all Christians is summed up in those three little words – come and see.
Sermon delivered at Light of the Canyon United Methodist Church Anaheim Hills – January 10, 2010.
