John 1:43-51
43
KJV:The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44
KJV:Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45
KJV:Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46
KJV:And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47
KJV:Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48
KJV:Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49
KJV:Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50
KJV:Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51
KJV:And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Let me start by asking this few questions:
Who are your friends?
How well do you know your friends?
Are your friends saved? If Yes! How do you know, If No! Why?
You know the problem young believers have, even the elderly ones is that they feel because their friends perhaps goes to church means they are saved. How would you know? Have you ever take an hour or few minutes out of your normal discussion, interaction, and conversation time to ask that your friend things concerning heaven and also if he/she is truly saved?
What are your plans towards sharing Christ to your friends so that they too will be saved. Or are you just busy doing the normal friends things like studying for exams and test? Going for lectures and classes together? Grabbing lunch, dinner together, perhaps washing together and every other thing, leaving out the most important thing of sharing Christ together.
There is a saying "Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are". It is quite sad and shocking that this saying doesn't even apply to this generation of the 21st century again.
If you are saved, then your friend should also be saved! The relationship can only make sense when you both have one and the same goal. It makes things more easier and enjoyable when two or more people have the same goal, this is because they will always work together, hand in hand with one mind to achieve greatness.
You might ask:
How do I bring my friends to Christ
It is simple!
Here is an example!
In the bible passage vs 45-46, you can see and agree with me that Philip brought his close friend to Christ. He beckon on his friend to "Come and see"(vs 46b)
He found a treasure (Jesus) that he could not keep all to himself alone. So he called on his friend!
You know the Lord calls us by different means and through different ways- sometimes its directly and other times indirectly, especially through people.
You can simply be that vessel or instrument God uses to call others; perhaps your friends to Himself. God can actually use you to win your friend's soul for the kingdom.
Have you found this treasure (Jesus)? How long have you been keeping this treasure to yourself.
How long have you been nursing Christ in your heart without the knowledge of others. How long do you plan on doing that? Are you even willing to share this treasure with others? Or you are just gonna be selfish and keep it all to yourself till the very end?
Why not declare as Philip did, beckon on that your friend to " Come and see". Call upon that your friend, colleague, acquaintance, co-worker, business associate, brother, sister, aunty, uncle, schoolmate, classmate etc to come and see just like Philip did.
Draw people to Jesus Christ, bring your friends to Christ, share Christ with them. Do not live a greedy and selfish life by keeping the treasure all to yourself alone. Even heavens doesn't permit nor even agree to that. You were called out of darkness to also help others, you are to tell others about the good news of salvation, what you've heard and received.
God desires that everyone will repent and turn to him (Isaiah 55:6-7). His greatest desire is that all be saved!
God has entrusted into our hands the responsibility of leading our friends and family members to Christ. Let us neither fail nor disappoint God by not taking serious care about what he has entrusted to us.
Forsake not that friend who seems to be lost. You never know if he/she really needs your help. Live an exemplary life like Christ did. He didn't forsake us, not even the thieves that were hung beside him at the Cross of Calvary.
Do not look down, criticize nor discriminate those friends that are on the wrong path of life. Instead of watching them go down the lane of damnation, get close to them, share the goodnews about Christ with them, pray for them, show them love and care, show kindness, read and study the word with them thereby helping them grow. And watch as Christ will take over their lives and their whole being.
Do not make mockery or ridicule at the unsaved, rather be moved with compassion towards them. Make plans on how to help them also hear the truth and receive it. Do not be disgusted by them, for Jesus Christ did not find us disgusting because of our sins, rather he took our sins, guilt and shame and died on the cross for us.
God the father loves us all, the same way He loves you, he also loves that brother or sister and desires that they too are saved. So do not scorn them as if you made yourself righteous. God is against such attitude. Get close to them and help them. Heaven is watching you!
You have nothing to lose by bringing others to Christ, you simply won't regret it when the outcome of your plans are well executed.
Conclusion
Remember the Lord takes great delight in soul winning, Bring your friends to Jesus Christ! He is eagerly waiting for that soul
Go! Win souls for the kingdom and the Lord will continue to bless you as you do this.
Prayer Point
Dear Lord, please give me the courage to lead a friend to you just as Philip led Nathaniel, Amen!
Image Source
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