"SHARING THE GOSPEL (EVANGELISM)"

“Sharing the Gospel (Evangelism)” 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 01/18/2026

Many Christians feel intimidated by the word evangelism. We imagine pressure, techniques, or the fear of saying the wrong thing. Yet studies tell us that 82 percent of unchurched people say they would attend church if someone invited them—while nearly 40 percent of churchgoers never extend that invitation.

The apostle Paul reminds us that sharing the gospel is not about perfect timing or perfect words. He urges us to “proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). It sounds like trained evangelists,

However, when we turn to Scripture—especially John 1—we discover that biblical evangelism is not complicated or forceful. It is simple, relational, and centered entirely on Jesus. In John 1:29–42, we are given one of the clearest pictures of what faithful evangelism looks like—not as a program, but as a way of life.

I. Evangelism Points to Jesus, Not to Ourselves: John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him and declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the Son of God.” John does not promote himself. He does not highlight his ministry, his success, or his influence. He points directly to Christ Jesus.

True evangelism begins when we lift Jesus up clearly: John understood his role when he said, “I am not the Christ but preparing his way.” Faithful evangelism is not about being impressive; it is about being faithful witnesses.

II. Evangelism Invites People to Encounter Jesus Personally: When two of John the Baptist’s disciples hear his testimony, they follow Jesus. The Gospel does not tell us how John the Baptist felt when his disciples left him to follow Jesus. One of them is Andrew and the other is not named.

Jesus turns and asks them, “What are you seeking?” This question goes deeper than curiosity—it reaches the heart. When they ask where He is staying, Jesus does not lecture or argue. He simply says, “Come and see.”

Evangelism begins with a warm invitation. This is the heart of evangelism: not arguing people into faith, not forcing decisions, but inviting them to experience Christ. Christian faith is not merely information about Jesus; it is a relationship with Him.

III. Evangelism Flows Naturally from Personal Encounter: After spending time with Jesus, Andrew does not keep the good news to himself. The first thing he does is find his brother Simon and say, “We have found the Messiah.” Notice what Andrew does not do: He does not have all the answers. He does not prepare a polished speech. He does not wait until he feels qualified. He simply shares what he has found. Evangelism is not about expertise—it is about testimony.

IV. Evangelism Brings People to Jesus and Trusts Him to Transform Them: Andrew brings Simon to Jesus. That is all.

Jesus is the one who speaks into Simon’s life, renames him Peter which means “Rock”, and begins shaping his future. Andrew’s role was not transformation—it was introduction. This truth frees us:

We bring people to Jesus. Jesus changes their hearts. God saves them and gets the glory.

John 1:29–42 shows us that faithful evangelism is simple and Christ-centered: point to Jesus; invite others to come and see; share what you have found; bring people to Christ and trust Him to work. Evangelism is not about pressure or performance. It is about loving people and we are working with God in evangelism.

In 1 Corinthians 1, the apostle Paul begins his letter by reminding the church that we are “called by the will of God” and “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1:1–2). Evangelism does not begin with human effort; it begins with God’s calling and grace. The church exists because God has acted first. God called you and me first and we should invite others to Jesus Christ.

Today’s texts teach us that evangelism is not driven by fear or pressure, but by grace, calling, and trust in God’s faithfulness.

Conclusion: My friends, we do not need special qualifications to be witnesses to Christ. We need only the conviction that everyone needs God’s grace—and that God has come for everyone in Jesus Christ. We invite people not for our own benefit, but for the sake of Jesus’ name. Do not be afraid. Jesus goes before us through the Holy Spirit. Evangelism is as simple as inviting someone to church, where the good news is proclaimed.

As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” There are so many hungry souls waiting for the invitation. We should go and find them rather than sitting and waiting.

Do not be ashamed or discouraged. This is not about bothering people; it is about life and salvation. It is our calling, our mission, and God’s command.

All of us can do this. We begin by opening our hearts and speaking honestly about what we have found—what Christ means to us—starting with our families and friends. Let them see that Christ makes a difference in your life.

Do not listen to the fear of the world. Pray first for those you invite. Listen to the Holy Spirit, who speaks to your heart. Share what you believe—or simply say, “Come and see.” With God, all things are possible.

As we share Christ with others, Christ becomes even more real to us, and our faith grows stronger than we imagine. The more we give, the more we receive. As Jesus promises, “Give, and it will be given to you… pressed down, shaken together, running over” (Luke 6:38). May it be so—for you and for me. Amen.