Serve Sundays
April 06, 2024
Who’s Your One? Imagine if every member of Jersey could answer that question with the name of a person—a person for whom they’re praying, for whom they’re caring, and for whom they’re looking for opportunities to connect to Christ by sharing the gospel. How would it change our church? How would it change the world?
God’s people don’t merely need another method for evangelism. What they need is a passion to see people who are far from God experience the new life He offers through Jesus Christ.
It doesn’t matter how many buildings we construct, sermons we preach, or groups we teach if we’re not intent on doing everything so that lost men, women, and children will experience the transforming work of God. Without that one thing, we fail.
That’s why we are launching Who’s Your One. This effort is designed to mobilize the people of our church to identify one person in his or her relational network to pray for and share the gospel with in 2020. It’s not an elaborate or complicated idea, but if we’re going to continue moving the evangelism needle in our church, we’ve got to be modeling what we’re preaching. By God’s grace, we can all partner to reach our One.
- Pastor John
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6
Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12
Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18
Day 19 | Day 20 | Day 21 | Day 22 | Day 23 | Day 24
Day 25 | Day 26 | Day 27 | Day 28 | Day 29 | Day 30
Day 31 | Day 32 | Day 33 | Day 34 | Day 35 | Day 36
Day 37 | Day 38 | Day 39 | Day 40
DAY 1 – SPREADING HIS NAME
For the Scripture tells Pharaoh, I raised you up for this reason so that I may display my power in you and that my name may be proclaimed in the whole earth. ROMANS 9:17, CSB
God is passionate about the fame of His name spreading. Whether we realize it or not, everyone is a part of this. Even Pharaoh’s actions played a role in God’s name being proclaimed throughout the whole earth. We joyfully come alongside God in making Him known to the corners of the world. How do we do this? We do this by faithfully sharing the good news of Jesus with one person at a time. And with the collective labor of God’s people living on mission, God’s name will one day be proclaimed everywhere. One day, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth before the King. Identify your One—one person you see on a consistent basis who you can begin praying for, caring for, and looking for ways to connect them to Christ.
DAY 2 – THE SCOPE OF HIS GLORY
Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples. PSALM 96:3, CSB
We declare what we are most excited about. We naturally share the things we find most appealing or beautiful. Likewise, we are motivated to share the gospel because our eyes have seen the beauty of God Himself. We have experienced His goodness, glory and mighty works, and we are compelled to share this with others, including our One. We share the glory we have borne witness to. God is ultimate, and the scope of His glory expands throughout the whole earth. The Psalmist exhorts readers to share who God is and what He has done among the nations. He is worthy to be praised throughout the whole earth, including among our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. Join the Psalmist in this global declaration of God’s glorious character and His mighty deeds. Pray God would give you clarity and peace about who He would have you focus on as your One.
DAY 3 – SHARING FROM A HEART OF THANKFULNESS
Give thanks to the LORD; proclaim his name! Make his works known among the peoples. Declare that his name is exalted. ISAIAH 12:4, CSB
We are motivated to share the gospel out of thanksgiving to God. The Lord is our salvation (Isaiah 24:2), and He has turned away His anger from us and welcomed us into His family through Christ. From the outpouring of our thankfulness is a desire for others to know His goodness as well. We proclaim, make known, and declare who God is and what He has done because we understand—even if in small degrees—where we would be had He not intervened in our lives. With thankful hearts, we push past our insecurities, fears and people pleasing, and we share with our friends, neighbors and our One the greatest news we have ever heard and they will ever hear. Spend five minutes brainstorming who your One could be. Write down the names God brings to mind.
DAY 4 – THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before you. PSALM 22:27, CSB
It is not enough that only a small portion of the human population bow down in worship to God. All will bow before Him. All of the families of the nations will stand in humble submission before Him, including ourselves. As we share the gospel message, we should remember that our efforts are bigger than ourselves. When we see new converts baptized, we should be reminded those moments are a part of God’s name and fame being spread throughout all of the earth. The spreading of the gospel may begin with you sharing with your One in your neighborhood or workplace, but it will not stay there. This news is too good, and God is too glorious, for His name to not be spread to the ends of the earth. We can faithfully join Him in this mission. Pray specifically for the names God brought to your mind yesterday. Ask Him for a clear leading with who your One should be.
DAY 5 – THE GREAT MEDIATOR
For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. 1 TIMOTHY 2:5–6, CSB
A mediator intervenes between two parties. When you buy a house, your realtor serves as a mediator of sorts, communicating between the buyer and the seller. When two siblings are in a heated argument, parents serve as a mediator between the opposing parties. Jesus is our mediator because He restored the harmony between God and humanity, which was broken by sin. Sometimes, we find substitute mediators which attempt to bridge the gap that existed between us and God. We may rely on our own good works, our authority or another person’s intimate relationship with God. But we soon see these mediators fail to deliver. The good news we share with ourselves and our One is that Jesus’ atonement on the cross was sufficient to bring us into a relationship with God. Because of Christ our mediator, we can now run to God as a Father instead of cowering before Him as judge. Pray God would give you confirmation regarding who He has as your One.
DAY 6 – FOR THE WHOLE WORLD
He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world. 1 JOHN 2:2, CSB
The scope of Jesus’ atonement goes beyond our personal salvation. It is amazing that Jesus cares about each individual person saved, including you! After all, it is said that He leaves the 99 to save one (Luke 15). But His redemption does not stop with our salvation. He died for the sins of your closest loved ones and your greatest enemy. He came to save your most intimate relationship and mere acquaintances. He gave Himself for those who would trust in His name, and He has entrusted His people to take this message of redemption to the world. As you marvel at your own story of redemption, begin to direct your attention to those around you whom God may be wooing to Himself. He died for you and them. He died for your One. Praise God for all He did in leading you to your One. Ask Him for continued wisdom as you begin to focus on your One.
DAY 7 – DEFINED BY OUR ‘YES’
A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. JOHN 10:10, CSB
Unfortunately, the Christian walk can easily be defined by the list of things we say “no” to. This presents to the world a God who wants to prevent us from experiencing the goodness He has for us. In sharing the gospel, we offer to our friends and family real, genuine and full life in this life and in the life to come. In our witness, we present Jesus as the one who gives abundant life. We can be defined by the things we say yes to—yes to love, hope, peace, joy, fullness, good news and more. In doing so, we reflect to the world a God who came so we may have fullness of life. Commit now to regularly praying for your One who does not know Christ. Ask God for what your next step should be with your One.
DAY 8 – YOU ARE WORTHY BECAUSE OF CHRIST
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." JOHN 14:6, CSB
By default, our hearts want to justify ourselves through our accomplishments. We sweat, strive and toil to prove to ourselves, the world and God we are worthy. We are worthy of affection and love. We are worthy of honor and recognition. We are worthy of admiration and esteem. But the only way to God is outside of ourselves. While not altogether worthless, our striving is but vapor before the face of a holy and perfect God. The good news we bring to our friends and family who do not know Jesus is that the only way to the Father is through Jesus. We come to the feet of Jesus as our true selves: broken, tired and in need of restoration, and it is here we see Him as “the way, the truth and the life.” Our way to God is found outside of ourselves, and on this path we find joy in the fact that we can never lose what we did not earn. Contact your One and ask if they are available to get together with you any time soon to catch up on how they are doing.
DAY 9 – AS YOU GO, HE IS WITH YOU
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. MATTHEW 28:18–20, CSB
One of the most beautiful lines in the Great Commission is the promise of God’s abiding presence as we take the gospel message, in word and in deed, to the corners of the earth. The scope of the task is vast. God has commissioned us to go, make disciples, baptize and teach to the nations. This includes those in our own backyards. While we may not board a plane to a remote undisclosed location, we have been called to make disciples of all nations—including our own. The scope of the task is great, but the promise of the Lord to be with us as we go is clear. As you share the good news with your One, remind yourself that you are not alone. Pray that the motivation of your evangelism to your One is the desire to please the Father and the glory of His name.
DAY 10 – CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. EPHESIANS 2:10, CSB
We are not saved by our good works—since Jesus’ atonement was sufficient for our redemption—but we are saved for good works. Each day we wake up, there are good deeds God has for us to do. He knows what they are, and we get the privilege of discovering them as we engage life. One aspect of these good deeds is our faithfulness to share the good news of Jesus where we live, work and play. Don’t get so busy in your everyday life that you forget the intentionality it takes to share Christ’s love with others. Our evangelism does not make God love us any more than He already does in Christ, but perhaps we will discover more of God’s love for us and those around us as we engage our One. Pray you would not allow the fear of not being able to speak eloquently to deter you from eventually sharing the gospel with you One.
DAY 11 – LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. MATTHEW 5:16, CSB
As Christians, we are the light of the world, and one way we let our light shine is through our good works. Our good works toward others are not only a way for us to display the love of Christ, but it is also an evangelistic opportunity in and of itself. Those who do not know Jesus are watching us, and when they see our good deeds— which aren’t motivated out of our trying to be loved by God, but instead are an over flow of the love we have received from God— there is an opportunity for them to glorify our Father in heaven. As you go about your day, don’t neglect the evangelistic impact your kindness to others may have. Pray God would give you a way to show kindness to your One, so they may one day give glory to your Heavenly Father.
DAY 12 – THE VALUE OF THE KINGDOM
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. MATTHEW 13:44, CSB
How valuable do you perceive God’s kingdom to be? In the movie National Treasure, main character Ben Gates (played by Nicholas Cage) abandons everything to find a treasure his family spent decades unsuccessfully searching for. With his eyes on the prize in front of him, he stops at nothing to follow the clues hidden throughout the United States to find the treasure. Similarly, the man in Matthew 13:44 joyfully gave up all he had because of the value of what he was getting in return. The kingdom of God held so much weight to him that selling all he had was a small cost compared to his gain. As missionary Jim Elliot put it, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Never stop seeing the kingdom of God as the greatest treasure, and set your heart adamantly on inviting our One into this joy. Pray the heart of your One would be miraculously changed to value the kingdom of God like a treasure.
DAY 13 – SHARING IN THE BLESSING
Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people ... I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19, 22B–23, CSB
Paul was so devoted to winning people to Christ that he willingly brought himself low—to the point of referring to himself as a servant—in hopes that God may save some. He did whatever he had to do to remove barriers that may have prevented people from believing and trusting in Christ by wholly giving of himself to the needs and service others. It is paradoxical that Paul sees the giving of himself as “sharing in the blessings.” While our sin nature tells us to hoard our time, talent, treasures and even the good news for our own joy and blessing, there is great benefit for both the hearer and the proclaimer of the gospel. May we seek to share in the blessings to be had when we become all things to all people in order to save some. Pray God would remind you, through the Holy Spirit, that you are not alone on God’s mission.
DAY 14 – THE GOOD NEWS ENTRUSTED TO YOU
Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness—and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:4–6, CSB
Have you ever allowed the opinions of others to keep you from sharing your faith with your One? Perhaps a perfect opportunity presents itself, and you feel the distinct nudge of the Holy Spirit. You may notice the other person’s voice is muffled and tuned out because insecurities begin to flood your thoughts. “What will they think of me? What if I offend them with what I believe? Who am I to share this message, and what if they ask questions I don’t know the answers to?” God has entrusted the message of the gospel to you, and perhaps this moment is one of the good works He has prepared in advance for you to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). It's almost impossible to obey God while trying to please people. Pray God would strengthen your spiritual muscles to endure in prayer, word, and deed for the salvation of your One.
DAY 15 – SHARING THE GOSPEL AND OUR LIVES
Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7–8, CSB
You have heard, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Sharing the gospel is not less than a verbal proclamation or announcement, but it is more. We share the good news of Jesus in word while sharing our lives. When we display the love of Christ to others and build relational capital, we begin tilling the soil of their hearts to not only hear the good news but to experience it through our own lives and friendship. Pray God would help you identify one way you could care for your One that He might save them. Schedule a time to act on God’s leading in the near future.
DAY 16 – PLEASING THE FATHER
No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. 2 TIMOTHY 2:4, CSB
The concerns of everyday life can leave our zeal for evangelism quenched. Our ever-growing to-do list piles high with no end in sight. Errands are left undone, tasks unfinished and cares of this world begin to choke out our vision for the kingdom we’re really living for. We can so easily lose sight of the fact that, as important as these things are, this world is not our home. May we seek to cultivate our own love for the Lord each day, so that our desire to please Him trumps our busy hearts. Pray for all the One's God has led people from our church to focus on. Ask God to give us all additional strength knowing we are on mission together for Him.
DAY 17 – KEEP GOING
For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up. HEBREWS 12:3, CSB
If we are living intentionally to advance God’s kingdom, we will grow weary. Our souls and bodies grow tired with time and age. Life’s harsh realities put a wet towel on our fiery passion which once burned brightly. But we find hope to endure when we look at the cross. As we think on the person and work of Jesus, we place our hope in the One who endured immense hostility to the point of death on the cross. He did this so we would not give up. As the great crowd of witnesses spurs you on, keep running the race set before you with endurance, with your eyes ever fixed on the Savior. While it may take years or decades to see that friend, family member or your One come to Christ, “be steadfast, immoveable, always excelling in Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Pray God strengthens you in whatever way you are in need of currently so you remain steadfast, immovable, and always excelling in His work.
DAY 18 – THE PRESSURE IS OFF
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. JOHN 6:44, CSB
Sometimes we feel pressure that we are responsible for a person becoming a Christian. We may place an overemphasis on saying the right words or finding the right time to share the gospel. Like trying to enter a game of double-dutch, we strategically rock back and forth while attempting to figure out when to jump in with the big news. Rest assured, God will give you wisdom for how and when to share. But if you’re a Christian, find joy in the fact that you’re already in the game, and the pressure of performance is off. It is not in our ability to save people, but we are called to deliver the message, and God gives us the privilege to be used by Him. As you share the best news with your One, leave the results of salvation up to the God who draws people to Himself, and relish the joy of joining God in His mission as He makes all things new. As you go about your day, look for opportunities the Lord has given you to be His hands, feet and mouthpiece to those you encounter.
DAY 19 – GOD GIVES GROWTH
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5–6, CSB
If you like fast-action results, you should not take up gardening. It is the slow and steady act of consistent day-in and day-out nurturing and cultivating the plants. Likewise, sharing the gospel where we live, work and play can be slow work. We build relationships and share the love of Christ in word and deed. We pray our friends and family who do not know Christ will turn away from their sins and turn toward Him in humble submission. In this sometimes-slow process, the Lord uses other men and women to call people to Himself. Each person has a role they play in their influence of drawing people into the kingdom. While God uses our labor and the labors of others, true spiritual growth comes from God Himself. As you share the gospel with your One, resist the urge to become frustrated when people become Christians or grow spiritually as a result of another’s influence. You may plant and another may water, but ultimately God causes them to grow. Pray now that one day your One will be standing with you before the throne of God in worship, no matter what role you are called to play.
DAY 20 – THE LORD OPENS HEARTS
A God-fearing woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying. ACTS 16:14, CSB
Opportunities to share the gospel can happen at unexpected times, and we have to be vigilant to recognize them when they come. Paul and his companions went to sit by a river to pray. When they found the space occupied, they engaged the women who were there. It is here we witness God open the heart of Lydia in response to Paul’s proclamation of the gospel. We never know the degree to which God is working in a person’s heart, but we can depend on God to open the hearts of those we share the gospel with. God and His Word are sufficient to do the heavy lifting in our evangelism. Remain faithful to share His Word. You never know who may be listening and whose heart will be opened. Pray God would give you an opportunity ways you can share the gospel with your One at some point soon.
DAY 21 – REMEMBER THE MUSTARD SEED
He presented another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It’s the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it’s taller than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.” MATTHEW 13:31–32, CSB
If the disciples were here today, they would be amazed at the expansion of the kingdom of God thus far. They were witnesses to these words spoken by Jesus in the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. They would remember at that point, gospel expansion resided largely in Jerusalem, but it’s impact would begin to spread like a contagious (welcomed) virus. Perhaps they would look out at the tribes, tongues, and nations who are following Jesus today, and they would whisper to themselves in remembrance, “the mustard seed!” Their labor has been carried on for centuries after their deaths, and the fruit of their work has lived on. The kingdom started small, but it has grown to epic proportions, and it continues to grow. What a privilege that we play a small role in the kingdom’s expansion. As you see men and women, including your One, come to faith in Jesus, remember the mustard seed. Spend five minutes praying for your One and their salvation. Pray the Lord opens doors to speak the truth of the gospel in love to them.
DAY 22 – THE ONE IS PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT
What man among you, who has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it? When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance. LUKE 15:4–7, CSB
Bigger is better, and more is greater. That’s what we’re led to believe. We celebrate large numbers and record- breaking moments (as we should). Of course, we want to see people come to Christ in large numbers. We want to see more and more people experience the joy which comes from an intimate relationship with Jesus. The world has seen its share of revivals, and we celebrate and praise God for these moments. In the midst of the multitudes repenting and coming to faith in Christ, don’t neglect the joy of the one sinner who repents. God rejoices over the one sinner who repents. Pray God gives you a renewed focus to see your One as precious in His sight.
DAY 23 – WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. PROVERBS 11:24, CSB
Generosity benefits the giver and the receiver. It is paradoxical for the Bible to assert that the more we give, the more we gain, since our hearts incline us to hoard instead of give. In Christ, we have been given a treasure in the form of good news (2 Corinthians 4:7), and there is much to gain in sharing this news with others. When we are generous with the gospel message, which has been entrusted to us, it is not only for the recipient’s benefit. When we generously share the gospel with our One, we gain something too, be it in the form of intimacy with the Lord, the joy of being used by Him or a reminder for ourselves in our very words about how precious this news really is. Pray for questions you can ask your One to get to know them more and better understand what hurdles may exist between them and the Lord.
DAY 24 – REACHING FAMILY
He escorted them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized. He brought them into his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had come to believe in God with his entire household. ACTS 16:30–34, CSB
Paul and Silas were a part of saving the jailer’s life twice: once from taking his own life out of fear and another time through hearing the good news. As a result of his physical and spiritual salvation, his whole family comes to know the Lord! You may have heard it said that family members are the hardest people to witness to, but this should not prevent us from sharing the good news with those who we share our bloodline. May there be much rejoicing in your own family over those who come to know the Lord. As you cross the street and witness to your neighbor or with strangers, don’t forget or neglect those in your own family tree. Find out more about your One's story and how they came to believe what they believe.
DAY 25 – THE HOLY SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE
The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.” When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him [...] The eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or someone else?” Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture. ACTS 8:29–3; 34–35, CSB
What a joy to have inquiring hearts initiate to us in search of truth! We often intentionally seek out others to share the gospel with, but sometimes God has been preparing a person’s hearts to receive the good news, and all that’s left is a divine encounter with a faithful Christian who is willing to share the best news we’ve ever heard. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as He prompts you to share with others, especially your One. Find a tool that can help you clearly and concisely communicate the gospel. We recommend Three Circles, which can be found in the lobby or at namb.net/3circles.
DAY 26 – PRAY FOR GOOD SOIL
Then he said to them: “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand all of the parables? The sower sows the word. Some are like the word sown on the path. When they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. And others are like seed sown on rocky ground. When they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. But they have no root; they are short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately fall away. Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those like seed sown on good ground hear the word, welcome it, and produce fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what was sown.” MARK 4:13–20, CSB
People will inevitably respond to the gospel differently. Some hear the truth, and Satan steals it. Others hear it and joyfully accept it, but the hardship of this world, uproot and reveal its shallowness. Others allow the cares of this world to choke out the truth, and what fruit they would have produced dies. And some hear the good news, receive it with joy and produce fruit beyond what we could ever ask or imagine. You are not responsible for how your One responds to the message, but you are responsible to share it. God will be with us as we spread gospel seeds and may the good news of the kingdom fall on fertile soil in the hearts of hearers. Pray that in every situation, the Holy Spirit would give you discernment to answer questions accurately and the wisdom to always be prepared to share the good news.
DAY 27 – THE BLINDNESS OF UNBELIEVERS
In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4–6, CSB
The way we live as Christians looks like foolishness to the unbeliever. They are prevented from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, and consequently, the things of Christ appear strange and foreign. They are prevented from seeing and being in an intimate relationship with God Himself. As we share the gospel with our One, we do not share in such a way as to make ourselves look great. We proclaim Christ as servant messengers who are praying God would use us to shine light into the darkness of the lives of unbelievers. May this light give knowledge to those we share the good news with each day. Engage your One in a way that your words and your life are defined by your “yeses” and not the things to which you say “no.” Communicate clearly that Jesus came to give your One full and eternal life now and in the age to come.
DAY 28 – GOD LEADS THROUGH HIS PEOPLE
Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. PSALM 77:19–20, CSB
God could have led the Israelites across the Red Sea and into the Promised Land without the assistance of any human, but He chose not to rescue them this way. While God’s people were saved through the miraculous parting of The Red Sea, He used Moses and Aaron to do it. This is the pattern we see throughout scripture. God’s plan of redemption for the world is accomplished through His people sharing the gospel. He does not have to use us, but He chooses to use us for His name’s sake. God leads His people through His people. Never underestimate the role you can and will play in the lives of those you are sharing the gospel with and then discipling. If God is going to do a work in your One’s life, He will likely use you and other believers to do it. Identify what your One may use—esteem, recognition, power, etc.—to justify themselves. Share with them the good news that Jesus gives us rest from endless striving.
DAY 29 – BE CONSTANT IN PRAYER
This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him. 1 JOHN 5:14-15, CSB
Some have labored on our knees and through the verbal proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of those close to us. The years pile high with no inkling of spiritual interest on their part, and we begin to wonder if our whispered prayers are to the white walls in our room instead of to the God of the universe. Why has God not answered my prayers to save my best friend, brother or co-worker? Why is my One still not walking with the Lord? We assume the hard work of evangelism is spent preparing a perfectly crafted gospel presentation, getting the message out there and watching the Holy Spirit work. But perhaps the greater work happens on our knees when no one is watching. God hears our petitions to save those we love. He longs for them to be saved, too. He is not slow, and He desires all to repent and to come to a saving knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:9). Take heart, laborer. Always pray, never give up and do not grow weary of the good work you are doing in evangelism. Your Father hears you. Pray for endurance despite persecution and hardship as we continue to share the good news of the gospel with our One's.
DAY 30 – HUMBLE BOLDNESS
Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should. EPHESIANS 6:19–20, CSB
When we share the gospel, we are dependent on the Holy Spirit to give us the appropriate words to say at the right time. He guides us to know what questions to ask and when to ask them. He gives us the boldness to proclaim an offensive and joyous message in a humbling way. Paul’s prayer for boldness was a recognition that it is easy to shrink back from the truth of the message. It is easy to allow the opinion of our hearers, or our One, to outweigh the opinion of our Father. When was the last time you declared to your One an amazing work God did for you? This week, pray for boldness to share an amazing work God has done in your life with your One.
DAY 31 – PLENTIFUL HARVEST AND FEW WORKERS
After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and he sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” LUKE 10:1–2, CSB
There is not a shortage of lost people in the world. The harvest of individuals and communities who need the good news is vast, but the workers who are willing to go and proclaim the gospel message are few. As a result, we are commanded by Jesus to pray for workers to go into the harvest. In the midst of praying for workers, do not be surprised if God makes you one of them. We all have a responsibility in fulfilling the Great Commission, and we are not called to do it alone. Christ sent out 72 other disciples in pairs to complete the ministry work He gave them to do. Pray your One would be added to the kingdom of God and would join the rich heritage of gospel-proclaiming believers who have come before them, including yourself!
DAY 32 – THE POWER OF WORDS
Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. COLOSSIANS 4:2–6, CSB
We are dependent on the Lord throughout the whole process of evangelism. We not only need God’s power to open doors for us to share, but we need Him to give us discernment to know how and when to walk through the doors He has opened. When we find ourselves in a gospel conversation, we may wonder what we should say, do and when we should speak with boldness or ask questions. As the Holy Spirit guides us in our gospel conversations, we should not underestimate the power of our words. It’s not just about what we say in presenting the gospel but how we say it. As the Lord directs us, our words should be gracious and seasoned with salt so we would know how to respond to each person we encounter. Pray God would allow your speech with your One to be gracious, seasoned with salt, so you will know how to answer them.
DAY 33 – GOD CHOSE YOU
But Moses replied to the LORD, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant—because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish.” The LORD said to him, “Who placed a mouth on humans? Who makes a person mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.” EXODUS 4:10–12, CSB
When the Lord called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses had an arsenal of excuses why he was not the most qualified person for the job. One of his reasons was his inability—past and present—to speak eloquently. Despite whether this was true or not, God chose Moses for this task. Likewise, there are men and women in your life who God has chosen you to share the gospel with. One of the reasons we may be hesitant to share is because we simply do not know what we would say. Our culture is enamored by articulate speakers who can speak intellectually about the claims of Christianity. But God has chosen you to share the good news with your family, friends, neighbor or your One. He made no mistake. He made the mouth, and He will show you what to say. He will help you speak. Are you willing to be used by Him? This week, as you look for opportunities to verbally share Christ, don’t neglect a key aspect of evangelism where you’re sharing yourself as well. Share your joys, your struggles and your life with those you are trying to reach for Christ. How will you share your life and the gospel with your One this week?
DAY 34 – COME AND SEE!
The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”). JOHN 1:35–42, CSB
We naturally recruit people to what we are passionate and excited about. When you see a movie, piece of artwork, sports game, etc., our natural inclination is to grab people to share in our joy. Our joy is more complete when they look in wonder at what you both find amazing. When we share the gospel, we are inviting people to “come and see” the God of the universe and His deep love for them. It’s natural for us to go to the people closest to us in relational proximity, like a family member. Don’t underestimate the power of saying “come and see” to a family member who is lost. Say “come and see” by inviting a family member or your One to come to church with you in the near future.
DAY 35 – BEAUTIFUL FEET
How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. ROMANS 10:14–15, CSB
Our words are critical. While we can display aspects of the gospel through our actions, sinners cannot come to faith in Christ without hearing the gospel message. According to Romans 10:14–15: we are sent, we preach the gospel, they hear the gospel and then they believe the gospel. We have control over going and speaking. God initiates their listening and accepting. But the proclaimer’s feet are not beautiful because a person came to Christ. Their feet are beautiful because they were faithful to proclaim the message. As you go throughout your day, may you be a carrier of the best news to your One and beyond. Pray the Lord would give you endurance to faithfully proclaim the gospel with your One.
DAY 36 – GOD IS NOT SLOW
Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 PETER 3:8–9, CSB
It’s hard to endure in evangelism. We have friends and family members we have been praying for and sharing the gospel with for years, and there is not the slightest nudge of spiritual interest, let alone conversion. Sharing the gospel can be discouraging, but God’s timing is not like ours. God is patient, and He does not desire anyone to perish. Keep laboring in faith knowing you serve a God who is not slow, but is patient with you and with those you are sharing with, including your One. As you let your light shine this week, ask the Lord for His help in overcoming any discouragement by reminding you of one way your One has expressed a need in their life and find a way to meet the need.
DAY 37 – HE CARES DEEPLY
So the LORD said, “You cared about the plant, which you did not labor over and did not grow. It appeared in a night and perished in a night. But may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many animals?” JONAH 4:10–11 CSB
Jonah was one of the most successful evangelists in the Old Testament, and he was also the most upset about it. To Jonah’s frustration, God extended mercy to the wicked Ninevites when they repented. He cares deeply for those who do not know Him, and He cares immensely for your One and others you are sharing the gospel with. He does not desire a single person to perish and spend eternity away from Himself, including the vilest of humans. Never believe a person is too far gone to be wooed back into the loving arms of the Savior. We can trust God to work in a person’s heart so they will repent and turn to Him, like the people in Nineveh. Pray that as you share your life and the gospel with your One, you would be reminded that only the Father can draw people to Himself.
DAY 38 – THE MISSION CANNOT FAIL
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. MATTHEW 16:18, CSB
God will build His Church through the faithfulness of His people. The mission is great, but He promises this mission will not fail! No matter the enemies who come upon us as we seek to share the gospel with our One, the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church. The message of the gospel will continue to go forth despite famine, calamity, persecution and hardship. Be encouraged that you are on a mission with God’s people that cannot fail. His power working in and through us will keep us in the fight until the day he makes all things new. Pray the Lord would open doors for you to share the gospel with your One this week, and pray your words would be gracious as you share the good news of Christ.
DAY 39 – BETTER THAN WE CAN IMAGINE
And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth. REVELATION 5:9–10, CSB
The kingdom of Heaven will be far greater than we ever dared imagine. All of our tiresome, stressful and awkward moments of evangelism will be incomparable when we stand shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters from around the world and admire and worship the King. On this day, may we look around and see men and women— maybe even our One—the Lord gave us the privilege of ushering into the kingdom. When we worship Him without the effects of our sin or the brokenness of our world, we will know that this is where we were meant to be all along—with God and with His people. Recall the people who played a role in your own story of salvation. Communicate—a thank you note, a phone call, a text message, etc.—your gratitude for their willingness to be used by the Lord to call you to Himself.
DAY 40 – THE GLORY TO COME
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life.” REVELATION 21:3–6, CSB
These verses are hard to believe because we have only known a world with death, grief, crying and pain. God gives a glimpse of the joy to come when we will finally be with him in the deepest and most intimate way possible. This is what we are inviting people into. As we invite people to come and see, and we share with our One the good news about the One who shed his blood for them, we are inviting them into a kingdom they were created for and a person they were created to know. He promises He is making all things new, and one day His work will be complete. May this picture of his coming reign propel us into our neighborhoods, work places and homes to faithfully share the best news: there is a God who loved them at the highest cost. He gave His life for them, so that they would turn from the evil inclinations of their hearts and find eternal rest in the arms of their Savior. In Him, it is finished. In Him, we find the eternal rests our hearts have longed for. Thank the Lord for everything He has done in you and your One over the past 40 days. Pray for Him to make the next steps with your One clear moving forward.
WHAT’S NEXT?
As you share with your One, we pray God would begin transforming their hearts and minds to turn to Him in repentance and joy. If your One comes to know the Lord, rejoice with them in the fact that they are born again (John 3)! If they haven’t already been attending church with you, invite them to begin sitting under the teaching of God’s Word with you. Spend time with them throughout the week or after church following up with them by explaining the necessity of knowing God through His Word, prayer, His people, and evangelism. Talk with them about the value of becoming a member of a local church and the purpose of baptism. Begin helping them understand your church’s process of baptism. On the day when they are baptized and publicly declare their allegiance to Christ, celebrate and worship God together that another brother or sister in the faith has passed from death to life! Praise be to God!
