Winning The Woman Series

INTRODUCTION

 As we continue on our journey with Jesus, we are going to stop with Jesus by a well.

 At this well we will find a woman whom once she encounters Jesus, she will never be the same and because of this meeting.

 At first glance, this encounter does not look like anything special, it is Jesus asking a woman to get Him a drink from a well.

 What is about this encounter with Jesus that made an everlasting change in this woman’s life?

 Over the next four weeks, we are going to spend time with Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4 to see what it was that impacted her life.

 The encounter that Jesus had with the woman at the well gives us some insight from the master as how to win people to Jesus.

 Jesus told us that the reason that He came was to seek and save that which is lost. (Luke 19:10)

 Jesus spent much of His time trying to reach people for the kingdom of God.

 When Jesus ascended into heaven, one of the last things that HE told us to do is to make disciples of all nations. He told us that we do that by baptizing them and by teaching them all that He taught.

 Whenever evangelism is mentioned, many people will start squirming in the pews. I used to do the same thing. Sharing my faith with other people was very intimidating to me and I know that it is for many other people.

 According to D. James Kennedy in any congregation if 10% of the people will do evangelism, then the church should grow. If at least 10% of the church will not evangelize, then the church will eventually shrink to 10% in size.

 A new preacher moved into town and thought it would be good to visit the homes of his members. So one Saturday he heads out with his list. All was going well until he came to one house where it was obvious someone was home but no one would answer the door. After knocking several times he took out his card and wrote Revelation 3:20 and stuck it in the door. The next day his card was returned in the offering plate with Genesis 3:10 scribbled below his message. Revelation 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him and he with me. Genesis 3:10 reads: And he said I heard thy voice, and I was afraid, because I was naked.

 Evangelism or telling other people about Jesus does not need to be intimidating.

 Sharing your faith with another person can be one of the most fulfilling things that you can do as a Christian.

 I want us to look at six tips by the Master as to how we can reach people for Jesus!

SERMON

I. JESUS WAS READY TO SHARE. READ VERSES 1-8

 I used to think that I never got any opportunities to share Jesus with other people when I worked in the factory. I would think that no one wanted to hear about Jesus.

 I went into work not being ready to talk with people about Jesus because I did not expect the opportunity.

 This story illustrates that opportunities to share the gospel are all around us, we just do not see them. One day I decided that I was going to ask God to show me the opportunities that I was not seeing. When I asked God to do that, I started seeing the opportunities that I had been missing.

 All around me were people who were looking for answers in life and I did not even notice it.

 Notice what is happening here. Jesus was traveling to Galilee from Judea. When He gets to Galilee, he encounters a woman at a well and asks her for a drink.

 This is a seemingly simple mundane activity that is a part of life, yet Jesus is going to use this as an opportunity to reach this woman.

 We do not have to get a person in the church building to share with them, not do you have to call the preacher in to do it. Many of us miss opportunities because we are not ready and open to the opportunity.

 1 PETER 3:15 tells us, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

 In the context, Peter is talking about being ready to share your faith with those who are persecuting you.