1. Cultivating a heart for evangelism. Jn. 1:35-45

2.   From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, people (looking for the Messiah) were bringing others to Him.  Andrew found and brought his brother to Jesus. Jn. 1:40-42  Philip found Nathanael and brought him to Jesus. Jn. 1:45  What was it about Jesus that caused men to bring others to Him? cp. Acts 8:1ff Introduction

3.   They’re at least three undeniable qualities is manifest by those who bring others to Christ.  They long for and love God and believe Jesus to be the Christ.  They see others: not as mere mortals.  They (followers of Jesus) have a polarizing effect upon others. Introduction

4.   We love hearing from/about others who evangelize (often in difficult places)…possibly admiring them.  We want – to want – to share the gospel with others, but verbalize reason as to why we cannot/do not evangelize.  The reality: The Lord’s church in this country is not very evangelistic, especially in our own communities. American View of Evangelism

5. Dr. Del Tackett concluded his class on Veritology: “Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?” “You know folks, 36 of us here, if we walked out of this room really believing all this stuff was really real, I mean really real, we’d turn the world upside down. I’ve often thought if I really believe that when I went before God in prayer that I was really walking into the throne room and God was leaning forward with his arms out, and says “come closer, let’s talk”, if I really believed that, I wouldn’t have trouble praying, I’d have trouble getting up and leaving.

6.   Those who have an intense love for the Lord: cp. Matt. 22:37  Their love for God shows in their behavior AND speech.  As such, God’s salvation through Jesus Christ cannot be contained to self but shared with others. Loving God Intensely with a Conviction in Jesus Christ

7. C.S. Lewis ~ “You have never met a mere mortal.”

8.   Those genuinely interested in the eternal welfare of their neighbors happily bring them to Jesus.  As long as there are millions destitute of the Word of God and knowledge of Jesus Christ, it will be impossible for me to devote time and energy to those who have both. – J. L. Ewen (missionary) The Value of a Soul Matthew 22:39

9.   Build relationships with your neighbors: we are not traveling missionaries.  Give them a genuine reason to believe you really care for them: they will be more open to coming to Jesus.  Pray with your neighbors: they may be going through personal struggles and would appreciate your concern. Suggestions

10.   When Christians who intensely love God and their neighbors: one of two things happen.  Some are absolutely turned off by those with a genuine love to bring them to Jesus.  Others (likely searching/in desperation for salvation) see your life as a fragrance that attracts them to the Lord. cp. 2 Cor. 2:14-17 A Polarizing Effect

11.  When our relationship with God is filled with love we will joyfully bring others to Jesus. Conclusion