Found People, Find People

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Series: Big Give (3) Found People, Find People (John 1:35-42) December 20, 2015 * Today, we are the most entertained generation ever – more to do, connect with, read about, etc. -

this still hasn’t filled the need to be a part of something bigger. Like kids creating afternoon conquests – we want to be involved in something bigger, to make a difference.

* ”Lamb of God…..takes away sin of the world” * The gospel of Jesus is the good news that Christ has suffered the full wrath of God for my sin. He traded places with me. He lived the perfect life I should have lived, and died the death I deserved to die. - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (C.S. Lewis – “We do not come to God as bad people trying to become good people; we come as rebels to lay down our arms.”)

* A lot of Christians seem to be lacking something. * Big Give (series/emphasis) – congregational emphasis prioritizing the mission of God through compassion and generosity to Western North Carolina à to demonstrate the gospel as we also declare the gospel. * Saved–serve / Blessed–bless / Found–find à equip and challenge. * Understand the Gospel - Sounds simple, heard many times, what it really means v.36 – Behold – look at, gaze, understand - “Lamb of God” - John 1:29 * Background is Old Testament sacrificial system (which was a shadow of Christ). God started the sacrificial system for 2 reasons: ① For His people to hate sin. ② To help people long for a Savior whose sacrifice would be complete and perfect. -

Object lesson for worshippers – they had to offer very best animal, without blemish. Sin is costly. Introduced concept of substitution.



* Start with Relationships (vv 40-41) * Relationship is not essential for evangelism, but it sure helps. - Family à God desires to see your family saved – be intentional and keep praying. * God placed you in that family, community, classroom…. (Acts 17:26) * Some of you don’t know anybody who is unsaved. - Be hospitable - Be involved in neighborhood - Be a blessing at work -

God gave you that skill (teaching, business, medicine, etc.), not just as tool for making money, but as platform for spreading gospel.

* Make the Invitation (vv. 41-42) * Invite: - to let you pray for them - to a Connect Group service project - to lunch group - to church