John 1:41-45 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Je-sus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
This year I have selected as a theme for 2018 “Won by One.” That Phrase has always tugged at my heart. First, the title implies personal soul winning or witnessing. Secondly, it involves personal relationships through which to do one’s witnessing. Finally, this theme involves discipleship.
In 2017, I taught the principles of witnessing through “Concentric Circles of Concern.” In other words, start with family and close friends then move to the other less known, like neighbors or workmates. The whole point is that people we know and are close to are easier to bring to or tell about Christ.
In the above passage you have brothers following Christ and then brothers bringing or introducing brothers (family) to Jesus. Notice the simple way in which they did it. First they gave their testimony and then they brought them to hear and see for themselves. Christ did the rest. That is not rocket science. It doesn’t take a Bible degree or many years of study. It only takes an enthusiastic, willing and obedient subject.
There are plenty of other examples as well. To name a few; there was the woman at the well to her community, there was the scattered believers (Acts 8:4), and there was Aquila and Pricilla to Apollos (Acts 18). These are only a few of the many examples.
Perhaps the often overlooked responsibility of the Won by One concept is the follow up discipleship involved. Once the person we influence to Christ is in the faith our responsibility to oversee their discipleship has just begun. We can se up a Bible Study at the their house or our own. This incorporates fellowship as well. We can invite others to drop in occasionally as a “Get to Know You” time also. If you are not comfortable personally leading a study then go to the pastor who can find someone. Be looking, however, for an upcoming discipleship training class.
So, how do I get started? That is not as difficult as it sounds. Invite family, friends, or workmates to special events like the Cantata, Dedication Sunday, special music or speakers etc. Be involved on the follow up visit. Most importantly show in unique ways and times the you personally care.