Reaching People for Christ - Life.Church

Reaching People for Christ

Scripture References

• Luke 5:29
• John 4:28
• John 9:2
• John 9:26

Overview

God calls every Jesus-follower to be light in a dark world, yet many of us hesitate to share our faith. Pastor Craig and 88 Life.Church staff members teamed up to show why we shrink back and how simple it can be to lead someone to Christ. We can overcome fear, feelings of inadequacy, and complacency by using what we already have, inviting people to church, and telling our own story of transformation.

Main Points

Why we often hesitate

• We’re afraid—of rejection, awkwardness, or not having all the answers.
• We feel unqualified and worry we’ll be stumped by tough questions.
• We don’t want to appear pushy or judgmental.
• We grow complacent, forgetting the urgency of eternity.
  Reminder: You don’t need a degree; the same Spirit who raised Jesus lives in you, and you are Christ’s ambassador.

1. Use what you have

• Levi (Matthew) was a despised tax collector, yet the first thing he did after meeting Jesus was throw a banquet so friends could meet Him (Luke 5:29).

• Illustration: Pastor Allan imagined Levi firing up the grill, hiring his nephew’s band, and filling his house with outsiders—doing what he knew how to do.

• Modern application ideas:
  • Host a neighborhood game of basketball or soccer.
  • Invite co-workers to lunch instead of eating alone.
  • Open your home for a meal or to stream Church Online.

• Story: Jeremy, a salesman in Houston, started watching Church Online with two friends in a restaurant. The gathering grew, moved into a rented space, and his daughter met Christ and was baptized.

2. Invite someone to church

• The Samaritan woman simply told her town, “Come, see a man…” and they flocked to Jesus (John 4:28).

• Story: An Uber driver confided to Pastor Allan about depression and his father’s illness. Allan handed him a Church Online card, prayed with him in the car, and trusted God with the outcome.

• People regularly post crises on social media; a caring invitation may redirect an entire life.
• Pray this week: “Lord, who should I bring with me?”

3. Share your story

• When critics interrogated the man Jesus healed, he answered:

  “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see.”
  (John 9:2, 26)
  No theology degree—just his experience.

• Story: Pastor Allan dropped out of high school, pursued parties and money, battled depression, and contemplated suicide. One friend asked him to give Jesus a chance; Christ’s love saved him, his family, and future generations. That is why he is passionate about reaching people.

• Your story is irrefutable evidence of God’s power; tell it.

Practical challenge: The “Five Names” list

• Write down five people you know who need Jesus.
• Pray for them daily.
• Look for opportunities to use what you have, invite them, or share your story.

• Story: Pastor Craig did this 15 years ago; today all five on his list are faithful followers of Christ.

Key Truths

• Every believer is an ambassador empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Fear, inadequacy, and the desire not to be pushy are common but conquerable barriers.
• Ordinary resources—a house, a meal, a conversation—become evangelistic tools in God’s hands.
• A simple invitation can redirect a destiny.
• Personal testimony carries undeniable weight: people can debate doctrine, but not your changed life.

Response

• Identify and list five people God is prompting you to reach.
• Pray daily for their hearts to open to Christ.
• Leverage one everyday resource this week (a meal, hobby, or tech platform) to connect with them.
• Extend a clear, loving invitation to attend church or watch Church Online alongside you.
• Share a concise, honest version of your own salvation story when the moment arises.

Closing

Pastor Craig prayed that the church would shine brightly and God would draw multitudes to Himself through our obedience. The mission remains clear:

“We will do anything short of sin to reach people for Christ.”
Write the names, pray with faith, act in love, and watch God change lives—including yours.

Prayer

Lord, empower us by Your Spirit to use what we have, invite boldly, and share our stories authentically. Open the hearts of the five we’re naming before You. Draw them to Jesus, forgive their sins, and transform their lives for Your glory. Amen.