Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . Inviting to “Come and See.”

“The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip” (John 1:43-46).

“Come and see” is the answer we can give to the questions from friends and strangers alike. How do I know what you say is true? “Come and see.” How do I know that what you live is true? “Come and see.” We are conscious of our lives’ being a witness for Christ. We live so others can see Christ through us. We even tell others about Jesus, but what do we say when asked, “Is it true?” We say as Philip did, “Come and see.” Come to worship and Bible class, come to fun and fellowship, come and see that Jesus is the Christ and the way to heaven.

Philip was not sure what to do about feeding the multitudes, as John relates in John 6:5-7. He was not sure what to do with the Greeks (Gentiles) that came to see Jesus, as told in John 12:20-21. Maybe Philip was a bit shy or timid; maybe he just did not know what to say, but he did watch and see, and he invited others to come and see.

Today, we do not always have all the answers. We have our own little doubts. We are shy and timid at times. Don’t we also watch and see, watch and believe? At times our response to the questions and excuses of our circle of influence should be, “Come and see.” For when our questioners do come and see, the Holy Spirit works growth through the seeds that are planted, and the Word of the Lord will not return void. Bring your unchurched family and friends to “come and see” and to believe in Jesus. Come and see Christ do great things.

49 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs