Q3. Bringing a Friend to Jesus

[Pastor Ralph]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences?

[pickledilly]

Andrew and the other unnamed disciple of John the Baptist immediately began to share the good news that the Messiah had come once they found Him for themselves.  Andrew wasted no time in finding his brother and bringing him directly to Jesus. 

 

Today, I think most people would rather invite someone to church rather than bringing them straight to Jesus themselves.  This is probably rooted in fear, insecurity, feelings of inadequacy, or never having truly encountered Jesus for themselves in a personal way.  And then, they may hear from the pulpit, as we do in my own church, “Just get them here so we can get them saved” (which is a dreadful and negligent attitude, in my understanding).  Jesus, and later the disciples, taught His Word of truth to very large crowds, and bringing someone to church will expose them to God’s Word.  But no one was personally introduced to the Savior and the salvation He offers that way.  The Holy Spirit can work in whatever way He chooses to convict and convince, but I think there’s far more impact through a one-on-one relational conversation (that doesn’t have to wait for a formal setting) where a believer introduces his/her Savior to someone who’s never met Him before.

[Jen]

Andrew first sought out his brother and told him "We have found the Messiah!".  He then took his brother directly to Jesus.

I think many people think that people will 'meet' Jesus in 'church'.  I was told about Jesus in church when I was little but never told about a personal relationship with Him.  So you cannot depend on the 'church' to do what you should do.   We are the church and it is our privilege to invite others to Christ.  He has sent us and given us all we need to do as He asks.

 

God Bless!

Jen

Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

[Gerbrand van Schalkwyk]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion?

He brought Peter to Christ. Andrew didn't know the message to give but he knew where the message could be found.

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church?

Just Luke Andrew they don't know what to say, so they hope that the person will receive the message at church.

This is a very sad state of many churches.

There is too much focus on feeding sheep instead of keeping a balance between feeding and equipping the saints. As soon as a new disciple is won he must be taught how to win disciples as well. yes at 1st he can just say a little bit but new Christians must know theyuit carry out the Word.

What might be the similarities? Andrew and unsure Christians brought people to where they could receive the Word.

What might be the differences?

Jesus developed disciples. Some churches develop sheep, not disciples

[Gerbrand van Schalkwyk]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion?

He brought Peter to Christ. Andrew didn't know the message to give but he knew where the message could be found.

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church?

Just Luke Andrew they don't know what to say, so they hope that the person will receive the message at church.

This is a very sad state of many churches.

There is too much focus on feeding sheep instead of keeping a balance between feeding and equipping the saints. As soon as a new disciple is won he must be taught how to win disciples as well. yes at 1st he can just say a little bit but new Christians must know theyuit carry out the Word.

What might be the similarities? Andrew and unsure Christians brought people to where they could receive the Word.

What might be the differences?

Jesus developed disciples. Some churches develop sheep, not disciples

[Gerbrand van Schalkwyk]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion?

He brought Peter to Christ. Andrew didn't know the message to give but he knew where the message could be found.

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church?

Just Luke Andrew they don't know what to say, so they hope that the person will receive the message at church.

This is a very sad state of many churches.

There is too much focus on feeding sheep instead of keeping a balance between feeding and equipping the saints. As soon as a new disciple is won he must be taught how to win disciples as well. yes at 1st he can just say a little bit but new Christians must know theyuit carry out the Word.

What might be the similarities? Andrew and unsure Christians brought people to where they could receive the Word.

What might be the differences?

Jesus developed disciples. Some churches develop sheep, not disciples

[JanMary]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion?

 

Andrew had heard John the Baptist's  account of Jesus' baptism and how the Heaven's had opened to Jesus, then the dove descending to light on Jesus' shoulder, and told them "He who sent me to baptize in water, 'Upon Whom you shall see the Spirit descend and remain, that One is He Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit'....and John's testimony was that Jesus "is the Son of God". Andrew went and stayed with Jesus for that day, then went and found Peter and told him "We have found (discovered) the Messiah...the Christ...the Anointed One....then Andrew brought Peter to Jesus who looked at him and said "You are Simon son of John. You shall be called Cephas...which translated is Peter (Stone)

 

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church?

 

Many reasons...fear of rejection or of not knowing how to share their testimony. Not wanting to take responsibility for sharing or getting personally involved...so invite them to church and wash their hands of the personal interaction. Perhaps they think it's the pastors job...it's not! His / her job is to feed and equip the flock and to shepherd. The sheep are to share their testimony that Jesus is the Son of God, as Andrew did with Peter. That should be our joy...to bring others into the family of God.

 

What might be the similarities?

 

Like Andrew, one might share the truth they've learned about Jesus first hand and then invite them to church to experience corporate worship and fellowship with a body of believers and help in the discipling process.

 

What might be the differences?

 

The difference might be that out of duty one might bring someone to church without being personally involved in communicating the Gospel...and hope for the message from the pulpit to be "caught" by osmosis...absolving them of sharing Christ one on one.

[haar]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences?
 

Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus

 

Christians bring people to programmes instead of introducing them to the person of Jesus.

 

The similarity is that there is an introduction [to church and to Jesus respectively] The difference is that people taken to church may get into the church and enjoy [programmes] but may not have a personal encounter with Jesus

 

 

[Clarence]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences?

 

I think that God has a sense of humour. Imagine what was going through Simon Peter's mind when Andrew told him, by the way we have found the Messiah! It would be like someone coming to us and saying, Jesus has come back, come and meet him. So inviting someone to church is not necesarily a substitute for introducing people to the Messiah. It may be that the person has been told about the Messiah as well as being invited to church. The church is God's chosen people (1 Peter 2:9). It is important for a person who is enquiring about the christian faith to meet other people of God also.

Care would need to be taken to make sure that church would not be too much of a culture shock to the person one is inviting. Perhaps it would be a good idea (if they are willing) to gradually introduce someone to church. In my experience praying for that person is important-as mentioned in the notes. In addition it is also important to be patient and let God/the Holy Spirt work in their lives. God will show you what to do next to help the person meet Christ.

Iv'e seen people introduced/almost coerced to Christ, by zealous christian/s, and then those introduced falling by the wayside because they weren't introduced to a church or followed up in any way. When I was a young Christian I remember trying to introduce people to Chtist out of a sense of duty, and making a complete mess of it.

[blezed]

What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences?          

• Andrew was the person that introduced Peter to Jesus.  Jesus no longer walks the earth, bringing people to church is the closest way one may feel to introducing them to Jesus.  The truth is that we should be witnessing to that person just as Andrew did.  We may feel that we are not equipped enough, but just giving your personal testimony of what Jesus has done for you would be a start of bringing a person to Jesus. 

[lighthouse2014]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences?

The role that Andrew play's in Simon Peter's  conversion is that he declares to Peter, "we have found the Messiah". Andrew wants Simon Perter to meet Jesus and be his disciple.

Today many Christians instead of bring a person to Christ they may say bring him to church to hear the word of God. This may not be a good idea, we should witness for Christ and then bring them to church to be a member of a congregation so they grow in their new christian life.   

[hanks]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) 

What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion? 

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? 

What might be the similarities? 

What might be the differences?

Andrew must have been convinced, from conversations with Jesus, that Jesus was the Messiah, as he quickly ran to share the good news with his brother Peter. He was a simple and clear witness of the Saviour he had found, resulting in Peter’s conversion. Like Andrew we are to look around and try to bring others to the Saviour. We must not wait for our relatives, friends or neighbours to find Jesus by themselves. Rather we are to take the imitative and witness to them trusting that the Holy Spirit will help in bringing them to the Lord. We can start by bringing them to church or another way is to lead them directly to Jesus. This we can do by explaining about the Lord’s comforting presence, power, and wisdom; that sin separates us from God; how God sent Jesus to die on the cross to cleanse us from our sins; how we can accept Jesus by faith; and finally get them to tell God themselves, that they are willing to trust Him for their salvation, by saying a simple prayer with them.  

 

[RebeccaMallinson]

Andrew introduced his brother Simon Peter to Jesus.  Simply bringing someone to church is unlikely (I think) to bring someone to Jesus, unless maybe they had been Christians who were being brought back and simply reminded of what they had left behind.  I think a much better way to introduce Jesus to act in a truly Christian spirit in our lives and in our dealings with others.  Taking someone to church will be a very different experience from meeting someone on their own ground.  I can’t think of any similarities.

[dillards]

What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion?

When Andrew saw the Truth, he of course wanted those whom he loved the most in this world to share in the good news and be saved too. So he sought out his brother. When we have blessings, its only natural to want to share it with those we love the most.

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church?

It's fear of ridicule. And pride. I don't like people to see how weak I am or how broken. We all want to put on a good face to the world but if we truly share our own testimony it shows how broken we are... how hopeless we are. I guess people don't think they have the power or the ability to lead someone else to Christ when we feel so tenuous in our own relationship with Him.

[SoiKosum]

(John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences? 

 

Andrew played a very significant part in Simon Peter's conversion. After Andrew had followed Jesus, he was excited and wanted his brother to share in his excitement. Accordingly, Andrew brought Simon Peter to see Jesus.

 

Today, Christianity is associated with going to church. Many Christians have this believe that God and Jesus is only in church. As such, they bring pre-believers to church to meet God and Jesus. While this act is not dissimilar to Andrew bringing Simon Peter to meet Jesus, it is also dissimilar in the sense that we need not only meet God in Church. When we are accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we accept Jesus into our lives and into our hearts. With this in mind, whenever we call on Jesus, He hears us. It does not mean that we have to be in Church to meet Jesus and for Him to hear us. We can call on Jesus anywhere and any time and we can be assured that He hears us... and will answer us. Amen.

 

 

[AHKriska]

What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion? He went running, I'm sure excitedly, to tell his brother the good news..."tell his brother."

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? It's easier to put the responsibility of "bringing" someone to experience a personal relationship with Jesus on the "church."  It's often more difficult to be part of the church (outside the walls) and testify your own relationship/life with Jesus and in doing so, lead someone to their own personal relationship.

What might be the similarities? Hearing testimony. Listening to the Word. Praying. Socializing.

What might be the differences?  Closer personal relationship with each other in an intimate setting.  Opportunity to dig deep and find faith deep down.  Opportunity to mentor an up and coming disciple.

[quilter]

Andrew knew that John the Baptist was sent by God . He wanted his brothers to meet the Messiah. John message had been a factor in Andrew following Jesus. Same as today we want our family and friends to follow Jesus and our duty as follower is to tell all about the Messiah.

 

We can tell anyone about Jesus and led them to accept him in a hay field as long as you explain what a difference it will make in their lives and will have eternal life with Jesus. It is good to have a church to help people in their conversion to pray with them and answer all question they have.

 

By being in a good bible based church these people can hear the true word preached and taught. We learn by hearing and I think hearing is best.

[Commissioned]

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences?

Andrew invited Simon Peter to met Jesus.  Today, many would bring a person to church instead of bringing them directly to Jesus because they may feel inadequate.  The similarities would be that they are introduced to Christ and have the opportunity to receive and believe in Jesus.  The difference might be that the presentation of Jesus being the Messiah, the redeemer, the One who bore our iniquities might be shared differently, one on one as opposed to hearing it in a full service.

[Old Jerry]

Andrew was the one that introduced Peter to Jesus. Today when Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church is because Jesus is not here in the flesh, only in the Spirit. The similarities is that Peter was introduced to Jesus and the thing that we do is to introduce the new person to the church because we are the body of Christ. The difference is that Peter was able to physically see Jesus when in the church we have to spiritually meet Jesus.

[parkerslope]

What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion?

Andrew goes to Peter and tells him that he has found the Messiah, the coming redeemer.  Then Andrew invited Peter to follow him to Jesus.

 

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing someone to Jesus with bringing them to church?

People has increasingly isolated themselves from other people.  By bringing them to church, Christians feel that their duty is done.  It is now up to the preacher to convert them.  Because we have been raised in a world that does not show love, love in a Christian has been watered down to where they feel that they are not "professional" enough to know the right things to say to the new person.

 

What might be the similarities?

When Jesus was on earth, the church did not exist, so when Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, it was similar to bringing him to church.

 

What might be the differences?

Today, we do not think about bringing people to Jesus, but rather to church to have the preacher tell them about Jesus.

[grace2free]

Q3. (John 1:40-42)

John 1:40-42 (KJV)
⁴⁰  One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
⁴¹  He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
⁴²  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.

 

What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion?

 

Andrew became the tool of the God as a soul winner.

 

Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church?

 

People love social gatherings thats why Christians invites and bring them to church and let the minister introduce them to Jesus.

 

What might be the similarities?

 

Just like the Jews they love to socialize but they love to meet and to be introduce to Jesus

 

What might be the differences?

 

Being introduce first to Jesus is receiving first the blessing of knowing him personaly. Then later on joining him to the church.

[royk]

I wonder what "new name" Jesus has for you? What future does he have for you to live into?

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences?

 

Evangelism for some is to start in 2 sentences how Jesus changed my life. Then how is your family, develop a relationship. Then invite the person to hear God's word in church or via one on one bible study. Going to church will stimulate, but it might take some time for the person to hear and feel God's presence.

 

Is God's name for me Liberty? 

[Stanley Tavaziva]

Andrew accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and immediately went to tell his brother, Simon, about him. There was no question in Andrew’s mind that Jesus was the Messiah. Not only did he tell his brother, but he was also eager to introduce others to Jesus

Bring someone to will enable him to fellowship with others and learn the word day by day in his christian walk.

[JoanG]

Andrew brings his brother to Jesus. He told him that he knows the Messiah. He wants Peter to meet Jesus immediately. He wants his brother to share in the teachings that he had already started to receive.

 

We are unable to get to Jesus as personally as the disciples did. The closest we have in an invitation to the establishment that Jesus started. We are opening our friends to a very "loving" community where they will be accepted and helped to understand better. They will hear how to pray, worship and share with Jesus.

 

The differences are that we need to have to trust our congregation to be as loving and accepting as Jesus was.

[John6:68-69]

Andrew is actually the initiator because, he brought Simon Peter to meet Jesus.

By bringing them to the church, they are bringing them to Jesus's house, where he is present

Similarity: they are introduced to God & his word;  Difference: with the whole congregation together worshiping the presence of God hopefully will be so powerful that they will be able to feel the Holy Spirit reach out to them.