Wings of Faith

Entertainment or Evangelism? John 4-7--38

1. Intro

1. 1. Do we gather for entertainment, to watch a program or learn about evangelism

1. 1. do we hear the program or do we hear from God
   2. do we promote the program or do we promote God
   3. are we equipped to do Gods purpose or our own and call it God

1. 1. Do our modern concepts of evangelism miss the mark?

1. Compare Nicodemus (spiritual adulterer) with Samaritan (physical adulterer) women.

1. 1. Comparisons/differences both well known, but for different reasons

1. 1. Nicodemus religious leader respected
   2. Woman practiced adultery in town, not respected
   3. Nicodemus sought out Jesus
   4. Woman just happened to be there
   5. Nicodemus had no impact on his peers
   6. The woman brought back a whole town
   7. Jews (Nicodemus) started to reject him
   8. Samaritans/Gentiles (woman) accepted him

1. How did Jesus end up with the woman? [v 4-1—6]

1. 1. John the Baptist just gave last testimony as to Jesus as the Messiah

1. 1. the Jews got mad/hostile in Judea-------Jesus was getting more and more followers
   2. had to leave to go to Galilee—thru Samaria, it was the shortest distance-------Jews then went around Samaria------did not acceot them because they did not accept all scripture, only the Books of Moses, differing theology and got hostile at times
   3. Jews despised the Samaritans (believers despise non-believers)

1. The well encounter [v 4-7—38]

1. 1. there came a woman-----why------just happened along she was thirsty

1. 1. Jesus and disciples had been travelling a long way and were tired, 6 pm
   2. Most left—not John—to buy food
   3. Woman came in search of water
   4. Surprised Jesus talked to her as Jews despised Samarians especially the women
   5. Jesus boldly declared what He could give [v 4-10]

1. 1. living water better than Jacobs well [75-100ft deep] and had sweet water compared to nearby springs ie are you better than Jacob that gave us this well? Yea and Yea
   2. gift of God His spirit, salvation, unity of Jews and Gentiles
   3. [v4-11---14] he could give her eternal life the gift of the spirit

1. 1. woman misunderstood thought it was like running water we have today
   2. it is running-- but by the Spirit, it flows into us and then out of us to others take out the stopper and let it flow!
   3. Jesus then demonstrated who he was [v 4-16—19] he said get you husband----she had none, but had 5 before and one she was living with she was not married—living in adultery, is it so with some churches today, spiritual adultery
   4. She said they worshipped in Samaria, the Jews say worship in Jerusalem-----Jesus said both wrong, must worship in spirit and truth as God is Spirit
   5. Then he boldy declared who he was [v 4-25—26] she said the Messiah is coming and will declare all things to them, Jesus said "I who speak to you am He"
   6. His disciples showed up and were amazed he was speaking to a woman, they said nothing, the women went and got the town to come back [4 27-30]
   7. Town coming back, must have been a bunch, Jesus talks of fields ripe for harvest {4 31—38]

1. What happens today

1. 1. we worship in a tabernacle (church building) never see the harvest , we are entertained, the new covenant is not about physical worship
   2. Jesus took the message to the people, we try to take the people to the message
   3. We take the wheat to the reaper, but there may not have been a sower first, cant get a harvest with out sowing seed (the word)

1. Is there a remedy?

1. 1. smaller churches and more churches and lots of them, to really equip those that say they believe in Jesus thru the 5 fold ministry gifts to do the will of our Father who art in heaven, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!
   2. To equip, build up, show yourself approved (ready) and send you out to do the same thing over and over again, this is our mission

Father may your will be our will , may your desires be our desires as we come to you thirsting for the living water you provide so we may go and offer a drink in your name.