The Main Thing | Herbert Cooper

1. Pray for God to open doors to share Jesus Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. (NIV) 3 Reasons People Miss Open Doors 1. People think open doors are for others but not for them Matthew 5:14–15   “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. (NLT) Mark 16:15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. (NLT) 2. People get so consumed with their life 3. People get so focused on earth they lose sight of heaven Philippians 1:21–24   For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22  But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23  I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24  But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. (NLT) 2. Pray I am clear as I share my faith Colossians 4:4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (NIV) 1. Clearly know what lost people are thinking Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (NIV) Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (NKJV) 4 Discoveries About Lost People 1. Most people have a wrong picture of God 2. Most people have a wrong picture of Christians 3. Most people want to know God. But they don’t know that they want to know God. 4. Most people will come to church on Easter if they are asked 2. Clearly build relationships and maximize opportunities Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (NIV) 3. Clearly share your story Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (NIV) Colossians 4:6   Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (NLT) Psalm 66:5   Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! (NLT) John 1:39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. (NLT) John 4:29   “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (NLT) John 4:39–42 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40  When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41  long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42  Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” (NLT)