A Case Study in Communication
This presentation, based on John 4:1-18, teaches believers how to effectively share the gospel by examining Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman. The core message is that Jesus is the only one who can satisfy everyone's deepest need as the all-sufficient source of living water.
The presentation highlights three key lessons for sharing faith:
1. Go to people who don't know Jesus. Jesus intentionally passed through Samaria, a region Jews typically avoided due to deep-seated animosity stemming from historical and religious differences (e.g., intermarriage with Assyrians, differing cultural practices). Jesus defied cultural norms by speaking to a Samaritan woman and even sending his disciples to buy food from Samaritans, demonstrating that cultural differences should not hinder sharing the gospel.
2. Point people to Jesus, the source of living water. Jesus offered the woman "living water" that would quench thirst eternally, contrasting it with the physical water from Jacob's well, which only offers temporary satisfaction. This "living water" is presented as a gift from God, not something earned, representing Jesus' sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
3. Help people see that God knows them and still invites them to follow him. Jesus, knowing the Samaritan woman's past (five husbands and living with a man who was not her husband), still extended an invitation, revealing His divine knowledge and graciousness. This contrasts with Jesus' firm approach to religious leaders like Nicodemus, showing His graciousness towards those who are "in sin" but open to Him.
The presentation encourages believers to confront sin while offering God's forgiveness and restoration through Jesus, just as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman, who, despite being an outcast, was invited to become part of the "bride of Christ". It notes that areas like Harford County are "least reached," emphasizing the local need to apply these principles.