1. “My Friend Nic” Effective Outreach
Grace Community Church
John 3:1-15

3. Review and Looking ahead
How to present the Gospel
Where to practice the Gospel
Today: What to proclaim about the Gospel
It is not in your perfection – but your refection of Christ’s work in your life!

4. Every believer can be effective in outreach by sharing and living three basic truths of the gospel.

6. John Text Background: 92% material in the gospel of John is unique
Written after the other gospels (90AD) – as a supplement
The emphasis is that Jesus is the Son of God (& effectual consequence follows this presupposition)
The verb “believe” occurs almost 100 times (faith in action) – which emphasizes living and sharing
People don’t just need information – they need to see transformation!

7. Nicodemus – Background v.1
“Pharisee” – zealous for the law; scrupulous in his observance of it
“Member of the Jewish ruling council” – A high position of leadership in his nation..a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin
“He came to Jesus as night” – didn’t want to give the wrong idea, not coming as a committed disciple

8. Nicodemus – Speaks v.2
Sincere inquirer (Unlike his contemporaries he both attributed the works done by Jesus to God – and showed him respect)
Gentleman – Jesus did not belong in the formal acknowledged schools of sacred learning, but saluted him with an equal title of his own
Thinker – He carefully had observed Jesus works and concluded that only a man sent from God could do such things.
Took Initial Step of Faith (albeit small)

9. Basic Truths to Live and Share
 First Interaction v. 2-3
JESUS ABRUPTLY cuts to the issue, speaking to Nic’s condition.
Nic is trusting in his religious credentials
WHATEVER DRIVES YOU REVEALS A LOT ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION.

11. Basic Truths to Live and Share
 First Interaction v. 2-3
JESUS ABRUPTLY cuts to the issue, speaking to Nic’s condition.
Nic is trusting in his religious credentials
1st BASIC TRUTH: The gospel brings a change in motivation
Matthew 16:20 – The Message, “…you are not in the drivers seat, I am.”

12. Basic Truths to Live and Share
 Second Interaction v. 4-7
Nicodemus is startled! “How can a man stuck in his ways start over?!”
(The very least he didn’t understand why he needed rebirth)
Jesus tries another angle by reminding Nicodemus – spiritual beginnings are initiated through spiritual change

13. Ezekiel 36:25-27 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.  26I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  27And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 

14. Basic Truths to Live and Share
 Second Interaction v. 4-7
Nicodemus is startled! “How can a man stuck in his ways start over?!”
(The very least he didn’t understand why he needed rebirth)
Jesus tries another angle by reminding Nicodemus – spiritual beginnings are initiated through change
2nd BASIC TRUTH: The gospel brings a change in values

15. Basic Truths to Live and Share
 Third Interaction v. 8-9
 Jesus continues by sharing as the wind cannot be controlled by human wisdom or power – neither can the work of the Spirit
What we have seen in Acts / long to see more of at Grace
The effects of the wind are unmistakable
3rd BASIC TRUTH: 3rd The gospel brings a change in direction

16. Conclusion v.10-15 At the time, Nic still doesn’t get it
Jesus appeals to a story he would have known since a boy…

17. Conclusion v.10-15
How can you be effective in Outreach? Share and Model:
The Gospel brings a change in motivation (REBIRTH)
The Gospel brings a change in values (REGENERATION)
The Gospel brings a change in direction (REORIENTATION)