Jesus didn’t look on the woman at the well as an adulterous sinner who was deserving of where she was at in life. He saw someone who was hurting and downcast. He saw her as a person in need of undeserved forgiveness and merciful salvation. For Jesus, she was like that lost sheep who the shepherd went after and searched out.
Evangelism
Seeking after the lost: A study on Jesus’ reaching out to the Samaritan woman at the well (Part 1)
Prejudices and biases are common among men. These evils can creep into individuals or even congregations. But followers of Jesus should seek a pure heart with a genuine burden for the lost. For that, we need the Holy Spirit to work in us, revealing to us our ungodly attitudes and rooting out impure motions and motives.
Sharing the gospel in love, gentleness, and respect
We aren’t called to argue for the gospel as an attorney. Instead, Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Witnesses tell of what they have seen or heard firsthand. Our role is to lovingly testify to the gospel and to be witnesses to the reality of how God has worked in our lives.
We are saved by grace, not by works. Works are to sequentially follow salvation.
In the book of James, believers are reminded that good works ought to accompany genuine faith. We can rest in absolute assurance, that our salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone and not by works. But, too, genuine faith in Christ will absolutely not let us rest from serving others for their betterment and Jesus’ glory.
The early church ministered to a man’s spirit, soul, and body
When a local church ministers to all three aspects within an individual (their spirit, soul, and body), it can make the difference between a relatively stagnant church and one that is making a fruitful impact for Christ in their community. The results can be seen in people being saved, growth of the church body, and spiritual growth in its individual members.
Faithfulness in sharing the gospel even when facing consequences: a Bible study of Acts 3:1 – 4:13
We are called to share the gospel, to become “fishers of men.” But it can be quite intimating, sometimes even fearful, to share the message of salvation through Jesus. In this study from Acts 4:1-13, we see Peter and John standing up for Jesus, regardless of their fear.
A house of prayer, praise, and invitation
Our local church should be a house of prayer, praise, and invitation; where the lost are openly welcomed to hear the gospel of Christ and experience His life-giving salvation and life-sustaining love. Learn more in this study from Matthew 21:12-16.
Paul and Silas share the gospel with their jailer: A Bible lesson from Acts 16:22-53
Paul and Silas were publicly stripped of their clothing, flogged, and then thrown in prison. Despite all this, that night they were able to share the gospel with an entire family who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. This, because Paul and Silas kept their focus on Christ, regardless of the circumstances they were in.
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