Sunday’s Sermon Sketches

January 19, 2003 (p.m.)

THE EVANGELISTIC AND

EVIDENCE-SEEKING APOSTLES

 I.  Those proving it for others

      A.  Following Philip’s conversion, he wanted to teach others

            (Jn. 1:43-45).

      B.  Andrew taught his brother (Jn. 1:40-42).

      C.  There is something about Christianity that should make us

            want to tell a friend (2 Tim. 2:2).

            1.  Christians today are not witnesses; the apostles were

                 (Acts 1:8).

            2.  Since we are not witnesses, we cannot testify.

      D.  Christians of the first century were teachers (Acts 8:4).

II.  Those wanting it proven for themselves

      A.  The name “Nathanael” is only mentioned by John in this

            passage and in 21:2.

      B.  Nathanael is believed to be the same person as

            Bartholomew.

      C.  This apostle was prejudiced against Nazareth (Jn. 1:46).

      D.  Nathanael received proof from Philip and the Lord

            (Jn. 1:45-48).

      E.  Thomas, who apparently was a twin (Jn. 11:16; 20:24), is

            infamous for his request for evidence (Jn. 20:25).

      F.  Perhaps we have been too harsh on Thomas (coining the

           phrase “Doubting Thomas”).  After all, he did accept the

           evidence once it was presented to him (Jn. 20:26-29).

Conclusion

1.  To advance the Lord’s Cause there must be individuals who

     seek evidence as well as individuals who are willing to provide

     that evidence.

2.  These four apostles (Philip, Andrew, Bartholomew, and

     Thomas) stress the importance of one’s influence.