The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Anjela Paje of Spokane, WA, from the tape, GC 1301-Q, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 19."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1980. All Rights Reserved.

Question

I would like to ask you what you think about “Friendship Evangelism,” and, what I mean by that is, forming close friendships with non-Christians. I know there is a verse that says, “that we should love all men, but especially those of the household of faith.”

Answer

Do you know what they accused Jesus of? They accused Him of being a friend of sinners. I think that we ought to have friendships with sinners. How else are we going to win them to Christ? The greatest soil for Evangelism is friendship. When you give yourself to someone, when you pour your heart out to someone...why do you think Jesus came healing? He was meeting people at their deepest point of need with mercy and love, and He was establishing in them an affection and a gratitude for Him as an individual for what He had done for them. And, out of that affection, and out of that gratitude could grow faith. I mean, standing on a corner screaming at a bunch of strangers isn't nearly as effective as a friendship. I think, that it is critical that we establish that. You know, He went home with Zacchaeus, who is the crumb of the town. And, they accused Him of hanging around prostitutes. Remember what He said? "The well people do not need a physician, the sick do." I think that is the greatest way of Evangelism.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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