Podcast Summary

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Episode: Best of 2025: Three Ways to Introduce Your Friends to Jesus (Part 1 of 2)
Date: December 23, 2025
Guest: J. John (British Evangelist)
Location of Talk: Times Square Church, New York City

Episode Overview

This special "Best of 2025" episode focuses on practical and compassionate ways Christians can introduce their friends, family, and community to Jesus. The renowned British evangelist J. John shares compelling stories, biblical insights, and memorable analogies, calling listeners to become more intentional and relational in their faith outreach. Through humor and heartfelt narratives, J. John emphasizes the importance of personal connection, prayer, and authentic witness in sharing the gospel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redefining the Missionary Calling

• Being a Missionary:
  • J. John challenges traditional views:

    "A missionary is not someone who crosses the sea. A missionary is someone who sees the cross." (02:12)

• Scriptural Foundation:
  • Cites Matthew 28:19 and Acts 1:8 as the Great Commission’s core, emphasizing both the authority of Jesus and the empowerment by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses.

2. Starting Where You Are: The 'Jerusalem' Principle

• Focus on Relationships:
  • Christians are called to start their outreach with those they already know:

    "We have to reach our world by cultivating the web of relationships that we have already got with those with whom we have a common kinship with family and friends." (01:13, 15:54)

• Overcoming Fear of Opinion:
  • J. John uses a vivid personal story—losing his son in a department store—to illustrate the urgency and unselfconsciousness with which we should seek the lost:

    "Why would I care what people thought of me? My son was lost." (07:27)

• Biblical Analogy:
  • Emphasizes that Christians must not be "frozen at the mouth" but compelled by Christ’s love.

3. Intentionality in Outreach: Three Practices (Part One Introduced)

• #1: Be More Intentional in Praying (19:14)
  • Power of Prayer: "When we pray, coincidences happen. And when we don't, they don't." (20:08)
  • David Livingstone Story:
    • Tells how the famous missionary’s survival was linked to a night when 46 prayer warriors were interceding, matching the number of "giants" seen by his would-be attackers.
  • Personal Testimonies:
    • J. John and his wife Killy regularly pray for 46 acquaintances who do not know Jesus, stressing nothing is random when carried by prayer.
    • Healing Story: Shares how praying the Lord’s Prayer by the bedside of a comatose neighbor resulted in her miraculous recovery. (22:06)
  • Practical Encouragement:

    "Just write down everyone you know doesn't know Jesus, and pray for them every day." (23:36)

    • On Prayer Walks: They pray for their village, for revival in England and America, and are open to spontaneous nudges from the Holy Spirit during daily life.

4. Stories of Courage, Love, and Human Connection

• Reaching Out Beyond Comfort
  • Describes responding to a neighbor’s request to pray for her dying adult son, Johnny, illustrating the emotional and relational openness necessary in gospel sharing:

    "He then said this. I would rather have a hug." (24:16)

    • J. John and his wife hug Johnny, creating a sacred, emotional moment. Johnny, an atheist, allows prayer, showing openness rooted in compassion, not pressure.
  • These stories highlight that authenticity and love often open doors where arguments or pressure do not.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Heart of Evangelism:

  "The love of Christ compels me." (02:32)

• Evangelistic Humor:

  "Too many Christians have taken literally what Jesus said to three disciples. See that? You tell no one. Many Christians are like arctic rivers. They're frozen at the mouth." (05:45)

• The Power of Prayer:

  "When we pray, coincidences happen. And when we don’t, they don’t." (20:08)

• On Prioritizing Personal Relationships:

  "If you want them to come to church, well, you have to invite them to your home first." (17:02)

• About Intentionality:

  "We all need to become far more intentional in doing three things. One, we need to be more intentional in praying." (19:08)

• The Human Element in Ministry:

  "I always ignore it. I used to battle, but now I don't. I just go with it." (23:57, on following nudges to connect with people)
  "He says, look, I'm an atheist, but if you need to pray, go ahead." (24:39)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:12]: J. John redefines a missionary; launches main theme
• [05:45]: Challenge about being "frozen at the mouth"—calling for boldness
• [07:27]: Lost child story—analogy for spiritual lostness
• [13:40]: Standing for lost friends/family; practical step to reconnect
• [15:54]: Explains "Jerusalem" as starting with family and close acquaintances
• [17:02]: Emphasis on relationship over programs; “invite them to your home first”
• [19:08]: Introduction of three intentional habits; focus on prayer
• [20:08]: David Livingstone/prayer story
• [22:06]: Coma healing story by prayer at the ICU
• [23:36]: Practical advice: daily prayer for all unsaved acquaintances
• [24:16]: Healing, hug story with neighbor’s son Johnny

Conclusion & Transition to Part 2

The episode concludes with J. John on the brink of continuing his story about Johnny, highlighting compassion as a conduit for faith conversations. The focus is set on practical steps—especially prayer—as J. John prepares to later expand on two more ways to be intentional in introducing friends to Jesus.

Episode Tone & Language

J. John’s delivery is warm, humorous, animated, and deeply personal. His use of stories, practical advice, and gentle challenges are presented with both British wit and pastorally compassionate urgency, making his message highly relatable and heartfelt.

Next Episode Tease

The story of Johnny continues, and J. John will unfold the remaining strategies for relational evangelism in "Part 2."