THRIVING IN 2025 – 07/20/25
GO & HARVEST THE OVERLOAD
The emphasis in the word this week was in thriving in 2025, one must seek to pursue and harvest souls for Jesus Christ. It’s about striving to be disciples of Jesus Christ and thriving in the harvesting of souls.
Being a Disciple of Jesus is not just about being a believer but a follower, one who learns, imitates, and obeys Christ. They must have a relationship with Jesus abiding in Him according to John 15:5, walk in obedience to His Word which tells us “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples…”, according to John 8:31.
- Denying Self – Luke 9:23 (Take up your cross daily and follow Him.)
- Love for Others – John 13:35 (“By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.”)
- Fruit-bearing life – Galatians 5:22–23 (Living by the Spirit produces visible fruit.)
Jesus’ last command was not only to follow Him but to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). Making disciples embodies: Evangelizing – Sharing the Gospel (Romans 10:14), Teaching – Helping others grow in the Word and faith (2 Timothy 2:2), Modeling the disciples of Jesus – Living as an example others can follow (1 Corinthians 11:1), Mentoring – Walking alongside others in their journey (Acts 18:24–26), Multiplying – Disciples who make disciples create a spiritual legacy.
In other words, one must first be a disciple before they can make disciples. You can’t lead others where you haven’t gone yourself. Start where you are, with your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Use intentional relationships like coffee meetups, bible study, prayer calls, mentorship and always point people back to Jesus, not yourself.
Your past experiences, both good and painful, can become a powerful testimony to draw others to Christ. Revelation 12:11 tells us “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…,” while 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 God comforts us so we can comfort others with the same comfort we received.
In so doing we must be real and transparent. Never try to polish your past, simply share it authentically. People connect with real struggles, not perfect stories. For example: “I once struggled with fear, but Jesus gave me peace.”
Secondly, show the before and after of your life in Christ. Paint a picture of your life before Christ, what led you to Him, and how He transformed you. Before we were broken, searching and hurt. Then share your encounter with Jesus about what God did in your life. Finally share your new hope, healing and purpose.
Thirdly, always shift the focus from you to Jesus. Your story is the bridge, but the goal is Christ. For example, “I couldn’t change myself, but Jesus gave me a new heart.” Use scripture to anchor your story. Connect your experience to God’s Word. For example, if you overcame addiction reference John 8:36 which tells us, “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” If you found healing reference, Isaiah 53:5 which tells us, “By His stripes we are healed”.
Fourthly, it is important to know Your Audience, to whom you are witnessing. Adapt your testimony to the person or group you’re speaking to, whether it is to a hurting friend by emphasizing God’s comfort, or to a skeptic, by highlighting God’s power to change lives.
In today’s age the method of witnessing is vast. It can be done one-on-one conversations social media posts, small group bible study, outreach evangelism, to name a few. However, if it is done, it is always best to keep it simple and short.
Matthew 9:36 helps us understand our place in harvesting souls for Christ for it says, “When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36, NIV). This verse actually reveals to us Jesus’ vision of the crowd, His compassion for their condition. However, He continues in verse 37 to show us that He was not to be the only one harvesting souls but every disciple has a place in it too for He said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
This verse shows us that we are called to be laborers, we must pray for more workers, pray to have Jesus’ eyes & heart and recognizing that we are Shepherd-helpers.
