The Importance of One.

We live in a world obsessed with numbers. We count followers, track metrics, measure success by attendance figures, and celebrate when the big numbers roll in. But what if the most important number in God's economy isn't a thousand or ten thousand—but simply one?

Heaven throws a party over one. One person who turns from darkness to light. One soul who discovers that thanks to Calvary, they don't have to live in their old life anymore.

There's a powerful truth embedded in that an old southern gospel song that many can sing but few can claim as their testimony: "Thanks to Calvary, I don't come here anymore." These aren't just beautiful lyrics—they represent a transformation that separates those who know about Jesus from those who truly know Him.

Most people around us can't sing that song with genuine conviction. Because their address hasn't changed—not the physical one, but the spiritual one. Their identity remains rooted in who they were, not who Christ can make them. And here's the sobering reality: some of those people aren't strangers. They're family members, coworkers, neighbors, and long-time friends.

In John 1:43-51, we find a simple but profound evangelistic model. Philip encounters Jesus and immediately thinks of Nathanael. He doesn't wait for Nathanael to wander into the right place at the right time. He doesn't assume someone else will tell him. Philip goes to find Nathanael.

When Nathanael expresses skepticism—"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"—Philip doesn't panic. He doesn't launch into a theological debate or try to win an argument. Instead, he offers the simplest, most powerful invitation in Scripture: "Come and see."

This reveals something we often forget in our comfortable Christianity: God's mission doesn't move forward through vague intentions. It moves forward through obedient footsteps.

Romans 10 asks some rather piercing questions: How can people call on someone they haven't believed in? How can they believe in someone they've never heard about? How can they hear without someone telling them? And how can anyone tell them unless they're sent?

Then comes that curious phrase about "beautiful feet." Why feet? Because feet move. Feet take us to the people who need to hear. God uses feet—even stinky, imperfect ones—to carry the good news.

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the smell of smoke. You look out and see your neighbor's house on fire, flames licking the back wall, but no lights on inside. Everyone's asleep.

What would you do? Would you stand on your porch hoping someone else notices? Would you think, "That's really none of my business"? Would you post a prayer request on social media?

Of course not. You'd sprint across the street. You'd pound on every door and window. You'd do whatever it took to wake them up and get them out before it was too late.

The gospel carries the same urgency. Our friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers without Jesus aren't merely unchurched—they're lost and headed toward eternal separation from God. If we'd risk embarrassment to save someone from a burning house, why do we hesitate to risk awkwardness to save someone from eternal death?

Jesus told a parable about a merchant searching for fine pearls who, upon finding one of exceptional value, sold everything he had to buy it (Matthew 13:45-46). Christ isn't one treasure among many—He's the treasure that reorders all other treasures.

When you truly encounter Jesus, you don't just add church to your schedule. You get a completely new life. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

This isn't about moral self-improvement. It's about spiritual resurrection—going from dead to alive. And that kind of transformation can't help but be noticed.

One of the most compelling witnesses you can offer isn't a perfectly articulated theological argument—it's simply your changed life. Not a perfect life, but an honest, humble, repentant, Christ-centered life that's moving in a new direction.

When your life has genuinely been transformed by Jesus, you have a story. And your story opens doors for the gospel to be shared.

But remember: your testimony is valuable, but the gospel is powerful. Your story is amazing, but it's the gospel that saves souls. So while you share what Jesus has done for you, always point people to the core message—that God loved us enough to send His Son to die for our sins, and that Jesus rose from the dead so we could have eternal life.

Here's one of the devil's favorite lies: "What difference can I make? I'm just one person." But that's exactly the point. God loves to begin with one.

One man named Philip. One man named Nathanael. One invitation to "come and see."

In John 4, one woman with a messy past had one encounter with Jesus at one well. She ran back to town saying, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did." Many believed because of her simple invitation.

In Acts 16, one jailer, one night, one earthquake, one gospel conversation—and suddenly not only was he saved, but his entire household.

You never know what your "one" might become. You might be inviting someone who will one day disciple dozens. You might be speaking to someone who will raise children to love Christ. You might be praying for someone who will become a faithful witness in their workplace for decades to come.

If we're serious about the importance of one, then let's get practical:
1. Invite one person to a meal. - Over the next year, take one unchurched or unsaved person out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. At some point, ask, "Have I ever told you my story?" Then share what Jesus has done in your life.
2. Invite one family into your home. - You don't need a passport for a mission trip. You can invite the mission to your dining room. Hospitality builds bridges, and Jesus frequently ate with people as a way of reaching them.
3. Invite one person to church. - Every empty seat is an opportunity for a name and a soul. And if they won't come to church at first, start with a meal, start with friendship, start with prayer. Then simply say, like Philip, "Come and see."

There's a grief worse than death—standing at a funeral and realizing someone died without Christ, and knowing deep down that you never took the time to tell them.

That's not guilt meant to condemn you. It's love calling you to encourage you. If the Lord is putting someone on your heart right now, don't push that prompting away. That pressure you feel isn't guilt—it's love.

It's better to have someone think, "Here they come again with Jesus," than to one day whisper, "God forgive me, I never told them."

Perhaps you're reading this and realizing you can't honestly sing, "Thanks to Calvary, I don't live here anymore." Maybe you don't have that story yet.

Then this moment is for you.

Jesus is the pearl of great price. He's not one option among many. He's the only Son of God who took your sin seriously enough to die for you. On a rugged cross, He shed His blood and satisfied the wrath of a holy God so you could have forgiveness. Three days later, He rose from the grave, proving He has power over death and can give you eternal life.

The Bible calls you to repent and believe. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Not might be. Not maybe. You *will* be saved.

And here’s what we we as disciples have to understand. Love doesn't whisper when the house is on fire. Love knocks. Love calls. Love moves.

So don't leave this moment with a vague thought. Leave with a name. Who's your one? Write it down. Pray for them. Ask God to open a door. Then take one step forward.

You're not responsible for the outcome—only for obedience. Sow some seeds. Do some watering. Let God give the increase.

Don't be ashamed of the gospel. Live boldly for Christ. Share your love of Jesus with everyone you meet.

Because ultimately, the only number that really matters is one.