Beseech | John K. Jenkins Sr. | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Beseech

John K. Jenkins Sr.

First Baptist Church of Glenarden • Jan 11, 2026 • 102 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. launches a teaching series focused on equipping believers to win others to Christ through the BLESS model. Reviewing the FRANCIS acronym (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-workers/Classmates, Enemies, Strangers), he emphasizes that the first essential step in reaching lost individuals is to beseech God in prayer on their behalf. Drawing from 1 Timothy 1 and 2, Pastor Jenkins reminds believers that they are engaged in spiritual warfare and must approach God with faith, supplication, intercession, and thanksgiving, confident that God explicitly desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

Themes

Prayer and IntercessionEvangelism and Soul-WinningSpiritual WarfarePraying for AuthoritiesGod's Desire for Salvation

Pastor's Points

1.

FRANCIS Acronym: Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-workers/Classmates, Enemies, Strangers

2.

Step 1 of BLESS: Beseech God for them

3.

Four Aspects of Prayer in 1 Timothy 2:1: 1. Supplications (praying for specific needs) 2. Prayers (maintaining a constant posture/place of prayer) 3. Intercessions (making requests on behalf of others) 4. Giving of Thanks (thanking God on behalf of others)

Key Points

1.
Believers are equipped to reach the lost by identifying specific individuals in their lives using the FRANCIS acronym (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-workers/Classmates, Enemies, Strangers).
2.
Before attempting to reach lost individuals for Christ, believers must first beseech God on their behalf through earnest prayer.
3.
Christians are actively engaged in spiritual warfare and must wage good warfare by holding fast to faith and maintaining a good conscience.
4.
Supplication in prayer means asking God to meet specific practical and spiritual needs in the lives of others.
5.
Maintaining a posture of prayer allows believers to keep an open line of communication with God anywhere and at any time.
6.
Intercession involves bringing specific requests before God's throne on behalf of those who need Jesus.
7.
Believers can give thanks to God on behalf of others, recognizing His grace and protection even when those individuals do not acknowledge God themselves.
8.
Scripture commands Christians to pray for kings and all authority figures so that believers may lead quiet, peaceable, and godly lives.

Sermon Moments

“The acronym FRANCIS helps believers identify who needs Jesus: Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-workers/Classmates, Enemies, and Strangers.”

“"Every family has somebody whose elevator doesn't quite go all the way to the top floor—if you don't know who that is, you might be that person."”

“"Before you even try to reach them for the Lord, pray for them... beseech God for them."”

“"Instead of getting frustrated, mad, or upset when life doesn't go your way, realize that you're in a war. And guess what? God will empower you to win the war."”

“"I try to keep my prayer line open with God... Keep the place of prayer open all the time."”

“"Sometimes you have to thank God for some people who don't know enough to thank God for themselves."”

“"We can boldly go to God and talk to God about the people on our Francis list because the scripture tells us God wants all men to be saved."”

This Week

Write down specific names under each letter of the FRANCIS acronym (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-workers/Classmates, Enemies, Strangers).

Set aside dedicated daily prayer time to beseech God for the unsaved individuals on your FRANCIS list.

Pray supplications by asking God to meet specific personal, practical, and spiritual needs in the lives of those on your prayer list.

Cultivate a posture of continuous prayer throughout your daily activities, staying in constant communication with God anywhere you go.

Intentionally pray for government leaders and authority figures, asking God to grant wisdom and bring peace to your nation.

Give thanks to God on behalf of loved ones who do not yet recognize or thank God for His protection and provision.

Approach God's throne with confidence when praying for lost friends and family, claiming His promise that He desires all people to be saved.

Remember This

Before attempting to reach lost friends, family, and neighbors for Christ, believers must first boldly beseech God in prayer, knowing He desires everyone to be saved.

A Challenge for You

"Pull out your Francis list and we're going to take two minutes and pray for the people in our Francis list... Beseech God for the names on your list."

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.