S P E AK USING YOUR STORY TO REACH GOD'S KINGDOM

Transcription

1 S P E AK USING YOUR STORY TO REACH GOD'S KINGDOM

2 INTRO What comes to mind when you hear the word evangelism? Is it overwhelming? Confusing? Simple? Exciting? Foreign? Familiar? Evangelism simply means sharing the good news of our savior; one of the best ways to do this is by sharing your personal story. That s right, your personal story is the tool that God has given you to reach the world around you. From the grocery store clerk, to the lady at the nail salon, from the guy you play basketball with every Tuesday, to the family who lives next-door to you. These are the people we are called to share the story of what God has done and is doing in our lives. For most people, entering into a spiritual conversation is a lot like walking into a gas station to ask where you can find the Tennessee Theater. We walk in foreign to Knoxville and need guidance to get to the Tennessee Theater. As a foreigner to Knoxville, you are unfamiliar with the streets and landmarks and need explanation. The clerk attempts to guide you, but it is so natural to him he struggles with exact street names and can only offer up left / right turns and the obvious Sunsphere landmark that only gets you so far. Sometimes when talking to someone who doesn t know Jesus we take mental short cuts, much like the gas station clerk. We must take note, and map out the specific landmarks and road names that lead to the desired destination before we can help with directions. We pray that this four-week study will help you learn to share your story with confidence and clarity. Do not let this intimidate you. Everyone has a story. We believe that each person in your group will receive a blessing in hearing each other s stories and you will all get to know each other better!

3 WEEK ONE Read the story in Luke 5: and Luke 19: 1-10 see how Jesus modeled this for us. How did He respond? Spend some time meditating on your true thoughts and beliefs. Do you believe that we all have sinned and need a savior? Do you look for opportunities to have a conversation with those who are lost around you? [Opportunity] Do you encounter lost people in your day? At your job, at school, in your neighborhood? Read John 17: and memorize these words. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. This week, spend some time reading the verses and meditating on the questions. The goal of week one of this study is to create a foundation for the rest of the study. In order for you to be able to share your story, it is important to understand your part in the process. We are called to live purposefully in this world. In vs. 18 the word sent means to send with a commission. As Jesus was sent so we are sent, and everywhere, every moment we live with our sent purpose. That means living our everyday lives with a new sense of expectancy. Have you come to a place where you see that you have been called to live sent? It may seem intimidating but look at it this way [Perspective] How do you view people who are lost? Where are you headed tomorrow? Go there and do it with purpose. When you encounter a lost person, how does your heart respond? Do you take a step forward or do you walk away? Do you get to know them or do you decide they are too different from you?

4 [Vison] Look at your calendar for tomorrow. Ask God to unfilter your eyes from the mundane and uncover the supernatural purpose. Then simply go live sent where God has placed you. Do you have a passion for reaching the world around you? Read Luke 8:40-48 and see how Jesus modeled this for us. What inspires you about the way Jesus interacted with the bleeding woman? WEEK TWO the location of West Hills. We know without any doubt that we were sent by God to reach the community of West Hills. Did you know :: That there are 33,000 people in the West Hills Community? That approximately 80% of the people are nonbelievers. [ ~ 26,000] As a Church Campus in the West Hills community, we were sent out with purpose. That purpose is to reach people in this community. Sometimes that means hanging out at the park and getting to know the families there, sometimes that means mowing your neighbor s lawn, sometimes that means asking your server how you can pray for them, and sometimes that means slowing down enough to engage in the conversations that are prompted by the Spirit. Most of all, the inspiration for this vison will come from your personal walk with God. As you understand the truth to which you are called then act on what you know and let God handle the result. This week, spend some time reading the verses and meditating on the questions. The goal of week two is to build on what you learned in week one. Now that you have learned about your part, let s focus on identifying where you can make the biggest impact by sharing your story. [Facts] When there was first talk of launching a 2nd campus, a prayer team was sent out. They prayed over a handful of locations and asked God where He wanted us to go. The team came back UNANIMOUSLY with Spend some time today praying for the 26,000 people in this Community who don t have a relationship with Jesus. [Ownership] Is your neighbor a part of the 26,000 or the 7,000? God has chosen us to be a part of His ministry in Knoxville. You have been hand-picked by Him to be here at this exact moment for a specific purpose don t overlook His invitation. Read 2 Corinthians 5: and reflect.

5 Because of Jesus s life, death and resurrection, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. That word simply means a restoration of relations. In all of us, there is a deep desire to be at peace with other humans and with God. Think about how much you desire that. Think about how much the world desires that. Think about how much God desires that. What does it mean to you that you have been given the ministry of reconciliation? Are there any relationships that are specifically coming to mind that you should start with? Now, read Matthew 28:18-20 and reflect. You have been given the free and priceless gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, specifically to give it to others. This purpose that we have been talking about is not only for you it is for you to invite others into. What does that look like in your life? [Practice] Our biggest tool as believers is our testimony. When you begin to tell your story of reconciliation, the gospel gets personal for someone else. You are living proof that God is actively pursuing the world. When was the last time you shared your story? Spend some time this week writing your story. If this intimidates you or you are struggling, try one of the following :: 1] 2] Think of the one main word that described you before you had a personal relationship with Jesus. What was the most serious consequence of that word in your life? When finished with points 1 and 2 reflect on the following: Think of one main word that described you after you had a personal relationship with Jesus. How did that affect the consequence mentioned above? How did you come to know Christ? When did you realize your need to surrender your life to Jesus? What impact has that had on your life?

6 WEEK THREE Jesus is - the settler of nerves, the giver of courage, the author of the story. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in believers. You have the same power in you that Paul had, that John had, that Peter had. Prayer has the potential to activate that Spirit power that could lead to amazing conversations with nonbelievers. Write out a prayer to God in the space below. This could be an opportunity to ask for :: [Decide To Go] Read Luke 10:1-3. Consider the task that you have been invited to participate in. What has God done for you? How does that make you uniquely gifted to reach a certain group of people? Can you identify that group specifically? [Trust The Directions] Read Luke 10:4 It is easy to feel like you need to prepare and plan, but you are promised that the Holy Spirit will go with you and be your helper. With that truth, rest in the promise that the Holy Spirit will provide all that you will need. Do you believe your story is enough preparation? If not, why? Courage / Boldness Opportunity Words To Say This week, spend some time reading the verses and meditating on the questions. Now that you have learned about your part in the process, identified where you are most impactful; let s focus on some steps to take when you feel intimidated or confused. Let s break the bondage of fear, doubt, insecurity and so much more! [Pray] Read Colossians 4: 2-6. As we prepare to step out of our comfort zone, we must first remember the power of prayer and who Start with your neighbors (then move out!)

7 Use your phone to record yourself telling your story. Play it back to yourself and see how you would respond if someone shared that with you. [Stay The Course] Read Luke 10:4 Find a verse that contradicts the lie, write it below and then memorize it. WEEK FOUR sometimes it takes a progression of things before the relationship is ready for the gospel. Don t be intimidated, feel defeated or walk away. Jesus was a man who walked with people let s be a people who walk with people. Consistency is so important! Take some time this week and share your story When you feel the prompting from the Holy Spirit, go. Talk to the person, bring them a meal, invite them over for dinner. Staying the course simply means sticking with it. It is so easy to get deterred by fear, doubt, insecurity or rejection. But, remember, God simply calls us to follow Him. Let Him handle the results. He promised He would do far more than we could ever think or imagine, and much of that will not be seen by us until we reach eternity. Knowing we are about His business here on Earth gives us a great anticipation for His return. What distracts you from sharing your story? What are you most intimidated by when the opportunity rises? Examples :: [Doubt] For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. // 2 Timothy 1:7 [Fear] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. // Joshua 1:9 This week is all about practice! We will take all of the tools we have learned over the past three weeks and use them! Read the following and simply keep going. Like the example in the introduction with the gas station clerk, the more you practice giving directions the more confident and clear you will become. You are called. You are capable. You are not alone! [Keep Going to New Places] with a friend you have known for a while but haven t shared your story with yet. Then, share your story with a new friend. Share your experience with these challenges with your group! Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 and pray this truth over your group. [Insecurity] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. // Philippians 4:6 Now let s practice! Spend this week asking the Lord to reveal one person who you can share your story with. Remember,

8 LEADER GUIDE Week 1 & 2 Group Time :: - Read the scripture out loud. Have someone in your group paraphrase the passage out loud. Identify the Spiritual principal [truth] from the passage. In response to the answer[s] from above, ask yourself / the group the following question[s] :: Am I doing this? Am I trusting this? Am I believing this? Leave space / time at the end of the group for reflection. - Have everyone in your group share the answers to the questions asked from the study. Week 3 Group Time :: - Read the scripture out loud. Have someone in your group paraphrase the passage out loud. Identify the Spiritual principal [truth] from the passage. In response to the answer[s] from above, ask yourself / the group the following question[s] :: Am I doing this? Am I trusting this? Am I believing this? Leave space / time at the end of the group for reflection. - Have everyone in your group share the answers to the questions asked from the study. - Story Speed Dating We challenge your group to practice sharing their stories in under three minutes with as many people as possible in your Life Group! Week 4 Group Time :: - Read the scripture out loud. Have someone in your group paraphrase the passage out loud. Identify the Spiritual principal [truth] from the passage. In response to the answer[s] from above, ask yourself / the group the following question[s] :: Am I doing this? Am I trusting this? Am I believing this? Leave space / time at the end of the group for reflection. - Have everyone in your group share the answers to the questions asked from the study. - Share stories! - Set goals & hold each other accountable for making this a consistent part of your lives!

9 SERVICE LOCATION: WEST HILLS ELEMENTARY 409 Vanosdale Road, Knoxville, TN fbconcord.org/westhills