Why Sharing My Faith Matters. Getting the Good News Wrong. Getting the Good News Right. Using God s Law and My Story

Transcription

1 201 Sharing Your Faith Reproduce True Chris ans reproduce. Do YOU have spiritual kids? When was the last time you shared your faith? Do you know how? Do you lack courage? By the end of this study, you will have the tools and the confidence to share your faith with anyone, anywhere! Look for answers to these ques ons and more: I m shy. Am I really required to evangelize? How can I use my salvation story to impact others? How do I reach my unsaved neighbors? How can I find out if my friends are going to Heaven? Do even good people go to hell? How do I take the conversation beyond sports and the weather? What do the 10 commandments have to do with Jesus? What must a person know to be saved? Table of Contents Chapter 1 Caring About the Lost Why Sharing My Faith Matters Chapter 2 A False Gospel Getting the Good News Wrong Chapter 3 The True Gospel Getting the Good News Right Chapter 4 From Good to Forgiven Using God s Law and My Story Chapter 5 Equipped to Share Being Intentional About Evangelism P. 3 P. 13 P. 19 P. 23 P. 31 Appendix A Answer Key Appendix B Reading Plan Appendix C Bible Study Appendix D Memory Verses Appendix E My Story Appendix F Additional Resources P. 39 P. 42 P. 43 P. 44 P. 45 P. 46 1

2 2 All scripture is quoted from: The New Interna onal Version. (2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

3 Chapter 1 Caring About the Lost Why Sharing My Faith Matters The Love Test Honestly evaluate yourself by completing the following statements (Check any box that applies): 1. The thought of sharing my faith: Terrifies me Embarrasses me Excites me Bores me 2. I believe the person with whom I share my faith would probably: Thank me Physically attack me Think I m a fanatic It doesn t matter what they do to me 3. An unsaved person will: Be eternally happy Die unfulfilled Still go to Heaven Spend eternity in Hell 4. The fact that anyone could suffer in Hell forever: Doesn t worry me Concerns me Horrifies me Isn t my problem 5. I could conquer my fears about sharing my faith if each time I tried I was given: $20 $100 $1,000 A promise that God would be with me 6. According to Colossians 1:28, we are told that we should be warning: All Jews Our relatives Every person Every Christian 3

4 7. In light of the command in Col. 1:28, I have been: Disobedient Faithful Unaware of my responsibility Complacent 8. I am: An on fire Christian who will use any means to reach the lost with the gospel (see 1 Cor. 9:19-23) Neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm (see Revelation 3:16) Not sure if my love for Christ is strong enough (see John 14:15) 9. If I saw a blind man walking toward a 1,000 foot cliff, I would immediately: Offer him my favorite Christian CD Invite him to my house for a non-confrontational BBQ the following weekend Suggest a more fulfilling place to walk Warn him about the cliff 10. When Paul pleaded with the people on Mars Hill (Acts 17), he demonstrated his concern for them by: Inviting them to a worship service in the upper room Smiling and hoping they noticed the peace in his eyes Saying something to make them feel good about themselves Telling them about the coming day of Judgment and what they must do to be saved 11. If I know someone who is not saved, I should do all I can to: Spend months building their trust and hope they ask me what makes me different (assuming they don t die first ) Invite them to church and hope they want to come back Wear a cross around my neck so they ll know I m sold out for Jesus Learn to go to them in love and compassion, speaking the truth, leading them to the Savior 12. In light of the fact that over 150,000 people die every day, and I know how to cure death, what would I like to do now? Pray about it Think about something else Begin to learn how to share my faith effectively and biblically so I can reach the lost with the gospel 4

5 The Reality of Judgment is Sobering. Consider the words of this poem: My Friend Author Anonymous My friend, I stand in judgment now And feel that you're to blame somehow. On earth I walked with you day by day, And never did you point the way. You knew the Lord in truth and glory But never did you tell the story. My knowledge then was very dim. You could have led me safe to Him. Though we lived together here on earth, You never told me of the second birth. And now I stand this day condemned Because you failed to mention Him. You taught me many things, that's true. I called you friend and trusted you. But I learned now that it's too late. You could have kept me from this fate. We walked by day and talked by night And yet you showed me not the light. You let me live, love and die You knew I'd never live on high. Yes, I called you friend in life, And trusted you in joy and strife. And yet in coming to this dreadful end, I see you really weren t my friend. 5

6 Prayer/Hit List Who came to your mind as you took that test and read that poem? It s time to do something about it. Who are the 5 people closest to you who need Jesus? Write their names in the spaces below. I ask God to help me reach: Why Chris anity 201? Look up the following verses and fill in the blanks. Ma hew 28:19 Luke 10:2 Therefore go and make of all nations... The harvest is plentiful but the are few... Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you; and you will in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Jesus Expects Me to Share My Faith. 6

7 The Church should not be like a protected castle designed to keep people out. The Church should not be like a football stadium with 11 people playing and thousands watching from the stands. The Church should be like a designed for the sick and injured, equipped with the resources to go out and help the injured at the scene. What s a? What are the three possible outcomes that can result when we share our faith? The person can The person can You can Most people would say: 1 If someone accepts Christ: situation 2 3 If we plant a seed: If someone rejects Christ: situation situation Read Matthew 5:11-12, Romans 10:14-15, and 1 Peter 4:14. According to these verses, every time we share our faith it s a winning situation! Success in evangelism is not dependent on the outcome. Success is OBEDIENCE. 7

8 5 Myths that Keep Us From Sharing God s Love 1 Myth #1: People are not Truth: John 4:34-35 My food, Jesus said, is to do the will of him who sent me and finish his work. Don t you have a saying, It s still four months until harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest! According to a 2008 Lifeway Research Study, 78 percent of unchurched Americans would be willing to listen to someone share what they believed about Chris anity. 2 People are o en willing to listen than we are willing to share. Myth #2: Witnessing is for spiritual and outgoing people Truth: Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. The power is not in the messenger, it s in the message. Myth #3: Witnessing is something I do vs. something Truth: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The ques on is not, Should I witness? The ques on is, Am I a good witness or a bad witness? 8

9 Myth #4: Evangelism is an event vs. a Truth: 1 Cor. 3:6-7 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. Engel Evangelism Scale Developed by James Engel -8 Awareness of supreme being, no knowledge of Gospel -7 Ini al awareness of Gospel -6 Awareness of fundamentals of Gospel -5 Grasp implica ons of Gospel -4 Posi ve a tude towards Gospel -3 Personal problem recogni on -2 Decision to act -1 Repentance and faith +0 New birth Matura on Myth #5: I m just not bold enough vs. I m just not enough Truth: 2 Cor. 5:14-15 For Christ s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who love should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. Convic on that eternity and the gospel are true for everyone should result in compassion for the lost. 9

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11 Chapter 1 Homework WEEKLY Pray for the people on your prayer/hit list WEEKLY Begin reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven, by Mark Cahill [See Appendix B for a suggested reading plan] THIS WEEK Memorize the 10 Commandments Check When Completed: Chapter 1 Lesson Pray for the prayer/hit list Begin the recommended reading Memorize the 10 Commandments Trainer Initials Date Notes: 1. Ingram, C. (2014) Why It s Hard to Share the Love [Message Notes]. Retrieved from: h p:// livingontheedge.org/share-the-love-how-to-talk-to-anyone-about-god-01-why-its-hard-to-share-thelove.pdf 11

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13 Chapter 2 A False Gospel Missing the Heart of the Message Discuss It: If someone approached you and said they wanted to become a Christian, what would you tell them? Video Watch the video, Hell s Best-Kept Secret (38 minutes, produced by Way of the Master) Teachers: See Pastor Steve for a DVD or watch online at: versus Many Christians confronted with the situation presented in the discussion scenario prior to the video would probably respond by leading the person in what is called the sinner s prayer (repeat after me...). But is the sinner s prayer sufficient for salvation? Is it even biblical? Let s find out... What are six things someone needs to know in order to be saved?

14 An Incomplete Message... Two common & incomplete gospel messages: The Hell-fire gospel only uses 1,2 & 3. This message scares people into making a decision. They make converts that won t last. The American gospel uses only 4 & 5. They would never want to talk about sin, judgment or Hell because it might offend someone. They make converts. A complete gospel message communicates all six concepts to the unsaved. We should be concerned that the person s decision is genuine. We want to make converts. Evaluating the Sinner s Prayer : By reducing salvation to an act of saying a sinner s The Problem: prayer, we simplify matters to the point where a person can check the box of Christianity and move on without actually being converted. Many Americans self-identify as Christians because at some point in their lives they have prayed to accept Jesus into their heart. However, there is often very little evidence of true conversion. Many who are led in the sinner s prayer are led to believe that they have been saved simply because they said a prayer, but true conversion cannot happen apart from a person recognizing the reality of their sin, judgment and hell, and responding with repentance. The sinner s prayer can be prayed by a person who has not been made aware of their sin or told anything about judgment day and is not repentant such a person is not converted and is not saved! Our evangelism would produce much more fruit, and the Church would be healthier, if we focused on Jesus hard call to make instead of aiming for decisions. The evidence of a genuine conversion is not a prayer. The evidence of a genuine conversion is 14

15 The Importance of Repentance The command to repent has always been at the heart of sharing the gospel. The first recorded words of John the Baptist s ministry: Ma hew 3:2 REPENT for the kingdom of heaven has come near! The first recorded words of Jesus ministry: Ma hew 4:17 Mark 1:15 REPENT for the kingdom of heaven has come near! The time has come, he said. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! The message of the 12 disciples when Jesus sent them out: Mark 6:12 They went out and preached that people should repent. The message of Peter s first sermon: Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Paul s message to unbelievers in Athens: Acts 17:30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 15

16 What exactly is repentance? Consider this explanation from John MacArthur: THE GREEK WORD BEHIND REPENT (METANOEŌ) MEANS MORE THAN REGRET OR SORROW; IT MEANS TO TURN AROUND, CHANGE DIRECTION, TO CHANGE THE MIND AND WILL. IT DOES NOT DENOTE JUST ANY CHANGE, BUT ALWAYS A CHANGE FROM THE WRONG TO THE RIGHT, AWAY FROM SIN AND TO RIGHT- EOUSNESS REPENTANCE INVOLVES SORROW FOR SIN, BUT SORROW THAT LEADS TO A CHANGE OF THINKING, DESIRE, AND CONDUCT OF LIFE. - JOHN MACARTHUR - Discuss It: As you think about that explanation, what would you say makes repentance more than regret or sorrow? (How is it different?) Repentance involves two major 1 1. Repentance means you change your About yourself... "I am not fundamentally a good person deep down. I am not the center of the universe. I am not the king of the world or even my life." About sin... "I am responsible for my actions. My past hurts do not excuse my present failings. My offenses against God and against others are not trivial. I do not live or think or feel as I should." About God... "He is trustworthy. His word is sure. He is able to forgive and to save. I believe in his Son, Jesus Christ. I owe him my life and my allegiance. He is my King and my Sovereign, and he wants what is best for me. I believe it!" 2. Repentance means you change your 16

17 Chapter 2 Homework WEEKLY Pray for the people on your prayer/hit list WEEKLY Continue reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven, by Mark Cahill [See Appendix B for a suggested reading plan] WEEKLY Memorize the 10 Commandments THIS WEEK Complete the Bible Study in Appendix C Check When Completed: Chapter 2 Lesson Pray for the prayer/hit list Continue reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven Continue memorizing the 10 Commandments Complete Bible Study Trainer Initials Date For further information regarding the topics of this lesson, we recommend the following resources: The Gospel According to Jesus, by John MacArthur God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life, by Ray Comfort Notes: 1. DeYoung, K. (2014, April 11) Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand [Blog post]. Retrieved from h p://thegospelcoali on.org/mobile/ar cle/kevindeyoung/repent-for-the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-athand 17

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19 Chapter 3 The True Gospel Communicating the Good News In chapter two we looked at the danger of an incomplete gospel message: false conversions. So what is the complete gospel? In this chapter, we ll look at the basic elements of the gospel and how they all fit together to create a message that is truly life-changing! Seeing the Whole Story: Review: What are six things someone needs to know in order to be saved? The the gospel addresses. The the gospel offers. The the gospel requires. Putting it all together: Video Watch the video The Last Adam (Who is Jesus?) (16 minutes) Teachers: Watch video online at: 19

20 Use these illustra ons to draw the gospel on anything, anywhere! Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:27 Þ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Exodus 20:1-17 The Ten Commandments Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Þ Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death Hebrews 9:27 Just as people are des ned to die once, and a er that to face judgment 20

21 Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gi of God not by works, so that no one can boast. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were s ll sinners, Christ died for us. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Þ Þ Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Check out Appendix D (page 44) for a list of the verses to memorize! 21

22 What happens when the gospel is presented in a way that makes the need, the solution and the response clear, and the Holy Spirit works in the heart of the hearer? A disciple is born! The video below is a powerful example of the life-changing nature of the gospel: Video Watch the video Ee Taow (24 minutes) Teachers: Watch video online at: Note: The impact of the gospel on the Mouk people didn t end there. If you would like to see the rest of the story, it can be viewed here: Chapter 3 Homework WEEKLY Pray for the people on your prayer/hit list WEEKLY Continue reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven, by Mark Cahill [See Appendix B for a suggested reading plan] WEEKLY Memorize the 10 Commandments THIS WEEK Practice drawing the gospel and memorizing the accompanying verses. Practice taking someone through it this week. Check When Completed: Chapter 3 Lesson Pray for the prayer/hit list Continue reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven Continue memorizing the 10 Commandments Practice drawing the gospel & memorizing verses 22 Trainer Initials Date

23 Chapter 4 From Good to Forgiven Sharing My Story Failing the Good Person Test So far this study has focused on cultivating a concern for the lost and clarifying the gospel. In this chapter we will begin looking at ways to effectively share the gospel with the people around us. First, we will explore how our own stories of the impact Jesus has had in our lives can be an effective way to share our faith. Second, we will look at how using the Law is an effective way to show people their need for Jesus. My Story: How Jesus Has Changed My Life What are some of Discuss It: the benefits of using personal testimonies while sharing our faith? Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 Communica ng Your Story Effec vely Three Guidelines to Keep in Mind... Your testimony should be: One of the keys to an effective testimony is having a clear focus: the impact that Jesus has had on your life. That is the essence of what we must communicate. Any details that do not lead to this, enhance this, or stem from this are irrelevant. 23

24 Framework: Three Elements of My Story 1 A short description of what your life was like before Jesus Objec ve: Draw the audience in What to include: Interes ng non-church material Both posi ve and nega ve aspects of your life An event that illustrates your need for Jesus (as you feel comfortable) Tip: You may need to adjust your content in order to help your audience relate. How you became a Christian Objec ve: Describe your conversion What to include: What made you see Jesus as the answer to your need? Be as specific as possible about when and how you placed your faith in Christ. Tip: Be specific but brief. What changes have taken place in your life because of Christ? Objec ve: Show how Jesus has changed your life. What to include: Posi ve changes Ways that God is s ll working Admit your struggles (don t make yourself out to be perfect) Tip: Close this sec on in a way that leads the person to personally interact with the gospel (Ex: Acts 26:19-23) 24

25 Suggestions: Make it sound conversational. Your testimony is not a speech that you have memorized it s your story and you should be able to tell it naturally and creatively. Use General Terms so that people can relate to your story. Make I and Me statements instead of You statements. Don t name specific churches or denominations. Avoid using dates and ages. Avoid speaking Christianese. Phrases like born again, redeemed, sanctified, etc., are terms that not everyone will understand in fact, most people won t understand them. Use terms that anyone can understand. Keep it short and simple. Aim for 2-3 minutes. Don t tell your whole life-story, just stick to the important facts. Reduce clutter: unimportant facts, names, dates, etc., should be left out. Reduce the tension. You probably aren t the only one feeling nerves, especially if you re sharing one-on-one. Include some humor or human interest smiling and laughing reduces tension and can help you connect with people. Help My story is boring! What if you ve never abused drugs, slept around, or spent a considerable amount of time engaging in criminal behavior? What if you grew up in a Christian home and became a Christian at a young age? Should you still share your story? YES! Just so we re clear write that answer again here:! Your story may be lacking in drama, but it is not lacking in grace. At some point, you were still converted, and you have a unique perspective: Christ has been a big part of your life for a long time. As you share your story, answer these questions: why did you stick with Jesus as you grew? Why did you consistently choose obedience over sin? How have you seen Jesus work in specific instances? Use your story to show people that Jesus is involved in more than your conversion he s involved in your life! 25

26 Your Story: Are You Good Enough? It is impossible for a person to fully realize his need for God s grace un l he sees how terribly he has failed the standards of God s law. John MacArthur The Good Person Test Have you memorized the 10 Commandments? Write them below: (See page 10 if you get stuck)

27 Why use the 10 Commandments? Have you ever tried to get someone who didn t believe they were sick to take medicine? The gospel is good news Jesus has taken the punishment that we deserve so that we can have a relationship with God but here s the problem, most Americans do not believe they deserve punishment. According to a study conducted by the Barna Group in 2003: Most Americans do not expect to experience Hell firsthand: just one-half of 1% expect to go to Hell upon their death. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) believe they will go to Heaven. 2 (Emphasis added). How do we communicate the necessity of the gospel to people who don t see their need for it? To get them to take the medicine, they must first be shown that they are sick. The 10 Commandments are God s standards, and the gospel is necessary because everyone has broken them. The Good Person Test walks someone through the 10 Commandments and helps them to see and admit that they are not good enough to meet God s standards. As a result, they will one day stand in judgment for their sins unless they repent and believe the gospel. Use the questions on the following pages to walk someone through the Good Person Test. 27

28 Ques on 1: Would you consider yourself to be a good person? Follow-up: What do you think makes you a good person? Transi on: Do you think God would consider you to be a good person? Ques on 2: The 10 Commandments are the standard of God s goodness. Do you think you have kept the 10 Commandments? Follow-up: Have you ever told a lie (white lies, exaggera ons, etc.)? What does that make you? ï Get them to say this Follow-up: Have you ever stolen anything (value is irrelevant)? What does that make you? ï Get them to say this Follow-up: Jesus said that if you look at someone with lust, you ve commi ed adultery. Have you ever looked at a person with lust? What does that make you? ï Get them to say this Follow-up: Jesus said that if you are angry with someone, you ve murdered them in your heart. Have you ever been angry with someone else? What does that make you? ï Get them to say this Ques on 3: If God judges you by the 10 Commandments on judgment day, will you be innocent or guilty? Follow-up: In the event that the person says innocent, remind them of what they have just admi ed and that a good judge must punish lawbreakers. 28

29 Ques on 4: Will you go to heaven or to hell? Follow-up: Get them to specifically state the answer. Don t let them sidetrack you. Follow-up: Does that concern you? Ques on 5: Do you know what God did for you so that you wouldn t have to go to hell? Follow-up: Now you have an opportunity to share the gospel. Take them through the gospel illustra ons on pages 20 & 21 of this booklet, using the verses you have memorized. Ques on 6: Do you know what you have to do? Follow-up: Remember: the objec ve of the Good Person Test is to show someone their need for the gospel. Do they recognize their need? Do they see the gospel as the solu on? Follow-up: Take the person to Romans 10:9-10 and have them read it, if possible. Explain to them that we must turn away from our sin (repent) and place our trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. Follow-up: Invite them to church to learn more! Keep In Mind: Watch the tone of your voice it can be easy to come across as judgmental. We want to communicate compassion. Stay on point. People may try to sidetrack you with questions about other theological issues. Politely tell them, We can talk about that later, but first let me tell you about why Jesus should matter to you. Remember: we are not trying to win a debate, we are trying to win the lost. 29

30 Prac ce It: Chapter 4 Homework Take some time as a group to practice the Good Person Test on each other and offer feedback. (Note: This will probably be uncomfortable, but that s good these are the same nerves you will experience when you share your faith outside of this class. The more you face them, the easier it will become to share your faith!) WEEKLY WEEKLY WEEKLY THIS WEEK THIS WEEK Pray for the people on your prayer/hit list Continue reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven, by Mark Cahill [See Appendix B for a suggested reading plan] Memorize the 10 Commandments Write out your story (see Appendix E for an outline) Practice the Good Person Test. Check When Completed: Chapter 4 Lesson Pray for the prayer/hit list Continue reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven Continue memorizing the 10 Commandments and gospel verses Write out your story Practice the Good Person Test Trainer Initials Date For further information regarding the topics of this lesson, we recommend the following resource: How Good is Good Enough?, by Andy Stanley Notes: 1. Ingram, C. (2014) Sharing His Love Through Your Story [Message Notes]. Retrieved from: h p:// livingontheedge.org/share-the-love-how-to-talk-to-anyone-about-god-03-sharing-his-love-through-yourstory.pdf 2. Americans Describe Their Views of Life A er Death (2003, October 21). Retrieved from: h ps:// erdeath#.u2glovldv18 30

31 Chapter 5 Being a Bold Witness Sharing My Faith in my Daily Life Witnessing is more than something we do; it s something we are! (See chapter 1). We ve covered the message that we share and given you some tools to help you share it, now we ll turn the focus inward: how has God equipped you to be a witness for him and how can you be more intentional about being bold - sharing your faith in your daily life? Prac ce It: Have one or two volunteers share their stories with the group and offer them constructive feedback. Learning Your Style Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new crea on has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconcilia on: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not coun ng people s sins against them. And he has commi ed to us the message of reconcilia on. We are therefore Christ s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 Christ has chosen YOU to be his ambassador to the world around you. The ques on you need to consider is this: what s your style? Consider this, three preachers may communicate the same message from the same passage of scripture, but in radically different ways. Why? Because each has his own style and, as long as they are faithful to the message of the passage, God will bless their unique approaches. When it comes to sharing the gospel, there is no singular, biblically prescribed method. What is important is not necessarily how we share, but that we share and that we remain true to the message. Throughout scripture, God has used many different approaches. 31

32 What s Your Style? Some Questions to Consider... Peter s Direct Approach - Paul s Intellectual Approach -

33 The Blind Man s Testimonial Approach John 9:17-34 Here is how I ve experienced the power of Jesus in my life. Strengths: Weaknesses: Matthew s Personal Approach Luke 5:27-31 Here s a barbeque! While we re ea ng, let s talk about Jesus. Strengths: Weaknesses: Dorcas Servant Approach Acts 9:36 Here s an example of the love that Jesus has for you. Strengths: Weaknesses: The Samaritan Woman s Invitational Approach John 4:27-42 Here s a place I d like to take you to learn more about Jesus. Strengths: Weaknesses:

34 Inten onality: Making the Most of Every Opportunity How do we change witnessing from being something that we do to something we are? We do it by being intentional about sharing our faith. Being intentional simply means that we are always looking for opportunities to share our faith, and taking advantage of them when we see them! To wrap up, we ll look at three ways you can be intentional about sharing your faith: flipping conversations, tracts, and invitations. Flipping Conversa ons Many of us have opportunities to engage in multiple conversations throughout the day. How can we be more intentional about using these opportunities to share our faith? Discuss It: Typically, what are the topics of your conversations with your family members, neighbors, co-workers, and friends? The main struggle we all face in using our conversations as opportunities to share our faith is this: how do we take the conversation from topics like sports, the weather, or the price of gas, to Christianity? Mastering the Art of Transition. To switch from one topic to another requires a transition. These are topical bridges that shift the focus and direction of your conversation. Having some go-to transitions handy in the back of your mind is a great way to flip any conversation from the ones you have over coffee at work to the check-out line at the grocery store. 34

35 A Transition for Every Conversation: The Can I ask you an interes ng ques on? What do you think happens to people a er they die? Do you ever think about God? If you were to die tonight, are you 100% sure you would go to heaven? What would someone have to do to deserve to go to hell? What does someone have to do to go to heaven? Would you consider yourself to be a good person? Do you believe God exists? Why or why not? (Here s a good one for 201) Hey, I m learning something could I prac- ce on you? Can you think of any others? What would be a good question for you to use as a transition for conversations at work or in school? Keep In Mind: Notice people. Let your guard down and be open to conversations. Remember to always be polite and respectful. Using Tracts Discuss It: What do you see as advantages of using gospel tracts? What are some disadvantages? Here are some advantages to consider: Tracts can provide us with an opening to share our faith. They speak to people when they are ready. They can find their way into people s homes when we can t. They don t get into arguments, they simply state their case. 35

36 Did you get one of these? There are many ways to distribute tracts: you can leave them in shopping carts or waiting rooms, place them with your tip at a restaurant or in letters to friends and family. You can also hand them to people personally. Want to know where you can get some tracts? Need some suggestions of places to leave them? See Appendix F If you would like to hand out tracts personally, consider these suggestions: First, greet people warmly and politely Second, instead of asking Would you like one of these? (people will often decline) ask people, Did you get one of these? Extending Invita ons Want to know one of the simplest (and potentially most effective) ways to invest in the lives of the people on your Prayer/Hit List? Invite them to come to church with you. Consider this quote: Chris an community is the final apologe c. Francis Schaeffer Discuss It: How can seeing Christians in community (the local church) firsthand help lead someone to Christ? Who could you invite to church this week? 36

37 201 is Done, But You re Just Ge ng Started! Teachers: If time allows, have one or two volunteers share their story with the group, or practice the good person test or drawing the gospel. To end, consider closing this final lesson of 201 with a commissioning service for the people you have taken through 201. Feel free to use the following format or create your own! Pray Read Spend some time in prayer together. Give your group members an opportunity to silently pray for those on their Prayer/Hit Lists. After a couple of minutes, conclude the prayer time by praying for each of your group members by name. Ask God to give them boldness as they share their faith with those around them. Read Matthew 28:18-20 to your group. Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Ma hew 28:

38 Chapter 5 Homework WEEKLY Pray for the people on your prayer/hit list WEEKLY WEEKLY THIS WEEK THIS WEEK Finish reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven, by Mark Cahill [See Appendix B for a suggested reading plan] Memorize the 10 Commandments and gospel verses (Appendix D) Invite someone to church Practice your story, drawing the gospel, and the Good Person Test. Check When Completed: Chapter 5 Lesson Pray for the prayer/hit list Finish reading One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven Continue memorizing the 10 Commandments and gospel verses Invite someone to church Practice your story, the gospel, and the GPT Trainer Initials Date Notes: 1. Ingram, C. (2014) Discovering Your Spiritual Love Language [Message Notes]. Retrieved from: h p:// livingontheedge.org/share-the-love-how-to-talk-to-anyone-about-god-02-discovering-your-spiritual-lovelanguage.pdf 38

39 Appendix A Answer Key Why Chris anity 201? Disciples Page 6 Workers Be my witnesses Expects Chapter 1 Page 7 Castle Football Stadium Hospital Win Accept It Reject It Plant a Seed Winning Winning Losing Winning Obedience 5 Myths that Stop Us Myth 1: Page 8 Open 78 % More Myth 2: Superstars Messenger Message Myth 3: I am Good Bad Myth 4: Page 9 Process Myth 5: Concerned Convic on Compassion Chapter 2 Decisions versus Disciples Decisions Disciples Page Sin 2. Judgment 3. Hell 4. God s Plan 5. God s Promise 6. Repentance 39

40 Chapter 2 (Cont d) Decisions versus Disciples Incomplete Fear-filled False Tear-filled Disciples Repentance Page 14 The Importance of Repentance Chapter 3 Seeing the Whole Story 1. Sin Page Judgment 3. Hell 4. God s Plan 5. God s Promise 6. Repentance Need (Top Bracket) Solu on (Middle Bracket) Response (Bo om Bracket) Heart Repent Repent Repent Repent Repent Repent Thinking Desire Conduct Changes Mind Behavior Page 15 Page 16 Chapter 4 My Story: How Jesus Has Changed My Life Simple Page 23 Relatable Understandable Impact Before How A er Conversa onal General Terms Chris anese Short Simple Tension Yes YES! Page 24 Page 25 40

41 Chapter 4 (Cont d) Your Story: Are You Good Enough? God s Law Good Person Page 26 For the 10 Commandments, see page 10 A Liar Page 28 A Thief An Adulterer A Murderer Chapter 5 Learning Your Style Ambassadors Style How That Personality Spiritual Gi s Context Passionate Good Page 31 Page 32 Chapter 5 Learning Your Style Tes monial Personal Servant Invita onal Page 33 Inten onality: Making the Most of Every Opportunity Inten onality Transi on Bridges Page 34 Open-Ended Ques- on Opening Ready Homes Arguments Community Page 35 Page 36 Direct Intellectual 41

42 Appendix B Reading Plan One Thing You Can t Do in Heaven, by Mark Cahill 223 Pages 14 Chapters Track 1 Daily Reading Plan (7 pages/day) Day 1 (11-17) Day 8 (60-66) Day 15 ( ) Day 22 ( ) Day 29 ( ) Day 2 (18-24) Day 9 (67-73) Day 16 ( ) Day 23 ( ) Day 30 ( ) Day 3 (25-31) Day 10 (74-80) Day 17 ( ) Day 24 ( ) Day 31 ( ) Day 4 (32-38) Day 11 (81-87) Day 18 ( ) Day 25 ( ) Day 5 (39-45) Day 12 (88-94) Day 19 ( ) Day 26 ( ) Day 6 (46-52) Day 13 (95-101) Day 20 ( ) Day 27 ( ) Day 7 (53-59) Day 14 ( ) Day 21 ( ) Day 28 ( ) Track 2 Weekly Reading Plan Week 1 Introduction Ch. 3 Week 2 Ch. 4 Ch. 6 Week 3 Ch. 7 Ch. 8 Week 4 Ch. 9 Ch. 11 Week 5 Ch. 12 Ch

43 Appendix C Bible Study Luke 13:1-9 Read the passage and answer the questions that follow 1 Now there were some present at that me who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 6 Then he told this parable: A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, For three years now I ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil? 8 Sir, the man replied, leave it alone for one more year, and I ll dig around it and fer lize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down. 1 According to Jesus, what did the people believe was the cause of the tragedies in verses 1-5? Were they correct? 2 What does Jesus tell the people they must do if they want to avoid a similar fate? Why? 3 In the parable in verses 6-9, why is the owner of the vineyard angry with his fig tree? What does he want to do with it? 4 In the parable, who does the owner of the vineyard represent? Who (or what) does the fig tree represent? 5 What is the fruit that God is looking for? What are the consequences for those who don t have it? 43

44 Appendix D Gospel Memory Verses 1. God made us and desires to have a rela onship with us. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 2. Our sin separates us from God. Exodus 20:1-17 The Ten Commandments Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God 3. God will judge us for our sin when we die. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death Hebrews 9:27 Just as people are des ned to die once, and a er that to face judgment 4. All of our a empts to earn approval fall short. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gi of God not by works, so that no one can boast. 5. God has made a way through the cross. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were s ll sinners, Christ died for us. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 6. God will save those who believe and repent Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 44

45 Appendix E My Story Before How A er 45

46 Appendix F Additional Resources Where Can I Get Tracts? Crossway Living Waters Billy Graham Evangelis c Associa on Answers in Genesis Mark Cahill Check out these websites, as well: (features online tracts) Where Can I Leave Tracts? Anywhere someone will have access to it! Here are some sugges ons to get you thinking... In shopping carts Inside Library Books In wai ng rooms On the table at the restaurant or with the bill (with a good p!) ATM machines or Pay at the Pump Gas Pumps Le ers or Cards to family members, friends, etc. Near the salt and pepper shakers or other condiments in restaurants In seats at the airport In vending machine dispenser slots On an airplane in a magazine or in the magazine holder On a park bench On a train, subway or in a cab In Movie Theatre cup holders (watch out for gum) 46

47 Recommended Resources: God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life: The Myth of the Modern Message By Ray Comfort How Good is Good Enough? By Andy Stanley Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship By John MacArthur The Gospel According to Jesus By John MacArthur (Audio Resource) Share the Love: How to Talk to Anyone About God By Chip Ingram and Living on the Edge Ministries 47

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