IN THE BEGINNING: MORE LIFE Session #1 Lesson #1: Introduction: Celebrating Your Salvation 5 Min Welcome Everyone Start the PowerPoint 5 Min Soul-Winning Testimonies are Embedded in the PowerPoint 30 Min Teaching Time The expressed purpose of MORE LIFE is to equip and empower all sizes of churches in the Tennessee Baptist Convention to do more discipleship and evangelism which is reflected by more baptisms resulting from lives transformed and committed and churches empowered and healthy. DIRECTIVE: The purpose of this first class is two-fold: 1) to emphasize the importance of building relationships with others and 2) to give an overview of the eight More Life lessons. Address the BUILDING RELATIONSHIP section and then spend about 15-20 minutes in GETTING ACQUAINTED. Follow the instructions in the BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS section. The purpose here is to encourage the interaction of the class, guiding them to begin asking questions and listening for the answers. The process of introducing each other compels them to focus on listening, a characteristic that is all important in one learning to share the gospel. DIRECTIVE: Be sure to reserve enough time to give an overview of the eight More Life lessons. You will want to introduce the More Life Transfer Guide in this first class and give instructions for them to read through the guide to begin becoming familiar with it. It is not necessary to go through the guide in detail in this first class. I. There will be eight lessons. IN THE BEGINNING A. Lesson One - Introduction: Celebrating Your Salvation i. The introduction is designed to give an overview of the eight lessons. ii. The class will begin the process of getting acquainted with each other. An emphasis will be given to asking questions to demonstrate concern for others. iii. iv. The More Life Transfer Guide will be introduced to the class. The Transfer Guide will be distributed and read through to acquaint the class with its contents. THE MAIN THING B. Lesson Two - Presenting the Gospel i. Every child of God should be able to share with another how to be saved! While one s testimony is important, presenting the Good News of the gospel is essential. Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
ii. iii. Sharing Jesus with others offers them hope, purpose, peace and life. This lesson equips one in the basics of explaining the gospel and in inviting others to receive the Savior. WHAT S NEXT? C. Lesson Three - The Necessity of Baptism and Meaningful Church Membership and Small Groups/Sunday School i. Baptism is the biblical way to profess one s faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. ii. Christ followers learn to grow and serve in the setting of a local church family. iii. Believers bond together in the church to fulfill the mission Christ gave to the church. iv. Small groups/sunday School YOU ARE SPECIAL D. Lesson Four - Preparing to Share Your Story i. God wants us to have the assurance of our salvation. Understanding the greatness of the gift of eternal life will encourage one to want to share Christ with others. ii. iii. The class will have the opportunity to write statements referring to three different time frames in their lives: Life before Christ; How they realized their need of Christ and invited Him into their life; the difference Jesus Christ has made in their life since they received Him. The class also will be interactive in that, you will ask them to read their story to another class member. ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS E. Lesson Five - How to be On Mission With Christ i. The class will focus on the consequences of the lostness of man, the wonder of God s grace, and the urgency of the hour to be on mission with Christ after the lost. A SECRET WEAPON F. Lesson Six - Prayer That Impacts the Lives of the Lost i. Lostness must be encountered. However, it must not be done in our own strength. Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). ii. Prayers that impact the lost fall into three categories. These will be studied so that we will not attempt to do God s work in our own way. CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT G. Lesson Seven - Follow up on Gospel Presentation and Transitional Statements i. We are commanded by our Lord to make disciples and baptize them. ii. Practical steps will be identified to assist one in getting into a spiritual conversation to share the gospel. ONWARD H. Lesson Eight - Summary i. Learning to Live Sent will bring the joy of seeing others receive Christ as Savior and Lord, follow Him in baptism, and become a meaningful part of a local body of believers and small groups. ii. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Developing a sense of relationship with others is critical in communicating our faith in Christ and the gospel. It is difficult to have an opportunity to share with someone the way of salvation unless we look for ways to connect with them. www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
iii. Whether a long time friend, a casual acquaintance, or a new acquaintance, all people want to feel that others care for them. We often can demonstrate a caring spirit by calling a person by name and asking questions about their interests. GET ACQUAINTED Turn to someone you do not know well and find answers to the following questions: 1. What is your name? 2. Where did you live when you were five years old? 3. Why are you participating in this class? Give the appropriate time to secure information (Approximately one to one and a half minutes per person.) Then, break-up into groups of four and introduce your partner with the information they shared with you. This helps to break the ice and open people up for better relationships. For more information or materials, please go to www.tnbaptist.org/morelife or call the Evangelism Department of the TBC (800) 558-2090. Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
IN THE BEGINNING MORE LIFE LEARNER GUIDE Session #1 Answer Key Lesson #1: Introduction: Celebrating Your Salvation The expressed purpose of More Life is to equip and empower all sizes of churches in the Tennessee Baptist Convention to do more discipleship and evangelism which is reflected by more baptisms resulting from lives transformed and committed with churches empowered and healthy. I. There will be eight lessons. A. IN THE BEGINNING Lesson #1 - Introduction: Celebrating Your Salvation B. THE MAIN THING Lesson #2 Presenting the Gospel C. WHAT S NEXT? Lesson #3 - The Necessity of Baptism and Meaningful Church Membership/Small Groups/Sunday School D. YOU ARE SPECIAL Lesson #4 - Preparing to Share Your Story E. ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS Lesson #5 - How to be on Mission with Christ F. A SECRET WEAPON Lesson #6 - Prayer that Impacts the Lives of the Lost G. CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT Lesson #7 Follow-up on Gospel Presentation and Transitional Statements H. ONWARD Lesson #8 - Summary II. Building Relationships Developing a sense of relationship with others is critical in communicating our faith in Christ and the gospel. It is difficult to have an opportunity to share with someone the way of salvation unless we look for ways to connect with them. Whether a long time friend, a casual acquaintance, or a new acquaintance, all people want to feel that others care for them. We often can demonstrate a caring spirit by calling a person by name and asking questions about their interests. www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
THE MAIN THING MORE LIFE Session #2 Lesson #2: Presenting the Gospel Using the More Life Transfer Guide 5 Min Welcome Everyone Start the PowerPoint 5 Min Soul-Winning Testimonies are Embedded in the PowerPoint 30 Min Teaching Time The purpose of this lesson is to prepare the class to use the More Life Transfer Guide in presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ. Look at the More Life Transfer Guide "A church that cares A place to put the name of your church "1-888-Jesus2013" A live response to every phone call "More Life response Information for follow-up Most people want to experience life to the fullest. Many have given up. Others are looking in the wrong places. Still others think only of the present and ignore 2 Corinthians 4:18 which reminds us that the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (KJV). If people will look beyond the present, they may discover More Life. DIRECTIVE: You may want to role play to give a demonstration of how to use the More Life Transfer Guide to present the gospel. Divide the class into pairs and have them begin by asking the introductory question. Following is a suggested approach in using the More Life Transfer Guide and taking a person through it. In speaking with someone you wish to witness to, ask, What do you understand it takes for a person to have More Life here and to go to heaven when they die? Listen, and then proceed. May I share with you how you may experience life to the fullest? Proceed to use the More Life Transfer Guide. Read the section Sin. Say, Our sin causes a separation from God, but Jesus paid for the guilt of our sin. Read the section The Gift. Ask, What hope does man have if he doesn t receive God s gift of More Life? Listen for response. Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
Read the section Turn. Say, This gift isn t ours automatically. We must be willing to turn from our sin. Say, Look at the greatness of God s love. Read the section The Way. Ask, Does this make sense to you? Listen. Ask, Is there any reason why you couldn t receive God s gift of eternal life? Listen. Ask, Does this prayer express how you want to respond to God? Read the prayer. If they are ready, say, I would like to pray, and immediately bow your head and proceed in thanking God that they want Jesus in their life. Then encourage them to pray or lead them in offering the written prayer to God. Not everyone will be ready to receive Christ. Help the class to know what to do if the person does not receive Christ. If the person is not ready to invite Jesus into their life, encourage them by letting them know you do not have to be present when they give their life to Jesus. When they sense Him speaking to them and they understand they need Him, they can pray anywhere and receive Christ as their Savior and Lord. You may say, I would like to pray, and immediately bow your head to thank God that they were gracious to allow you to share Christ with them and that they will soon open their heart to Him and enjoy More Life He has planned for them. Remember it is a glorious victory just to share the gospel whether anyone does or does not pray to receive Christ. If the person does pray to receive Christ, follow up with the emphasis on baptism, belonging to a church, and getting involved with a Bible study group. Say, The following is important to help you to obey Christ and grow in your faith. Then, read the part of the More Life Transfer Guide that speaks of baptism, belonging to a church and groups. You will want to take one section at a time. After the baptism section, you may ask, Is there a local church you are familiar with where you might want to be baptized? Listen, and then explain the importance of being a part of a local church fellowship. Emphasize the importance of a church that faithfully teaches the truths of the Bible. You will want to invite the individual to attend church with you if you live in the same local area. Or you may make suggestions of a faithful Bible teaching church. NOTE: Let the class know they may feel uncomfortable the first few times they seek to share the gospel using the More Life Transfer Guide. However, the more they practice going over the presentation to become familiar with it, the more at ease they will feel. Suggest that they read through it with a friend or family member everyday for a week. They must depend upon the Holy Spirit as they begin to intentionally share the gospel with those who are lost. Their confidence must be in Him, and the more they share, the greater their confidence in sharing. Again, emphasize that it is an act of love to share with a person how they can be saved and have eternal life. We are not trying to manipulate the person, but rather offering them the greatest gift in all the world the Savior, Jesus Christ! Why should that be so difficult? 10 Min Interaction www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
Pair Up and Practice Using the Guide Start to Finish 10 Min Summary Remind the Class to: 1. Know the Guide 2. Know the Possibilities 3. Get to Know the People For more information or materials, please go to www.tnbaptist.org/morelife or call the Evangelism Department of the TBC (800) 558-2090. Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
THE MAIN THING MORE LIFE LEARNER GUIDE Session #2 Answer Key Lesson #2: Presenting the Gospel Using the More Life Transfer Guide Look at the More Life Transfer Guide "A church that cares A place to put the name of your church "1-888-Jesus2013" A live response to every phone call "More Life response Information for follow-up The More Life Transfer Guide is a tool to assist you in sharing the greatest news ever heard! You are making yourself available to God for Him to use in explaining how one can experience More Life. Most people want to experience life to the fullest. Many have given up. Others are looking in the wrong places. Still others think only of the present and ignore 2 Corinthians 4:18 which reminds us that the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. If people will look beyond the present, they may discover More Life. Following is a suggested approach in using the More Life Transfer Guide and taking a person through it. In speaking with someone you wish to witness to, ask, What do you understand it takes for a person to have More Life here and to go to heaven when they die? Listen, and then proceed. May I share with you how you may experience life to the fullest? Proceed to use the More Life Transfer Guide. Read the section Sin. Say, Our sin causes a separation from God, but Jesus paid for the guilt of our sin. Read the section The Gift. Ask, What hope does man have if he doesn t receive God s gift of More Life? Listen for response. Read the section Turn. Say, This gift isn t ours automatically. We must be willing to turn from our sin. Say, Look at the greatness of God s love. Read the section The Way. Ask, Does this make sense to you? Listen. Read the prayer. Ask, Does this prayer express how you want to respond to God? Ask, Is there any reason why you couldn t receive God s gift of eternal life? Listen. If they are ready, say, I would like to pray this prayer with you, and immediately bow your head and proceed in thanking God that they want Jesus in their life. Then encourage them to pray or lead them in offering the written prayer to God. www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
Not everyone will be ready to receive Christ. What do I do if the person is not ready? If the person is not ready to invite Jesus into their life, encourage them by letting them know you do not have to be present when they give their life to Jesus. When they sense Him speaking to them and they understand they need Him, they can pray anywhere and receive Christ as their Savior and Lord. You may say, I would like to pray for you, and immediately bow your head and thank God that they were gracious to allow you to share Christ with them and that they will soon open their heart to Him and enjoy More Life that He has planned for them. If the person does pray to receive Christ: If the person does pray to receive Christ, follow up with the emphasis on baptism, belonging to a church, and getting involved with a Bible study group. Say, The following is important to help you to obey Christ and grow in your faith. Then, read the part of the More Life Transfer Guide that speaks of baptism, belonging to a church and groups. You will want to take one section at a time. After the baptism section, you may ask, Is there a local church you are familiar with where you might want to be baptized? Listen, and then explain the importance of being a part of a local church fellowship. Emphasize the importance of a church that faithfully teaches the truths of the Bible. You will want to invite the individual to attend church with you if you live in the same local area. Or you may make suggestions of a faithful Bible teaching church. Note: Now, read the above conversation through the More Life Transfer Guide over and over so that you almost have it memorized. Ask other believers to let you read through the More Life Transfer Guide with them as you are preparing yourself to become a better witness for Christ. Watch for opportunities to use the More Life Transfer Guide out of class. There are seeking souls who are waiting for a willing witness to share with them how to experience More Life! Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
WHAT S NEXT? MORE LIFE Session #3 Lesson #3: Baptism and Belonging to a Church 5 Min Welcome Everyone Start the PowerPoint 5 Min Soul-Winning Testimonies are Embedded in the PowerPoint 30 Min Teaching Time DIRECTIVE: Lead your class to understand the importance of baptism for one s witness and the importance of the local church for spiritual growth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. BAPTISM: One of the first steps of obedience for a new believer should be the act of being baptized. Baptism is a declaration of one s faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is identifying with Jesus Christ and giving testimony that one is His follower. Jesus was baptized at the beginning of his ministry and commanded every believer to be baptized. There are two extremes that must be avoided: 1) To teach that water baptism is essential for salvation; 2) To teach that since water baptism does not save us, it is optional and unimportant for the believer. Baptism is a biblical truth that must be understood and taught! Matthew 3:13-15 - The Lord Jesus submitted to baptism to identify with the mission for which the Father had sent him. His immersion under water pictured His future death and burial. His being raised out of the water pictured His future resurrection (Matthew 3:13-15) I. Baptism is A. A Step of Obedience Matthew 28:19-20 i. When Jesus gives a direct command, He expects us to follow it! ii. Note the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch - Acts 8:36-38 iii. Note the message of the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:38 Question: What needs to take place in a person s life before they are ready to be baptized? B. The Offering of a Witness to Others i. Baptism is a picture of what should take place in our lives since we are saved. Romans 6:4. ii. Baptism is an outward expression and celebration of the miracle that one has moved from death to life through faith in Jesus Christ. iii. The Greek word for baptism means to immerse. It is a picture of death, burial, www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
and resurrection. Question: What are some possible reasons why a person might be reluctant to be baptized? What are some ways you could address those concerns? C. An Opportunity to Glorify Your Lord i. Obedience always honors and brings glory to God ii. Obedience is better than other sacrificial gifts I Samuel 15:22 Question: How important is our obedience in glorifying God? II. Church Membership A. Belonging to a Local Church Acts 2:40-47 Belonging to a church is more than joining something. It is a Covenant Relationship becoming connected to a family, a family of faith. The family was first established because we were not created to live in isolation. We grow and mature in the environment of the family. We learn to relate to others in the family setting. This also is true in the spiritual family of faith. List five benefits of being an active member of a local body of believers. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. B. The 3 M s: of Church Membership 1. Maturing Receiving instruction Acts 2:42 2. Ministry Learning to serve and give to others at points of need Galatians 6:1-2 3. Mission Becoming missional. Discovering that you were called to be with Jesus so that you could be sent by Jesus to help take the gospel to those who have not yet believed. You discover what it means to Live Sent! John 20:21. ASK: If you have not been baptized by immersion since you have become a believer, is there any good reason why you shouldn t obey the Lord in this command? QUESTIONS: 1. What did you learn from the above scriptures about the role of believers in the early church? 2. Do you believe the role has changed? 3. What is the commission that rests upon you and in what ways are you seeking to fulfill it? For more information or materials, please go to www.tnbaptist.org/morelife or call the Evangelism Department of the TBC (800) 558-2090. Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
WHAT S NEXT? MORE LIFE LEARNER GUIDE Session #3 Answer Key Lesson #3: Baptism and Belonging to a Church When you are privileged to be a part of someone coming to faith in Christ, you need to be ready to explain the importance of baptism and church membership to the new believer. One of the first steps of obedience for a new believer should be the act of being baptized. Baptism is a declaration of one s faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is identifying with Jesus Christ and giving testimony that one is His follower. Jesus was baptized at the beginning of His ministry and commanded every believer to be baptized. Jesus submitted to baptism to identify with the mission for which the Father had sent Him. His immersion under water pictured His future death and burial. His being raised out of the water pictured His future resurrection. (Matthew 3:13-15) I. Baptism is A. A Step of Obedience. Matthew 28:19-20 Question: What needs to take place in a person s life before they are ready to be baptized? Among the answers students may give, make sure some of the following terms are mentioned: repentance from sin, belief and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. B. The Offering of a Witness to Others. Acts 2:41-47 Question: What are some possible reasons why a person might be reluctant to be baptized? What are some ways you could address those concerns? Students may mention things like baptism is not essential to salvation; fear of water, crowds, or both; baptized as an infant or young child prior to actual conversion; etc. Be prepared to address each reason from a biblical perspective as much as possible. C. An Opportunity to Glorify God. Matthew 3:13-17 Question: How important is our obedience in glorifying God? Obedience to God s Word is essential to bringing glory to God. The following Scriptures speak directly to the importance of obedience to God s commands over outward religious behavior. (Prov. 21:3; Eccl. 5:1; Hosea 6:6; Mark 12:33) II. Church Membership A. Belonging to a Local Church. Acts 2:40-47 Belonging to a church is more than joining something. It is a Covenant Relationship. By identifying with a local body of believers, we become a part of a www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
family, a family of faith. The family was first established because we were not created to live in isolation. We grow and mature in the environment of the family. We learn to relate to others in the family setting. This also is true in the spiritual family of faith. B. List five benefits of being an active member of a local body of believers. 1. Encouragement 2. Obedience to the Lord 3. Accountability 4. Greater opportunity to grow spiritually 5. Best context for exercising your spiritual gifts (This is not an exhaustive list. Your class may offer other answers.) C. The 3 M s of Church Membership 1. Maturing Receiving instruction. Acts 2:42 2. Ministry Learning to serve and give to others at points of need. Galatians 6:1-2 3. Mission Living like a missionary. John 20:21 Discovering that you were called to be with Jesus so that you could be sent by Jesus to help take the gospel to those who have not yet believed. You discover what it means to Live Sent! Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
YOU ARE SPECIAL MORE LIFE Session #4 Lesson #4: Sharing Your Story 5 Min Welcome Everyone Start the PowerPoint 5 Min Soul-Winning Testimonies are Embedded in the PowerPoint 30 Min Teaching Time Salvation is a gift from God and not a work of yourself (Ephesians 2:8-9). Assurance of salvation comes from believing what God says in His Word. The strategy of Satan is to get you to doubt what God has done in your life through Jesus Christ. Doubt can lead to discouragement and discouragement to defeat in your Christian walk. The Word is clear that God wants you to be sure of your salvation, to know that you have forgiveness of your sins and eternal life. One of the greatest ways for you to celebrate your salvation is to share your experience of receiving Christ with others. DIRECTIVE: There is a lot to cover in this lesson. There is not sufficient time to review in class the scriptures below supporting the invitation from God and the promise of His Word. They are presented to assist class members in going back and rewriting their stories to include more scripture after the initial writing. The process of the class writing their testimony or story is where you will want to focus. Every believer has a story to tell. Each believer is as unique as a snowflake, finger print, or one s DNA. Therefore, their story is unique and will be used of God in ways that no one else s will be used. It is vital that believers accept their individuality and learn to communicate their experience of receiving Christ and how He has changed their life. I. The invitation was offered A. John 3:16 Whosoever included you. B. John 1:12 You ve been given the right to be a child of God. II. III. The promise was given A. Ephesians 1:7 It is a present possession through His shed blood at the cross. B. I John 5:11-13 Life is in Jesus and when you have Jesus, you have Life. God wants you to KNON this reality. We can celebrate what Christ has done for us A. Romans 5:1-2 - Knowing Christ and being assured of His gift to you gives confidence to share with others the message of Hope. B. Psalm 126:5-6 - Sharing Christ and the seed of the gospel is life s greatest privilege. www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
SHARING YOUR STORY: You have something to share or should we say, Someone to share. You now have the command and responsibility to tell others about Christ. Your story may be explained by dividing it into three parts: 1. Your life before your received Christ 2. How you realized you needed Christ and invited Him into your life 3. The difference Christ has made in your life since you received him DIRECTIVE: This will be a fun class! Some of your class members will be stretched. Each person will reflect upon their salvation experience and statements to assist them in communicating their story with others. There have been times when students realized they did not have a story to tell and were gloriously saved in the class. Be sensitive to this possibility. Have each class member write two or three sentences describing each of the above parts of their story. Follow this process one section at a time. Give them three to four minutes to write the statements. Then have them find a partner other than a family member and give them two minutes to READ what they have written. Both will READ their statements. Reading is easier than SHARING and takes less time. Then, ask two or three to READ to the entire class what they have written. You may ask for a volunteer, but do not be afraid to call on someone. Have them STAND to read. Some often try to share and go on and on. You will have to remind them to read because of the time element in the class. You will never get through the class if you allow them to share. Say, You are telling your story. Your story is important because people can relate to life as they have experienced it. (Please follow this process because it helps individuals to break down barriers and work through their fears. The more introverted students can still read their story to their partner. You may even have them read to the class. Your purpose is to equip, encourage, and motivate! In going to number 2 above, remind them that we sometimes use churchy words that outsiders do not understand. Encourage them to write two or three statements that express how they realized they needed Christ and invited Him into their life. However, try to use words that clearly communicate to the non believer. Again, follow the process of having them each READ to their partner what they have written. Have two or three READ to the entire class what they have written. This process also will be followed for the third section of their story. Encourage them to develop their story so that it can be shared in two minutes or less. It can always be expanded, but often they only have 1 ½ to 2 minutes to give a witness. Their witness may be simply planting the seed of the gospel or preparatory for sharing the gospel and inviting one to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. ADDITIONAL DIRECTIVE: Give the assignment for the class to READ their story to a family member or friend at least five times during the week. ALSO, have them to read through the Transfer Guide with the same individuals to become more comfortable in using it. For more information or materials, please go to www.tnbaptist.org/morelife or call the Evangelism Department of the TBC (800) 558-2090. Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
YOU ARE SPECIAL! MORE LIFE LEARNER GUIDE Session #4 Answer Key Lesson #4: Sharing Your Story Salvation is a gift from God and not a work of yourself. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Assurance of salvation comes from believing what God says in His Word. The strategy of Satan is to get you to doubt what God has done in your life through Jesus Christ. Doubt can lead to discouragement and discouragement to defeat in your Christian walk. The Word is clear that God wants you to be sure of your salvation, to know that you have forgiveness of your sins, and eternal life. Today s class does not give sufficient time to review the three statements, Scripture verses and questions below. They are inserted here for you to consider after class with the idea that you may want to include some of the Scriptures in a second writing of your story or testimony. The focus of the class today is to have each person write an abbreviated testimony (their story) using the suggested outline. This will supplement the gospel presentation using the More Life Transfer Guide. I. The invitation was offered. A. Whosoever included you. John 3:16 B. You ve been given the right to be a child of God. John 1:12 II. III. The promise was given. A. It is a present possession through His shed blood at the cross. Ephesians 1:7 B. Life is in Jesus and when you have Jesus, you have Life. God wants you to know this reality. I John 5:11-13 We can celebrate what Christ has done for us. A. Knowing Christ and being assured of His gift to you gives confidence to share with others the message of hope. Romans 5:1-2 B. Sharing Christ and the seed of the gospel is life s greatest privilege. Psalm 126:5-6 Questions: 1. Who can become a child of God according to the above Scriptures? 2. What do the Ephesians and I John passages tell you about the source of eternal life? 3. What does faith make possible in the life of the believer according to Romans 5:1-5? 4. Why is sowing the seed of the gospel one of life s greatest privileges? Psalm 126:5-6 Sharing Your Story You have something to share or should we say, someone to share. You now have the command and responsibility to tell others about Christ. We all need to understand our accountability to God. Your story may be explained by dividing it into three parts: Your life before your received Christ. How you realized you needed Christ and invited Him into your life. www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
The difference Christ has made in your life since you received Him. Your leader will guide you in the process of writing your story. You will write your statements one section at a time. Do not proceed to part 2 and part 3 until instructed to do so. Write two or three sentences describing each of the above parts. Try to use words that the outsider, non-church person, will understand. A person who has not grown up in church will not understand a churchy vocabulary. Remember, you are telling your story. Your story is important because people can relate to life as you have experienced it. They will hear about your journey to belief, baptism, and meaningful church membership. Try to develop your story so that it can be shared in 2 minutes or less. In today s class, you will read your statements in class. Time will not allow the privilege of sharing your story. After you share your story with someone, ask them, Has anything like this ever happened in your life? If they have received Christ, ask them to share their story with you. If they have not received Christ, proceed with the introductory question in the More Life Transfer Guide and share the gospel with them. Consider: 1. Share with a Christian friend that you are taking a class on how to share your story. Ask them if you may practice by sharing (or reading) your story to them. This will help you in your process of becoming comfortable in sharing. It also will plant a seed encouraging them to share Christ with others. 2. Share with an unbeliever that you are taking this class and that you have written out your story about inviting Jesus into your life. Ask them if you may read or share your story to get their response as to how it communicates. You are planting the seed of the gospel in their life as well as gaining confidence in sharing. Pray that God will use your story to draw others to Christ and salvation. Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
Lesson #5: How to Be on Mission with Christ 5 Min Welcome Everyone Start the PowerPoint ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS MORE LIFE Session #5 5 Min Soul-Winning Testimonies are Embedded in the PowerPoint 30 Min Teaching Time Why be on mission? We are followers of Jesus Christ. We have turned from our sins and determined by His strength to walk in His ways. A study of the life of Jesus will quickly reveal the primary purpose Jesus came into this world to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10, KJV) His purpose must be our purpose. When we grasp the reality of lostness and catch a glimpse of the wonder of God s grace, then we will feel the urgency of the hour to be with Christ after the lost! DIRECTIVE: The purpose of this lesson is to help the class to realize that lostness is all around us and that the consequence of lostness is real and tragic: eternal hell. If hell was not real and lostness was not devastating, why would Jesus have left heaven and willingly given His life to suffer as a substitute for our sins in a horrendous death on the cross? The cross is a vivid picture of the grace of God. Lead the class to commit to living with intentionality and urgency so that they may be on mission with Christ after the lost! I. The Reality of Lostness A. Why did Jesus come the first time? seek and save the lost Luke 19:10 B. Why did Jesus call us to follow Him? to become fishers of men Matthew 4:19 C. What is the penalty for lostness? being in torments in hell Luke 16:19-31 The cry of the rich man in hell is the cry of one screaming from the depths of agony. It is doubtful than any of us can fully fathom the pathos of his cry. D. What was the request of the rich man and why? Luke 16:27-28 reveals that the sorrow and suffering is so great he begs for Lazarus to be sent to his father s house. He has five brothers and the last thing he wants is for his brothers to follow in his footsteps. Here is a man in hell concerned that others not experience the ultimate consequence of lostness. E. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most intense, how would you rate your present concern for people who are lost? F. How is this evident in your life? II. The Wonder of God s Grace www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
A. What do you learn about God s mercy and compassion from this text? God s mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 B. Why is God patient with us? God is not willing that any should perish. 2 Peter 3:9 C. What does this verse teach us about God s grace? God s grace has appeared to all men. Titus 2:11 D. How did Jesus give us the riches of His grace? Jesus exchanged places with us, taking the poverty of our sin sick lives and giving us the riches of His grace filled life. 2 Corinthians 8:9 The songwriter, Charles H. Gabriel, was well spoken I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene, And wonder how He could love me, A sinner, condemned, unclean. Chorus: How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful Is my Savior's love for me! III. The Urgency of the Hour It has been said that Jesus was never early, but he was never late. His life was lived with intentionality. He came to do the will of the Father and to finish His work. (John 4:34) The urgency of the hour for each of us is to live with this same purpose to be on mission with Jesus Christ and to live with eyes open to the opportunities of introducing others to the Father. (John 17:3) A. Why did Jesus need to go through Samaria? The Samaritan woman desperately needed to discover living water (or something similar). There was a sense of urgency! John 4:4 B. Jesus lived purposefully and intentionally. What words in this text indicate this? My time has not yet come. John 7:1-9 C. These verses indicate that there is a time when our work on earth will be finished. There is a time when our work will be finished! John 17:4; 19:30 QUESTION: What do the verses above tell you about living with intentionality and urgency? There are needs we can meet, and there is an urgency about meeting them. Trust God s timing in our lives; He s in control. There will be a time when our work is finished. Work for the night is coming, when man works no more. 10 Min Interaction Leader: Give some time to get the class s response to the following Food for Thought. Food for thought: Remember, our witnessing and sharing must be done with the conviction that God through the Holy Spirit is always at work with individuals somewhere around us. It is not Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
our role to twist the arms of anyone! We are learning and training to move around in our world, led by the Holy Spirit, to be available, willing and equipped to share our story and His story. So, my brothers and sisters, relax. Be blessed and be a blessing! You are simply offering people the greatest gift ever offered, Jesus! That s what love does! 10 Min Summary 1. The Reality of Lostness 2. The Wonder of God s Grace 3. The Urgency of the Hour For more information or materials, please go to www.tnbaptist.org/morelife or call the Evangelism Department of the TBC (800) 558-2090. www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
Lesson #5: How to be on Mission with Christ ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS MORE LIFE LEARNER GUIDE Session#5 Answer Key We are followers of Jesus Christ. We have turned from our sins and determined by His strength to walk in His ways. A study of the life of Jesus will quickly reveal the primary purpose Jesus came into this world to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) His purpose must be our purpose. When we grasp the reality of lostness and catch a glimpse of the wonder of God s grace, then we will feel the urgency of the hour to be with Christ after the lost! I. The Reality of Lostness A. Why did Jesus come the first time? seek and save the lost Luke 19:10 B. Why did Jesus call us to follow Him? to become fishers of men Matthew 4:19 C. What is the penalty for lostness? and being in torments in hell Luke 16:19-31 D. What was the request of the rich man and why? To send Lazarus to his father s house because he had five brothers and he didn t want them to spend eternity in hell. Luke 16:27-29 E. On a scale of 1 10, with 10 being intense, how would you rate your present concern for people who are lost? F. How is this evident in your life? II. III. The Wonder of God s Grace A. What do you learn about God s mercy and compassion from this text? God s mercies are new every morning Lamentations 3:22-23 B. Why is God patient with us? God is not willing that any should perish 2 Peter 3:9 C. What does this verse teach us about God s grace? The grace of God has appeared to all men Titus 2:11 D. How did Jesus give us the riches of His grace? Jesus exchanged places with us, taking the poverty of our sin sick lives and giving us the riches of His grace filled life. 2 Corinthians 8:9 The Urgency of the Hour Jesus lived life with intentionality. He came to do the will of the Father and to finish His work. (John 4:34) The urgency of the hour for each of us is to live with this same purpose to be on mission with Jesus Christ and to live with eyes open to the opportunities of introducing others to the Father. (John 17:3) A. Why did Jesus need to go through Samaria? The Samaritan woman desperately needed to discover living water (or something similar). There was a sense of urgency! John 4:4 B. Jesus lived purposefully and intentionally. What words in this text indicate this? My time has not yet come. John 7:1-9 C. These verses indicate that there is a time when our work on earth will be finished. There is a time when our work will be finished! John 17:4; 19:30 Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
QUESTION: What do the verses above teach you about living with intentionality and urgency? Something like: There are needs we can meet, and there is an urgency about meeting them. Trust God s timing in our lives; He s in control. There will be a time when our work is finished. Work for the night is coming, when man works no more. Food for thought: Remember, our witnessing and sharing must be done with the conviction that God through the Holy Spirit is always at work with individuals somewhere around us. It is not our role to twist the arms of anyone! We are learning and training to move around in our world, led by the Holy Spirit, to be available, willing and equipped to share our story and His story. So, my brothers and sisters, relax. Be blessed and be a blessing! You are simply offering people the greatest gift ever offered, Jesus! That s what love does! www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
A SECRET WEAPON MORE LIFE Session #6 Lesson #6: Prayer that Impacts the Lives of the Lost Before you teach, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray for a spirit of submissiveness among your students. Pray for inspiration for you and your students. Pray for a burden for the lost in your life and in your students. Study the focal passages. 5 Min Welcome Everyone Start the PowerPoint 5 Min Soul-Winning Testimonies are Embedded in the PowerPoint 30 Min Teaching Time Foundations: John 3:16; Romans 5:8 I. The Love of God. Remind them of the great love that God has for us. Allow them to reflect on what that means to them. Remind them that the Father loves us so much that He sent His Son to save us. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. II. The Call of God. Remind them that He loves the lost so much that He has also sent us to them. Romans 10:13-15 III. The Heart of God. The heart of God must produce these things in us if we are to impact the lost: A. We must see them. Matthew 9:35-36; John 4:35 B. We must be moved by what we see. Matthew 9:36 C. We must move toward those that we see. John 3:16; Matthew 10:1-2 D. We must proclaim the gospel to those we see. Romans 10:14-15 The Prayers of God s Word That Seek to Impact the Lives of the Lost When we look at the prayers and the teachings of prayers in Scripture that aim to impact the lives of the lost, we find them falling into three categories: 1. for the lost 2. for the laborers that are needed to reach the Lost 3. for the laborers that are at work trying to reach the Lost It is impossible to pray wrong when praying what God directs us to pray. Let's take a look at some of the Scriptures that aim to impact the lost world. 1. Prayers that Focus on the Lost Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
A. What was Paul's heart's desire? Salvation of the Jews. What was his prayer? Romans 10:1 B. What did Jesus pray? Forgive them. Luke 23:32-34 C. What was Stephen's prayer? Acts 7:59-60 D. The Lord's Prayer is a powerful prayer for the lost. He wants His kingdom to come and His will to be done in all of the earth. (Matthew 6:9-13) 2. Prayers that Focus on the Laborers that Are Needed to Reach the Lost For what did Jesus ask the disciples to pray? For the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the fields. (Matthew 9:35-38) Do you know someone that needs a laborer in his life? Have you asked for one to be sent? 3. Prayers that Focus on those Who Are Hard at Work Trying to Reach the Lost A. The Lord's Prayer is a prayer that the church is directed to pray. It can be prayed for others, but we can also pray it for ourselves. When the truths of the Lord s Prayer become a reality in our lives, then His name is hallowed, His kingdom is coming and His will is being done in our lives. Matthew 6:9-13 B. For what did Jesus pray? That we might be one. Why did He pray for this? That the world might know and believe that Jesus has come. What do you think will happen if we pray for this? What do you think will happen in the world when the church lives in unity? John 17:20-23 C. For what did the early church pray? Boldness and wonders What did God give them? What was the result of their prayer? Boldness and the shaking of their world Acts 4:29-36 D. What did Paul want the church of Ephesus to pray? For the world to proclaim the gospel and for boldness. Why do you think he asked them to pray in this way? Because that is what He needed and what they needed. What do you think God did? Ephesians 6:18-20 E. Colossians 4:2-4 is similar to Ephesians 6:18-20. How is it different? How will asking others to pray for what Paul asked others to pray for affect your life? I will have boldness, opportunities to share, and the words to share. F. For whom are we told to pray? Why are we told to pray for all in authority? So that we may live as He desires and so that men may be saved. How do you think this kind of praying will help others to be saved? I Timothy 2:1-4 How do you think that this kind of praying will help others to be saved? (It is important to remember that God does not tell us how this prayer brings forth this result, but He does connect praying for those in authority with the salvation of men.) Are you a Laborer? Then how should you be praying for yourself? What should you be asking others to pray for you? The Challenge for Today 10 Min Interaction www.tnbaptist.org/morelife
Challenge your students to list on the 5 on the Way cards (available through the Evangelism Office of the Tennessee Baptist Convention) five people they know who need to be saved. Have them pray with one another for their 5 on the Way card list. Ask them to get in groups of two or three to pray. 10 Min Interaction Encourage them to agree with one another to pray for someone else s 5 on the Way list during the week as they pray for their own. Encourage them to pray daily for these individuals. Encourage them to look for ways that they can share the gospel with them. Urge each and every student to do homework. Read the More Life Transfer Guide again this week to at least one person per day. For more information or materials, please go to www.tnbaptist.org/morelife or call the Evangelism Department of the TBC (800) 558-2090. Tennessee Baptist Churches giving through the Cooperative Program make this ministry possible.
A SECRET WEAPON MORE LIFE LEARNER GUIDE Session #6 Answer Key Lesson #6: Prayer that Impacts the Lives of the Lost Scripture tells us that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. The prayers and the teachings on prayer in Scripture that aim to impact the lives of the lost, fall into three categories: for the lost for the laborers that are needed to reach the lost for the laborers that are at work trying to reach the lost It is hard to pray wrong when praying what God directs us to pray. Take a look at some of the Scriptures that aim to impact the lost world. I. Prayers that Focus on the Lost A. What was Paul's heart's desire? Salvation of the Jews Romans 10:1 B. What did Jesus pray? Forgive them. Luke 23:32-34 C. The Lord's Prayer is a powerful prayer for the Lost. He wants His kingdom to come and His will to be done in all of the earth and that includes in the life of a lost person. Matthew 6:9-13 The Scriptures describe the condition of the lost in many ways. A few of those are blind, deceived, and in bondage. How does thinking about the condition of the lost cause you to pray for them? II. III. Prayers that Focus on the Laborers that are Needed to Reach the Lost A. What did Jesus ask the disciples to pray for? For the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the fields. Matthew 9:35-38 B. Do you know someone that needs a laborer in their life? Have you asked for one to be sent? Prayers that Focus on Those Who Are at Work Trying to Reach the lost A. The Lord's Prayer is a prayer that the church is directed to pray. It can be prayed for others, but it also can be prayed for us. When the truths of the Lord s Prayer become a reality in our lives, then His name is hallowed, His kingdom is coming and His will is being done in our lives. Matthew 6:9-13 B. For what did Jesus pray? That we might be one. Why did he pray for this? That the world might know and believe that Jesus has come. John 17:20-23 Can you imagine what would happen in your community if the church lived in unity? C. For what did the early church pray? Boldness and wonders Acts 4:29-36 What was the result of their prayer? Boldness and the shaking of their world www.tnbaptist.org/morelife