Group Time | February 4
Difference Makers
February 04, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
Sometimes our “comfort zone” is the only place we feel as though we have peace. Can you share a recent time when you’ve had to step out of where you’re relaxed or calm?
We are in a series called “Difference Makers,” looking at 2018 with a goal of making a difference in our community through introducing lost souls to a Savior Who loves them. For some of us, it is a scary thing; for others, there is an exhilaration and adventure in bringing the lost to Christ. Let’s look at our responsibility, and how to carry it out.
Focal Passages: John 4:1-30; 2 Peter 3:9; Rom.10:1-4; Acts 26:15ff; Matt. 28:19,20.
BEING A DIFFERENCE MAKER
Last week
- We learned our responsibility as it is given by Jesus Christ, in telling our story to people with whom we come in contact. What does He expect of us?
- Read Matthew 28:19-20. How does He desire we keep up the discipling after they accept salvation?
Identify Them
- Read John 4:1-30. What are some categories of people that today we tend to avoid, just as the Jews shunned the Samaritans?
- If we open our church doors, what is the likelihood of the lost attending? Then how do we find them? Is this what Jesus did with the woman at the well?
Pray for Them
- Read Rom. 10:1-4. Why is it necessary to pray for them?
- Read 2 Peter 3:9. How does God feel about the lost? Why is this how you are supposed to feel? Can you work, go to school, or do life with them, but never say a word about their soul; how?
- Have you considered most people desire to go to heaven, but are confused or ignorant of how to get there? What if you prayed for them, and then told them your story? When is the last time you told anyone?
Invest in Them: Tell and Grow
- Read Matt. 28:20. What does God promise you? Will He give you words to speak as you witness?
- Why is it important that you continue to love and disciple those whom you’ve led to the Lord? How was this done for you?
Close
Recently on a radio broadcast, a pastor made the statement that most Christians feel that if the doors of their church are open, the lost will come in. As we know from experience, this is false. It generally takes about thirteen invitations before someone you’ve asked will eventually join you at church. Most of us don’t persevere that long. And yet, think of the efforts you put into standing in line to see an opening night at the movies, sales of Black Friday, etc.—we tend to endure things that mean the most to us.
How does your soul feel about the lost around you? Do you evade the issue of salvation at family get-togethers? At Superbowl parties? We must take the message of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection to the lost, and not expect them to come to us. Read the story of the woman at the well again. Jesus went where He knew she would come, He initiated a conversation about her lost condition, He said He had the answers, and soon she had a story that she could hardly wait to share. She left her water pot and ran—with her bad reputation and immoral lifestyle—to tell the people she knew that the Messiah had come to the city of Sychar. Would that we were so enthusiastic about what Christ has done for us that we can’t wait to share the Good News of salvation!
Key Verses: John 4:28, 29: The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (NKJV)
A DIFFERENCE MAKER:
Sees things and people the way Christ does; Loves people, and uses things (not the reverse!); Has a heart for the hurting; Has a heart for the lost; Is a Christ-follower; Is one who has believed and received the Gospel story of Jesus [His death, burial, resurrection], has followed Jesus in baptism, is obeying all that Jesus taught, and is helping others do the same.