Main Thought
What do most of us do when we’ve discovered something we love, or when we’ve received good news? We share! The story of Jesus Christ is good news - and we’re called to share. In Every Nation, we call this “engaging” people with the gospel. One method to engaging lost people (those who are unchurched or dechurched) is to remember the acronym B.L.E.S.S. The letter “B” stands for begin with prayer. Evangelism is a spiritual act as much as it is a practical one. We need God’s help! The letter “L” stands for listen to them. As the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The letter “E” is a crowd favorite - eat a meal with them! The first “S” stands for serve a need (which allows us to impact their lives), and the second “S” stands for share a story. This is our chance to communicate how Jesus impacted our lives. It’s a lot easier to be a witness for Christ to others when we want to B.L.E.S.S them.
Main Passages
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
- John 15:1-2
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
- John 15:8-11
18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
- Mark 5:18-19
Discussion Questions
Which letter in the B.L.E.S.S. acronym is easiest for you to do? Which is the hardest?
How might using the B.L.E.S.S. approach make you a more effective and consistent witness for Christ?
Who can you look to B.L.E.S.S. this week? Which letter from that acronym will you apply?
Family Questions
What does it mean to bless someone? Can blessing someone help them learn about God?