Evangelism in Motion: Living the Great Commission

Main Thought

Most Christians have heard the Great Commission: “Go, and make disciples of all nations.” The Greek word for “go” in that instance implies a continuous journey. Therefore, we should carry Jesus - and His message - wherever we go. God wants the people around us to have an opportunity to meet Jesus through us. In order for that to happen, we should strive to live life in a way that matches our faith. We don’t need to be perfect; however, choosing to follow Jesus should cause us to be distinct in a way that honors God. A change that happens in us can create opportunities for change to happen around us. With God’s help, we can make disciples and inspire people to seek Good in our daily encounters.

Main Passages

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

- Matthew 28:19-20

14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

- Acts 16:11-15

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means to “live a life that matches your faith”? Do you think your life aligns with your faith?

2. Is there space in your calendar for you to share God’s love with others?

3. Think of where you spend your workdays or school days. Is there a way for you to share your faith there respectfully?

Can You Hear Me Now?

Main Thought

A lot of Christians want to be equipped as effective evangelists. That’s very important. But what if we already have access to one of the most powerful evangelistic tools out there? When sharing Christ, one of the greatest things we can do is listen. We can listen to God, who leads us by His Spirit. He may nudge us - through a thought, a picture, a name, etc. - to connect with someone. We can look to build genuine, caring relationships with people. Once there, we can listen to them with the goal of understanding them. Slowing down in our conversations and asking meaningful questions can help us understand. Listening to people often causes them to be open to a response. “Modern Day evangelists” listen for these precious opportunities. God can change lives if we take them in faith. 

Main Passages

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him

- Acts 8:26-30

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

- Acts 8:35-38

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…

- James 1:19

Discussion Questions

1. What makes someone a “good listener”? Do you consider yourself a good listener? 

2. How can being a good listener become a powerful tool in evangelism?

3. How can we hear God? What will you do in an effort to hear from God (with a focus on engaging people who don’t know Him) this week?