A Bridge Between Heaven and Earth

Main Thought

Friendship can be like a bridge that leads people to Jesus. Many of us were introduced to Jesus through friends, family members, or other pre-existing relationships. Yet some of our attempts to talk about God or to invite someone to experience Him might not be received well. When this happens, it’s important for us to remember two things: people need Jesus, and Jesus is worth sharing.

Jesus is the bridge that connects heaven and earth! We can only experience true fellowship with God, and eternal life, through Him. Friendship (and other similar relationships) gives us an opportunity to deliver this truth in an effective and enduring way. We can commit to building these relationships and bringing Jesus with us. Bringing Jesus with us is a mindset that helps us find the right moment, or the right method, and more. If we’ll make these commitments, then the relational bridges we build can lead people to Jesus.

Main Passages

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

- John 1:43-46, ESV

Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

- John 1:50-51, ESV

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

- John 14:2-6, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or the Main Passages above?

2. Who told you about Jesus? What made you pay attention to the message? 

3. What is something that Jesus has done for you that you would feel comfortable sharing with others? Is there anyone in your life that might benefit from hearing that good news?

You Are the Light of the World

Main Thought

Have you ever found yourself in a very dark environment? Maybe it was a room without access to light, a cave, or even somewhere outside with the moon and stars obscured somehow. When we find ourselves in darkness, we become desperate for light. The world we live in is in a state of deep, spiritual darkness. Jesus has called us to be the light that it needs! We’re meant to reveal and reflect the light of God. It’s a part of our nature as believers. God’s light fills us with life, hope truth, and more; at the same time, we can reveal the truth of God to others.

The good things we do, and the way we conduct ourselves, can help people see God. But God can even use us in spite of our flaws. We might be intimidated to share the good news about Jesus because we don’t want to be seen as “hypocrites,” people who fail to practice what we preach. We can’t let that fear stop us. Instead, we can change our practices over time and be careful to preach the right message. Becoming more like Jesus actually creates opportunities for people to see Him through us over time. Keeping Jesus the focal point of our message, as opposed to focusing on issues of behavior or morality, can minimize distractions in the midst of our efforts to share the gospel. The world is waiting for God’s people to bring light into darkness - and God can use all of us to help others see Jesus a little more clearly.

Main Passages

' “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ' 

- Matthew 5:14-16, ESV

'For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ' 

- 1 Corinthians 2:2-4, ESV

'to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ '

- Acts 26:18, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Main Passages above?

2. Do you feel that your life, conduct, and/or actions reveal “good works” that could cause people to be open to learning about God? Why or why not?

3. How might you be able to bring God’s light to people around you that need Him? Pray for open doors and opportunities to do that.

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 God 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?