Lighthouse Baptist Church
and Christian Academy

PRAY TOGETHER

[Your Objective: Understand the importance of prayer in fulfilling God's purposes through your life.]

What are we being asked to pray for in Colossians 4:3?

• God asks us to pray specifically so we can become more aware of the needs around us. What kinds of things should we take to God in prayer?
• When we pray, we are inviting God into a specific situation. Why is it important to do this?

APPEAL TO COMMON INTEREST

[Group Objective: Discover how finding common interests with others can help you share God's love with them.]

In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul talks about doing what is necessary to save people for Christ. The basis for this is finding common ground, or interest, with people. What is the value of finding common interest with people with whom we want to share Christ?

• What kinds of things do you have in common with people you are in close friendships with? How do these common interests help to build trust in your relationship?
• How might finding common interests with unbelievers you know help you to share Christ's love with them?

REACH OUT IN LOVE

[Your Objective: Learn how we can share God's love with unbelievers.]

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:8 aloud in the group. In addition to the Good News (Gospel), what else was shared with unbelievers?

According to 1 Corinthians 5:12, how are we to treat people who are not part of the church?

What does 2 Corinthians 5:14 say about our motive for what we do?

• Why is it important to share our lives with unbelievers?
• As Christians when we meet new people it's often easy to judge them by the sin we see in their lives. What part might our own motives play in our response to others?
• Based on how God see people, what kinds of things can we do to assure that we see people through God's eyes?

TELL YOUR STORIES

[Your Objective: Learn how simple it is to witness to others by telling your own story.]

According to 1 Peter 2:9, why has God chosen us?

• What do you think it means to be called to priesthood? How is this different from being a priest?
• In what ways has becoming a Christian brought you out of darkness to the light? Briefly share your experience with the group.

In Psalm 66:16, why does the psalmist tell all to come and listen?

• When sharing Christ with others, why do you think it is important to tell your own story?
• If you were to speak before a group, what would you tell them Christ has done in your life?

NURTURE FRIENDSHIPS

[Your Objective: Encourage group members to make friends with people who are not Christians.]

Romans 12:16 encourages us to associate with whom?

• How do you think being proud or conceited affects our attitude towards others? How do these attributes affect others' attitudes toward us?
• Why do you think it is important to God that we associate with people different from us?
• Some Christians attempt to isolate themselves from those who are unbelievers. Is this practical? How does isolation prevent us from sharing the Good News with others?

According to Luke 5:29, who attended the banquet Levi held for Jesus?

• Why do you think Jesus would eat with a group of sinners?
• Would you behave differently if you were out with a large group of unbelievers? If so, why?

In 2 Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit does God give to Christians?

• How does this spirit help us to overcome our fears?

EXPECT GOD TO ACT

[Your Objective: Exhort group members to not give up on those who are resistant to the Gospel.]

What does Hebrews 11:1 describe as faith?

• When we witness to others, why must we have faith in God to bring them to Christ?
• Have you witnessed to someone only to have them reject Christ? If so, how did it affect your faith at that time?

Why does Jesus forgive his friends in Luke 5:20?

• How do you feel your faith affects others? How do you feel you can better demonstrate your faith?

REPRESENT CHRIST WITH YOUR LIFE

[Your Objective: See the need for our lives to effectively represent Christ to those around us.]

According to Colossians 3:17 what should be our motive for everything we do and say?

• If representing Christ to others is our primary goal in life, how will our words and actions be affected on a daily basis?
• How does it discredit Christ if what we say we believe is inconsistent with the way we act?

How does 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12a tell us to live? Why did Paul exhort us this way?

• Why is it so important that a person respect us if we are to reach them for Christ?
• What kinds of things do you think others notice about our lives that cause them to respect or disrespect us?
• When it comes to representing Christ to others what are some things that speak louder than our words?

Evangelism (Missions) - God calls believers to reach out to unbelievers. When we reach out together our prayer has more impact, our ability to find common ground with those we reach out to is enhanced, and we have more love and ways to nurture than any one person has on his own. That's what missions is all about - reaching out to unbelievers with Christ's love so they can come to know Him too. What kinds of things might your group do to discover how you can partner together to share the Good News of Christ with others? See the Personal Application and Commitment below for some ideas.

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Recognize how to be successful in reaching the lost alongside other believers.]

God has given us a mission in the world to share the Good News about Jesus Christ with those who don't know Him. As the body of Christ we can be even more successful if we reach out together. As a group there are things we can do together to make our outreach effective:

• One of the most important things is prayer. Make a list of those you know who don't know Christ. Begin to pray for them on a regular basis.
• As a group talk about things you have in common, particularly your common interests. Invite the people you know with these common interests to join your group.
• Begin to pray as a group for God to deepen your love for others and to open your eyes to see those around you that you can reach out to.
• Write out a short version of your own story so you can share it when the opportunity arises. Over the next several weeks give each person an opportunity to share their story as practice.
• Invite people to a casual party can be a first step toward building new friendships. Discuss with the group when you might plan this kind of party and invite some new people to join you for some fun.

Remember that God is not limited by your imagination of how He can bring someone to Christ, so don't ever give up on anyone. God loves that person and He won't give up on them. Which of the above suggestions will you follow through with this week? Share your commitment with the group and together hold one another accountable to begin a deeper commitment to build your group and bring others to Christ.