The Pursue Path

Vision
Youth Worker USA endeavors to energize pastors and the spiritually mature to mentor,
disciple, and inspire young Christians to boldly follow Christ by imitating Paul’s example
with Timothy.
Mission
Youth Worker USA is committed to serving the local church, its pastors, and young
Christians seeking to understand their role in the body of Christ. Youth Worker will also
partner with explicitly Christian organizations that provide opportunities for young
Christians to explore and understand the possibilities for lifetime service inside and
outside the church. We will focus on reproductive discipleship through mentoring.
Strategy
Youth Worker USA will provide grants to organizations to create internships that provide
service and growth opportunities for the intern and intentional discipling opportunities
for the leadership.
Principles of Youth Worker USA
1. Pray
The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. It tells us that when we

ask anything in His will it will happen. Jesus says in John 15:6
that we can do nothing without Him. Pray FIRST.
2. Be Intentional
Know your desired outcomes before your first actions. YW in-

tentionally wants to train and disciple workers who will train and
disciple others following the model of Paul and Timothy.
3. Keep it Simple
Simple biblical concepts, strategies, and clear outcomes enhance

the possibility of effective and transferable ministry.
4. Mobilize the Priesthood of Believers
God gives everyone gifts to share with others. Everyone can take
part and serve Jesus in furthering the kingdom. YW will invest in
others with financial aid, with evangelism training, and with en-
couragement to get everyone into the fight.
5
x5
Every day:
5 text contacts (or maybe email)
The shadow FIVE -- With each

contact PRAY for them....before
and/or after!
Weekly:
Plan to average 5 face to face
contacts every week.
So an event is one contact.
Coffee is one contact.
Basketball is one contact.
A Bible study is one contact.
Do your best each week--these are guidelines, not rules! Serve with joy and recognize you might be
the only one who will encourage your students this day. Be intentional. Have a verse on your mind to
share. Listen well. Pray with your student about their concerns. Use your weekly planner and record
all of your 5X5 contacts with any information that would help you better serve your students.
Follow ALL of the church’s guidance regarding events and appropriate meeting protocols. NEVER meet
face to face alone without your mentor’s permission. Youth Worker USA
The following stories can be used with people who are open to learning more about Jesus but have not put their faith in Him yet. You should also ask if some of
their friends or family would also like to be a part of the group as well.
1. Hope for overcoming rejection: The Sinful Woman - Luke 7:36-50 5. Hope through death: (Barabbas Set Free) – Luke 22:66 – 23:25
2. Hope for the guilty: (Pharisee & Tax Collector) - Luke 18:9-17 6. Hope rose from the dead: (Resurrection) – Luke 24:1-20
3. Hope changes everything: (Zacchaeus) - Luke 19:1-10 7. Hope is waiting for you: (Prodigal Son) – Luke 15:11-32
4. Hope Forgives: (Unforgiving Servant) - Matthew 18:21-35
Care Read Preparing for the Mission

● Give them a chance to briefly introduce ● Discover the Bible Together - use one of ● What from the story is Jesus asking you to
themselves to the group. the stories listed above and read it twice obey this week?
● Ask how they are doing and listen. (choose the one most relevant to the group ● Who is someone in your life that you think
assembling). needs to hear this story?
Celebrate
● Ask how they obeyed last week
Discovery Discussion
● Ask who they shared the story with last ● What do we learn about God/Jesus? Pray for the Group
week ● What do we learn from the people in this
story?
● Is there a sin to avoid? A Promise to claim?
Motivation and Encouragement
An Example to follow? A Command to
“Jesus gave hope to people from all walks of life
obey?
and in various situations. There is hope for all of
● Who do you most identify with in the story
us regardless of our personal challenges.
and why?
Today we want to learn a new story about how
● What holds you back from following Jesus?
Jesus gave hope to people.”
Retell:
● Tell the story from memory
● Practice: pair up and practice telling the
story together
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #0: THE SEVEN STORIES OF HOPE

Context Preparing for the Mission
Praise
Jesus was teaching that he is the good ● Read Transferable Concept #1: How You
Read Psalm 118:28 “You are my God and I will
shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (v Can Be Sure You Are A Christian and
praise you.” What can we thank or praise God
11). He also said, “I know my sheep and my discuss with another group member.
for today?
sheep know me,” and “I have come that they ● Review this story and think of someone to
may have life, and have it to the full.” However, share it with.
Care
many of the Jews didn’t believe him, and
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
doubted His claims. Going on the Mission
explain one challenge they experienced this
Read ● Who are the people from your friends,
week.
● Read or watch 1 John 5:11-13 two times as relatives, co-workers that needs to hear the
● Where have you seen God at work this everyone listens. gospel? Write down their name and start
week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
Discovery Discussion praying for them.
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Write “I will by when” statements and tell
like best) and why? your group.
Celebrate Faithfulness
● What do we learn about God or people?
● Ask, “Have you told anyone about your
● Why do you think this story is important? Praying for the Mission
decision to follow Christ?”
● How can we live differently now that we ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
know this story (passage)? the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
Read, Tell and Correct start a movement of disciple-makers.
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
● Read the story again and tell your faith story.
what God can do through them.
Then ask someone else to tell their story.
Example: The Bible tells us God’s desire is that

Summary
all people are saved and come to understand
On the cross Jesus, the good shepherd, laid
the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). The gospel is not only
down his life as a sacrifice for your sins. As one
for you but for all your friends and family. God
of his sheep, he wants you to know that you
loves them and will use you to pass on what you
have eternal life and you will never perish.
are learning about Jesus so that they can follow
John 10:28-30. You are safe in his
Jesus also. As we journey together, it will be
hands and no one, including Satan
exciting to see what God will do in the lives of
himself, can snatch you away. Read the
those around us.
assurance section of the gospel booklet.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #1: ASSURANCE OF SALVATION [1 JOHN 5:11-13]

How to Be Sure
You Are a Christian
The young man beside me thanked God for coming This commitment is not unlike the decision to marry.
into his life, then closed his prayer. But as we stood to our feet Although the love of a young couple is undeniably filled with
something still seemed to be troubling him. “It’s probably not great emotion, the decision to marry is a threefold process
important,” he said when I asked. “It’s just that, well, somehow I involving the intellect, the emotions and the will.
thought I’d feel different, but I don’t. Maybe God didn’t hear my Love between two people often comes quickly and easily.
prayer….” Then he asked a question heard so often, “How can I But the intellect becomes involved at the moment they begin
be sure I am a Christian? to entertain thoughts about marriage. They must try to decide
This is a question that arises in the hearts of people around whether the one they love is a “good choice” for a life-partner.
the world, from every walk of life. It’s a question that troubles There are many unemotional decisions they must make and the
even pastors and involved lay workers. The question demands final decision—to leave all others and cleave to each other—is
an answer. made as an act of the will. They testify to that decision when
—A Pastor, a faithful minister for over 40 years, admitted they say “I do” and become husband and wife.
that he was not sure of his own salvation, though he had led Becoming a Christian is a decision, a choice that involves
countless people to Christ. our intellect, emotions and will. Though valid, it is not enough
—The wife of a dedicated evangelist sat weeping in my to believe intellectually in Christ, nor is it enough to have an
office. “My husband and I have introduced thousands of people emotional experience, no matter how life-changing it may seem.
to Christ in the 30 years of our ministry,” she said, “but I have Becoming a Christian is an act of the will, a clear-cut decision to
never been sure of my own salvation.” She twisted the tissue in receive Christ into our lives as Savior and Lord.
her hands. “I’ve never admitted this to anyone before, but I’m
desperate! I have to know that I’m saved.” Intellectual Understanding
It occurs to me that you, like these sincere people, also may
be haunted by questions about God. You may wonder, Can I Being certain of your decision to become a Christian
really know God? Maybe you’ve been raised with an exposure to requires a clear grasp of what is involved in making the choice.
the teachings of Jesus, and have been familiar with His claims It demands an intellectual understanding of God’s promises and
and His love since early childhood. You may have believed in who He is. It is not a “blind leap of faith,” as some would label
God and His Son for years, yet you struggle. Are you convinced it. On the contrary, Christianity is built upon historical fact,
that you would spend eternity with Him if you should die today? documented by centuries of investigation by world-renowned
Or perhaps you have only recently received Christ and scholars. As a result, we have more historical evidence to
are still not sure that “anything happened.” Your life seems to document the events of Jesus of Nazareth, than we have to prove
be the same as before, and you have serious misgivings about the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo.
the reality of your decision to trust Christ. You find yourself Historian and author Kenneth Scott Latourette, director
questioning the reality of salvation. of the department of religion at the graduate school of Yale
It is also possible that you are among a large group of University, said, in reference to Jesus Christ, “Measured by
people still looking for a way to make God a part of your life. its fruits in the human race, that short life has been the most
You may long to be certain that you will spend eternity with influential ever lived on this planet. As we have been at pains
Him. You may need the confidence that assurance of your to point out, the impress of that life, far from fading with the
salvation could bring. passing centuries, has deepened. Through Him millions of
Successful people in business, Christian workers, students, individuals have been transformed and have begun to live the
pillars of the church… all of us have the right to an assurance kind of life which He exemplified. Gauged by the consequences
of our salvation. Why does this fearful uncertainty exist among which have followed, the birth, life, death and resurrection of
so many who genuinely want to know God, even among those Jesus have been the most important events in the history of man.
who have sought and served Him for years? Measured by His influence, Jesus is central in the human story.”
To a large degree, the fault lies in being poorly grounded or The British scholar, W.H. Griffin Thomas, said, “The
having mistaken information about who God is. The confusion testimony to the present work of Jesus Christ is no less real
in sincere hearts often revolves around the true meaning of today than it has been in the past. In the case of all the other
Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and what is required to great names of the world’s history, the inevitable and invariable
receive Jesus Christ as Savior. experience has been that the particular man is first a power,
If any of these doubts sound like your own, the moments then only a name, and last of all a mere memory. Of Jesus Christ
you spend reading the rest of this chapter could be the best the exact opposite is true. He died on a cross of shame, His
investment of time that you ever make. Come with me once name gradually became more and more powerful, and He is the
and for all through the steps to assurance. greatest influence in the world today.”
First, understand that becoming a Christian means that George Romanes, British physicist says, “It is on all sides
we accept God’s gift of love and forgiveness through His Son worth considering (blatant ignorance or base vulgarity alone
Jesus Christ. It is the greatest gift ever offered to man, and it is excepted) that the revolution effected by Christianity in human
free to anyone who accepts it. It has the power to change lives. life is immeasurable and unparalleled by any other movement
It bears with it the promise of eternity with God. It is a personal in history.”
relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God Himself.
Hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, Scripture recorded they clearly demonstrate the fact that God does not speak to all
the words of the great prophets of Israel foretelling His coming. of us in the same way. He communicates with each of us in ways
The Old Testament, written by many individuals over a period tailored to our specific needs, to incorporate our strengths and
of 1,500 years, contains more than 300 references to His coming. make strong our weaknesses. Seeking an emotional experience
The New Testament records the words of Jesus Himself, or condemning its lack in another’s life, or judging a brother or
claiming to be God. “I and the Father are one,” He said. “He sister in Christ as “too emotional” or “too conservative”, has no
who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 10:30; 14:9). place in the life of a Christian committed to spiritual growth.
To become a Christian, it is necessary to face the claims of Emotions are a valid part of the Christian life, but they are fickle,
the Savior, weigh them intellectually, and choose to accept the often changing like the weather. We need to base our faith on
truth that the evidence points to: Jesus is God. He died willingly more than emotions. It cannot be our only gauge. The assurance
for your sins and mine; He was buried, and rose again after of our salvation is based on these three things:
three days; He is alive now and wants to come into your life and
be your Savior and Lord. It is your choice. You must decide what 1. The trustworthiness of God.
you will do with the claims of Christ. 2. The confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
3. The evidence of a changed life.
Emotional Involvement
First, we must base our salvation on the external witness of
Involvement of the emotions is a part of being a Christian. the Word of God. It is the authority of the very Word of God that
Emotions are nothing more than feelings or reactions to an provides a solid foundation for our faith in Him. To those of us
act, event or experience which occurs in our lives. But we often who believe, the promises are there (John 1:12).
misunderstand or misinterpret feelings and end up frustrated “We believe men who witness in our courts, and so surely
and confounded. For many people, the emotional element of we can believe whatever God declares. And God declares that
Christianity has caused great confusion concerning assurance of Jesus is the Son. All who believe this know in their hearts that it
salvation. is true. If anyone doesn’t believe this, he is actually calling God a
The emotional tenor of another Christian’s life does not liar, because he doesn’t believe what God has said about his Son.
always match our own. Too often we are guilty of comparisons. And what is it that God has said? That he has given us eternal
They tend to leave us doubting the depth of our salvation and life, and that this life is in his Son. So whoever has God’s Son
sincerity of our commitment. The truth is that no two people has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life. I have
are alike and, therefore, cannot be expected to respond to the written this to you who believe in the Son of God so that you
experiences of their faith in the same way. One may respond may know you have eternal life” (I John 5: 9-13, TLB). There is
to his Christian experience in a highly emotional, visible assurance in God’s Word.
manner, while another may respond just as deeply to the same Second, there is the internal witness of the Holy Spirit. Paul
experience, but deal with it within himself, quietly, privately. Is wrote to the Romans, “For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep
one response “better” than the other? Is it possible to judge? Is in our hearts and tells us that we really are God’s children”
it even necessary? (Romans 8:16, The Living Bible). It was such an important point
The Scriptures record life-changing experiences that that he emphasized it again when he wrote to the Christians
occurred in the lives of real people. One passage (Acts 9:1-19) in Thessalonica. “For when we brought you the Good News,”
reveals the colorful character of the man called Paul, a fiery- he writes, “It was not just meaningless chatter to you; no, you
tempered zealot who actively threw himself into the causes he listened with great interest. What we told you produced a
believed in. When God confronted Paul, he was in the midst powerful effect upon you, for the Holy Spirit gave you great and
of a campaign to literally kill off all the Christians he could full assurance that what we said was true” (1 Thessalonians 1:5a,
find. God’s method of dealing with Paul was tempered for his TLB). There is assurance because of the Holy Spirit.
specific emotional needs. God spoke aloud, using dramatic The third proof that we have experienced a new birth and
circumstances to assure Paul’s undivided attention. He captured have become children of the living God lies in the evidence of
him completely and held him fast until he had heard in his heart changed lives—ours and those of other Christians around us.
what God was saying to him. Paul responded to the message, In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian Christians, he adds, “Our
but remained emotionally the same. He was still zealous and very lives were further proof to you of the truth of our message.
enthusiastic in his involvements, but God had given him a new So you became our followers and the Lord’s; for you received
direction. Instead of using his energies to destroy the church of our message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the trials
Christ, he was now spreading the gospel with conviction. and sorrows it brought you. Then you yourselves became an
Timothy, on the other hand, comes across as a steady, example to all the other Christians in Greece. And now the
quiet, faithful supporter of the cause of Christ. He had been Word of the Lord has spread out from you to others everywhere,
raised by a Christian mother and grandmother, and his faith far beyond your boundaries, for wherever we go we find people
had formed early, gradually as he grew to manhood. He heard telling us about your remarkable faith in God” (1 Thessalonians
no commands from heaven. It was not necessary for him to 1:5b-8 TLB).
experience what Paul did in order to hear God’s voice. God Later, Paul writes to Colossian Christians and says, “The
seemed to speak in whispers to Timothy, and his tender heart same Good News that came to you is going out all over the
missed very little of what was directed toward him. world and changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours
The lives of Paul and Timothy were used greatly to spread that very first day you heard it and understood about God’s
the seeds of Christianity to the uttermost parts of the world, and great kindness to sinners” (Colossians 1:6, TLB).
“And how can we be sure that we belong to him?” the “It has been a struggle for me to allow God the right to
apostle John asks, and then answers, “By looking within control my life. I know it’s pride,” he said quietly. “I’ve done quite
ourselves: are we really trying to do what He wants us to? well in my field; I’ve received coveted honors and found that I
Someone may say, ‘I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; like being considered an authority in the academic world. The
I belong to Christ.’ But if he doesn’t do what Christ tells him to, thought of laying that down and humbling myself before God
he is a liar. But those who do what Christ tells them to will learn has been hateful to me.”
to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether He leaned against the edge of his desk and looked out the
or not you are a Christian. Anyone who says he is a Christian window into the distance. “For years I have denied Scripture its
should live as Christ did” (1 John 2:3-6, TLB, italics ours). rightful place as the inspired Word of God, and I have taught
The genuine desire within us to obey God and live as so many to do the same thing. But lately I’ve been reading the
Christ did is confirmation that we have been born again. With Bible with a new understanding. And I’ve read several of the
time, our lives will change to demonstrate to others the new life works of the church fathers too, men used greatly of God, like
within us. Jesus said, “I will only reveal myself to those who love John Wesley and St. Augustine. Intellectually, I am convinced
me and obey me. The Father will love them too, and we will that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, but I don’t know Him as my
come to them and live with them. Anyone who doesn’t obey Savior. Can you help me change that?”
me doesn’t love me. And remember, I am not making up this That day, this man of international renown changed the
answer to your question! It is the answer given by the Father direction of his life. He had known this was the answer he
who sent me” (John 14: 23-24, TLB). If a strong desire to please sought, but because of his will—his desire to remain in control
the Lord Jesus with our obedience is missing from our lives, we of his life—he had kept God at arm’s length.
have reason to question the authenticity of our salvation. There Though the professor struggled with his pride, others who
is assurance in a changed life. have made an intellectual decision about God and recognize
We have seen that emotions are a valid, important part of Him as who He claims to be, may put off accepting Him as
life, including their role in the Christian experience. But the Savior because they fear the consequences. Some are convinced
assurance of our faith requires more than just “feeling saved.” that if they commit their lives to Jesus, they will instantly be
We need to depend on the external witness of the Word of sentenced to a life of boredom and misery.
God, and we must be conscious of the internal witness of our I chatted with a young man for several hours one afternoon
salvation through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Coupled with on a large mid-western college campus. He was sure God meant
the changes we will see in our own lives and the lives of other to bore him to death.
Christians, we have all the evidence we need of the truth of our “I’m an atheist, “ he said with a swagger, “and a confirmed
salvation. party animal. I’m having the time of my life doing just as I
please. If you think I’m giving all that up so I can drag around
Involvement of the Will campus looking like the end of the world, you’d better think
again. Christians are people my set makes jokes about. They
Now we come to the matter of the will. It is often the will haven’t got anything I want.”
that keeps a person from a longed-for relationship with Christ. But several faithful Christians friends in his fraternity
Some time ago, I visited one of our nation’s most continued to pray for his salvation, and within a few weeks this
prestigious seminaries where a friend of mine was completing same young man who had been so filled with himself, invited
his doctorate. We were on our way to meet one of his favorite Christ into his life. “I guess I always knew Jesus was the Son
professors, a widely known, respected theologian and scholar of God, but I fought Him. I was so afraid He would condemn
who had given years of his life to train thousands of young me to a life of misery, and I love having a good time. It was that
people for the ministry. “He’s a good man,” my friend said. verse in Matthew 16:26 that made me begin to wonder, where
“He’s warm-hearted and I like him, but he doesn’t believe in the it says, ‘What will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world
deity of Christ or that the Bible is the Word of God.” He looked and forfeits his soul?’
at me and grinned. “I’m hoping you’ll be able to say something “And then one afternoon, for some reason, I picked up
to him to change his mind.” my Bible and ran across John 10:10, where Jesus said, ‘I came
Almost before we had completed our greetings, the that they might have life and might have it abundantly.’ When I
professor asked, “You talk to college students in your travels, started looking at my life and asking if it was what I would call
don’t you, Mr. Bright?” ‘abundant’ I had to admit it was pretty empty. Jesus has made
I nodded. such an incredible difference. I can hardly put it into words. But
“What do you tell the ones who want to become it’s great!”
Christians?” It is only through trusting God with our lives that we
I hesitated, weighing what I should say to this brilliant man. discover how much He adds to life. But many continue to fear
Was it an academic argument he sought? Curiosity perhaps? He will take away the things they love. A successful coach
Before I answered he spoke again. for a pro ball team confided one morning over breakfast that
“Let me be more honest with you,” he said. “I want to for years he had been a Christian but had always withheld
become a Christian. Can you tell me how?” committing his professional life to God. “I just knew that if I
After all his years of doubting, of teaching young men ever gave it to God,” he said, “He would take it away. I was afraid
and women against the deity of Christ and the inspiration of He would want me to go into the ministry instead. But I love
Scripture, I wondered what had made him change his mind. what I do. It is my life.” His reputation spoke highly of him as a
man of great skill and professional character. It was easy to see been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift
his love for his players and for the game. of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.”
As he sat beside me stirring his coffee, a peaceful expression Once we have asked Jesus into our lives, it is not necessary
slipped onto his rugged face. “You know,” he said at last, “When to ask again. Now, we must believe He has come in as He
I finally did give it all to God, I realized that He wanted me in promised. And He has said He will never leave nor abandon His
coaching. Part of the reason I love the game is because of the children.
skill and ability God has given me to do what I do. I am serving Faith is a muscle that becomes strong only as we exercise it.
Him right where I am. But I never really understood until I was It is the difference between thinking we are saved and knowing!
willing to give it up.” The choice is up to you.
The human will is a powerful dimension of our ability to
believe our salvation. It can keep us from trusting God fully;
it can create unfounded doubts; it can invent reasons for us to
allow sin in our lives, knowing that what we are doing causes
Application
pain to the heart of God.
1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
When sin is allowed in our lives, it is not unusual for us to
begin to doubt the validity of our salvation. Until our hearts are
willing to admit it is sin, and deal with our disobedience, we
often find ourselves creating arguments against believing God.
It may seem to be “easier” than confessing our sin before Him,
but only for a season.
Other times, our will to believe fully in our salvation is
hampered because we have been deceived by Satan. When a
Christian allows willful sin in his life, he may become convinced
that God will never forgive him for what he has done. It is
a clever trick of the master deceiver himself, but unless the
estranged believer determines to return to God and accept His
forgiveness, he may condemn himself to a life of fear, wondering
2. Why?
about his salvation, afraid he will always be separated from God
because of choices he has made.
And so we see that God never keeps His children at arm’s
length. It is a trick of Satan. God extends assurance of His
salvation to all His children, at all times, with no exception. If we
are unsure of where we stand, we need to take inventory of our
intellect, our emotions and our will.
To be assured of our position in Christ, we must be aware
intellectually of the basic truths:
1. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
2. Man is sinful and separated from God; thus he cannot
know or experience God’s love and plan for him.
3. To whom should I pass along this information?
3. Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin.
Through Him you can know and experience God’s love
and plan for your life.
4. You must decide to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and
Lord of your life; it is then you will know and experience
God’s love and plan for you.
Christ promised, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock;

if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to
him, and will dine with him, and he with Me: (Revelation 3:20).
In the Gospel of John, we read, “But as many as received Him,
to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to
those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
Yet, it is not enough just to believe. We must have faith,
accepting His promise to enter our lives regardless of what we
may feel. Ephesians 2: 8,9 reminds us, “For by grace you have
Adapted from The Transferable Concepts by Bill Bright. All rights reserved.
Praise
Those who are looked down on in society had ● Read Transferable Concept #2: How You
Read a scripture to begin laying a foundation for
been responding to Jesus’ teaching. The Can Experience God’s Love and
worship and praise.
religious leaders (Pharisees) and the teachers of Forgiveness and discuss with another group
● Example: Psalm 48:9 “O Lord, we meditate
the religious law didn’t like Jesus associating member.
on your unfailing love as we worship you.”
with these people. So Jesus told a story about a ● Write down the names of those who doesn’t
Let’s pause and tell Jesus how thankful we
lost son to explain God’s heart towards sinners. know the Lord and start praying for them.
are for His love for us.
Read ● Create your Oikos Network List.
Care
● Read or watch Luke 15:11-24 two times as
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
everyone listens.
biblical counsel and encouragement.
Discovery Discussion Going on the Mission
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Identify people from your Oikos Network List
like best) and why? with whom you will tell the story or share the
week.
● What do we learn about God or people? gospel with this week.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
● Why do you think this story is important? ● Write “I will by when” statements on your
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
● How can we live differently now that we Next Step Goals sheet and share with your
know this story (passage)? group.
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
Read, Tell and Correct
with your goals and I will statements?” ● Read the story again. Have someone tell
the story and ask the group to correct if Praying for the Mission
necessary. ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
Summary the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
Our heavenly Father is willing to forgive the sins start a movement of disciple-makers.
Example: When we accept Christ our lives are
changed forever. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, of His children. Our sin does not change the fact
anyone who belongs to Christ is a new creation, that God is our Father. But sin does have
the old life has gone and a new life has begun! consequences and it does affect our fellowship
That’s us! We are new creations and as we with God. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess
follow Christ, our lives will continue to change to our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us
our sins and purify us from all wickedness.” Resources used in this lesson can be found at:
be full of purpose and meaning. Let’s encourage
churchmovements.com/sent67/
each other with this truth as we journey together
in this new life.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #2: RELATIONSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP [LUKE 15:11-24]
How to Experience
God’s Love and Forgiveness
There were deep lines on the young face staring out the Like the young man who saw the yellow ribbons, these
window of the train, lines that months of reliving a regretted space destitute believers simply need to understand how to reach out
in time had embedded as he had served his sentence in prison. and possess what is theirs and to discover that the secret for
The green rolling hills and familiar pasturelands sped past until knowing and experiencing forgiveness lies in being filled with
there, in the distance, he recognized the three spires of the granary God’s Spirit.
in his hometown. A lump of terror sprung into his throat and But what do we tell someone whose Christianity is
slithered down into his stomach. He would know soon. They were colorless? What if you were struggling to find the love that
just a few miles from his folk’s place on the outskirts of town. eluded you as a believer? Would it really be possible for another
He stroked the cover of the book lying open in his lap as if to Christian to present profound truths clearly enough for you to
touch some remains of reality. The whole thing felt like a dream. grasp and apply them in your own life? Can one believer teach
The last three years were swaddled in a haze. How could he have another how to experience Christ’s limitless forgiveness for
done it? The shame his crime had brought his mother and father themselves?
was more than anyone should have to bear. How could they ever The answer is yes. Throughout our walk with Christ, we
forgive him? repeatedly find rewarding benefits in practicing this concept.
And all the while the train rolled on, closer to what had once Paul deals with this very topic in 1 Corinthians 2 and 3. He
been home for him….before. He knew when he wrote them that explains why some believers lack joy and the power of the Holy
he had no right, but he had asked them to leave a sign if they Spirit in their lives when he writes about the natural man, the
could find it in their hearts to forgive him. Just a ribbon hanging spiritual man and the carnal man.
from the old oak tree in the backyard where his tire swing had
been all these years was all he needed. He only wanted to see them The Natural Man
once more and then he intended to move on, to spare them any The Natural Man is one who depends on his own resources.
more shame and hurt. He would know in the next few minutes. This person says, “I’ll do it my way.” He is not a Christian and
The palms of his hands were wet with perspiration; his mouth therefore cannot truly grasp the truths of God’s Word. He is
was dry, and as much as he longed to know, he could not make self-sufficient. His interests and ambitions are worldly and
himself look out the window. What would he do if the ribbon was self-centered. Though he may appear to have his act together,
not there? spiritually he is dead. (Death is our only birthright until we
“You all right, son?” The passenger next to him could not help invite Jesus into our lives.)
but notice the young man’s tension. “Something I can do for you?”
“Yes, sir, there is,” he said. “Just past that bend is a big old oak The Spiritual Man
tree and, well, I know it sounds a little strange, but would you tell The Spiritual Man is one who is born again into life
me if you see a yellow ribbon in the tree somewhere? I, I just can’t everlasting. This person realizes, I cannot make it on my own.
bring myself to look.” I admit that I need God. He is indwelt and guided by the
The man nodded, and as the train rounded the bend he Holy Spirit, who makes it possible for him to understand the
began to smile. “Is it there?” the young man asked. “Can you see truths of God’s Word. The spiritual man is alive! He has a vital
the ribbon?” relationship with the Lord. And because he is a channel of the
“You’ll have to look for yourself, son,” the man said. “You Holy Spirit’s power, he is constantly bearing fruit.
wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
The young man slowly raised his head and stared in grateful The Carnal Man
disbelief. The oak tree had blossomed into a bouquet of yellow The main topic of this chapter is the Carnal Man. Though
ribbons flying in the breeze from every branch. And against the he is born again, he has not tapped into the rich inheritance
fence, a man and a woman waved at the passing train carrying of his heavenly Father. Instead, he continues to live like a
the son they loved. condemned man. He often looks as if all is well. He may teach
Sunday School, pastor a church, or give years of his life in some
There are Christians who, like this young man, live fearful remote mission field leading others to Christ. But it is a cover-up.
lives, missing that sparkle, that special dynamic they had The bottom-line reality is that a carnal man is defeated. If
expected from Christianity. They don’t smile—they scowl. They he is honest, he will admit that his Christianity lacks real joy. He
struggle. Burdens overwhelm them. Where is the peace Jesus is constantly frustrated. In desperation, he valiantly tries to live
promised?, they wonder. What they really need is a renewed a life pleasing to God, but instead of drawing on the source of
perspective of the forgiveness that is ours in Christ. power, the Holy Spirit, he relies on his own energy and creativity
These believers are painfully aware that something is for the strength he needs, and he runs into problems.
missing in their lives. Their Christianity reflects a self-inflicted Other things reflect the carnal man’s lifestyle. He may
boredom. These people do not need scolding from well- attempt to hold tightly to God, but simultaneously refuse to
meaning Christian brothers and sisters. They do not need to loosen his grasp on material, earthly things. He finds himself
be convinced that life is empty and unfulfilling. What they do possessed by his possessions. At the same time, he tries to tune-
need is to tap into their spiritual resources (e.g., love, peace and in to spiritual matters. Jesus Himself said it is impossible to serve
forgiveness)—the missing ingredients their salvation can bring two masters. Though the carnal man sincerely tries to please
to everyday lives. This is their rightful inheritance, available to God, he is spinning his spiritual wheels. Romans 8:7 explains
every believer.
why: “The old sinful nature within us is against God. It never increases his belief that the ice will hold his weight. When we
did obey God’s laws, and it never will” (The Living Bible). place our trust in God, the result will always be a stronger faith,
Tremendous freedom comes wrapped up in this truth: It is for the better we know Him, the more we know he deserves our
our faith in God that pleases Him, never our efforts, despite trust.
our courageous attempts or heartfelt sincerity. Our only hope Other things—seemingly unimportant—have a surprising
for victory over this carnal tendency, is trusting Christ to live effect on our faith as it is maturing. I had a memorable
His resurrection life in and through us. His forgiveness becomes demonstration of this one afternoon while playing with my
ours when we become His children. We only need to accept it— small son. It was his turn to operate the controls of his model
a fact the Carnal Man does not comprehend. train set, and for several minutes we enjoyed the wonderful
The Carnal Man may not cling to his own strength simply little engine puffing around make-believe hills and valleys right
by choice. It’s possible that he suffers from a lack of accurate on schedule. Then, for no apparent reason, it stopped. He tried
information, or he may be confused about who God really is the switch again but nothing happened. I took the little engine
and what He can do in a person’s life. off the tracks and checked the connections. I wiggled the plug
Consider the story of a poor immigrant who once bought in the socket. Everything seemed to be as it should be, but the
passage on a ship to the United States. He had only enough train would not go. Then my son spied a felled traffic sign at a
money left over to buy a few crackers and a small block of crossing. Though not very big, it had fallen across the tracks,
cheese which he rationed carefully over the first few days connecting the positive and negative rails and bringing the train
of the voyage. But his hunger grew. He watched the ship’s to a stand still. The little sign had short-circuited the power.
waiters dashing past him, carrying trays of succulent fruits and Sin—even “unimportant” sin—can do the same thing in
vegetables, fat chickens and juicy steaks to the other passengers. the life of a Christian. It can never affect God’s love for us. That
Finally the aromas overpowered his fears, and he stopped a never changes! God loves us with an inexhaustible love. He
waiter. loves us, not just “when” or “if” we deserve His love, but even
“Please,” he begged the surprised man. “I am weak from when we are disobedient. One of my most moving discoveries
hunger. I’ll do anything to earn a meal—clean rooms, swab in my study of the Scriptures was the statement of our Lord in
decks, wash dishes….” His high-priestly prayer to God the Father, as recorded in John
“Did you stow away?,” the waiter asked. The man shook 17:23 (TLB): “…so that the world will know you sent me and
his head. “Then why haven’t you eaten? The price of your ticket will understand that you love them as much as you love me.”
includes your meals. You’ve already paid for them. You only
have to come and eat!” Think of it: God loves you and me as much as He loves the
Lord Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. Incredible! But true!
Do we live like spiritual stowaways when all the benefits Though God hates sin and will chasten or punish His children
of a first-class passage are ours to claim? How sad to condemn when we are disobedient, He never ceases to love us. “Whom
ourselves to cheese-and-cracker Christianity when Jesus invites the Lord loves, He disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6). In fact, He
us to “come and dine” with Him at the table of honor. disciplines us because He loves us, not because He hates us. He
Is it possible that you believe in God and have given Him hates only our sin.
your life, yet you continue to live as though He does not exist? So, if we want His uninterrupted power flowing through
Do you ask Him to guide, then move on as if He does not care our lives, it is our responsibility to confess any known sin. Then
bout your life? Are you ready to make a change and begin to we can experience afresh God’s forgiveness because of Jesus’
draw on the incredible power of the Holy Spirit? He invites you death in our place. Confession is as necessary and natural to the
to come to that turning point right now. normal Christian life as breathing is to our physical existence.
All it takes is faith: trusting God to be just what He claims
to be. Jesus said we would be able to do even greater works than Spiritual Breathing
He did if we believe that He means what He says (John 14:12). In fact, it is breathing—spiritual breathing. We “exhale” by
Whatever we ask in His name, He says He will do (John 14:14). breathing out a confession to God, expelling the sin in our lives.
You do not have to live a defeated, carnal, guilt-ridden life. You We “inhale” as we breathe in the Holy Spirit, appropriating his
have a choice. fullness by faith. Spiritual breathing is a principle enabling us as
Our loving Lord commands us to come away from our believers to live consistent Christian lives. It is the “breath of life.”
carnality and become the fruitful witnesses He calls us to be Consider with me the principles of spiritual “exhaling” as
in John 15:16. The best part is that He Himself has both the they apply to the Christian life. (We will discuss the process of
power and the desire to bring us to experiencing true love and spiritual “inhaling” in the following chapter.) We read in 1 John
forgiveness in Him. 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and righteous to
And so, as weak as our faith may be, we begin by placing it forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
in a trustworthy God. That is the first step toward growth. Like The word confess (in the Greek, homologeo) suggests agreement
a muscle, faith must be exercised if it is to become strong and with God concerning our sins. Confession is a threefold process:
useful. 1. Acknowledgment of our sin. We need to be specific about
our sin before God, and agree with Him that what we have
We are like the man moving with great caution across a done is wrong, and grievous in His sight.
frozen lake in winter’s cold. At first, he fears his next step will 2. Acceptance of His forgiveness. We must also agree with God
find him treading the black, freezing waters just below the that Jesus’ death on the cross bought the forgiveness we
surface. But every step that holds his weight confirms and need for all our sins—past, present and future. We must
accept the fact that there is nothing we can add to what He Application
has done for us.
3. Repentance. We must repent, we must change our attitude 1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
toward sinning. The Holy Spirit offers us the power we
need, and when we accept His power, our conduct will
change. Our sinful nature is no longer in charge. It is
powerless under the control of the Holy Spirit. We are once
again free to do what God wants us to do.
If you would like to breathe spiritually, there is a simple

exercise you can do right now that will help you.
Humble yourself before God and ask the Holy Spirit to
reveal to you sin that is in your life. With pencil and paper, list
every sin that He brings to mind. Give Him sufficient time to
show you the areas in your life which need change. Meditate
on Psalm 32:1-6, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test 2. Why?
my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you
sad” (TLB).
When you have completed your list, write across the top
the indelible promise of I John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us
from all inrighteousness!
Now, destroy your list and thank God for His forgiveness
and cleansing through His Son’s death on the cross. His precious
blood was spilled for your sins.
Keeping the channels open for God’s power to flow

through our lives allows us to experience love and forgiveness
in our Christian walk. It is the ingredient that transforms
ordinary men and women into extraordinary, dynamic 3. To whom should I pass along this information?
disciples of Jesus Christ!
Praise Preparing for the Mission
Context ● Read Transferable Concept #3: How you
Read a scripture and practice a worship song
When we place our faith in Jesus, God’s Spirit can be filled with the Holy Spirit
● Example: Psalm 66:4 “Everything on earth
begins to live inside of us. He is called the Holy ● Teach the Spiritual Breathing principle
will worship you; they will sing your praises .
Spirit, the Spirit of Truth and our Helper. His ● Exhale – 1 John 1:9 confess our sins,
. . in glorious songs.” Let’s pause and
ministry in our lives is so important that we will agree to change our attitude or actions
praise God with a simple song.
take time to study our relationship with Him. ● Inhale – surrender control of your life to
Care
Read Christ
● Read 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3 two times as ● Have them pray to be controlled and
others listen. empowered by the Holy Spirit: Father, I
Discovery Discussion need you. I acknowledge that I have been in
● What caught your attention (or what did you control of my life; and that I have sinned
week.
like best) and why? against you. Thank you for forgiving my sins
● What do we learn about God or people? through Christ’s death on the cross. I invite
● Why do you think this story is important? you to take control of my life and fill me with
● How can we live differently now that we your Holy Spirit. I pray this is the name of
know this story (passage)? Jesus as an expression of my faith. Thank
Read, Tell and Correct you for taking control of my life and filling me
with your goals and I will statements?”
● Read the story again. Have someone tell with your Holy Spirit.
Motivation and Encouragement ● Practice drawing the 3 circles and teaching
the story and ask the group to correct if
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or the Spiritual Breathing principle
necessary.
what God can do through them. Going on the Mission
Summary
Though all Christians have the Spirit living in ● Identify 2-3 people who you can tell what
Example: One day a woman went to visit her
them, not all Christians are directed and you have learned about the Holy Spirit or
neighbor. As they were talking she shared the
empowered by the Spirit. When we trust in our with whom you can share the gospel.
gospel with her neighbor and she placed her
own efforts or take control of our lives, the Bible ● Write “I will by when” statements and tell
faith in Christ. But then the woman started
calls us carnal and we don’t experience an them to your small group.
crying. “My husband just died 2 weeks ago. Why
abundant or fruitful life. Read Galatians Praying for the Mission
didn’t you tell me this sooner?” You see, we
5:22-24. We can use 3 circles to help us ● Commit the everyone’s goals to the Lord.
never know when people’s last day will be.
remember the 3 types of people described in 1 Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and use
That’s why we must share the gospel when we
Corinthians (draw the 3 circles). us to start a movement of disciple-makers.
have the chance.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #3: KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT [1 CORINTHIANS 2:14-3:3]
How to Be Filled
With the Spirit
The first streams of morning light filtered through the small resurrection power, His heart, His mind, His love for the lost
windows of the upper room and slipped across Peter’s bearded flowing from within us, who could resist?
face. He opened his eyes and raised up on one elbow. Most of If we cannot see evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit
the others were awake, rolling up their pallets and beginning in our lives, we need to take inventory and ask whether we are
the morning meal preparations for yet another day. How much living as carnal Christians. If we are not, perhaps the reason for
longer, Lord?, He wondered. For many days they had waited the absence of power is a lack of faith, or a lack of knowledge
together in this small room, over 100 of them now, just waiting for about who God and His Holy Spirit are.
the Holy Spirit to come as Jesus had promised….
And then he heard it. Like a strong windstorm in the distance Some years ago a West Texas rancher made a startling
at first, then the roaring sounds of violent, rushing winds right discovery.
in the room. Louder and louder it sounded, and in their midst The story goes that for Homer Yates, the end of the road
flaming tongues of fire resting on each one in the room, filling seemed to have come too soon. As he rested a dusty boot on the
them with the Holy Spirit. running board of his weathered pick-up truck, he looked across
acres of ranch land dotted with clusters of cattle. This valley
To say it changed their lives is an understatement! was his valley. He and his family had called this land home for
Suddenly these men and women of God were declaring the countless years.
gospel of Jesus Christ with new confidence in a way that hearers This familiar scene had once brought peace to his heart. It
understood, even to the point of preaching in languages they had comforted him. But at this particular moment it triggered
had never learned! They discovered an unquenchable power tears. He loved this place. How could he leave it behind? How
flowing from within them because they had been filled with could he be expected to pack up his belongings and walk away
the Source of Power Himself. And, because of it, thousands from the ranch he had poured himself into for so many years?
followed them to a new and life-changing relationship with the And yet, what other choice was there now?
risen Lord. Things were all right until the depression hit. It came in like a
The book of Acts records for us the power of the Holy swarm of devouring locusts and stripped him bare financially. He
Spirit at work in people’s lives. We read the stories and marvel even had to accept government subsidy to keep the beloved ranch
at common people like you and me performing miracles running marginally. It had shamed him to ask for help—but there
and leading hundreds to Christ. Sadly, we shake our heads, seemed to be no other way. And as carefully as he and his wife
disappointed that we could not have lived then so we could had parceled out their eager funds, they never had quite enough.
have been a part of it all. We have all but conceded to the more They had gone without, had sacrificed everything possible, but
“sophisticated” attitude that the Holy Spirit works among us ruin was their reward.
only in subtle ways today. Peter and the others had to perform Now, in the distance he saw another truck coming down
miracles to reach the lost with the gospel. Today, many pass the gravel land carrying a couple of men, strangers to him. They
that idea off saying such “emotional displays” are no longer rumbled to a stop a few yards away, dust settling around them in
necessary. swirls as they closed in on him.
But J.B. Phillips gives us insight on it when he writes in “Are you Yates?,” one of them asked. He nodded. “We’ve been
his introduction to Letters to the Young Church: “The great looking for you,” he said, surprising Yates with a handshake. The
difference between present-day Christians and those of tall one explained they were part of a geological crew sent by a
which we read in these letters (the New Testament epistles), major oil company, and they had reason to believe there might be
is that to us it is primarily a performance; to them it was a oil on his land. Would he give them permission to drill a wildcat
real experience. We are apt to reduce the Christian religion to well on the other side of the ridge?
a code, or, at best, a rule of heart and life. To these men, it is What could he lose? He signed the lease that afternoon. A
quite plainly the invasion of their lives by a new quality of life little below eleven hundred feet they struck an oil reserve that was
altogether. They do not hesitate to describe this as Christ living pumping 80,000 barrels a day before Yates knew what hit him.
in them. Several of the wells that followed yielded twice that amount. And
And if Christ still lives in His followers as He promised, Yates and his family owned it all!
should our lives be any less powerful than those of the disciples? Overnight, the humble rancher, scraping by on government
For any Christian, life should be a great adventure. We have relief, had become a multi-millionaire. He had lived in poverty
purpose, and we have the source of power needed to perform on the very land that made him rich. The oil reserves had been
the tasks that fall to us. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, the there all along—all his since the day he signed the deed. But he
works that I do shall he do also’ and greater works than these possessed it only after he understood what riches were there, and
shall he do; because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in that they were his for the taking.
My name, that will I do” (John 14:12,13).
But we are not expected to do these wonderful things in Misconceptions
our own power. It is Christ Himself living within us who gives How often we as Christians do the same thing, living like
us the power through the Holy Spirit to do great works. All spiritual paupers when in truth, we are children of the King!
our wisdom and eloquence, logic, personality and good looks Jesus described the Christian life as an exciting, abundant
can never persuade someone to follow Christ, but with Jesus’ adventure, and for centuries many believers around the world
have found it to be true.
Another problem we have is that we fear God will somehow The Holy Spirit
take advantage of us if we give ourselves wholly to Him. We see But if we are to surrender our lives to Him, we must begin
in 1 John 4:18, “We need have no fear of someone who loves us with an understanding of the nature and person of the Holy
perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he Spirit. You will notice I have not referred to Him as “it.” The
might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do Holy Spirit is as much a person as God Himself. He is not some
to us, and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really ethereal influence or fleecy white spiritual concept. He is God.
loves us” (The Living Bible). We can trust God with our lives He possesses all the attributes that are ascribed to God the
once we begin to accept His love. Father. As the third person of the trinity, the Holy Spirit is co-
Imagine with me for a moment that you are the parent of equal with God the Father and God the Son. There is only one
a small boy whom you love keenly. One warm summer day God, but He manifests Himself in three persons.
he stands at your knees and struggles to tell you something of Defining the Trinity is a human impossibility. A seminary
great importance to him. “I love you,” he finally says, patting professor of mine used to say, “The person who denies the
your hand, and from now on I’m going to do everything you trinity will lose his soul. The person who tries to understand the
tell me to.” You get down on one knee beside him, take his little trinity will lose his mind.” Finite man cannot fully comprehend
shoulders in your hands and begin to shake him violently. You the infinity God.
can see his eyes fill with terror as you shout, “I’ve just been It was the Holy Spirit who inspired men to write the
waiting for this! Now I’m going to make things miserable for Scriptures. As we read the Bible, He is the one who reveals its
you. No more fun, no more toys, only hateful, horrible chores truth to us and helps us understand how to apply it to our lives.
for as long as you live!” He makes our prayers heard by God, and it is He who reaps the
What a strange response from a loving parent. We would harvest of our faithful witness. His sole purpose is to exalt and
expect to see tenderness and compassion shown toward the child, glorify Christ (John 16:1-15).
not a tirade like this. And yet, so often we fear the same kind of The evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of
painful, punitive response from God if we should dare surrender believers is all around us. He has come to us, the Comforter that
ourselves to Him. A human parent would open their arms to their Jesus promised as He prepared to leave this earth. “It is to your
little one, welcoming them into an even deeper place of love. They advantage that I go away,” Jesus said, “For if I do not go away, the
would hope to merit such love from their child. Helper [Holy Spirit} shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send
Why then do we expect anything less from God who loves Him to you…. But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will
us beyond human love? Is it that we do not understand His love guide you into all the truth… and He will disclose to you what is
for us? Matthew 7:11 describes God as a father demonstrative to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall
of his love for his children: “If you then being evil, know how disclose it to you” (John 16:7,13,14). Through new birth the
to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Holy Spirit enables us to know Christ, and to share the Good
Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” News with others.
Like Jesus who wept over Jerusalem, God looks at us and First John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light as He Himself
says, “How often I would have gathered you into My arms, but is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the
you would not let Me.” If we are to be effective Christians we blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” When we are
must begin—by faith—to trust the God of our salvation. From filled with the Spirit, we are under His control; not as a robot
the time we accept His forgiveness to the time He walks with us but as one led and empowered by the heart of God Himself. He
through death, everything He gives us we receive by faith. walks this earth in our bodies, living His resurrection life in and
through us.
Jesus said to the multitudes, “If any man is thirsty, let him
Spiritual Breathing come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture
In “How to Experience God’s Love and Forgiveness,” said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living
we discussed the principle of “spiritual breathing,” defining water’”(John 7: 37,38). John adds, “But this He spoke of the
“exhaling” as the confession of sin and the acknowledgement Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive” (John
of His love and forgiveness in our lives. Now we come to 7:39). We can live the victorious, power-filled lives that Jesus
“inhaling.” offers if we open our hearts to the indwelling presence of the
Spiritual breathing would be as incomplete without the Holy Spirit. The choice is ours.
process of “inhaling” as would physical breathing. When
obstructed breathing prevents oxygen from getting to the lungs, The Holy Spirit Is In You
brains and vital organs, the human body dies. Proper spiritual But a question arises: How? How do we trust the Spirit to
breathing is of the same dramatic importance. To “inhale” direct us? What do we do, what do we say, so that He’ll take
spiritually is to draw deeply of the freshness of the Holy Spirit, control within us or so that we’ll gain access to this marvelous
appropriating by faith His fullness, giving Him free reign in our power that is ours?
lives to control and empower us as He sees fit. Suppose you have a bank account of several thousand
As we practice spiritual breathing, it becomes a natural dollars, and you need to cash a check. Would you walk into the
habit. The constant, rhythmical “exhaling” (confession) and bank, drop to your knees before a teller, and begin begging and
“inhaling” (appropriation of new power in our lives) creates a pleading for the money you need? You smile because you know
fresh, incomparable, daily approach to life. the surprised teller would probably lean over the counter and
remind you, “You don’t have to beg me. It’s already your money.
Just write out what you want, and I’ll cash your check.”
The Holy Spirit is ours the day we accept Christ’s forgive- Is this the desire of your heart? If you would like, pray this
ness for sins. Like salvation, the filling of the Holy Spirit is an act prayer:
of faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” the “Dear Father, I acknowledge that I have been the one in
Bible says, “and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as control of my life, and as a result, I have disobeyed Your
a result of works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). command to be controlled with the Spirit. Thank you for
We need not beg or barter with God for His favor. Fasting, forgiving me, and now, Father, I invite Christ to take His
weeping, prostrating ourselves before Him will never cause Him rightful place on the throne of my life. In faith I ask You
to fill us with His Spirit. We cannot earn God’s fullness. It is only to fill me with Your Holy Spirit as You promised in Your
ours through faith and it has been ours since the moment we Word. Thank You for keeping Your promises and for the
became Christians. Colossians 2:6 reminds us, “As you therefore indwelling of the Holy Spirit in my life right now.”
have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.”
If you prayed this prayer or expressed your heart similarly
to God in your own words, you are now filled with the Holy
Appropriate the Power of the Holy Spirit Spirit. You do not have to “feel” like it; simply believe it as a
The Holy Spirit is ours. What we must learn to do now is fact—in faith. You can begin this very moment to draw upon
appropriate His power. There are several factors that will help the vast, inexhaustible resources of the Holy Spirit. He will
prepare our hearts as we seek to have lives filled with the Holy enable you to live a holy life, to share the claims of Christ with
Spirit. seeking hearts in a new way.
We must be hungry for the Spirit and desire His indwelling. Thank God for the fullness of His Spirit as you begin each
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after day, and continue to invite Him to control your life, moment
righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). by moment. The Spirit-filled life is a life of supernatural power,
We must be willing to surrender our lives to Christ. In of abiding in Christ, and of bearing spiritual fruit. It is trusting
Romans 12:1,2 Paul writes, “I plead with you to give your bodies God, not self, to live the Christian life.
to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can
accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this Application
too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this
world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness 1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own
experience how his ways will really satisfy you” (TLB).
Confess every sin. We need to let the Holy Spirit bring to
mind everything that needs to be dealt with, then confess it all
to God. We are promised in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins
to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us
from every wrong. (And it is perfectly proper for God to do this
for us because Christ died to wash away our sins)” (TLB).
With hearts opened and prepared for the filling of the
Spirit, we are instructed in Ephesians 5:18 to “Be not drunk
with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit.” It
is a command! Not to be filled, controlled and empowered is
disobedience. Scripture also tells us that there is available to us a 2. Why?
“confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything
according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He
hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests
which we have asked from Him” (I John 5:14,15).
There is but one indwelling, one rebirth, and one baptism of
the Holy Spirit—all of which occur at the moment of salvation.
There are many fillings made clear in Ephesians 5:18. In the
original text, the meaning is more explicit than most English
translations. This command means to be constantly and
continually filled, controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit
as a way of life!
Technically, we do not even need to pray for the filling of
the Holy Spirit as no Scripture tells us to do this. We are filled
by faith. However, since the object of our faith is God and 3. To whom should I pass along this information?
His Word, we can pray as an expression of our faith in God’s
command and in His promise. We are not filled because we
pray but because we trust in God who responds to our faith.
symbolizes our bold identification with the death
and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:4-5).
Praise
Read a scripture to begin laying a foundation for
Context
worship and praise. A follower of Jesus named Philip had been
● Example: Psalm 29:2 “Give honor to the sharing the gospel with people in an area of Preparing for the Mission
Lord and worship Him in the glory of His Israel called Samaria. The Lord interrupted his ● Teach them the Gospel on a Napkin.
holiness.” Let’s pause and give honor to the ministry and told him to go south along the road ● Practice starting a conversation, sharing the
Lord by praising Him. leading toward Egypt. When he arrived, he gospel or beginning the follow up process.
found an African leader who was traveling back ● Remind them what to do when someone
Care
to his home country. This story tells us what says YES to the gospel.
happened. ● Introduce the concept of Oikos Network
Mapping - watch the video
Read
week. ● Read or watch Acts 8:34-40 two times as Going on the Mission
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you others listen. ● Create your own Oikos Network List by
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. Discovery Discussion writing down the names of those to whom
Celebrate Faithfulness ● What caught your attention (or what did you you want to share the gospel
like best) and why? ● Write “I will by when” statements on your
● What do we learn about God or people? Next Step Goal sheet and tell them to your
● Why do you think this story is important? group.
● How can we live differently now that we
know this story (passage)?
Read, Tell and Correct Praying for the Mission
● Read the story again. Have someone tell ● Commit the everyone’s goals to the Lord.
Example: The Lord not only loves us, He has a
the story and ask the group to correct if Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and use
vision for our lives. What is that vision? It is to
necessary. us to start a movement of disciple-makers.
be like Christ. Romans 8:29 says that His plan
is that we all conform to the image of Christ, to Summary
experience and reflect the Father like Christ did. Read Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus himself was
And the great news is that this work of baptized and modeled it to His followers. Ever
Christlikeness is God’s work. Philippians 1:6 since the time of Christ, everyone who begins to
promises that He who began this good work in follow Him has made this commitment. Our
you, will be faithful to complete it! Be willingness to be baptized shows others that
encouraged that God will work in your life to there has been a real change in our lives. It
become like Christ.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #4: BOLDLY IDENTIFY WITH JESUS [ACTS 8:34-40]
Gospel on a Napkin
{
2.
BODY MIND
SOUL EMOTION
We (mankind) chose to
SPIRIT WILL
go our own way.
1. 9. Jn 14:6
GOD IS LOVE
Jn 1:3, 10:10 8. Rm 5:8; 1Pt 2;24 ∞

13.
3. SIN FAITH
Rm 3:23 13.
Eph 2:8-9
12. 13.
GOD IS JUST 5. Rm 6:23 6.
10. & 11. ∞

4. Eph 2:1-3 Jn 1:12, 3:16
The Gospel on a Napkin

Let’s go a bit deeper into the Guide role. Being an effective guide involves two skills: knowing what the
gospel is and how to share it well, along with your personal story of coming to Christ. In these next
few minutes we will take the time to show how many share the gospel these days. In this example, we
assume the conversation has progressed to a point – exercising the grace and wisdom of an Explorer
– where now we can share the gospel openly. We call this the gospel on a napkin. See the illustration/
diagram in the Appendix that goes along with this.
CHANGING FACE OF EVANGELISM & THE WELL-BEING OF THE CITY 1
WHAT TO SAY WHAT TO DRAW & WRITE
1. “Here are a few things that show us what the Bible says about knowing God In the upper left corner, write “God is
personally.” love” with an arrow going across the page
“God created mankind to know Him and have life abundantly in relationship
with Him. He loves us. (Quote John 1:3, 10:10) He wants a relationship
with us.”
2. “When he created us, he gave us body, soul and spirit.” “Our soul is our Draw circles and words as you explain
mind, will and emotions. Our spirit is where we find our meaning by being in the middle of the page above the line
connected to God. Here we find our sense of purpose. We are meant to be you’ve drawn.
whole by living in relationship with Him. Why are most people not experi-
encing an abundant life?” { Listen}
3. “As human beings, our soul set our minds on things independent from God
(point to word: “mind”), and we longed for things (point to word: “emo-
tions”) that God warned mankind against. We choose to go our own inde-
pendent way and fellowship with God was broken” (point to word: “will”).
Quote Romans 3:23.
4. “Ephesians 2:1-3 says we have died spiritually. We are separated from the Color-in fully the circle called “spirit”
life God intended us to have – a thriving life, one of abundance, connected with black ink – indicating man is dead
to Him.” spiritually.
5. “He is just and must correct what is unjust, what is wrong. There is a penalty Draw a line down from the “God is love”
for sin.” Quote Romans 6:23. line and write the word “sin” on it. Now,
draw a stick figure of a man on a new line
with an arrow across the page – a lower
parallel line. On the left, next to the low-
er line, write “God is Just and Holy”.
6. “We try to recover the abundant life, knowing something is missing, by
living a good life, taking adventures, being religious, philosophy, etc. But we
cannot reach God or the abundant life because we have sinned.”
7. “We need help. New life must be given to us (because we are dead spiritu- Draw new circles for body, soul, spirit
ally).” and say (pointing to spirit):
8. Quote these verses: Romans 5:8 and 1Peter 2:24. As you draw a dark circle Write “Romans 5:8” and “1 Peter 2:24”
say: “Jesus died for our sins, taking our penalty on himself.” on the napkin between the two parallel
lines. and draw a cross that intersects
with both the top and bottom parallel
lines (God is love and God is just and
holy.) Draw a dark circle (representing
sin and its penalty) on the center of the
cross.

WHAT TO SAY WHAT TO DRAW & WRITE
9. Quote John 14:6 and point to the inner circle (spirit), saying, “The life we
need only Jesus can give us. Jesus is the WAY (to God), the TRUTH (He’s
trustworthy) and the LIFE (exactly what we need to overcome our spiri-
tual death). He rose from the dead showing his payment for our sin was
enough.”
10. Quote John 1:12.
11. Quote John 3:16.
12. Draw a stick figure on the other side of

the cross, a line going up to the God is
love line, and the word faith on that line.
13. “God asks us to consider the consequences of our decision to receive Him Draw eternal symbol at the end of both
by faith or not. We can know God’s love forever, receiving his gift of grace, parallel lines, saying,
knowing He died in our place to pay the penalty of our sin. Yet, we can, of
course, pay for it ourselves and be separated from Him - and life – forever.”
Quote Ephesians 2:8, 9.
14. “Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trust-
ing Christ to come into our lives to forgive us of our sins and to make us
what He wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the
Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is
it enough to have an emotional experience. We receive Jesus Christ by faith,
as an act of our will.
You Can Receive Christ Right Now by Faith Through Prayer (prayer is talking
with God). God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words
as He is with the attitude of your heart. The following is a suggested prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the
cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior
and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life.
Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want
me to be.” If this is the desire of your heart, you can place your trust in Him
– put your faith in Him and His work (death to forgive you, resurrection to
give you new life).

Praise
Read a scripture and practice a song to begin
Context
laying a foundation for worship and praise. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Read Rev 7:12 “Let’s honor and disciples many times during a 40-day period. ● Make a commitment to read at least one
worship the Lord through a song.” One of the times He appeared while they were chapter from the Word of God each day,
meeting in a large room and He explained the beginning with the Gospel of John.
Care
importance of His Word. ● Pray that the Holy Spirit will teach you
Read through His Word, read the chapter, and
● Read or watch Luke 24:36-49 two times as then answer three questions:
everyone listens. ● What is this passage about?
Discovery Discussion ● How can I apply it?
week.
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Who can I help using this passage?
like best) and why? ● Meditate on what the Holy Spirit has taught
● What do we learn about God or people? about the meaning of this passage.
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● Why do you think this story is important?
● How can we live differently now that we Going on the Mission
know this story (passage)? ● Identify 2-4 people from your Oikos Network
Read, Tell and Correct List with whom you will tell the story or share
● Read the story again. Have someone tell the gospel this week.
the story and ask the group to correct if ● Write “I will by when” statements on your
necessary. Next Step Goals sheet and tell them to your
Summary small group.
Example: God has given us every spiritual
blessing through Jesus. He has adopted us into Jesus wants us to understand God’s Word and
what it teaches us about Him. Jesus’ life fulfilled Praying for the Mission
His family and calls us His children. “You were
the promises in God’s Word. He wants us to tell ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
included in Christ when you heard the word of
others about what we learn. the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having
start a movement of disciple-makers.
believed, you were marked in Him with a seal,
the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 10:17 and
guaranteeing our inheritance.” (Ephesians Hebrews 4:12 to highlight truths about God’s
3:13-14a) What an amazing gift! This is God’s Word.
promise for you.
Reading the Bible each day is an important part
of getting to know Jesus.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #5: GROWING THROUGH GOD’S WORD [LUKE 24:36-49]
Praise
Read a scripture and practice a worship song
Even though Jesus was busy in ministry, he
● Example: Read Psalm 100:2 “Worship the
spent a lot of time talking to the Father. As his ● Read Transferable Concept #9: How to
Lord with gladness. Come before Him,
followers watched him, they too wanted to learn Pray and discuss with another group
singing with joy.” Let’s learn a song we can
how to talk to the Father. Today we will learn member.
use to worship the Lord.
what he told them. ● Practice praying using the 4 points of the
Care
Read summary.
● Read or watch Luke 11:1-13 two times as ● Practice sharing any previous lesson
everyone listens.
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Identify 2-4 people from your Oikos Network
week.
like best) and why? List with whom you will tell the story or share
● What do we learn about God or people? the gospel this week.
● Why do you think this story is important? ● Write “I will by when” statements on your
● How can we live differently now that we Next Step Goals sheet and tell them to your
know this story (passage)? small group.
● Read the story again. Have someone tell
necessary. ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord.
Summary Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and
Prayer is simply talking to our heavenly Father. use us to start a movement of
Example: As Jesus went through all the towns
We can use these 4 points to summarize what disciple-makers.
and villages, he saw the needs of the people
and had compassion on them. He said to his Jesus taught:
disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the Praise Him and keep Him the center;
workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, Request what you need from Him;
therefore, to send out workers into his harvest Acknowledge your sins;
field." God wants all people to know him and his Yield your life to His will and to His
love. He wants to use us and He will also raise Kingdom.
up more workers from the harvest we will reap. We can be confident that He hears us and that
Let’s keep asking God to send more workers to His heart is to give us good things.
lead people to know Him.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #6: TALKING WITH GOD [LUKE 11:1-13]
How to Pray
“Mommy,” the child asked, “what’s prayer?” pray to the Father in the name of the Son through the ministry
Mom answered, “It’s two people who love each other talking of the Holy Spirit. Prayer ushers us into the presence of the
together — one of them is God, and the other is you.” King of kings and Lord of lords, and we bow in reverence and
awe. But He is our Father and delights in our communication.
Prayer is simply communicating with the Father, who loves Because of this, we can come before Him confident and relaxed,
us unconditionally. The well-known “hot line” that connects with joyful hearts and filled with expectancy. God loves us more
Washington, D.C., with the Kremlin offers the President instant, than any human being ever could.
direct communication with the Soviet Union in the event of a
national emergency. If we liken it to the communication lines Why Do We Pray?
between the believer and God, the sad truth is that our spiritual
“hot line” to God’s heart sits idle much of the time. We seem 1. Our prayers bring glory to God. Although our Lord delights
to forget the line exists, until an emergency or crisis arises to in our praise and requests, the purpose of prayer is to
remind us that we are not sufficient unto ourselves. glorify Him. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in My name,
that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son”
Who Can Pray? (John 14:13).
Instinctively, man knows he should pray, and he does, 2. We communicate with God through prayer. Some think
even if only to gods of sticks and stone. Whenever we are faced of prayer as a convenient “escape hatch” from trouble, a
with tragedy, heartache, sorrow or danger, we acknowledge the direct route to getting their way, and a means to manipulate
need within us to turn to someone greater than ourselves and God into meeting their needs. To use prayer this way is
more powerful than our circumstances. But peril lies in praying like filling a shiny new Cadillac with balloons. Prayer
ignorantly. When men have prayed to gods of blood, fire and is meant to be so much more. Prayer is a holy line of
war, they have emerged sadistic, ruthless and militaristic. Man communication, instituted and commanded by God
assimilates the moral character of the object he worships. That for the exclusive use of His precious children. The New
applies to the Christian as well. Testament is filled with directives about prayer and its
Scripture points out, “There is one God, and one mediator role in the Christian walk. “Pray without ceasing,” Paul
… between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy said (1 Thessalonians 5:17); “Keep watching and praying”
2:5). Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no (Matthew 26:41); “Pray with the spirit (1 Corinthians
one comes to the Father, but through me” (John 14:6). Sound 14:15). Prayer is important to God and vital to us. We
exclusive? That is exactly what Jesus intended — to show us that cannot grow without it.
the way to God is very narrow, and our focus needs to be on
Him and no one else. He must be our only object of worship, 3. Prayer is fellowship between God and His children. God
for “with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of waits eagerly for us to come to Him in prayer. Longing for
the Lord, [we] are being transformed into the same image” fellowship, He created man. His love for us was so perfect,
(2 Corinthians 3:18). We worship the one, true, holy and loving so unquenchable, that in spite of our self-centeredness, He
God, and focusing on Him makes us more like Him every day. gave His only Son to pay the price for sin and open a way
Prayer requires a clean heart. Imagine that we have been for us to come into His presence. Incredible as it seems,
invited to tea with the Queen of England. What a flurry of God wants our fellowship! Proverbs tells us that “the
preparation would take place! For days we would shop for prayer of the upright is His delight” (Proverbs 15:8). In our
just the right outfit for the occasion. We would appear before egotistical thoughts, prayer has become something for us.
Her Majesty, prepared head to toe with a proper haircut and a Something we do to meet our needs. But we are being told
speech ready to prevent embarrassing blunders. here that prayer meets the need in God, and that we must
God asks only that we bring a clean and open heart into spend time with Him, because our prayers are gifts we offer
His presence. The beloved psalmist said, “If I regard wickedness to please and delight the Lord we love.
in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18). Our holy
God cannot commune with sin; it is the eternal separator. If we 4. Christ set an example of prayer for us. When Jesus was here
would have God hear our prayers, we must confess any sin in among us prayer was a priority for Him. Even in days filled
our lives and enter His chambers dressed in robes of purity. from morning to nighttime with an impossible, pressured
We dare to approach His throne with our petitions and schedule, Jesus found time for prayer. He was dependent
praise only on the authority of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. upon that fellowship with His Father. He escaped into
He is our only mediator. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus prayer and restored His wounded spirit. How much more
said no less than six times, “If you ask Me anything in My name, should we be aware of our own need for prayer?
I will do it” (see John 14:13-16).
5. Prayer brings results. Praying does change things. Jesus
To Whom Do We Pray? prayed for Lazarus, who had died, and God,restored a
beloved friend to life (John 11:43). Elijah prayed that God
Every member of the Trinity is involved in our prayers. We would forbid it to rain, and for three and a half years no
rain fell in the land. When he prayed again that God would to honor and exalt Him in our hearts and minds. Our prayers
let it rain, the sky became black with heavy clouds that should be an expression of complete trust in Him, a confidence
spilled out on the parched ground (James 4:17-18). There is that He hears us. Prayer is much more than words. It is the
undeniable power in the prayer of the believer. expression of our hearts open before God.
Reading psalms of praise aloud, and similar portions
6. Prayer is spiritual nurture for the growing soul. Talking to of Scripture, can greatly enrich our prayer time. Time spent
God and listening for His response is part of His design to praising God for His goodness will warm the coldest heart.
nurture us as we mature in Him. Just as a small child needs Confession. For the Christian who seeks fellowship with
nourishment and love to grow strong physically, we need God, prayer needs to begin with confession on the basis of
regular food for our souls if we want to mature spiritually. Psalm 66:18: “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will
Now and then, a day may slip by when we forget to feed not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 reminds us, “Your iniquities have made
on God’s Word or communicate with the Father, and a separation between you and your God, and your sins have
there may be no apparent ill effects. But if we continue to hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.” Confessing
deprive ourselves of steady nourishment, we will quickly our sin prepares the heart for thanksgiving and supplication.
begin to show the signs of spiritual malnutrition. In times If our discipline of prayer begins with worshipful adoration
of stress, we’ll discover that we have lost the strength to live of God, any sin in our lives will be revealed by the Holy Spirit.
victorious, fruitful lives. For as we see God in His holiness and love, we become aware
of our own sin and unworthiness. Someone dressed in white
When Should We Pray? who enters a dark coal mine will not know how smudged and
dirty he has become until he stands once again in the light. It is
We are told to pray without ceasing, to talk to God about the same with sin. Until we expose ourselves to the “light of the
everything, to shoot “arrow prayers” in His direction as we world” (Jesus), we cannot see the dark places in our lives.
go through the day. We ask for wisdom in difficult places. We We always can be totally transparent with God, for He
thank Him for blessings as they occur. We pray for the salvation knows us intimately. We have no secrets before Him. The hairs
of loved ones, and the healing of the sick. We pray for wisdom of our head are numbered, and He knows our thoughts before
for our leaders, for our pastors and politicians. And all of this is we think them. We cannot hide behind a façade, or fool God.
done as life unfolds round us, on the freeway, in the kitchen with So we can come in complete freedom and honesty and tell Him
children hanging on our knees, walking through the office. exactly how we feel. If you do not feel spiritual, tell Him. If your
But there is also a need for time alone in a set-apart place heart is cold, confess it. If you have been disobedient, confess
where we can kneel undisturbed before an open Bible and talk it and receive His forgiveness and cleansing; be restored to
peacefully with God as we read His Word. We hear God’s voice fellowship once again.
through His Word and through the impressions that come as we True confession is honest, and it involves the following:
open our hearts to meditate in His presence. • Acknowledging that our sin is wrong and therefore, is
As you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to make your grievous to God.
reading meaningful and uplifting. Pause often to thank God for • Accepting God’s forgiveness for our sins – past, present and
His loving provisions, to confess the weaknesses in your life as future;
you see them reflected in Scripture, to ask for the boldness and • Repenting, aligning our attitude with God about our sin.
faith the apostles had, and to thank Him for fresh insights into When we change our attitude, the Holy Spirit then helps us
His plan for your life. Invite God to speak to you, then wait to to change our actions accordingly.
hear His voice.
Group prayer in the company of other Christians is another We can be confident in our confession because 1 John 1:9
vital part of an active prayer life. Yet, few gatherings are more promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to
dull, unattractive and boring than the average prayer meeting. forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
It is a lack of individual preparation that creates the emptiness Beware of unhealthy extremes of confession that lead to
we feel at times like these. When we spend time with God in unnecessary introspection. Accept God’s forgiveness once and
private, preparing for our time together, we come already filled for all for your sin, then concentrate on His love and acceptance
with His presence, expecting Him to do great things as we meet of you as His child.
together with Him. Without preparation, we can only parrot Thanksgiving. There is no better way to demonstrate our
prayers we have patterned after someone else, and there is no faith than to say, “Thank You, God.” The writer of Hebrews
heart in what we say. makes it clear that without faith it is impossible to please the
How exciting it becomes to talk to God as though He were Father (Hebrews 11:6). We are commanded to give thanks for
actually present — as indeed, He is. Prayers are heartfelt and all things because “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
spontaneous, directed by the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). To fail to give thanks is to disobey God.
If we are filled with God’s Holy Spirit and recognize that He
What Is Included in Prayer? controls all things, we can thank Him not only for the blessings
of each day, but also for the problems and adversities. When
The basic elements of prayer can be remembered easily by we meditate on the goodness of God, the salvation He has
using the word “ACTS” as a reminder: adoration, confession, freely given, eternal life in Christ, the chance to serve, health,
thanksgiving and supplication. food, shelter, a free country ... we are obeying God’s command.
Adoration. To adore God is to worship and praise Him, And praise has a remarkable effect on us. It is invigorating and
edifying. It focuses our attention on what we have instead of on to explain, “You ask and do not receive because you ask with
what we want, and we can see proof that God is at work in us. wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures”
But praise involves thanking God for adversity as well. (James 4: 2-3). The Lord Jesus speaks with the authority of God
Make a list of every problem, disappointment and heartache when he says, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it”
in your life, then begin at the top and thank God for each (John 14:14).
entry. We are commanded to give thanks in adversity as a Jesus promised, “All things you ask, in prayer, believing,
demonstration of faith. Expressing our faith pleases God and you shall receive (Matthew 21:22). Believing God is the heart
allows Him to make Himself strong on our behalf. A critical, of answered prayer. God does not ask that we have great faith,
unbelieving spirit, on the other hand, displeases Him, hinders but simply that we believe in a great and trustworthy God. Jesus
His efforts to bless and enrich our lives, and keeps Him from said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this
using us for His glory. mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and
Supplication. Paul encourages us, “Be anxious for nothing, nothing shall be impossible to you” (Matthew 17:20).
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, But faith is not something we can manufacture on our own;
let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). To it comes from God (Ephesians 2:8,9). The Holy Spirit produces
many Christian, prayer is like window shopping — they spend a faith in us as we continue to walk in obedience. Faith is like a
great deal of time looking, but they never make a choice to buy. muscle—if we don’t use it, we lose it.
We must know our hearts; we must know what we need, and Receive, by faith, the answers to your requests. If we are
ask God in specific terms, expecting Him to answer. abiding in Christ and are controlled by the Holy Spirit, and if
Supplication includes intercession for others and petition we are praying according to the Word and will of God, we can
for our own needs. expect God to answer our prayers. So be prepared to see some
We should pray daily for our spouses, our children and action. Imagine that you are receiving the answers you are
our parents. We should pray for our neighbors and friends, our seeking and begin to thank God for answered prayer!
pastor and missionaries, and for other Christians to whom God
has given special responsibility. Pray for those in authority. Even Greater Things
Pray especially for the salvation of souls, for a daily
opportunity to introduce others to Christ and to the ministry of As we bow in prayer, we are tapping a source of power
the Holy Spirit, and for the fulfillment of the Great Commission that can change the course of history. God’s might, power,
in our generation. Begin with your campus or your community. love, wisdom and grace are available to us if we believe Him
Pray for and seek to find one or more Christian friends with and claim His provision. Prayer is the greatest privilege of the
whom you can establish prayer partnerships. Christian experience, because it allows us to be in the very
Christians often do not realize the importance of presence of God. When we take the promises of God seriously,
intercession. The apostle Paul continually prayed for his claiming all we have been promised, there is no limit to what
converts (Ephesian 1:15-16), and he also asked them to pray for God can do.
him (Ephesians 6:19). Every Christian should pray for others If you would like to unleash the full power of prayer in your
and should encourage other Christians to pray for him. life, join me in this prayer:
We must pray for ourselves also that our inner man may Father, You said “I have not because I ask not.” So, right
be renewed and quickened, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We now I am claiming Your promises, because I want to live
need to tell God about our problems and ask Him for wisdom in mighty victory as You have promised that I can, for
and guidance. We should ask expectantly for strength to resist Your glory. I pray in Your all-powerful name. Amen.
temptation, and for the comfort we need when sorrowing.
There is nothing too small or too great to bring before the Lord Application
in prayer. What is important to us is important to Him.
1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
Can We Pray with Confidence?
Can we expect answers to our prayers? Scripture says we

can if we abide, ask, believe and receive.
Jesus revealed abiding as the key to successful prayer, 2. Why?
promising, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask
whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).
In other words, if our lives are totally yielded to Him—with
His Word abiding in us so that we know His will—we can ask
anything we wish, for our desire is to do His will. 3. To whom should I pass along this information?
Abiding is simply walking in the Spirit with no unconfessed
sin in our lives and being totally available to God. As we pray
according to His will, we know He will answer us (1 John 5:14).
To expect answers to our prayers, we must ask specifically.
James says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” He goes
Context
Praise
The night before Jesus was crucified, he had Preparing for the Mission
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
dinner with his 12 closest disciples. He told them ● Read Transferable Concept #4: How to
● Example: Read Psalm 16:7-11 and teach a
He was going away but that He was going to Walk in the Spirit and discuss with another
new song
send the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to be with group member.
Care
them forever. He teaches them that through the ● Review the principles of Spiritual Breathing
presence of the Holy Spirit living in them, He from lesson 4, “Keeping in Step with the
himself will be with them. This story uses the Spirit”.
image of a vine and its branches to describe ● Practice any skill or topic from previous
what our relationship with Jesus should be like. lessons as needed
week.
Read
Read or watch John 15:1-11 two times as Going on the Mission
others listen. ● Identify 5 people from your Network List with
Discovery Discussion whom you will tell the story or share the
● What caught your attention (or what did you gospel with this week.
like best) and why? ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
● What do we learn about God or people? with your small group.
● Why do you think this story is important?
● How can we live differently now that we Praying for the Mission
know this story (passage)? ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
Read, Tell and Correct the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
Example: John 16 teaches us that the Holy Spirit
● Read the story again. Have someone tell start a movement of disciple-makers.
is actively at work in the hearts of those around
the story and ask the group to correct if
us. He is showing them their sin. He is creating
necessary.
a desire to be right with God. He is creating a
longing to avoid the fear of death, which is
Summary
Without Jesus, we cannot do anything. We can Resources for this lesson can be found at:
eternal judgment. He is tearing down the
only have a fruitful life when we depend on and churchmovements.com/sent67/
objections of their minds and hearts. Our job is
to fish for those people through witnessing, remain in Him. This happens as we submit in
finding those whose hearts are ready. Let’s obedience to His ways, allowing his life to flow in
encourage each other by reminding each other and through us so that we can bear fruit for the
that the Spirit is already working before we even glory of God. In other words, we need to let the
go. Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, direct and
empower our lives by faith.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #7: ABIDING IN JESUS [JOHN 15:1-11]

How to Walk in the Spirit
Chuck leaned on the horn one more time, a long, angry blast. children had given their hearts to God. The Lord brings glory to
He’d already been waiting ten minutes. Where were they? Himself through the committed lives of His children.
Marianne knew how nervous he was about this morning, his As you “exhale” and “inhale” spiritually, you will notice
first Sunday teaching the fifth grade boys. He had asked her and a difference in your life. You will become “spiritually fit” and
the kids to be ready on time! Finally she arrived, opened the door aware of a new freedom and power in your witness. When sin
and helped the 3-year-old into the car. enters, do not let it set you back. Simply. keep short accounts
“I can’t believe this,” Chuck shouted as 6-year-old Julie with God and do not allow sin to accumulate.
cowered in the corner of the back seat. “I told you I had to be there John writes, “My little children, I am telling you this so that
early. I’ve got chairs to set up and materials to get ready!” you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is someone to
Marianne made a weak attempt to apologize as they pulled plead for you before the Father. His name is Jesus Christ, the
out of the driveway and headed—too fast—toward the church. one who is all that is good and who pleases God completely”
Chuck ranted on with no consideration for his family’s feelings ... (1 John 2:1-6, The Living Bible).
until something deep inside him seemed to say, You’re in a fine As your relationship with the Holy Spirit matures, you will
state of mind to be teaching about God’s love and patience, discover it is both critical and progressive. It is critical in that,
aren’t you? He recognized the “voice” in an instant. It spoke as you continue appropriating His power moment by moment,
quietly in the midst of his anger and, as always, dove right to the you will learn how to appropriate by faith what He offers you.
heart of the matter. He could not argue; he knew the voice was Your relationship is progressive in that, by faith, you will grow
right. and mature in your Spirit-controlled walk. It is often easy to
He glanced at his wife. Just seconds before, he had been so identify a believer who has walked in the Spirit for many years,
angry he had seen her as the enemy. Now what he saw was the because the fruit of the Spirit is easily seen.
woman he loved, staring sadly out the window as the houses The concept of “spiritual breathing” is not a complex one,
slipped past beside them. He had wounded her deeply with his but it needs to be understood in a broader context. There
outburst. are four things we need to take precautions about in our
“Honey,” he said, reaching for her hand, “I owe you an Christian walk:
apology.” The rest of the trip, they spoke quietly together, mending 1. Being certain we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
hurt feelings, righting wrongs, restoring their communication. 2. Preparing for spiritual conflict.
3. Knowing our rights as children of God.
Chuck had slipped back into the practices of the “carnal 4. Living by faith.
man” like all of us do at times. He had been so involved in the
problem of the moment that he forgot who should be on the Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
throne of his life. It is almost reflex to return to our carnal I’ll- First, in order to walk in the Spirit, we must be sure that
do-it-myself ways when we forget to believe the promises of we are filled with the Spirit. In Ephesians 5:18, we are told, “Be
God’s Word (John 1:9) and their provisions for our daily living. not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the
We forget 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken Spirit” (King James Version). To be filled with the Holy Spirit is
you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who to be controlled and empowered by Him as a way of life. Jesus
will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but warned, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate
with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the
may be able to endure it.” other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).
Paul says in Romans 14:23, “Whatever is not from faith is There is a “throne” in each heart — our control center —
sin.” It is not sin itself that returns us to the carnal state again; and there is room on the throne for only one reigning power.
it is what we decide to do about that sin. If we stop breathing The struggle within us is over control of that throne, and the
spiritually and allow sin to separate us from God and/or our Christian who is ruled by self has removed the Holy Spirit from
belief in His power for our lives, our only choice is to live once the throne of his life.
again as carnal Christians. On the other hand, as we choose to It is imperative that we remember God’s command to us
breathe spiritually — confessing our sins to God moment by and His promise. He commands us, “Be filled." He promises
moment (exhaling), and breathing deeply of His forgiveness and that if we ask anything according to God’s will, He will hear
restoration (inhaling) — we continue to keep Him enthroned and answer (1 John 5:14,15). Because He commands us to be
and to live victorious lives. filled with His Holy Spirit, we can be sure that we are asking
As Chuck drove his family to church that Sunday morning, something that is in His will for our lives. And when we pray
he “exhaled” when he confessed his sin to God and his family. according to His will, He has promised to answer our requests.
And he “inhaled” a fresh filling of the Spirit as he opened his Therefore, we can expect Him to fill and empower us when we
heart once again to God’s restorative powers, and worked things sincerely desire to surrender the control of our lives to Him, and
through with his wife. When he stood before those fifth-grade trust Him to fill us with His Spirit. Then we must continue to
boys, he was ready to speak to them with conviction of God’s breathe spiritually, “exhaling” by confessing and “inhaling” by
unconditional love for us as His redeemed children. The boys appropriating His forgiveness and power in our lives by faith.
sensed in their teacher a humility and honesty that drew What about emotions in the experience of the believer?
them to the Savior. And before class had finished, three of the Feelings add color and excitement and are a valuable part of life,
but they are extremely fickle, changing with the weather. As can be confident that “greater is He who is in you than he who is
Christians, we live by faith, trusting in God’s trustworthiness in the world” (1 John 4:4).
and the promises of His Word. If we depend on feelings for a Two thousand years ago, Satan was defeated when Jesus
confirmation of His working in our lives, we put ourselves in a Christ died on the cross for our sins. Victory is ours now! We
dangerous position and will almost always be disappointed. do not look forward to victory but backward, toward the cross
Let’s compare the process of believing God and living the where the enemy was defeated once and for all. We need not
Christian life to a train. The power is in the engine (FACT), the fear Satan as long as we walk in the Spirit and depend on Christ
fuel is in the coal car (FAITH), and bringing up the rear is the for our strength and provision.
caboose (FEELINGS). No engineer would couple his train to
a caboose and expect it to pull the load. The engine — fact — Know Your Rights as Children of God
gives Christianity its power, and often feelings follow naturally, as Third, if we are to walk consistently in the Spirit, we must
a bonus. But if they are not there, it does not mean the facts have know what our rights are as children of God (John 1:12). We have
changed. inherited an inexhaustible supply of love, power, forgiveness and
Refuse to seek emotional experiences as proof of the Holy grace from our Father. It is our responsibility to learn how to
Spirit’s indwelling. If you have a sincere hunger and thirst draw upon that supply.
for God’s righteousness, and you have confessed your sin, The source book which declares our rights of inheritance is,
surrendered to His control, and asked Him to fill you, you can of course, the Bible. As believers, we need to spend time reading,
be assured that you are filled with the Holy Spirit! God is faithful studying, memorizing and meditating on God’s Word to live in
to His promises. a way that will please Him. The desires of His heart for us, His
John 14:21 reminds us, “He who has My commandments precious children, are hidden in the Scriptures. As we search for
and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me these truths, they are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit Himself.
shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will For example, when Christ takes up residence in our lives,
disclose Myself to him.” It does not say, "He who feels love for our bodies become His living temples. Jesus promised us
me,” but, “He who keeps my commandments.” His special power to live holy lives (Romans 12: 1,2). As His
Feelings usually follow the decisions and actions of our children, this is something we’ve inherited.
lives, but we need not look for them nor depend on them to We also can be effective witnesses for Him. When His Spirit
confirm fact for us. Looking for an emotional experience is controls us, we are filled with His love for the lost. And as we
denial of the concept of faith, and whatever is not of faith is sin share truth with them, He speaks through us.
(Hebrews 11:6). When we believe God, He honors our faith, One word of caution: We must be careful not to think of
and we can live life with assurance that He is filling us moment Bible study, prayer and witnessing as “works” that justify our
by moment. position in Christ. In truth, it is just the opposite. The works
we do in the name of our Lord are the results of living to please
Be Ready for Spiritual Conflict the Savior. And the results are evidence of a lifetime given to the
Second, as all good soldiers who are prepared for battle, moment-by-moment filling of the Holy Spirit.
we must be ready for spiritual conflict. We, who have chosen
to become spiritually alive and committed to our Lord, must Live by Faith
expect resistance from the enemy. And one of the enemy's The fourth area of walking in the Spirit is living by
sharpest weapons is guilt. He will poke and prod when we least faith. It is sad to see the pain of sincere Christians who have
expect it, with stinging nettles that itch and swell. He will accuse been deceived by a displaced emphasis on emotions. When
us of sins for which we have already accepted God’s forgiveness, unrealistic expectations are levied by others who have set their
and he will do everything possible to destroy our security in own standards of proof for the Spirit, there can be nothing but
Christ, for the enemy knows that a doubting soldier is worthless disappointment ahead. Praise God, we do not live by fluctuating
in battle. The good news is that we have a choice: feelings, but by faith in His never-changing Word! And His
• Do not allow Satan to sink arrows into his target. A Word is not silent on the issue of faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us
“moving target” is always harder to hit. that “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Galatians 3:11
• Refuse to withdraw into unnecessary introspection (one reminds us that we “live by faith.”
of Satan’s favorite ploys). This will prevent you from Faith requires believing when it is not easy to do so.
probing into areas that have already been forgiven and But God has given us a lifeline to hold tight to when things
forgotten by the Savior! are rough. Romans 8:28 promises us that “all things ... work
• Confess to God only what the Holy Spirit impresses together for good to those who love God, to those who are
upon your heart as something which is standing called according to His purpose.”
between you and His complete filling of your cleansed It is not easy to learn to say, “Thank you, Lord,” when your
heart. heart is breaking, but it is a priceless addition to the Christian
We are told in 1 Peter 5:7,8 to let God have all of our worries walk. Writer Joseph Bayly, who has lost three sons in death over
and cares, for He is always thinking about us and watching the years, has said that God was never closer than when he and
everything that concerns us. We are to be careful — alert to his wife walked away from a fresh grave.
inevitable attacks from Satan, the great enemy, who prowls Praise and thanksgiving are gifts expressing our trust
about the earth like a cunning lion looking for his next victim in God in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. Have
to tear apart. He is a shrewd and merciless foe, attacking either you lost a loved one to death? Has pain and disease seemed
subtly or obviously, attempting to defeat and destroy us. But we to control your body? Have you received hurts you did not
deserve? Have you suffered financial reserves? Have you tried Application
thanking God, while none of it is making sense? Have you told
Him you trust Him even when life is crushing in on you? 1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
If we believe God and His promises when things seem
to be falling apart around us, we are acknowledging His
lordship, and obeying His command to trust Him when
we cannot see the end. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we read: “In
everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ
Jesus.” He promises rewards when we trust Him. He has
said “All things” will work together for good, and He stands
behind His Word.
It may seem that only a fool would be thankful under
such circumstances, but if we believe God’s Word to be true,
then we need to exercise our will and give thanks when there
seems to be no reason for thanksgiving. Over the years,
Christians around the world have learned some sweet and
valuable lessons through simply being obedient to God’s
Word and giving thanks when they least felt like it.
Keep Christ in Control of Your Life 2. Why?

To sum up, a Christian will want to walk in the Spirit
moment-by-moment because God has commanded that
we do so. It is the only way to keep Christ on the throne
and in control of our lives. And as self decreases and Christ
increases (Galatians 2:20), the result will be unbelievable
growth and an abundant Christian life.
by asking people the same Amazing Question
and by meeting their needs in practical ways.
Context
Praise
A couple of weeks before Jesus’ death, He and
His followers were in a town called Jericho. As Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Psalm 33:1-5 and 1-2 songs
they left to travel the 24 km up the mountain to ● Practice telling the story and using the
Care
Jerusalem, a blind man calls out to Jesus trying Amazing Question. Include practice on
to get his attention. transitioning a conversation to the story.
Read ● Optional: tell the story by using the JESUS
● Read or watch Luke 18:35-43 two times as video clip
others listen. ● Update your Network List with names of
week.
Discovery Discussion additional people if needed.
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. ● What caught your attention (or what did you
like best) and why?
● What do we learn about God or people? Going on the Mission
● Why do you think this story is important? ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
● How can we live differently now that we List with whom you can pray and care for
know this story (passage)? using the Amazing Question.
Read, Tell and Correct ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
● Read the story again. Have someone tell the with your small group.
story and ask the group to correct if
necessary.
The first words of Jesus in Mark were telling
Summary Praying for the Mission
people to “repent.” This means to change our
Jesus has great compassion for people! He ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
whole way of thinking because God’s ways are
asked the blind man an amazing question, the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
so different from ours. One area is how we view
“What do you want me to do for you?” Then He start a movement of disciple-makers.
ourselves. We need a new understanding of life
with God and what He can do in our lives. The met the man’s needs. In John 14:12-13 Jesus
said, “Whoever believes in me will also do the Resources for this lesson can be found at:
next words of Jesus were "Follow Me, and I will
works that I do; and greater works than these churchmovements.com/sent67/
make you fishers of men." Every disciple of
Jesus is called to live out this twin call to follow will he do, because I am going to the Father.
Him and fish for men. Our sacrificial commitment Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do that
to Jesus transforms daily life and all our the Father may be glorified in the Son.” As
relationships. Let’s encourage each other to followers of Jesus, we take the initiative to show
continually repent, follow and fish! compassion for people in the power of the Spirit
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #8: AMAZING QUESTION AND CARE [LUKE 18:35-43]
Praise
Jesus challenged four men to follow Him and ● Study the following Persons of Peace and
learn to fish for men. As Jesus was training his discuss with another group member: Luke
● Example: Read Romans 11:33-36 and sing
followers to fish for men, he modeled six 19:1-10, Mark 5:14-20, John 4:1-42, Acts
1-2 songs.
different situations to them. The last situation 16:13-15
Care
was to an unlikely government official who would ● Review using the Amazing Question and
join the four men and become one of Jesus’ caring for others
closest followers. ● Practice any skill or topic from previous
Read lessons as needed
● Read or watch Luke 5:27-32 two times as
week.
everyone listens.
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
like best) and why? List with whom you will take the initiative to
● What do we learn about God or people? minister to this week. Use what you learned
● Why do you think this story is important? this week with at least 3.
● How can we live differently now that we ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
know this story (passage)? with your small group.
Example: God changes lives and uses them for
necessary. ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
His glory. One example is the story of a middle
Summary the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
eastern man named Adam. He was trained to
Read Luke 10:1-11. Jesus sent out his start a movement of disciple-makers.
be a martyr for his religion. But all of that
changed one night when he dramatically met followers to do the same things he had been
doing: praying for people, caring for their needs Resources for this lesson can be found at:
Christ. He was so excited about his new
and sharing about the Kingdom. This can be churchmovements.com/sent67/
relationship to Christ, he began to witness to all
of those he knew. Despite being persecuted, he summarized as Prayer, Care, Share. He
continues to share the gospel and train others. multiplied himself by training and sending out
Encourage them by reading 1 Corinthians new workers. The Person of Peace is a
1:24-31. God-prepared person who will receive you and
your message. Through their relationships, they
open new networks of people to the gospel.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #9: GOD PREPARED PEOPLE [LUKE 5:27-32]
are a powerful witness of the benefits of knowing
the Lord.
Context
Praise
Paul had been arrested because he was falsely
accused by the Jewish leaders of breaking a Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Read Psalm 66:1-4 and sing
temple law. During his defense before the ● Give a modern example by telling your own
songs.
Governor, Paul shared the story of how he came story and highlighting the 3 parts
Care
to know Christ. ● Practice sharing their story with a partner
● Have them choose 1 word that describes the
Read 3 parts of their story
● Read or watch Acts 22:1-21 two times as ● Have them expand it by writing down 2-3
everyone listens. sentences for each of the 3 parts
week.
● Let them practice telling their story with a
Discovery Discussion partner. After 3 minutes, have them give
● What caught your attention (or what did you feedback and then switch.
like best) and why? ● If time allows, have them switch partners
● What do we learn about God or people? and repeat the same process
Motivation and Encouragement Going on the Mission
● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
Retell and Correct List with whom you will take the initiative to
● Read the story again. Have someone tell minister to this week. Use what you learned
Example: In John 3:8, the Spirit of God is
the story and ask the group to correct if this week with at least 3.
described as a wind. We cannot control Him or
necessary. ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
make Him move; He blows where He wills. We
with your small group.
cannot create movements, only the Spirit of God
can. But we can position ourselves so that when Summary
He does move, we are ready to move with Him. Paul’s story (testimony) can be summarized in 3
Praying for the Mission
The simple skills you’ve been learning help do parts:
● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
just that. The good news is this: the Spirit of God ● his life before meeting Christ,
the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
is at work everywhere! Let’s keep preparing ● how he met Christ, and
ourselves and praying for the Spirit to move. ● his life after meeting Christ.
This pattern is still an effective way to tell others
Resources for this lesson can be found at:
what Jesus has done in our lives. Our stories
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #10: MY STORY [ACTS 22:1-21]

those near to us and those who live all over the
world.
Context
Praise
After Jesus was raised from the dead, He
continued teaching His disciples about God’s Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Read Psalm 95:1-7.
Kingdom. During His last meeting with them, He ● Read Transferable Concept #5: How you
Care
reinforced the mission they were being called to can be a fruitful witness and discuss with
and about the help that would be provided to another group member.
them. ● Remind them: Success in witnessing is
simply taking the initiative to share Christ in
Read the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the
week.
● Read or watch Acts 1:1-8 two times as results to God.
everyone listens. ● Review the Spiritual Breathing principle and
give personal opportunity to Exhale and
Discovery Discussion Inhale
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Give time for praying to be controlled and
like best) and why? empowered by the Holy Spirit
● What do we learn about God or people?
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or Going on the Mission
know this story (passage)? ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
Example: In the book of Acts, we see how
List with whom you will take the initiative to
believers trained others to be trainers of others.
Retell and Correct minister to this week. Use what you learned
One of the first followers of Jesus was a man
● Read the story again. Have someone tell this week with at least 3.
named Barnabas. He found a new believer
the story and ask the group to correct if ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
named Paul and helped him. Paul found a
necessary. with your small group.
young believer named Timothy and took
Timothy with him to share the gospel in many Summary
places. Later, Paul wrote to Timothy that he To follow Jesus means that we will obey His
command to be His witnesses. But we can only Praying for the Mission
should train faithful men in the churches to find
do what is needed with the help of the power of ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
other younger Christians to train. Read 2
the Holy Spirit in our lives. Only as He the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
Timothy 2:2. Jesus to Barnabas to Paul to
empowers us, can we be effective witnesses. start a movement of disciple-makers.
Timothy to faithful men to other younger
Christians. All Christians are called to train God’s desire is that we witness to
everyone--those like us and those not like us; Resources for this lesson can be found at:
trainers who can train trainers to train others. In
this way the gospel spreads rapidly!
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #11: BEING A WITNESS [ACTS 1:1-8]

How to Witness in the Spirit
“It was awful,” he said, shaking his head sadly. “I just froze. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven
Right when I should have presented him with the gospel, I and on earth.” And then He commanded us, “Go therefore and
forgot everything I’ve ever heard about leading a friend to make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name
Christ. It was so awkward, so uncomfortable … for both of of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
us.” He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans, “I guess I observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28: 18-20). But
really blew it this time!” He never sends us out alone. The final words of Matthew’s letter
No doubt my young, frustrated friend is expressing some are a gentle promise to all Christians. Jesus said, “And lo, I am
of the feelings we have all had when trying to lead someone to with you always, even to the end of the age."
Christ. It is, without a doubt, the most important experience Amazing as it seems, God has chosen to limit the
in a person’s life. But when we are not prepared, it can cause us expression of His love to human beings here on His earth. He
much unnecessary confusion and discomfort. has no arms but ours, no heart but ours, no voice without the
The lost are hungry for Jesus Christ, but the majority voice of His children. We are a vital part of His plan to reach
of Christians have never led another soul to Christ. This is the rest of the world with His love. We are “carriers.” Yet our
basically for two reasons: First, the average Christian does only responsibility is to follow Him; it is up to Him to make us
not live a victorious, Spirit-controlled life; second, most do effective witnesses. If we are obedient, He will use us greatly in
not know how to communicate their faith in Christ to others this exciting adventure to win the world!
effectively.
If you have been among the ranks of those who desire to 5. Remember to pray.
share Christ but have not been as productive as you would like We are to pray for those we hope to see come to Christ.
to be, the scriptural plan for witnessing on the next few pages The Bible tells us that God is not willing that any should perish,
will be of vital interest to you. If taken to heart and practiced, but that all should come to repentance. “He isn’t really being
it will give you the active, involved and fruitful role you have slow about His promised return, even though it sometimes
hoped for in your everyday contact with people. It consists seems that way. But He is waiting, for the good reason that He
of eight simple steps, designed to help you become a fruitful is not willing that any should perish, and He is giving more
witness. time for sinners to repent” (2 Peter 3:9, The Living Bible). He
also promises that if we ask anything according to His will, He
1. Be certain you are a Christian. will hear and answer. And we are sure of this, that He will listen
There is no way a person who wants to introduce others to us whenever we ask Him for anything in line with His will.
to Christ can be used effectively unless he has first become a And if we really know He is listening when we talk to Him and
Christian himself. You must be sure that you have invited Jesus make our requests, then we can be sure that He will answer
Christ to be the Lord and Savior of your life. It is the first and us” (1 John 5: 14,15, TLB). The promise does not mean that
most indispensable step. It is where the Christian walk begins. everyone who hears the gospel will follow Christ, but there is no
way we can tell who will choose Christ and who will reject Him.
2. Confess any sin in your life. Though some will hear the gospel and choose to walk away,
We must be sure that there is no unconfessed sin in our it is our responsibility — and privilege — to pray for the lost,
lives, because sin separates us from God. We stay up-to-date on because God honors our prayers.
this issue when we continue to breathe spiritually—“exhaling” Begin by making a prayer list and naming those whom
to expel sin in regular confession to God. the Holy Spirit lays on your heart. Then, daily claim them for
God; you have the authority to do this based on the Scriptures
3. Be filled with the Holy Spirit mentioned above. As you pray, continue to share Jesus’ love
It is imperative that we be filled with the Holy Spirit, in every way possible. We are not always able to speak the
constantly “inhaling” spiritually to appropriate anew the gospel; sometimes we are limited to living it quietly, but we can
limitless power He makes available to His children. be confident that the seeds are being planted and the Spirit is
at work! As the unsaved experience your unmerited love for
4. Be prepared to share your faith. them, the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts, drawing them to
We must be prepared to share our faith in Christ with Himself in time.
others whenever the occasion arises. Our seminaries and Bible Sometimes we are allowed to share in the joy of those
schools are doing a wonderful job of preparing Christians to we pray for as they turn their lives over to Christ. Others
present the gospel of Jesus Christ in effective and dynamic ways may require years to become Christians. Still others may
around the world. Yet each of us can expect to be used of God appear “hopeless” in our eyes, refusing to accept any part of
right where we are, with nothing more than the knowledge we Christianity. Do not give up hope. God works in unpredictable
have gained today. ways. Just pray, and leave the outcome to the Lord.
When we couple a willing heart with the empowering
of the Holy Spirit, souls are won to Christ. A testimony that 6. Go tell others about Christ.
touches the hearts of the lost does not depend on professional We do not have to wait for men to come to us. We can,
training. The gospel of Jesus Christ is simple enough for any and should, take the Good News to them. But one of the most
child to grasp, and we do not need degrees in theology to help difficult hurdles in witnessing is getting started. Satan loves to
people come to know Christ personally. fill us with excuses: I’m just too busy right now, or I really don’t
know what to say to someone about Christ. However, we are not We have nothing to be ashamed of. The Lord of our lives
alone. The Holy Spirit goes with us. In fact, He has preceded us is the Lord of all, the King of Kings! We need to witness with
in every step, preparing the hearts of the people to whom we a spirit of expectancy. God goes before us to prepare hearts, to
will speak. Jesus has told us to tell the Good News to all men. ripen them in His time. There are those who wait without Christ
We can count on Him to uphold us and strengthen us as we do who are eager to find Him.
what He has asked us to do. Satan, the “father of lies,” would have us believe that people
are not interested in finding God. We have allowed ourselves
7. Talk about Christ. to be deceived into thinking that hearts will not be responsive
Paul says, “Everywhere we go we talk about Christ to all to the gospel. But these are crucial and exciting times in which
who will listen” (Colossians 1:28, TLB). Paul set a precedent for we live today! The Holy Spirit is at work among students and
us to follow, but he was sensitive to his hearer’s choice to listen. lay people, worldwide. People are coming to Christ in steady
He did not force-feed the gospel. There will be some people streams. There is an insatiable thirst for Jesus Christ, the living
who seem to insist on remaining on a superficial level with water (John 4: 10-15).
us, who refuse to open their ears or their hearts to the Good Make no mistake, it is not religion that men and women
News. Though it may be frustrating, we must be sensitive to the seek today. For the most part, they want nothing to do with
leading of the Holy Spirit and in seeking His timing. He will lead church and organized rules to live by. What they do want is
and make opportunities available as He sees fit. the experience of a real and vital relationship with the Savior.
When I was just a lad, my family used to visit my uncle’s Religion is man’s search for God. Christianity is so much more:
home in the country. For miles before we turned into the It is God’s revelation of Himself to man in the person of Jesus
winding, gravel driveway to the big, old white house, I could Christ. If, in love, we confront people with the claims of Christ,
smell the tantalizing perfume of fat, juicy peaches blowing we will see many respond to His love and forgiveness. But the
through the open windows. Within minutes after our arrival, responsibility for their decision rests with the Holy Spirit.
my Aunt Sara would send my cousin and me into the orchard to
fill a bushel basket between us, and we would come back hours We at Campus Crusade for Christ sincerely believe that
later, the basket and our bulging tummies full to overflowing. success in witnessing is simply sharing Christ in the power of the
It did not take me long to learn that the best peaches for Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.
picking — and eating — were the ripe ones! We left the green Learn these easy-to-follow guidelines for witnessing in
fruit on the trees until we were dispatched to the orchard again the Spirit. Put them to work in your life and watch the results.
for another basketful. I soon discovered something wonderful If you have been sitting on the witnessing sidelines watching
had happened in our absence. The fruit that we had left on the others win people to Christ, this will change your life ... and the
trees because it was green and hard had become pink-cheeked lives of those who hear the gospel because of you!
and juicy, just perfect for one of Aunt Sara’s heavenly cobblers.
The same is true of witnessing. We must become sensitive
to the “ripeness” of the heart receiving our witness. Some will be Application
ready the first time they hear. Others will need time, and more
prayer, before they will receive Christ into their lives. It is not 1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
our responsibility to pressure them into making a decision for
Christ. Consider leaving them with some well-chosen literature,
and remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit about talking
to them further at a later time.
As those who are ready to consider the claims of Christ
become open to your witness, remember to encourage them
to invite Him into their lives. Many hearts are ready to receive 2. Why?
Him but are ignorant of how to become a believer. Gentle,
sensitive guidance, often with an aid like the Four Spiritual Laws
booklet, will show them, step-by-step, how to turn their hearts
over to God’s control. That booklet also helps in keeping the
conversation centered on Christ without getting side-tracked
into distracting issues.
8. Expect heart to respond to the gospel.
We can be confident in the power of the God of creation.
He is sovereign. He is omnipotent. And He is not willing that
any should perish. Like salespersons who never get the hang of
selling door-to-door, some Christians approach the lost with a
you-wouldn’t-be-interested-in-becoming-a-Christian attitude
right off the bat.
Praise
Read Acts 10:1-8. Peter was directed by the ● Practice setting up a missional event in the
Spirit to go to a seaside town called Caesarea home of a Person of Peace.
● Example: Read Psalm 9:1-2.
where a Roman military leader named Cornelius ● Discuss how they will ask the Person of
Care
lived. He was a God-prepared Person of Peace. Peace to host the event.
Peter obeyed and traveled to Caesarea to tell ● Discuss how to use short films and
Cornelius about Jesus. Let’s see what happens. JESUS Film clips to have spiritual
discussions using the standard 2
Read questions.
week.
● Read or watch Acts 10:24-35 two times as ● Discuss how to offer an opportunity to
everyone listens. pray.
Discovery Discussion ● Discuss how to follow up with those who
put their faith in Christ.
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● What caught your attention (or what did you
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God like best) and why?
with your goals and I will statements?” ● What do we learn about God or people?
● Why do you think this story is important? Going on the Mission
● How can we live differently now that we ● Identify at least one Person of Peace that
know this story (passage)? you could ask to host an event.
Retell and Correct ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
Example: Since everyone is called to follow ● Read the story again. Have someone tell
minister to this week. Use what you learned
Jesus and fish for men, we should realize there the story and ask the group to correct if
this week with at least 3.
are only two kinds of people in the world-- lost necessary.
● Write “I will by when” statements and share
and saved. Lost people need to follow Jesus. Summary
Saved people need to learn to fish for the lost. Persons of Peace are people of relationship. We
When you see the world as two types of people, can share the gospel with individual people, but
then your daily interactions get much simpler. If we need to also look for opportunities to follow
you meet a lost person, witness to them. If you open doors to share with the friends and family
meet a saved person, offer to train them. It can’t of Persons of Peace. Other examples of the
get much easier than that! gospel spreading through relationships are Lydia
and her household (Acts 16:14-15), the
Philippian jailer and his household (Acts
16:30-33) and Matthew the tax collector and his
friends (Matthew 9:9-10).
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #12: OPENING DOORS [ACTS 10:24-35]

one another. This is a description of a local
church!
Context
Praise
During a Jewish feast called Pentecost, Jews from all
over the world were in Jerusalem. God sent the Holy Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Read Psalm 100.
Spirit on 120 of His followers who had gathered ● Practice drawing the church health circle as
together. Through the Spirit’s power, the 120 an easy way to remember all the
Care followers began speaking in the languages of the characteristics of church. Include:
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer, visitors from all over the world. Peter began preaching
● worship, fellowship, studying God’s
biblical counsel and encouragement. to a crowd about the death and resurrection of Jesus,
word, prayer, Lord’s Supper, baptism,
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and proving He was the Messiah. As a result, 3,000
ministry, witness, giving and caring
explain one challenge they experienced this people believed and were baptized. But what came
leaders.
week. next after they believed?
● Discuss the following:
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you Read
“Does this group want to make that
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. ● Read or watch Acts 2:41-47 two times as
same commitment to one another? To
everyone listens. be the Lord’s church in this place?”
Celebrate Faithfulness Discovery Discussion
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● What caught your attention (or what did you
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God like best) and why? Going on the Mission
with your goals and I will statements?” ● What do we learn about God or people? ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
● Why do you think this story is important? List with whom you will take the initiative to
Motivation and Encouragement ● How can we live differently now that we minister to this week.
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or know this story (passage)? ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
what God can do through them. Retell and Correct with your small group.
Example: Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Isn’t it the story and ask the group to correct if
amazing? We were dead in our sins, but God necessary. Praying for the Mission
has made us alive. He did all of this so that you Summary ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
could accomplish the good works He has Read Matthew 16:18. The Holy Spirit led the the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
prepared for you. Our lives are full of purpose early believers to meet together regularly for start a movement of disciple-makers.
and meaning! Let’s encourage each by worship, prayer, fellowship, study of God’s word,
reminding ourselves of these truths. loving one another and reaching out to those Resources for this lesson can be found at:
who did not yet know Christ. In every location of churchmovements.com/sent67/
the book of Acts, people became followers of
Christ and they made this same commitment to
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #13: COMMITTING TO ONE ANOTHER [ACTS 2:41-47]
Praise
God gave the Jews a special celebration called ● Practice the Lord’s supper. Use what local
the Passover to remember how He delivered church leaders have given or use the
● Example: Matthew 10:28-30.
them from slavery in Egypt. The night before suggested practice below.
● (optional) Use a Statement of Faith about
Jesus died on the cross, He celebrated the ● Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
Jesus, like Philippians 2:11b; 1 Timothy
Passover with His disciples and explained how ● Pause and give them time to confess
2:4-6a
the Passover pointed to Him. their sins and talk to the Lord.
Care
Read ● Give the bread, tell them this represents
● Read or watch Luke 22:14-20 two times as His body that was broken for us. Eat it
everyone listens. together.
Discovery Discussion ● Give the drink. Tell them this represents
● What caught your attention (or what did you His blood that was shed for us. Drink it
week.
like best) and why? together.
● What do we learn about God or people? ● Pray and thank the Lord for what He has
● Why do you think this story is important? done for us.
Celebrate Faithfulness Going on the Mission
Retell and Correct ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
● Read the story again. Have someone tell List with whom you will take the initiative to
the story and ask the group to correct if minister to this week.
necessary. ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
Motivation and Encouragement with your small group.
Summary
Jesus modeled to His followers a way to
remember His sacrificial death on the cross.
[Take a piece of bread] The bread represents Praying for the Mission
Example: Read Hebrews 10:19-25. The Lord did
His body that was broken for us. [Show them ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
not call us to be alone. He called us to be
wine or juice] The drink represents His blood the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
together. We face many challenges and we
that was shed for us and opened a new way to start a movement of disciple-makers.
need encouragement and accountability to obey
relate to God. He also commanded them to keep
the Lord. Following Jesus is best done in
practicing it. Resources for this lesson can be found at:
community. We need each other so let’s not
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-30, we see that as Paul churchmovements.com/sent67/
quit meeting together!
started new churches, he taught all new
believers how to obey Jesus’ command.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #14: REMEMBERING JESUS SACRIFICE [LUKE 22:14-20]
Praise
The early church was committed to one another. ● Discuss how giving will be handled.
They were meeting together regularly and many new ● Identify needs where your giving can be
● Example: Hebrews 4:14-16.
people were coming to Christ. After a time of used.
● (optional) Use a Statement of Faith about persecution, they prayed for boldness and the Lord ● Remember Jesus’ sacrifice through
Jesus, like Philippians 2:11b; 1 Timothy helped them speak the gospel boldly. This story about communion if appropriate.
2:4-6a the believers in Jerusalem shows their commitment to
● Practice any skill or topic from previous
Care one another.
lessons to help prepare to minister to others.
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer, Read
biblical counsel and encouragement. ● Read or watch Acts 4:32-37 two times as
Going on the Mission
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and everyone listens.
explain one challenge they experienced this Discovery Discussion
week. ● What caught your attention (or what did you like
minister to this week.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you best) and why?
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. ● What do we learn about God or people?
Celebrate Faithfulness ● Why do you think this story is important?
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● How can we live differently now that we know this
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God story (passage)?
Retell and Correct Praying for the Mission
● Read the story again. Have someone tell the ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
story and ask the group to correct if necessary. the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
Summary start a movement of disciple-makers.
what God can do through them. Even from the beginning of the church, the believers
cared for one another’s needs by giving. We learn Resources for this lesson can be found at:
Example: One day Jesus sent out His followers
from this story that we should give willingly, not under churchmovements.com/sent67/
to minister to people in the surrounding villages.
compulsion. This is clearly stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7.
When they returned they were so excited about
Read Acts 11:27-29. The early church also gave to
all that God had done through them, “Lord, even
believers in other churches. This shows us that our
the demons obey us when we use your name!” giving can be used for needs outside of our own
After Jesus celebrated with them, He gave them church. Read Luke 8:1-3. This story shows us that
this perspective: “But don’t rejoice because evil giving is also used for taking the gospel to other
spirits obey you; rejoice because your names places and spread God’s message. In 1 Corinthians
are registered in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) 16:2, Paul encourages people to practice giving each
Jesus reminds us that our joy is not found in week to be used for these purposes.
results but that we know Him!
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #15: GIVING WITH PURPOSE [ACTS 4:32-37]
Praise
Large crowds were beginning to follow Jesus. They ● Practice any skill or topic from previous
heard of the miraculous healings and the feedings lessons to help prepare to minister to others.
● Example: Hebrews 13:14-15.
of the multitudes. They were attracted to Him ● Practice giving, as agreed upon.
● (optional) Use a Statement of Faith about because of the benefits they hoped to receive from ● Remember Jesus’ sacrifice through
Jesus, like Philippians 2:11b; 1 Timothy Him. But Jesus knew their hearts. He knew they communion, if appropriate.
2:4-6a really were not willing to follow Him unconditionally.
Care He wanted them to recognize that to follow Him
Going on the Mission
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer, meant to surrender everything to Him.
biblical counsel and encouragement. Read
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and ● Read or watch Luke 14:25-33 two times as
minister to this week.
explain one challenge they experienced this everyone listens.
week. Discovery Discussion
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you ● What caught your attention (or what did you
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. like best) and why?
Celebrate Faithfulness ● What do we learn about God or people?
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● Why do you think this story is important?
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God ● How can we live differently now that we
with your goals and I will statements?” know this story (passage)?
Retell and Correct
Motivation and Encouragement ● Read the story again. Have someone tell the
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or story and ask the group to correct if necessary.
what God can do through them. Summary
Example: God’s heart is for all the lost. Yet, so When we follow Christ, the benefits are eternal and
many places around us do not have followers of beyond compare: forgiveness of sins, salvation,
Jesus to be a light for the community and show and security in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
God’s love to the people there. As followers of But being a disciple of Jesus will not make you
Jesus, we are called by God to align our hearts exempt from pain and trials. Because we live in an
to His heart for ALL the lost. We need to pursue evil world, following Christ will also bring you
a big vision that will reach all lost communities persecution and challenges. Anyone who desires
around us. We are trusting God to use us to to live a godly life in Jesus will be persecuted by
others. But let’s be encouraged by Peter, one of
bring “a church for every village and community
Jesus’ closest friends, read 1 Peter 4:12-16 and
and the gospel for every person!”
19.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #16: COST OF DISCIPLESHIP [LUKE 14:25-33]

The Pursue Path

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The Pursue Path

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Vision

The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. It tells us that when we

Know your desired outcomes before your first actions. YW in-

Simple biblical concepts, strategies, and clear outcomes enhance

4. Mobilize the Priesthood of Believers

The shadow FIVE -- With each

Care Read Preparing for the Mission

PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #0: THE SEVEN STORIES OF HOPE

Example: The Bible tells us God’s desire is that

PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #1: ASSURANCE OF SALVATION [1 JOHN 5:11-13]

Christ promised, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock;

If you would like to breathe spiritually, there is a simple

Keeping the channels open for God’s power to flow

Jn 1:3, 10:10 8. Rm 5:8; 1Pt 2;24 ∞

10. & 11. ∞

The Gospel on a Napkin

CHANGING FACE OF EVANGELISM & THE WELL-BEING OF THE CITY 2

11. Quote John 3:16.

12. Draw a stick figure on the other side of

CHANGING FACE OF EVANGELISM & THE WELL-BEING OF THE CITY 3

Can we expect answers to our prayers? Scripture says we

PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #7: ABIDING IN JESUS [JOHN 15:1-11]

Keep Christ in Control of Your Life 2. Why?

3. To whom should I pass along this information?

PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #10: MY STORY [ACTS 22:1-21]

PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #11: BEING A WITNESS [ACTS 1:1-8]

PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #12: OPENING DOORS [ACTS 10:24-35]

PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #16: COST OF DISCIPLESHIP [LUKE 14:25-33]

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