Purpose Five -- Evangelism

Note: The assessment evaluations showed an extremely low rating in evangelism; some stated 'lack of non-Christian friends.' Is this a good point of discussion?

1. When you hear the word "evangelism" or think about sharing your faith, what images come to mind?

2. As you reflect on the story of the paraplegic from Luke 5, what stands out to you?

Luke 5:17-26

17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."

3. The four men brought his paraplegic to Jesus were not priests or pastors - they were just friends. How comfortable are you building friendships with those who don't know Christ? What steps could you take to begin to build such friendship?

4. The physical needs of this man were obvious, but his spiritual needs were less obvious. What are some of the needs of people in your life that demonstrate a deep spiritual hunger?

5. From Colossians 4:2-5, what principles can you learn about sharing Christ with unbelievers?

Colossians 4:2-5

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

6. Read Luke 5:27-32 and Luke 7:34. What kind of people did Jesus associate with? How accepting are you of people who are far from God?

Luke 5:27-32

27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
29 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
31 Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Luke 7:34

34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." '

7. Read Luke 13:23. How different would your group or church be if you really put this verse into action?

Luke 13:23

23 Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"

8. What can you learn from 2 Peter 3:8-9 about patience and perseverance in reaching your friends who don't know Christ?

2 Peter 3:8-9

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

9. How do you see that when we truly love God we desire to fulfill the other purpose God has planned for our lives?