Alpha Course, Week 12
Alpha Course, Week 12
Why and How Should I Tell Others?
Key Verse: Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Introduction:
- Why do we share with others
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
- The Needs of Others
- The Gospel = Good News (about Jesus)!
- Two opposite dangers
- Insensitivity
- Fear
- Key = it arises out of a relationship
- Co-operation with the Spirit of God
1 Presence (Matthew 5:13-16)
- We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14)
- When people know we are Christians, they watch our lives (verse 16)
2. Persuasion (2 Corinthians 5:11; Acts 17:2-4)
- Work out the answers to common questions (1 Peter 3:15)
3. Proclamation (John 1:39-46)
- We are not called to be evangelists but we are all called to be witnesses (verse 41)
- Explain ourselves to others; share our personal testimony
4. Power (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
- God’s power at work in our lives (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
- Do and Tell
- A miracle arouses great interest (Acts 3)
5. Prayer
- For them — to open blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4)
- For ourselves — to have boldness (Acts 4:29-31)
- For others (Romans 10:1)
Conclusion:
- Don’t give up (Mark 4:15-20)
Discussion Questions:
1. Nicky talks about some of the reasons he bristled at people who shared their faith before he became a Christian. Why is it important that we share our faith with others, and what are some of the ways we go wrong?
2. Nicky shared a quote from the singer Sinead O’Connor, who said that we’re all missing something. Do you agree with that? How is our faith able to fill that void?
3. Nicky shared examples of many people who displayed their faith through action, including William Wilberforce and the singer Bono. What role do our actions play in our public witness.
4. Nicky talks about the difference between pressure and persuasion. Why is that an important distinction in trying to reach people with the Gospel?
5. What role does prayer play in the process? How does prayer help you be a more effective witness for Jesus Christ?
6. Nicky talked about how Paul used to share his personal story in trying to connect with non-Christians. That is often referred to as sharing your testimony. Have you ever thought about your own testimony? Have you ever shared your testimony with others? Why or why not?
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