Key Thought : We lead souls to a loving relationship with Christ and then challenge them to commitment and obedience.

[Teaching plan for “Sequential Evangelism and Witnessing” April 30, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 25:34-36.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Is this speaking symbolically about the gospel and salvation, or does it have a literal application as well? Share.
C. Personal Application: Why is it important to help people who have physical or emotional needs? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Jesus said the poor would be with us always. Many are poor because of bad lifestyle choices, mismanagement, and misuse of resources. Wouldn’t our helping them just encourage them to continue in their wayward path?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 3:1-3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What do you think Paul is referring to here as milk and meat?
(Note: See Hebrews 6:1-3)
C. Personal Application: Have you ever given a Bible study? What are the advantages of using systematic Bible study guides in leading people to the truth?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”I went on a Bible study and they were so excited that they asked one question after another, and we spent four hours covering all kinds of subjects. But when I went back the next week, they didn’t want to study anymore. I just don’t understand what happened.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read John 6:63-66. John 14:15.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Is it easier to share the truth of the Bible with a person who has already been taught in the Christian faith or someone who hasn’t? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?
C. Personal Application: Are there “testing truths” of the Bible that still challenge your total commitment to God? Has it been “laid aside” or does it need to be dealt with? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “It’s so frustrating. People love the Bible studies until we get to the Sabbath, or the state of the dead, or the secret rapture, or tongue-speaking, or living together, or smoking. And then it’s over. No more studies or no move to change their lifestyle. No coming to church. What’s wrong with these people?” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Luke 8:11-15.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Is it the need to cultivate the soil, weed the tares, and nurture the ground that would help people grow into faithful, mature Christians, or is it a matter of the individual’s own heart and choices? Share.
C. Personal Application: Have you seen by experience the types of sowing and soil referred to by Christ? Do we blame ourselves when they leave, or other church members, or the pastor, or bad programs? How much of that really has to do with a person’s relationship with Christ?
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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