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Spread the Word through the Spirit, Week 7d

Copyright 2007 Wilma Zalabak

Faith Statement: I can tell my story about Jesus today.

Images for Why We Spread the Word through the Spirit

Hen and chicks, Luke 13:34

Shepherd and sheep, Psalm 78:70-72

Paul and converts, 2 Corinthians 1:2-9; Philippians 2:1-2

* The Holy Spirit is the "Comforter," John 14:26

Attitude While We Spread the Word through the Spirit

Listening, James 1:19, 26

Comforting, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Making peace, Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 3:13-18

Witnessing, Acts 1:8

Persuading, Acts 28:23, 29; 24:25

* Not done by force, or by authority, but by the Holy Spirit, ("Comforter,") Zechariah 4:6

Goals on the Way to Spreading the Word through the Spirit

Get people to ask, 1 Peter 3:15

Lead people to Jesus, Acts 4:12

1. God can, God is love, God has a good plan for my life

2. I can’t, I’m a sinner, I’m lost without Christ, my life is a mess, I need forgiveness

3. Jesus came, to die on the cross for me so I could be forgiven and have eternal life

4. I can accept Him now, I can turn my life over to Jesus, I can ask Him to be Ruler in my life

Encourage spiritual growth

1. Bible study, 1 Peter 2:1-3

2. Prayer, Ephesians 6:17-19

3. Christian reading, Revelation 12:11

Encourage body connections, Hebrews 11:26

Present them perfect in Christ, Colossians 1:28-29

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Response Questions

1. Take a few moments to write down the names of some people you’d like to follow you on your way to following Jesus.

2. Let’s pray for those persons right now.

3. How have you felt in the past about you or someone else trying to convince another person to follow Jesus?

4. What did you learn today that might enliven your reaction to the need to tell others about Jesus?

Bible Study Suggestion: James 1:5-8; 5:13-19.

1. The Old Testament story cited here is found in 1 Kings 18. Can anyone tell that story? This is a fun story to act or pantomime.

2. Think of the people whose names you wrote down. How might your next interaction with one of them look if God’s wisdom was filling you at the moment?

3. Of the people you listed, which one needs wisdom? Which one is afflicted? Which one is merry? Which one has sinned and needs forgiveness? Which one has faults?

4. If you were praying for spiritual rain, what might the fulfillment of that prayer look and feel like?