2012 DECEMBER WEEK FOUR LESSON

Study 7:  The Role of the Holy Spirit in Witnessing?

Main Text: Acts 8: 26-40 

Memory Verse: Luke 12:11-12

Introduction

Jesus commissioned his disciples to be his witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the outer most parts of the world. However, he cautioned them not to move until they have received the Holy Spirit who will empower them to be effective soul winners (Acts 1:4-5). Indeed, you cannot be an effective witness unless the Holy Spirit helps you. Avail yourself to the Holy Spirit to help you in your witness.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in soul winning with respect to the unbeliever? John 16:8-11
2. How did the Holy Spirit help Peter in his witness? Acts 2: 4, 14; 4:8
3. What was the role of the Holy Spirit in Philip’s witness to the Ethiopian Eunuch? Take note of Acts 8:26, 29, 35, 39.
4. What role did Philip play in the winning of the Ethiopian Eunuch?
5. How can you become an instrument the Holy Spirit will use to win others to the kingdom?
6. What can you do to become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in witnessing?

Conclusion

Jesus promise not to leave us as orphans. He sent us the Helper to enable us obey Him in everything. The Holy Spirit who knows the hearts all men will convict them of their sins and help the unbeliever to accept the gospel of the Kingdom. However, the Holy Spirit is willing to lead you to these persons whose heart he has prepared.  Will you heed to his leading and direction every day at any place and time?

2012 DECEMBER WEEK THREE LESSON

Study 6:  How Should We Witness 1?

Main Text: John 1: 40-46

Memory Verse: Mark 5: 19

Introduction

There are basically two forms of evangelism; Mass evangelism is evangelism where many people are involved at the same time (Crusade, Rally, Media etc.)  and Personal Evangelism. Indeed, we are interested in personal evangelism because it takes only one person to do it and it involves no cost most of the times. The call to evangelize is given to each one of us. Many sinners will not come to church, therefore, we must go out to meet them where they are: in their houses, offices, town or village square, civic centers, playgrounds, hospitals, prisons, schools and marketplaces (Acts 20:20; 17:16-31; 16:20-34). These are mostly natural places where we find ourselves and God will be gladdened when we respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel in these plases.

Discussion Questions

1. In the main text, name the people who personally testified about Jesus to others.
2. When did Andrew found Peter, and Philip found Nathaniel?
3. How difficult or easy was it for Andrew and Philip to present Jesus to Peter and Nathaniel respectively? 
4. In your view, what sacrifices did Andrew and Philip make to get Peter and Nathaniel to Jesus?
5. What was the content of Andrew’s and Philip’s message?
6. What lessons do you learn from Andrew and Philip?
7. What other means can you use to evangelize?

Conclusion

You have been led to Christ therefore lead others to Christ. In leading people to Christ huge sacrifices are made. Andrew brought Peter, Philip brought Nathaniel, and somebody brought you. It’s your turn to bring somebody to the Lord Jesus. Who will you bring to the Lord? Is it your brother, friend or spouse? The Lord is waiting.

2012 DECEMBER WEEK TWO LESSON

Study 5:  What is the Content of the Gospel Message?

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Memory Verse: I Cor. 15:1-4

Introduction

One of the excuses believers give for not sharing the gospel is “I don’t know what to say”. The word “gospel” means good news. It is best defined as the message of forgiveness for sin through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is essentially God’s rescue plan of redemption for those who will trust in His begotten Son in order to be reconciled to a just and holy God. The essential content of this saving message is clearly laid out for us in the Bible. Essentially, the Gospel message is made up of Man’s sinfulness, God’s redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the free invitation to all who believe and the promise of eternal life (John 3:16).

Discussion Questions

1.       What is the condition of all people without Christ? Rom. 3:23

2.       What is the punishment for all persons who refuse to accept Christ? Rom. 6:23

3.       What motivated Jesus’ coming to Earth? John 3:16

4.       What did Jesus do for us with respect to our sins? 1 Cor 15: 3

5.       What qualified Jesus to die for our sins? 1 Peter 2:21-24

6.       What happened to Jesus after third day? 1 Cor. 15: 4

7.       What must ALL people do to be saved? John 1:12; 3:16      Acts 16:31

Conclusion

To be saved, one must Admit that he is a sinned and cannot save himself, Believe that Jesus died on the Cross and Confess Jesus as personal Lord and Savior by inviting Jesus into the heart. This is the message we are to send to the world and to all people. It is not a complex message but a simple one. Jesus has promised to be with you in the presentation of this Gospel. You are not alone.

2012 DECEMBER WEEK ONE LESSON

Study 4: Why are we not Witnessing about Christ?

Main Text: Jonah 1:1-3; 4:1-3

Memory Verse: 2 Peter 3:9

Introduction

Though we know many reasons why we should share the gospel, unfortunately, many people do not witness about Christ to others. We give many excuses for not witnessing about Jesus. Jonah is an example of a man who was given the Gospel but refused to share it. When he repented, God spared his life so he could go and witness.  May his life challenge us to rise from our “slumber” and go out to share the good news of Jesus Christ. You can pause and ask yourself “when was the last time I shared Christ with somebody”? What excuses are you giving?  

Discussion Questions

1.       Who was Jonah and what was the message he was given Jonah 1:1-3?

2.       How similar is the wickedness of Nineveh similar to our world? Jonah 1:1-3

3.      Why did Jonah decide not to go to Nineveh? Jonah 4: 2-3

4.      What excuses do we give for not responding to God’s call to witness?

5.      What are the consequences of refusing to witness about Christ to others? Ez. 3:17-21; Mark 8:38.

6.      How does the kingdom of God affected by your refusal to share the Gospel?

Conclusion

Jonah’s decision to flee instead of obeying God to share the gospel negatively affected the people in the ship. The world is full of people leading sinful life such as idolatry, immorality; drug addiction, disobedience of children etc. People are helpless in stopping these vices. Jesus is the only hope and answer. Like Jonah and Nineveh, if we preach Christ to them they will repent and be saved.