Invite Your Friends
Discussion Guide
We often assume our friends and neighbors aren’t interested in God. On the contrary, everyone is searching for something to satisfy them at a deep, soul level. People are looking for Jesus, whether they know it yet or not. We know the only one who can meet their needs and it’s our job to share it and invite everyone.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What about receiving an invitation do you most enjoy? (Think wedding, birthday party, night with friends, dinner, play date, holiday party.) Would you like to receive an invitation, even if you are unable to attend an event? Why or why not?
2. Read Acts 10:1-8. What was Cornelius already doing? Why do you think God sent an angel to him? Can you infer anything about people today who might have similar habits, devotion to God, or religion and God’s care for them?
3. Read Acts 10:9-16. What was Peter doing? Why do you think God showed Peter a vision at this time? How did this open Peter’s eyes? How does this encourage you that God is working? In what way might we need to lay aside our own prejudices to invite and include other people who are ready to hear about Jesus?
4. Read Acts 10:19-21. What specific directions did Peter receive? How did he respond to God? How do these apply to you as you consider inviting others? Why is Peter’s question important? How does this help you reach others for Jesus?
5. Read Acts 10:44 and Mark 13:11. What happened when Peter shared the Gospel? What does the Mark verse promise you? How does this encourage you to be bold and share the story of Jesus, introducing others to Him?
6. Action Step: Who Will You Invite? Movies are a great bridge to anyone. Most people are open to watching movies. Even if they wouldn’t usually be interested in a church service, watching interesting clips is mainstream - think YouTube, TikTok, Reels. We aren’t even asking our friends to commit to a whole movie – just some highlights and discussions about possible hidden messages or themes. Sound interesting? We also have free concessions, so why not invite your neighbor, acquaintance, server, and barista?
Deeper
7. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Study this passage using the questions below:
• Verse 18 says “all this is from God,”-- look at verse 17. What has God given us?
• Also in verse 18, what has God given to us? What is our spiritual “job” to do?
• What verbs relay Paul’s passion as he is trying to impress on us our calling?
8. Read John 4:35. Study this passage using the questions below:
• What is Jesus comparing in this verse? What does it mean when it says the fields were “white for harvest”?
• How does evangelism remove us from our comfort zones, especially in times that may even seem inconvenient?