The Gospel
Week 1 – Know Your Testimony
Discussion Guide
This week, we learn that we are God's chosen people. He has paid our debts! Let's learn more about this Good News and how we can prepare ourselves to share the Gospel with others.
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. Does "The Gospel" series graphic with the angsty-smiley faces reflect your emotions? Why or why not? What are your emotions about sharing your testimony?
2. Before you can share the Truth of Jesus’ work in your life, you must know who you are, where you’ve come from, and where you are going. What does the Bible say about that? Read 1 Peter 2:9. Which of these descriptions do you readily accept? Which are harder for you? Do you praise God and accept who He has called you to be?
3. Read Isaiah 6:1-9. If you are a Jesus Follower, is this a part of your story? Do you remember a time of recognizing God’s holiness and your own guilt and sin? Tell us in one sentence when you really sensed this vast distinction. Read 1 Peter 2:10. How does this apply to your story? Share this sentence: “Once I was _____, but now I am_________.”
4. Read Luke 7:36-50. If you were at this dinner party, which person would you have been? What does our having been forgiven and receiving mercy from God create in our hearts? Do you have the same passion for God that you had when you first came to faith? If our love is strong, what will we do? Read Luke 9:23. What do you need to pick up or lay down to follow Jesus? In what areas does the world tempt you to compromise?
5. Read 1 Peter 2:12-15, 17. How do you gain the opportunity to speak the Truth of Jesus? What attitudes do you need to turn the ridicule of unbelievers to respect and even praise to God? How can Christians honor others more?
6. Action Step: Would you commit to a four-week class to teach you how to share your faith when God gives you the opportunity? You can register here. Pray and ask God how He wants to change you in these areas of your life: your words, your actions, generosity, how you treat others who believe differently than you do.
Deeper
Throughout the Bible, there are prophecies or stories of life change. Look at these passages and see the many ways God changes the course of history and lives!
7. Zechariah 3:1-4:
8. Ezekiel 36:25-27:
9. Joshua 2:1-5,8-14; Matthew 1:1,5-6, 16-17; Hebrews 11:31:
10. John 9:1-38:
11. Esther 2:5-8, 16, 2:12-13, 4:3, 13-16, 8:1-8:
12. John 11:1-44: