Invite Your Friends
Leader 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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
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?
Leader’s Note: Cornelius was devout, feared God, led his household to do the same, gave generously (finances), and prayed consistently. He did not, however, know Jesus. God sent an angel to Him for the purpose of connecting Him with someone who would be able to introduce him to Jesus. God connects Cornelius with Peter – arguably the lead disciple, the rock on which Jesus built His church. Regarding those with similar habits or devotion – think of devout believers who may serve God but not know Jesus. Or really good people who profess no faith. Possibly people who have different faiths, believe in a Great Spirit, or believe there is an impersonal God. These people may be candidates for this sort of supernatural intercession by the One true God. (Mike gave examples of this in the message.)
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?
Leader’s Note: Peter was praying; he wanted to hear from God! God showed him a vision about food (which is funny, because Peter was hungry!) and He directs Peter to eat food previously banned by the Jewish faith. God did this to open Peter up to the next task God had planned for him: visiting the gentile Cornelius and introducing him to Jesus. Ask God to open your eyes to new things, new people who need Jesus. We should be encouraged that God is working in both Cornelius and Peter to prepare the way for the Gospel to be heard and people to be saved! God is already working in the lives of the people you are thinking of right now! Answers about prejudices will vary, but if you can, quickly direct the conversation toward people they currently know or interact with that might need to be invited to join them at MAC. Then suggest there are “short term” acquaintances, like someone you meet briefly, that God would have you introduce to 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?
Leader’s Note: Peter was told get up, don’t hesitate, go. And he obeyed. He went down and said, “I’m the one.” God has us placed in the perfect position to reach particular people. Peter then asks what they need. Jesus often did the same: “What do you want me to do for you?” This often opens the door to pray for them, or to share how God has cared for you in similar situations.
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?
Leader’s Note: The Holy Spirit immediately became evident, working to convict and draw people to Jesus. If you read further, there were also evidences of the gifts of the Spirit that convinced the Jews with Peter that they had received Jesus and His Spirit in a real way. The Mark passage promises that we, too, will be given the words we need to introduce others to Jesus!
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?
Leader’s Note: Ask your group members to share one name, family, or neighborhood they are thinking about inviting.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
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”?
Leader’s Note: Jesus uses the analogy of comparing the work of evangelism to that of collecting crops. Experienced farmers could look at the season, and know how far away the harvest time was. Those same farmers could look at their fields to recognize the right time to bring in the crops. Jesus is saying you may not see it with your earthly eyes, but it is time to reap souls, to bring them into the family of God. The disciples should have the ability to recognize the right time for a spiritual harvest, just as the farmers could recognize the natural harvest.
• How does evangelism remove us from our comfort zones, especially in times that may even seem inconvenient?
Leader’s Note: Evangelism is not merely something to be done when we think it's convenient; waiting until the perfect moment means never getting anything done at all (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Being willing to be a fool for Christ (1 Corinthians 4:10) and be inconvenienced (as the Good Samaritan) are essential for Christian obedience.