EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Being an Authentic Church – Session 2

1 month ago 33

Date: April 21, 2024

Sharing Christ

The Point: We are to invite others into a relationship with Christ.

Get Into the Study

Share the following after discussing the opening question.

Nepal is among the countries where Christianity is going viral. Though evangelism is illegal in the South Asian nation, the number of Nepalese Christians has doubled in the past decade. Quantifying the believers in Nepal is a challenge, but estimates range from 683,000 to 3 million in the majority-Hindu nation. That’s up from just a handful of Christians in 1960 and about 500 in 1975. Preaching the gospel had been legal for four decades until recently, when the government reintroduced anti-conversion laws. Missionaries can be deported when they are suspected of leading others to faith in Christ. Some pastors have been fined and imprisoned. But persecution has not stopped believers from sharing their faith.

Arjun, 53, is one of Nepal’s active evangelists. He was saved at age 19 while working as a cleaner for Christian missionary doctors. After serving as an evangelist for a time, he started a church in his house with 25 people in 2010. Today, 150 people attend the church. Arjun now is focusing on the next generation of leaders, working to train pastors and church planters. He travels the country to teach and encourage younger Christian leaders.

While viruses like COVID-19 and social media posts gain more attention for spreading quickly in our day, nothing spreads more powerfully than the message of Jesus.

https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/secret-kingdom-an-exclusive-glimpse-inside-the-fast-growing-nepalese-church/17269.article

Get Into the Study [Option from Adult Leader Guide]

Play a video clip giving an example of a silver lining during the pandemic lockdown. Then ask Question #1.

Study the Bible

As you discuss Question 4 and the qualities of a good ambassador (point 3 on p. 87 of the DDG), share the following.

One Georgia high school football standout is using his athletic prowess to be an ambassador for Christ. At 6’4” and 297 pounds, Joshua “Bear” McWhorter has collected nearly 30 college football scholarship offers. The 16-year-old offensive lineman made a verbal commitment to Arkansas last fall. But when the state of Georgia approved Name, Image and Likeness deals for high school athletes last year, it opened new doors beyond the football field. Now McWhorter can profit from his growing football fame.

Yet he isn’t using the money for selfish gain. Instead, he is establishing the Brother Bear Foundation to help offset adoption costs for adoptive families. An active member of First Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia, McWhorter has two adopted sisters in addition to his one biological sister. His family has utilized adoption and foster care as means to spread kindness and the gospel. His dad Josh is a deacon and Bible study leader, his mom Vanessa a 5th grade Sunday School teacher and benevolence committee chairman. The entire family wants to use Bear’s football notoriety to represent Christ well. “I’ve wanted to have a way to help others any way I can,” Bear said. “Adoption completely changed my life. When I started getting those opportunities, I knew it was time to do something.”

Of course, not everyone can represent Christ through football. But we are all called to be His ambassadors. Every believer has some ability they can use to share Jesus.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/difference-maker-football-recruit-using-nil-money-to-support-adoptions/

The week’s writer for Extra is David Roach. David is pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Saraland, Alabama. He and his wife Erin have three children.

Study the Bible [Option from Adult Leader Guide]

In advance, play a movie clip where two characters reconcile after being enemies or after being separated for a period of time. (Make sure the clip is appropriate for your group and setting.) Afterward, encourage group members to share any emotions they experienced while watching.

Study the Bible [OPTION FROM THE DAILY DISCIPLESHIP LEADER GUIDE]

To supplement your discussion of reconciliation, play the “He’s My Brother” clip from the movie, Remember the Titans, or choose another clip where two characters reconcile after being enemies or being separated for a period of time.

After showing the clip to your group, spend some time discussing the reconciliation that happened and what reconciliation means.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of social media?
What’s something you actually appreciated about the pandemic lockdown?
What’s a good habit you picked up during the COVID period?
When were you surprised that something went viral?

Matthew 28:18-20

How can believers adopt an “as you go” attitude towards making disciples? What activities might we add to our daily schedule?
Who do you know that demonstrates an “as we go” approach to making disciples? What stands out in his or her approach?
How would you describe the relationship between Jesus’s authority and our commission?
How can making disciples be an ongoing lifestyle?
What all is entailed in making disciples?
What does it look like to “go” with the gospel message in your life?
Who helped make you a disciple of Jesus and how did they go about it?

2 Corinthians 5:16-19

Why is a personal testimony of salvation an effective way to make disciples?
In what ways are you a new creation since coming to know Jesus Christ?
What does it mean for you to be reconciled to God?
When have you felt the truth that you are a new creation in Christ?
What are some words that describe how you used to be—your “old” self?

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

What qualities would make for a good ambassador?
How can believers ensure that their call to others for repentance and faith is heard as an invitation?
What are the characteristics of a representative of Christ?
How can believers encourage others to repent of their sins without sounding judgmental?
Who in your life best models living as an “ambassador” for Christ?
What are some obstacles that often hinder you from sharing the gospel with others?