CHURCH ONLINE GUIDE
OCTOBER 18
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Welcome & Engage
• Spend time welcoming everyone as they arrive.
• Create an intentional environment.
• Watch the Ethos online experience.
• Sing, lean in, take notes, be vocal.
Overview
Let’s all pause and think of a time that you got what you thought was undoubtedly THE BEST GIFT EVER! Whether you were young or maybe recently; perhaps it was a new computer, an amazing trip, a sweet gaming system, or a new car. It is safe to say that you told everyone you knew about your new gift and showed them all the details about it. Now, what about the day you accepted perhaps the greatest gift that will ever be given to you, God’s gift of salvation. Are we just as quick to tell everyone we know about how incredible this gift is? Are we just as anxious to show the amazingly intricate details of this gift? Are we bursting at the seams and beaming with pride when we get to show off this gift to our friends?
Here is the thing; faithful people share their faith. In Matthew 9:2 we read about a paralyzed man, and it says, “When Jesus saw their faith,” It was not the paralyzed man’s faith that got him to his healing. It was the faith that his friends had to bring their friend to Jesus. For them to share the gift of what Jesus could do for their friend; that is what led to his healing.
We all have friends or know individuals who are spiritually paralyzed and cannot get to Jesus. They may be paralyzed by fear, guilt, anger, doubt, pain, or past hurts by someone or something in the church. So, what are we doing to help them? God wants us to become faithful in bringing our friends to Him, and He wants us to be bold to share the gift that we have been given. When we are faithful in bringing friends and loved ones to Him, God will in turn honor and bless our faith. As long as we keep reaching out as individuals and as a church to share the gifts we have been given, God will keep blessing us and He will keep growing the church.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
-1 Peter 3:15-
Discussion Questions
1. When was the last time you had a real conversation about Jesus with someone?
2. If it has been awhile since you have had the conversation, what is holding you back?
3. What is a story you can share with someone from your own life that shows God’s faithfulness in a way that will help them come to know the true gift of Jesus?
Close in Prayer
God, we love You. Thank You for preparing a place in heaven for us. Thank You for sending Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. Teach us to seek You and Your will on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to share the hope we have with others. Amen!
