Series Purpose:
To inform, inspire, equip and challenge us as the people of God to embrace our unique calling to be a counter-narrative people, to do His will and serve others, and to speak the truth in love, to those who are far from God, as we tell of what He has done in our lives and for the whole world.

The focus for today is: TEACHING.

Week 1 we began with the focus of UNDERSTANDING. You can’t reach someone with whom you don’t empathize, and you won’t empathize until you understand.

Week 2 we focused on PRAYING. God works through our prayers, and at the same time, God works in us as we pray. Prayer is essential.

Week 3 we focused on SERVING. Just as Jesus modeled serving others, we are also called to serve. Every opportunity to serve is an opportunity for God to work.

Be prepared: You are thinking and praying about this often. Your testimony is on your heart and mind.
Give an answer: This implies a discussion – a back and forth conversation about the Gospel, as opposed to a one-way lecture.
The hope that you have: It is your hope. This is personal. It is birthed from your story. It implies a positive outlook on your faith. and implies that Hell is not likely to be a significant part of early conversations.
Gentleness and respect: It implies gentleness and respect – as opposed to hammering the other person.
Gentleness and respect: You treat people this way whether or not you agree with their opinions or lifestyle.

-Peter declares that each and every one of us should be prepared to give an answer to everyone. And Jesus does the same.
-The call of Jesus is a call to make disciples, which includes teaching them to obey what Jesus has commanded.
-The disciples took Jesus' call literally, and the church was born through their obedience and the power of the Holy Spirit.

-We each are called, not just to understanding, praying and serving, but ultimately, to telling others about Jesus.
-What God does in and through our obedience is totally up to Him. Simply obey and let God worry about everything else.

One way to shape your story as you share:
1. The 'old me' - What was the most important difference in your life before you came to Christ?
2. What God did - How is it that you came to believe? What was the most important truth of the Gospel that really clicked for you?
3. The 'new me' - How are you different? How has God restored life to you? What does that look like?

Verses for further study/reflection:
1 Corinthians 3:6-8
Romans 10:10-17
Matthew 9:37-38
1 Peter 3:15
Romans 1:16

4 Simple Steps (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
To share the Gospel, you can follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Tell them about God’s plan—peace and life.
God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.

2. Share our problem—separation from God.
Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

3. Talk about God’s remedy—the cross.
God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24).

4. Our response—receive Christ.
You cross the bridge into God’s family when you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

To receive Christ, a person needs to do 4 things:
-Admit you’re a sinner.
-Ask forgiveness and be willing to turn away from your sins.
-Believe that Christ died for you on the cross.
-Receive Christ into your heart and life.
Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Here’s a prayer you can pray to receive Christ:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen.”