Everyone A Witness
A Ukrainian Power Cut (2|2)
Not Ashamed
Pages 42-51
TOGETHER read the book and the scripture.
INDIVIDUALLY take notes in your journal on what stands out.
Galatians 6:10 (NIV) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
2 Timothy 3:12-16 (NIV) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Romans 1:16-17 (NIV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed —a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
2 Timothy 1:8-10 (NIV) So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Acts 1:8 (NIV) You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Luke 12:11-12 (NIV) “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
TOGETHER pray for one another.
INDIVIDUALLY answer the questions in your journal - process your notes and pray.
How can we overcome the fear of rejection?
How do we balance the difference between being ready to witness and feeling driven to witness?
Consider again the story of the church in Ukraine and the lady bringing her son to the church to receive prayer. What might make this kind of event happen with increased frequency in our own local church communities? What might draw people to seek your church out and ask for prayer?
Journal a story (bullet points are okay) that you can share at the family meeting of when you felt the Holy Spirit guided and empowered you to witness to someone… How did it make you feel? What was the result?
No one likes being rejected or feeling ashamed. What role does fear of rejection or shame play in holding us back from sharing our faith? How can we overcome this?
EXTRA READING:
I will mourn my death already,
lament the life I live,
as long as misdeed, sin and wrong
detain it in captivity.
O my God, when will it be?
The time when I can say for sure,
at last I live: I die no more.
- John of the Cross (1542 - 1591)