No Excuses Week 3 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
God’s plan for Christ-followers is to grow and increase in sharing their faith.
Discussion Starter:
If someone asked you to go fishing, how would you get started? Getting started is usually the hardest step. Well, to go fishing, first, get your equipment, such as the rod and reel. Then get your bait. So, what is included in the equipment and bait for “fishers of men”?
Introduction:
There are four levels of being a soul-winner. First are the attracters, who pray for opportunities to share their stories and the gospel. Second are connectors, who develop meaningful relationships. Third are inviters, who boldly invite people into a relationship with Jesus. Fourth are disciplers, who walk alongside people they’ve led to Christ and challenge them to do the same with others.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 8:26-40, Romans 10:14
Discussion Questions:
- What are the four action verbs in Matthew 28:19-20? Which of these actions have you completed?
- Summarize Acts 8:26-40. How did Philip recognize that these instructions were from God? When Philip stayed near the chariot, did he know what was coming next? How does this sequence compare to how God gives us guidance today?
- Read Romans 10:14. How could you apply these three questions to yourself?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Acts 8:26-40 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
To embrace others in a Biblical community, we start where we are. Share with your group one, two, or three people you know who need Jesus. Break into pairs, and take turns telling the gospel to each other.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: It’s not too early to begin praying about Heart for the Harvest! Even now, begin praying about how much God wants you to give for our annual offering.
Engaging in Community and the World: Has anyone in your group been on a mission trip? If so, ask them to share about how the trip changed how they share the gospel. If not, discuss mission trips. Is traveling around the world to share the gospel effective? In what ways is traveling to share the gospel beneficial? In what ways is local mission or evangelism beneficial?
Expand God’s Kingdom
Did you know that Faith Promise campuses support missionaries all over the world? Do you know any missionaries personally? If you have friends who are missionaries, share with your group about those friends and pray for them by name. If not, contact your campus missions pastor to see how you can support Faith Promise missionaries in prayer or financially.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
