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Sharing and Defending the Gospel
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20 ESV
1. Opening Prayer
2. Scripture Reading
Read aloud the Bible passage at the top of this page (Matthew 28:16-20).
3. Group Discussion
(1) Considering Tom Tarrants’ article “Learning to Make Disciples of Jesus: The Calling of Every Believer,” why is making disciples important? How do we make disciples?
(2) In chapter eight of 3 2 1—The Story of God, The World and You, Glen Scrivener addresses the question, “How does a good God fit with evil and suffering?” What do you think of Scrivener’s response? How would you respond to the question?
(3) What insights did you gain from the Bible Study of Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:8, 2:1-47?
(4) What steps might individual group members, or perhaps several members or the group as a whole, like to take after the Journey Adventure? Would individuals like to lead a Journey Adventure small group study, or 10-week Heart & Mind Discipleship small group program in the near future? Would individuals who are parents, grandparents, or otherwise have children in their lives like to participate in an Aslan Academy small group as part of the Keeping the Faith program? Would individuals or the group as a whole like to take CSLI’s Conversational Apologetics Course, or use one of CSLI’s other small group discipleship resources? Other steps?
4. Prayer Requests
5. Closing Prayer
Homework
1. Reflect
Within a day or two after the meeting, prayerfully reflect on the meeting and its content.
2. Prayer
Today, oh loving Father, I will step out in faith and not fear. I will boldly profess Your victory in my life.
I will not let shyness get the better of me. Break every chain, Oh Lord, that hinders my confidence,
and keeps me from telling others about You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
3. Prepare for Next Meeting
Coming Next: Theme 9: Sharing and Defending the Gospel—Meeting B
(1) Read Have No Fear: Being Salt and Light Even When It’s Costly, by John Lennox, pp. 1-70 (~70 pages)
(2) Read “Nuggets of Wisdom” by John Lennox, found on CSLI website (Volume 5 Number 2 issue of Broadcast Talks, ~8 pages).
(3) Read article “Having a Conversation about the Conversation: A Strategy for Pre-Evangelism in an Antagonistic Age,” by Randy Newman, found on CSLI website (from Knowing & Doing, Fall 2019, ~5 pages)
(4) Read Reflections, “The Purpose of the Church,” (1 page)
(5) Watch Here Teaching Video, Sharing and Defending the Gospel, with Jesse Johnson, Lead Teaching Pastor at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Virginia.
As you watch the video, consider: What are Pastor Johnson’s primary points? What support does he provide for each of these points? Which one (or ones) do you find most relevant to your life at this time? What from the video might you like to share with family members and friends? What about the video might you like to discuss in the next small group meeting?
(6) Complete Bible Study, Acts 17:16-34, 1 Peter 3:15-16.
a. Read. Carefully read these passages. As you do so, consider: What does the text say? What was the original intent? What do the passages mean? How do the passages apply to my life, and the lives of others, today?
b. Reflect. What steps would you like to take, with God’s help, to make you better “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you”?
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