Invited to Share the Gospel

Dear Church Family,

I hope this post finds you well and still reflecting on yesterday's powerful message.

Summary: The sermon explored the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4, emphasizing our calling to share the gospel. We highlighted how Jesus crossed cultural and social boundaries to reach out to this woman, revealing her need for living water - salvation through Him. This encounter transformed the woman's life, leading her to share her testimony with others. The sermon challenged us to consider who in our lives needs to hear the gospel and to be obedient in sharing it, even when we feel inadequate.

Takeaways:

• God is actively drawing people to Himself, and He wants to use our feeble attempts to see them come to faith in Christ.
• Our greatest opportunity to share the gospel might be in the midst of hurt or when someone wrongs us, as responding with kindness and forgiveness can open doors for powerful witness.
• Sharing the gospel is about obedience, not results. We are called to be faithful in sharing, while leaving the outcomes to God.

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, let's prayerfully consider who God might be calling us to invite to church or share our faith with. Remember, you are the "tip of the gospel spear" in your workplace, neighborhood, and social circles. God has strategically placed you to reach people that others cannot.

May God give us courage and conviction to share His love with those around us.

- Pastor Josh

Small Group Guide: Sharing the Gospel

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:

1. God is actively drawing people to Himself, and He wants to use our attempts to share the gospel.
2. Encountering Jesus can radically change a person's life, as seen with the Samaritan woman.
3. Our testimony of how Jesus knows everything about us and still loves us is powerful.
4. Barriers to sharing the gospel include spiritual apathy, fear of man, and lack of compassion.
5. Obedience in sharing the gospel is more important than immediate results.

Discussion Questions:

1. Pastor Josh asked the congregation to write down names of people who need to hear the gospel. Who did you think of, and why?
2. How does the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman challenge cultural and social norms? How can we apply this to our own interactions?
3. The sermon mentions that "without the church, you will fall away and not walk in intimacy with the Lord." Do you agree? Why or why not?
4. What barriers do you personally face when it comes to sharing the gospel? How can you overcome them?
5. Pastor Josh suggests that being hurt by someone might be the greatest opportunity to share the gospel. Have you ever experienced this? How did it go?
6. How does focusing on obedience rather than results change your perspective on evangelism?

Practical Applications:

1. Choose one name from your list and commit to praying for that person daily this week.
2. Practice sharing your testimony in 2-3 minutes, focusing on how Jesus knows everything about you and still loves you.
3. Identify one "have to" place in your life (like Jesus "had to" go through Samaria) where God might be leading you to share the gospel.
4. Look for opportunities during Holy Week and Easter to invite someone to church or share about Jesus.
5. Reflect on a time when someone hurt you. How could you respond in a way that opens the door to sharing the gospel?

Closing Prayer: Thank God for His love and the gospel. Ask for courage, conviction, and opportunities to share the good news with others this week.