First Things First

By Dave Lewis
Posted on January 18, 2006

Telling people about the greatest news you have ever heard is easy. Right? My prayer is that God continues to give me the eyes of Jesus. Jesus said, John 4:35 "I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for the harvest." Take the time to grasp what that means. Do I see through the eyes of Christ at the gym, at work, at the market, when getting new tires? Do I take for granted that somebody will tell them? Jesus said we are His hands and feet. We are the voice of Jesus for our generation.

I was inviting a couple to the Soulrio large gathering. They told me about another guy who had invited them. The person they were referring to was also new to Soulrio. In fact, He had only attended for two weeks. I thought, how awesome is that? He had come only two weeks and was already inviting others.

We have to realize that people (like Jesus said) are open and ready to respond to the message of Jesus. They really are "ripe" and ready. Studies tell us that people are open if they are invited.

I am committed more than ever to invite people to church and tell them the message of Jesus whenever and wherever I can. Who is with me? Come on! Get busy livin' or get busy dyin' (my old friend Andy used to say that). My friend Jim told me once, "All men die, only a few really live." So, lets get busy. God, tattoo our hearts with Your compassion for others, get us out of the ruts and comfort.

But first things first, God, give us spiritual eyes.

Scriptures to Discuss: Matthew 9:37-38, Matthew 28:18-20, John 20:21, Acts 1:8

Activities: Share brief stories of witnessing experiences, Discuss outreach goals of the group, Write down names of people you come in contact with, Discuss the implications of dying without Christ (Matthew 6:33), Pray Matthew 9:37-38

Ask: Who are you going to invite this week? Who will you bring Sunday and sit with?

Ask the group how comfortable they are with holding each other accountible to invite someone every week, then decide on how you will encourage each other throughout the week.

These are just a few ideas, come up with your own, be creative. Be inspired by Jesus' words then model it to your group.

Souled Out and forever tattooed with the grace of Jesus,
Dave

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