„Lass dein Licht so leuchten vor den Menschen, dass sie deine guten Werke sehen und deinen Vater im Himmel preisen.“ Matthäus 5:16
Eine Gelegenheit für junge Menschen, in ihrer Beziehung zu Christus zusammenzuwachsen, während sie eine Zeit voller Spaß und praktischem Bibelstudium genießen. Das Ziel ist es, eine Atmosphäre zu schaffen, die ihnen beibringt, wie sie ihre Freunde für Christus erreichen können, und Diskussionen über die schwierigen Probleme ermöglicht, mit denen sie täglich konfrontiert sind.
BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Lesson 1
The at-home-assignments will prepare you for taking the next step – applying what you’re learning in the real world.
1. At-Home-Preparation: Imagine that you are sound asleep in bed, and your house is on fire. There's a fire station next door. What virtues would you want the firefighters to have? Write them down (alertness, training, courage, concern for others, etc). Ask yourself whether you have those necessary virtues as a Christian. Indicate which ones you think you possess and which you need to work on.
2. Real-World Application: Call two people from your church and say, "I'm taking an evangelism course called 'The Way of the Master,' and as part of the homework, I need to ask someone a few questions. Can you help me with this?" Then ask the following questions:
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Do you share your faith regularly? (Many people feel they "share their faith" if they mention God or church, so ask what they mean.) Do you go out if your way to verbally share the gospel with strangers?
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What is the main reason you don't share your faith more often?
Write down their answers and bring to the next session
3. For Deeper Study: See PDF
4. PowerPoint Slides : See PPT
BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Lesson 2
The at-home-assignments will prepare you for taking the next step – applying what you’re learning in the real world.
1. At-Home-Preparation: Go back in your mind to your conversion experience, and try to recall the thoughts of that day. What do you think was your greatest sin? Was there a knowledge of future punishment? Think of what have happened to you if you had died in your sins. Then write out a prayer expressing your gratitude to God for the cross.
2. Real-World Application: Perhaps you don't have an outgoing personality. If you prefer to keep to yourself, ask God to help you change that, for the sake of the lost. A firefighter may be the personality type that likes to stay alone in the comfort of a fire truck and read books, but if he wants to do what he knows he should , he must change that attitude. So, as a first step out of the "truck," make the effort this week to practice being friendly and greeting complete strangers each day until the next session. When you walk into grocery store, the gas station, school, or work, give a friendly greeting to people you don't know. (Of course, be friendly with those you do know, too!) If you don't normally rub shoulders with strangers, go somewhere where you can. It may seem difficult at first to greet a complete stranger, but force yourself to say, "Hi. How are you doing?" Try it and you will see that it really isn't difficult at all. In fact, it will almost certainly bring smiles to people's faces and make you feel good yourself. But remember that you will have to take the initiative. Strive to greet at least ten strangers before the next session. Although this may seem awkward, it's a very important step toward sharing your faith.
3. For Deeper Study: See PDF
4. PowerPoint Slides : See PPT
BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Lesson 3
The at-home-assignments will prepare you for taking the next step – applying what you’re learning in the real world.
1. At-Home-Preparation: Stand in front of a mirror. Make sure no one is around or can hear you. Look directly at your image and ask a friendly, "How are you doing?" Of course, you are going to feel a little foolish, but no one is watching except God. Then ask, "Did you get one of these?" Offer your reflection a tract, saying, "It's a gospel tract. Do you have a Christian background?" Then inquire, "What do you think happened after someone dies? Do you believe in heaven and hell?" Continue asking these questions until you shake off any self consciousness. Get used to the sound of your own voice. Remember, you've not a weirdo and you don't sound like one. You are a warm and friendly Christian who genuinely cares about people. Keep practicing saying these things until it feels natural. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, repeat it again and again until you do.
2. Real-World Application: Carry tracts with you as you go through the week,
leaving tracts where people will find them. For example, the IQ Cards fit great in
any credit card slot. Every time you go to a gas station, leave a tract in the card slot
at the pump. The next person will have to take it out to put his credit card in, and
will appreciate having something to read while he's filling his gas tank. Place one in
the ATM machine before you leave. Every time you go to the grocery store, discreetly
go down the beer aisle, placing tracts in the top slot in the beer cases. Leave a £1 million
bill in the tube at the back drive-through, and put one in the tip jar at Starbucks/Costa
Coffee. Place £1 million bills sticking out your shirt pocket, and people will ask you
about them. How great to have lost people asking you got gospel tracts. Then as you
lay your head on your pillow at night, there will be a deep sense of satisfaction knowing
that you're planting seeds that could result in someone finding everlasting life. See places
you can leave tracks here opposite. If you want to get some more tracks please
Gospel Tracts – Living Waters Europe
3. For Deeper Study: See PDF
4. PowerPoint Slides : See PPT
BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Lesson 4
The at-home-assignments will prepare you for taking the next step – applying what you’re learning in the real world.
1. At-Home-Preparation: As you shower each day, practice bringing up the subject of God. Don't worry about people hearing you; your family has probably heard you talking to yourself in the shower anyway. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
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"What do you thing about all these bad weather and wars all over the world? We never know when a tragedy may strike. Have you thought about what would happen to you if you died?"
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"What do you think of the 'these new viruses and rise in cancers in both the young and old? Scary, isn't it? Makes me think about how precious life is. What do you think happens when a person dies?"
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"Have you noticed how much we hear on the news about religion these days - religious movies, TV shows, celebrity beliefs, etc. Do you have a religious background?"
Thinking through several different ways to bring up the subject of God, and hearing yourself say them out loud, will make you feel much more comfortable and confident as you talk with people.
2. Real-World Application: Okay, get ready for sweaty palms. If you feel confident, as you continue to leave or give out tracts this week, warmly greet strangers then hand them your favourite Ice Breaker tract. Simply give it to the person the same way you did in class. You can do this! For example, when you're at the checkout stand, greet the cashier and give him a tract as you're leaving. Or as you're going through a fast-food drive-through, engage the person in a conversation about his job or his day. You want him to warm to you. Pass him a tract, say, "Please read this when you've got a minute" and then drop the pedal to the metal and drive away saying to yourself, 1 did it! Thank you, Lord." Better to do it and run than to not do it at all. This may sound scary, but think of that person's eternal welfare. Then consider your worst-case scenario. You may hear, "No, thanks." If that happens, deal with it. It won't be pleasant to be rejected, but it isn't the end of the world. But more than likely, the person will take the tract, and even thank you for it. Again, remember to smile and offer a warm greeting like, "Good morning. How are you doing?" Just the person's response will help dissipate your fears. Then when you ask, "Did you get one of these?" he will be more likely to respond positively because of your friendly greeting. And if someone asks what it is, just say, "It's a gospel tract" or "It has a gospel message on it. Please take the time to read it. Nice to meet you." If you handout the $1 Million Bill, you may want to say, "It has a million-dollar question on the back. Be sure to read it!" If you want to get some more tracks please Gospel Tracts – Living Waters Europe
3. For Deeper Study: See PDF
4. PowerPoint Slides : See PPT
BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Lesson 5
The at-home-assignments will prepare you for taking the next step – applying what you’re learning in the real world.
1. At-Home-Preparation: Take out your Quick Reference Card and have a friend or family member test your memory. Once you are confident that you can remember what each letter signifies, go back to your mirror and give your friendly, "How are you doing?" Then swing to the subject of God. If you prefer, use an Ice Breaker and ask, "Did you get one of these?" Practice your routine. Say, "It's a gospel tract. What do you think happens after someone dies? Do believe in heaven and hell?" Now go through WDJD and CRAFT. Keep doing it until you overcome any self-consciousness. Review the card a hundred times a day if you have to.
2. Real-World Application: Time for more sweaty palms. Last week, you were asked to give out tracts, and if you felt confident, to go ahead and hand them to people personally. Remember, you were to greet someone with a warm, "Good morning. How are you doing? Did you get one of these?" If the person asked you what it was, you said, "It's a gospel tract" or, "It has a gospel message on it. Please take the time to read it. Nice to meet you." You were then left with the option to stay and chat or to leave. More than likely, you left. This week, making personal contact is not optional. Before the next session, we want you to hand a gospel tract to at least one non-Christian, if you haven't done so yet. If you've already been doing then feel free to either leave or talk further, using the WDJD card for reference. (Be sure to always carry this card with you!). We gave you a couple ideas of places to visit, but it's up to you to make this part of your lifestyle. Wherever you go, take tracts with you and hand them to people personally. And whatever you do, soak it in prayer, before and afterward. Remember the employee at the drive-through window, people in the coffee shop, the grocery store checker, the person in the elevator, the pizza delivery man... whoever. You make the opportunity.
So spend the next week being friendly and giving people Ice Breakers until it becomes second nature. You can do this!
3. For Deeper Study: See PDF
4. PowerPoint Slides : See PPT
BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Lesson 6
The at-home-assignments will prepare you for taking the next step – applying what you’re learning in the real world.
1. At-Home-Preparation: The Bible says to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every "creature”. That may help you feel more comfortable about this suggestion. Make sure no one is around. Make doubly sure, Now witness to your dog or cat. Go on. Do it. This is no more silly than talking to your mirror, and, again, it will help you get used to the sound of your voice. Just say, "Sit. Stay. I'm going to talk to vou," and don't stop just because your pet cocks his head and looks at you like you’re some sort of weirdo. Ask. “Did vou one of these? It's a gospel tract . . . Would you consider yourself to be a good dog or cat? Have you ever stolen a bone? If you don't have a dog, talk to your cat (if you are an animal lover, this is something you do all the time). If you don't have a pet, talk to your fern. The point is, practice, practice, practice. Proverbs 16:23 says, "The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds Learning to his lips." Practice whenever, wherever, and with whomever you can. You want to overcome your fears, and the way to do it is to go over this again and again until it becomes second nature.
2. Real-World Application: Forget the sweaty palms. This assignment will make
your whole body break into a sweat. It's time to step out and see what God can do
through you. You are going to get out of the house or leave your workplace during
your lunch time and seek the lost. You are going to intentionally share the gospel
with a sinner. So, go to the mall, visit a park, or just walk the streets until you see
someone sitting on a bench or standing around – anyone you could engage in
conversation. Ask God to direct you. Then go for it. Here's a refresher course:
Be friendly and smile as you say, "Hello." If there's a warm response, ask, “Did
you get one of these?” When the person takes it say, "it's a gospel tract. Have
you had a Christian background?" Then ask, "What do you think happens after
someone dies?" and so on. Take the person through the questions. Don't listen
to your fears; instead, think of that person's eternal welfare. (You can do this!)
Go through at least three of the Commandments; if the person seems humbled,
continue by following with the CRAFT acronym. Answer any questions the person
may have and encourage him to think further about these things. Don't forget to
close with, "Thanks for talking with me. I really appreciate it." If appropriate, offer
your contact information, invite him to attend church with you (offer to take him);
or give him information that will help him grow in his faith. Be Sure to pray for the
person to whom you had the privilege to speak.
3. For Deeper Study: See PDF
4. PowerPoint Slides : See PPT
BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Lesson 7
The at-home-assignments will prepare you for taking the next step – applying what you’re learning in the real world.
1. At-Home-Preparation: Do a search on the Internet for the word “evangelism” or “how to be saved”. Check out the sites listed and find their gospel message. See if there is a sound biblical presentation of the gospel. Do they open up the Law as Jesus did, and warn of future punishment (is there reference to Judgement Day and hell)? Is there a mention of the cross, the resurrection, repentance and faith? Is Jesus presented as the answer to life’s problems or as the Saviour from sin? If you don’t have Internet access, watch Chrisitan TV shows and analyse their gospel presentation (if there is one). Don’t have a condescending or judgemental attitude but determine to make sure you always put in what they leave out.
2. Real-World Application: Remember Jesus’ words, “I will make you fishers of men”?
This week your group will get together for just such an opportunity. If you haven’t yet
shared the gospel with someone, here’s your chance to make it easier. Going together as
a group will help you feel bolder, give you greater confidence, and provide accountability.
If you feel scared, this is normal. You can deal with your fears by saying, “I can do all things
through Christ who gives me strength”. Carry your Quick Reference Card and be friendly.
Be compassionate. Be bold in your witness. People are going to hell, and you are there
(with God’s help) to lead them to the Savior. This is not a dress rehearsal; it’s the real thing!
Of course, the goal is for everyone to join in this witnessing opportunity, but if you don’t
feel comfortable doing this, we strongly urge you to attend anyway and simply observe.
If you know you should witness, and you want to learn, avoiding opportunities won’t help
you get there – it will only make it harder. So pray for boldness, and at least show up and
watch the others. You will gain courage by seeing their experiences.
3. For Deeper Study: See PDF
4. PowerPoint Slides : See PPT
BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Lesson 8
The at-home-assignments will prepare you for taking the next step – applying what you’re learning in the real world.
1. At-Home-Preparation: Here's something to help you fight off Sweaty palms. Have you ever watched a movie where a masked burglar crept through someone's house? The fact that you can't see his face produces fear, but somehow the fear dissipates the moment the mask is ripped from his head and you see who he is. Today, we are going to unmask fear and see its real face. Why are we afraid to give out a tract, or share the gospel with a family member, or talk to a stranger about his salvation? Isn't it because we fear rejection? What then is behind the mask of fear? It's the face of human pride. We don't want anyone to think badly of us. But look at God's attitude about pride: "Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD (Proverbs 16:5). That sort of pride is a sin, so knowing what is under the mask will help to dissipate our fears. If we are humbled by being rejected, it's only our pride that is injured, and that's not a bad thing: "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you.. If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him him not be ashamed.." (1 Peter 4:14,16). Right now, spend a moment dealing with the sin of pride. Confess it and forsake it. Then in humility go and reach those who may be snatched into everlasting hell, while there is still time.
2. Real-World Application: Make it a priority to participate in the second "fishing trip"
this week. We are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only, so it's crucial that you follow
through-despite your fears-and learn to put these principles into practice. Pray for boldness,
then do what you know you should. You will be glad you did-and so will the lost with whom
you share eternal truths. Determine with all your heart to continue to share your faith
regularly after this course has ended. Force yourself to do this. Even if your greatest fear came
upon you and you were beaten up (or just humiliated), Jesus said to rejoice and be
exceedingly glad because even the prophets before you were persecuted. Think of what a
child does when he's learning to walk. If he falls down, do you discourage him from trying
again? No. You want him to grow up, so you encourage him to stand on his own feet, and
to take more steps. So, if you fall down and get bruised, stand up, dust yourself off and take
another step of faith. We are not asking you to do something we haven't done. We know that
a fall can be painful, but there's more at stake than your welfare, so ask God to give you such
love for people that you won't think of yourself. Remember your Gethsemane experience,
and stop listening to the lies of the devil. Resist him steadfast in the faith, and say, "I can do
all things through Christ who strengthens me". Remind yourself that this is not a
once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is the new you. Take the opportunities to impact people
you see on a this is the new you. See evangelism not as a church event, but as a daily basis:
the checker at the grocery store; the cashier at the dry cleaners; your teachers; security guards;
friends; the babysitter, cleaners; the gas station attendant; repairmen; your coworkers; the
mailman; your neighbours; your family members; etc. You may want to begin a regular
PIE night: Pizza, Intercession, and Evangelism (PIE). Meet with several others on a Friday
night for a big slice of pizza, pray together for 15-20 minutes, then hit the streets or a mall to seek the lost. Remember, you have enlisted as a faithful firefighter, and you have been studying how to rescue those who are about to die. Your life will never be the same. You
are going to live for Christ. Work toward that goal with even more determination than you would put into making a marriage work. You don't want to lose your first love and if you don't continually stoke the fire, it will go out. It's just a matter of time.
Here's some fuel for you to keep the flames burning for the lost:
• Read the Bible daily, without fail. Make it more important than your food.
• Maintain a regular daily prayer life.
• Keep your life free from all sin.
• Keep your eye on the cross.
• Meditate on the fate of the lost as a regular part of your prayer time.
• Always be ready to witness. Carry Ice Breakers (gospel tracts) and the Quick Reference Card with you at all times. Keep them in your wallet or purse.
• Find a local fishing hole and go there regularly with a buddy to fish for men.
• Spend more time with like-minded Christians who share your passion to reach the lost.
• Turn up he heat in your daily devotions
• Pray for wisdom
• Let us be a continual source of encouragement to you through our free weekly e-newsletter. Go to Living Waters.com and sign up.
• Take the next step in your learning by participating in The Way of the Master Intermediate Training course or enrolling in the online School of Biblical Evangelism
3. For Deeper Study: See PDF
4. PowerPoint Slides : See PPT
5. How to Witness : See PDF
