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Gospeler: Ask a Question

Understanding the Power of Asking Questions when Sharing the Gospel

At Hope Summit, we are witnessing a beautiful movement of faith as more individuals are stepping forward to embrace Jesus as their Savior. This week, we continue our "Gospeler" series, focusing on the importance of sharing the gospel. Today, we delve into the art of asking questions and how it can pave the way for meaningful conversations about faith.

Why Asking Questions Matters

Asking questions is a powerful tool in sharing the gospel. It shows genuine interest in the other person's beliefs and experiences, creating a foundation of trust and openness. When we ask questions, we communicate that we value their perspective and are not just interested in pushing an agenda.

In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, blessing all peoples on earth through him. This passage highlights God's desire to bless humanity and reestablish His connection with us. As gospelers, we are called to be a blessing to others, sharing the good news of Jesus.

The BLESS Acronym

To help us share our faith effectively, we use the BLESS acronym:

B - Be in prayer

L - Listen to their story.

E - Eat together, building a relationship.

S - Serve them or allow them to serve you.

S - Share your story and Jesus' story.

Listening and asking questions are integral parts of this process, helping us understand where the person is spiritually and how best to share the gospel with them.

Jesus' Example

Jesus was a master at asking questions. Throughout the gospels, He asked 183 questions and answered directly only a few times. This approach allowed Him to engage deeply with people, understanding their hearts and guiding them towards truth.

Quick to Listen

In our world today there is an abundance of opinions and information. What if Christians became known for being quick listeners instead of quick with our opinions or even how we believe we have the answer? James 1:19 tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. When Gospelers ask good questions, they show they are more interested in the person than being heard. The Gospeler’s first job is to love those they want to reach with the Gospel.

Challenge for the Week

This week, I challenge you to identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Commit to praying for them and look for opportunities to ask meaningful questions about their beliefs and experiences. Focus on listening well and building a genuine relationship.

Reflective Questions

1. Who is one person in your life that you can pray for and engage in meaningful conversation?

2. How can you improve your listening skills to better understand others' perspectives?

3. What questions can you ask to open up a dialogue about faith without making the other person feel pressured?

By following Jesus' example and asking good questions, we can create opportunities for the gospel to take root in people's hearts. Let's be intentional in our interactions, seeking to bless others and share the transformative message of Jesus.

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Gospeler: Unschooled and Ordinary

Embracing Our Ordinary for God's Extraordinary Work

Today, we delve back into the the idea of becoming a "Gospeler"—a bearer of the gospel. It's not just about receiving Jesus' grace but allowing it to flow through us to others. Let’s look at how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

The Call of Ordinary Fishermen

In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus calls His first disciples—ordinary fishermen. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were not scholars or religious leaders; they were simple men doing their daily jobs. Did Jesus choose these men because they had some hidden potential that no one else could see? Perhaps. But what if it wasn’t what Jesus saw, but what he didn’t see that matters? What if God doesn't require or even desire extraordinary qualifications in his followers? What if he is more interested in willing, humble hearts who he can equip with his Spirit? After spending three years with Jesus, these four une Acts 4:13, Peter and John would stand firm against the opposition of some of the most powerful and brightest leaders in Jerusalem and as a result, people took note that these unschooled and ordinary men had been with Jesus.

God's Preference for the Ordinary

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth explaining that God chooses the foolish, weak, and lowly to shame the wise and strong (1 Cor 1:26-29). This ensures that no one can boast before Him. The ordinary nature of Jesus' disciples allowed God's power to shine through them, making it clear that their accomplishments were due to divine intervention, not human ability.

Later, in his second letter to the Corinthians, he would remind us that God's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9-10). When we acknowledge our limitations, we create space for God's strength to manifest. This counter-cultural message challenges us to boast in our weaknesses, knowing that they are opportunities for God's power to be revealed.

Embrace Your Ordinary

God's call to be a gospeler is not limited to pastors or missionaries. It's for everyone. Reflect on your life and recognize that your ordinary circumstances are precisely where God wants to work. Think of the ordinary things you can do and imagine how God could use them for building his kingdom. He looked to four fishermen and told them he would teach them to fish for people. Your job, neighborhood, and daily interactions are your mission field and God can use the ordinary in your life to make an extraordinary impact in eternity.

Questions for Reflection

1. Who is one person in your life (OneLife) who needs to hear about Jesus?

2. What ordinary aspects of your life can God use for His extraordinary purposes?

3. How can you overcome feelings of inadequacy and trust in God's strength and the Spirit he promises to all who follow Him?

Challenge for the Week

Identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Pray for an opportunity to share your story of faith with them this week. Remember, it's not about having all the answers but trusting that God will use your willingness to make an impact.

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