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.

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.

Gospeler: Gospel Genealogy

Welcome to our new series "Gospeler" where we explore what it means to be someone who shares the gospel (which means good news) to others. This can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, as we delve into this topic, remember that our strength and courage come from God. Let's embark on this journey together, learning how to become gospelers who share the love of Jesus with the world.

The Great Commission

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives us the Great Commission: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Reflect on the people who have been part of your gospel genealogy. These are the individuals who shared the love of Jesus with you and helped you grow in your faith. Just as they played a role in your spiritual journey, you are called to be part of someone else's gospel genealogy.

A disciple is someone who learns from a teacher and then passes on that knowledge. Jesus' disciples were expected to carry on His teachings, and this call has echoed through generations. Our task is to continue this legacy by sharing the gospel and making disciples.

Why is Sharing the Gospel Intimidating?

Many Christians, even seasoned ones, find the idea of sharing their faith intimidating. The fear of rejection, the feeling of inadequacy, and the concern of not being knowledgeable enough can all contribute to these fears. However, it's essential to remember that our role is not to save people but to plant the seeds of the gospel.

Dependence on God and the Power of the Gospel

In 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, Paul explains that he planted the seed of God’s Word, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. A seed is hardwired for the harvest. In the same way, the gospel is hardwired for salvation. Our role is to share the good news and encourage others in their faith, but it is God who brings spiritual growth. Just as we depend on God for the sun to rise and our hearts to beat, we must rely on Him when sharing the gospel. This dependence on God should bring us joy and peace, knowing that we are not alone in this mission.

The Gospel's Power to Save

Romans 1:16 states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." The power to save lies in the gospel itself, not in our abilities or eloquence. Our job is to share the message and trust God to do the rest. Many Christians feel the responsibility to be the super hero who swoops in to save non-believers from going to Hell. We need to remember that Jesus, the true hero, has already come and will come back again. Our role is to be unashamed that we know the way to be saved.

How Can You Be a Gospeler?

1. **Grow in Your Faith and Love**: As you deepen your relationship with God, you will naturally produce the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Fruit have seeds and one of the purposes of the fruit is so that the seeds might be dispersed. The fruit that results from growing in faith and love will naturally attract others to how great it is to follow God and give us a chance to share the gospel.

2. **Look for Opportunities**: Be attentive to moments when you can share the gospel. It could be a simple invitation to church, a conversation about faith, or an act of kindness that opens the door to sharing about Jesus.

3. **Trust in God's Power**: Remember that it is not your job to save people. Your role is to plant and water the seeds of the gospel, trusting that God will make them grow.

Questions to Reflect On

1. Who are the people in your gospel genealogy, and how did they impact your faith journey?

2. What fears or anxieties do you have about sharing the gospel, and how can you rely on God to overcome them?

3. How can you grow in your faith and love this week to become a more effective gospeler?

Conclusion

As we embark on this six-week series, let's commit to becoming gospelers who share the love of Jesus with the world. Remember, our role is to plant and water the seeds of the gospel, trusting that God will bring the growth. Let's embrace this call with joy and courage, knowing that we are not alone in this mission.

Join us next week as we continue to explore what it means to be a gospeler. And don't forget to get involved in a small group for a more interactive learning experience. Together, we can make a difference in the world by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.