Leading Someone to Jesus - part 1

I do not know where I first saw this outline but I do know I have added a few additions over the years.  Leading people to a relationship with Jesus is a vital part of any Christian walk.  It is the one principle in our life that shows whether we are living a Christ-centered life or a life focused on self.  As you read this study I hope it richly blesses you and impacts your desire to be more Christ-centered.

     There are several parts to any Christian ministry and evangelism effort. First, one should clarify the difference between ministry and outreach. When you are ministering to the church, it is ministry; when you are ministering to the needs in the community, it is outreach. As John Maxwell says, "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care."  Second, one should be familiar with a planned (not canned) approached to introducing someone to the hope found in Christ.  Third, one should be aware of the common objections people have to the news we hold so dear.

     To start this study, I want to share some Scripture to help stir your soul for the desire God has in caring for the needs of everyone.

Matthew 22:36-4036 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (NIV)

• Read this a couple of times silently and then read it out loud.
• Now ask yourself, what does this have to do with me? How do I love God? How do I love others? How do I love myself?
  

Isaiah 58:6-9
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I…. (NIV)

• Is God only concerned with spiritual needs?
• How does God respond to those who choose His design for fasting?
• When we fast, according to Isaiah, are we active participants or inactive? If active, how?

Discovery topics:
1. In what ways does loving God affect the way we love others?
2. Is it possible to love others without the love of God or without showing love to God?
3. What areas in our lives affect the way we love God?
4. What in life affects the way we respond to others?

• Make three lists of five. The first list will be for unsaved family members. The second one will be for friends, and the third will be for coworkers.
• Who could you target for leading to Christ during this study?