In a culture that believes truth can be different for each person and that faith is personal, Jesus calls us to something radically different. Obedience to his final command to make disciples, to share our stories of where we have encountered Jesus in our lives. This is Hope Valley's first value, a heart for God's mission, every believer is called into mission.

Looking Back

Entering Activity

Take a few moments of silence and reflection. Then invite everyone to slowly read the following verse together:

Jesus said, come follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.

Reflection Questions

• Over the past week or fortnight, where have you seen God at work in your life?
• Has there been an opportunity to speak to others about how you have seen God at work in your life or have you shown God's kindness to someone who yet doesn't know him? What happened?

Looking Up

Read Together

Matthew 28:18-20

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.

Acts 2:47

Praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you from these passages? Why?
2. Jesus commanded us to make disciples. Share stories of how you have obeyed, how you find speaking about Jesus (hard or easy) and if you would like to grow in this rhythm of witnessing.
3. In the early church, mission was a normal part of their life, every believer participated. How can enjoying favour and time with those who aren't following Jesus be a bridge to share life, compassion and truth about Jesus?
4. Through mercy and justice we demonstrate God's heart. This can lead to openness about God. What situations stir up a desire to respond with justice and mercy within you?

Optional Resource

Watch: How to share your faith with a friend. Impact Video.

Looking Ahead

Application and Challenge Choices

(Choose 1 or more and share your intentions with the group.)

• Look out for God at work stories in your life. Pray for opportunities and start sharing them when people ask how you are.
• Commit to watching further video clips on the Pathways platform under Grow, Growing believer, Sharing your Faith. Pray for the Holy Spirit's leading and put some of the points into practice.
• Write out a 3 step, 3 minute testimony: life before Jesus, when I met Jesus, life with Jesus. Pray and practice sharing with your Life Group when you next meet.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we thank you for your grace and that your grace has flowed into our lives. We thank you for the people who shared the gospel with us. We thank you for your heart of love for people and that you want everyone to hear the gospel and have the opportunity to encounter Jesus. We want to be obedient children to your command to make disciples. For those of us who find it hard to tell our story to others, will you embolden us, equip us and empower us through your Holy Spirit and give us opportunities this week to share our everyday faith, in everyday ways. We thank you for your promise that as we go to tell our story, you are with us, and you promise to make us become fishers of men. Amen.