GROUP MEETING #1
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Jesus’ Disciple! By the time we finish this first group meeting, you’ll understand exactly how Jesus’ Discipleship works.
In this group meeting we’ll do four things:
In this group meeting we’ll do four things:
1. Read, re-tell, and discuss a Bible passage.
2. Read and discuss a "Heroes of the Faith" story, then pray.
3. Watch the "How It Works" video to learn how Jesus' Discipleship works.
4. Review the plan for the week.
Have someone open in prayer, and let’s get started with the Bible passage.AGENDA
1. Bible Passage [15–20 minutes]
• Read Mark 8:34–38.
• Let someone re-tell the passage (others can help).
• Discuss the following four questions:
1) What does this passage teach us about God?
2) What does it teach us about people?
3) What does it teach us we ought to do?
4) Who should I tell about this?
2. “Heroes of the Faith” Story [5–10 minutes]
• Someone read the below story aloud:
TURKEY: ERCAN SENGUL
“When Ercan Sengul committed his life to Christ in the Muslim nation of Turkey, some saw it as turning his back on his heritage and nation. When he said that he would do anything for God, he had meant it then. But what about now?
Ercan sat in a dark, dank prison cell surrounded by cell mates. He had been arrested by local police who said that he'd "insulted Islam" by distributing books for a Christian publisher.
Ercan cried out to God, begging to be rescued. He knew that he'd done nothing wrong and didn't deserve to be there. God whispered to Ercan's heart, "You said you'd do anything for me. Did you mean it?"
Broken before God, Ercan wept and worshipped. He told God in his heart, "I really meant it." Ercan began to preach three hours each day in prison. He learned that God allowed him to be imprisoned to give him a new mission field! Ercan was in prison for thirty days until witnesses admitted that police had pressured them to sign statements, and the judge found no evidence of any crime.
The arrest has furthered Ercan's witness. Since his release, many who shared his cell have visited his church, asking about the God who gave him peace while locked in prison. Ercan still joyfully gives out Christian books, knowing he could be arrested.”
• Discussion question: What can we learn from this story?
• Pray (aloud), asking God:
1) Please protect followers of Jesus around the world.
2) Please help us to be strong and follow Jesus.
3. “How It Works” Video [10 minutes, play on a large screen, if possible]
• All Group Meeting videos are available on:
1) Jesus’ Disciple TV app (Roku, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV)… select “Practical Trainings.”
2) JesusDisciple.com website... click "Practical Trainings."
4. This Week’s Plan [10–15 minutes]
• Follow these instructions to download the “Weekly Checklists”:
o For electronic checklists (on your phone or computer):
1) Click one of the below links.
2) Text your first and last name.
3) When you receive the reply, open the checklist.
LET’S LOOK AT OUR WEEK ONE CHECKLIST
DAILY ACTIVITIES
1) Bible reading: Read John 1-7 (1 chapter per day)
• (Recommended) Additional reading: Acts 1–28 (additional 4 chapters per day)
2) Prayer: Pray the Lord’s Prayer each day (see Matthew 6:9–13).
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
1) Faithbuilders: Listen to two Faithbuilder messages:
• “Daily Delight”
• (Recommended) 3 Additional messages:
2) Ministry Assignment: Throughout the week, encourage the others in your group to follow Jesus and not give up, and share things you're learning with people outside of your group.
Once everyone is clear about “This Week’s Plan,” close in prayer asking God to help each person follow Jesus this week.