Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-35.

Memory Verse: "The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer" (Proverbs 30:25).

INTRODUCTION: We have a ministry to the people in the world--to bring the message of the Gospel to them (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). The Great Commission that Jesus gave us still remains: we have to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.
  First and foremost, we need to remember the miracle of our own salvation (Psalm 103:1-13). We need to put it into words so that we're ready to share when opportunity presents itself.
  Additionally, we need to let our light shine (Matthew 5:16). We need to reach out to others in their need. The testimony of the man who began the "Feed the World" campaign is a poignant example of this. He had been traveling to Calcutta, India, for several years preaching the gospel when he felt God speak to him and say, "How can they hear the gospel message over the rumbling in their stomachs?" Through our good works, we glorify God. When God is glorified, men see their imperfections in the reflection of His glory and their hearts become ripe for harvest.
  One of the most vital ministries we have is to pray continually (I Thessalonians 5:17) for:

1. labourers to be thrust out (Luke 10:2).
2. the seed to find good ground (Matthew 13:8).
3. boldness to speak out (Acts 2:1-2).
4. rulers and those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

  We also need to give freely of our time and possessions to see God's Kingdom extended (Philippians 4:18-19).
  Plan ahead in prayer, your testimony, your budget of time and finances. Be prepared to look for opportunity to meet the physical needs of others, so that God might be glorified and souls might be won for Him.

LESSON QUESTIONS:

1. Describe what it means to be a witness. Use a dictionary to define "witness."

2. What is the calling we receive from God? I Peter 2:4-5; 2:9; II Timothy 1:8,9.

3. How are we to stay prepared? I Peter 2:12; Acts 4:20.

4. How are we to systematically make disciples of all nations? Acts 1:8.

5. Is a witness expected to perform with a slick, well-rehearsed speech? Proverbs 12:17.

6. What word does the Bible use to describe people who witness of the gospel? II Timothy 4:5.

7. Besides witnessing, what other responsibility do we have to the "harvest"? Matthew 9:37,38; John 4:37,38.

8. How large is the field of harvest and what help do we have in this endeavor? Matthew 28:19-20; John 4:35; Matthew 9:37.

9. What is God's plan to get the gospel news to everyone? John 20:21.

10. What is our "world"? Where is "Jerusalem"? Luke 5:27-32.

11. How should we consider our relationships with "unchurched" persons? Esther 4:14 (last part).