One-On-One 

Scripture Reading: Acts 8:26-35.

Memory Verse: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" (Luke 15:7).

INTRODUCTION: The Bible describes the steps for reaching out. Acts 1:8:

        "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses      unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

  First in Jerusalem. This would be around your home. The area in which you live and work. Your first responsibility is to those in your immediate sphere of influence. God asks you to share the good news with them by both your words and actions. Pray for them. Talk to them. Show them by your actions that you have a new and exciting life.
  Your next responsibility is to "Judea." That would be your larger realm of influence--people you don't necessarily know, but that you see in your day-to-day experiences. The clerk at the grocery story, the teller at the bank, the homeless man in the city. There are many people who may be strangers to you, but whose lives you touch on a daily basis. These people are your "Judea." By your kindnesses and your comments you can witness to these persons about the love of God and the good news of the gospel.
  The next area we are instructed to witness to is "Samaria." The Samaritans were considered enemies of the Jews. Basically, this says to us that we aren't just responsible for witnessing to our friends and those we comfortable around, but we also have to reach out to those we would prefer not to be around. Those who make us uncomfortable by their lifestyle or beliefs. The homosexual, the alcoholic, the drug addict--all are loved by God and in need of hearing the good news of salvation.
  Then we reach out to the world. By supporting missions efforts with our time and finances, we can witness in places we may never venture to.

LESSON QUESTIONS:

1. How does being a friend show that you care? Proverbs 17:17.

2. What must we share with one another before we can share the faith and hope that God has given us? 1 Corinthians 13:13.

3. Describe the qualities of friendship that Jesus illustrated in Luke 10:29-37.

4. Why has God instructed us to share our love and faith with those around us? 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

5. Why did Paul try to befriend people? 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1.

6. How can we show our love and faith to others? John 15:9,12-17; 1 John 3:18; Matthew 5:38-42; 25:34-40.

7. Choose one person on whom you can focus your care and love. Pray for ways to show and speak the gospel message to that person. Commit to pray for that person.

8. Are you prepared to tell someone in 25 words or less why your faith is important to you?