Last night I thought my MPACT group (small group of guys) was awesome. We talked about our weeks, out time spent with God, and then we talked about the Bible. We had a plan but the conversation went a different route. The students had a lot of questions last night. Andrew Larson presented the group with some great questions. The students debated using scripture that they knew from memory. It was fun to listen. Josh (the other Leader) decided that he was going to play devils advocate. He said that he was going to act like someone who was dealing with some life issues and the students were supposed to help him understand what the Bible says. Here is how the scenario started.
He said something like “so my question is… and the group interrupted and said hey I am … whats your name? How are you? Where do you go to school?
And then Jerome (9th grade) cut to the chase. Do you have a church that you attend reguraly? YES! okay great. In your personal opinion what do you understand that it takes for a person to go to Heaven?
Did you catch that? They were going to debate about life issues and how the Bible relates to these issues, but Jerome knew that none of the issues that they were going to talk about really mattered at all, unless the man knew Jesus. WOW.
We argue and fight with people about non issues if they dont know Jesus. You shouldnt swear, you shouldnt drink, you shouldnt smoke, you shouldnt have tatoos, you shouldnt do this or that…..Wait a minute! DO they know Jesus? Has there life been changed by the power of the Holy Spirit? Is the Spirit of the living God convicting them of Sin?
7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16 ESV.
Read this passage. 1 Thessalonians 1
THANKS JEROME. Thanks for reminding us that we cant argue with someone about a Biblical lifestyle unless they have made Jesus the Lord of their life.
Filed under: Think Deep | Tagged: Bible study, Convict of sin, devils advacat, Faith, Freshmen student, In your personal opion, Jesus, John 16, know Jesus, Lifestyle, Lord, sin, small group
