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Week Eleven

Chapter Twelve: Encourage the Faith

Read Chapter 12 of Encouraging Hands, Encouraging Hearts prior to study.

1. Have someone relate the story about Heather and Sondra. Why was Heather in the secret service?

2. Read Matthew 5:14-16 aloud, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (NIV)

Why is it important to be a light to the world?

3. What is the difference between having faith in God and faith in your faith? How was Linda able to put her trust in God concerning her injured daughter?

4. You should encourage a friend or loved one in the faith when the ________________ arises. How did Pat take advantage of an opportunity to encourage Mimi in the faith?

5. How did Glenna share her faith from the platform without offense? Why do you think she was effective?

6. Complete this sentence, "Sharing my faith and sharing about Christ is most effective when I share my ______________________________ and my ____________ _______________."

7. Please take turns reading the five "Share Jesus" scriptures listed in the book.

8. When sharing these scriptures, what questions should you ask? If they don’t understand the Scripture, how should you respond?

9. Read the following simple prayer silently: "Father, I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. Thank you for sending your son to die in my place. Thank you that he rose again. I surrender my life to him. In Jesus name, Amen."

If you have never prayed a prayer like this before, and you wish to make this prayer your own, read it silently again, this time, as a prayer to God. If you prayed this prayer for the first time, please find the courage to tell the members of your study group now. Simply raise your hand or say, "I prayed the prayer."

10. If a member of your group has prayed to receive Christ, please stop and celebrate. Take time to pray as a group, that she will have strength and will grow in her new found faith. Afterwards, look at Linda’s list of Encouragement scriptures. Take turns telling the group which of these scriptures gave you the most encouragement.

© 1999 Linda Evans Shepherd

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Linda Evans Shepherd Author and Speaker
Phone: 1-303-772-2035; Fax: 1-303-678-0260 ...  PO Box 6421, Longmont, CO 80501