NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passages: Exodus 9:13-17; Luke 16:19-31; Romans 10:11-17
Discussion Questions: What are you doing to help get the Gospel to people who have never heard the name of Jesus? What is your responsibility to share the Gospel with the people in your own community?
Food for Thought:
It’s one thing to affirm the reality of hell in our heads, but it’s another thing entirely to be gripped by this truth to the point it affects our actions. If we truly believe that people who do not know Christ will face eternity without Him in judgment, then certain implications follow. Right now, one-third of the people on our planet claim to be Christians. Two-thirds do not name the name of Jesus. Some estimate that there are 3 billion people who have little to no access to the Gospel. There are more than 6,000 Unreached People Groups.
As Christians, it is not enough for us to check off the box “hell” on our list of doctrines. This truth is meant to change our lives. It’s meant to give our mission a sense of urgency. God doesn’t expect us to speculate endlessly about the fate of the unevangelized or the nature of hell. God expects us to believe what He has said and to get busy telling others about Jesus.
When it comes to missions, many people pray like this, “God, if you tell me to go, I’ll go.” Considering the urgency of our mission, we ought instead to pray this way: “Here I am, Lord. Send me. Use my life as a seed to bring great harvest.” You don’t have to go overseas to be a missionary. You can be a missionary in your community, while supporting those who do go to the hard places where people have never heard the Gospel.
Your life will look different than mine. The Holy Spirit will use you in ways unique to your gifts and situation. But make no mistake; He will use you if you are surrendered to His plan and purposes. Don’t deny, ignore or downplay the doctrine of hell. Affirm the truth, and then surrender to God’s global mission.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a Christ-centered curriculum that examines the grand narrative of Scripture and how the Gospel transforms the lives of those it touches. Through a three-year study plan, participants are immersed in the Gospel through stories, theological concepts and calls to missions from Genesis to Revelation. Separate study plans for kids and students/adults ensure the proper focus and depth. The Gospel Project is designed to unify an entire church under a single Christ-centered curriculum. More information, free samples, and The Gospel Project blog can be found at [http://www.gospelproject.com]gospelproject.com[/URL].
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at www.LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
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