Discussion Guide

Theme
Faith; Assurance

Objective
This session will help participants look at how God changed lives in the past and how lives can be changed today.

Warm Up
Have participants break up into groups of four. Ask, “What are you most passionate about?” Allow time for the students to share. Then ask, “What proves that you really are passionate about those things?” Allow the students to share their thoughts.

Transition
Explain that when we say that we are “passionate” about something, there are things in our life that help show that to be true. In the song “The Evidence”, New Hope Oahu looks at what that can mean for a Christian.

The Song
Listen to “The Evidence.”

Transition
Ask, “As you listened to the song, what came to your mind?”

Bible Study
As we look a little deeper into the idea of the evidence of our faith, let’s look at Matthew’s gospel, chapter 10.

 Matthew 10:1-4

• What are some of the things the disciples were able to do?
• When you look at the list of the first disciples, what do you learn about them
• What helped them to get along well?
• What might have gotten in the way of them connecting well together?
• Why do you think Christ had so many different kinds of people be a part of this group?

 Matthew 10:5-10

• What are some of the things Jesus tells the disciples to do?
• What are some strange things about these directions?
• If you were planning a trip today, would these directions make sense? Why or why not?

 Matthew 10:11-23

• What sticks out to you about what Jesus told the disciples how to relate to people?
• What about some of the things He said the disciples would encounter as they dealt with people?
• Why do you think Jesus talked about those things?
• What would have been helpful to the disciples in their connecting with Jesus? In being dependent on God?

Matthew 10:24-39

• Here Jesus talks about our attitude and perspective in life. What does this tell us about us?
• What is encouraging in this passage?
• What can help you to remember these things?

Matthew 10:40-42

• What are some of the things we are called to do?
• What in this passage is encouraging to you?
• What are a couple of things that you can do to express your faith?

Wrap Up
When Jesus first brought together His disciples, they were from all sorts of backgrounds. Typically, they would not easily work or relate together. Because of Christ, they not only were able to work together, but they also did a number of amazing things which pointed to Christ. Be encouraged at what God can do through you. Dream of the possibilities of what God might do in and through you to make a difference. Let your life be part of the evidence of God’s love and power!