Just Walk Across the Room

Leader’s Guide Just Walk Across the Room

Part III: The Power of Story

Please read chapters 6-8 of “Just Walk Across the Room” by Bill Hybels.

October 15, 2017 This week’s sermon will be based on the apostle Peter’s call to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” and to do this “with gentleness and respect”. We’ll talk about the “what” of our ‘apology’ (what we say), and the “how” of our ‘apology’ (how we say it).

1. Definition: “Apology”. When Peter writes the church to be prepared to give an “answer”, he uses the Greek word ‘apologia’, or ‘apology’. Does Peter mean we should apologize for what we believe?

No. It’s from this word that we get our English word “apologetics”. An apology in the Greek is a reasoned and well-thought-out explanation. Apologetics is about explaining or defending what we believe. Peter says Christians must always be ready to do this.

2. Peter writes that we should be ready to give an answer to “everyone who asks”. Do you think he really means the “who asks” part? Must we always wait until someone asks?

Peter is not saying that we cannot in any circumstance witness to those who have not inquired into our faith. But he is getting at what he will soon address with the words “gentleness and respect”. Even in Peter’s day, the gospel was not intended to be used as a club! Sometimes zealous Christians are more concerned about just getting someone to listen to them for once than they are about the character of the gospel and of Jesus himself.

3. Stories are powerful things. Name one or two stories you remember from your youth. Why do these stories stick in your mind? What Bible story is your favorite? Again, why?

No wrong answers here. But talk about the power of a story. See if most of these (non-Bible) stories have a salvation theme to them. Many have noted that the stories we love the most (think of books and films) are those that tell a story of redemption. You may want to think of a few that you can share with your group. Leader’s Guide Just Walk Across the Room

4. Have you ever tried to write out or tell your own story? Chapter 6 in our books offers four main criticisms of faith stories. Is there one in particular you are in danger of using? This is a time for honesty, therefore as a leader, you may want to begin with some honesty of your own. Also, give people a chance to think it through. Don’t move on to the next question too fast.

Long-windedness – “I expect my clothing to still be in style when you finish.”

Fuzziness – “Keep your stories simple—one clear plot line.”

Religionese – “stories that sound like they’re being told in code.”

Superiority – “You have your act together; this lost person does not.”

5. On pages 135 -138, Hybels describes three different tools we can keep in our toolbox for telling God’s story. Briefly describe and discuss the one which might resonate more with you and why.

The Bridge—God loved you so much that he asked his Son to serve as a bridge to span the chasm that separated you from him.

Do versus Done—You don’t have to earn your way into God’s favor, the work that Christ accomplished on the cross declared payment for your sin “done”.

The Morality Ladder—Despite how good you are, you are far from perfect. The only way to make up your “morality gap,” the gap between your standard of living and God’s perfect and holy standard, is by relying on the person and work of Christ.

6. How is your story really just a part of God’s story? Here is your opportunity to make it clear that our stories are nothing more than the story of God’s work in our lives. God acts first; we re-act. Sometimes our stories become so “me” focused that we leave out the most important person of all. Leader’s Guide Just Walk Across the Room

7. In discussing the story of the woman at the well in John 4, Hybels observes that many modern day Christians have been told since they were young to separate themselves from the world. He challenges us to be more like Christ, however, “learning to model [Jesus’] fascination with building bridges over divides instead of deepening them” /p. 156/. Phil Anderas made a similar statement at our Sunday Night Special. He said that in order to be effective witnesses today, we have to learn to be “like” our culture in some ways. We have to “eat brats and drink beer and root for the Packers,” he said. We have to be willing to roast marshmallows.

a. Explain the purpose behind this idea of building bridges with our culture.

b. Is there a danger in becoming too similar to our culture?

c. What are the non-negotiables in this regard? How do we maintain our saltiness while still building inroads into our neighbors’ lives?

These questions should prompt a good deal of discussion. Let people talk. There will be some who are totally into resembling the culture. Others will prickle at that idea. In the end, make the point that Jesus found ways to connect with people. He worked at making people comfortable in his presence. At the same time, we should not resemble our culture so much that we fall into sin. Too many beers turns into drunkenness. Sin is never a good method of evangelism. Therefore, evangelism also calls for us to have a healthy, strong relationship with Christ – so that His Spirit can guide us to build bridges and also to see where the lines are that we should not cross over.

YOUR TURN If they haven’t already, have your group start to write their own stories, keeping in mind the do’s and don’ts of chapter 6. If you ask folks to do this in advance, and if you have the time and the courage, you can have the group share their stories with one another. Again, as a leader, you may want to go first. Remember, every story has to start somewhere!