Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-12
How do you tell someone about Jesus? In his book, Becoming a Contagious Christian, Bill Hybels says to, “barbecue first.”
Here’s how Mr. Hybels’ “barbecue first” principle works:
Before you try talking to a person about Jesus, spend some time with that person. Go shopping together. Eat meals together. Play sports or do other fun things together. Take time to get to know that person. Find out what he likes. Find out what is important to him. Show him that you love him “deeply—with all your heart,” as Peter says in 1 Peter 1:22b.
Then, after you have spent time doing everyday things (“barbecuing”) with your friend, you can invite him to church, Sunday School, or another Christian event.
When you take time to become true friends with a person, that person will learn to trust you. Since he knows you sincerely care about him, he’ll be more likely to listen to you talk about the things that are important to you, like Jesus. You can say to him, “I have something to share with you that I think is really important.”
Ask God to help you find ways to spend time with people and to create opportunities for you to share Jesus with them.
“But you are his chosen people, the King's priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to find ways to get to know the people around me. Then help me tell them about Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Now it's your turn. Click the link and get started with your inductive Bible study of 1 Peter 2:9-12.