Final notes that I use to guide the lesson

“What do you think of the gospel?” Romans 1:1-17. We express our confidence in the gospel by the importance we give it in our lives—this lesson helps us discover ways to show its importance

1. “Stop putting myself first and start believing in the power of the gospel”, reminds me of the 60’s song, “Stop! In the name of love”. Stop running away and start showing the confidence you have in the gospel. Play the song and show the chorus lyrics on a slide.

2. In the tragedy of Katrina, how have people demonstrated what’s important to them? People that stayed in New Orleans, Evacuees, Media people, Politicians, Activists, Volunteers, Rescuers, Policemen, Military, Employers, You [Allow discussion].

3. What actions have you seen from others that demonstrate how they view the gospel? Answers: prayer, statements of faith in God, thankful to God, praise to God [Permit sharing].

4. Read Romans 1:1-5. Are we also apostles? What did Paul believe about Jesus? See Rom 1:8-15. What actions of Paul demonstrated that he had confidence in the gospel?

5. Put up a list of ten possible actions that if taken illustrate some level of importance of the gospel in a Christian’s life. Work with the class to prioritize the five (5) most important actions on the list. [The purpose of this exercise is to think in depth about our priorities.]

6. Taking action is mandatory if we want others to know the importance of the gospel. What changes could we make in our lives to show that the gospel is important? Discuss.

7. What’s really important in life? Show Zig Ziglar’s answer [pared down] to this question from The Health Colonel. Based on Romans 1:1-15, ask the class to identify how Paul might modify Zig’s list. [The purpose of this is to get the class to analyze the Scriptures.]

8. State that we demonstrate the importance of the gospel when we pass it on to others. Illustrate by telling Jan’s example of passing on the good news—a Wal-Mart deal. Ask others to share, too. Read the testimony of Otis Jefferson and ask the class to identify from it what actions he regularly takes that demonstrate how much he values dialysis and the work of the National Kidney Foundation. [Illustrates actions taken based on beliefs.]

9. Read Romans 1:16-17 and ask why Paul was positively confident about the gospel? He knew it held the power of God to restore relationships lost to Him (Romans 1:16). Ask if anyone wants to share about a time they were ashamed of the gospel.

10. Show confidence statements [see blog] on a slide and ask which ones build confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Challenge people to think of one action they can take this week that shows the importance of the gospel in their lives.

11. Close in prayer asking God to bless the survivors of Katrina thru actions of Christains that clearly demonstrate the imporatnce of the gospel.