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Fri/Sat/Sun—September 15–17•Helping a Man Move Toward Jesus Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am...” (Act 26:28–29) Our goal in spiritual conversation is simply to help a man go as far as he wants to go toward Jesus at that moment. I’m so glad for the five men, plus my praying wife, who did this for me. I can barely imagine where I’d be if they hadn’t intervened. One of those men was a preacher. He wasn’t eloquent, but he understood the gospel and prepared himself to present it simply. Two other men invited me to go with them for coffee. They invested time and energy in becoming my friend, and they began to ask me questions. Another man in my Sunday school class walked me through my first experience of being convicted of my sin. After I accepted Jesus’ invitation to enter into relationship with Him, another man invited my wife and me to join a couples Bible study. That man saw something in me that I didn’t know was there. He gave me a vision for biblical manhood that just kind of unchained something inside me. I’ve never been the same. I’m one example, but the reality is that innumerable men in this world long for someone to care enough to help them move toward Jesus. They might not be able to articulate that desire, but it’s the overwhelming need of their lives. They need men who are ready to respond by nudging them in the right direction. I challenge you to be or become one of those responders.  MIMBS 9 I named five men who helped nudge me toward Jesus. List the men who helped you on your spiritual journey. What can you learn from their examples? Daily Reading: Isaiah 19:1–28:13, Galatians 2:1–3:22, Psalm 59:1–61:8, Proverbs 23:13–18 FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP September 11–17 How are you preparing to give an answer for the hope you have in Jesus? ■ How are you sharing that in the context of relationship? ■ How are you staying alert to opportunities to describe your hope to those around you? 51


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