Start Conversations (3 mins.) INFORMAL PREACHING. Start a conversation with someone who seems sad (lmd lesson 3 point 3).
Setting: The publisher is walking through the neighborhood when she notices a neighbor sitting on a bench with a sad expression. Seizing the opportunity, the publisher approaches her with tact and empathy, listens to her concerns, and shows her what the Bible says about the current economic situation and how to handle it.
Publisher: (Internally.) "The neighbor looks sad. I'm going to approach her politely."
Hello, [name]! Nice to see you. I noticed you were a little pensive from back there. Are you okay?
Assistant: Hi, [name]. Well, not much, to be honest. I'm a little overwhelmed.
Publisher: I understand completely. These days, we face many problems: health, family conflicts, and, as in many cases, the economic situation.
Assistant: That's exactly what worries me. What my husband earns isn't enough. We have two children in school, we pay rent, and food is getting more and more expensive.
Publisher: This must be very difficult for you and your family. It's true that the economy is getting tougher. There's a Bible passage that really encourages me in times like this. May I share it with you?
Assistant: Yes please.
Publisher: (Open the Bible.) Here in Isaiah 65:21, 22 it says, "They will build houses and live in them. They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They will not build houses and have others live in them, nor will they plant them and have others eat their fruit. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and my chosen ones will enjoy the fruit of their labor."
This text promises us that God will change this economic situation, ensuring a future where we will all enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Assistant: It's comforting to know that the Bible mentions that this will change, but I'd also like to know if the Bible has any practical advice I can apply to my situation today.
Publisher: Of course! The Bible has practical advice for many things, including how to manage our finances. Let me read another passage to you. Proverbs 22:7 says, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This verse warns us about the risks of borrowing money. If we're not careful, we can worsen our financial situation. It's better to avoid unnecessary debt and look for ways to adjust our spending.
Assistant: Wow! I was just thinking about taking out a loan, but now I see that I could be in a worse situation.
Publisher: I'm glad you see it that way. If you'd like, I can visit you to continue discussing more practical biblical advice like this. What do you think?
Assistant: Yes, I would like that very much.
Publisher: Perfect! Let's exchange phone numbers to work out a date and time. (They exchange numbers.) Thanks for chatting. Have a nice day.
Assistant: Thanks, [name]. See you soon.
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