Date: July 5, 2026
Session Title: Speaking Truth
The Point: When we invite others to follow Jesus, not everyone will say yes.
Podcast—Bible Studies for Life: Adults
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Additional Teaching Options
Optional teaching ideas that incorporate current news, cultural trends, and real-world illustrations to help your group engage more deeply and view today’s issues through a clear biblical lens.
Getting Started
Read after discussing Getting Started—Question 1:
As the US hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thousands of European soccer fans have come to the states to watch matches and support their favorite teams. Many Europeans have shared online how “enchanted” they are by life in the states, and one German man named Freddy has gone viral for his posts.
Freddy went viral for live-tweeting his “fairy-tale experience” in the US, talking about how much he loved Waffle House, how incredible he thought Buc-ee’s was, and how much he enjoyed the hospitality he was receiving. Thanks to the online attention Freddy’s posts have garnered, Ambassador Nick Adams has extended an invitation for Freddy to visit the White House. Adams, who is also the Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism, has said that he’s a huge fan of Freddy’s trip documentation and that it’s a “fabulous thing” for the country.
While Freddy documenting his World Cup tour of the southern states isn’t his job, it still seems like it’s been an enjoyable time for both him and the internet.
To learn more about this article, search “German soccer fan Freddy” or “Freddy documents his journey through the southern United States.”
Get Into the Study (Option for Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play a video clip showing a funny or interesting. proposal. Then ask Question 1.
Study the Bible (Option for Adult Leader Guide)
Read after discussing Study the Bible—Question 5:
Missionaries Edward and Terri Janklow walked into a village in Southeastern Asia nearly twenty years ago to find that no one had ever heard the name of Jesus before. Miss Mya was twelve years old when the Janklows came to her village and began sharing the gospel with the local people. Most people heard Bible stories with “profound disinterest,” though Miss Mya followed the couple around and listened closely when they shared the gospel. But instead of accepting Christ, she used the lessons to inspire her to be a better Buddhist. It took five years before Miss Mya finally realized her need for a savior and accepted the gospel.
The Janklows continued to struggle with seeing God move in their mission field, and asked their home church to specifically pray for Miss Mya, that she would grow in her faith and help share the gospel in her village. They also asked for prayer that her father, Mr. Lin, would come to Christ. Mr. Lin worked closely with the Janklows for several years, always saying “maybe one day” when asked about accepting the gospel. It wasn’t until eighteen years after the Janklows first came to the village that Mr. Lin accepted Christ.
While this was a long-haul, seemingly hopeless situation, the Janklows and Miss Mya got to experience one of the benefits that believers receive in this world for their choice to follow Jesus—connection to a larger group of believers who come together to pray for each other. Without the prayer support of their home church, the Janklows would have given up on their mission. But because of the continued support of other believers, they were able to hold strong to what God had called them to and not feel as alone in their work while they waited.
To read more about this article, visit IMB.org and search “Missionaries spend years praying, laboring for first believer.”
The week’s writer for Extra is Emily Duncan. Emily is a Southern California native who lives in west Georgia with her husband and daughter. God saved her from Wicca when she was sixteen while at a youth retreat. Emily’s a member of Midway Church in Villa Rica and mentors young women as they transition from high school to college.
[Linked material and sources serve as background illustration only and does not imply endorsement beyond our biblical application.]
Additional Questions
Optional, thoughtfully crafted questions designed to warm up group conversation and guide engagement throughout each Bible passage—helping your group think critically, connect personally, and process Scripture through a clear biblical lens.
Icebreakers
- What is the best job you ever had?
- If you inherited $1 million, how would you spend it?
- What was the most surprising invitation you ever received?
Luke 18:18-23. The way to eternal life is through becoming a follower of Jesus.
- What do you think the rich man was hoping for when he approached Jesus?
- Why was selling all he owned to follow Jesus necessary for the rich man?
- What are some common beliefs people have about how to obtain eternal life?
Luke 18:24-27. The love of wealth can be an obstacle to receiving God’s grace.
- What is it about wealth that makes it an obstacle to eternal life?
- Why is the love of wealth such a powerful force for some individuals?
- In what ways are you like the rich ruler?
Luke 18:28-30. Those who choose to follow Jesus receive benefits now and for eternity.
- How have you experienced God’s provision in your obedience?
- What has been the hardest thing for you to sacrifice for your life of discipleship?
- What blessings in your life might be hindering your spiritual growth?
The biggest problem is that as a whole we are not asking people to accept our Savior. They can’t accept unless they are told.