APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY, Week of July 7-13, 2025, Make Return Visits: INFORMAL PREACHING. (Making Disciples: A Labor of Love, Lesson 7, point 3). Prepared Assignment.

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY, July 7-13, 2025, Make Return Visits: INFORMAL PREACHING. (Making Disciples: A Labor of Love, Lesson 7, point 3). Prepared Assignment.

Make return visits (4 mins.) INFORMAL PREACHING. (lmd lesson 7 point 3).

Setting: The publisher meets with a neighbor at a grocery store. The neighbor mentions a question that remained pending from their previous conversation. The publisher uses biblical principles to respond and adapts his schedule to the neighbor's availability to continue the conversation.

Publisher(s): Hi [Name], nice to see you! I didn't expect to find you here.

Assistant: [Name], I was just thinking about you. I'm so glad to see you. It's great I got you at the store, because ever since we talked that time, I've been wondering.

Publisher(s): Oh, really? Tell me, what question did you have left?

Assistant: It's about smoking. Does the Bible say it's bad?

Publisher(s): That's a very good question. Look, the Bible doesn't directly mention smoking or tobacco use, but it does contain principles that help us understand how God views this habit.

Assistant: I understand.

Publisher(s): We know that millions of people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses, such as cancer, respiratory problems, and heart disease. Even doctors constantly say this.

Assistant: Yes, that's true. I've read a lot about the effects of smoking, and I have family members who have suffered from it.

Publisher(s): Let me ask you something, [Name]: If you gave me something special and I threw it away without appreciating it, how would you feel?

Assistant: Well, I would feel bad... sad, even.

Publisher(s): That's right. Look, life is a precious gift that God gave us, and smoking is like rejecting that gift, because we know it shortens life.

Assistant: It's true. Those who smoke are harming themselves… It's like not appreciating this gift from God.

Publisher(s): Exactly! I'm glad you see it that way. And look, I want to share something with you. I'm going to read from my phone a commandment that Jesus left us when he was on Earth. It's in Matthew 22:39, and it says: “The second, which is similar, says: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’”

Assistant: How nice! I hadn't related it to this topic.

Publisher(s): Think of it this way: someone who smokes in the presence of others isn't showing that love. Secondhand smoke also makes people around them sick, especially children. So it's an issue that goes beyond just oneself.

Assistant: Of course, now I see it differently. It's not just the person who smokes who harms themselves, but others as well. I wouldn't be fulfilling Jesus' commandment.

Publisher(s): Exactly! I'm so glad you understood it. If you'd like, I could stop by your house one of these days and we could continue talking. If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to discuss them.

Assistant: I'd love to. I have several things I've always wanted to ask.

Publisher(s): And when is it convenient for you to do so?

Assistant: Tomorrow could be, but between work, my husband, the kids... I'll probably be free by 8 p.m. Although I imagine that must be pretty late for you.

Publisher(s): Don't worry, [Name]. I can arrange to be at your house at that time. I'd love to continue the conversation.

Assistant: Thanks, [Name]. I really appreciate it. See you tomorrow, then.

Publisher(s): Of course. Take care of yourself and have a good rest of your day.

Assistant: Likewise. See you tomorrow!