Special Sharing Our Story - Steve Ridgell - Part 4

Teacher

Lesson Summary

The class recounted the dramatic story of Victor, a former substance abuser who faced a tumor diagnosis and a life‑changing decision to be baptized. After his sister Gwen reached out, the teacher and the church’s chaplain team visited Victor daily, sharing Jesus stories and explaining the concept of being "born again" through Scripture. They referenced John 3, where Jesus teaches that entrance into God's kingdom requires new birth of water and the Spirit, and 1 Peter 1, which affirms believers are born again through a living, imperishable seed. When Victor’s surgery delayed his baptism, the church promised to baptize him once his wound healed, trusting God's timing. The narrative shifted to the broader mission of the congregation, using the Apostle Paul's analogy in 1 Corinthians about planting and watering seeds to illustrate the church’s role in preparing hearts for the Gospel. The teacher emphasized that while believers can sow and nurture, only God gives the increase. The class concluded with encouragement to share personal testimonies, like Victor’s, and to recognize divine appointments that lead others to Christ, echoing the transformative examples of Saul/Paul and Ananias.

Key Scriptures