IBC Richmond

Welcome to Immanuel Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia!

This Sunday: When Doubting God’s Love with Pastor Jordan Fanara

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Week 5

Pray for Them Daily

DEVOTIONAL

1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply says, “Pray without ceasing.” Prayer isn’t a

one-time event—it’s an ongoing act of faith. When you continue to pray for

someone, even after your rst conversation, you're staying spiritually

connected to their story and inviting God to work in it.

As you pray this week, ask God to move in their life, draw them closer to

Him, and give you more chances to be part of their journey. You’re not just

praying—you’re partnering with God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Who did you pray with last week? What happened?

• How did you feel before, during, and after the prayer?

• What’s one thing you learned through that interaction?

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Keep praying for the person you prayed with last week every day this week.

Pray With Someone

DEVOTIONAL

Prayer isn’t just powerful—it’s personal. When you o er to pray for someone on the spot, you’re creating a sacred moment that connects their need with God’s love. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

You might feel nervous to ask, “Can I pray for you right now?” But most people welcome the o er—and it may be the first time someone has ever heard their name lifted to God. Be bold and kind. Let the Holy Spirit lead.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What conversation did you try to shift toward spiritual things last week?

• How did the other person respond?

• What made it diffcult or easier than expected?

WEEKLY CHALLENGE:

When someone opens up, pause and offer to pray for them right then and there.

Week 3

Turn Conversations Spiritual

DEVOTIONAL

It’s not always easy to bring up spiritual things, but Colossians 4:6 reminds us: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Jesus had a way of turning ordinary conversations into life-changing moments. You can do the same. Sometimes all it takes is a small step—like asking someone what they believe, or sharing a hope you have in Christ. You don’t have to force it—just look for open doors and walk through them.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Who did you share your story with last week? What happened?

• What was the hardest part about sharing?

• What’s something encouraging that came from it?

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Use one of the conversation bridges to talk about faith in a casual

conversation.

Share Your Story

DEVOTIONAL:

Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

Your story matters. Your experiences with Jesus are one of the most powerful tools you have to reach others. Whether your story is dramatic or quiet, it carries the power of the gospel.

This week, don’t underestimate how God can use your testimony—even a short version—to plant seeds in someone else’s heart.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• How did wearing the shirt a ect your behavior this week?

• Did anyone ask about it?

• How did you respond?

• Did you notice yourself being more aware of how you represent Jesus?

WEEKLY CHALLENGE:

Write out and practice your 1-minute personal testimony. Share it with at least one person.

WEEK 1:

Own Your Identity

DEVOTIONAL

You are not just someone who believes in Jesus—you belong to Him. Being a Christian is more than a label; it’s an identity rooted in grace, purpose, and power. Romans 1:16 says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

When you wear your Proud Christian shirt, you’re not putting on just a T-shirt—you’re stepping into your calling to live unashamed. You are God’s, and He has placed you exactly where you are to re ect Him.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• What are you hoping to experience during this challenge?

• What fears or hesitations do you have about wearing the shirt?

• What does being a Christian mean to you personally?

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Wear the shirt and pay attention to how it changes your behavior, mindset, and interactions.

Wow! There is nothing like hearing Thomas Smoak share about this weekend’s missions conference from the very spot in which he began his walk with Jesus! Hear more and get excited for this weekend!

FIRST SESSION: Missions Movie and Pizza Night in the Fellowship Hall tomorrow (Saturday) night at 5:30 PM!

Kevin Carter reflects on Mary Baker’s martyrdom and Immanuel’s enduring legacy of missions. From Richmond to the nations, our church’s heartbeat for missions runs deep—the courageous witness of missionaries like Mary Baker continues to fuel our call to go.

Highlights from our Pie and Praise gathering.