Year 8 - How to Talk About Jesus - Chapter 2

The Sum Of All Fears 

Have you ever felt your heart pound just at the thought of talking about Jesus to someone at school, in your family, or even online? You're definitely not alone. In this chapter, Andy Bannister shows us that fear is one of the biggest reasons Christians stay quiet, even when we believe something amazing.

But instead of pretending those fears don’t exist, Andy helps us name them, laugh at them, and shine light on them, like pulling the mask off a Scooby-Doo villain! From the fear of looking stupid, to being rejected, to not knowing what to say, we all face these thoughts. The good news is, the Bible tells us we don’t have to stay afraid. In fact, we’re called to be prepared, not perfect.

In this week’s worksheet, we’ll explore the real fears that hold us back from sharing our faith, hear from bold believers in history, and discover how God's love can cast out fear.

So grab your pen and maybe a flashlight. It’s time to look those fears in the face.

Read chapter 2.

Andy compares fear to a Scooby-Doo villain, something that looks terrifying until you “pull off the mask.”

Instructions: Think of something you’ve been afraid of (real or funny). Write or draw a short comic strip showing what happened or how it felt.

Now, in your journal, answer:

• What’s one fear you’ve had about talking about your faith?

• Why do you think it makes you nervous?

• What might God say to you about that fear?

Reading & Vocabulary Work

Answer the comprehension questions in your journal:

1. Andy talks about fear being powerful in today’s world. What examples does he give of fear in everyday life?

2. What is the real reason behind his fear of flying?

3. What are some of the fears people have when it comes to talking about Jesus?

4. What does Andy say we should do with our fears?

   
   

Vocabulary Words:

• Conformity

• Courage

• Performance-Based Acceptance

• Proselytise

• Idol

  
  

Tasks:

• Write definitions for each word.

• Choose 2 of the words and write your own sentence using them.

• What do you think "Performance-Based Acceptance" means? Can you give an example from your life or school?

  
  

Theology Focus: 1 Peter 3:15

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

Watch Bible Bujo - Bible Verse Mapping.

Set a timer for 15 minutes and spend that time verse mapping 1 Peter 3:15. Then, at the bottom of the page, list five ways you could get prepared.

I don't expect your page to look as beautiful or as full initially, but as you practice mapping more verses, you will start to include more information and learn to present your study in a way that is more attractive to you.

World Faiths Focus: Why Don’t All Religions Share Their Beliefs the Same Way?

Focus Question: Why do some religions try to spread their message, while others don’t?

Religion	Belief About Truth	Do They Try to Share It?	Why or Why Not?
Christianity	Truth is found in Jesus and should be shared	Yes	Because Jesus commanded it
Buddhism	Truth is a personal journey	Sometimes	To help others avoid suffering
Judaism	Truth is for God's chosen people	Rarely	Faith is often lived out, not preached
Hinduism	Many paths to truth exist	No (usually)	Because people must find their own way

Reflect:

1. How do you think Jesus' approach compares with others?

2. Why do you think some Christians are afraid to share their beliefs today?

Creative Writing: "My Faith and My Fears"

Write a short paragraph or story about someone afraid to speak up about their faith in school or at work. What are they afraid of? What helps them take a step of courage?

Extension: Turn your story into a short script or cartoon.

History Spotlight: Scooby-Doo & Fear Unmasked!

Christians have been sharing their faith for over 2,000 years, sometimes boldly, sometimes fearfully, but always with the desire to point others to Jesus.

Task:

• Research or read about one person in Christian history who shared their faith boldly. Here are some suggestions:

  • Stephen (Acts 6–7): the first Christian martyr

  • Peter (1 Peter was written by him!)

  • Perpetua – a young Roman woman who died for her faith in 203 AD

  • William Wilberforce – shared his faith while working to end the slave trade

    
    

  Try looking through the Treasury of Saints and Martyrs by Margaret Mulvihill on the Open Library.

  
  

Answer the following:

1. Who was the person?

2. What fears might they have had about speaking up?

3. How did they show “gentleness and respect”?

4. What can you learn from their example?

   
   

Extension (Optional): Create a timeline showing the life of a second person from a different point in history.

Personal Challenge of the Week

Choose one:

• Write a short prayer asking God to help you with one specific fear.

• Talk to a parent or church leader about one fear you have when it comes to talking about Jesus.

• Memorise 1 Peter 3:15 and say it out loud each day this week.

  
  

Optional Extension – Watch & Reflect:

Watch Penn Jillette’s video “A Gift of a Bible” on YouTube (with a parent’s permission).

Summary Thought:

"If we really believe the gospel... surely it’s worth a few risks to share that news with others."