Have you ever been part of a team? Maybe it wasn’t a sports team; maybe it wasn’t even called a ‘team.’ Maybe it was just a group of people all working towards the same goal. I can’t say I was ever part of a sports team, but I was a member of my high school … Continue reading –>
Sometimes in our efforts to express the importance of conversion, or “being saved” we underestimate the role of the church. While we all understand that being joined to the church does not save us, it is or should be instrumental in us maintaining the saving relationship with Jesus. We are social creatures and we need … Continue reading –>
If “one truth received into the heart will make room for still another truth,” 1 we wonder in what sequence the truths we hold should be presented in order to be most effective in our outreach. Our Sabbath School lesson on “Personal Evangelism and Witnessing” also asks, “Why should Christ’s substitutionary death always be at … Continue reading –>
It has been well said that a Christianity that does not begin with the individual does not begin, but a Christianity that ends with the individual ends. This statement underscores the importance of every new believer being incorporated into the body of believers. As with witnessing and evangelism, it is also true that incorporation cannot … Continue reading –>
STORY “I don’t like the word ‘corporate’ in the title of our Sabbath school lesson about witnessing,” Beth complained. “Why not?” Her husband Matt rubbed his chin. “Because it makes it sound like evangelism is big business.” “And you think that evangelism is little business?” “No, not really. I just don’t think that God expects us … Continue reading –>
When a unified church is focused upon the evangelistic task at hand, the Lord will bless their combined efforts. A careful study of the Bible will reveal how much of the New Testament was written to show Christians how to live and work together in harmony. “One another” passages are scattered thickly throughout its pages. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Under the direction of the Holy Spirit to set goals, plan, and evaluate our witnessing and evangelistic progress, we can draw together in mutual support. [Teaching Plan for "Corporate Evangelism and Witnessing" May 14, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read 2 Timothy 2:2. A. Ask class members to share a short … Continue reading –>
It is logical to think that there were times when each of the disciples would have shared their faith on a one-to-one basis, but for the most part we see them in a shared ministry with fellow disciples and being supported by other believers. There is something special about working on an overall plan and … Continue reading –>
Often, when it comes to the planning of witnessing and evangelism goals and strategies, only a very few people are involved. Then when plans have been decided, those few people set about the task of trying to get others involved in the implementation stages. It is much better to get a larger group involved right … Continue reading –>
Most people in the church are busy; others, for various reasons, do comparatively little. Either way, people are often not aware of what their church as a whole is planning or working toward; consequently, they don’t see how that in which they may be involved is contributing to the church’s overall goals. Read Ecclesiastes 4:9–12. What … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Eccles. 4:9–12; Psalm 37; Phil. 1:5–18; Eph. 4:15-16; Col. 1:28-29. Memory Text: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, NKJV). Key Thought: The dissemination of the truth of God is not confined to ministers. … Continue reading –>
Spiritual Preparation for a Personal Ministry While we would not deny the importance of Bible knowledge and the proven procedures of witnessing and evangelism, we must be careful not to neglect an emphasis on personal spiritual preparation. The essential ingredient in personal spiritual growth is, of course, the Holy Spirit, and to experience the Holy … Continue reading –>
“I hear you’re attending the Adventist church,” Fwachi’s mother greeted her. “I hope you haven’t been baptized!” Fwachi stood silent, unsure what to say. She had come home from Zambia Adventist University planning to tell her mother that she had been baptized. Now what should she say? Fwachi had grown up in a Christian home. … Continue reading –>