“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Was the atonement and sacrifice of Christ a matter of vengeance? Did God the Father send His Son to die because He needed to see someone suffer for the rebellion? Do we serve a God … Continue reading –>
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 –>
There are two aspects to learning for those who wish to serve the Lord, and one leads to the other. First there is learning to know Jesus; then comes learning how to share Him and what He offers to the whole fallen human race. Read about the time Jesus fed the 5,000 (Matt. 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, John … Continue reading –>
In Matthew 9:37 Jesus told the disciples that the harvest was plentiful but the laborers few. Today the harvest is infinitely larger and the laborers are still relatively few. There is a great need to send out harvest workers who are thoroughly trained and equipped. While it ever remains true that the Holy Spirit’s influence is the … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 4:19, 11:1–11, 10:1–14, 1 Pet. 5:8, 2 Pet. 3:9. Memory Text: “Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’ ” (Matthew 4:19, NKJV). Key Thought: Whatever the important proper training, we must first be grounded in our relationship with Jesus before we can be “properly equipped” to … Continue reading –>
Setting Realistic Evangelism Goals Both as a church and as a smaller ministry team, we must make sure that any witnessing and evangelistic goals are realistic. The following are some key areas to consider. Affordable. Finances play a big part in many church strategies today. Consider the costs of advertising, transportation, resources, postage, venue hire, refreshments, … Continue reading –>
I grew up in a non-Christian family in India. I attended a Christian boarding school and lived a highly regimented life. So I wasn’t ready for the freedom I found when I moved to Australia at age 16 to study. Many of the young people at school smoked and drank. I wasn’t interested in these … 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 –>