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Although experts disagree on the exact number, one thing is certain: many Protestant denominations exist today. Hundreds, even thousands.

Which leads to such questions as, Why the Seventh-day Adventist Church? What’s our purpose? What relevance do we have?

The answer is simple: God raised up this church to proclaim “present truth,” the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14:6–12.

Yes, a number of churches exist and many with aggressive outreach and evangelism programs too. But, at last count, there’s only one church specifically proclaiming the Three Angels’ Messages ofRevelation 14. That church is ours–and that’s why we’re here. Period.

Thus, whatever else our church is doing, first and foremost, we should purposefully attempt to lead as many people as we can into God’s eternal kingdom. Whether we call it “spreading the gospel,” “evangelizing the world,” or preaching “present truth,” our core business is to tell the Jesus story with the intention that people will accept Him as Lord and Savior and become disciples and even disciple makers.

Although most local churches are involved in many activities, and (ideally) all of those activities are good and useful—our challenge must be to make all that we do as a church relate to the core business of reaching the lost with the “everlasting gospel” (Rev. 14:6) and all that it entails.

Of course, even with the benefits of modern technology the task is huge. And when all is said and done, the task falls upon millions of volunteers motivated by a love for God and for lost humanity—a love for those whose sins Jesus bore on the cross just as much as He bore ours.

While evangelism and witnessing is the personal responsibility of each believer, the whole body of Seventh-day Adventist believers (the church) has a corporate responsibility, as well. As each member contributes to the evangelistic goals and strategies of his or her local church, precious people are won to Christ. And here’s a point that can’t be overemphasized: if it’s not done at the local church level, it just won’t get done.

In the context of outreach, understanding spiritual gifts also is important. It is vital, however, to not only encourage members to discover how they are spiritually gifted, but to also present them with opportunities to exercise those gifts. Fundamental belief number 16 says in part: “God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts, which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions.”—Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 1988), p. 206.

An understanding of the gospel story coupled with a personal connection to Jesus Christ will enable people to work with the right motivation for saving souls. Evangelism and witnessing should be motivated by a love response, not by fear or guilt.

As with any study, this quarter’s lessons will help to increase a person’s store of biblical knowledge. That’s fine, but the goal is not just to gain knowledge, no matter how wonderful the knowledge. The goal is for us to use that knowledge for good, and in this context the greatest good is to give those who face eternal destruction the opportunity for eternal life.

That’s the reason for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. What better one could there be?

Joe A. Webb is pastor of Nambour and Yandina churches in the South Queensland Conference, Australia.


Contents:

Study
Date
Weekly Lesson topic
(Logos/ Biblia.com version)

Helps
April 7 Defining Evangelism and Witnessing Bible
Gateway
Lesson 1
April 14 Every Member Ministry Bible
Gateway
Lesson 2
April 21 Spiritual Gifts for Evangelism & Witnessing Bible
Gateway
Lesson 3
April 28 Evangelism and Witnessing as a Lifestyle Bible
Gateway
Lesson 4
May 5 Sequential Evangelism and Witnessing Bible
Gateway
Lesson 5
May 12 Personal Evangelism and Witnessing Bible
Gateway
Lesson 6
May 19 Corporate Evangelism and Witnessing Bible
Gateway
Lesson 7
May 26 Equipping for Evangelism and Witnessing Bible
Gateway
Lesson 8
June 2 Releasing Into Ministry Bible
Gateway
Lesson 9
June 9 A Love Response Bible
Gateway
Lesson 10
June 16 Let the Church Know Bible
Gateway
Lesson 11
June 23 Evaluating Witnessing and Evangelism Bible
Gateway
Lesson 12
June 30 A Perpetual Ministry Bible
Gateway
Lesson 13

Lesson Helps for this quarter have been prepared by Bob Hanson and Freeman Senzani. They include the Bible texts and Ellen White quotes referenced in each day’s study.


Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

Principal Contributors:
Joe A. Webb
Editor:
Clifford R. Goldstein
Associate Editor:
Soraya L. Homayouni
Publication Manager:
Lea Alexander Greve

Editorial Assistant:
Sharon Thomas-Crews
Pacific Press Coordinator:
Wendy Marcum
Art Director and Illustrator:
Lars Justinen
Concept Design:
Dever Design

Copyright © 2012 by the Office of the Adult Bible Study Guide, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist. All Rights Reserved.

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Comments

2012 Q2: Evangelism and Witnessing — 6 Comments

  1. Evangelising and witnessing is key to the Adventists. May God give us the zeal and power to take this message of salvation to all earth. May He clense us that we may talk, eat, and dress like christians in simplicity and modesty as we witness and evangelize the world.

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  2. The Three Angels' Message was our responsebility as a REMNANT CHURCH to spread it to all the World in our Generation.
    I have personally enjoyed Evangelism and Witnessing Lessons as an Adventist because my eyes have been opened that I have got a duty to play.....!

    MAY GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL...!

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  3. Many are the times I do not realize am an evangelist. And happy that this study guide has made me realize that whoever is chosen should be an ambassador.

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  4. Hi saints,
    Witnessing is very encouraging and increases one's faith.

    May the Lord God shower us with His Holy Spirit to be enabled to continue to witness about Him and His Marvelous Love.

    Thanks dear Lord for helping me and please re energize me to tell others about you....n love......

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  5. It is very encouraging, will continue working for the lord, let us all join hands in spreading the word of our lord Jesus, stay blessed.

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