Jesus used farming language in His teaching about the kingdom, as pointed out in lesson 5. As we have seen, farming is not merely an event; it is a patient process! It is a regularly repeated cycle with different stages and different jobs for different people at different times. We need to be open to … Continue reading –>
Read James 2:14-26. In what ways do these verses encapsulate who we are and why we are here? In Sunday’s study, the disciples start out pointing to the beauty of the temple buildings. Jesus points their attention to the condition of the church within and its mission to an ending world. The fact is that … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Peter 3:1-18. Summarize the teachings in this chapter that pertain to revival and reformation. How do these verses fit in with the topic we have been studying all quarter? God’s desire is that “everyone” will “come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9, NIV). Though we cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit in … Continue reading –>
The disciples had just been admiring the glorious scene as the sun’s rays glinted off the temple. Jesus, wanting to focus their attention on the realities facing the Christian church in the near future and the end of time, cryptically gave them a dose of reality by saying: “ ‘Do you see all these things? … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 24:35-25:46, 2 Peter 3:1-18, James 2:14-26, John 4:35-38, 1 Cor. 3:6-8, Rev. 21:1-4. Memory Text: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans … Continue reading –>
Read Ministry to the Cities, (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 2012). It is a collection from the Ellen G. White Estate of most of the Ellen G. White materials on urban ministry. A Seventh-day Adventist expert in urban ministries did a study in the Ellen G. White periodical index regarding her counsel on … Continue reading –>
No one is saying that outreach and ministry are easy. The fact is, they are not. Humans are fallen, corrupt, and not naturally spiritual. As Paul said about himself: “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin” (Rom. 7:14, NKJV). If Paul says that, what about those who … Continue reading –>
Read John 15:12-13; James 1:27; and Galatians 6:2. Together, what are they saying to us that is so crucial for any serious outreach? Because of the massive size of urban populations, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that faith is personal. The bottom line in reaching the cities, or any other place, … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 13:3-9, Matthew 13:18-23. Though this is a familiar story, how can we take what it teaches in order to help us better understand how to minister and to witness to our communities, including the cities? Though set in a rural context, this parable is, in fact, more important in urban ministry than in … Continue reading –>
As Christ made His way through Jerusalem, Capernaum, and other cities of His time, the sick, disabled, and poor crowded around Him, the Healer. His heart went out to suffering humanity. In the city, there is more of everything-more people, more buildings, more traffic, and more problems. This presents a real challenge for churches. Those … Continue reading –>
