Through teaching and personal example, Jesus taught His disciples to associate with sinners, even notorious ones such as prostitutes and tax collectors. How else would they disciple the whole world? His teaching often focused on these sinners. His characterization of them as lost demonstrates how merciful Christ was. He might have characterized them as rebellious … Continue reading –>
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Spiritual gifts are given for nurture and outreach. The question we have is what are my gifts and how can I use them? [Lesson plan for The Harvest and the Harvesters March 17, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 4:28-30. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the … Continue reading –>
Compare the following passages: Mark 6:7-13, Matt. 16:14-19, 18:17-20, 28:18-20, John 20:21-23. What do these verses tell us about the kind of authority that Jesus’ disciples had? What does this mean for us today? Peter had expressed the truth which is the foundation of the church’s faith, and Jesus now honored him as the representative … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 24:47-53, Acts 1:6-8, 16:6-10. Why was waiting for the Spirit necessary? What was the Spirit’s role in the evangelistic outreach of the primitive church? What encouragement might modern believers draw from Paul’s experience when facing frustration? What lessons regarding patience and waiting for God’s timing are suggested within these passages? Through discourse and … Continue reading –>
Nearing His earthly departure, Christ’s concern focused upon His disciples, whom He had selflessly served and deeply loved. They would not be abandoned. Although Jesus Himself had to return to heaven, the Holy Spirit was commissioned to supply the spiritual intimacy that the disciples had enjoyed in His presence. Christ’s instruction regarding the Spirit’s work … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: John 1:40-46, 4:28-30, Luke 24:4-53, Acts 1:6-8, Matt. 9:36-38, Luke 15. Memory Text: Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:8) In many respects this week’s study is a continuation of the previous lesson. Christ established spiritual leaders for the … Continue reading –>
Sister Xiang was riding on the train when a woman had a health emergency. Another woman hurried to help the sick woman, praying over her and crying, “You should believe in God.” The woman’s words remained with Sister Xiang, even after she left the train. She searched for a Christian church and found a house … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, The First Evangelists, pp. 349-358; The Last Journey From Galilee, pp. 488-496; and The Sermon on the Mount, pp. 298-314, in The Desire of Ages. The Training of the Twelve, pp. 17-24; The Great Commission, pp. 25-34; and The Seven Deacons, pp. 87-96, in The Acts of the Apostles. … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Discipling Spiritual Leaders March 12, 2014] 1. Choosing the Twelve. Did Jesus choose the twelve disciples because of their broad experience and proven leadership skills? Did He take a chance with each one? Or did He know they’d come out all right? But wait a minute. Did they? How could someone walk with Jesus … Continue reading –>
