Jesus tells three parables in Luke 15:1-32, in direct response to the accusation of the Pharisees and teachers of the law that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2, NIV). Read the following passages and note the essence of Jesus’ answer to these accusations. Luke 15:3-7 Luke 15:8-10 Luke 15:11-24 Each parable begins … Continue reading –>
Ellen G. White, in an often-quoted paragraph, summarizes what Jesus did in order to reach out and bring the people to salvation.(See also Matt. 9:35-36.) “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to … Continue reading –>
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…. 1 Corinthians 1:17 NKJV Does the church have to baptize every member of the community in order to serve its purpose? Is it possible God has some people cross our paths just because they need to be loved, regardless if they join our church or … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 1:22-23; John 1:14; Luke 15:3-24; Matt. 9:10-13; Ps. 51:17; 1 John 2:16; Phil. 2:13-15. Memory Text: “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them’” (Luke 15:1-2, … Continue reading –>
Read other teachings of Jesus that inform you and your church’s role in the community: Matthew 7:12, Matthew 23:23, Matthew 25:31-46, Mark 4:1-34, Mark 6:1-13, Luke 6:36, Luke 11:42, Luke 12:13-21, Luke 14:16-24, Luke 16:13, Luke 18:18-27, Luke 19:1-10, John 10:10, John 12:8, John 17:13-18. Read Ellen G. White, “ ‘The Least of These My Brethren,’ … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: God longs for His church to be a “going” community – reaching people where they live, work, and play with the good news of salvation. Jesus on Community Outreach – July 30, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Luke 10:25-28. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what is the most important … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 10:5-10. Why would Jesus send His disciples out into the surrounding towns and villages without any resources? It seems strange that Jesus’ disciples would have direct orders to enter their ministry territory with little to sustain themselves. Apparently, Jesus placed His disciples in this situation to teach them dependence on God and also … Continue reading –>
Read John 4:35-38. What is Jesus telling us here about the different steps needed in reaching souls? The work of a farmer is multifaceted. Other types of farming work must be done before a harvest can be plentiful (Matt. 9:35-38). Not only reapers are needed in the Lord’s harvest field. Can you imagine a farmer … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Jesus on Community Outreach” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath … Continue reading –>
“ ‘You are the salt of the earth’ ” (Matthew 5:13, NIV). In this passage, Jesus is calling His followers to be “salt,” which is a transforming agent. The church is a “saltshaker,” which contains the “salt of the earth.” With what or whom should we, this “salt,” mix? Only with ourselves, or with ingredients … Continue reading –>
