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 –>
Mary, an elderly lady in my Tampa First SDA Church family, told me how she became a Seventh-day Adventist in the early ’30s in British Honduras, now Belize. She was school age, when her little brother noticed a huge tent going up in town. He told their mother he wanted to go to the circus. His … Continue reading –>
Common–or uncommon–sense? [Lesson 12 for September 17] Advice to God’s people confined to exile: Work for the good of the country where you are taken. “If it prospers, you too will prosper.” Stunning words? or common wisdom? More people live in cities today than in the country or less populated areas. Does that mean we should … 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 –>
Key Thought: Cities have a special place in God’s heart. As we enter the cities, we are called to follow Christ’s method of ministry. Lesson for September 17, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 13:18-23. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. … 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 –>
Cities bring together many different cultures, ethnic groups, languages, and religions. Traditionally, each group had its “quarter,” or defined territory. Increasingly, all kinds of people live next door to one another throughout metropolitan regions. This multicultural reality creates risk and complexity, but it also provides great opportunity for the gospel. There is greater tolerance for … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Acts 18:1-28; Exod. 2:23-25; Matt. 13:3-9, Matt. 13:18-23; John 15:12-13; 2 Pet. 3:9. Memory Text: “ ‘Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper’ ” (Jeremiah 29:7, NIV). … Continue reading –>
Read Psalm 77:20, Hosea 11:4, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. Read Ellen G. White, “Teaching and Healing,” pages 139-146, and “Help in Daily Living,” pages 469, 470, in The Ministry of Healing; “ ‘This Man Receiveth Sinners,’ ” pages 185-197, and “ ‘Go Into the Highways and Hedges,’ ” pges 219-237, in Christ’s Object Lessons. There was … Continue reading –>
