Too often in church conversations, we quote Bible verses and Spirit of Prophecy quotations, but we share little about the practical application of those passages in everyday Christian life. By contrast last year’s excellent article by Lars Justinen, “Hot Lunch and Syrian Refugees,” is worth reading as a practical application of what this set of lessons is all about. Not all of … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 9:10-13. What crucial message should we as individuals take away from Jesus’ response to His critics? Read Hos. 6:6. Jesus is reclining at the dinner table, where He is fellowshiping and eating with what this society would deem “undesirables.” What kind of people does your culture deem “undesirables”? Interrupted by the Pharisees’ question of … Continue reading –>
1. Christ’s Method Alone. Were you touched by the story of the dying man who grasped the hand of a Christian, convinced it was the hand of Jesus? What can you and I do to reach out to people so effectively that they will see Jesus in us? What did Jesus do before inviting people … Continue reading –>
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 –>
