[Discussion starters for Lesson 5, July 25—31, 2015] 1. A handbook for missionary activity. Have you ever wished for a, comprehensive handbook for church activity? During my missionary years I could always obtain good advice, but if only I’d had a systematic presentation of all the things I should know… How could the book of Daniel help … Continue reading –>
Read Isaiah 39:5-7 and Daniel 1:1-2. How are these verses related? Daniel, whose name means God is my judge, was force-marched from a defeated Jerusalem into the Babylonian capital. The book of Daniel gives glimpses of his life in the courts of Babylon and Persia. After three years of education in Babylon, Daniel was employed … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Daniel 1-12; Isa. 39:5-7; Dan. 2:44; Matt. 24:14-15; Genesis 41. Memory Text: He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed (Daniel … Continue reading –>
The book of Jonah is so significant for understanding the biblical basis of mission, because it treats God’s mandate to His people regarding the Gentile peoples and thus serves as the preparatory step to the missionary mandate of the New Testament. But it is also important for catching a glimpse of the deep resistance this … Continue reading –>
Jonah 4:1-11 confirms that the greatest obstacle for God to get His prophet involved in world mission was not distance, wind, sailors, fish, or Ninevites. It was the prophet himself. Ninevite faith contrasted with Jonah’s unbelief and vindictive spirit. Jonah is the only person in the Scriptures who accuses God of being gracious, compassionate, and … Continue reading –>
1. Take a trip with Jonah! You may have traveled to thirteen countries, lived on three continents, and changed addresses two dozen times, but have you EVER experienced a trip like the one Jonah took to Nineveh? What was Jonah’s attitude when he started his journey by ship? [See Lesson 4: The Jonah Saga] 2. A prophet with … Continue reading –>
We would do more for God if only He expected less from us. Jonah is a case in point. “Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.” Jonah 1:1-2 It … Continue reading –>
Read Jonah 3. What great message is found here in the context of outreach and evangelism? Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you(Jon. 3:1-2 NIV). Two verbs are important in the text. First, this … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Relying on our own wisdom and inclinations is a poor way to approach mission. Only through submission to God’s leading can we understand His plan and our role in it.. [Lesson plan for The Jonah Saga July 18-24, 2015] 1. Have a volunteer read 2 Kings 14:25, Jonah 1:1-3. a. Ask class … Continue reading –>
The three-day experience in the belly of the big fish became a type of the death and resurrection of Christ (Jon. 1:17-2:10; Matt. 12:40). God provided and directed the great fish. Although there are accounts of people who survived at sea after having been swallowed by a whale, we must remember that God provided this … Continue reading –>
