Further Thought: A number of years ago a small European church outside of one of the continent’s major cities decided that it had to do something significant for the Lord. The church was stagnant. No one had been baptized for years. If the present trend continued, the church had little future. The pastor and his … Continue reading –>
Small groups are a vehicle that God uses to grow His church. They are “safe havens” for people to express their problems and discuss mutual concerns. They provide opportunities for spiritual growth in the context of caring relationships. Many non-Christians will initially feel more comfortable in participating in a small group meeting in a home … Continue reading –>
The New Testament church exploded in growth. In a few short years it grew from a small group of believers to tens of thousands of worshipers. There were many factors that contributed to this influx of believers and this rapid growth phenomenon. Jesus’ ministry sowed the seed of the gospel and prepared the multitudes to … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-25. How does the human body provide an excellent illustration of working together harmoniously in small groups? Paul not only reveals the importance of spiritual gifts in the life of the church, he also suggests a model of how they can be organized. He discusses spiritual gifts in the context of the body … Continue reading –>
The Bible provides numerous examples of small groups praying, fellowshiping, encouraging one another, and laboring together for Christ. These groups provided God’s people the opportunity to share responsibilities and fully utilize their varied gifts. That is, small groups can provide the opportunity for the Lord to use each of us more fully. Read Exodus 18:21-25. What … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 1:1-2, Genesis 1:26; Hebrews 1:1-2; and Ephesians 3:8-9. How do these verses reveal the unity of the Godhead? The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit participated in Creation together. They each had different tasks but worked together in an indivisible union. The Father was the Master Designer, the great architect. He carried out His plans … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 1:1-2, Genesis 1.26; Exodus 18:21-25; 1 Corinthians 12:12-25; Acts 16:11-15, Acts 16.40; Acts 4:31; Acts 12:12. Memory Text: “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest’” (Matthew 9:37-38, … Continue reading –>
Speaking Boldly in Finland By Andrew McChesney Nineteen-year-old Simo Vehkavuori began to rethink his life while visiting a Seventh-day Adventist uncle and aunt in Sweden. The Finnish teen remembered failing to fulfill a promise to follow God at a summer camp three years earlier, and he anxiously wondered, “Have I lost God’s grace?” One night, … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “In Christ is the tenderness of the shepherd, the affection of the parent, and the matchless grace of the compassionate Saviour. His blessings He presents in the most alluring terms. He is not content merely to announce these blessings; He presents them in the most attractive way, to excite a desire to possess … Continue reading –>
Jesus did not neglect presenting truth for “love’s sake”, because that would not have been love. Love always seeks the best for another. There is no conflict between love and truth. Truth presented humbly and kindly is a statement of love. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is … Continue reading –>
