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 –>
Week 10_ An Exciting Way to Get Involved_ study this lesson for Sept 5 from SPD Discipleship on Vimeo. (2)
Continue reading -->The title for the quarter’s lesson pamphlet immediately brings to mind Hymn 499 – What A Friend We Have in Jesus. The Memory Text tells us the harvest is ripening ready for Jesus to come, so the harvesters are to go forth: Hymn 366 – O Where Are the Reapers? Hymn 358 – Far and … Continue reading –>
Small groups: God’s idea first. Should it surprise us that the God of all the universe, including the earth where we live, likes dealing with His people in small groups? How does the Bible help us conceptualize the godhead as a small group? Is anything small about God? In what way or ways is God … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Small groups are highlighted as one of God’s methods of strengthening our faith, our prayer life, and preparing us to witness. September 5, 2020 1. Have a volunteer read Exodus 18:21-25. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. What advice did Jethro give … 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 –>
Shortly after returning home from college in the spring of 1985 I received a phone call from a friend from church on a Friday evening. He said a few friends were getting together for a Bible study and invited me. I accepted the invitation and what transpired was a long lasting fellowship and close friendships … 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 –>
