“Sometimes, I wonder if my mother has seen me but didn’t recognize me,” 16-year-old Ginny says. Born in the Haitian countryside, Ginny was given up at birth. She lived in several different homes and even lived on the streets. When Ginny was 4, a woman took her home to live with her. “I got to … Continue reading –>
Leading a person along in their spiritual journey is like preparing for a harvest. Anyone who has worked a vegetable garden knows that there is a definite time frame and sequence of steps to follow if the desired harvest is to be realized. We must dig in the soil, remove the weeds, plant the seeds, … Continue reading –>
Another Fairly Reliable (FR) Fable Once upon a time, towards the end of the post-Millerate era of zeal, a seed was planted. Perhaps it was in a small church made of rough boards hewn to fit a frame on a concrete block. Perhaps it was in a barn big enough to accommodate a few hundred believers. Wherever … Continue reading –>
Just because we deliver biblical information through a public lecture, seminar, or Bible study, there is no guarantee that we have influenced those present in a spiritual way. Many people have attended an evangelistic series, a Revelation seminar, a Bible study, or maybe all of the above. Though they might have gained an intellectual understanding … Continue reading –>
We’re having a Julie Andrews moment here. I’m sure you remember that song: “Let’s start at the very beginning; a very good place to start. When we read we begin with a, b, c; when we sing we begin with doe, ray, me…” But when we’re sharing the gospel of Jesus with someone, where do … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : We lead souls to a loving relationship with Christ and then challenge them to commitment and obedience. [Teaching plan for “Sequential Evangelism and Witnessing” April 30, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 25:34-36. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text … Continue reading –>
A testing truth is a biblical teaching that, once understood, challenges the individual to make significant changes in his or her personal beliefs or lifestyle. Some testing truths, such as seventh-day Sabbath observance and the avoidance of unclean foods, impact both belief and lifestyle. This underscores once again the necessity of leading people to accept … Continue reading –>
Compare 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 and 1 Peter 2:2. What do you think Paul and Peter were specifically referring to when they spoke of milk and solid food and the need to grow? In your mind, what is theological milk as opposed to solid food? Evidently the members of the church at Corinth had not progressed very far in … Continue reading –>
As we have already noted in earlier weeks, the discovery of individual or community felt needs will influence how we approach people and the programs and services that we make available to them. As we understand felt needs, we are better able to plan a sequence of programs that meets those basic needs, whether for … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 25:35–40, 1 Cor. 3:1–3, 1 Pet. 2:2, John 6:54–66, Luke 8:4–15. Memory Text: “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it” (1 Corinthians 3:2, NKJV). Key Thought: In all evangelism and witnessing, it is important that we first present the simple truth … Continue reading –>
Discover where your ministry fits into your church’s overall plans. While most local church departments may have a well-organized program and be quite busy, the chances are that those involved in each department may not know much about what is happening in other areas of church life. Furthermore, there may not be an overall church … Continue reading –>
I was an absolute Atheist, a teacher of physics and astronomy on a mission to convince my students in Bulgaria that God doesn’t exist. Then my brother became a Christian—an Adventist Christian! I wasn’t sure what he believed, but I was sure it meant trouble. My brother tried to convince me to study the Bible … Continue reading –>
