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 –>
While a searching soul occasionally may approach a Christian and ask, “What must I do to be saved?,” for the most part believers must go out in search of the lost sheep. Some suggest that the church acts too much like a fortress from which a few people go out on a campaign or mission … Continue reading –>
A QUESTION WITHOUT AN ANSWER (true story) My doctor handed me some papers and asked me to read the radiologist’s report to him.1 I was stunned. I couldn’t fully understand the medical terminology, but it sounded like I had a terrible brain disease and was headed for the coffin. I just sat there. “I don’t … Continue reading –>
What was it that made Jesus so different from any of the other religious leaders of His time? Well, His message was clearly different – keeping the rules can’t save you, be a servant, love your enemies. That was all new stuff to the people of Jesus’ time. I think sometimes we forget how really different … Continue reading –>
There is a saying that is often voiced when we speak of reaching people for Christ. It goes like this: “People don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care.” The point is that we can teach and preach all we want, but if people feel misunderstood, unloved, and unaccepted, then … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : The work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts is shared by the ways in which we live in loving and compassionate service to others. [Teaching plan for “Evangelism and Witnessing as a Lifestyle” April 23, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read John 13:35. A. Ask class members to share a short … Continue reading –>
Here’s an important point: rather than providing what we think people need, we must learn what they see as important priorities. What are they concerned about? What are their problems? What do they feel that they need?1 Read 1 Corinthians 9:20–22. What do these verses tell us about Paul’s approach to different peoples and his desire … Continue reading –>
