This document provides guidance on training lay members for personal witnessing. It discusses why witnessing is important and necessary, and outlines principles from Jesus' method of witnessing. Some key points discussed are:
- Jesus mingled with people, showed sympathy, met their needs, and earned their trust before inviting them to follow Him.
- Lay involvement is needed for church growth, as the apostles and early church grew rapidly through everyone sharing their faith.
- Motivations for members to get involved include the biblical command to witness, spiritual growth, and preparation for Christ's return.
- Community service and acts of compassion open doors for spiritual conversations.
The Gospel of Mark is the most concise and vivid account of Jesus' life. According to early church father Papias, Mark relied on the eyewitness testimony of Peter to write an accurate portrayal of the events of Jesus' ministry, focusing on key episodes that demonstrated Jesus was the Son of God. Mark wrote for a Gentile audience in Rome, explaining Jewish customs and highlighting Jesus' authority over demons and disease. His Gospel moves quickly from Jesus' baptism to his death and resurrection, centering on Jesus as the divine servant who ushered in God's kingdom.
The Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God who fulfills scripture with his authoritative teachings, but is opposed and misunderstood. Jesus acknowledges to his disciples that he is the Christ but must suffer and die as the Son of God. At his death, even Jesus questions why God has forsaken him, but he is ultimately vindicated through his resurrection.
Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo taught a Bible workshop on the Book of Luke at San Diego State University Saturday May 3rd 2014. Notes, power point and recordings are attached.
The document provides information about an upcoming Bible study series on the Book of Matthew. It includes an introduction to Matthew, facts about the book, a New Testament timeline, observations about Matthew and its author, an outline of the book, and several key verses. The study series will cover the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew.
The document discusses the importance of understanding the Torah (Pentateuch/first five books of the Bible) as the foundational revelation from God and the basis for interpreting the rest of the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the New Covenant Scriptures. It asserts that Yahushua (Jesus) and the writers of the New Testament always pointed to the Torah as the source of their teachings and did not view the Torah as being replaced. Establishing the Torah as the scriptural foundation is necessary to properly understand God's word.
Sermon Acts 2:1-13 The Meaning of PentecostRODNEY TAN
God equipped His church with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost so that He would be glorified among all nations. The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in other languages and reach people from various regions. Pentecost marked the formation of the church and the beginning of the age of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate goal of Pentecost and the church's mission is for the whole earth to know God's glory.
1) Ecclesiology is the study of the Church. The Church was founded by Jesus Christ and is the congregation of baptized Christians under the authority of the Pope.
2) The Church has four identifying marks - it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. It preaches one common faith and doctrine throughout the world.
3) Membership in the Church is necessary for salvation, though those who are unaware of the Church through no fault of their own can be saved if they love God and try to do his will. Outside the Church there is no salvation.
Praying the Mass is the fully conscious and active participation in the Eucharist through prayerful engagement aided by proper understanding and preparation. This includes meditating on Scripture readings, studying Mass prayers and structure, and making a good confession and fasting for at least an hour before receiving Communion. During Mass, we should be attentive, unite our prayers to the priest's words and actions, respond clearly, listen carefully, and maintain reverent silence. After Mass, we thank God for his gifts and make resolutions. Realizing the supernatural dimension of the Eucharist can help with difficulties like boredom or inability to receive Communion.
The Gospel of Mark is the most concise and vivid account of Jesus' life. According to early church father Papias, Mark relied on the eyewitness testimony of Peter to write an accurate portrayal of the events of Jesus' ministry, focusing on key episodes that demonstrated Jesus was the Son of God. Mark wrote for a Gentile audience in Rome, explaining Jewish customs and highlighting Jesus' authority over demons and disease. His Gospel moves quickly from Jesus' baptism to his death and resurrection, centering on Jesus as the divine servant who ushered in God's kingdom.
The Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God who fulfills scripture with his authoritative teachings, but is opposed and misunderstood. Jesus acknowledges to his disciples that he is the Christ but must suffer and die as the Son of God. At his death, even Jesus questions why God has forsaken him, but he is ultimately vindicated through his resurrection.
Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo taught a Bible workshop on the Book of Luke at San Diego State University Saturday May 3rd 2014. Notes, power point and recordings are attached.
The document provides information about an upcoming Bible study series on the Book of Matthew. It includes an introduction to Matthew, facts about the book, a New Testament timeline, observations about Matthew and its author, an outline of the book, and several key verses. The study series will cover the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew.
The document discusses the importance of understanding the Torah (Pentateuch/first five books of the Bible) as the foundational revelation from God and the basis for interpreting the rest of the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the New Covenant Scriptures. It asserts that Yahushua (Jesus) and the writers of the New Testament always pointed to the Torah as the source of their teachings and did not view the Torah as being replaced. Establishing the Torah as the scriptural foundation is necessary to properly understand God's word.
Sermon Acts 2:1-13 The Meaning of PentecostRODNEY TAN
God equipped His church with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost so that He would be glorified among all nations. The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in other languages and reach people from various regions. Pentecost marked the formation of the church and the beginning of the age of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate goal of Pentecost and the church's mission is for the whole earth to know God's glory.
1) Ecclesiology is the study of the Church. The Church was founded by Jesus Christ and is the congregation of baptized Christians under the authority of the Pope.
2) The Church has four identifying marks - it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. It preaches one common faith and doctrine throughout the world.
3) Membership in the Church is necessary for salvation, though those who are unaware of the Church through no fault of their own can be saved if they love God and try to do his will. Outside the Church there is no salvation.
Praying the Mass is the fully conscious and active participation in the Eucharist through prayerful engagement aided by proper understanding and preparation. This includes meditating on Scripture readings, studying Mass prayers and structure, and making a good confession and fasting for at least an hour before receiving Communion. During Mass, we should be attentive, unite our prayers to the priest's words and actions, respond clearly, listen carefully, and maintain reverent silence. After Mass, we thank God for his gifts and make resolutions. Realizing the supernatural dimension of the Eucharist can help with difficulties like boredom or inability to receive Communion.
Who is the Holy Spirit? Learn more, including the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Take up the challenge by Pope Francis by praying to the Holy Spirit.
The Gospels are not strictly biographical or chronological accounts of Jesus' life. They portray Jesus' identity and mission through carefully selected stories arranged by the Gospel authors to convey theological messages and elicit a response of faith from readers. While the Gospels differ on some details like the timing of Jesus' crucifixion, their primary purpose is to show that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God, and to communicate the "good news" of God's kingdom through his life and teachings.
The document examines evidence for who Jesus Christ claimed to be based on testimony from various sources. It discusses what people in Jesus' time said about him, including that he taught with authority and some believed him to be the Messiah. It also examines what Jesus himself claimed, including that he could forgive sins, was the Son of God and eternal. The document argues that either Jesus' claims were true, making him the Son of God, or he was a liar based on the eyewitness testimony and fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah.
The document discusses the Gutenberg Bible of the New York Public Library, which was bought by James Lenox in 1847. It was the first Gutenberg Bible to come to the United States, and according to national folklore, the officers at the New York Customs House removed their hats upon seeing it due to its importance.
The four Gospels provide accounts of Jesus's life and ministry from different perspectives. Matthew primarily writes for a Jewish audience to show that Jesus fulfilled Hebrew prophecies as the Messiah. The Gospel covers Jesus's birth, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. Matthew presents Jesus as the prophesied King of the Jews and emphasizes that he established the kingdom of God through his atoning sacrifice.
The document discusses the Apostolic Fathers and Post-Apostolic Fathers of the Church. It provides biographical information on early Christian writers from the 1st-4th centuries AD, including Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, and others. These writers established Christian doctrine and synthesized the teachings of the Bible, Apostolic Fathers, and Church councils in their writings.
Mark is believed to be the earliest gospel written around 60-70 AD in Rome. It was likely written by John Mark, an interpreter of the apostle Peter. The author aimed to encourage Roman Christians facing persecution by emphasizing Jesus' suffering. Key themes are the kingdom of God and its presence in Jesus' works. Jesus is portrayed as a man of action who conceals his identity. Disciples are depicted as ignorant. Stories are linked through repetition of words and sandwiching smaller stories within larger ones.
The document discusses key aspects of biblical church planting according to JD Payne. It defines church planting as evangelism that results in new churches. Church planting involves sowers, seed, soil, and the Spirit. New believers are to imitate the example of church planters. While difficult, church planting in the Bible was not complex, involving making disciples through preaching, baptizing, and teaching them to obey Christ's commands. The establishment of the church in Thessalonica involved Paul preaching Christ crucified and risen, with some Jews and Greeks believing and imitating the examples of Paul, Silas, and the Lord.
This document provides an overview of the origins and history of the Bible. It discusses that the original languages of the Bible were Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. It also notes some of the important English translations of the Bible over time. Additionally, it outlines some of the key differences between Protestant and Catholic Bibles, specifically regarding the number of books in the Old Testament. Finally, it briefly discusses the process of authoring and interpreting the Bible.
This document outlines the importance of Christ's resurrection from a Christian perspective. It discusses how Christ's resurrection was predicted, how his tomb was found empty, how he appeared and interacted with his followers after his death, and how the resurrection transformed some of Jesus' earliest doubters into believers. It argues that the resurrection validates Christianity and the Bible, and is the foundation for the existence of the Christian church today. The resurrection proves Jesus' identity as the son of God and gives believers hope of eternal life.
End Time Church Deception Powerpoint Presentationmail2jimmy123
The document discusses end times theology and debates around the timing of the rapture. It argues that the common belief in a pre-tribulation rapture is a relatively new doctrine, and cites several biblical passages that suggest Christians will experience the tribulation period and the second coming of Christ will occur at the end of the tribulation. The document aims to dispel popular rapture theories and outline what it sees as the true biblical timeline of end times events based on scripture.
New Testament Survey - no.19: Paul - Letter to EphesusClive Ashby
As part of the New Testament Survey Course, Session 19 provides an overview of the letter of the Apostle Paul to the church in the city of Ephesus. This is one of the prison letters of Paul, written from his imprisonment in Rome. (Course taught at Harare Theological College - 2016)
The document provides background information on Matthew, the author of the Gospel of Matthew. It states that Matthew was originally a tax collector who was called by Jesus to be one of the Twelve Disciples. It also discusses when the Gospel of Matthew was likely written and its intended audience. Additionally, it notes some key events and teachings that are only recorded in Matthew's gospel.
The document provides an overview of three key events related to the second coming of Christ: 1) Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, 2) the second coming itself, and 3) the resurrection of the righteous. It discusses what the Bible teaches about each topic, including Christ's role as high priest interceding for humanity in heaven, the signs that will precede His return to earth, and how His resurrection guarantees believers will likewise be resurrected to eternal life. The overall message is one of hope for those awaiting Christ's return and the restoration of all things.
The document discusses how to pray according to Jesus' teachings in the Lord's Prayer. It covers avoiding hypocritical and vain prayers, the importance of closet praying, fellowship with God rather than babbling, and that God knows our needs. The key aspects of praying the Jesus Way are being authentic pray-ers, communing with God privately through asking for our needs and His restoration.
Christian discipleship involves a lifelong transformation process of following Jesus' teachings. It requires accepting Jesus as master, attaching oneself to him, committing to him, and maintaining a lifelong relationship with him. True discipleship means internalizing Jesus' teachings so that pleasing God influences all areas of one's life. The goal is to move from an ideal self to becoming one's actual self in Christ. Discipleship is a personal relationship with Christ, not just mental knowledge, and involves hearing from Jesus, obeying him, enjoying time with him, and coming to know him more deeply.
Mark's gospel was written under the shadow of persecution. It is filled with action and only a small amount of teaching. It shows Jesus suffered and was victorious.
This document provides information and guidance about evangelism strategies. It discusses an initiative by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to conduct evangelism in 650 major cities. Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle is introduced as a comprehensive strategy used in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division to share faith through small groups. The document encourages all church members to actively participate in witnessing and provides suggestions on how the Holy Spirit empowers believers through transforming their lives, giving them divine authority, and releasing power through the fruit of the Spirit, witnessing, and the work they are called to do.
Who is the Holy Spirit? Learn more, including the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Take up the challenge by Pope Francis by praying to the Holy Spirit.
The Gospels are not strictly biographical or chronological accounts of Jesus' life. They portray Jesus' identity and mission through carefully selected stories arranged by the Gospel authors to convey theological messages and elicit a response of faith from readers. While the Gospels differ on some details like the timing of Jesus' crucifixion, their primary purpose is to show that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God, and to communicate the "good news" of God's kingdom through his life and teachings.
The document examines evidence for who Jesus Christ claimed to be based on testimony from various sources. It discusses what people in Jesus' time said about him, including that he taught with authority and some believed him to be the Messiah. It also examines what Jesus himself claimed, including that he could forgive sins, was the Son of God and eternal. The document argues that either Jesus' claims were true, making him the Son of God, or he was a liar based on the eyewitness testimony and fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah.
The document discusses the Gutenberg Bible of the New York Public Library, which was bought by James Lenox in 1847. It was the first Gutenberg Bible to come to the United States, and according to national folklore, the officers at the New York Customs House removed their hats upon seeing it due to its importance.
The four Gospels provide accounts of Jesus's life and ministry from different perspectives. Matthew primarily writes for a Jewish audience to show that Jesus fulfilled Hebrew prophecies as the Messiah. The Gospel covers Jesus's birth, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. Matthew presents Jesus as the prophesied King of the Jews and emphasizes that he established the kingdom of God through his atoning sacrifice.
The document discusses the Apostolic Fathers and Post-Apostolic Fathers of the Church. It provides biographical information on early Christian writers from the 1st-4th centuries AD, including Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, and others. These writers established Christian doctrine and synthesized the teachings of the Bible, Apostolic Fathers, and Church councils in their writings.
Mark is believed to be the earliest gospel written around 60-70 AD in Rome. It was likely written by John Mark, an interpreter of the apostle Peter. The author aimed to encourage Roman Christians facing persecution by emphasizing Jesus' suffering. Key themes are the kingdom of God and its presence in Jesus' works. Jesus is portrayed as a man of action who conceals his identity. Disciples are depicted as ignorant. Stories are linked through repetition of words and sandwiching smaller stories within larger ones.
The document discusses key aspects of biblical church planting according to JD Payne. It defines church planting as evangelism that results in new churches. Church planting involves sowers, seed, soil, and the Spirit. New believers are to imitate the example of church planters. While difficult, church planting in the Bible was not complex, involving making disciples through preaching, baptizing, and teaching them to obey Christ's commands. The establishment of the church in Thessalonica involved Paul preaching Christ crucified and risen, with some Jews and Greeks believing and imitating the examples of Paul, Silas, and the Lord.
This document provides an overview of the origins and history of the Bible. It discusses that the original languages of the Bible were Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. It also notes some of the important English translations of the Bible over time. Additionally, it outlines some of the key differences between Protestant and Catholic Bibles, specifically regarding the number of books in the Old Testament. Finally, it briefly discusses the process of authoring and interpreting the Bible.
This document outlines the importance of Christ's resurrection from a Christian perspective. It discusses how Christ's resurrection was predicted, how his tomb was found empty, how he appeared and interacted with his followers after his death, and how the resurrection transformed some of Jesus' earliest doubters into believers. It argues that the resurrection validates Christianity and the Bible, and is the foundation for the existence of the Christian church today. The resurrection proves Jesus' identity as the son of God and gives believers hope of eternal life.
End Time Church Deception Powerpoint Presentationmail2jimmy123
The document discusses end times theology and debates around the timing of the rapture. It argues that the common belief in a pre-tribulation rapture is a relatively new doctrine, and cites several biblical passages that suggest Christians will experience the tribulation period and the second coming of Christ will occur at the end of the tribulation. The document aims to dispel popular rapture theories and outline what it sees as the true biblical timeline of end times events based on scripture.
New Testament Survey - no.19: Paul - Letter to EphesusClive Ashby
As part of the New Testament Survey Course, Session 19 provides an overview of the letter of the Apostle Paul to the church in the city of Ephesus. This is one of the prison letters of Paul, written from his imprisonment in Rome. (Course taught at Harare Theological College - 2016)
The document provides background information on Matthew, the author of the Gospel of Matthew. It states that Matthew was originally a tax collector who was called by Jesus to be one of the Twelve Disciples. It also discusses when the Gospel of Matthew was likely written and its intended audience. Additionally, it notes some key events and teachings that are only recorded in Matthew's gospel.
The document provides an overview of three key events related to the second coming of Christ: 1) Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, 2) the second coming itself, and 3) the resurrection of the righteous. It discusses what the Bible teaches about each topic, including Christ's role as high priest interceding for humanity in heaven, the signs that will precede His return to earth, and how His resurrection guarantees believers will likewise be resurrected to eternal life. The overall message is one of hope for those awaiting Christ's return and the restoration of all things.
The document discusses how to pray according to Jesus' teachings in the Lord's Prayer. It covers avoiding hypocritical and vain prayers, the importance of closet praying, fellowship with God rather than babbling, and that God knows our needs. The key aspects of praying the Jesus Way are being authentic pray-ers, communing with God privately through asking for our needs and His restoration.
Christian discipleship involves a lifelong transformation process of following Jesus' teachings. It requires accepting Jesus as master, attaching oneself to him, committing to him, and maintaining a lifelong relationship with him. True discipleship means internalizing Jesus' teachings so that pleasing God influences all areas of one's life. The goal is to move from an ideal self to becoming one's actual self in Christ. Discipleship is a personal relationship with Christ, not just mental knowledge, and involves hearing from Jesus, obeying him, enjoying time with him, and coming to know him more deeply.
Mark's gospel was written under the shadow of persecution. It is filled with action and only a small amount of teaching. It shows Jesus suffered and was victorious.
This document provides information and guidance about evangelism strategies. It discusses an initiative by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to conduct evangelism in 650 major cities. Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle is introduced as a comprehensive strategy used in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division to share faith through small groups. The document encourages all church members to actively participate in witnessing and provides suggestions on how the Holy Spirit empowers believers through transforming their lives, giving them divine authority, and releasing power through the fruit of the Spirit, witnessing, and the work they are called to do.
The document discusses the purpose of Christian assemblies based on passages from the New Testament. It argues that the main purposes of assemblies are for worshipping God, teaching God's word, edifying and encouraging believers, correcting sin, and evangelizing non-believers. Assemblies should include activities like prayer, singing, studying scripture, and preaching. The overall goal of assemblies is to please God and serve others, not just to have our own needs met. Understanding the biblical purposes of assemblies can help Christians better participate in and benefit from them.
This document is a theology of missions paper submitted for a class at Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary. It discusses several key aspects of mission theology, including the missional nature of God, examples of mission work in scripture, the relationship between mission work, ecclesiology and the Trinity, key themes like the Kingdom of God and shalom, and the roles of missionaries, church leaders and lay people in mission work. The conclusion emphasizes that worship of God leads to mission work, as the love believers receive from God spills over into love for others.
1. The document discusses the organization of the early Christian church in Jerusalem and the roles of elders and deacons as leaders.
2. It emphasizes that neglecting or despising the leadership that God appoints is rejecting the means He has ordained for strengthening His people.
3. The gospel commission to preach to all nations was given to both ordained and lay believers, and all who receive Christ's life are pledged to work for souls.
Presentation1.pptx - How to Achieve Revival and Reformation - MC - 2012.pptxludygracelibato
The document discusses the need for revival and reformation in the church in order to effectively complete the great commission before Jesus' second coming. It notes that the church's current growth is not keeping pace with the world's population growth. Unless dramatic changes occur, the gospel will not be preached to all nations in this generation. True revival and reformation begins with individual conversion through spending time in Bible study, prayer, and obedience to the Holy Spirit's prompting. When church members prioritize their spiritual life over entertainment and fully cooperate with the Spirit, revival will occur and innovative evangelism methods will empower completing the mission.
The document outlines a comprehensive approach to evangelism called GROW that involves five essential phases: Prepare, Plant, Cultivate, Harvest, and Preserve. It emphasizes that all phases are important for church growth and that local churches need goals for each phase, including community ministries, literature evangelism, Bible studies, decision-making, and discipleship training. The overall message is that total member involvement across all phases of GROW is necessary for total church growth.
WISDOM FOR THE HEART MONTHLY BILINGUAL MAGAZINE 23 May - 2017Billy Judson
This document provides information on redeeming time from various perspectives. It discusses how we should walk wisely and seize opportunities to understand God's will. True redemption of time involves practicing God's presence, encouraging one another, and reflecting on effective service for God's glory. Several missionaries are cited as examples who influenced many to fulfill the Great Commission in God's time and way. The document emphasizes the global nature of the church and evangelism, with the indigenous churches owning responsibility for evangelizing the world. It encourages readers to devote more to fulfilling Christ's command to spread the gospel to all nations.
The document discusses the Phillips family's call to ministry in Poland. It provides background on each family member and outlines their strategy over 5+ years to make, mature and multiply disciples in Poland through business ministries. They seek prayer and financial support as they learn the language and culture to build relationships and share the gospel.
The document discusses the mission of the Church, which is to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations as commanded by Jesus. It is brought to completion through the work of the Holy Spirit and is carried out by all members of the Church, both clergy and lay people. All Christians are called through their baptism to participate in the Church's mission through witnessing to their faith and spreading the Good News of salvation to others.
This document discusses providing spiritual food and companions for the journey to holiness. It describes how the Word of God, doing God's will, and the Eucharist provide spiritual food. It recommends participating in a small group using the TMIY 7 Steps template as a way to find spiritual companions. The small group and potential spiritual mentors in the parish can help guide members further in their spiritual journey beyond weekly TMIY meetings.
The word of god as a foundation for church growthElvis Amenyitor
1. The early church faced a problem of neglecting widows in daily food distribution. The Twelve appointed seven men to oversee this ministry so they could focus on prayer and preaching.
2. As a result of this change, the word of God spread rapidly and the number of disciples and priests following Christ greatly increased.
3. Building the church requires using the spiritual gifts God has given each believer. Members should discover their gifts, serve others' needs, and use their gifts faithfully and prayerfully for God's glory. Working together in this way expands God's kingdom.
The word of god as a foundation for church growthElvis Amenyitor
1. The early church faced a problem of neglecting widows in daily food distribution which split the Greek and Hebrew followers.
2. The Twelve appointed seven men known for faith, spirit, and wisdom to oversee the distribution so they could focus on prayer and preaching.
3. As a result, the word of God spread rapidly and the number of disciples and priests following Christ greatly increased.
This document discusses the concept of calling from a Christian perspective. It examines several beliefs, including that God calls all Christians to radical discipleship and gifts each person for service. Additionally, it is believed that every Christian is full-time for God's glory in all areas of life, not just traditional ministry roles. The document also addresses how to determine which cultural aspects to accept or reject to align with God's desires. It provides a framework for evaluating items like dancing by considering their original creation purpose and how sin has impacted them before exploring redemptive options.
The document outlines different beliefs about salvation within Calvinism:
- Hyper-Calvinism holds the most extreme beliefs, including that God authors sin and man has no responsibility.
- Ultra High Calvinism denies God having any love for the non-elect.
- High Calvinism believes God desires to save only the elect and sees the atonement as sufficient only for them.
- Moderate Calvinism affirms God desires to save the reprobate and holds to common grace.
- Low Calvinism believes Christ died for all in a legal sense and affirms God has two wills.
The Holy Spirit played a key role in guiding and directing the leaders and decisions of the early church, according to the document. The summary is:
1) The passage from Acts describes how the Holy Spirit guided the leaders of the early church to relieve new Gentile believers of requirements to follow Jewish law, showing kindness.
2) It was the decision of the Holy Spirit first, and then the leaders, to implement this plan. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate leader and guide.
3) The document discusses how the Holy Spirit continues to guide and direct church leaders today, emphasizing the importance of discerning and following the Holy Spirit's leadership.
The document discusses the biblical mandate for Christians to engage in evangelism. It defines key terms like soteriology and provides quotes from church leaders emphasizing the importance of evangelism. The document also offers practical guidance on effective witnessing methods and suggests evaluating success based on faithfulness rather than numbers of converts. Resources are recommended for further learning on the topic.
The document discusses the importance of preaching the whole counsel of God rather than focusing on people's "felt needs." It argues that humans do not naturally desire what they truly need spiritually, which is revealed through preaching the gospel. While people may say they want churches to make them feel comfortable and address immediate problems, Paul declared the whole counsel of God rather than tailoring his message to what people felt they wanted to hear. The ultimate purpose of preaching should be to present everyone perfect in Christ by proclaiming Him through teaching with wisdom.
Similar to Principes of Personal Christian Witness.ppt (20)
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
The forces involved in this witchcraft spell will re-establish the loving bond between you and help to build a strong, loving relationship from which to start anew. Despite any previous hardships or problems, the spell work will re-establish the strong bonds of friendship and love upon which the marriage and relationship originated. Have faith, these stop divorce and stop separation spells are extremely powerful and will reconnect you and your partner in a strong and harmonious relationship.
My ritual will not only stop separation and divorce, but rebuild a strong bond between you and your partner that is based on truth, honesty, and unconditional love. For an even stronger effect, you may want to consider using the Eternal Love Bond spell to ensure your relationship and love will last through all tests of time. If you have not yet determined if your partner is considering separation or divorce, but are aware of rifts in the relationship, try the Love Spells to remove problems in a relationship or marriage. Keep in mind that all my love spells are 100% customized and that you'll only need 1 spell to address all problems/wishes.
Save your marriage from divorce & make your relationship stronger using anti divorce spells to make him or her fall back in love with you. End your marriage if you are no longer in love with your husband or wife. Permanently end your marriage using divorce spells that work fast. Protect your marriage from divorce using love spells to boost commitment, love & bind your hearts together for a stronger marriage that will last. Get your ex lover who has remarried using divorce spells to break up a couple & make your ex lost lover come back to you permanently.
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Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu
Santan Vastu Provides Vedic astrology courses & Vastu remedies, If you are searching Vastu for home, Vastu for kitchen, Vastu for house, Vastu for Office & Factory. Best Vastu in Bahadurgarh. Best Vastu in Delhi NCR
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
The Book of Ruth is included in the third division, or the Writings, of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel.
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
2. PURPOSE OF STUDY
• Learn why witnessing is necessary.
• Learn when and how to share
personal spiritual insight.
• Learn how to lead others to decide
for Jesus.
3. ● Motivating Personal Witnessing
● Jesus’ Method of Witnessing
● Knowing the Law of the Mind in Witnessing
● Sharing Faith
● Giving Personal Bible Study
● Bringing People to Decision
Contents
6. Church Growth in
the New Testament
• 120 disciples
• 3000 new converts
• 5000 men
• More and more
• Increasing
• Grew in numbers
• Church planting
• Many thousands
• Acts 1:15
• Acts 2:41,42
• Acts 4:4
• Acts 5:14
• Acts 6:1,7
• Acts 9:31
• Acts 16:5
• Acts 21:20
7. Why Did the Work Progress
in the Time
of the New Testament?
8. We read in Acts 21:20 that there
were many thousands of Jews (the
Greek word means myriads,
multiples of ten thousand). Why
was the church growing so fast? It
was because everyone was involved
in witnessing.
Through the promises of God, the
Lord will bring a harvest of souls as
lay members become involved.
9. What Percent of Our Members
Are Involved in
Witnessing Activities?
80% 60%
50%
10%
1%
10. Why Are People
Not Involved?
• Lack of confidence
• Problem of unknown potential
• Have never been asked
• Have no training
• Limited understanding of role
• No motivation
16. Have Never Been Asked
It is possible that some pastors like
to do everything themselves and are
very poor at delegating
responsibility to other people.
17. No Training
“Many would be willing to work if they
were taught how to begin.”
- Christian Service, p. 59
18. Limited Understanding of Roles
“The dissemination of the truth of
God is not confined to a few
ordained ministers.”
- Christian Service, p. 68
19. “The idea that the minister
must carry all the burdens and
do all the work is a great
mistake.”
- Christian Service, p. 68
22. Gratian (Died 1160)
“Two kinds of Christians.”
Stephen of Tournai (Died 1203)
“Two kinds of people: one lower
and one higher.”
23. Martin Luther:
• God wants to accomplish His
work through the laity.
• Christ does not have two
bodies or two different kinds
of bodies.
24. Biblical Meaning of Laity
• Laos means - “A special people”
or God’s own people.
• Old Testament - Israel
God’s Remnant
• New Testament - Those who believe in
Christ and accept Him as their Lord and
Savior.
25. Understanding
the Roles of Laity
“The idea that the
minister must carry all
the burdens and do all
the work is a great
mistake.”
- Christian Service, p. 68.
26. The Gospel Commission
“Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost; teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you and lo, I am with
you always, even unto the end of the
world”
- Matthew 28:19, 20
27. The Priesthood of Believers
“But you are a chosen
generation, a royal
priesthood, a holy
nation, His own special
people, that you may
proclaim the praises of
Him who called you out
of darkness into His
marvelous light.”
- 1 Peter 2:9
28. The Body of Christ
“For as the body is one
and has many
members, but all the
members of that body,
being many, are one
body, so also is Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:12
29. Spiritual Gifts
“There are diversities of gifts,
but the same Spirit. There are
differences of ministries, but
the same Lord.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:4,5.
30. The First Task of
the Pastor
• Within the church
• To equip, teach and strengthen
the laity to carry on its ministry
in the world
31. Christian Service, p. 69
“The minister should not feel
that it is his duty to do all the
talking and all the laboring
and all the praying; he should
educate helpers in every
church.”
32. Greatest Help
“Let the minister devote more of his
time to educating than to preaching.
Let him teach the people how to give
to others the knowledge they have
received.” - (7T 20)
“The greatest help that can be given
our people is to teach them to work
for God, and to depend on Him, not
on the ministers.” - (7T 19)
33. Too Many Sermons
“The people have had too much
sermonizing; but have they been
taught how to labor for those for
whom Christ died?”
- 6T 431
34. The Role of the Laity
Primarily Ministry To The World
– Proclamation
– Service
– Fellowship
36. “Every soul whom Christ
has rescued is called to work
in His name for the saving
of the lost.”
- Christian Service, p. 10
37. “To everyone work has been
allotted, and no one can be a
substitute for another.”
- Christian Service, p. 10
38. “Every true disciple is
born into the kingdom
of God as a missionary.
He who drinks of the
living water becomes a
fountain of life. The
receiver becomes a
giver.”
- Christian Service, p. 9.
39. “The work of God in this earth can
never be finished until the men and
women comprising our church
membership rally to the work, and
unite their efforts with those of
ministers and church officers…”
- Gospel Workers, p. 352
40. Church growth ratio:
1988 Statistical Report
Europe, Japan, North America, One pastor to
169 members, the growth rate is only 1.25%.
In South America, the pastor-member ratio is
1 to 628, the growth rate is 8.92%
1.25%
1 169
to
Church Growth
1 628
to
8.92%
41. East Africa, South Mexican, and the South
Philippine Unions: One pastor to 1,000
members: The growth rate is 12%.
1
1000
12%
Church Growth
43. Witnessing is a Biblical Command
Matthew 28:19, 20: “Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you, and lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world.”
44. “For this is what the Lord has
commanded us: ‘I have made you a
light for the Gentiles that you may
bring salvation to the ends of the
earth.’”
- Acts 13:47
“Arise, shine, for your light has
come, and the glory of the Lord
rises upon you.”- Isaiah 60:1
45. “But you will receive power
when the Holy Spirit comes on
you; and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in
all Judea and Samaria, and to
the ends of the earth.”
- Acts 1:8
46. “Return to your house and
describe what great things
the Lord has done for you.”
-Mark 5:19
47. The Lord calls each of
His followers to be:
Witnesses -Acts 1:8
Ambassadors -2 Corinthians 5:20
Participants in the ministry of
reconciliation -2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Co-laborers with God -1 Corinthians 3:9
The light and the salt of the earth
-Matthew 5:13, 14
48. Witnessing Is the Heart’s Response
to Love.
“The Love of Christ constrains us.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14
49. Witnessing Is a Biblical Command
Matthew 28:19, 20: “Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost, teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you, and lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end
of the world.”
50. “No sooner is one converted than
there is born within him a desire
to make known to others what a
precious friend he has found in
Jesus. The saving and sanctifying
truth cannot be shut up in his
heart.” - The Desire of Ages, p. 141
51. Parables in Luke 15: The lost sheep
and the lost coin. Any time the lost
is found, there is joy in heaven.
Witnessing Gives Joy to God’s Heart
52. Luke 15:7: “I tell you that in the
same way there will be more
rejoicing in heaven over one sinner
who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who do not need to
repent.”
Luke 15:10: “In the same
way, I tell you, there is
rejoicing in the presence
of the angels of God
over one sinner who
repents.”
53. In the parable of the
lost son, Luke 15:32
says: “But we had to
celebrate and be glad
because this brother of
yours was dead and is
alive again. He was
lost and is found.”
54. Witnessing Contributes
to Spiritual life
There is a relationship between
witnessing and character development.
“God could have reached His object in
saving sinners without our aid; but in order
for us to develop a character like Christ’s,
we must share in His work. In order to
enter into His joy, the joy of seeing souls
redeemed by His sacrifice, we must
participate in His labors for their
redemption.” - The Desire of Ages, p. 142
55. “Strength to resist evil is
best gained by aggressive
service.”
-The Acts of the Apostles, p. 105
56. 1 Peter 4:10: “As each one has
received a special gift, employ it in
serving one another, as good
stewards of the manifold grace of
God.”
57. We are all part of the Body of
Christ. Each part of the body is
important.
58. “Little in the hands of Jesus is much.”
For that reason we must “use
whatever we have in our hand.”
However simple, the Lord can use it.
Knowing that one can achieve
something for God’s
glory will motivate
people to
work for Him.
59. Witnessing Is Related to
the Coming of Jesus
Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached in the
whole world as a testimony of all
nations, and then the end will come.”
60. “Time is short, and our forces
must be organized to do a larger
work.”
-Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 27
61. “We are now living in the closing scenes of
this world’s history. Let men tremble with
the sense of the responsibility of knowing the
truth. The ends of the world are come.
Proper consideration of these things will lead
all to make an entire consecration of all that
they have and are to their God.”
- Review and Herald, July 23, 1895
62. There is a relationship between
witnessing and the latter rain.
The essential latter rain cannot
come until the “largest portion of
the church are ... laborers together
with God” - Ellen G. White
- Review and Herald, July 21, 1896
63. Other Motivating Factors:
“We are to encourage souls, to attract them,
and thus win them to the Savior. If this is
not our interest, if we withhold from God
the service of heart and life, we are robbing
Him of influence, of time, of money and
effort. In failing to benefit our fellow
men, we rob God of the glory that should
flow to Him through the conversion of
souls.”
-Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 427
64. Jesus’ Method of Witnessing
It is important to learn from
the methods of Jesus how
He was successful in His
witnessing activities.
Christ’s method alone will
give success in reaching
the people.
-Ministry of Healing, p. 143
65. He mingled with men as One
who desired their good.
He showed sympathy.
He ministered to their needs.
He earned their confidence.
He bade them, “Follow me.”
Five Steps That Jesus Followed
in His Witnessing Activities
66. Mingling – means doing things
together. This may be visiting,
working, playing, or just talking
and sitting together. By
mingling we will discover
others’ needs.
67. Sympathy – an attitude of personal
concern. Sympathy does not wait
until the person asks for help, but it
is always expressed by some kind
of action that communicates an
honest, unselfish concern for
someone who has a need.
68. Minister to their needs – means
meeting the needs of people,
whether physical, mental, or
spiritual. This is done by serving,
waiting on, or attending to another.
Real needs are not always easily
recognized.
69. Win their confidence.
This will be the result of
meeting people’s needs.
“Follow me” – was the
appeal to follow Christ
in His future. The appeal
came after He met their
needs and won their
confidence.
70. Jesus Used Different Methods
to them the truths
of the gospel.”
-Welfare Ministry, p. 59
“From Christ’s method of labor we may
learn valuable lessons. He did not follow
only one method; in various ways He
sought to gain the attention
of the multitude, that
He might proclaim
71. Jesus Discovered a Felt
Need and Met It
• Wedding feast
• Nicodemus
• Woman at the well
• Man at the pool
• Hungry multitude
• Social embarrassment
• Genuine spirituality
• Emotional security
• Divine healing
• Physical food
72. “What you need to understand is
the true force of the will. This is
the governing power in the nature
of man, the power of decision, or of
choice. Everything depends on the
right action of the will.”
- Steps to Christ, p. 47
73. The law of human compassion
The law of receptivity
The law of divine providence
The Law of the Human Mind
Includes Three Important Things
74. Lessons from the life of Jesus
To the scribe he said:
“You are not far
from the kingdom of God.”
To the Canaanite woman,
“Great is thy faith.”
To the Roman centurion, “I have never
found such great faith, not even in Israel.”
The Law of
Human Compassion
76. Why Adventist Ministries
of Compassion?
Adventists’ work is to “first meet the
temporal needs,” and “then find an
open avenue to the heart” where they
can “plant good seeds of virtue and
religion.”
-Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 227
77. Community Service Work
Because many people are
touched through the ministry of
compassion, it is important to be
involved in various activities.
79. Feed the hungry - Matthew 14:16
Clothe the naked - Luke 3:11
Welcome the stranger - Matthew 25:35
Visit the sick - Matthew 25:36
Visit the prisoner - Matthew 25:35
Visit the widows - James 1:27
Visit the orphan (fatherless) - James 1:27
Refresh the thirsty - Matthew 25:35
Comfort those in trouble,
the bereaved and dying - 2 Corinthians 1:4
Nutrition classes
Friendship camps
Health education
Disaster relief
80. “The term medical missionary work
as often employed by Mrs. White
stretched far beyond the bounds of
professional medical service to
embody all acts of mercy and
disinterested kindness.”
- Welfare Ministry, p. 36
81. “Any human being who
needs our sympathy
and our kind
offers is our neighbor.
The suffering and destitute
of all classes are our neighbors;
and when their wants are
brought to our knowledge,
it is our duty to relieve them
as far as possible.”
-Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 266
82. People have different levels of
receptivity. Some are very
receptive and some are not at
all interested.
The Law of Receptivity
83. Receptivity Differences
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No
Spiritual
Interest
God May
Exist, Not
Personal
Occasional
Church Goers
Regular Attendance
As Religious Duty
Committed
Christians;
Spiritual
Openness
Truth Seekers
Adventist Church
Attender;
Unbaptized
84. The Keys to Discovering Receptivity
●Personal crisis
● World trauma
A personal crisis occurs when
someone has a family dilemma,
emotional crisis, financial crisis, or
health problems. People are more
receptive at these times.
87. The Receptivity Rating Scale
The highest receptivity rate is at:
Death of a spouse -100%
Divorce -73%
Marital separation - 65%
Jail term - 63%
Death of close family member - 63%
Personal injury or illness - 53%
Marriage - 50%
Fired from work - 47%
88. The Urgency of Meeting Various
Needs - Emotional, Physical,
Social, or Spiritual
89. Emotional –
If the individual is
experiencing grief or divorce,
there are grief recovery and
divorce recovery programs.
91. Some of these programs can be
introduced through the church
Members who have particular
talents or spiritual gifts can help
according to the needs of the
people.
92. The Lord will help us to meet
people who need the Savior.
Jesus said to them,
“My father is always at
His work to this very
day, and I, too, am
working.”
- John 5:17
The Law of Divine Providence
93. Consider the divine providence
in the biblical examples of the
conversion of Paul, Cornelius,
and an Ethiopian eunuch.
94. God the Father, Jesus, and the
Holy Spirit are working with
us, and because everyone is
working, the Lord will bring
us to meet people who need
the Savior so that we can share
the goodness of salvation with
them.
96. We Are Not Righteous
None of us deserve salvation.
God gives the gift to all who come to
Him. The rich
The church member
The poor
The degraded
The dejected
The sick
The dirty
The drunken
The homeless
The abused child
97. A simple way of witnessing is to use the
FORT principle.
Family
Occupation
Religion
Testimony
The FORT Principle
98. •We speak of family first because
people are usually interested in
talking about their family.
•Then we can ask about their
occupation or work, followed by what
church they may attend.
•And finally, share a
personal testimony.
99. My life before accepting Christ
How I became a Christian
My life since I became a Christian
Three Essential Elements
of a Testimony
100. The Christian can be an effective witness
for Christ if he has a forceful testimony.
A consistent life as a Christian is a
tremendous witness.
The Need of a Forceful Testimony
101. If you should be invited to witness by your
testimony, and you feel frightened and
inadequate, write out your testimony. Use
the three points suggested above as your
main points to discuss. Make your
testimony brief (from three to five minutes)
and to the point.
Make Your Testimony Brief
104. . What is the most important
word in the first place? .
is the beginning of everything--
the beginning of creation (Genesis 1:1)
and the beginning of salvation (Psalm
3:8; 68:20).
105. God loves you. This is a positive,
effective way to begin your
presentation.
God has a special plan for your
life. This is a message the people
need to hear.
106. This brings us
to the sin problem.
Sin brings separation and death.
(Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23). And
since all have sinned (Romans 3:23)
all are separated from God.
Man
107. Jesus is God’s answer to man’s
problem of sin and separation.
Christ came to be the solution
to the problem.
108. Christ came for us, lived for us, died for
us, ascended for us, pleads for us.
– Hebrews 7:25
110. To know about God’s and man’s
problem of separation because of
sin, and that Christ is God’s
answer to man’s problem will not
be enough unless we receive
Christ as our salvation.
112. “Present the gospel
in its simplicity.
Follow Christ’s
example, and you
will have the reward
of seeing your
students won to
Him.”
-Counsels to Teachers, p. 255
113. “Even the great men are
more easily drawn by the
simplicity of the gospel than
by any effort made in human
power.” - Evangelism, p. 443
“Even the great men are
more easily drawn by the
simplicity of the gospel than
by any effort made in human
power.” - Evangelism, p. 443
114. “What you need is a living
experience in the things of God
and simplicity in presenting the
love of Christ to the lost.”
- Sons and Daughters of God, p. 266
116. The OIKOS Principle
The Greek word oikos means
house, but in the Bible it is
often used in the broader
sense of the household, or
extended family.
Finding Interests
117. Biblical Examples of
the Oikos Principle
From the life of Abraham,
Joseph in Egypt, until the time
of the New Testament - how
people come to the Lord from
every family.
118. “This was the way the Christian church
was established.
Christ first selected a few persons and
bade them follow Him. They then went in
search of their relatives and
acquaintances, and brought them to
Christ. This is the way we are to labor. A
few souls brought out and fully
established on the truth will, like the first
disciples, be laborers for others.”
- Welfare Ministry, p. 60
119. How Do People Join the
Christian Church?
According to some studies, the
results show that the majority of
people who have joined the church
because of friends or relatives is
between 75-90%. This indicates
that the oikos system is still
valid at the present time.
120. Oikos identification worksheet
Put your name in the center circle,
and then put the Oikos members
(from 1-5), friends and relatives
with whom you have some
influence.
123. ● Visitors who attend Sabbath School and
any other programs
● Individuals who have completed any of our
Bible correspondence programs
● Parents of children who attend Vacation
Bible School
● Friends from the Ingathering Program
124. ●Those who have attended our
evangelistic meetings who have not
made their decisions for Jesus
●Regular customers of our literature
evangelists
●Non-SDA students
studying in our Adventist
schools and their parents
125. Network Bible Study
A simple method is needed
It has proven very successful around the
world.
Anyone can master it very quickly.
The student learns better and faster.
The student is soon trained and
equipped with completed
study guides to
study the Bible
126. God’s Instruction
“Our work has been marked
out for us by our heavenly
Father. We are to take our
Bibles and go forth
to warn the world.”
- 9 Testimonies, p. 150.
127. Ellen G. White’s Prophecy
“Hundreds and thousands were seen
visiting families and opening before
them the word of God. Hearts were
convicted by the power of the Holy
Spirit, and a spirit of genuine
conversion was manifest. On every
side doors were thrown open to the
proclamation of the truth. The world
seemed to be lightened with the
heavenly influence.”
- 9 Testimonies, p. 126.
129. Heart Preparation
The Example of Jesus
Before every major event in
His ministry, Jesus prayed
for guidance and help.
- Mark 1:35; Luke 9:18, 28, 29
God wants us to pray for wisdom.
- James 1:5; Hebrews 4:16
Pray for the guidance of the Holy
Spirit. - John 16:13
130. “My son, give me thine heart,
and let thine eyes observe my
ways.”
- Proverbs 23:26
131. “But ye shall receive power,
after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you; and ye shall
be witnesses unto me...unto
the uttermost part of the
earth” - Acts 1:8.
132. “Submit yourselves therefore
to God. Resist the devil and
he will flee from you. Draw
nigh to God, and he will
draw nigh to you.”
-James 4:7, 8
133. “The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes
His own fortress, which He holds in a
revolted world, and He intends that no
authority shall be known in it but His
own. A soul thus kept in possession by
heavenly agencies is impregnable to the
assaults of Satan. But unless we
do yield ourselves to the control of
Christ, we shall be dominated by
the wicked one. ”
- The Desire of Ages, p. 324
134. Preparation of Materials
The Basic Tools
Bible - preferably one with a
concordance
Bible Study Guide
Pictorial aid for Bible study or
other devices
135. Mental Preparation
“Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth.”
- 2 Timothy 2:15
137. Home Visitation
“How can the great work of the
third angel’s message be
accomplished? It must largely be
accomplished by persevering,
individual effort, by visiting the
people in their homes.”
-Welfare Ministry, p. 97
138. “There are families who will
never be reached by the
truth of God’s word unless
His servants enter their
home.”
- Evangelism, pp. 435,436
139. New Testament Method
of Creating and Building Interest
“The more closely the New
Testament plan is followed in
missionary labor, the more
successful will be the efforts put
forth.”
- 3T , p. 210
140. Christ’s Method
Our Savior went from
house to house:
healing the sick,
comforting the mourners,
soothing the afflicted,
speaking peace to the
disconsolate,
blessing children,
speaking words of hope and
comfort to the weary mothers.
- Christian Service, p. 114
141. The Method of the
Early Christian Church
“And daily in the temple, and in every
house, they ceased not to teach and preach
Jesus Christ.”- Acts 5:42
They grew -Acts 2:47
The whole city was evangelized -Acts 17:6
More baptisms -Acts 2:41, 4:4; 5:14
Penetrating unentered areas -Acts 8:4
Paul: “taught publicly and from house to
house.” -Acts 20:20
142. Making Friends with People
Jesus’ Example
Jesus loved people and never
failed to help them
- Mark 1:41; 6:34, Matthew 4:14
Jesus was able to be friendly
to all kinds of people
-Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15
Jesus showed interest in
every one he met and tried
to give them spiritual help.
-John 3:1,2, John 4:7
144. Be Friendly to All People
If we want to win people to Jesus, we
must be friendly to them.
-Proverbs 18:24
When we meet someone: on the road, in
a bus, at the market, in the village or at a
store, always be friendly: smile, talk to
people, inquire about family, give help
if needed.
145. Make Use of Every Opportunity
to Help Others
There are many opportunities for us
to offer help and friendship:
Sickness
Family death
New neighbors
People in prison
Widows
Elderly people
Building/farming
146. Children of church members
Close relatives of church members
Graduates of the Bible
Correspondence School
Interests of Colporteurs
Interests of hospital or medical
outreach
Branch Sabbath School Interests
Sabbath School members who are not
yet church members
Prospects for Bible Study
147. Distribute a series of tracts or a single tract.
Place enrollment cards in the doors.
Mass mail enrollment cards to postal areas.
Encourage all church members to carry
enrollment cards at all times.
Give, or better, lend books.
Share a video or audio-cassette.
Use a Religious Interest Survey.
Use a Community Service survey.
Tips on Finding Bible Studies
149. Introduction
To awaken the interest of the hearers, let
your introduction statement make a
lasting impression. It can be:
● A short story
● Important world events
● An arresting text that introduce the
topic
● An appetizer that will make people
crave the main dish
150. The Body
The body is the main dish
● The body should satisfy the craving which is
created by the introduction.
● It must be solid and in logical sequence from
beginning to end.
● Present the subjection with conviction and leave
room for the Holy Spirit.
● Pick up verses that are simpler and have a
direct connection to your next verse.
● Be brief and direct to the point.
● End your study before interest fades.
● Ten to 15 texts in each will be sufficient.
152. ● Be Punctual
● Be enthusiastic, cheerful, relaxed and
friendly
● Sit at the right place (with a group, it is
best to sit in a circle)
● Short introduction (make sure everyone
is introduced and comfortable)
● Be understanding
● Speak wisely
What to Do at the Study
153. 1. Begin with prayer.
An opening prayer is brief but sincere.
Establish a friendly spirit before beginning
the Bible study.
How to Present the Bible Study
154. 2. Give the introduction or review its high
points; Speak slowly clearly and with
conviction.
3. The best method: question and answer.
◘ You will want to ask each question:
How, When, Where, Which, What, Who, Why
◘ Bible Study is not a sermon, don’t preach
◘ Ask them to read Bible texts
155. 4. Compliment good answers.
5. After participants read their answers, you
might say, “Does anyone have a different
answer?
6. Always listen and ask questions.
◘ Encourage each one to participate in the
study.
◘ Encourage discussion.
156. 10. If question deals with a future,
controversial lesson
◘ Do not hurry through a Bible study;
make each point clear before you move
to a next topic
157. 7. Make brief and relevant comments as you
go along;
◘ Stick to the subject
8. Never introduce ideas for which the
Bible student does not have sufficient
background.
9. Read each Bible text clearly; you
have God’s Word in your hands
158. An illustration drives home the point.
It creates a deeper and more lasting
impression in the heart and mind.
It’s like the window that brings in fresh air.
It must be short.
Avoid comical illustrations.
Refrain from using cheap
jokes.
The Use of Illustrations
159. ◘ Be understanding
◘ Listen
◘ Get a firm decision for Christ before you
introduce testing truths.
◘ Know how to meet opposition
◘ Be tactful and refined
◘ Don’t argue
◘ Be sincerely interested in the person
◘ Offer compliments
◘ Agree on every point possible
◘ Don’t be embarrassed about questions you
can’t answer.
Tips for Success
160. Do not give too much
information in one Bible study
Keep to the topic you are presenting
Dangers to Avoid in Giving
a Bible Study
161. Length of Bible Study: 30-40 minutes
Number of Questions: 10-15 texts
After the Bible study, don’t stay too long.
Never -
argue with your listener
become angry
criticize or speak disrespectfully
about other people
Do not preach, lecture, shout at your listener.
162. Choose the topic to meet the needs of
the hearers.
Make the topic Christ-centered.
Learning about Jesus and His will for
our lives is the object of all Bible
study.
Follow a correct order of topics.
Arranging Topics
165. Suggested Order of Topics
The Bible as God’s Word
The Second Coming of Jesus
The Signs of the Second coming of Jesus
Heaven and the New Earth
The Plan of Redemption
How to Be Saved
God’s Holy Law
God’s Holy Sabbath
etc...
168. The Lesson: Christ centered
When does the decision take place?
At the first Bible study-
Begin with a smaller decision; this
prepares for bigger decisions
The Purpose of Bible Study –
to Help the Student Make
a Decision for Christ
169. The Need for the Right Words
“The Lord God hath given me the tongue
of the learner, that I should know how
(method) to speak a word (what is said) in
season (when it is to be said) to him that is
weary; he wakeneth morning by morning,
he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the
learned. The Lord God hath opened mine
ear, and I was not rebellious, neither
turned away back (the kind of person
Jesus was).” - Isaiah 50:4, 5.
172. Information: Accumulate facts about
the decision to be made.
Adequate information is necessary,
but there are two problems:
1. Information Overload
2. Programmed Non-response
How the Mind Works
173. “What you need to understand is
the true force of the will. This is the
governing power in the nature of
man, the power of decision, or of
choice. Everything depends on the
right action of the will.”
- Steps to Christ, p. 47
174. Present testing truths gradually. If
possible do not present three or four
new truths back to back in the same
week.
Visit people in their homes
immediately after presentation of
testing truths to answer any major
questions.
Overcoming Information Overload
175. ● Make regular systematic
appeals including hand-raising,
kneeling, standing, and altar
calls.
● Use response cards often.
Two Ways to Avoid Programmed
Non-Response
176. Clear information - Is this clear to you?
Implanting Conviction
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
177. Important Points for
Obtaining Decisions
Ask, “Is it clear that . . .?”
Help student to make a decision in every
lesson
Show the benefits of the right action
Always stress the blessing over the
requirements of God
Show the consequences of wrong action
Show the expectation of the God who loves
us
Lead students into a relationship with God
178. Truth is most clear when it is fresh in
the memory.
Satan is working to lead the thoughts
away.
Conviction may completely disappear if
one is not bought to decision at the
earliest period possible.
Reasons for Asking
for Prompt Decisions
179. A decision may be turned in
another direction or toward another
church.
Relatives or members of other
churches may confuse the issues or
the truth in the mind.
Circumstances may place the
student beyond your reach in a
very short time.
180. Inner peace as opposed to inner
turmoil -John 14:27; Psalms 119:165
Receiving the Holy Spirit -Acts 5:32
True happiness -John 13:17
Heavenly home -Hebrews 11:24
Fanning the Flame of Desire
Forgiveness of sins and freedom from
guilt -Acts 2:37-39
182. “Prayer and faith will do what no power
on earth can accomplish.”
- Ministry of Healing, p. 509
“It is a part of God’s plan to grant us,
in answer to the prayer of faith, that
which He would bestow did we not
thus ask.”
- The Great Controversy, p. 525).
183. Prayer does four things:
Prayer puts us in touch with
divine wisdom. - James 1:5
Prayer enables God to work
more powerfully than
if we did not pray. - Daniel 10
Prayer enables God to speak to us about sins
in our lives which hinder successful soul
winning
Prayer deepens our desire concerning
the thing for which we are praying
184. The Need for Prayer
“God forbid that I should sin against the Lord
in ceasing to pray for you.” - 1 Samuel 12:23
Prayer in Groups
“Why do not two or three meet together and
plead with God for the salvation of some
special one, and then still another.”
-7 Testimonies, p. 21
186. “I can’t leave my church.”
Rev. 18:4; John 10:26, 27; 12:42, 43;
Matt. 7:22, 23
“I can’t make a living if I keep the
Sabbath.”
Matt. 6:33; Ps. 37:3; Isa. 65:13,14.
“You require too much of people in your
church.”
2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 13:45, 46; Luke 14:33.
“I will lose my job if I keep the
Sabbath.”
Matt. 16:25, 26; I Tim. 4:8
187. I understand exactly how you feel.
Many others in your present situation
have felt the same way.
But they have found . . .
Know How to Respond
to Objections
Use the FFF Technique
188. “I can’t find a job with Sabbath off.”
Matt. 6:30-33; Ps. 37:3, 25; Isa. 65:13, 14;
58:13, 14; 1:19, 20.
“It is inconvenient to keep the seventh
day and follow this doctrine.”
Matt. 16:24; 10:38
“I am too great a sinner.”
1 Tim. 1:15; Heb. 7:25; Isa. 1:18
“I am afraid I can’t hold out.”
Jude 24
“I can’t live up to the truth.”
1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 12:8, 9; John 1:12
189. “I am not good enough.”
2 Cor. 8:12
“People would talk about me.”
John 17:14; Luke 6:22, 23, 26; Prov. 29:25
“I agree with all you teach except for
one thing.” Matt. 19:16-22
“I am in business and Saturday is my best
day. I will ruin my business if I close on
Saturdays.”
Matt. 16:26; Ps. 37:16; Prov. 16:8; Mark 8:35;
John 6:27; Isa. 56:2-5; Luke 12:19, 20
190. “My friends would ridicule me.”
John 15:19; Mark 8:34; James 4:4.
“My husband, wife, father, mother,
brothers, and sisters will oppose me.”
Matt. 10:36, 37; Luke 14:26, 27; Ps. 27:10;
Isa. 41:10; Mark 10:29, 30.
“There are so few who keep Saturday.
This way is so different from what the
majority believe and do.”
Deut. 7:7; Ex. 23:2; Matt. 7:13, 14.
191. “My parents were good________.
What was good enough for them
is good enough for me and besides, I have
been greatly blessed in my present
church.”
Rev. 18:4; John 10:26, 27; 12:42, 43; Acts 4:19;
John 1:35-40.
“Keeping the seventh day was only for the
Jews.” Mark 2:27; Gen. 2:3.
192. “We are living under the New Testament.
Keeping the seventh day passed away
with the old covenant at the cross.”
Heb. 8:20; 4:4-9; Acts 13: 14, 25.
“I am afraid of new doctrines.”
Gen. 2:1-3.
“The law of the land has settled that
Sunday is the day to keep.
Acts 4:18-20; 5:28, 29.
193. “We can’t be sure that the seventh day
which God has commanded is identical
with the day now called Saturday.”
Luke 23:56; The testimony of history,
astronomy, the calendar, and the witness of the
Jews.
“Sunday seems right to me.”
Prov. 16:25
194. “It doesn’t make any difference what day
I keep; just so I keep a day.”
Exodus 20:8-11; Rom. 6:16; Leviticus 10:1, 2;
Deut. 4:2.
“My minister and my friends
advise me against this.”
1 Kings 13:1-26; Acts 4:19; 5:29.
“It will cause trouble and division in my
home if I take my stand for this teaching.”
Luke 12:49-53; 1 Kings 18:17, 18.
195. “There is one thing (movies, jewelry,
tobacco, pork, caffeine, etc.) that I cannot
give up.”
Matt. 19:16-22; 6:24; Luke 14:33; Matt. 13:45,
46; 1 John 5:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Phil. 4:13.
“No, not now.”
Prov. 27:1; 2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:13; Isa. 55:6;
Gen. 6:3.
“I am waiting for my husband (or wife, or
friend) so we can accept it together.”
Eze. 14:20; 18:20; Rom. 14:12.
196. “I will wait until I have the right kind of
feeling.”
Isa. 48:18; 1 John 2:3
“Too late, I have waited too long.”
Eze. 33:19; John 6:37; Rom. 10:13
“I tried once, I’m afraid to try again.”
Dan. 3:17; Rom. 4:21; 2 Tim. 1:12; Jude 24
“How can I know that my sins are
forgiven?”
1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13
“Some things are not yet clear.”
John 13:7; Acts 1:7
197. “I’m not so bad.”
John 3:18; Rom. 3:23
“The world couldn’t manage its affairs if
everybody kept Saturday.”
John 2:22
“Why don’t the other great ministers or
learned and influential people accept and
keep the seventh day Sabbath if it is
right?”
1 Cor. 11:1; 1:26-29; Matt. 11:25
198. “I will lose many of my friends, my social
standing and people will class me as a
fanatic.”
Ps. 119:165; 111:10; Gal. 1:10; John 15:14;
Luke 6:22, 23, 26; James 4:4; Prov. 29:25; Phil.
3:8; Matt. 10:37; John 15:19.
“God is love, He will save me anyway.”
Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 2:4.
“Sunday seems right to me.”
Prov. 16:25
199. “There are too many hypocrites
in the church.” Matt. 7:1; Rom. 14:12.
“The step will cost me too much.”
Luke 18:29, 30; 1 Peter 2:24
“My job may be at stake.”
Isa. 51:7; Job 13:14, 15; Ps. 119:72, 127
“God will not condemn me if I live a good
life in every way except to keep the
seventh day.” James 2:10; 1 Chron. 15:13;
Matt. 7:21-23; Luke 6:46
200. “I’m too old to change my way of life.”
Gen. 6:3
“If I take Saturday for the Sabbath, I
won’t be able to support my family.”
Matt. 6:30-33; Ps. 37:3, 25; Isa. 65:13, 14;
58:13, 14; 1:19, 20. (Also the narration of actual
experiences of how God has helped others who
stepped out in faith to keep the Sabbath.)
“I can’t leave my friends and relatives.”
Ex. 23:3; Prov. 13:20
201. “I can’t afford to lose one day’s pay each
week. This will interfere with my plans
for getting ahead in the world.”
Matt. 16:26; Ps. 37:16; Prov. 16:8; Mark 8:35;
John 6:27; Isa. 56:2-5; Luke 12:19, 20.
“I will wait until the Spirit of God
convinces me.” Matt. 25:1-13
“I believe it is not necessary to unite with
a church.” Acts 2:47
202. “I have a railroad job.
That work has to go on every day.”
Ex. 34:21.
“God will not condemn me if I live a good
life in every way except to keep the
seventh day.”
James 2:10; 1 Chron. 15:13; Matt. 7:21-23;
Luke 6:46.
203. “I will be in better shape to do it a little
later; I need more time to arrange my
affairs.”
Prov. 27:1; 2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 4:7; 3:13; Isa. 55:6;
Gen. 6:3; Ps. 18:44; 119:60; Matt. 25:1-13