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Evangelism and the Church
Lesson 10 - August 6, 2017
Focus Text: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-8; 8:4-8
Central Truth: Every Christian should be involved in the Church’s disciple-making mission.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to give a clear definition of evangelism and how it may be done.
Lesson Outline:
- The Process of Disciple-Making (Matthew 28:18-20)
- The Power of Disciple-Making (Acts 1:6-8)
- The Proof of Disciple-Making (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7)
Disagreements
At some point, differing opinions are going to be expressed. How you as the teacher react to those disagreements is extremely important. First, stay relaxed! You are going to manage the situation well, and it is going to turn out OK! Express satisfaction that people feel free to express their opinions, even if theirs are different from someone else's. You might say something like, “OK, we have differing opinions here, and that is great. Maybe there is even a third opinion that you would like to share.” Statements like that can relax the group, and often will lead to avoiding a debate over the two opinions presented. If that doesn't work, ask your class to discuss first the positives of each of the differing viewpoints, and then the negatives. If the matter is a serious doctrinal issue, you might thank the person for sharing his viewpoint, and then say something like, “Historically our church has taken a different view on this subject,” and then share what that position is. Avoid communicating a flat, “You are wrong.” Keep the conversation open. You may be surprised at the changes that can take place if you do!
The Gifts for Leadership
Read Ephesians 4:1-10
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (v. 7).
To be a leader there must be followers, but what is it that inclines others to follow the leader? Some might say charisma, or a strong personality, a vision, or enthusiasm. While these may contribute pieces to the equation, what are the necessary gifts for leadership? As Christians picking up lead-ership roles in the church or community, what matters most?
The first verse of our study passage puts an emphasis on role modeling as it says, “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Then the writer lists areas in which a leader is to be exemplary, such as: humility, meekness, patience, and forbearance. The objective is to spawn and maintain unity or harmony. While all of these may be considered gifts for leadership, the gift that enables these is the “grace” mentioned in verse seven. This is more than “unmerited favor,” it is “divine influence on the heart that is reflected in the life.” This is the most crucial gift for leadership. (Rodney Stearns)
We trust not in our native strength,</ br>But on His grace rely,</ br>That, with returning wants, the Lord</ br>Will all our need supply.</ br>Lord, guide our doubtful feet aright,</ br>And keep us in thy ways.</ br>— Benjamin Beddome
The best leaders carefully follow the Leader!
This devotional is the Thursday, July 27, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Leadership in the Church
Lesson 9 - July 30, 2017
Focus Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-16
Central Truth: God calls specific people to guide His Church.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify some requirements of godly leaders.
**Lesson Outline: **
- The Requirements of a Pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
- The Requirements of a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
- The Behavior of Believers (1 Timothy 3:14-16)
Ministry by the Spirit
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (v. 11).
Radical individualism is arguably the most deeply held belief of the majority of Americans. The solitary hero strides boldly across the pages of our history, literature, and mythology, most often hacking out a living in a dangerous wilderness populated by savage weather, animals, and people. Though the wilderness is now largely settled, we still want to live by this core belief. A few years ago the U.S. Army tried to tap into this sentiment with the campaign slogan, “An Army of One.” How effective would a one man army actually be?
In his book, Holiness for Ordinary People, Keith Drury has a chapter entitled “A Sanctified Church.” He makes the shocking statement that a church can be made up of sanctified individuals and itself not be holy. This happens when personal time with Jesus fails to impact corporate worship, prayer, and other functions. God has designed us to grow together.
I am an introvert, which means that I need a great deal of alone time to recharge my batteries. I find it very easy to cut myself off from people for extended periods of time. However, I have noticed that my greatest periods of spiritual growth come when I am consistently around the people of God. There are no effective Lone Ranger Christians. (Randy J Bland)
No man is an island,</ br>Entire of itself,</ br>Every man is a piece of the continent,</ br>A part of the main.</ br>— John Donne
Do you regularly allow other Christians to be a part of your life?
This devotional is the Monday, July 17, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Gestures
An important part of listening is being aware that your body gestures can communicate as much or more than your words. Gestures begin with your lips. What are they saying to the speaker? A scowl may come because you are deep in thought about the next part of the lesson, but it will say to the speaker that you are not happy with what he is saying. Learn to enjoy and feel a sense of success in the process of the discussion, and you will likely maintain a smile.
If you are sitting, make sure your posture communicates interest in what the person is saying. Sometimes hands behind the head, or leaning back in your chair, suggest you are not engaged with the speaker.
Does your body language communicate that you are relaxed or tense? What are you doing with your hands? Are you grinding your teeth? Does your body language communicate that you can't wait for the person to finish so you can start talking again?
Bottom line – RELAX! Your body language will communicate whether you have or not!