Defining Our Vision: =
1. Bible Teaching Praying Church.
2. The second priority in your Vision is your aspire to be an Evangelistic Church, to be the Church fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus to evangelize people.
Throughout history Evangelism is inseparably linked with Revival. We have this desire for fulfilling Christ’s Commission because we know it would bring revival into our personal lives, into our congregations, into our communities.
The treasured promise of Christ being with us always until the end of times (Matthew 28:20) is contingent on the condition stated in context of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). To a doubting bunch Jesus gave this charge: “God authorized and commanded Me to commission you to get going and disciple people everywhere, baptizing them in the Name of Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and continue instructing them all that I (Jesus) have commanded, and as you do this, day after day, I will be with you, right up to the end of the age.”
Ever wanted to be in God’s presence? Feel like you’ve been missing out on God in your life? Then ask yourself: “Am I fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus?” For He is with everyone who goes and makes disciples, with everyone who teaches His love.
Evangelism is what Jesus did here on Earth. It is what He left the Church to do. Whenever we gather together corporately we are the Body of Christ incarnate in this world, having His Mind, having His Hearth, loving with His Love. Paul challenged the church in Corinth to worship in such a way that when a non-believer, or an uninformed outsider comes in , the testimony of every believer would probe their hearts and convict them of truth, so there would be nothing to do but to fall on their face and admit ‘Truly God is among you!’ (1st Corinthians 14:24-25).
The Church that DOES Evangelism transforms the world around, instead of being conformed to it. The Church that shares the Good News of Salvation does so because God dwells in it.
Set your course on becoming the Evangelizing Church!
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Becoming Bible Studying & Praying Church
After reviewing your dreams, burdens and visions certain trends are beginning to emerge. First and most obvious is your desire to be the Bible Studying and Praying Church.
Jesus challenged people in his days to "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life." (John 5:39) Those who love God love also the Word of God. Those who seek to be in the Kingdom of God are those who read the Scriptures most.
By reading and searching out scripture references, you will see the chain of truth, and will see new beauties in the word of God. While you make the Scriptures more your study, and become more familiar with them, you will be better fortified against the temptations of Satan. When inclined to speak, or act, wrong, some scripture will come to arrest you, and turn you right. (Ellen G. White, An Appeal to the Youth, 79)
The Spirit of Prophecy also warns us that those who “…have no interest in Bible study. Their moral power becomes enfeebled. Sin appears less and less repulsive. There is manifest an increasing unfaithfulness, a growing distaste for life's practical duties. As the mind becomes perverted, it is ready to grasp any reading of a stimulating character. Thus the way is open for Satan to bring the soul fully under his domination. (Adventist Home, 414).
Since we do not have the benefit of a Church School where our children would receive instructions in the Bible, it is duty of parents, grandparents and older siblings to nurture younger generation in the Word of God.
At times we are so absorbed in business that some have no time for prayer, no time for the study of the Bible, no time to seek and serve God. Communion with God through prayer and a study of His word is neglected. They forget that Christ has said, "Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5. They walk apart from Christ, their life is not pervaded by His grace, and the characteristics of self are revealed. Their service is marred by desire for supremacy, and the harsh, unlovely traits of the unsubdued heart. Here is one of the chief secrets of failure in Christian work. This is why its results are often so meager. (Christ Object Lessons, 52)
As we begin our journey toward the preferable future keep these two perspectives in mind: Bible Studying and Praying.
Jesus challenged people in his days to "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life." (John 5:39) Those who love God love also the Word of God. Those who seek to be in the Kingdom of God are those who read the Scriptures most.
By reading and searching out scripture references, you will see the chain of truth, and will see new beauties in the word of God. While you make the Scriptures more your study, and become more familiar with them, you will be better fortified against the temptations of Satan. When inclined to speak, or act, wrong, some scripture will come to arrest you, and turn you right. (Ellen G. White, An Appeal to the Youth, 79)
The Spirit of Prophecy also warns us that those who “…have no interest in Bible study. Their moral power becomes enfeebled. Sin appears less and less repulsive. There is manifest an increasing unfaithfulness, a growing distaste for life's practical duties. As the mind becomes perverted, it is ready to grasp any reading of a stimulating character. Thus the way is open for Satan to bring the soul fully under his domination. (Adventist Home, 414).
Since we do not have the benefit of a Church School where our children would receive instructions in the Bible, it is duty of parents, grandparents and older siblings to nurture younger generation in the Word of God.
At times we are so absorbed in business that some have no time for prayer, no time for the study of the Bible, no time to seek and serve God. Communion with God through prayer and a study of His word is neglected. They forget that Christ has said, "Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5. They walk apart from Christ, their life is not pervaded by His grace, and the characteristics of self are revealed. Their service is marred by desire for supremacy, and the harsh, unlovely traits of the unsubdued heart. Here is one of the chief secrets of failure in Christian work. This is why its results are often so meager. (Christ Object Lessons, 52)
As we begin our journey toward the preferable future keep these two perspectives in mind: Bible Studying and Praying.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Making Prayer our First Work
In times of spiritual need I read the prophet about prophets. This week visiting with people I’ve been asked about the strategy for this city, about my plans and long term goals for the work of the Gospel. Nothing could depict better my answer than the following quote about the life of Elijah the Prophet: “… he longed for power to bring about a reformation quickly. But God Himself was working out His plan, and all that His servant could do was to pray on in faith and await the time for decided action. (Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, 133).
Step number ONE in my strategy for ministry is to PRAY!!! To pray is to change. Those who crave to see change should pray! Through prayer God transforms us. Those who are unwilling to change will abandon prayer as a significant element in their lives. Prayer produces change, first of all in ourselves. As we come to encounter God our hearts are transformed. The Reformation begins within. The Revival begins in each one of us personally.
Pray and believe that prayers can and do make an objective difference. It is only Stoics and followers of Greek pagan philosophies that believe in a closed and unchanging universe. Bible introduces us to God whose will responds to our prayers. Our future is in hands of God and ours. Our future depends on our relationship with God.
Many a believing Christians eagerly wait for revival in their lives. We have been promised that a revival of true original Godliness, such as never before will visit God’s church before the time of the end. Often we are not sure as to what efforts we must put forth to earn it.
On March 22, 1887 Ellen White penned these words for an article in the Review & Herald: “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow his blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our Heavenly Father is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us his blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer.”
It is my plea with each one of you, my dear church family: MAKE PRAYER YOUR FIRST WORK. Speak to God constantly and listen to His Voice in your life.
Step number ONE in my strategy for ministry is to PRAY!!! To pray is to change. Those who crave to see change should pray! Through prayer God transforms us. Those who are unwilling to change will abandon prayer as a significant element in their lives. Prayer produces change, first of all in ourselves. As we come to encounter God our hearts are transformed. The Reformation begins within. The Revival begins in each one of us personally.
Pray and believe that prayers can and do make an objective difference. It is only Stoics and followers of Greek pagan philosophies that believe in a closed and unchanging universe. Bible introduces us to God whose will responds to our prayers. Our future is in hands of God and ours. Our future depends on our relationship with God.
Many a believing Christians eagerly wait for revival in their lives. We have been promised that a revival of true original Godliness, such as never before will visit God’s church before the time of the end. Often we are not sure as to what efforts we must put forth to earn it.
On March 22, 1887 Ellen White penned these words for an article in the Review & Herald: “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow his blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our Heavenly Father is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us his blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer.”
It is my plea with each one of you, my dear church family: MAKE PRAYER YOUR FIRST WORK. Speak to God constantly and listen to His Voice in your life.
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