21st Century Evangelism

Transcription

1 Thirty-Sixth Annual St. Louis Area-Wide Lectureship 21st Century Evangelism September

2 Thirty-sixth Annual St. Louis Area Wide Lectureship September 15, 16, 17, 2016 Arnold, MO., Church of Christ 21 ST Century Evangelism THURSDAY: September 15 2:00 P.M. Why Evangelize? Phil Rainwater 3:00 P.M. Keeping the Local Church Evangelistic Travis quertermous 6:00 P.M. Congregational Singing 7:00 P.M. Encountering Common False Doctrines Paul Sain 8:00 P.M. Evangelizing the Social Topics of Today Eddie Gilpin FRIDAY: September 16 2:00 P.M. When Do You Dust Off Your Feet and Move On? Eddie Gilpin 3:00 P.M. Technology and Evangelism Russel Haffner 6:00 P.M. Congregational Singing 7:00 P.M. Proper Attitude in Evangelism Travis Quertermous 8:00 P.M. Being Confident in the Truth while Evangelizing Paul Sain SATURDAY: September 17 9:00 A.M. Ways to Begin and Continue Evangelizing Russel Haffner 10:00 A.M. Once for All Delivered David Campbell Ladies Class: Can Women Evangelize? Jeanny Gilpin Teen Class: Being confident in the Word of God at School Jarrol Pugh 11:00 A.M. Your Home, The First Place to Evangele Eddie Gilpin

3 Thirty-Sixth Annual St. Louis Area-Wide Lectureship Table of Contents Why Evangelize? Page 1 Keeping the Local church Evangelistic Page 3 Encountering Common False Doctrines Page 4 Evangelizing the Social Topics of Today Page 7 When Do You Dust Off Your Feet and Move On? Page 9 Technology and Evangelism Page 10 Proper Attitude in Evangelism Page 14 Being Confident in the Truth while Evangelizing Page 15 Ways to Begin and Continue Evangelizing Page 18 Once for All Delivered Page 20 Can Women Evangelize? Page 22 Being Confident in the Word of God at School Page 23 Your Home, the First Place to Evangelize Page 26

4 WHY EVANGELIZE? MATTHEW 28:16-20 INTRODUCTION: A. The word Evangelize is not used in the scripture: 1. Evangelize means to preach the gospel to; to convert in Christianity (Webster s New World College Dictionary) 2. The word evangelist/s has been used three (3) times in the KJV of the scriptures: Ephesians 4:11; Acts 21:2; II Timothy 4:5 B. Evangelist is defined bringer of good news (Webster s Dictionary New World College Dictionary) C. This years Lectureship begins with the topic Why Evangelize? I. WHY EVANGELIZE? A. Evangelism is commanded by the Lord; Mark 16: Original command given to the apostles; Matthew 28: Jesus commanded; Go ye 3. The apostles were to teach others to evangelize; Matthew 28:20 B. The world is lost in sin; Romans 3:23; 6:23 1. Sin must be repented of if one is to have a relationship with God; I John 1:5 2. No sin will be allowed in heaven; Galatians 5:19-21 C. To live and die in sin will cost one his soul; John 8: Those who die in sin will be condemned; Matthew 25:31 2. Condemned souls will dwell in torment forever; Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:19-26 D. Ezekiel was told; Ezekiel 3:17-19 II. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EVANGELIZING? A. The church: Ephesians 3:10 1. Elders are to oversee (feed) the church; Acts 20:28 2. Evangelists; II Timothy 4:1-5 B. Christians of all ages are to share the message; Matthew 28:20 1. Paul commanded Titus; Titus 2: Christians must speak the truth in love; Ephesian 4:15 1

5 III. EVANGELISM IS AN URGENT MATTER: A. Jesus stated; John 8: Without the good news there is no salvation; Romans 1: Every sinner deserves to hear the gospel at least once; Acts 1: Every Christian must do his part in evangelism; Matthew 28:20 B. The 1 st Century church did not hesitate to spread the message; Acts 2:42, 46 C. Even in persecution they took the message with them; Acts 8:4 D. Unless we evangelize all people will perish; I Timothy 4:16 CONCLUSION: A. Without the good news of Jesus man cannot be saved; Romans 1:16 B. Unless the church (individual members) spread the message it will become obsolete: 1. Religion without the truth is vain; Matthew 15:9 2. God told Hosea; Hosea 4:6 2

6 Keeping the Local Church Evangelistic by Travis L. Quertermous I. Evangelism is the Life-Blood of the Church! a. The Mission of Jesus: Luke 19:10; Matt. 4: b. The Great Commission: Matt. 28:19-21; Mark 16: c. The Example of the Apostles: Acts 5:42; 2 Cor. 11: d. The Example of the Early Church: Acts 8:4; 1 Thess. 1:6-8. e. The Example of the Early Restoration Movement. f. The Example of Churches of Christ in Mid-20 th Century. g. Quotes from Bro. Rod Rutherford, veteran missionary on evangelism: i. Evangelize or fossilize! ii. The church is to be fishers of men, not an aquarium of the saved. iii. We have plenty of sound churches the problem is that they are sound asleep! II. Keeping the Local Church Evangelistic a. An Evangelistic Eldership! You will never have an evangelistic church without a leadership that makes it a priority and leads by example! i. We need elders who set a good example in personal work (Tit. 1:6; Heb. 13:7). ii. Elderships must make their commitment to evangelism clear to the church in their announcements, plans, goals, and budgets! iii. Elderships need a plan for evangelism! iv. A Practical Plan for World Evangelism (Acts 1:8). 1. Start Locally ( in Jerusalem ; cf. Acts 1-8). 2. Expand Regionally ( and in all Judea and Samaria ; cf. Acts 8-12). 3. Evangelize Globally (.and to the ends of the earth ; cf. Acts 13-26). b. An Evangelistic Pulpit! i. Again, the preacher must set a good example for others in his personal work. ii. Our pulpits must ring with sermons on the plan of salvation, examples of conversion, the Great Commission, the importance of the church, the Restoration Plea, etc. iii. As goes the pulpit, so goes the church! iv. A fog in the pulpit creates blindness in the pew! v. Elders, remember, The laborer is worthy of his hire (Luke 10:7; 2 Tim. 5:18). Pay your evangelists a living wage! We are losing 600 gospel preachers a year, many of them because they simply cannot support their families on the salary they are being paid. 3

7 III. c. An Equipped Congregation! i. Eph. 4:11-12: Evangelists, pastors, and teachers are to equip the local church for the work of ministry. 1. A personal work minister. Churches should have one preacher on staff for every 100 members. 2. Personal work classes. 3. New Convert classes. 4. Follow-up letters and visits to visitors. 5. Friends and Family Days. 6. Gospel Meetings, lectureships, VBS, church camp, county fair booths, etc. 7. Mass Media: church web-pages, blogs, Bible correspondence courses (local and international), pod casts, radio programs, House To House/Heart To Heart, television programs, newspaper articles, etc. 8. DVDs, CDs, and tracts of local sermons or from ministries like World Video Bible School. 9. A baptistery that s always ready! 10. An evangelistic Bible School. a. Begin training our children young in personal work, memorizing the plan of salvation, etc. b. Encourage our children to invite their friends. c. Have a good adult class(es). Studies have shown that this is the key factor in keeping the parents! Conclusion a. Example of brother Dale Grissom, the finest personal worker I have ever known. b. Led over 500 souls to Christ during his lifetime, through gospel obedience and restoration. c. Was an elder (a true shepherd of the flock), gospel preacher, Bible teacher, personal evangelist, and counselor to many people. d. Leaders like bro. Grissom will keep the local church evangelistic! May God raise up many more such men! 3a

8 2016 St. Louis Area-Wide Lectures by Paul Sain Encountering Common False Doctrines When Evangelizing Consider how tragic it would be for one to be interested in the lost souls of the world, diligently teach and persuade others to follow your course of action religiously and ultimately, in judgment learn that it was a doctrine of man and thus would not save them eternally! It is unbelievably sad today that MANY are teaching perverted doctrines which originated from a human which does not have the power to save, cannot remove our sins, does not provide the peace with God so desperately desired. Notice a few related passages of inspired Scripture: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:8-9). Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 9-11). Gods Holy Word concisely conveys there is ONE way (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Matt. 7:13-14, 21-23). Man does not have the right or power to determine and direct his steps spiritually, and there are ways that seem right, but lead to eternal death (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23). EVANGELISM IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE Before our Saviour ascended to heaven (after His earthly ministry, death, burial and resurrection) He gave specific commands to His disciples. We call it the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47). Faithful followers of our Saviour and Lord MUST accept and fulfill the responsibility of spreading the good news of Christ to the lost. Every generation has the obligation of teaching the gospel to every soul. Christians in the first century faced those who advocated false doctrines. The inspired writers warned, urged caution, and said we must expose and condemn such that will cause countless ones to be lost eternally. In order for servants of Christ today to be equipped, ready and willing, we must be aware of the doctrines taught by man. We must be aware and then beware of such evil men and their doctrines. Let us examine a few doctrines often taught. 4

9 COMMON FALSE DOCTRINES OFTEN ENCOUNTERED Once Saved Always Saved: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? Faith Only Saves: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? There Are Christians In All Denominations: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? Mechanical Instruments Of Music In Acceptable In Worship To God: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? Salvation By Saying The Sinners Prayer: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? Lords Supper Can Be Quarterly Annually, Or A Day Other Than Sunday: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? 5

10 Baptism Is NOT Essential To Salvation: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? Baptism Can Be Sprinkling Or Pouring Of Water On Someone: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? Baptism For Babies Is An Acceptable Practice: What Does The Bible Teach On This Matter? 6

11 Evangelizing the Social Topics of Today Introduction 1. Political season in full swing 2. Many topics brought to the forefront of attention 3. Made to focus on economy, health care, military, 2 nd amendment, veterans affairs, social security issues, crime, education, energy, environment, foreign policy, homeland security, immigration, tax reform, welfare, etc. 4. Also called on to examine social issues (some of which are moral issues) 5. Issues such as abortion, homosexuality (LGBTQ) & same-sex marriage, civil rights drugs/legalization, families & children, separation of church and state, and current particular social issues (i.e. Race Relations, Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, Women s Rights/Feminism, Respect for Authority, Global Warming, Multiculturalism, etc.) I. Cultural Conflict is Not a New Subject A. Jew/Gentile controversy B. I Jn. 2:15-17 C. God s people must be peculiar (Tit. 2:14; I Pet. 2:9) D. Political affiliation will not save you! II. Political Correctness and Social Acceptability are Not Usually A. What is Political Correctness? B. A part of the progressive agenda in America 1. Pluralism 2. Tolerance 3. Pragmatism C. A stigmatizing of time-honored values 1. Marriage and the family 2. Education 3. Moral concepts 4. Founding principles of the founding fathers D. Politicizing of non-political issues 1. Global warming 2. Evolution 3. Abortion 4. Education 5. Religion ( separation of church and state ) E. Re-writing of history Biblically Right 7

12 III. How Can We Navigate Social Issues to Benefit God s Cause? A. Understand what is your job, and what is not 1. Lk. 8:11 2. Rom. 1:16 3. I Cor. 3:6 4. Will always be frustrated if try to do God s work B. Understand that God s people have always been a minority C. Insure that we are fighting the right battle 1. Eph. 6:12 2. Mt. 7:10-12 D. Tools of the trade Conclusion 8

13 When Do You Dust Off Your Feet and Move On? (Mt. 10:13-15) Introduction 1. McGarvey- It is a fixed principle in the divine government that men shall be judged with reference to their opportunities. 2. Jn. 6:60 3. The hard sayings of Jesus turn many away I. Background A. Neh. 5:13 B. Amos 7:16, Jews considered the dust of a heathen country polluted 2. Shook it off when entering their own land C. Mk. 6:11 (cf. Jas. 5:3) D. The twelve- Lk. 9:5 E. The seventy- Lk. 10:10, 11 II. The Text A. The setting (Mt. 10:13) B. The sin (Mt. 10:14a) 1. The rejection of the men 2. The rejection of the message C. The symbol (Mt. 10:14b) D. The severity (Mt. 10:15) III. The Applications A. Does this passage apply to us? (II Tim. 2:15) B. Does there come a time when I should dust my feet? C. How can I know, and when should I do so? Conclusion To dust the feet is not the same as to announce defeat 9

14 TECHNOLOGY AND EVANGELISM By: Russell Haffner I. Introduction 1. What are we doing to reach the lost (Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:2)? a. We all want to be more involved in reaching the lost with the gospel. b. The question is: How do we do it? 2. Someone once said, Ability plus opportunity equals responsibility. 3. We need to get creative, and we need to make use of every tool and resource available today. 4. I will share with you resources which can make it easier for you to reach the lost. a. These materials are available from World Video Bible School. b. I know you want to reach the lost. WVBS wants to help you reach the lost. II. Evangelism DVD s 1. Searching for Truth a. Six Lessons taught by John Moore. b. On this DVD is everything you need to know to become a Christian. c. WVBS has sent out over 1 million of these DVD s. d. The lessons are also available in Spanish, Russian and ASL. 2. What Must I Do to Be Saved? a. Is there a more important question that could ever be asked? b. This DVD answers the question from God s word! 3. Why Are There So Many Churches? a. It has been estimated that there are over 38,000 different denominations in the world today. i. Does the true church of Jesus Christ really exist? ii. And if it does exist, how can we find it? b. These questions and more are answered in this DVD presentation. 4. Returning to Truth a. This is for people who have fallen away from the Lord s church. i. We often don t know the right thing to say. ii. This DVD is designed to help. 10

15 II. WVBS also provides Teaching DVD s 1. Where Do We Go When We Die? a. On this DVD Don Blackwell answers the question, What happens to us after we breathe our last breath? b. He explains from the Bible the truth about heaven and hell. c. The DVD also includes a bonus lesson on, What must I do to be saved? 2. The Truth about Moral Issues a. This series is also by brother Don Blackwell. b. Do we have a problem with a lack of morality in our country? i. Gambling ii. Drinking iii. Modesty iv. Lying v. Pornography vi. Dancing vii. Tattoos c. These are subjects that concern all of us, but especially our young people. III. DVD s on Religions & Current Events 1. Islam a. This is obviously a very timely topic. b. Islam is becoming more and more influential in the world. 2. America s Christian Heritage a. The Silencing of God b. America s Most Pressing Concern c. Separation of Church and State i. Sadly, many are trying to erase the true history of the influence that Christianity has had on the founding of our great nation. ii. These lessons show that this country was indeed founded on Christian principles. 3. The Reality of Noah s Ark a. Have you ever wondered about Noah s ark? i. How big was Noah s ark? ii. Could the ark really be built? iii. Did it really even exist? b. It is a great study which really strengthens one s faith. 4. Bible Land Passages a. This was recorded at 30 different locations in the Bible lands to bring lessons about the REAL PLACES of the Bible. b. The lessons present the history, archaeology, and geography of each particular area. 11

16 IV. Narrative DVD s. 1. The Killing of Jesus and The Story of Moses a. These are done by Glenn Colley and have more of a story telling approach. b. Brother Colley does a great job keeping the viewer s attention as he explains these well known Bible events. V. Faith Based Movies 1. Bound a. This is a full length movie designed to show the power of the gospel. i. It is a fictional story about a young woman whose life has been tormented with struggles and poor choices. ii. There have been over 100 reports of conversions by people who are using the movie as an evangelism tool. VI. How can these DVD s be used? 1. They can be displayed almost anywhere. a. Display them in the church foyer. b. Display the DVD s at a local business in your community. c. Display Boxes used by realtors also work well. 2. Pass out the DVD s at community events like festivals, fairs, or even stores. 3. Door Knocking 4. In Prison Work 5. Bible Classes 6. Summer Camps 7. Retreats 8. Visitor Packets 9. Mail-outs 10. Benevolence program VII. Who can use this material? 1. Missionaries. 2. Preachers and Bible class teachers. 3. Elders. 4. New or Restored Christians (especially the Fundamentals of the Faith Course). 5. Ladies can use all the DVD s but there are also materials specifically designed for women. a. Seeking Spiritual Beauty b. Mary and Martha c. Christ in Every Season of Your Life d. Loving Your Husband e. Esther and more. 6. Parents can use these DVD s for family devotionals. 12

17 VIII. Conclusion 1. Just think how valuable this material can be. 2. We know we need to do a better job of spreading the good news and reaching the lost. 3. These DVD s are designed to help us reach others. a. WVBS has been blessed to have delivered almost 3 Million DVD s, CD s, and Books throughout the world, with 3 Million Online Views. b. The free videos offered online receive 90,000 new views each month. 4. WVBS Needs Your Help. a. Pray for the work. b. Use WVBS materials. c. Tell others about WVBS. d. Financially Support WVBS. 5. The success of this work really depends on you (Luke 12:48). 13

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19 2016 St. Louis Area-Wide Lectures by Paul Sain Being Confident In The Truth While Evangelizing Gods inspired Word declares plainly and conclusively that we have the truth and we can know the truth. Note the simple declarations of Scriptures: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17). Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32). For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe (1 Thess. 2:13). But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God... Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Cor. 2:9-13). The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, amazing, authoritative, complete and final Word of God. It is the means by which Christ speaks to us today...heb. 1:1-2 It is the perfect law of God...James 1:25 It is powerful...heb. 4:12-13 It is complete...2 Tim. 3:16-17 It is able to purify (cleanse) the soul...1 Peter 1:22 It is the word of reconciliation...2 Cor. 5:18-19 It will endure (Matt. 24:35); stand forever...1 Peter 1:23-25 EXAMPLES OF GOD SPEAKING TO MAN God spoke to Abraham, making a covenant God instructed Noah to build an ark God talked to Moses God gave instructions for Israel to the prophets 15

20 God promised to send the Messiah God speaks to us through His Son Hebrews 1:1-2; John 15:26; 2 Tim. 3:16-17 With solid evidence, the Bible is from Jehovah God, yet in our world today MANY hate the Bible. The refuse to accept the reality of absolute truth and absolute authority. They charge the Bible is anti-science. The claim there is no evidence of a Almighty God and that He wrote the Bible. Likewise they claim the Bible is full of contradictions and thus should be rejected. No book has ever been the object of more attacks, greater scorn, despised, burned, ridiculed and banned! WHY SHOULD I TRUST THE BIBLE? We can be CONFIDENT that the Bible is true, accurate, authoritative, absolute, attainable, etc. because of various solid reasons. Lets itemize a few of these reasons. It Is TEXTUALLY CONSISTENT And UNIQUE 40 writers Over 1,600 years From 13 countries From 3 continents Writers were doctors, fishermen, shepherds, uneducated, educated Its THEME IS REDEMPTION From Beginning To End From the Biblical record of creation Sin enters the world God dealing with mankind Prophecy of the Messiah Christ s incarnation Death, burial and resurrection Church of our Lord being established Growth / spread of the church If I do not believe and trust the Bible as Gods inspired Word: I have rejected the road map that leads to an eternal mansion I have denied myself of the greatest life possible. I have rejected the Biblical account of creation and forced to accept evolution. If I do not believe the Bible, I must assume I have a mere earthly existence. I have blatantly declined the Saviors offer of pardon. I have given victory to Satan and defeat to Jesus Christ. INTERNAL EVIDENCE Critics have often charged, Those who believe in the Bible have only the Bible to prove the Bible. First, the Bible DOES INDEED prove many conclusive facts which substantiate its authenticity. Hear again, as if for the first time, the following facts: Scientific Facts Life is in the blood Lev. 17:11 Principle of quarantine Lev. 13:46 Cleanliness (hand washing) Num. 19:14-19 Astronomy Earth suspended in space Job 26 Spherical nature of the earth Job 26:7, 10 16

21 Number of stars Jer. 33:22 Oceanography Valleys in the seas 2 Sam. 22:16 Springs and fountains in the seas Gen. 7:11 Water paths (ocean currents) in the seas Psm. 8:1 Prophecy & Fulfillment Over 300 prophecies are recorded in Scripture concerning our Saviour. Lets examine just a few of these: Born of a virgin Isa. 7:14 Luke 1:7 Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Luke 2:4 Preceded by a messenger Isa 40:3 Matt. 3:1-2 Speak in parables Psm. 78:2 Matt. 13:34 Rejected by His own Isa. 53:3 John 1:11 Silent before His accusers Isa. 53:7 Mark 15:5 Sold for 30 pieces of silver Zech. 11:2 Matt. 26:15 Cast lots for His robe Psm. 22:18 John 19:23 Pierce His hands and feet Psm. 22 John 19 Buried with the rich Isa. 53:9 Matt. 27 Extra-Biblical Authors EXTERNAL EVIDENCE Martyrs Archeological Evidence Geographical Evidence CONCLUSION The writings of ancient authors are considered authentic yet with little evidence. The overwhelming evidence we have regarding the Bible, Gods Holy Word is above debate to those with an open mind and heart. 17

22 EVANGELIZING IN THE 21ST CENTURY I. Evangelism 1. We all have a responsibility to teach God s word to others (2 Timothy 2:2). 2. Teaching others the gospel is an enormous task, and vast in its scope (Mark 16:15-16). a. Imagine how the disciples must have felt when they heard these words. b. Even with their limitations they were successful (Colossians 1:23). 3. How are we doing in our generation? a. We can easily talk to our friends, neighbors, and co-workers, but what about those in other countries? b. In the past we have been limited in our efforts to reach foreign countries. 4. What if we could find a faster, more efficient and cost effective way to reach these lost souls in the 21st Century? It is possible! a. It reminds me of our Lord s message to the church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:8). b. What is our "open door" today? The Internet! II. Using the internet in the 21st Century 1. Because of the growth and availability of the internet we now have the ability to reach the world like never before. a. How can we use the internet to reach these people? b. An exciting new opportunity found in the WVBS Online Bible School. 2. Early in the year 2014 the WVBS Online Bible School was first made available on the internet for free. a. The response was overwhelming! b. The school averages over 120 new students each and every week. c. At this time the school has over 8,000 students. 3. Not only are thousands of Christians engaged in this comprehensive study of God's word but the lost are being reached as well. a. 2/3 of the students are not yet members of the Lord's church. b. These individuals are gaining a new found appreciation for God's word as they study their way out of religious error. i. Over 40 different religious groups! ii. It is also exciting that many of these students are leaders who teach these same lessons to their congregations. 4. At this time the school has students from over 140 different countries. a. Other than the United States the highest number of students are in South Africa, Ghana, and then India. b. The school even has students in some Muslim countries like: Gambia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. 5. There are three levels of students: Auditing, Informal and Formal. a. The work they have done is truly impressive. b. Last year they completed over 24 thousand Bible lessons as they finished 860 Courses. 18

23 III. Benefits to the students 1. Just think about how these students from around the world are being helped. a. It increases their Bible knowledge. b. They learn how to study the Bible. c. They have access to great Bible resources (1 Timothy 2:2-4; 2 Timothy 2:15). 2. The tuition is completely free. 3. There are wonderful advantages to an online study (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). IV. Benefits to your congregation (Acts 20:28) 1. This Online Bible School has been designed to be used by the Lord s church. a. If your building has internet access you could use the online courses for an adult Bible class, ladies Bible class or even a leadership class for elders or deacons. b. You could use the courses to set up a Bible training school or preacher training school at your own congregation. V. What are the benefits to you as an individual? 1. You can use the school for your own personal Bible study. 2. You can use the school to evangelize (1 Timothy 4:16; Acts 5:42). VI. What is the cost for these benefits? 1. The Online Bible School is free to use and to share. But, we need your help. a. We need your prayers for our efforts (James 5:16). b. We need your help spreading the word to others about the school. 2. Please consider helping the school financially. a. We need faithful congregations to help support the continued efforts of the school. b. The school is made available online for free, but there are costs involved. i. Cost to distribute. ii. Cost to maintain. iii. Cost to administer. VII. Conclusion 1. There are over 7 billion people in the world today and that number is growing by over 350,000 each day. a. That is over 350,000 new souls added every day who will need the gospel. b. How are we going to reach them? 2. The WVBS Online Bible School provides a wonderful opportunity to reach these souls. 3. We fully understand that this opportunity is provided by God and we give Him all the glory. 19

24 Jude 3 Once Delivered I. Introduction: Jude knew and loved the people to whom he wrote. The word beloved is derived from "agapao" meaning to love. It is used as God's love for Christ, Matt 3:7 Believers are referred to in Rom 1:7. Why did he have such love? He did not want these children of God to lose their souls. Do we have the same concerns for the lost or those who could be lost to false teaching? We want to extract the following from this verse: 1. Common salvation 2. Exhort to contend 3. How are we to contend? 4. What is the faith? 5. "Once delivered" II. Common Salvation: What does it mean to have something in common? The concept means a belonging shared by all. What belonging did they share? They were taught the same gospel, Gal 1:8-9. They believed in the Son and His mission, Matt 28: They shared the same fate. If the common is divided it is no longer shared. We would each have our own territory or denomination, Heb 3:6 and Matt 12:25. The New Testament does not teach division among Christians. How can two walk together unless they be agreed, Amos 3:3? III. Exhort to Contend: The word exhort is not a word expressing apathy or silence. The word has the idea of coming to one's side to aid or call. The idea is at this close position the person cannot mistake the message. Are the listeners ready to receive? The expectation of the flock was needful of the warning about a different gospel. The same concept is used in Matt 24:50. Urgent attention is needed and constant vigilance is required if the gospel is maintained in its purity. IV. How to Contend? Jude tells his readers to contend earnestly. The word implies diligent and haste in a careful and continuous manner. Preaching one sermon on sin will not make it cease. Repetition is a good learning device. Some caught on sooner, other later and the vast majority appear to never heed, Matt 7: V. What is the faith? Jude is concerned about the faith. Faith is a conviction based on what is heard. If, a wrong doctrine is taught it can produce a false faith based on error. Paul warned the Galatians about this in Gal 1:8. Unity can be impossible once doubt has been sown. Doubt is derived from the Greek word aporeo meaning to be without a way. In Matt 28:17 in which some of the apostles doubted the Greek word used here is distazoimplying uncertainty about which way to go, indicative of a small faith. Doubt is Satans favorite tool to destroy truth.

25 Faith comes by hearing, Rom 10:17. Those who have the truth must tear down the barriers of errors, Acts 18: Being built up in the faith requires more hearing, diligent study and actions of an active faith. Error will destroy if, truth is not taught and silence prevails, Judge 2:10. VI. A gospel ONCE delivered. The word once is defined from the Greek word hapax, meaning a single time and for all time. Jude is very specific in this warning about the old path of faith. Another revelation will be a false doctrine as is Islam, Mormonism and many others. Deliver has a connotation to give someone something to keep, to use, to care for and manage properly. The warning given by Paul in Gal 1:8-9 is still valid today and will be so tomorrow! Why? Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, Heb 13:8.

26 Can Women Evangelize? Jeanny Gilpin 22

27 Jarrol Pugh23 Having confidence in God s Word at school Intro: What is confidence? According to Webster s dictionary it is defined as the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm belief. It is also described as the state of feeling certain about the truth of something. With everything happening in today s society, it is paramount that we develop a deep rooted confidence in God s Word to help us through the struggles and issues of this life, including our youth. I. We must first know God s Word in order to have confidence A. Knowing the Word only comes through diligent study 1. 2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved 2. Rom 10:17 Faith comes by hearing from the Word II. These Biblical figures displayed confidence despite their. A. Surroundings 1. Joshua & Caleb Numbers 13: Paul- Acts 27: B. Situation 1. David 1 Sam 17: Elijah- 1 Kings 18:22-37 C. Being silenced 1. Daniel- Daniel 6:

28 Jarrol Pugh24 III. There are many issues that challenge our youth at school A. Evolution 1. Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created 2. Psalm 8:4-6- Made a little lower than the angels 3. Psalm 33: 4-11 B. Immodest dress 1. 1 Tim 2:8-10 C. Homosexuality 1. Rom 1: Lev 20:13 3. Gen 19 Sodom & Gomorrah D. Hate speech - Laws are now in place to limit people from speaking against sin 1. John 7:24- Judge righteous judgement 2. Eph 4:15- Speaking the truth in love 3. Ezek 33:8-9 Warn the wicked E. Staying pure 1. 1 Pet 2:11- Fleshly lusts war against the soul 2. Heb 13:4- The bed is undefiled 3. Job 31:1- I have made a covenant with my eyes 4. Follow the example of Joseph Gen 39:

29 Jarrol Pugh25 F. Peer pressure 1. Ex 23:2- Don t follow the masses to do evil 2. Prov 1: Consent thou not to sinners 3. Eph 5:11- Don t fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness Conclusion: Paul told Timothy in 1 Tim 4:12 to let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Our youth today are faced with many obstacles and situations that can try their faith. During these trying times, we must learn to lean upon God and the inspired Word that He has left for us to follow. The more you study and become familiar with God s Word, the more confident you will be to take on and overcome the challenges of this life. 25

30 Your Home- The First Place to Evangelize Introduction 1. Mt. 16:26- What is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own family? 2. Of the three institutions established by God, the home was the first 3. Satan has his sights set on the home; esp. the Christian home I. Look to Yourself A. I Tim. 4:16 B. Acts 20:28 II. Hold Up the Hands of Your Spouse A. We need more Hims like Hur (Ex. 17:12) B. Support each other in your determination III. Take Your Family to Heaven A. Example of Noah (I Pet. 3:20) B. Obligations as a father C. Obligations as a mother Conclusion 26