Participants:
Series Code: SSP
Program Code: SSP200036S
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00:01 Hello, friends, and welcome to 3ABN Sabbath School Panel.
00:04 We are on lesson number 10 of our study together, 00:07 "Making Friends for God." 00:09 This particular lesson is entitled 00:11 "An Exciting Way to Get Involved." 00:13 I wanna encourage you to get involved 00:16 by grabbing your Bible, 00:17 and a pen and a paper to take notes, 00:19 and your Sabbath School quarterly. 00:21 If you don't have a quarterly, you can always go 00:24 to your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. 00:25 They would be delighted to give you a quarterly 00:28 or you can go to the following website, 00:30 absg.adventist.org. 00:34 That stands for 00:35 AdultBibleStudyGuide. Adventist.org 00:39 You can download the lesson and study along with us today. 01:16 We are so glad that you have tuned in 01:18 for this study lesson number 10. 01:20 It's hard to believe we're getting on the other side 01:23 here of our quarterly. 01:24 What an incredible study it has been. 01:27 This one is an exciting way to get involved 01:30 talking specifically about small groups 01:32 and how we see small groups in the Word of God. 01:36 I wanna introduce our panel at this time. 01:38 To my left, Brother Pastor Kenny Shelton, 01:41 so glad to have you here. 01:42 Yeah, always good, 01:44 always a pleasure to study the Word of God. 01:45 Amen. 01:47 To your left, Pastor Ryan Day, 01:48 so glad to have you here as well. 01:50 It's always a blessing to be here. 01:51 Amen. 01:52 I always love studying 01:54 with each one of these men of God 01:55 and students of the Word, Pastor John Dinzey, 01:58 so grateful that you join us this week as well. 02:01 Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here. 02:03 I have to talk about New Testament small groups. 02:05 I'm looking forward to it. Amen. 02:07 And last but not least, Pastor John Lomacang, 02:10 will absorb everything as it goes down the line 02:13 and grateful that you're here. 02:15 I'll take what's left. 02:18 Small group dynamics, it's good to be here. 02:19 Yeah. Amen. Thank you. 02:21 Before we go any further 02:22 we wanna go to the Lord in prayer. 02:24 Pastor Kenny, would you pray for us. 02:26 Oh, absolutely. 02:28 Most Gracious Heavenly Father, 02:30 what a privilege it is to be able to come before thee 02:32 and call thee our Father. 02:33 We come before thee 02:34 because we sense our need of a Savior, 02:36 we sense our need of the power of the Holy Spirit. 02:38 We invite Your precious presence to be with us. 02:41 Illuminate our hearts and our minds 02:43 that we may be focused upon heaven, 02:45 we may be focused upon Your Word. 02:47 Lord, we pray be to Your honor and to Your glory, 02:50 bless everything that said, everything that's done, 02:52 bless every aspect of taping this program 02:55 so it'll be for Your honor and for Your glory. 02:57 Lord, You are in charge, we turn it all over to You. 03:00 We thank You 03:01 for what You're going to do in Jesus' name. 03:03 Amen. Amen. 03:05 An exciting way to get involved. 03:07 God placed us in community, did He not? 03:10 We need each other for encouragement 03:13 and support for Bible study 03:15 and prayer for evangelism and outreach. 03:18 Always two are better than one. 03:21 As we look at small group evangelism 03:23 and speaking of two are better than one. 03:25 I wanna start with Ecclesiastes if you wanna turn there, 03:28 and then we'll jump into our memory text 03:29 in Sunday's lesson. 03:31 Ecclesiastes 4, 03:32 we're gonna look at verses 9-12. 03:35 Ecclesiastes 4. 03:37 I wanna ask the question, how do others help us? 03:42 How are we helped by being in community with other people? 03:45 So let's look at that. 03:47 Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two are better than one, 03:50 because they have a good reward for their labor." 03:54 Two reap you could say a greater profit, 03:57 two involved in evangelism is better than one 04:01 because we have different gifts 04:03 because we can offer encouragement to each other 04:06 because two can spur each other 04:09 to a greater zeal for Bible study 04:11 and prayer and evangelism. 04:13 Let's read the next verse, verse 10, "For if they fall, 04:17 one will lift up his companion. 04:19 But woe to him who is alone when he falls, 04:22 for he has no one to help him up." 04:25 Two offer encouragement and help. 04:29 Have you ever been maybe a bit discouraged 04:31 in doing outreach or Bible studies 04:33 or reaching out to someone in your community 04:35 or in your neighborhood? 04:37 It's always good to have someone else to encourage you, 04:41 not only to keep following Jesus, 04:42 but to do that evangelism. 04:45 The next verse, verse 11. 04:46 "Again, if two lie down together, 04:48 they will keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?" 04:52 Now there might be many different theological 04:54 interpretations to this, 04:56 but this is what Jill is gonna give you right now. 04:59 This is my thoughts, okay? This is my own interpretation. 05:03 When they talk about two keeping the fire burning, 05:05 I think about the evangelistic fire, 05:08 I think about the first love experience 05:11 that we are called to have with the Lord Jesus. 05:14 Remember in Revelation the church had what? 05:16 Lost their first love, 05:19 and they were supposed to recapture that. 05:21 And so I believe that when you have small groups 05:25 or more than one person involved, 05:28 that that keeps the fire 05:30 as it were burning in your heart for Jesus, 05:34 for His Word, and for evangelism. 05:37 Let's read the last verse. 05:39 Ecclesiastes 4:12. 05:41 "Though one may be overpowered by another, 05:43 two can withstand him. 05:45 And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." 05:48 Now of course, we can indicate that means 05:50 Jesus is at the center of any relationship 05:52 or any friendship, 05:54 but there's also strength you could say in numbers. 05:57 I don't know about you, 05:58 but it really helps me, Pastor Kenny, 06:00 if I have an exercise partner, right? 06:01 Absolutely. 06:02 If I'm gonna go out and go running 06:04 or go exercise and it helps if someone else 06:06 is there to exercise with me or to have a prayer partner 06:09 or an accountability partner, 06:12 but it also helps to have evangelism partners. 06:15 And this week we talk about small group evangelism. 06:19 Let's read our memory text Matthew 9:37-38. 06:23 Matthew 9:37-38. 06:27 "Then He, Jesus, said to His disciples, 06:30 'The harvest truly is plentiful, 06:32 but the laborers are few. 06:34 Therefore pray for Lord of the harvest 06:36 to send out laborers into His harvest.'" 06:40 On Sunday's lesson, 06:41 we look at "Small Groups - God's Idea First." 06:45 And the analogy used on Sunday's lesson is that 06:49 the Godhead the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 06:52 was the very first "small group" 06:55 that we're going to find in Scripture. 06:57 Now I wanna be very careful here because 07:00 when you're using any analogy in regard 07:03 to the mysterious aspects of God, 07:04 you need to be careful. 07:06 So we're not trying to make light 07:08 in any sense of that just discussing 07:11 as the lesson discussed on Sunday 07:12 that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, 07:15 are united in purpose, in, mission, in goal. 07:19 So let's take a look at some various aspects 07:22 we see throughout Scripture 07:24 where we see the entire Godhead, 07:26 involved together. 07:27 We're gonna start with creation. 07:29 We see that God had involved in creation. 07:31 So let's look at that. 07:32 We'll start with God the Father. 07:34 Genesis 1:1, you can turn there if you want, 07:37 or you can just quote it at home with me. 07:39 The Word of God says, 07:41 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." 07:45 This is God in contrast to atheism. 07:49 God created alone in contrast to polytheism. 07:53 He rules over creation in contrast to pantheism. 07:57 Matter had a beginning as oppose to materialism." 08:02 Now when it says God created the heavens and the earth. 08:06 We discussed this a couple of lessons ago 08:09 that word created Bara', 08:11 meaning God created something out of nothing. 08:16 Only God can create something out of nothing. 08:20 In Genesis 1:3, we see God speaking, 08:23 He says what? 08:24 "Let there be light,' and there was light." 08:27 God spoke, and it was done. 08:29 Psalm 33:6, "By the word of the Lord 08:31 the heavens were made, and all the hosts of them 08:33 by the breath of His mouth." 08:36 God spoke and worlds came into existence. 08:41 God the Father was definitely present 08:43 and involved in creation, 08:45 but we also see God the Son, 08:47 Jesus Christ, being present and involved in creation. 08:51 Hebrews 1:1-2, we referenced this a couple lessons ago, 08:56 "God, who at various times and in various ways 08:59 spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 09:02 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, 09:07 whom He has appointed heir of all things, 09:10 through whom also He made the worlds." 09:14 God created the worlds what? 09:16 Through Jesus Christ. 09:18 We see that in Ephesians 3:9. 09:20 The New Testament especially talks about Jesus 09:24 being involved in creation, 09:26 Old Testament references God a lot in creation. 09:29 New Testament we see Jesus 09:31 as well being involved in that creative act. 09:34 Ephesians 3:9, "And to make all see 09:38 what is the fellowship of the mystery, 09:40 which from the beginning of the ages 09:42 has been hidden in God 09:44 who created all things through Jesus Christ." 09:49 The world, all things 09:50 were created through Jesus Christ. 09:53 We see the same principle in Colossians 1:15-16. 09:57 Paul says, "He is the image of the invisible God, 10:00 the firstborn over all creation. 10:03 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven 10:08 and that are on earth, visible and invisible, 10:10 whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. 10:14 All things were created through Him." 10:17 Now that word create, I know we're New Testament 10:20 and this is Greek, 10:21 but it has the same meaning as Bara' in the Old Testament. 10:26 The word is actually from a Latin word, 10:28 it means to make something out of nothing. 10:31 Now where have we heard that before, 10:33 to make something out of nothing? 10:35 So whether it's in the Old Testament 10:36 or the New Testament, 10:38 talking about God the Father, or God the Son, Jesus Christ, 10:41 either one, both of them together 10:44 created something out of nothing. 10:47 The God the Holy Spirit was also involved in creation. 10:52 Genesis 1:2, "The earth was without form, and void, 10:55 darkness was on the face of the deep. 10:58 And the Spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters." 11:02 That word Ruach breath, wind, spirit. 11:06 The Spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters. 11:10 I think of Psalm 104:30, the Word of God says, 11:14 "You send forth Your Spirit, they are created, 11:20 and You renew the face of the earth." 11:23 The Holy Spirit been 11:24 intimately involved in creation, 11:27 but not only were God the Father, Son, 11:29 and Holy Spirit involved in creation. 11:32 They were all, we see them all again at Jesus' baptism. 11:35 That is in Matthew 3. Let's take a look at that. 11:39 Matthew 3:16-17. 11:42 "When He had been baptized, 11:44 Jesus came up immediately from the water, and behold, 11:48 the heavens were opened to Him, 11:50 and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove 11:53 and alighting upon Him. 11:55 And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, 11:58 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" 12:04 All three persons of the Godhead 12:06 present at Jesus' baptism. 12:08 Of course, Jesus was. 12:10 He's the one being baptized, Pastor Kenny. 12:12 Then we hear God the Father because His voice sounds 12:16 from the heavens, saying, 12:18 "This is My beloved Son in whom I'm well pleased." 12:21 Wouldn't you love that to hear that spoken of you? 12:26 This is My beloved child. 12:29 I think about God speaking to Satan about Job. 12:32 Have you considered My servant Job? 12:36 What a beautiful thing. 12:37 Then, of course, at the baptism of Jesus, 12:39 we see the Holy Spirit descending, 12:41 we see all three present. 12:43 We see the Great Commission, all three are involved there. 12:47 That's Matthew 28. 12:49 You can probably quote it if you've watched 3ABN 12:51 'cause we refer to that quite a bit. 12:53 Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore 12:57 and make disciples of all nations, 13:00 baptizing them, just in God," no, 13:03 "in the name of the Father and of the Son 13:06 and of the Holy Spirit." 13:09 All three, intimately involved not only in creation, 13:14 but in the work of redemption. 13:16 And if we think about this concept of small groups, 13:19 and as we discuss throughout this week, 13:21 this lesson, we'll be talking about 13:23 the purpose of small groups really being evangelism, 13:26 clearly we can do in reach 13:28 and we can encourage and edify each other. 13:30 That is a beautiful thing. 13:31 We can encourage each other to study the Word of God 13:34 and pray together, that is a beautiful thing, 13:36 but the purpose is evangelism 13:40 to reach out to a lost and dying world. 13:43 2 Timothy 2, we know the heartbeat of God 13:47 is that all would come to repentance, 13:50 all would be saved. 13:51 2 Timothy 2:3-4, 13:54 "For this is good and acceptable 13:56 in the sight of God our Savior, 13:58 who desires," just a couple people, 14:01 no, "he desires all men to be saved 14:04 and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 14:07 And then, of course, 2 Peter 3:9, 14:09 "God is not willing that any should perish, 14:13 but that all should come to repentance." 14:16 So God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 14:19 they are one in purpose, one in mission, 14:23 and what is the mission? 14:25 From the foundation of the world set in place, 14:28 God would send His Son Jesus, 14:32 as the propitiation for our sins, the sacrifice, 14:37 the blood of Jesus 14:39 so that we could spend eternity with Him. 14:42 And it's the Holy Spirit, 14:44 the power of the indwelling spirit 14:46 in your life and in mine that empowers us, 14:49 that changes us, 14:50 that transforms us into the image of Jesus 14:53 and sends us forth as His witness. 14:56 Pastor Kenny. Amen. Praise the Lord. 14:58 I know all that stuff 15:00 just trying to soak it up like a sponge. 15:02 We need to, this is all good information. 15:04 And lessons are really good too. 15:06 We know that God's blessing your heart too. 15:08 Monday's lesson "Small Groups in Scripture." 15:12 You know, I think probably as we go back years ago, 15:15 when I can be corrected on my thoughts, 15:17 when you said small group, sometime it was a little bit, 15:21 it seemed to be offensive or hurt certain folks 15:23 that maybe didn't understand about 15:25 small groups in Scripture, 15:27 when it said it's kind of small group, 15:28 well, this is kind of an offshoot, 15:29 this is another group over here. 15:31 But I'm thankful to find it in Scripture 15:33 that we can bank and say this is a good foundation, 15:35 which we can use. 15:36 So the Bible gives us an example 15:38 of small groups coming together, 15:40 notice, to study, to praise, 15:43 you know, and certainly to pray together. 15:45 Small groups provide opportunities 15:47 that large groups, 15:49 you know, that can't afford that. 15:50 Some people don't wanna go to a small church 15:53 or small group because they feel like 15:54 they're lost sometime in a bigger group. 15:56 Not everybody feels that way, but some do. 15:58 So each one in a small group is able to use their gift 16:02 that God has given them maybe in a way 16:04 they couldn't do in a larger place. 16:05 Those small groups 16:07 then provide simply a fellowship, 16:09 spiritual growth, and problem solving. 16:12 I like that in the lesson problem solving. 16:14 And that's not problem making, problem solving. 16:18 We are totaling, this is by group specialist. 16:21 I didn't even know they had group specialist. 16:24 They have group specialist that studies groups 16:26 and so on and how many should be in it? 16:28 And I wonder where they got their information, 16:30 kind of interesting, group specialist is simply said 16:32 that the perfect group or small group would be 16:35 between 6 and 12 people, kind of interesting. 16:38 That's it because 16:39 that's where everybody can participate 16:40 and no one gets left out and so on so forth. 16:43 That's the numbers in between. 16:45 Those are the ones that Jesus used, 16:46 isn't that right? 16:48 And Moses used in forming their groups 16:51 when Jesus simply went made the call, you know, 16:52 come on, come follow Me. 16:54 It was good. 16:55 So I wanna just give a couple passage of scripture 16:57 if it's all right because it supports the small groups, 17:01 and we call them having church in a house or in a home. 17:05 And so first one is Romans 16:5. 17:08 Romans 16:5. 17:10 Now I'm not trying to make any point other than 17:12 what the Word of God says here. 17:14 You know, I believe there's some people 17:15 who cannot get out, 17:16 or some people who, you know, 17:18 there's no church anywhere near them or whatever. 17:20 And so they're gonna have to meet. 17:22 And I think the Bible 17:23 is very clear where Christ's presence is. 17:25 That's where His church is, so it's okay. 17:28 Romans 16:5 says, 17:30 "Greet the church that is in their house." 17:33 So just using few words there, greet what? 17:36 The church that is in, where? That's in their house, good. 17:39 Early Christians had no church, did they? 17:43 So they met in house. 17:45 They relied upon members, the hospitality, 17:50 that they would open their doors and say 17:51 we have a small group here, 17:53 we don't have a building anywhere 17:54 so just come to my house we'll have church, 17:56 we'll sing some songs, 17:58 we'll read some scripture and praise God. 18:00 Now notice this, Acts 12:12 is interesting, 18:04 is simply it says this, there was a prayer meeting 18:07 held at Mary's house. 18:10 This was the mother of John. 18:11 So there was a prayer meeting, 18:13 there was a group that came together, 18:15 you know, mother of... 18:18 John. Yeah, was it John? 18:20 Okay, 1 Corinthians 16:19. 18:23 1 Corinthians 16:19 says, 18:26 and it talks about Aquila and Priscilla, 18:29 they had a church in their house. 18:32 Why? 18:33 Because church buildings 18:34 were not common until about the 2nd century. 18:38 And so then people begin to go and begin to expand, 18:41 but this worked out rather nicely 18:43 because the chance to grow Jesus use small groups, why? 18:48 Thought He could keep them close to Him. 18:49 He could teach them and show them 18:52 and certainly put them out there 18:53 so they could evangelize. 18:54 Another passage of scripture in Colossians 4:15 18:57 simply says this, what do you say? 18:59 It talks about, "Salute the brethren 19:01 and the church which is in the house." 19:04 So to me, there's biblical foundation 19:05 that we can say, "Okay, 19:07 then in beginning God said there, 19:08 you'd have the house and, you know, church in houses, 19:10 it's okay to do that." 19:12 And I really believe and I'm very encouraged 19:14 by what I hear in leadership today, 19:17 encouraging home churches or, 19:19 you know, where you can't get out 19:21 anywhere else is to come together, 19:22 study the Word of God, 19:23 and then branch out and to go. 19:25 So I'm encouraged by that. 19:26 Want to turn my Bible to Book of Exodus, Exodus Chapter 18. 19:30 I wanna read this, 19:31 I think it's very, very important, 19:32 several verses, verses 24-25, 19:38 no, 21-25, Exodus Chapter 18. 19:43 Always like say, notice what the Bible says. 19:45 Notice what the Bible says here. 19:46 It says, "Moreover, thou shalt provide 19:50 out of all the people able men, such as," what? 19:54 "Fear God, men of truth," 19:56 this is Exodus 18 remember starting verse 21. 19:59 Notice this, "hating covetousness, 20:01 and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, 20:04 rulers of hundreds, rulers of," what? 20:06 "Fifties, and rulers of tens." 20:09 Now verse 22, 20:10 "And let them judge the people at all seasons, 20:13 and it shall be, that every great matter 20:15 that they shall bring unto thee, 20:17 but every matter small matter they shall judge, 20:20 so shall it be easier for thyself, 20:22 and they shall bear the burden of thee." 20:25 Now who's really speaking? 20:26 What's going on here? You remember the background? 20:29 Wasn't this Moses's father-in-law Jethro? 20:31 It is coming without... 20:33 You think about if you went to Moses, 20:35 you know, the man of God, Moses the man, right? 20:37 And then you would, the father-in-law, 20:39 he can come and say, "Look, I've got some advice." 20:41 You know what a meek man he was, what a man of God 20:43 because he was willing to listen the burdens were heavy, 20:46 and he needs some help. 20:48 Verse 23 says, "If thou shalt do this thing, 20:51 and God command thee so, 20:54 then shalt thou be able to endure, 20:56 and all the people shall," notice this, 20:57 "also go to their place in peace. 21:01 So Moses hearkened 21:02 to the voice of his father-in-law, 21:04 and did all that he had said. 21:06 Moses chose what able man out of Israel, 21:09 made them heads over the people, 21:10 rulers thousands, rulers over hundreds, 21:12 rulers over fifties, and rulers over ten." 21:15 So here's where it really developed. 21:17 We read here, heavy responsibility 21:19 here was resting on the leaders of God's Church, 21:23 God's movement, I mean, it gets to be head. 21:25 There's some people who like that responsibility. 21:27 There's some people who, in fact, 21:30 nothing can be done unless it's approved by them 21:32 and run by them, but here real wisdom 21:34 is simply that we get counsel, 21:36 we get help because the work is great. 21:40 And we need help so that we can go about doing 21:42 what God is, you know, impressed us to do 21:45 not get caught up in some of the things 21:46 that need to be done, 21:47 but not what maybe we're supposed to be doing. 21:49 Moses tried to shoulder all of this responsibility, 21:53 too heavy, it would crush him 21:55 if he continued on the way, his family saw it, 21:58 that I'm sure the other leaders saw it. 21:59 And so naturally, 22:00 they want to step out and to help. 22:02 And so Jethro came in with a plan 22:04 to distribute the work, 22:06 even told Moses to appoint rulers over what? 22:09 Thousands and over hundreds and fifties and tens. 22:12 Notice this, all, notice the word circle, 22:15 all in the camp of Israel 22:17 became at the beginning a part of a group of ten. 22:22 Kind of interesting. All were involved. 22:24 Again, we saw small groups. Leaders must be qualified. 22:27 I like that part, you know, what is a leadership? 22:30 He said, "There's qualifications here. 22:33 Men should be as fear God, men who have been. 22:36 I wanna call it born again, men who are... 22:38 You just don't grab somebody and stick them into office 22:40 because you don't have anybody else. 22:42 Somebody said, "I'll take the job. 22:44 If I'll take the job if no one else will do it. 22:48 I said to them at a board meeting 22:50 then you don't get it." 22:51 Maybe that's a little loud, isn't it? 22:53 What they were going to take it pastor 22:54 because no one else would do it. 22:56 You know, they're not gonna do a good job if they do that. 22:58 Yeah, you have to want to do it for the cause of Christ, 23:02 not because no one else will take it. 23:03 So he chose men that fear God, 23:08 men who were born again, 23:10 men who were converted, notice, men of truth, 23:14 notice it, hating covetousness, and so on. 23:16 They would judge people in all seasons in small things, 23:19 and the big things would go back to Moses, 23:21 but notice that reminds me so much of 1 Timothy 3, 23:26 where you get the qualifications of deacons 23:29 and deaconess word and elders, right, 23:30 bishops of the church, their qualifications, 23:33 and, you know, words never hurry anyone 23:35 into that office, they have to be proven, 23:38 they should be proven men, 23:39 and, you know, in the cause of Christ. 23:42 And, well, I know of the qualification 23:43 I'll probably get in trouble if I say that, 23:44 but one of the qualifications simply says that 23:46 they need to rule their own house well. 23:48 That's going to disqualify quite a few 23:50 as far as I'm concerned. 23:51 That's just me. Let me go with that. 23:53 Later when we're choosing the 70 elders. 23:56 It's okay to have a personal opinion, 23:58 isn't that right? 23:59 Based upon experience and things 24:00 that you've seen so on so, 24:02 that says it in the Word of God, 24:03 then what we're gonna do? 24:04 We're gonna stick with it. 24:06 That's what it says all of the things. 24:07 Okay. 24:09 Moses lay the solemn charge on these men choosing the 70, 24:10 you know, elders, 24:12 and it's still good for the church today. 24:14 And I wish we had more time we agree that, 24:15 but just jot it down, Deuteronomy 1:16-17. 24:21 This is good counsel. 24:23 We're not too big to receive counsel. 24:26 It's good we come together as a grace of God, 24:29 we counsel, we pray together. 24:31 And, you know, and God is sure to give us the right answers, 24:35 but never get to high horse 24:36 that we can't listen to other people 24:38 or not listen to God, God, all He wants to do 24:41 is to help us in this work. 24:43 He wants to alleviate lot of the burdens 24:44 that many people carry that need not carry them. 24:47 And let's go about the business of winning souls 24:50 in the kingdom of God. 24:51 That's why we are here. Praise God. 24:54 We have the Word and we go to the Word, 24:56 isn't that right? 24:57 We learn from the Word and by God's grace, 24:59 we follow the Word. 25:01 Amen. 25:02 Thank you so much, Pastor Kenny. 25:03 We're gonna take a short break and we'll be right back 25:06 with more study of small groups. 25:13 Ever wish you could watch 25:14 a 3ABN Sabbath School Panel again, 25:16 or share it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter? 25:20 Well, you can by visiting 3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com. 25:25 A clean design makes it easy 25:27 to find the program you're looking for. 25:29 There are also links to the Adult Bible Study Guide 25:33 so you can follow along. 25:34 Sharing is easy. 25:36 Just click share and choose your favorite social media. 25:39 Share a link, save a life for eternity. 25:43 Welcome back to our study dealing with small groups 25:46 as we see evident throughout Scripture. 25:48 We'll pick it up with Tuesday, Pastor Ryan, 25:49 "Organized for Service." 25:51 Amen. Praise the Lord. 25:52 I'm excited about this one. 25:54 Lots of information and little time to cover it in, 25:56 but that's okay. 25:57 You don't have to say it though, Brother Kenny, 25:59 that as you were setting that, 26:01 and bringing that lesson out beautifully 26:03 about the small groups in churches, you know, 26:05 churches being essentially in homes in the first century. 26:07 It's powerful to think the fact that Jesus Christ, 26:11 and His disciples were driven out of His own house, right? 26:14 And they had to literally go relocate. 26:17 And they basically ended up having church on a mountain 26:20 under an olive tree, which is powerful. 26:23 I mean, I guess you could say where, 26:25 you know, if you're looking for the churches 26:26 where the people are, right? 26:28 That's where they are, where they... 26:29 Hey, that's kind of similar to what your uncle said that 26:31 some powerful words wherever I go, there I am. 26:35 Well, wherever... Powerful. 26:37 Wherever I go, there I am. 26:38 Wherever the church is, there they are. 26:40 That's where the people of God. Praise the Lord. 26:42 Amen. 26:43 I don't know why I felt the need to say that, 26:45 but that just worked out perfectly there. 26:47 Talking about organized service, 26:49 we organize and small groups for service 26:51 and the body of Christ must function properly. 26:55 And we're gonna be reading 26:56 from 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 26:59 specific verses 12-26. 27:03 So this is a passage we've already referenced, 27:06 Jill had, I remember doing a previous lesson 27:09 where you had brought this particular passage 27:10 out very well. 27:12 We're simply gonna do a little bit of review, 27:13 but we're gonna highlight a few things 27:14 as well in reference to organization 27:16 for the purpose of serving within the church. 27:20 And so again, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. 27:25 And so notice what the Bible begins to say in verse 12. 27:28 It says, "For as the body is one 27:30 and has many members, 27:32 but all the members of that one body, 27:35 being many, are one body, so also is Christ." 27:39 That's powerful. 27:41 "For by one Spirit, 27:42 we were all baptized into one body, 27:45 whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, 27:49 and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." 27:53 I like that, that unity the one aspect, 27:55 and then verse 14. 27:57 "For in fact the body is not one member but many." 28:01 And I think that's kind of a thesis statement 28:03 that would really sum this up 28:05 is that while we are many people, 28:07 we are still one body. 28:09 And I love the fact that, you know, 28:11 the unity aspect is emphasized here 28:13 because isn't that 28:14 what Christ prayed for in the Garden of Gethsemane 28:16 before being arrested and taken to the cross? 28:18 He would pray, Lord, you know, 28:20 let them be one as me You and Me, 28:23 Father are one. 28:24 And so Christ is bringing, 28:25 through the Spirit Christ is bringing this out to Paul 28:28 here in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12. 28:30 Again, emphasizing the oneness of the body, 28:33 but yet functioning, you know, with many members. 28:37 Notice what it continues on in verse 15 and onwards. 28:40 It says, "If the foot should say, 28:42 'Because I am not a hand, 28:45 I am not of the body,' 28:47 is it therefore not of the body? 28:49 And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, 28:53 I am not of the body,' 28:55 is it therefore not of the body? 28:57 If the whole body were an eye," 28:59 and we visualize that a little bit 29:01 in a previous lesson, 29:02 can't imagine the whole body being an eye, 29:04 be rather something interesting to look at 29:06 whether what he says right here. 29:09 "If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? 29:13 If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?" 29:17 And then notice verse 18. 29:19 "But now God has set the members, 29:22 each one of them, 29:23 in the body just as He pleases." 29:26 And I wanna emphasize that. 29:28 We are functioning together, 29:30 yes, in one body, many, many people in one body, 29:34 but notice, who does the setting, 29:36 who does the distributing of the different services 29:41 in the small groups as He wills? 29:42 It's God. 29:44 He says here, 29:45 "In the body just as He pleases." 29:47 So it's fascinating to me, 29:49 as we brought this up earlier in a study 29:51 that there's people that will, you know, say, 29:52 "Well, you know, 29:54 I don't really wanna serve here, 29:55 I want to serve over there. 29:56 I envy those who get to serve in this 29:58 or get this particular position or that position or, 30:00 you know, we squander and we quarrel over, you know, 30:03 these little bitty issues." 30:04 But yet in a sense, 30:06 what we're essentially saying is God, 30:07 you misplaced me. 30:09 You put me somewhere that I don't wanna be, right? 30:11 And so you're challenging God, 30:12 but He has put you there just as He pleased. 30:15 In verse 19, it says, 30:17 "And if they were all one member, 30:19 where would the body be?" 30:22 Now let's go to verse 20 and onward. 30:24 "But now indeed there are many members, 30:26 again, yet one body." 30:28 He establishes that clearly throughout this passage. 30:31 "And the eye cannot say to the hand, 30:33 'I have no need of you,' 30:34 nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' 30:38 No, much rather, those members of the body 30:41 which seem to be weaker are necessary." 30:45 And then verse 23. 30:47 Notice this, "And those members of the body 30:49 which we think to be less honorable, 30:52 on these we bestow greater honor," 30:56 like that's powerful, 30:57 but to think that someone might think in 30:59 that way like, you know, I'm in a higher position 31:01 or I'm in a greater position, 31:03 and they're in a less important position 31:04 or, you know, 31:06 they're not as honorable as where I am, 31:08 but get some people may have that 31:10 stinking thinking in their head, 31:11 but notice God brings, He brings it up here. 31:13 He says, "Look, we bestow 31:15 upon those people greater honor." 31:17 And our unpresentable parts 31:19 as pastor brought out in a previous lesson. 31:21 The unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 31:24 those people who are under the stage 31:25 or behind the stage may not be in the public eye, 31:28 they're doing a great work for the Lord as well. 31:31 Verse 25, "That there should be no schism in the body, 31:34 but that the members should have 31:36 the same care for one another." 31:38 And then I love how this passage ends here 31:40 or this particular segment ends, 31:41 it says, "And if one member suffers, 31:44 all members suffer within it, and if one member is honored, 31:47 all members rejoice in it." 31:49 I love that beautiful system of organization 31:53 that is established here. 31:55 And what's interesting to me 31:57 is when you study this particular passage, 31:59 you will see that God likens the service 32:01 or the organization 32:02 of the small groups into systems. 32:04 He likens it, kind of He uses the body analogies, 32:07 He uses anatomy analogies. 32:09 In other words, you know, our human body is made up of 32:12 multiple different systems. 32:14 And it's not limited to the ones 32:15 that I'm about to mention, but I'm thinking of, you know, 32:17 the digestive system, the cardiovascular system, 32:20 the respiratory system, the nervous system, 32:22 the skeletal system. 32:23 What would happen if we remove 32:25 the skeletal system from the body? 32:27 If you took out all the tendons and the joints 32:29 and the bones and you removed it, 32:30 what would you have left? 32:32 That would be crazy to think about, right? 32:33 The body wouldn't be able to stand it, 32:35 but it would just be a limber, power flub, right, 32:38 or what, I don't know 32:39 if that's the correct word to say, 32:40 but essentially, that's exactly what God is saying here. 32:43 He says you remove one of these systems, 32:45 that if it doesn't function properly in 32:47 and of itself as a combined organized system, 32:50 then the rest of the body suffers for it. 32:52 Could you imagine that if somebody obviously 32:54 cardiovascular system fails them? 32:56 The rest of the body follows. 32:58 Spiritual gifts, now here's the point. 33:00 Spiritual gifts are like 33:01 the different parts of the body. 33:03 They function best 33:05 when organized into systems or groups. 33:07 So if everyone is functioning 33:09 within their smaller grouped system 33:11 that is organized for the purpose 33:13 of functionality and advancement, 33:15 then the entire body functions well, 33:17 at the same time, 33:19 they cannot function at all long-term on their own. 33:22 They must work together organized 33:24 within their system of functionality 33:26 for the whole body to function properly. 33:28 Like the body, the church functions best 33:32 from a small group standpoint, 33:34 I love this quote here 33:36 that is brought out in the lesson 33:37 from Testimonies of the Church, volume 7, page 21 and 22. 33:41 I love this. 33:43 As she says in the opening sentence, 33:44 "The formation of small companies 33:47 as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me 33:52 by One who cannot err." 33:54 So she's saying right up front, 33:55 what I'm about to tell you about the functioning 33:57 of God's Church in smaller group systems? 34:00 She says, this was not just something I cooped up, 34:03 this was given to me by the one 34:04 who cannot err, obviously this comes from God. 34:07 She goes on to say, 34:08 "If there is a large number in the church, 34:10 let the members be formed into small companies, 34:13 to work not only for the church members, 34:16 but for unbelievers." 34:18 That's powerful. 34:20 We are to not just function, 34:21 we're just each other within the church 34:24 as perhaps a club would 34:26 because the church isn't a club. 34:28 You know, we're here to serve each other 34:29 and all of those outside of the body as well. 34:31 She goes... 34:33 She said, goes on to say, but also for unbelievers. 34:35 "If in one place there are only two or three 34:39 who know the truth, let them form themselves 34:41 into a band of workers." 34:44 I love that. 34:46 "Let them keep their bond of union unbroken, 34:48 pressing together in love and unity, 34:51 encouraging one another to advance, 34:54 each gaining courage and strength 34:56 from the assistance of the others." 35:00 So basically in conclusion, 35:02 and the little time I have left, 35:03 small group ministry is ordained by God 35:07 to enable each church member to grow, 35:10 spiritually experience, warm fellowship, 35:13 and utilize their God given gifts in service. 35:17 Now unfortunately, 35:18 this plan doesn't always function well 35:21 within the church for many different reasons, 35:24 whether it be power, hungry, 35:25 dictators who want to do things their way, 35:28 but really, ultimately it comes down 35:30 that I find is usually 35:31 the system doesn't function properly 35:33 because, you know, the lack of revival, 35:35 the lack of personal dedicated daily devotion to Christ, 35:39 if we are connected 35:40 and in tune with the Holy Spirit, 35:41 and the Holy Spirit is truly leading 35:43 and guiding us, then this small group system 35:45 for the purpose of service will function properly 35:48 and God's Church will grow 35:50 and it will advance according to His plan. 35:54 Amen. Amen. 35:55 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. 35:57 You know, I sense that each one of you 35:59 could keep on going, if time would allow, 36:03 but my part is to Wednesday 36:06 "New Testament Small Groups" in the lesson. 36:10 And as we look at the Book of Acts, 36:13 we noticed that the "Church exploded in growth. 36:17 In a few short years it grew from small groups of believers 36:21 to tens of thousands of worshipers." 36:23 As the lesson brings out. 36:24 And one of the contributing factors 36:26 for the rapid growth of the New Testament Church 36:29 was their small group organization. 36:32 Now I want to underline and highlight, 36:36 underline and highlight that 36:39 we're talking about small groups 36:40 as a New Testament example that we see here. 36:45 This by no means says that 36:47 we are not to unite in churches together. 36:50 This small group ministries is done during the week, 36:55 and you come together on the Sabbath day 36:57 to worship together 36:58 all the small groups come together, 37:01 and this will be of encouragement to believers. 37:05 What a blessing 37:06 when we think of the General Conference session, 37:09 when groups of believers 37:12 come from all over the world, unite together, 37:16 and, you know, we've seen places 37:18 where we have 50,000 believers, 37:21 70,000, I think at one time we had close to 80,000. 37:25 What a blessing to see people 37:26 from different cultures together, 37:28 worshiping God, and singing. 37:30 We have this hope that burns within our heart, 37:34 what a blessing. 37:35 And, of course, this is, 37:37 you can sing the same song in a little group 37:39 and it's a blessing, 37:41 but when you see the great company of believers, 37:44 it's a tremendous blessing that 37:45 we should have the opportunity to... 37:49 Example, if you have never gone 37:50 to a General Conference session, 37:52 the next one make it a point to go. 37:54 So let's continue here as we go to Acts 18:1-5, 37:59 you will notice some things here 38:02 that Paul brings out. 38:05 And there are many lessons 38:06 we can gather from these verses. 38:08 We're gonna go to Acts 18:1-5. 38:11 And these are the words we find, 38:13 "After these things Paul departed 38:14 from Athens and went to Corinth. 38:16 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila," 38:20 and some people say Aquila, "born in Pontus, 38:23 who had recently come from Italy 38:25 with his wife Priscilla 38:26 because Claudius had commanded all the Jews 38:29 to depart from Rome, and he came to them. 38:31 So, because he was of the same trade, 38:34 he stayed with them and worked, 38:36 for by occupation they were tentmakers. 38:38 And he reasoned 38:39 in the synagogue every Sabbath," 38:41 there they work together, 38:43 "and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 38:45 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, 38:47 Paul was compelled by the Spirit, 38:50 and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ." 38:53 So we see here is that and the Book of Acts 38:56 several individuals are named and the things they do. 38:59 Let's go over to the Book of Acts 20:1-4. 39:04 And here in Acts 20:1-4, we have, 39:08 "After the uproar had ceased, 39:10 Paul called the disciples to himself, 39:11 embrace them," what embrace them? 39:14 Yes, "embrace them, 39:16 and departed to go to Macedonia." 39:18 That's a part of what believers did. 39:20 They even met each other with a holy kiss. 39:23 "Now when he had gone over that region 39:26 and encouraged them with many words, 39:29 he came to Greece and stay there three months. 39:32 And when the Jews plotted against them 39:33 as he was about to sail to Syria, 39:36 he decided to return through Macedonia. 39:38 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia 39:42 also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, 39:46 and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, 39:48 and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia." 39:51 So you see people 39:53 from different cultures meeting together 39:55 and worshiping God studying together. 39:58 It is a blessing. 40:00 This is, as you heard, 40:03 is to say something of God's divine order 40:06 from one that cannot err. 40:08 This is a blessing to people. 40:10 What happens when you are in small groups, 40:12 as you have heard, 40:14 people get to know one another better, 40:16 you know, and they have 40:18 more opportunity to participate together. 40:21 And, you know, I've heard that 6 to 12 40:23 is a good number for small groups. 40:26 If it grows beyond 12, 40:27 then you should form another group. 40:30 And so this is after God's order 40:34 that these groups fortify one another, 40:36 strengthen one another. 40:38 Sometimes in a large group setting, 40:39 imagine a church of 1,000 people. 40:41 And you say, "Well, let's go ahead 40:43 and ask that who wants to give a testimony for the Lord?" 40:46 Well, you have 1,000 people, 40:47 how long are you gonna be there? 40:49 If everyone really has an opportunity because we, 40:52 there are scriptures that say that God daily loads us 40:55 with benefits so each person 40:57 should have something to testify and glorify God for. 41:00 So the small groups provide people 41:02 with an opportunity for their talents to develop, 41:05 opportunity to share to read the scriptures together. 41:08 And one key element is prayer, prayer, much prayer. 41:14 And sometimes we meet together in groups, 41:17 and there's just too much talking, 41:18 too much talking. 41:19 We need to spend more time in prayer, 41:22 and the study of God's Word. 41:24 And I would like to, I'm trying to see 41:29 how I can divide the time 41:30 here to share something miraculous with you. 41:33 And so let's go ahead and I'm gonna read to you 41:38 from Manuscript Releases 41:42 12, 241, page 241. 41:45 "My mind has been dwelling upon the subject of prayer. 41:48 Little groups should gather and seek the Lord earnestly. 41:52 We are, as a people, 41:54 sadly neglecting this means of grace. 41:59 Christ declares, and the words were spoken 42:02 after His resurrection, 'All power is given unto Me 42:04 in heaven and in earth.' 42:06 And because of this power, 42:08 He adds the great gospel commission. 42:10 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, 42:12 baptizing them in the name of the Father, 42:15 and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, 42:16 teaching them to observe all things 42:18 whatsoever I have commanded you, 42:20 and lo, I am with you always, 42:23 even unto the end of the world.'" 42:25 And so, small groups is something that 42:29 we find in the New Testament 42:31 as something that worked well for the church. 42:35 It works well today. 42:37 In some places, it seems a little difficult 42:39 because for example, 42:40 you think of places like Chicago, Los Angeles, 42:42 Miami, I've heard of people 42:46 that travel over an hour to get home, 42:49 by the time you get home and you eat and, you know, 42:52 when can you do these small groups. 42:54 And so we have to find a place because this is a blessing, 42:59 find the time when these small groups can work 43:02 because it is a blessing for the church. 43:04 Now I wanna tell you about Peru. 43:07 Peru for many years, 43:09 the Union would meet together and say, 43:11 "Well, let's see as a territory of churches, 43:15 how many do you believe?" 43:17 And so they would set a goal 43:18 this year, we wanna win 43:20 X amount of thousands of people. 43:22 And so every year, they will look how do we do? 43:25 And so the goal was here, 43:28 and the souls or people that have been won was here, 43:31 and they kept having trouble reaching, 43:33 reaching this goal. 43:35 And they have started lowering to come up 43:37 where the people were really coming in to see, 43:41 okay, we only if they set a goal for 20,000, 43:44 and only reach 18,000, then you keep adjusting. 43:49 So somebody say, "Well, we need to 43:51 let's do a study to see 43:53 how we can best organize ourselves." 43:55 And they discovered the Small Group Ministry. 43:58 And we had the opportunity to go there. 44:01 We had an evangelistic campaign 44:04 that was broadcast on 3ABN in the year 2000. 44:07 We had the opportunity to go to Lima, Peru 44:09 Pastor Alejandro Bullon was preaching. 44:12 And at that time, Elder Jan Paulsen 44:16 was President of the General Conference. 44:18 And on Friday evening, 44:23 Pastor Jan Paulsen 44:25 had the opportunity to baptize two individuals 44:29 because the Lord did a great and mighty things, 44:33 they noticed that when they organized themselves 44:35 into small groups, 44:36 they set the goal and they past a goal. 44:38 So now they have to bring the goal up, 44:40 and they set the goal and they past a goal. 44:42 And this is what's about the third year 44:43 when Jan Paulsen was there. 44:45 And he baptized two individuals. 44:47 And when he did this, 44:49 they reached 27,100 people baptized in one year. 44:53 So they said this is amazing. This works. 44:56 So we had the opportunity 44:57 to be in a meeting president of unions 45:00 and conferences came from all over South America. 45:04 And they listened to what did you do 45:06 to make this happen? 45:07 And they presented that we organized ourselves 45:09 into small groups. 45:10 And they presented the plan they had, 45:12 they had a time for singing, 45:14 they had a time for sharing testimonies, 45:17 they had a time for prayer, 45:18 they will study the Bible together 45:20 a systematic study of the topics of the Bible, 45:24 and this is what made the difference, 45:26 and then somebody said, "Hey, hey, I have a question." 45:28 One of the conference president's ask. 45:30 Yes, said the union president for Peru. 45:33 How is it that, we noticed that or we noticed that 45:36 there seems to be unity among you, 45:39 how did you achieve this? 45:42 And so he gave an answer. 45:45 And to me, it was clear that the answer was, 45:49 we are meeting together, we are praying together, 45:52 and studying together and the results 45:54 is unity in God's Church. 45:56 Amen. Wow. 45:58 Wow. Thank you so much. 46:00 Thank you for... Great story. 46:01 Given me all that I need to code and put this together. 46:04 I wanna come at this unity idea of small groups 46:06 from a completely different perspective, 46:09 pointing out what each group needs 46:11 and what they need to be cautious of. 46:13 Now it's possible to be in small groups 46:15 and be together but be dead. 46:21 Ezekiel 37. 46:23 Let's go and see a picture of Israel the way 46:26 that God didn't want them to become. 46:29 They went small groups. There was no division. 46:35 Everybody finally agreed together. 46:38 There were no arguments. 46:40 No one was trying to leave the church. 46:42 No one had a thought that conflicted 46:45 with the other person's thought, 46:47 but they were all dead. 46:50 They were a valley of dry bones. 46:53 So there's unity, 46:56 then there's unity the way God wants it to be? 46:59 So I like to point this out 47:00 a couple of very important points, 47:02 you may have heard the story, 47:03 but just very quickly walk with me, Ezekiel 37, 47:05 "The hand of the Lord," verse 1, 47:08 "came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, 47:11 and sent me down in the midst of the valley, 47:13 and it was full of bones. 47:15 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, 47:18 there were very many in the open valley, 47:20 and indeed they were very dry. 47:24 And He said to me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?'" 47:27 And he answered like a, he answer like a good pastor. 47:31 "Oh, Lord, you know. 47:33 And he said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones, 47:37 preached to them, say to them, O dry bones." 47:41 What's the first step 47:43 in bringing people back to life? 47:46 "Hear the word of the Lord!" That's the first step. 47:50 Verse 5, "Thus says the Lord God to these bones, 47:56 'Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, 47:58 and you shall live." 48:00 What's the second step? God has to breathe on them. 48:04 The word has to be first imparted. 48:06 This is in all groups, 48:08 then the Lord has to breathe upon them. 48:10 He breathed upon Adam the breath of life and Adam 48:12 became a living soul. 48:14 Without groups, without the word, 48:17 and without the breath of God in the midst 48:18 are just a valley of dry bones. 48:20 So don't just have groups for the sake of groups 48:22 because this group was together, 48:24 nobody conflicted, 48:25 the rich and the poor were together. 48:27 Nobody, there was no disharmony. 48:29 They all finally agreed, no Republicans, no Democrats, 48:33 they were all in the same location. 48:35 Nobody argued, but they were all dead. 48:38 So it may look perfectly unified, 48:40 but when the Lord's Word is not imparted, 48:43 and the caution is some groups get together, 48:45 and they omit the necessity of God's Word, 48:48 they get together to have the pastor for lunch. 48:54 That's what I'm talking about. 48:55 They're doing too much talking, you see. 48:56 Right. 48:58 They get together to gossip, 48:59 to talk about all the problems in the church, 49:01 they talk about what they don't like, 49:03 they talk about how things could be done differently. 49:05 And all they do is represent a valley of dry bones 49:08 because the Word of God is not being imparted. 49:11 The Lord will not breathe on His people, 49:13 unless the Word of God is imparted first. 49:16 The next thing He has to do is He has to change the way 49:18 we look in His presence. 49:20 He has to give us His righteousness. 49:21 Verse 6, "I will put sinew you and bring flesh upon you, 49:26 cover you with skin and put breath in you, 49:29 and you shall," what? 49:30 "Live. 49:32 Then you shall know that I am the Lord." 49:33 Some people don't have a relationship with God, 49:35 don't know who He is 49:36 because He has not covered them with His righteous. 49:39 The word, the spirit, 49:41 and then He has to cover us with His righteousness. 49:44 "So I prophesied," verse 7, "as I was commanded, 49:47 and as I prophesied, there was a noise, 49:49 and suddenly a rattling, 49:51 and the bones came together, bone to bone." 49:55 You know what? 49:56 If a group is too quiet, it's dead. 49:58 That's right. It's a fact. 50:00 Yeah. Come on. Am I right? 50:01 Don't say that too loud. 50:03 But have some noise in the group. 50:04 I cannot stand. 50:07 You know, Ellen White uses this phrase 50:08 in the Book Evangelism. 50:09 She says, sometimes the message is going forth. 50:11 I mean, I talk like a New Yorker, 50:12 sometimes the message is going forth. 50:14 And she says people 50:16 won't even open their mouth and bark. 50:19 She called them dead dogs. 50:22 She said the Word of God is being imparted 50:23 and they won't even agree with it, 50:25 they won't even bark. 50:28 The word bark means amen. 50:30 Now not that is a cultural omission 50:32 or commission or a necessity or not a necessity. 50:37 A man, you know, if you want to see a preacher, 50:40 if you wanna see a preacher, preach. 50:43 Somebody once said, 50:45 a dog will not bite to you say sit 'em 50:47 and a preacher will really preach 50:48 if you say amen. 50:53 There was a rattling. 50:54 Verse 8. 50:55 "Indeed I looked, the sinew and the flesh came upon them, 50:59 and the skin covered them, 51:00 but there was no breath in them." 51:02 They needed something else. 51:04 The Lord gave them physical life, 51:06 but some groups that have physical life 51:08 don't have spiritual life, 51:11 and then he went on to say very clearly 51:13 what needed to be done. 51:14 Verse 9, "And He also said to me, 51:16 'Prophesy to the breath, prophesy son of man, and say, 51:18 to the breath, 'Thus says the Lord, 51:20 'Come from the four winds, 51:21 O breath, and breathe on these slain, 51:23 and they will live.''" 51:25 As, you know, verse 10, 51:27 "So I prophesied and breath came into them, 51:29 and they lived, and stood upon their feet, 51:32 an exceedingly great army." 51:33 The steps of a small group living is God 51:38 has to call them through His Word, 51:40 then the Spirit of God has to bring them back to life, 51:43 then they have to be covered by His righteousness, 51:46 then He has to fill them with His spirit. 51:48 Until those four steps happen in every small group, 51:51 they are nothing but a valley of dry bones 51:53 unified for no purpose whatsoever. 51:55 The truth. So did I say that? 51:57 Yes. You said it. 51:59 The things we must avoid in small groups. 52:01 Let's first start the positive things 52:04 of small groups. 52:05 Positive things, when Pastor Finley 52:08 cited Acts 20:17-32. 52:11 I'm just gonna go ahead 52:13 and summarize what those brought out. 52:15 The positive aspects of a group that has the Word of God 52:19 that has been given physical life, 52:21 that means they get together for a viable purpose, 52:24 that also has the righteousness of Christ 52:27 operating among them and that has the Spirit of God 52:30 functioning in and through them. 52:32 Notice what happens in that group. 52:34 They intercede for others. 52:37 They pray about mutual concerns. 52:40 These are all brought out in Acts 20:17-32. 52:45 They share warm fellowship, 52:48 the difference between fellowship 52:51 and friendship is the Spirit of God. 52:53 Don't go to church looking for friends. 52:56 You might find a friend, 52:57 but his friendship is conditional 52:58 until it's koinonia. 53:00 Koinonia brings a unity. 53:02 Koinonia is the sin that holds us together, 53:05 but friendship changes only as you agree 53:08 with the other individual. 53:09 The other thing is study the Word of God. 53:12 They were equipped for service, a small group that just meets 53:16 for the purpose of being a small group, 53:18 and does not have a mission for service is a group 53:21 that has no function whatsoever. 53:23 When you look at the way 53:24 that churches grow around the world, 53:26 now we know in America, the pastors of America 53:29 have been made to be expect him to do all 53:32 in many congregations 53:33 and if he's not doing it all, the church has not grown. 53:35 And I've asked the question, "What's your minister's name?" 53:37 And people said, "Pastor John Dinzey." 53:41 I said, "Really? What's the pastor's name?" 53:44 Pastor Lomacang. And you know what? 53:47 The Lord says that 53:49 we must equip the church for ministry. 53:54 So if you ask the question, what's the minister's name? 53:57 Please put your own because we are all ministers. 54:01 Workmen created in Christ Jesus for good work. 54:04 If a small group also not only equipping for service, 54:07 but they help protect 54:09 each other against false teachers. 54:12 When you get together, make sure that 54:13 what you discuss the doctrinally 54:16 is accepted by the church at large. 54:19 Did you hear that? 54:20 Because a lot of people take these outside opinions 54:22 by people on the internet and on YouTube and on Facebook, 54:25 and they build a doctrine on the ideologies of a person 54:28 who doesn't even have a flock. 54:30 And I've discovered that independent ministries 54:32 that don't have sheep to tend to, 54:35 can cut up anybody else's sheep and walk away. 54:38 That's why you have these people 54:40 that speak the way they do 54:41 because they don't have a flock to answer to. 54:43 They're only putting this stuff on YouTube 54:44 to get you upset with their organized body. 54:47 Can you imagine? 54:48 They say they don't support organized religion? 54:51 Who do you know support disorganized religion? 54:54 That's the only other option. 54:55 Some people said, 54:56 "I don't like organized religion." 54:58 Well, the Lord never intended the church 54:59 to be disorganized religion. 55:01 Okay. 55:03 So the positive impact is 55:04 and they participate together in outreach activities. 55:07 Now, avoid these negative things. 55:11 Internal plotting against other groups, 55:14 or against the church, 55:16 or against the conference, or against the leaders, 55:18 or against other members you don't like. 55:21 Also, don't use the opportunity 55:23 of small groups to divide the church 55:26 and draw away disciples after yourself 55:29 because Paul and Peter warned about that, 55:32 that some people only have these small groups 55:35 so that they could draw people out of your church, 55:37 your church, your church, your church, 55:39 and create their own movement. 55:40 And we are living in the day and age where the devil 55:43 has unplugged many people from the power source. 55:46 So here's the benefit. 55:49 Make a difference for Christ, 55:50 remain united by using your gifts, 55:53 focus on the power of the spirit for outreach. 55:56 And don't forget 55:57 without the righteousness of Christ, 55:59 the small group has no power whatsoever. 56:03 Amen. Thank you so much, Pastor John. 56:05 I took notes there. That's powerful. 56:08 I wanna give each one of you a moment to share something 56:10 about your day or about this week in general. 56:11 Pastor Kenny. 56:13 I think, you know, what I've heard is good. 56:15 It's ringing bells for me. And there maybe some questions. 56:18 Somebody might just simply say, you know, this small group, 56:21 again, maybe they can't go anywhere else, 56:22 maybe they're inside the house, 56:23 or maybe those come into their house. 56:25 You know, can they be part of God's church? 56:27 Absolutely, Acts of the Apostles, 11 says, 56:29 "From the beginning faithful souls 56:31 have constituted the church on earth." 56:33 Upward Look, 315, "The church is those 56:35 that love God and keep His commandments." 56:38 Amen. I agree with that for sure. 56:40 Yeah, I would say, I would just be reminded that 56:42 the Scripture tells us that Christ is the head of the body, 56:45 which is the church, and if we just remove self 56:48 out of the way and allow Christ to lead the church, you know, 56:51 the body would function a whole lot better. 56:52 Amen. Absolutely. 56:53 Amen. Amen. 56:55 Well, I like to say that 56:58 church meeting together is good, 57:01 small groups meeting together is good. 57:04 God organized the first small groups 57:07 that is families. 57:08 So I wanna urge our people to consider family worship, 57:12 very important whether you have a family with children, 57:15 whether husband and wife. 57:17 This is your small group to begin with 57:19 because your family's your first missionary field. 57:22 Amen. 57:23 And small groups exists 57:26 for three reasons to lead people to Jesus, 57:29 to nurture their faith in Jesus, 57:32 and to equip them to witness for Jesus. 57:35 Matthew 5:16, 57:36 "Let your light so shine before men, 57:38 that they may see your good works, 57:41 and glorify your Father which is in heaven." 57:43 Amen. 57:44 Thank you so much, Pastor John, Pastor Johnny, Ryan, 57:47 and Pastor Kenny. 57:48 Thank you for sharing from your heart 57:50 and your own journey with Jesus 57:52 and your study of the Word of God. 57:54 And we're always delighted when you can join us as well. 57:57 I'm reminded of Psalm 133, David the Psalmist says, 58:01 "Behold, how good 58:03 and how pleasant it is for brethren," 58:06 we could say ancestors, "to dwell together in unity." 58:10 So God calls us not to be a dead church 58:13 as Pastor John reminded us, 58:14 but we are to be living by the Word of God, 58:18 breathed on by the Holy Spirit, 58:20 and empowered to share Him with a lost and dying world. 58:25 Join us again next week for lesson number 11, 58:28 "Sharing the Story of Jesus." |
Revised 2020-09-04