Meditation

02/13/2020

‘”hen someone came and said, ‘Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.’ At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, he said. ‘yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.’” (Acts 5:25-28)

What upset the religious authorities the most was that these Christians were teaching the people in the Temple area. This episode attests to the power of “instructional evangelism” as a tool for communicating the gospel message.

Beloved, teaching is not just preparation for evangelism or follow-up after evangelism. It is a mainline evangelistic strategy. Beginning with the ministry of Jesus and continued by first-century Christians, educational has always been in the forefront of the church’s efforts to reach a lost world.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, today, recommit ourselves that an effective way of reaching out to those whom are unsaved or just lost. In truth, many have never been presented with the gospel message, though once it is delivered to them, the response is remarkable. Jesus began His earthly ministry and the first century Christians continued to use educational evangelism, as a major effort to take the gospel to the people. Abba, we seek Your help in effectively presenting the gospel, so that all of Your people have the opportunity to accept it into their daily lives. All this we pray in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“People are like tea bags—you have to put’em in hot water before you know how strong they are!”

KNOWING GOD:

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” (John 16:13-15)

The Holy Spirit is the Teacher in the lives of Christians. Under His guidance, the words of biblical revelation become a living word for reach of us. As we study the recorded teachings of Jesus, the Spirit gives insight into their meanings. The Spirit is present at the Christian’s study desk and in every Christian study group, leading believers into all truth.

I AM:

“Education, Missionaries”: (Acts 17:22-31)

Because he was a skilled teacher, Paul met the Athenian intellectuals on common ground, having demonstrated his knowledge of their poetry, philosophy, and religious lore. From there he lead them to the heart of the Christians gospel. Some accepted the gospel and became Christians. There is a very important point to make here. Beloved, too often we feel responsible to present the gospel to others and if they do not accept it, we think we have failed. Wrong, we are responsible to present the gospel, it is the responsibility of the “hearer” to accept or reject the message. It they do not accept it, they just may not be ready to do so. If they reject it, they may think about it and come to accept it afterall. We are only responsible to present the gospel. Understand?

Second Thought of the Day:

He said to them, “Therefore, every teacher of he law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” (Matthew 13:52)

Jesus’ disciples are teachers instructed in the lore of he Kingdom. As such, they combine the riches of their knowledge of Old Testament Scripture with the new interpretations taught by the Master.

Christian teachers are constantly challenged to find new ways to communicate ageless truths, as each successive generation faces unique challenges. The teachers own life experiences, along with Scriptures combine for a new interpretation of the Old & New Testaments, with their own personal experiences, to bring us a new perspective, without changing any of the original intent.