SivartM Posted June 18, 2010 Posted June 18, 2010 Why do our Bible studies, evangelistic series, etc., always go something like this: 1. Believe the Bible because... 2. When you die you're dead. 3. Keep Saturday, not Sunday. 4. Don't eat pigs. 5. Catholics are evil. Et cetera. And we talk about all these doctrines and everything and end up teaching them all 28 fundamental beliefs but we never teach them about the life and teachings of Jesus. But isn't that where we should start? I've never seen any evangelistic series or set of Bible studies that talk about the life and teachings of Jesus, a rabbi of whom we are supposed to be disciples. That bugs me. Quote "Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde�Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." - Jesus
Administrators Gail Posted June 18, 2010 Administrators Posted June 18, 2010 Good point! These teachings are a LOT for some people all at once, but there are some that have a need for that in their lives. It would be nice if there was a lesson on how the Holy Spirit changes our lives and how to walk with Christ, how to pray and have faith in His promises, etc. These are also everyday lifestyle issues. Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
SivartM Posted June 18, 2010 Author Posted June 18, 2010 I know, it's a whole lot to process. I don't know why we don't teach them about Christianity first. Those lessons also sound good! Jesus taught a lot about all of that stuff. Too bad we never base any Bible studies on him. Quote "Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde�Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." - Jesus
Administrators Gail Posted June 18, 2010 Administrators Posted June 18, 2010 I have heard of some series where they do. A couple of generations ago, most people had some semblance of Christian belief in N. America. That is no longer the case. I think a more relevant starting point would be, Why Believe in the Bible or Who is Jesus? Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
GreatLakesGramma Posted June 18, 2010 Posted June 18, 2010 I know, it's a whole lot to process. I don't know why we don't teach them about Christianity first. Because it's expected that most people who come to our evangelistic meetings are already Christian, or at least know about Christianity. I was Adventist for 13 years before I finally understood what it really meant to be born again, and how to walk with Jesus and live a victorious life. And those are the most important things of all. You can know all the doctrines of the church perfectly and rigidly follow your own interpretation of them under your own power, but you will still be lost. Quote Catherine God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26. "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." -- C. S. Lewis
WayneV Posted June 18, 2010 Posted June 18, 2010 Because it's expected that most people who come to our evangelistic meetings are already Christian, or at least know about Christianity. Moreover, this is why many pastors from other denominations do not consider our evangelistic meetings to be truly "evangelical" in nature. In fact, I have had two different pastors, of other denominations, refer to SDA evangelists as "sheep thieves" during discussions about evangelism! Agape` Quote WayneV Just remember these words of warning, for they will come to pass all too soon: If you are ever flying through the desert and your canoe breaks down, remember that it takes three pancakes to lift the doghouse, because there ain't nary a bone in ice cream!
Moderators Gerr Posted June 19, 2010 Moderators Posted June 19, 2010 Why do our Bible studies, evangelistic series, etc., always go something like this:1. Believe the Bible because... 2. When you die you're dead. 3. Keep Saturday, not Sunday. 4. Don't eat pigs. 5. Catholics are evil. Et cetera....... That bugs me. I've been to a number of evangelistic meetings, either in person or as presented on TV. I have yet to see one as you presented. Quote
Woody Posted June 19, 2010 Posted June 19, 2010 Originally Posted By: SivartM Why do our Bible studies, evangelistic series, etc., always go something like this:1. Believe the Bible because... 2. When you die you're dead. 3. Keep Saturday, not Sunday. 4. Don't eat pigs. 5. Catholics are evil. Et cetera....... That bugs me. I've been to a number of evangelistic meetings, either in person or as presented on TV. I have yet to see one as you presented. Not sure what country you are referring to Gerry ... but in the US ... I have to agree with SivartM .... that the focus is on the doctrines and not Jesus. The other focus is to get them to be members. Rather than doing this ... I think the focus should be on getting them baptized and then into a pastors Bible class. Later after they understand all the doctrines ... they could become members. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.