Some may ask, “Why should we study the missionary methods of Paul? Surely, in all this time, we have grown beyond his old ways and have found better ways of accomplishing ministry.”
To this I would say, look around at the condition of the church at large throughout the world today, and see if you can find a model of success that compares to Paul. Yes, we have our “mega-churches.” They have huge congregations and lots of money, but are they successful in the sight of God? Are they raising up a generation of mature, Bible-instructed believers? I think not. The ignorance of the average believer today is astounding. Many cannot even give a clear presentation of the Gospel message.
In a recent survey across the United States, only about 13% of regular church goers said that they believe in hell, and about the same number doubted the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible. The church as a whole is in a shambles, and the reason is that we have forsaken the God-given way—exemplified by Paul—to achieve the great commission of “making disciples of all nations” (Mat 28:19).
Gene Cunningham - January 8, 2000
The Divine Mentor #4
Scripture References: Isaiah 43:7, John 1:7, John 16:13, John 7:37-39, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 5:26, John 14:26, John 4:14, Ephesians 4:1, Psalms 103:1-5, John 14:17, Philippians 4:6-7, Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 6:1-2, Romans 8:39, Romans 5:1, John 1:7, John 1:9, Romans 11:29, John 14:27, Galatians 5:16, Psalms 103:1-5, John 13:10-15, Psalms 23:1-6, Matthew 5:13-16, Psalms 51:1-19
From Series: "The Divine Mentor"
The Divine Mentor is God the Holy Spirit. God answered Jesus' prayer to provide us the Spirit not just to be with us but in us -- to pray with us labor with us to guide us teach us and equip us -- the goal being that we'd be prepared for the troubled times in which we live.