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 - February 1, 2003
Precious Promises Perilous Times #8
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
From Series: "2nd Peter - Precious Promises Perilous Times - Northern VA - 2009"
These lessons were given at the Northern Virginia conference in the Spring of 2009. The theme of 2nd Peter is the great need for personal spiritual growth in a time when false teachers and teachings were infiltrating the early church (2Pe 1:5 with 2Pe 3:18). Key words/phrases relevant to spiritual growth are ?grace and peace? which can be ?multiplied? as we grow in the ?knowledge? of our Lord and exercise due ?diligence? in the practice of spiritual ?love.? As a method of instruction Peter emphasizes the necessity of reminder and repetition (2Pe 1:12-13 2Pe 1:15; 2Pe 3:1-2).