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 13, 2000

Cross to the Crown #3

Two sources of spiritual power: Spirit and Truth. Discipleship is to learn Christ and not doctrines. Paul's teaching transformed the Corinthians' lives (2Co 3:1-3), but they started to turn away. His credentials (1Co 6:9-11) the Corinthians had the evidence. Sufficiency comes from God (2Co 2:16). The Law kills, but the Spirit is life (2Co 3:4-6). The Law is Holy (Rom 12:7); the problem is the approach to the Law (Gal 3:24). You miss the point if you study the Law meticulously to follow it (Joh 5:37). The power of the Law is to condemn a sinner -- we're accountable to God and His Holiness (2Co 3:7-11). "Passing away" (2Co 3:11) means "rendered powerless" (e.g. like Rom 6:6). The cross of Christ rendered the Law powerless in the New Covenant. Paul's instruction is for believers. The pitfalls of knowledge focus is neglect of the Spirit (1Co 8:1, 2Co 1:4). Moses on Sinai communed with God and reflected His Glory (Exo 34:29). It's a rebuke to someone else if you're transformed. You have to rely on the ministry of the Spirit to be transformed (2Co 3:14-18). Moses veiled his face to illustrate the hardness of the heart of Israel -- an indictment on them, not Moses. He took the veil off when he (Exo 34:34). In 2Co 3:16, "turning" to God lifts the veil: turn to God from idols (1Th 8:9-10); confession (1Jo 1:9); fellowship (1Jo 1:7). If we don't have a veil we will reflect God's Glory (2Co 3:18). We will become an ambassador of Christ (2Co 4:1-6). We become a minister to others (2Co 4:7-12). We become a leading example (2Co 4:13-18). He has given us priesthood, ambassadorship, ministry (Heb 10:22-25).

Scripture References: Hebrews 10:22-25, Galatians 3:24, John 1:7, Romans 12:7, John 1:9, Exodus 34:34, Exodus 34:29, Romans 6:6, John 5:37

Related Topics: Sanctification | More Messages from Gene Cunningham | Download Audio

From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"

To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.

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