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 #3

Rom 8:9-13 says the Spirit dwells within us, that God's life is righteousness, and the power of flesh is broken. Rom 8:14-17 says those led of God are "mature" children. God's guidance increases as we grow spiritually. Rom 8:17-18 we grow through suffering -- it enhances our eternal future. Dangers in guidance: (1) don't confuse personal desire with God's guidance (Numbers 22); (2) don't accept something if it disturbs your inner peace (Col 3:15, Phi 4:6); (3) look for guidance day by day (Heb 3:7, Heb 3:15); (4) recognize your limitations -- we don't have all the facts, nor know the consequences of a decision; (5) Joh 7:17 is key -- we need to be willing to be willing and wait (Isa 40:31). Luk 1:7-11 says "your prayer is heard". Zechariah may have prayed for a child for 40 years while Elizabeth was barren.
The Divine Mentor in Psalm 23 : Psa 23:1-6 He leads us -- to green pastures, still water, and righteousness. (1) He is the Good Shepherd - lays down His life (Joh 10:10); (2) He is the Great Shepherd, resurrected at God's hand and supplies our needs (Heb 13:20-2); (3) He is the Chief Shepard coming with our reward (1Pe 5:4). "I cannot lack" because: (1) He has given us all spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3); (2) He has made us acceptable (Eph 1:6); (3) He has supplied unsearchable riches (Eph 3:8); (4) He has promised to supply all our needs (Phi 4:19). "He makes me lie down in green pastures" because: (1) we have entered His rest (Mat 28:29); (2) we feed on the riches of His word (Mat 5:6); (3) we are comforted by His Spirit (Joh 14:16-26); (4) we are protected by His shield (Eph 6:17); (5) we find rest by trusting in Him (Heb 4:1-3).

Scripture References: Matthew 28:29, Philippians 4:6, Psalms 23:1-6, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 3:15, Luke 1:7-11, Ephesians 3:8, Romans 8:17-18, Hebrews 4:1-3, Isaiah 40:31, Ephesians 1:6, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 6:17, John 7:17, Ephesians 1:3, Romans 8:9-13, John 14:16-26, Hebrews 3:15, Hebrews 13:20-2, Matthew 5:6, Hebrews 3:7, John 10:10

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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.

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