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 #6

Psa 23:1-6 The "rod and staff" are discipline and instruction -- Heb 12:5-11, Isa 53:6, 1Pe 2:25. "You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies"We are also warrior Eph 6, 1Co 10, 2Ti 2. We are guests in the house of God; the enemy drives us to the Word to seek guidance (1Pe 5:6-11). Joh 6:35 - it is the Word that is the feast (Rev 3:19-20). Mat 5:6 - Jesus says well be satisfied if we hunger and thirst. Endurance is built by: temptation (Jam 1:12), trail (1Co10:13), discipline (Heb 12:5-7), reaping what we've sown ( Gal 6:7-9), overcoming (1Jo 5:4,5, Rev 12:11). "You annoint my head with oil". -- God in 1Sa 16:12-13 David was annointed for special purpose; Elisha was set apart in 1Ki 19:16. 1Co 12:13 we're annointed by the Holy Spirit (1Co 12:7 - spiritual gift and enablement - 1Jo 2:27). Priests are annointed; we are priests 1Pe 5:9, Rev 5:10; we are to offer prayers on behalf of other people. "My cup runs over" -- is a picture of rejoicing in our soul (Eph 1:5, Eph 1:9, Eph 1:11, Phi 4:4, 1Th 5:17-18). Phi 4:13-19 says He daily pours His strength into us. Others will be blessed by the overflow (Phi 1:12-18). "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of our lives"; our lives are measured in days (Lam 3:23, Heb 3:15). Goodness pours out in never-ending Grace (2Co 12:9, Rom 8:28, Gen 50:20, Joh 4:24); mercy holds back in patience; He protects and delivers; mercy cleanses us (1Jo 1:7-9, Psa 24:4, 2Pe 3:9). "I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever" is a declaration of certainty. Heb 3:1-5 - house of service that Jesus built. Heb 2:11 - the household and family of God. 1Jo 1:4 - house of fellowship and communion. 2Co 5:1-7 says that whether present or absent, or live or die we'll be with the Lord. Joh 14:1-3 Jesus pictures the "house" as many mansions -- a royal residence in the New Jerusalem custom made for us (Rev 21:1-7).

Scripture References: Romans 8:28, Galatians 6:7-9, Hebrews 2:11, Ephesians 1:9, Hebrews 12:5-11, Hebrews 3:15, Hebrews 12:5-7, Hebrews 3:1-5, Ephesians 1:5, Psalms 23:1-6, Lamentations 3:23, James 1:12, Psalms 24:4, Revelation 5:10, Philippians 1:12-18, Matthew 5:6, John 1:7-9, John 2:27, Revelation 21:1-7, Philippians 4:13-19, Revelation 3:19-20, John 4:24, Revelation 12:11, John 14:1-3, Philippians 4:4, John 6:35, Genesis 50:20, John 5:45, John 1:4, Ephesians 1:11, Isaiah 53:6

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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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