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 #7

Life is a pilgrimage (Psa 84:5-9). God uses our bad situations to be a blessing to others "strength to strength"; Rom 1:17- "faith to faith"; 2Co 3:18 - "glory to glory". 5 mountain peaks of faith: (1) Hebrew "AMEN" - beginning faith - means to "lean on a staff". (2) BATACH - Pro 3:5-6 - faith as a wrestling match - cast your cares on the Lord (1Pe 5:7). (3) CHASAH (Psa 57:1, Heb 6:18, Psa 84:9) - to find a safe refuge. (4) YACHAL - applying dressing to a wound (Job 13:15). (5). QAWAH (Isa 40:31) - small threads woven into a strong unbreakable rope (Ecc 9:4). Harold Gatty, famous navigator, taught that in navigating you have to know where you are to get where you're going. If you have a map and compass internally, you would be able to orient to any terrain in front of you. The Bible is our map; the Holy Spirit is the compass. Life of faith: (1) childlike belief and trust in God's Word (Rom 10:17); (2) faith focuses on the invisible things of God's Word (2Co 5:7); (3) faith is the only way to please Him (Heb 11:6); (4) fath is a one word summary (Hab 2:4, Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11, Heb 10:38); (5) faith transfers Word of God to life experience through love (Gal 5:6). (6) everything not of faith is sin (Rom 14:23). (7) after salvation is "faith plus works" (Eph 2:10).

Scripture References: Romans 14:23, Psalms 57:1, Romans 10:17, Galatians 5:6, Proverbs 3:5-6, Ecclesiastes 9:4, Hebrews 10:38, Romans 1:17, Isaiah 40:31, Galatians 3:11, Psalms 84:5-9, Job 13:15, Romans 1:17, Psalms 84:9, Habakkuk 2:4, Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 6:18, Hebrews 11:6

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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