CS1 New Believer Group: Full Gospel perspective

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CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
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#21
Now that a few weeks after Easter, I think it is a good time to study what Jesus said and did over the 40 days before His ascension?



The Road to Emmaus
13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”

18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”

19 And He said to them, “What things?”

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”

25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

The Disciples’ Eyes Opened
28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.

30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.

32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
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#22
Mother's Day is coming.


I pray for all mothers and Grandmothers and any woman who has stepped into the role of a mother. All Single mothers and Foster mothers have opened their homes to children who have no home. May the Lord Empower you, keep you, and strengthen you. Give you wisdom and teach your children and those given to you about the lord Jesus Christ.

Render honor to those it is due.

Amen
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
4,321
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#23
Today is Pentacost Sunday. 50 days after the Resurrection of Our Lord, 10 days after his ascension, the Power of the Holy Spirit came upon the 120. Acts chapter 2.

Jesus said you will receive Power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you to be a witness. Now, the word "Witness" there in Greek is Martyr.
But I would like to focus on the part about what it means to be a Witness and why they need power.

Jesus said you shall receive Power to be an effective witness of HIM. What are we witnessing? Well, it is the Resurrection of Christ.

The Gospel message is and has always been the death, burial, and Resurrection of Our Lord for the sins of the world.

The Apostles were killed because they would not deny That Jesus rose from the dead. The power of the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to bear witness Jesus was alive because no other miracle was done without that name. Confirming by the power of God, Jesus was alive.

Acts 4:33
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.


This same Jesus, who is alive today, is still empowering his People for effective witnessing and still confirming that HE is alive with HIS word, signs, and Wonders.

Mark 16:15-18

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”


This all started after the day of Pentacost. Luke chapter 24 says:44-49

44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

46Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”


The waiting is over. He is Here for you, Jesus. Ask Him to Baptize you in the Holy Spirit and power. As John chapter 1 states, He is the One who baptized the Holy Ghost and fire.


Dear Lord, empower your people as we need you to be an effective witness of your death, burial, and Resurrection. We seek you and not the gifts but the gifts to be used to glorify you. We seek to do the work you called us to do. But apart from you we can do nothing. Baptize me Lord with the Holy Spirit and empower me to be a witness of you and your resurrection in Jesus name I pray amen.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
4,321
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#24
Happy Sunday morning. I hope and pray you are having a blessed day. the month of may and opening of June have bee very challenging.

I have had three family members pass away and one friend. Many other issues, too. However, God is good. I have seen my friend come to the Lord before he died. God has provided an open door to purchase a home. Yet. I would like to ask those who come to this thread to fast and pray with me this coming week, starting on June 7th.

I will be happy to take your prayer request before the Lord and with the prayer team( that you), as the word of God says we should pray one for the other game 5. And Eph 6


Heavenly Father,

I come to you in the name of Jesus. Lord, I need you to help us and speak to us from your word as we seek you in prayer.

We need your clear guidance and wisdom. We believe you will provide this for us because your word says you will. Thank you, Lord. The Holy Spirit leads us and helps us to pray effectively. Cleanse our hearts, forgive us our sins, and remove anything that would hinder this time of prayer and fasting. May we draw closer to you and Never stop. I plead the Blood of Jesus over our lives and family. Looking unto you, the author and Finsher of our faith. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

You can Pm me if you don't want anyone to see your prayer request. God bless.
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,559
656
113
#25
At our church we had a prayer meeting thru the winter. I totally loved it, because there's times I have trouble with prayer, but there was such freedom & we actually would pray for an hour. But it was only the pastor & my wife & I & the pastor shut it down in the spring.
If the body of Christ ever needed anything it is become a house of prayer again.
I soooo miss it.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
4,321
113
#26
At our church we had a prayer meeting thru the winter. I totally loved it, because there's times I have trouble with prayer, but there was such freedom & we actually would pray for an hour. But it was only the pastor & my wife & I & the pastor shut it down in the spring.
If the body of Christ ever needed anything it is become a house of prayer again.
I soooo miss it.
amen and amen.
 

Billyd

Senior Member
May 8, 2014
5,222
1,625
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#27
I'm seeing a decline in church attendance all around our local community. I believe that it is the result of the lack of honest and consistent prayer. At our church we call Wednesday nights "Prayer Meeting", but we've let it morph into a weekday Sunday School with a brief prayer and right into the lesson for the night. I hope to see that change over the next few weeks.

Question for everyone: How much time do you spend in prayer in church or outside of church?
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
4,744
2,052
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46
#28
Question for everyone: How much time do you spend in prayer in church or outside of church?
I am in constant prayer while i'm awake.
I get up, i say thank you, i eat breakfast i say thank you, i drive the car i say thank you, i listen to music and i say thank you for the sound and for my whole life, i go to work i say Help me God serve these people today, i come back to do errands and i kiss God in the sky, i look at the nature and i say thank you, before i go to bed i say thank you again.

As far as church numbers go, don't see it as a contest of popularity but more about quality.
My church used to struggle back in 2000 with only 50 members. Now there are about 3000 or more members.
Don't go for numbers, go for quality. That's my opinion of course but wanted to share it with you.

God bless.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
4,321
113
#29
I'm seeing a decline in church attendance all around our local community. I believe that it is the result of the lack of honest and consistent prayer. At our church we call Wednesday nights "Prayer Meeting", but we've let it morph into a weekday Sunday School with a brief prayer and right into the lesson for the night. I hope to see that change over the next few weeks.

Question for everyone: How much time do you spend in prayer in church or outside of church?
for me, as a minister, prayer is a must, and corporate prayer is essential.

Hebrews 10:25says:

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.


Prayer for the Christian should be as normal as breathing. The prayer we do midweek builds to Sunday Morning.

If we wait until Sunday to get our hearts right, then God is working on us and helping us overcome condemnation that hinders the move of God on Sunday morning because we come into his presence with unclean hands and hearts. We should self-exam ourselves each day and not just on Sunday morning. Pray help to do that. Because we must repent and humble ourselves.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
4,321
113
#30
July heat. Here in the USA, we are about six months from the Election, and there is much biblical prophetic mumbo jumbo going on. This is a time to pray and study the word of God alone. Get off YouTube and social media. Make a commitment to a time during your day to pray and study, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Write down your questions and take them to the Lord in Prayer, then learn to wait for the answer and confirmation. It is not if it feels right but if it is true.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
4,321
113
#31
Brothers and sisters, I want to share some of my latest experiences over the past 5 weeks. I have had two aunts and one uncle pass away, and one friend. I have gone to many funerals. Two this past weekend.

I have seen great unbiblical things being said at these services and eulogies. The RCC Preist once told everyone there was no hell or internal torment. At another time, men openly displayed affection in a sinful manner in church and led worship. I was sick and angry and prayed and asked the Lord for an opportunity to speak the word of God,

You will or may have already had to deal with this, and maybe you are not sure how. Well, you have come to the right place.


What must you do?

  1. Pray and keep praying
  2. speak the word of GOD from the Bible; it is the only authority
  3. speak to leaders in private if you have an opportunity to do so
  4. read the tares and wheat Parable
  5. if you confront the pastor, do so with a witness and quote the words of Jesus. He is the supreme Authority whenever he is speaking the word of God.

When the Preist told my family there is no eternal torment, and that was an old tradition, I asked if Jesus was wrong when HE said there was? And are we to ignore the words of Christ about hell and eternal torment? He asked me what do you tell all these here? Showed me all the grave sites.

I told him they were dead; we tell the dead nothing. But the living Need Jesus. He said, "They have you." I said it was your job today...

We must be ready and prayed up beforehand. Many of my family will not listen to me; why? They are family :)

That is why I pray daily for my unsaved family members and that when opportunities for the gospel are to be heard, I want Jesus to win the day, not me. We must love the hell out of them. That takes time.
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
4,775
2,063
113
#32
"This forum is exclusively for church pastors (and assistant pastors, youth pastors, etc.) and small group leaders to share resources, tips, encouragement, etc., for their challenging roles."

I want to ensure I am following the guidelines.

If you want to know encouraging ways to reach your community, here are just a few we have done that really helped people and won many to the Lord. it is low impact meaning not labor intensive.


  1. Saturday morning LaundryMat ministries
have people provide from your small group soap, fab softener, and coins to wash & dry clothes. Tell them in these tough times, we want to show you Jesus loves them and supply your need today in his name, and we would love to pray for you. Great outreach method

2. Local Car washing

Pay for people who are washing their cars and pray for them. This, too, was very successful

These are just two of many things that HAVE WORKED FOR US IN OUTREACH.
Does anyone use or make tracts anymore? I recall a couple years ago I was at a grocery and I started a conversation with a lady about our fall decor. Then, just as she paid and was ready to leave she handed me a tract and invited me to her church. I think it was Baptist and I thanked her and told her I was saved. Anyway she wasn't pushy about it and I thought it wouldn't have offended me had I not been saved.

I don't see outdoor services anymore. I have done so many of those. Mostly in the church parking lot, which seemed useless to me. But we did one with the Salvation Army in downtown Toronto and met some really interesting people and got to talk with them. All about planting a seed. Thank you for your introduction, it's nice to know you better. I can't believe I have been here all these years and didn't know some basic things about you. Blessings!
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
4,321
113
#33
Does anyone use or make tracts anymore? I recall a couple years ago I was at a grocery and I started a conversation with a lady about our fall decor. Then, just as she paid and was ready to leave she handed me a tract and invited me to her church. I think it was Baptist and I thanked her and told her I was saved. Anyway she wasn't pushy about it and I thought it wouldn't have offended me had I not been saved.

I don't see outdoor services anymore. I have done so many of those. Mostly in the church parking lot, which seemed useless to me. But we did one with the Salvation Army in downtown Toronto and met some really interesting people and got to talk with them. All about planting a seed. Thank you for your introduction, it's nice to know you better. I can't believe I have been here all these years and didn't know some basic things about you. Blessings!
Yes I use tracts good ole Chic tracts 1720625125596.jpeg


wecan use many things to reach people with the plan of salvation and if Tracts is what you like to do I have left many in places and on cars and in church pamphets
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
4,775
2,063
113
#34
Yes I use tracts good ole Chic tracts View attachment 265433


wecan use many things to reach people with the plan of salvation and if Tracts is what you like to do I have left many in places and on cars and in church pamphets

I hadn't seen any in a while and wondered if they had updated them. I need to talk to pastor about it. He's a big reader, we're just a small country church but we have a decent library. Do you know the stats behind tracts working? Is it better to talk to a person and pass them one, or just to leave them for people to find? What is the best use that you have found?
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,028
4,321
113
#36
I hadn't seen any in a while and wondered if they had updated them. I need to talk to pastor about it. He's a big reader, we're just a small country church but we have a decent library. Do you know the stats behind tracts working? Is it better to talk to a person and pass them one, or just to leave them for people to find? What is the best use that you have found?
Actually, it depended on a few things :

  • Age group speaking, too under 25 the phone is it
  • what you are comfortable doing and gifting
  • opportunities available
  • culture
  • Having more than one speaking to people, I can speak with complete strangers, my wife, not so much. I will speak with people in the store hospital anywhere. My wife is more at the salon or online at events.
One absolute, the word of God, will work in any situation, language, and through our weaknesses and mistakes.
 
Apr 29, 2012
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#37
Do as you are led by the Holy Spirit.

A while back I was led to leave a complete bible in a sealed in a plastic bag at an outdoor gazebo in a local park. It was a thursday. I was led back there on sunday afternoon to find a middle eastern man clothed in Middle eastern clothing. (United Arab Emerates) He asked if I was the one who left the bible. We spent about an hour and a half just talking about faith things. He was surprised that I was not judgemental about his attire. He also ended up taking the bible with him. Haven't seen him since. Eternity will tell of the effects.

I suggest leaning your spiritual ears to the leading to the Holy Spirit and be obedient. We may or may not see the effects in this life. Obedience is critical.
 

shittim

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2016
13,783
7,774
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#38
Amen dear brother, he desires relationship, contrition, obedience, He will grow as as much as we will be grown. I ask Him for divine encounters, He always gives them.
Blessings
:):unsure::coffee:(y)
 
Apr 29, 2012
1,179
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#39
One last thought - the more we practice listening the more often this will happen. The more this happens, the more sensitive we'll become to HIS leading AND the more detailed the directions will be. Obedience is critical to increasing the sort of leading.
Have a look at the detailed directions and explanation given to Ananias in Acts 911;10 to Acts 9;17
.........
Looks like there are three men named Ananias mentioned in Acts. First is called "a certain man". Second is called " a devout man". Third is a high priest. The 'devout man' is the one sent to paul.
 
Apr 29, 2012
1,179
815
113
#40
One last thought - the more we practice listening the more often this will happen. The more this happens, the more sensitive we'll become to HIS leading AND the more detailed the directions will be. Obedience is critical to increasing the sort of leading.
Have a look at the detailed directions and explanation given to Ananias in Acts 911;10 to Acts 9;17
.........
Looks like there are three men named Ananias mentioned in Acts. First is called "a certain man". Second is called " a devout man". Third is a high priest. The 'devout man' is the one sent to paul.
...........

late edit : It is not unusual for me to be led to pray with/for total strangers in public (with permission). Often hands on.