The below suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions are provided for the message presented on February 9, 2014. The suggested answers are designed to stimulate thinking, not restrict it. Continue reading
This message was presented on February 9, 2014 as part of the series on 1 Timothy.
Some members of a certain church denomination were discussing whether or not the church should ordain women as pastors. During this discussion, a man jumped to his feet and said, “We should ordain women as pastors because they are just as bright as men.” A few people said, “Here, here.” Another commented, “We have women doctors and women lawyers, so why should we not also have women pastors?” A few more said, “Here, here.” Another yelled, “Women are equal to men and therefore they should be pastors.” Continue reading
The following are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions from the message presented on February 2, 2014. The insert for the message precedes the answers. These are designed to stimulate thinking, not replace it. Continue reading
This message was presented on February 2, 2014 as part of the series on 1 Timothy.
How do you know when something in Scripture is culturally relevant or not? Does what Paul wrote in his day apply to us today? There are several questions from the text we must answer. For example:
The Message Based Discussion Questions are connected to the message presented on January 26, 2014. The suggested answers follow the message outline and are designed to stimulate thinking, not hinder it.
How do you disciple worship? Continue reading
I’ve worshiped in many countries and there are many differences. In Manilla, Philippines, people dressed up for “hot” and played contemporary music. In Milan, Italy, people dressed up in suits and dresses as well as casual, and played guitars and keyboards. In Belarussia, I learned that the pastor does not seek a verbal response from the people and they had a simple hymns with keyboard. In Uzbekistan, there was a formality to the church service and people approached the communion table along two aisles, one for grape juice and one for real wine. In Marseilles, France it was just like Grace, but in French. Continue reading
Below are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions (MBDQ) from the message presented on January 19. The answers are merely suggestions to stimulate thinking, not to replace it. The MBDQ follows a copy of the insert principles from that message.
How do you mediate? Continue reading
This message was presented on January 19, 2014 as part of the series on 1 Timothy.
In 1988, I planted a church in Minneapolis, Minnesota called Heritage Bible Church. Our average age was 35. After 15 months, there was an opportunity to merge with an older congregation, whose average age was 65. My young church didn’t like the idea at first. The older church was afraid the young people would take over their church building. I was the mediator. How could I help the young people see the benefit of this merger and the older people see that they would continue to have a strong say. Continue reading
The following are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions for the message presented on January 5 as part of the State of the Church – Part Two. The answers follow the outline for the message. The answers are designed to stimulate thinking, not replace it. Continue reading
This message was presented on January 12, 2014 as the second part of the State of the Church message.
Two weeks ago, we began looking at the most fundamental issue in the Christian’s life. (See part one, which is essential to understand this message.) It is something that is also under the greatest attack by the world and often within God’s church. What is the issue? The issue is God’s authority. Does God have the right to have authority in life? Moses said, “Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:39) Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 