http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=78397&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Jesus conceals truth for us, not 'from' us!
There are two main conceptions in what and why Jesus uses parables in edifying and instructing us. One, He uses simple everyday illustrations, allegories, stories, and word pictures that He pointed to, showcasing an illustration that people could understand and relate to. Second, in the illustration dwells a layered meaning-like an onion, if you will--that has a depth to it. His main reason? People, for the most part, are 'concrete' thinkers. We tend to look to the simplest, easiest meaning to mentally digest solution and rarely seek a deeper meaning or application. However, to grow in faith, we need to grow beyond ourselves, our perception, and our assumptions in order to grasp the true Truths Christ has for us. Thus, for us to grow in faith...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35972&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Out of learning why churches fail, we also learned why they succeeded. The churches that were healthy, growing spiritually, and socially vibrant have significant aspects that set them apart from the failing churches. These factors are displayed in order of relevance and importance. Each one of these factors creates a harmony, contentment, and atmosphere for a churchgoer to come to church services and fellowship, and then to invite others.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35971&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Are you crying out to God asking why things are not going right in your church? Dealing with apathy and ineptitude? Is your church on the path of self-destruction and ineffectiveness? Are people lining up for war in various factions and sides while conflict and discontent are running amok? Are some people gossiping while others are being ignored? Is Christ outside knocking on your door, but not getting in? Instead, have you replaced Him with what you think is relevance and attractiveness to the Gospel but in fact,
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35970&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
The problems of Church can be solved and used for His glory!
The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32622&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
How to do Youth Evangelism!
This curriculum can be used to teach youth groups how to be an effective witness.
This is very important, because, when we venture out into evangelizing you may think you are asking someone to know our Lord, "would you like to be a Christian?" But, what we are actually asking people is, "Would you like to be like me?" Why is this?
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32619&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Common Objections
What I want to do is challenge you to see some of the root causes why people turn you off when you evangelize. By knowing these common objections you will understand why they respond the way they do, so you will not take things so personally. That way you will not be turned off from doing evangelism yourself. This will give you greater confidence, so you will know how people respond, and then be better listeners and evangelists. There are countless objections that people give and many different categories they can go into. But from my experience in youth and evangelism work...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35969&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Are you willing to take an honest look at some of the reasons why people are not coming to your church?
1,103 churches surveyed and tracked for 12-plus years
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=33038&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Burnout for pastors is perhaps on of the main reasons why we quit and leave ministry. But we can prevent this!
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32559&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
If you are not a believer in the Christian faith, we invite you to discuss with us your beliefs and reasons for not accepting the Christian world view. We believe that historical Christianity is a reasonable faith. The Christian should be able to give an answer for why he believes as he does.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31648&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Is not the Holy Spirit giving all Christians the same truth?
The Holy Spirit is giving the same truth; the problem is not Him; but us! I had once believed that the many different beliefs in the Christian faith demonstrated that it was not true. After all, how could there be so many disagreements about something that was supposed to be true? I found over the years this is easily; the case is that we have more in common than not, but we tend to focus on the negative distinctions and not our unity.