Reformation Presbyterian Church – Sunday School

Creeds & Confessions, The Nicene Creed, The Holy Spirit, Pt 2 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download

Creeds & Confessions, The Nicene Creed, The Incarnation (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download

Our Lord Himself is One who sends. "By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him." (1 John 49) In our Lord's strength we carry out service in the world as those who live as salt and light. The Lord uses His church to go, to take initiative in words and deeds. As well, He prompts people to seek us out. This handout addresses different ways to work together to invite, welcome, and befriend others, and to cultivate opportunities for outreach and evangelism.Taking Initiative: Getting Out InvitationsOf central importance - what is it that we are inviting people to?1- a friendship2- a home or a place to meet up with you3- a planned time of multiple meet ups with you for spiritual things4- a group where others will be for spiritual things (ladies fellowship, a Bible study, a worship service, a social event, a conference, etc.)Ways to Carry Out an Invitations MinistryYou are a gift purchased by Christ, for Christ, and He has gifted you (Ephesians 4:8-16).Below are different ways to be involved.Prayer-be a part of our ministry of invitation through prayer. Three of our memberscommit to pray every day for the mission's invitation ministry; they are updated with thanksgiving and requests 3 times a monthDistant— This ministry makes use of our website, puts up social media posts and media boosts; maybe it posts newsy matters or for example, there's an update on the web site with a quest & ans page, "What is a Presbyterian? "Why trust the Bible?", "Will it feel awkward for me to attend a church service?" etc. [under 30 words])Near-This way of involvement gets out in the community. We deliver door hangers, do doorstep visits, drop off or handout cards or information to be posted; we leave a small stack of invitation cards at businesses (ask permission) or maybe we do muffins delivery at shops and offices. Possibly we drive by places and pray for people who live and work in our area (pray for a school, pray for a hospital, pray for a campus, etc.).First meet— This describes a place or a time to meet someone for the first time. It'sat a conference, in a back yard at a barbecue, or maybe a park event. Think as well - maybe it is a school connection, a neighborhood watch meeting, or a business meet and greet. It might be a time of intentional outreach like foamboard outreach, a children's Bible activity, a literature table, a public (outdoor) reading of Scripture, or a prayer station in a public setting, etc.)Close- This describes both a casual relationship and a more close relationship (you sense there is openness with someone you already know). It might be extended family, a friend who has a friend, someone you work with, a fellow club member, or a neighbor. You know each other and you've shared courtesies, and you've had times to meet and get acquainted, and you probably have had several times meeting for coffee, or you have shared a meal together.Summary: above are different ways we are asking God to direct our steps to meet others and for Him to direct others to us; it is cultivating opportunities in different ways. We're always aiming to take the initiative. He works. He leads. He guides. We joyfully depend on Him, praying with expectancy. One important note: the paragraph that says, "Close," is the most effective way to see the fruit of our labor.

Creeds & Confessions #4—The Apostles' Creed, Pt 3 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download

Creeds & Confessions #2—The Apostles' Creed (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download

Forgive #13—Seeking Reconciliation (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download

Forgiveness means pursuing peace as far as possible.