Archive for the 'Bible Studies for Life' Category
Intentional Relationship Building
One of the things I appreciate about Bible Studies for Life is the attention given to relationships inside and outside the local church. If we intend to connect people to small groups for fellowship and spiritual growth, we need to be alert to where such people are. Many are in the large group (the congregation) but are not connected to a small group.
Recent statistics from LifeWay Research show the intentionality with which current believers relate to others inside the church. Results of a 2013 survey finds 42% of respondents “agree” they “intentionally spend time with other believers in order to help them to grow in their faith.”
Simply, close to half of believers involved in church are making an effort to help others grow spiritually to some degree. This should not be discounted and should be celebrated.
The other side though, is that 58% of believers could not state that they were involved in intentional growth with other believers. That group is split between people who know they don’t spend time with others for spiritual growth, and those who cannot say for sure whether they do or not. It seems that if you are building relationships on purpose, you would know it!
How Can We Help?
How can we applaud the people already involved while encouraging others to begin participating in helping others grow spiritually?
First, we might realize some are not being intentional in building relationships due to fear or they simply don’t know how. They may not know how to help another person grow. Before jumping to condemnation, we might need a plan to help them.
Second, those who are already helping others grow spiritually can train those who would, but do not have the biblical knowledge. Helping other believers grow does not only mean young Christians just starting on the road of faith; it also means helping older believers take the next step.
Third, pastors and small group leaders can regularly suggest ways to build such relationships. People who have never been intentional may not realize how easy it is to meet someone for breakfast, grab coffee after church, start a men’s prayer group, or even a neighborhood Bible study. A few steps of guidance can reap a bountiful spiritual harvest.
Last, find ways to commend those who are helping others grow, and tell their story. Ask leaders about those making an impact in their groups, then use their stories as “how-to” examples in messages or leader training. Sometimes a real example accomplishes more than verbal instruction will alone.
We all have relationships. But being intentional about building relationships to further the kingdom is something we cannot forget or minimize. How will you be intentional in your relationships today?
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church Northwest Arkansas
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
3 Ways to Prepare Ourselves to Share with Other People
The New Testament Book of Acts includes a story from the life of Philip that can give us guidance today as we seek to reach unbelievers with the gospel.
Philip had been ministering in Samaria when an angel appeared to him with a different assignment. He should leave Samaria, and travel south to a road connecting Jerusalem with Gaza. Luke comments that it was called “the desert road” (Acts 8:26). On this road, he came upon a political official returning home to Ethiopia.
Philip’s attention was taken as the man was sitting in his chariot reading audibly from Isaiah’s writings. The narrative tells us the official—a eunuch in Queen Candace’s court—had been to Jerusalem to worship. Doubtless, he had heard from the passage but did not have understanding of it.
The man’s lack of understanding was the bridge Philip walked over to start a gospel conversation. You can check out the entire story in Acts 8:26-40.
As we saw a few weeks back, people today still go to the Bible when they have problems. Among those surveyed, 42% had turned to the Bible within the past year to help them deal with pressure. One-quarter of Americans had done so within the last month.
It is more than reasonable to assume many of these people did not know a specific truth they were seeking, except some kind of help in a time of need. This is where we, like Philip, should be prepared to step in. Here are three ways we can prepare ourselves to share with others:
First, we need to know the Bible.
Philip was well enough versed in the available Scripture (the Old Testament) to explain Isaiah 53 to the eunuch. As disciples, we also need to know the Bible well, and be able to help others make application.
Second, we should expect to come across people who are reading the Bible, but lack understanding.
The eunuch’s situation is not unusual. In fact, it occurs today. Just because people are looking to God’s Word does not mean they understand it. When they don’t understand, that is the open door for us to express the truth.
Third, we should take the time needed to bring clarity to the Scriptures.
He didn’t just say, “Yeah, just read around in that general area and it will all make sense.” He “proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture” (v. 35).
We have so many awesome tools, like Bible Studies for Life, to help us in the discipleship process. Whether we are interacting at home, in a small-group Bible study or with an unbeliever at work, let us be like Philip: prepared to help others where the Bible meets life.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church Northwest Arkansas General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.