A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 1: I nt roduc t i on

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IV. Connections for Urban Ministry Today

Matt. 5.14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 1 It is assumed within this workshop and booklet, unless otherwise noted by the instructor, that such references to “man” and “men” should be taken to mean “person” and “people.” The Spirit of God is mighty through women, even as he has proven himself mighty through men.

When God declares that ‘the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him,” He declares the necessity of men and His dependence on them as a channel through which to exert His power upon the world. This vital, urgent truth is one that this age of machinery is apt to forget. The forgetting of it is as baneful on the work of God as would be the striking of the sun from his sphere. Darkness, confusion, and death would ensue. What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use – men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come upon machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men – men of prayer. 1 ~ E. M. Bounds. Power through Prayer . p. 12.

Answer the following questions openly and honestly about the dimensions of discipline covered in this session, relating them both to your personal walk with and witness to Christ where you live.

A. Connection to your personal discipleship

1. Is my life compelling right now? Does my life represent a “living Bible” known and read by all people? How or how not?

2. Am I willing to pay the cost in order to be that distinctive leader the Lord can use?

3. What specifically is the Lord saying to me about my life in light of the teaching here?

B. Connection to your witness, preaching and teaching in urban ministry contexts