The Kingdom of God, Student Workbook, SW02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

Is this the Real Thing?

Recently in a small church, the young people experienced a remarkable turn to the Lord. After months of prolonged prayer and open sharing among one another, this group of about 100 or so high schoolers began to see God do remarkable things in their midst. In addition to a large number of students sharing their faith with their friends and seeing them come to the Lord, a number of students confessed their sins before the Lord and the people, admitting abuse of alcohol, drugs and illicit sexual activity. The worship of the group was phenomenal - hours seemed to pass without any sense of loss in the intensity, freshness, and genuineness of worship. While the effect of these changes seemed only to be affecting the youth, the entire church became interested and started looking at the impact of this fresh outpouring and wondered if it would spread to the whole church. In light of the teaching we discussed today in class, what ought the youth group leader teach these young people about their experience? What are they to do as young Christians in a larger, less animated and alive church? How can they be used to be a better witness of the Kingdom, both inside and outside their church? A young pastor of a small urban church worked tirelessly to see God move in the church for years, to no avail. It is a small denominational church, which functions as a step child in the larger denomination. Many of the members are locked in conflict with each other, and a strong number have expressed disappointment in his leadership of the church. He has sought out the latest materials on church growth and revitalization, but nothing has seemed to work. Frankly, he is deeply discouraged right now. He is aware of your understanding of the relationship between the Church and Kingdom. What would you say to this young urban pastor to encourage him in his ministry? Should he resign and look for another church, hang in there with the seemingly few, disgruntled members? How can he so change his own view as to get the necessary encouragement to go on? On the Verge of Giving Up

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Who’s Really Showing the Kingdom?

One deacon, Mr. Jones, has become excited over the last 12 months about a prison ministry that has recently begun in his church. About 3-4 workers each week go to the local precinct jail and form friendships with the inmates, meeting physical needs and sharing Christ with them. The results have been wonderful! Over 20 men and