Continuing in the apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, and in prayers
In this engaging talk, Melvin Lehman discusses how Communism and Socialism have failed. He begins with the its history and high aspirations: goals we could identify with. Yet it’s famously crumbled. Why?
Are we destined to have a society with disparate poor and wealthy classes? How can worthy goals like equality be realized today? Melvin points to the answer offered by Jesus.
We do well to be wary of the negative effects digital media has on our lives. But “What hath God wrought?” to quote Samuel Morse, is an important question. How might our heavenly Father direct us to use this tool to serve the Kingdom of God in our day? We hope to look at the issues pro and con that are raised by this question.
Business and hospitality as usual? Hardly!
Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteous puts a hard reset to business and hospitality!
Business and hospitality are not in competition with apologetics or community building, or media opportunities. Instead, business and hospitality provide a perfect spring board for apologetics, community building, and media opportunities.
What does it look like when the truth transforms a community? Community Development believes in the inherent dignity and value of people, the latent resources and capacities within communities, and the comprehensive plan and provision of God for human flourishing. As His emissaries, we have the opportunity to be a catalyst in the work that God is doing to heal, redeem, restore a broken world. Come join the work of proclaiming the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of David!
Apologetics is articulating a reasoned defense of Christian truth… responding to unbelievers’ objections to the faith. We are, like Paul, to be “set for the defense of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:17).
Polemics is the other cutting edge of the Christian apologist’s blade… we move beyond defense of truth and go on the offensive… pointing out errors and undermining the worldling’s irrational and anti-scriptural worldview.
We must use both cutting edges deftly, convincingly and compassionately as we obey Peter’s imperative to “Be ready, always, to give an answer to every man” (1 Peter 3:15).
In this panel discussion, moderator Wendell Martin fielded questions from the audience in relation to these preceeding three messages:
This message was given at the Church Growth Seminar 2024, which is a segment organized by the Church Planters’ Forum.
Beginning with a call for us to be unified in Christ, Melvin gives an overview of historical changes in the Anabaptist movement. He reminds us that we need all the members working together for the body to flourish. Melvin urges us to respect boundaries and to be proactive rather than reactive to issues that need to be addressed.
See also Question and Answer for this topic.
This message was given at the Church Growth Seminar 2024, which is a segment organized by the Church Planters’ Forum.
Starting with establishing the centrality of Christ, Melvin Lehman then reflects on historical lessons for our generation. What can we learn from Biblical and contemporary examples of revival? How do the four eras of peace illustrate the sovereignty of God? With stories and illustrations, the timeline from Christ to the Reformation to the present time is examined for relevance to our modern experience. How are God’s people in the Western world being affected by global socialization or nationalism? Message concludes with a call for Kingdom communities that bring God’s kingdom to the earth.
The presentation ends with an interactive question-and-answer session from the audience.