BOOK OF HEBREWS

WOW class at First Baptist Church in Paducah, Ky.

We will begin a new study in our Sunday School class on Sunday, August 31, 2014.

I am so excited to introduce our new study of the Book of Hebrews. Did you know that Hebrews is the least read book in the New testament. That is the truth. It is also the least New Testament book that pastors use to present their sermon materials. Thank about it. How often have you read passages from the book of Hebrews? During the next three months we will study through all thirteen chapters in the book of Hebrews. We are going to open our minds to receive knowledge of Jesus from this book that will give you a "spiritual refreshment" on who Jesus is.  We will discover the superiority of the Son of God.  I have prayed as I have been making preparation to teach these lessons that God will enlighten me so that I can lead you to deepen your spiritual walk. Taking a quote from our book: "Hebrews is a book that helps struggling Christians get a fresh perspective on Jesus, resulting in a fresh burst of courage to endure in faith."

Lesson for Sunday, August 31, 2014
  Explore the Bible Personal Study Guide: Introduction pages 8 - 10.
  Shepherd's Notes: pages 1 - 9 ; Answer the study questions on page 9

Please pray about your commitment to this study both in your personal study and attendance to all sessions on Sunday morning. In my heart, I know that God will give you a special blessing in your commitment of personal study and being an active participant in our group each week.

I find courage in the words written in Shepherd's Notes page 8.
"Hebrews challenges us to be faithful to Christ, no matter the cost. Fair-weather Christianity finds no comfort in the book of Hebrews. Our lukewarm complacency is shattered by its words of warning, and our faith stirred by its words of challenge. We are warned against becoming too comfortable with the world and its values. We are reminded that we are pilgrims on the way to glory and that we are to live in light of the values of the eternal kingdom."

"As we walk this pilgrim way, Christ is fully adequate to meet our needs. Through Him, we have access to God in prayer and worship, and we have a fellowship of mutual encouragement with others who are marching to Zion. Christ has passed this way Himself: therefore, He helps and encourages us as we encounter various trials and temptations."

One of the challenging verses from Hebrews:

Hebrews 12:1b - 2
"...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and
     let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
     Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

ARE YOU READY? LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES. READY, SET, GO !!!!!

QUALIFICATIONS FOR WITNESSING

 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of PADUCAH
WOW Class for Sunday, August 17, 2014
Resource Book: Step 7, Lesson 3

Objective for Lesson:
Take a personal inventory of your spiritual qualifications to witness.

Scripture passage is: Acts 8:26 - 40

Characters: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.

What are your qualifications to witness to unbelievers about God's love and salvation? Sunday we will examine the scripture passage in Acts 8 and study the example that Philip gives us as he witnessed to the Ethiopian Eunuch. Our lesson list eight qualities that contributes to our effectiveness for Christ.

Jesus is the Light of the World, what are we doing to share His light?

Knowledge of the Word of God            

Boldness
Compassion
Humility
Obedience
Receptivity, sensitivity to guidance
Tact
Enthusiasm

Dr. Bill Bright writes the following regarding these qualities: "God does not want us to wait until we feel we have mastered each of the qualities before we witness. God wants us to be faithful to witness and to be building these qualities into our lives as we go. Sometimes the experiences we encounter as we introduce others to Christ will help us build good qualities."

We will also look at the possible hindrances to our Witnessing:
Spiritual Lethargy
Lack of Preparation
Fear of Man
Fear of Failure
Fear that the new Christian will not go on to grow in the Lord
Lack of "practical knowledge"

We will look at the section near the back of your book: "

How to Share Christ With Others" and "Four Spiritual Laws".  As we review this information, it will help us to work through some of our fears and prepare us to be an effective witness for our Lord.

Christ said, "Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are now ripe for harvest". John 4:35
" The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37,38.