The focus and theme of this book is Jesus only. The eternal verity taught in Scripture is that Jesus alone saves. Therefore, the central focus of the church must be on Jesus Christ, the One crucified, risen, ascended, interceding, and coming again. This was the secret to the life and power of the apostolic church. Everything about the early church, as recorded in the book of Acts, was due to the presence and power of the Lord in His church. The Scriptures clearly speak about their passion but also about the One who was central to their preaching, teaching, and living as a body of believers: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and peach Jesus Christ (Acts 5: 42). Unfortunately, the church no longer measures up to the life that God intended for it. In these final and closing days of earths history, Jesus is anxiously awaiting for a portrait of Himself in His church. The spirit and power of the apostolic period must return. The central focus of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must return. The dynamic Holy Ghost empowerment of the church must return. The daily growth of the church must return. The self-sacrificing spirit that should mark the life of a true disciple must return. There is no question that we must return to primitive godliness, and for that to happen, the church will have to return to her first love, which is a central focus on Jesus.
A Sweetheart Deal What a sweet deal! That is the theme and the emphasis of this Christmas book. In this book, you will encounter again and again, God’s incredible offer in the unspeakable gift of His only begotten Son. When Gabriel said to Mary, “You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21), that was, and is, the sweetest deal that has been and will ever be given to sinful men and women. Luke records the esse
The focus and theme of this book is Jesus only. The eternal verity taught in Scripture is that Jesus alone saves. Therefore, the central focus of the church must be on Jesus Christ, the One crucified, risen, ascended, interceding, and coming again. This was the secret to the life and power of the apostolic church. Everything about the early church, as recorded in the book of Acts, was due to the presence and power of the Lord in His church. The Scriptures clearly speak about their passion but also about the One who was central to their preaching, teaching, and living as a body of believers: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and peach Jesus Christ (Acts 5: 42). Unfortunately, the church no longer measures up to the life that God intended for it. In these final and closing days of earths history, Jesus is anxiously awaiting for a portrait of Himself in His church. The spirit and power of the apostolic period must return. The central focus of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must return. The dynamic Holy Ghost empowerment of the church must return. The daily growth of the church must return. The self-sacrificing spirit that should mark the life of a true disciple must return. There is no question that we must return to primitive godliness, and for that to happen, the church will have to return to her first love, which is a central focus on Jesus.
“AND SAMPSON SAID TO THE YOUNG MAN WHO HELD HIM BY THE HAND, ‘LET ME FEEL THE PILLARS ON WHICH THE HOUSE RESTS, THAT I MAY LEAN AGAINST THEM’” (Judges 16:26, ESV) Mark Finely has rightly said that there are “seven basic teachings” on which God has built His church. “Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars.” These seven pillars are essential, and “the non-negotiables:” Scripture (John 17:17) Salvation (John 3:16) Second Coming (John 14:1-3) Sabbath (John 14:15) State of the Dead (John 11:11-26) Sanctuary (John 17:4, 11, 24) Holy Spirit and Spirit of Prophecy (John 14:15-17) (Prov. 9:1; Mark Finely, Solid Ground, p. 374) “The house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” is built on these seven pillars, 1 Tim. 3:15. Because of this, Dr. Norman identifies the church as an eight pillar. This eight pillar rests on the other seven “non-negotiables.” These “non-negotiables” are in turn rooted and grounded in Christ, and they define who we are as a biblical community of faith. Tragically though, great uncertainty concerning the pillars abound. The “non-negotiables” are under assault. And this assault will intensify as a mighty sifting sieve. “Those who seek to remove the old landmarks . . . bring in theories that would remove the pillars of our faith concerning the sanctuary . . . [they are] working as blind men . . . [they are] seeking to bring in uncertainties and to set the people of God adrift without an anchor,” (E. G. White, Manuscript Release No. 760. P. 9, 1905). If there ever was a time, we needed the resolve of Sampson, it is now! The author hopes that this book will inspire this resolve—a resolve that will lead us back to the pillars; back to the “non-negotiables.” Like Sampson, may we feel the pillars once again, and lean on “the non-negotiables” centered in Christ.
Dr. Ernan A. Norman, D.Min. has identified strategies to implement John 13:35 “All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” An excellent source for the essential principles of discipleship in a postmodern world. This book is written in nontechnical language based on the experiences as a student, pastor, and professor. I believe that the concepts presented are fundamental and are in harmony with the model demonstrated by Jesus during His ministry on earth. Meeting people at their level, putting their needs ahead of His own, treating people with respect, befriending the nonreligious and inviting them into a relationship with Himself are some of the concepts that are identified and supported as strategies for reaching secular people. This book is an outstanding and important piece of work, and easily readable. I would urge A Strategy for Reaching Secular People on members and leaders in every church – if they are willing to challenge basic assumptions and embrace change relative to reaching lost people. Strategies that remove the barriers that keep people from hearing about God’s love, and to create a warm, friendly, uncritical, and non-judgmental attitude of acceptance are clearly presented. Full of practical how-to’s and watch-out’s this book by Ernan Norman is for individuals serious about sharing the love of God. As we interact with and minister to secular people, matters such as marriage and family, academics, employment, addictions, and human rights must be addressed. Norman clearly gives strategies for intentional efforts to reach secular-postmodern men and women in our day. The central concept is the example of Jesus that we should follow. A must read! Weymouth Spence, Ed.D. President of Washington Adventist University
“AND SAMPSON SAID TO THE YOUNG MAN WHO HELD HIM BY THE HAND, ‘LET ME FEEL THE PILLARS ON WHICH THE HOUSE RESTS, THAT I MAY LEAN AGAINST THEM’” (Judges 16:26, ESV) Mark Finely has rightly said that there are “seven basic teachings” on which God has built His church. “Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars.” These seven pillars are essential, and “the non-negotiables:” Scripture (John 17:17) Salvation (John 3:16) Second Coming (John 14:1-3) Sabbath (John 14:15) State of the Dead (John 11:11-26) Sanctuary (John 17:4, 11, 24) Holy Spirit and Spirit of Prophecy (John 14:15-17) (Prov. 9:1; Mark Finely, Solid Ground, p. 374) “The house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” is built on these seven pillars, 1 Tim. 3:15. Because of this, Dr. Norman identifies the church as an eight pillar. This eight pillar rests on the other seven “non-negotiables.” These “non-negotiables” are in turn rooted and grounded in Christ, and they define who we are as a biblical community of faith. Tragically though, great uncertainty concerning the pillars abound. The “non-negotiables” are under assault. And this assault will intensify as a mighty sifting sieve. “Those who seek to remove the old landmarks . . . bring in theories that would remove the pillars of our faith concerning the sanctuary . . . [they are] working as blind men . . . [they are] seeking to bring in uncertainties and to set the people of God adrift without an anchor,” (E. G. White, Manuscript Release No. 760. P. 9, 1905). If there ever was a time, we needed the resolve of Sampson, it is now! The author hopes that this book will inspire this resolve—a resolve that will lead us back to the pillars; back to the “non-negotiables.” Like Sampson, may we feel the pillars once again, and lean on “the non-negotiables” centered in Christ.
A Sweetheart Deal What a sweet deal! That is the theme and the emphasis of this Christmas book. In this book, you will encounter again and again, God’s incredible offer in the unspeakable gift of His only begotten Son. When Gabriel said to Mary, “You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21), that was, and is, the sweetest deal that has been and will ever be given to sinful men and women. Luke records the esse
This will help us customize your experience to showcase the most relevant content to your age group
Please select from below
Login
Not registered?
Sign up
Already registered?
Success – Your message will goes here
We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.