THE NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION WELCOMES MARK FINLEY AS NET 2008 SPEAKER

REFOCUSING OUR PRIORITIES
By Mark Finley

God’s priority is reaching lost people with the gospel. There is nothing more important to our heavenly Father. He has poured out all of heaven’s resources in the plan of salvation. Jesus – heaven’s most priceless gift – came to earth in a redemptive mission. The gospel of Luke states it in these clear, unmistakable words: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Ellen G. White adds this clarion call, “Evangelistic work, opening the scriptures to others, warning men and women what is coming upon the world, is to occupy more and still more of the time of God’s servants” (Evangelism, page 17).

When the church fails to place priority on reaching the lost, it fails in accomplishing its God appointed mission. Any church not passionate about soul winning has missed its calling. Soul winning churches are alive. Evangelistic churches are vibrant, growing, living churches. Whenever a church turns inward, focusing predominantly upon its own needs, it will begin a downward spiral toward spiritual death. In the spiritual as well as in the natural world, activity is the law of life.

In 2008, Seventh-day Adventist Churches throughout North America and around the world will have the unique opportunity via the Hope Channel to participate in Discoveries ‘08. Each meeting will be sent via satellite live from Orlando, Florida. The series will begin October 24 and continue through November 29.

Discoveries’ 08 will take you on an incredible journey through the ancient past to unlock mysteries millenniums old which speak to us in the twenty-first century. Eternal truths will leap off the pages of Scripture with a new freshness and relevance to a generation seeking answers to the deepest questions of life. Each presentation will be fully illustrated with all new graphics, presenting Bible truth with clarity and power.

During Discoveries ‘08 you will hear the best in Adventist music. Soloists and musical groups from throughout North America will inspire you with uplifting music. Throughout Discoveries ‘08 we will feature YouTube type questions so your church can be actively involved. Your members and guests will be able to video tape a question locally, post it on a web page, and listen for the answer during Discoveries ‘08 We will select questions for the following evening. Lecture outlines will be posted on the web so every church can download materials free of charge to be passed out locally.

Satellite evangelism has been a highly successful form of soul winning in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The first satellite series, “Discoveries in Prophecy,” was launched in 1995 live from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with 676 churches participate. Since that time more than 200 satellite events worldwide in 50-plus languages have resulted in over one million baptisms. But satellite evangelism is not a substitute for member involvement in witness. It is rather a focal point for involvement. There have been some satellite series in local churches which have not been successful at all. Why? The answer usually lies in a failure to prepare adequately. Someone has said it well, “If you fail to prepare, you will prepare to fail.”

Here is what you can do to be absolutely sure Discoveries ‘08 will be successful for Christ in your church:

- Develop a master plan of evangelism with your church board.
- Set aside times to earnestly pray for specific people who need to know God’s end-time message.
- Launch an active visitation program of interests and former members.
- Organize social events, concerts, picnics and other church activities to invite your guests.
- Prepare for Discoveries ‘08 just as you would if the pastor or a conference evangelist were coming to town.
- Order handbills, put up posters, place an ad in the newspaper, invite your friends and watch the Holy Spirit work.

Get involved. Plan something big for God. Don’t sit on the sidelines discussing why evangelism may not work. Roll up your sleeves and go to work for God. He will do “exceedingly, abundantly all that we ask or think,” for the glory of His name.

To register and to learn more about Discoveries ’08, visit www.Discoveries08.org or call 1-800-ACN (226)-1119.