Advancing the Cause

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In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we dive into the vital practice of evaluating your church's facilities and programs from the perspective of a first-time visitor. Often, church leaders and members are so familiar with their surroundings that they overlook small details that can significantly impact newcomers' experiences. Join us as we explore the benefits of taking a step back, walking through your church as if it's your first time, and identifying areas for improvement in hospitality, accessibility, and overall appeal. Whether it’s the signage, the children's program setup, or the layout of the worship space, this episode will provide practical tips and insights to help your church make a lasting first impression. Tune in for advice on creating an inviting environment that encourages visitors to come back and become a part of your church!

Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2084058/episodes/16550359 

Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2084058/episodes/16648637 

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 In Part 2 of Church SOS, we explore how churches can use the concept of a funnel to assess and refine their programs for greater impact. Just like a doctor’s diagnosis of a sick patient, statistical analysis can reveal strengths and highlight areas that need attention. By examining simple attendance numbers over time, church leaders can gain valuable insights into where their ministry is thriving and where thoughtful reflection, strategic adjustments, and prayerful decision-making are needed to foster growth and effectiveness.

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In Part 2 of Church SOS, we explore how churches can use the concept of a funnel to assess and refine their programs for greater impact. Just like a doctor’s diagnosis of a sick patient, statistical analysis can reveal strengths and highlight areas that need attention. By examining simple attendance numbers over time, church leaders can gain valuable insights into where their ministry is thriving and where thoughtful reflection, strategic adjustments, and prayerful decision-making are needed to foster growth and effectiveness.

Advancing the Cause is a proud member of Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org 

Learn more about IFCA at: IFCA.org

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Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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In “Church SOS,” Richard Bargas delves into the narratives of churches that have drifted from their foundational purposes, exploring how this shift has led to dwindling congregations and diminished impact. This episode uncovers the subtle signs of mission drift, the internal pressures that lead to misalignment, and the profound consequences of losing sight of the purposes that Christ has called His Church to fulfill. Listeners are invited to reflect deeply on the true role of the church and the importance of staying grounded in core values. Join us to examine what it means for a church to truly thrive and serve its community in a world of constant change.

Learn more about IFCA at: IFCA.org 

Advancing the Cause is a proud member of Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org 

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Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

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Dive into a compelling and eye-opening conversation as Dr. Richard Bargas and Paul Scharf, Church Ministries Representative for Friends of Israel, confront the alarming surge of antisemitism that is casting a shadow across the globe. In this thought-provoking episode, they unravel the roots of this age-old hatred, even seeping into unexpected places like American universities and some Christian denominations. Explore the biblical insights into antisemitism and anti-Zionism while navigating the complex tapestry of recent developments. Through vivid examples from social media, podcasts, elite colleges, and the Church, Dr. Bargas and Scharf shed light on the dark corners of this growing development. Tune in to this essential discussion to better grasp the forces at play and the urgent need for awareness and action.

Paul Scharf on SermonAudio: https://www.sermonaudio.com/broadcasters/pscharf/

Friends of Israel: http://www.foi.org


Books Mentioned: 

The Case for Zionism: Why Christians Should Support Israel:
https://a.co/d/7cU7mA4

Hitler's Cross: How the Cross Was Used to Promote the Nazi Agenda:
https://a.co/d/fwBjRge

Nazi Ecology: The Oak Sacrifice of the Judeo-Christian Worldview in the Holocaust:
https://a.co/d/9JHKil7

They Have Conspired Against You: Responding to the New Anti-Semitism:
https://amzn.asia/d/3Jj0eYQ

Forsaking Israel:
https://a.co/d/bQ5aDH6

ISRAELOLOGY: The Missing Link In Systematic Theology:
https://a.co/d/j53beK6

Israel My Glory Magazine:
https://israelmyglory.org

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Welcome to Season 3 of Advancing the Cause! In this episode, Richard Bargas shares several reasons why you might think that you don’t need to use illustrations to make your sermons and Bible studies more interesting—and how properly used illustrations not only help your listeners remember what you have taught but aid in understanding the concepts and doctrine you are trying to teach them. Need some help in this area of lesson and sermon preparation? Listen as Dr. Bargas shares from years of experience how you can improve your teaching and where you can get great illustrations that will shed light on the truth.

Learn More about IFCA: IFCA.org
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To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZGHYhuU-FmU?si=Cxi3X0JqIY9Reml8

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In this final installment of the series, Richard Bargas wraps up his mini-series on Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, with the last points on improving your preparation of Old Testament sermons and Bible lessons. Dealing practically with the text, Dr. Bargas helps guide you through any possible pitfalls as you develop a biblical sermon from the Old Testament.

Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2084058/episodes/16243761
Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2084058/episodes/16326496

Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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 In this second installment of this series, Richard Bargas moves from reasons to preach the Old Testament to sharing helpful hints to help you feel more comfortable and improve your preparation of Old Testament sermons and Bible lessons. Dealing practically with the text, Dr. Bargas helps guide you through any possible pitfalls as you develop a biblical sermon from the Old Testament

Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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 Richard Bargas discusses 8 reasons why many pastors don’t preach from the Old Testament and 7 reasons why all pastors need to make the Old Testament a regular part of the diet of teaching for the church. Some of these reasons are particular to dispensationalists who are careful to distinguish between Israel and the Church. While carefully following a consistent Literal Grammatical Historical hermeneutic (LGH), Richard Bargas wants to encourage pastors to take up the rich blessings of the Old Testament for the benefit of their congregations and their own souls.


BIBLIOGRAPHY

These books are helpful for learning more specific skills in preaching and teaching the Old Testament. Not all are dispensational, so let the reader beware.

1.        Akin, Daniel L., Bill Curtis, and Stephen Rummage. 2011. Engaging Exposition: A 3-D Approach to Preaching. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic.

2.        Davis, Dale Ralph. The Word Became Fresh: How to Preach from Old Testament Narrative Texts.Fearn: Christian Focus, 2006.

3.        Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. 2007. The Majesty of God in the Old Testament: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

4.        Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. 2003. Preaching and Teaching from the Old Testament: A Guide for the Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

5.        Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. 1981. Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

6.        Matthews, Victor Harold, Mark W. Chavalas, and John H. Walton. 2000. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Electronic ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

7.        McDill, Wayne. 2006. 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching: Second Edition, Revised and Expanded. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group.

8.        Stott, John R.W. 1982. Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

9.        Terry, Milton S. 1999. Biblical Hermeneutics: A Treatise on the Interpretation of the Old and New Testaments. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers. 

10.  Wright, Christopher J. H. 2016. How to Preach & Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth. Zondervan.

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IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas talks with his wife Wendy about the IFCA Women’s Fellowship and how IFCA exists not just for men, but to help our sisters in Christ as well. How does IFCA bless the women of the church? Through our annual convention on an international scale, but also within our local regional meetings, and within the local church. Touching on topics like how IFCA has helped churches develop women’s ministry in the local church context, how postmillennialism and the “trad wife” movement is both right and wrong, and how Titus 2 is supposed to bolster both practical ministry within the home as much as, if not more than, theological education for women. Finally, they tackle the growing trend for young pastor’s wives who have chosen to disengage from ministry at church and why this is unbiblical, and how it is often an overreaction to some churches abusing the role of a pastor’s wife.  

How to Start a Women’s Ministry (notes)- Daisy Wong: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6455103057a5064f6995a619/66d5dfadaeda790e73727dc2_Building%20a%20Women%27s%20Ministry.pdf

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Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org