So, in honor of Ernie's teaching style...
Can I ask you a question?
"Going Forward - What Will Be Your Legacy?"
In Matthew 6:19-21 NIV Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Ernie knew that the only earthly treasures that could ever be stored up in heaven were: Believers in Christ! That is why Ernie wanted to make his Bible Studies available to all at "no cost." In developing these studies, it was not uncommon for Ernie to spend countless hours in the Word and in prayer, listening to God's direction. He is now passing on the baton for you to run with so that you too can say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV) "...I pressed on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14, NIV).
It was Ernie's hope that you would never lose your love and hunger for God. That love and hunger stayed fresh and alive in Ernie because he took Jesus at His Word and lived out Matthew 28:19 - Learners "to go and make learners." Ernie knew that the word disciple meant learner, not master teacher. So, at an early age, Ernie began as a learner to lead other learners in Bible Studies, and he continued to do so throughout his adult life to the very end. Never once considering himself a Master Teacher but a hungry learner who purposely surrounded himself with other hungry learners. The only time Cherryanna ever saw Ernie cry during his short battle with cancer was when he expressed, "I have 33 men who are hungry to know the LORD". It saddened his heart that he would no longer be there to walk with them personally. Even still, Ernie hoped they would continue where he left off, and all of them would see each other again in heaven.
Just like Ernie, God is asking you and me to rise and be a learner who leads learners too. God is not looking at your ability; God is looking at your availability and your willingness to listen to His leading humbly. You do not have to get a master's degree to lead. You just have to have a hunger to know God and His Word as you lead other hungry learners into a closer relationship with God. Ernie has provided the Bible Study Lesson material; you must show up and let God lead. The power, that secret sauce, according to Ernie, was not in his teaching ability; it was in his availability to let the Holy Spirit lead.
Click here to gain access Ernie's Bible Studies. Some of these studies were created many decades ago before Ernie had access to Microsoft Word. Thus, some of these older files were converted to Microsoft Word, so their formatting may be off. Also, Ernie at times facilitated classes created by other popular teachers like Andy Stanley, so do not be surprised if you find some materials not produced by Ernie.
