How Deep the Father's Love for Us (one of my favorites)
Written by Stuart Townsend
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That he should give his only son, to make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen one, bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon his shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: his wounds have paid my ransom
© 1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music
CCLI #1596342
Album: I Could Sing of Your Love Forever 2
We Shall Behold Him
The sky shall unfold preparing His entrance
The stars shall applaud Him
with thunders of praise
The sweet light in His eyes shall,
shall enhance those awaiting
And we shall behold Him,
then face to faceChorus
We shall behold Him (2x’s)
Face to face
in all of His glory
we shall behold Him (2x’s)
face to face,
our Savior and Lord
The angels will sound the shouts of His coming
The sleeping shall rise
from their slumbering place
And those who remain
shall be changed in a moment
We shall behold Him,
our Savior and Lord
We shall behold Him
our Savior and Lord
Savior and Lord, Jesus our Lord
Words and Music by Dottie Rambo
Friday, October 26, 2007
Behold Him, For He is The Christ
1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
BEHOLD
Beholding Christ has been on my mind and heart lately. Holy Spirit is telling me to pay attention to and to perceive, to know and to understand, to cherish and to regard, to discern and to discover, to inspect and to examine, to SEE and to LOOK upon Christ.
“Behold” is a stronger word than just “look” or “view.” It has connotations of really paying attention or giving your full and undivided attention to someone or something – no distractions. It is like “Selah” (to pause in musical terms) and the thing is that, when we behold Christ, we can put aside circumstances and have an expectation to never be disappointed. Our Lord tells us: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
He cares for us, as we pay attention to Him. We get to know Him more as we really look and seek and search for Him. We learn from Him as we behold Him. He reveals Himself to us and we know Him as we are known by Him.
APPEAR
Colossians 3:1-4
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
At his “appearing.” This, I believe, is not just a physical appearing, but also a spiritual appearing. When Christ “appears” to us and is truly made visible to our spiritual eyes…we are able to see Him clearly – His person and His work – because we are seeking those things above and not beneath (Colossians 3:1); we are not loving this world nor the things in the world (1 John 2:15); we are thinking on things eternal and not temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18). He appears, because we have “died, and [our] life is hidden in Christ.”
This, “appear” (fanerovw), means something similar to “behold.” It means:
~to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way
~to make known by teaching
~expose to view, make manifest, to show one's self, appear
~to become known, to be plainly recognized, thoroughly understood who and what one is
Ultimately, we will see our Lord face to face and we will thoroughly understand. Right now, we know in part (1 Corinthians 13:9-10). But even though we only know in part, in considering the infinite wisdom, knowledge, and plan of God, the knowledge that we gain is so far beyond our natural understanding. Our minds cannot truly comprehend, but this “knowing” Christ, as little as it really is, is truly immense! Our finite minds cannot get wrapped around God’s sovereignty and His love, mercy, wrath, and justice.
1 John 3:2-3
Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
The world does not know Christ, but we know Him. God has bestowed upon us the title and position of being His children. We don’t even know what we shall be, but we will be like Him and we shall see Him as He really is. We will worship Him throughout eternity for Who He is – because He is worthy:
Revelation 4:11
"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."
Revelation 5:12
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!"
We know Him more and more everyday even though our outward man perishes. Think about it for a while. Our flesh is corrupt, depraved, worthless, and devalued. We start dying the moment we are given (natural) life. But our inward man, halleluiah, is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). We are washed, sanctified, and justified “in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
CONSIDER
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
At the end of Hebrews 11, the writer tells us that our brethren who came before us and whose records are in Scripture, did not obtain the promise; that God “having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (Hebrews 11:40). We, however, have obtained the promise with them. They looked forward to Christ, their faith in reconciliation with God was in Christ just as ours is. We are made perfect with them in Christ. They are the witnesses whom we will join in heaven after we finish running this race.
They endured a great many things as they looked forward to the promise of the Christ. The writer says that the world was not worthy of them (Hebrews 11:38). They learned obedience through what they suffered, as Christ did, and as we shall and do (Hebrews 5:8-9). It is because of what Christ suffered, “endur[ing] the cross, despising the shame” that we are able to endure.
We are told to “consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Again, “consider” (transliterated as “analogizomai”) means “to think over, consider, ponder.” Hmmm. Selah!
Brethren, take more than a moment; take the time to savor, to meditate upon, to cherish, to discover, to ponder, to know, to SEE Christ. Consider Him…consider our Lord Jesus, the One Who was crucified and Whom God has made “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
BEHOLD
Beholding Christ has been on my mind and heart lately. Holy Spirit is telling me to pay attention to and to perceive, to know and to understand, to cherish and to regard, to discern and to discover, to inspect and to examine, to SEE and to LOOK upon Christ.
“Behold” is a stronger word than just “look” or “view.” It has connotations of really paying attention or giving your full and undivided attention to someone or something – no distractions. It is like “Selah” (to pause in musical terms) and the thing is that, when we behold Christ, we can put aside circumstances and have an expectation to never be disappointed. Our Lord tells us: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
He cares for us, as we pay attention to Him. We get to know Him more as we really look and seek and search for Him. We learn from Him as we behold Him. He reveals Himself to us and we know Him as we are known by Him.
APPEAR
Colossians 3:1-4
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
At his “appearing.” This, I believe, is not just a physical appearing, but also a spiritual appearing. When Christ “appears” to us and is truly made visible to our spiritual eyes…we are able to see Him clearly – His person and His work – because we are seeking those things above and not beneath (Colossians 3:1); we are not loving this world nor the things in the world (1 John 2:15); we are thinking on things eternal and not temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18). He appears, because we have “died, and [our] life is hidden in Christ.”
This, “appear” (fanerovw), means something similar to “behold.” It means:
~to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way
~to make known by teaching
~expose to view, make manifest, to show one's self, appear
~to become known, to be plainly recognized, thoroughly understood who and what one is
Ultimately, we will see our Lord face to face and we will thoroughly understand. Right now, we know in part (1 Corinthians 13:9-10). But even though we only know in part, in considering the infinite wisdom, knowledge, and plan of God, the knowledge that we gain is so far beyond our natural understanding. Our minds cannot truly comprehend, but this “knowing” Christ, as little as it really is, is truly immense! Our finite minds cannot get wrapped around God’s sovereignty and His love, mercy, wrath, and justice.
1 John 3:2-3
Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
The world does not know Christ, but we know Him. God has bestowed upon us the title and position of being His children. We don’t even know what we shall be, but we will be like Him and we shall see Him as He really is. We will worship Him throughout eternity for Who He is – because He is worthy:
Revelation 4:11
"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."
Revelation 5:12
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!"
We know Him more and more everyday even though our outward man perishes. Think about it for a while. Our flesh is corrupt, depraved, worthless, and devalued. We start dying the moment we are given (natural) life. But our inward man, halleluiah, is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). We are washed, sanctified, and justified “in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
CONSIDER
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
At the end of Hebrews 11, the writer tells us that our brethren who came before us and whose records are in Scripture, did not obtain the promise; that God “having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (Hebrews 11:40). We, however, have obtained the promise with them. They looked forward to Christ, their faith in reconciliation with God was in Christ just as ours is. We are made perfect with them in Christ. They are the witnesses whom we will join in heaven after we finish running this race.
They endured a great many things as they looked forward to the promise of the Christ. The writer says that the world was not worthy of them (Hebrews 11:38). They learned obedience through what they suffered, as Christ did, and as we shall and do (Hebrews 5:8-9). It is because of what Christ suffered, “endur[ing] the cross, despising the shame” that we are able to endure.
We are told to “consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Again, “consider” (transliterated as “analogizomai”) means “to think over, consider, ponder.” Hmmm. Selah!
Brethren, take more than a moment; take the time to savor, to meditate upon, to cherish, to discover, to ponder, to know, to SEE Christ. Consider Him…consider our Lord Jesus, the One Who was crucified and Whom God has made “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Thoughts, Words, Deeds
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ"
Yesterday, I had to repent. I have been so focused on other things that I have neglected study of the Word and intimacy with my Lord. It is so easy to look at and get caught in things other than Christ.
I had been feeling dryness and emptyness, yet there were people who asked me for counsel...(and listened to what I said!); yet how can I counsel with God's word? I need direction in some areas of my life and I have been waiting, but how can I wait on God if I do not wait on Him in focused prayer and study? I wanted to really study theology, but I had to examine myself as to my motives. I found that it was not a study to know the Lord more, but to be able to refute others who did not agree. That's not cool...
I was listening to "Life Verses," as sermon by Paul Washer and as he went along from Jeremiah 2:3 to 2 Corinthians 10:5, I came under conviction. I repented of give counsel without the Word of the Lord. I had not realized that I had given an opinion to someone that did not also contain concrete scriptural support - chapter and verse - although I believe it is supported by scripture. I also had to repent of neglecting so great a salvation as what has been given to me. Praise God for his grace and mercy that reined me in before I did any harm.
Fearing God...
I have to remember that I will stand before Him and give an account of every idle word spoken and of my deeds (Matthew 12:36, Romans 2:6). I want to stand before Him and hear that I was faithful to what He has given me. I want Him to be pleased with all that I do. I want Him to direct me, whether that means saying something or being silent. I want my heart to be fully His, with no desires, opinions, or actions of my own will.
For "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
So my thoughts must be under the control of His Spirit. I must not entertain any thought that sets itself against God's truth. Through His Word, I will have a renewed mind (Romans 12:2) and meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
The Lord has been showing me also who I am to be in Him. So I am trusting Him to get rid of the road rage (we have horrible traffic in the DC area) and to give me patience in my workplace and other areas. I am trusting Him to continue to remind me to come unto Him and learn of Him (Matthew 11:28-30). He has a great work to do, but I can be confident in His promise that:
"...He who has begun a good work in [me] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
So let's "...consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Hebrews 12:3). Let us "ehold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1).
And let's remember that our thoughts can lead us down a path that travels away from our Lord...
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ"
Yesterday, I had to repent. I have been so focused on other things that I have neglected study of the Word and intimacy with my Lord. It is so easy to look at and get caught in things other than Christ.
I had been feeling dryness and emptyness, yet there were people who asked me for counsel...(and listened to what I said!); yet how can I counsel with God's word? I need direction in some areas of my life and I have been waiting, but how can I wait on God if I do not wait on Him in focused prayer and study? I wanted to really study theology, but I had to examine myself as to my motives. I found that it was not a study to know the Lord more, but to be able to refute others who did not agree. That's not cool...
I was listening to "Life Verses," as sermon by Paul Washer and as he went along from Jeremiah 2:3 to 2 Corinthians 10:5, I came under conviction. I repented of give counsel without the Word of the Lord. I had not realized that I had given an opinion to someone that did not also contain concrete scriptural support - chapter and verse - although I believe it is supported by scripture. I also had to repent of neglecting so great a salvation as what has been given to me. Praise God for his grace and mercy that reined me in before I did any harm.
Fearing God...
I have to remember that I will stand before Him and give an account of every idle word spoken and of my deeds (Matthew 12:36, Romans 2:6). I want to stand before Him and hear that I was faithful to what He has given me. I want Him to be pleased with all that I do. I want Him to direct me, whether that means saying something or being silent. I want my heart to be fully His, with no desires, opinions, or actions of my own will.
For "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
So my thoughts must be under the control of His Spirit. I must not entertain any thought that sets itself against God's truth. Through His Word, I will have a renewed mind (Romans 12:2) and meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
The Lord has been showing me also who I am to be in Him. So I am trusting Him to get rid of the road rage (we have horrible traffic in the DC area) and to give me patience in my workplace and other areas. I am trusting Him to continue to remind me to come unto Him and learn of Him (Matthew 11:28-30). He has a great work to do, but I can be confident in His promise that:
"...He who has begun a good work in [me] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
So let's "...consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Hebrews 12:3). Let us "ehold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1).
And let's remember that our thoughts can lead us down a path that travels away from our Lord...
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
A Nugget from Tozer
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5)
Our Lord died an apparent failure, discredited by the leaders of established religion, rejected by society and forsaken by His friends. The man who ordered Him to the cross was the successful statesman whose hand the ambitious hack politician kissed. It took the resurrection to demonstrate how gloriously Christ had triumphed and how tragically the governor had failed.
Yet today the professed church seems to have learned nothing. We are still seeing as men see and judging after the manner of man’s judgment. How much eager-beaver religious work is done out of a carnal desire to make good. How many hours of prayer are wasted beseeching God to bless projects that are geared to the glorification of little men. How much sacred money is poured out upon men who, in spite of their tear-in-the-voice appeals, nevertheless seek only to make a fair show in the flesh.
The true Christian should turn away from all this. Especially should ministers of the gospel search their own hearts and look deep into their inner motives. No man is worthy to succeed until he is willing to fail. No man is morally worthy of success in religious activities until he is willing that the honor of succeeding should go to another if God so wills. BAM058.
"Lord, deliver us from pride. For Jesus’ sake, Amen."
(A.W. Tozer, Tozer on Christian Leadership, October 8 )
Our Lord died an apparent failure, discredited by the leaders of established religion, rejected by society and forsaken by His friends. The man who ordered Him to the cross was the successful statesman whose hand the ambitious hack politician kissed. It took the resurrection to demonstrate how gloriously Christ had triumphed and how tragically the governor had failed.
Yet today the professed church seems to have learned nothing. We are still seeing as men see and judging after the manner of man’s judgment. How much eager-beaver religious work is done out of a carnal desire to make good. How many hours of prayer are wasted beseeching God to bless projects that are geared to the glorification of little men. How much sacred money is poured out upon men who, in spite of their tear-in-the-voice appeals, nevertheless seek only to make a fair show in the flesh.
The true Christian should turn away from all this. Especially should ministers of the gospel search their own hearts and look deep into their inner motives. No man is worthy to succeed until he is willing to fail. No man is morally worthy of success in religious activities until he is willing that the honor of succeeding should go to another if God so wills. BAM058.
"Lord, deliver us from pride. For Jesus’ sake, Amen."
(A.W. Tozer, Tozer on Christian Leadership, October 8 )
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Pray for our Persecuted Brethren
Please remember to pray for our brethren who are being persecuted in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and elsewhere.
Muslims attack Africans in Nigeria
Muslims attack Africans in Nigeria
Thursday, October 4, 2007
True love for the brethren and beyond
My brother Lionel has asked about the involvement of the church in social reform. I think the way to look at it is, the brethren first, and then the world....
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10
Read his post HERE.
My comment is below. I gues this could be called an "ideal" right now. Hopefully it become a reality:
I have a small bible study in my home on Wednesdays. Last night, I read the post to my sisters and some of the comments. I had given them a heads up with scripture the day before and asked them to think about what WE can do ourselves without waiting for the “church” to do something (our place of fellowship is not in the community at all). We did a brainstorming session and here’s what we came up with:
1. Like Lecrae and Reach Life (Memphis, TN). They moved into a community not just to evangelize but to live and make disciples. They moved their whole families in, too and became involved in the community life (football team, etc.) They are living Christ before them and building them up both naturally and spiritually.
2. Open our homes to allow brothers and sisters to stay and either take care of parents in another state, go to school, get job/job skills, etc.
3. Those who know a trade and/or have own businesses should provide training to young brothers and sisters and provide jobs.
4. New Christians should be discipled and provided a place to live among other godly men and women (i.e. homes for seasoned single Christian moms and new single Christian moms, seasoned single brothers and new single brothers, etc.)
5. Elders/Pastors should open their homes to brethren (hospitality) – 1 Timothy 3
6. Leadership needs to be made aware of needs. They should be involved in the lives of the flock, not just being nosy, but being aware. They should be people who have come from among the people and who have good relationships with the people. In Acts, leaders came from within not without.
7. Pool funds and possessions to get brethren out of debt, then counsel through the word and through prayer to keep them from getting back in debt. Not stressing tithing, but stressing good stewardship and the opportunities to be a blessing to the body, because there are others who have need.
8. Instead of buying buildings for fellowship, we should meet in private homes or rented spaces. We do not need to meet collectively every week, but maybe once a month the entire local body will get together and partake of a true supper cooked by the women and also partake of communion. Every week/every other week there would be home fellowships, each with an elder. The elders meet frequently to pray and seek the Lord in His word. On the times that the entire body meets, one of the elders (it rotates or goes as the Lord has given a specific word) will give the teaching.
9. LIVE LESS THAN YOUR MEANS.
10. Live against worldly wisdom. We are told that we should have ____, ______, and ______________ by the time we’re thirty years old. Then we are told that the goal should be to retire early. We have to listen to the Spirit, not the world.
11. Contentment with what we have been given…food, clothing, shelter. Everything else may be unnecessary in the scheme of things.
12. Transparency/honesty/discernment/humility/willingness to sacrifice/no gossip/no nosiness
13. Those who have authority, who are leaders are to be trustworthy. They should demonstrate their own good stewardship amongst the body and their own generosity and humility. They should not be hungry for money or attention, but show that they are storing up treasure in heaven and not on earth.
14. Church discipline. This will be effective if the brethren are constantly in each others’ lives.
15. Yard sales, etc. Selling possessions for the benefit of all; starting up businesses with brethren for the benefit of all, etc.
16. Fasting/Prayer/Fellowship/Study on a very frequent basis, amongst the elders and amongst the people for each other and the communities being served.
17. One sister believed that government funds could be used…I and another sister disagreed. This may be a discretionary matter, but the question is: does it demonstrate a lack of faith, it is impatience that prevents waiting on God and does it excuse the brethren from stepping up?
At the end of the evening, we agreed to be more open with one another, and I had a plan for us to get second jobs to get out of debt. We are going to help each other – they will keep Brie when I need them and when each of us gets debts paid, we will then help the others until we are completely free. We have also made plans to get together with some of the brothers to fast and pray for God to work a miracle in us, so that we will truly put each other first, and deny our own selves.
Pray for us.
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10
Read his post HERE.
My comment is below. I gues this could be called an "ideal" right now. Hopefully it become a reality:
I have a small bible study in my home on Wednesdays. Last night, I read the post to my sisters and some of the comments. I had given them a heads up with scripture the day before and asked them to think about what WE can do ourselves without waiting for the “church” to do something (our place of fellowship is not in the community at all). We did a brainstorming session and here’s what we came up with:
1. Like Lecrae and Reach Life (Memphis, TN). They moved into a community not just to evangelize but to live and make disciples. They moved their whole families in, too and became involved in the community life (football team, etc.) They are living Christ before them and building them up both naturally and spiritually.
2. Open our homes to allow brothers and sisters to stay and either take care of parents in another state, go to school, get job/job skills, etc.
3. Those who know a trade and/or have own businesses should provide training to young brothers and sisters and provide jobs.
4. New Christians should be discipled and provided a place to live among other godly men and women (i.e. homes for seasoned single Christian moms and new single Christian moms, seasoned single brothers and new single brothers, etc.)
5. Elders/Pastors should open their homes to brethren (hospitality) – 1 Timothy 3
6. Leadership needs to be made aware of needs. They should be involved in the lives of the flock, not just being nosy, but being aware. They should be people who have come from among the people and who have good relationships with the people. In Acts, leaders came from within not without.
7. Pool funds and possessions to get brethren out of debt, then counsel through the word and through prayer to keep them from getting back in debt. Not stressing tithing, but stressing good stewardship and the opportunities to be a blessing to the body, because there are others who have need.
8. Instead of buying buildings for fellowship, we should meet in private homes or rented spaces. We do not need to meet collectively every week, but maybe once a month the entire local body will get together and partake of a true supper cooked by the women and also partake of communion. Every week/every other week there would be home fellowships, each with an elder. The elders meet frequently to pray and seek the Lord in His word. On the times that the entire body meets, one of the elders (it rotates or goes as the Lord has given a specific word) will give the teaching.
9. LIVE LESS THAN YOUR MEANS.
10. Live against worldly wisdom. We are told that we should have ____, ______, and ______________ by the time we’re thirty years old. Then we are told that the goal should be to retire early. We have to listen to the Spirit, not the world.
11. Contentment with what we have been given…food, clothing, shelter. Everything else may be unnecessary in the scheme of things.
12. Transparency/honesty/discernment/humility/willingness to sacrifice/no gossip/no nosiness
13. Those who have authority, who are leaders are to be trustworthy. They should demonstrate their own good stewardship amongst the body and their own generosity and humility. They should not be hungry for money or attention, but show that they are storing up treasure in heaven and not on earth.
14. Church discipline. This will be effective if the brethren are constantly in each others’ lives.
15. Yard sales, etc. Selling possessions for the benefit of all; starting up businesses with brethren for the benefit of all, etc.
16. Fasting/Prayer/Fellowship/Study on a very frequent basis, amongst the elders and amongst the people for each other and the communities being served.
17. One sister believed that government funds could be used…I and another sister disagreed. This may be a discretionary matter, but the question is: does it demonstrate a lack of faith, it is impatience that prevents waiting on God and does it excuse the brethren from stepping up?
At the end of the evening, we agreed to be more open with one another, and I had a plan for us to get second jobs to get out of debt. We are going to help each other – they will keep Brie when I need them and when each of us gets debts paid, we will then help the others until we are completely free. We have also made plans to get together with some of the brothers to fast and pray for God to work a miracle in us, so that we will truly put each other first, and deny our own selves.
Pray for us.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Pastor Dominance
Here is a posting I came across. Very interesting. I agree that the one pastor system is unbiblical. There should be a plurality of elders guarding the flock and teaching. Why go back to a "Moses" model from the Old Testament (OT), when the New Testament (NT) is a better covenant, a better way? Why would anyone want to take on the burden of being the only elder/pastor? And did you know that "pastor" appears ONCE in the NT and that "shepherd"...Ahhh. I'll let you read for yourself!
Pastor is Master, Isn't He - Part 1
Pastor is Master, Isn't He - Part 1
Titles
Do you like to be called, "Rev. Dr. ______" or "Pastor_______?" Why? Are people called by their titles, or identified by their function in the Body of Christ in the bible? Do you need to be called a specific title so you can lord over other Chrisitans (are you a Nicolaitan?)? How about being called by your name, rather than a title?
Dead Theologians seeks your insight and comments on the titles we use in Christendom. Sound off here.
Dead Theologians seeks your insight and comments on the titles we use in Christendom. Sound off here.
On Altar Calls
“With all heads bowed and all eyes closed…”
“If the Lord is speaking to you…”
“Raise your hand right now and I’ll pray for you…”
“Repeat after me this prayer: ‘Father God…’”
Have you heard these so similar lines before? Is a raised hand an indicator of the Holy Spirit’s regenerating work? Can a prayer save you? Why is it that raising your hand and/or repeating a “prayer” used in altar calls? Why do an altar call at all, especially when you have not preached the gospel?
I have a problem with altar calls. They are not found in scripture. I walked the aisle when I was eight years old at the Baptist church I grew up in. I had tears streaming down my face, and I remember the scene, specifically like it was yesterday. I can’t say what was in my heart at the time, I can’t remember that. But I know that the years after showed no evidence of a supernatural work of God in my life. There was no change; I was not a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). I also had no real desire for God. I had a desire to please my flesh.
The difference came when I was twenty-six and I heard the words of life. I humbled myself before God in a bathrobe on the floor. I didn’t go down the aisle again. I was immediately secured in knowing what He had done and I KNEW without doubt that he saved me. God had been doing a work for some time, and He gave me faith to believe; that faith came by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). I was DEAD in my trespasses and sins. Yet God in His mercy chose me to show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward [me] in Christ Jesus (Eph. 4:7). I have been saved by grace through faith, and that not of myself, lest I would boast (Eph. 4:8). I did not make a “decision” for Christ” since I did not seek Him, I did not want Him – I loved my sin and would have stayed if not for His mercy. The Bible says:
“As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one. Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have practiced deceit. The poison of asps is under their lips"; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.’”
So, why an altar call? Is it the easiest way? You then don’t have to spend time with a person, actually teaching them right doctrine about the Person of Christ and what he has done. You can just shove books at them and then go about building more monuments or doing more “church work.”
If Holy Spirit has done a work, then He will guide the person in the way to go. We shouldn’t give assurances of salvation. Too many times, people believe that they “prayed a prayer” and that’s that. The assurance will come, not in a “prayer” or in a hand raised or a nod, or some such, but through the witness of Holy Spirit inside a person and the evidence of a changed life. Let God do His work in a person and cease offering a “prayer of salvation”. Better yet, cease the altar calls altogether.
“If the Lord is speaking to you…”
“Raise your hand right now and I’ll pray for you…”
“Repeat after me this prayer: ‘Father God…’”
Have you heard these so similar lines before? Is a raised hand an indicator of the Holy Spirit’s regenerating work? Can a prayer save you? Why is it that raising your hand and/or repeating a “prayer” used in altar calls? Why do an altar call at all, especially when you have not preached the gospel?
I have a problem with altar calls. They are not found in scripture. I walked the aisle when I was eight years old at the Baptist church I grew up in. I had tears streaming down my face, and I remember the scene, specifically like it was yesterday. I can’t say what was in my heart at the time, I can’t remember that. But I know that the years after showed no evidence of a supernatural work of God in my life. There was no change; I was not a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). I also had no real desire for God. I had a desire to please my flesh.
The difference came when I was twenty-six and I heard the words of life. I humbled myself before God in a bathrobe on the floor. I didn’t go down the aisle again. I was immediately secured in knowing what He had done and I KNEW without doubt that he saved me. God had been doing a work for some time, and He gave me faith to believe; that faith came by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). I was DEAD in my trespasses and sins. Yet God in His mercy chose me to show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward [me] in Christ Jesus (Eph. 4:7). I have been saved by grace through faith, and that not of myself, lest I would boast (Eph. 4:8). I did not make a “decision” for Christ” since I did not seek Him, I did not want Him – I loved my sin and would have stayed if not for His mercy. The Bible says:
“As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one. Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have practiced deceit. The poison of asps is under their lips"; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.’”
So, why an altar call? Is it the easiest way? You then don’t have to spend time with a person, actually teaching them right doctrine about the Person of Christ and what he has done. You can just shove books at them and then go about building more monuments or doing more “church work.”
If Holy Spirit has done a work, then He will guide the person in the way to go. We shouldn’t give assurances of salvation. Too many times, people believe that they “prayed a prayer” and that’s that. The assurance will come, not in a “prayer” or in a hand raised or a nod, or some such, but through the witness of Holy Spirit inside a person and the evidence of a changed life. Let God do His work in a person and cease offering a “prayer of salvation”. Better yet, cease the altar calls altogether.
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