Tonight we watched a (somewhat bizarre) video about forgiveness. In this video, Rob Bell makes some interesting points about forgiveness. He explains that forgiveness = freedom. When you forgive someone you are obviously giving them freedom. But the other side of this is that by setting them free you are actually setting yourself free. Another good point he makes is that if you can’t forgive someone, you are basically telling God that you don’t trust Him to ‘take care of business.’
Today’s society makes it very clear that we are supposed to get even, whatever the cost. God’s kingdom is the exact opposite, though, and that shouldn’t surprise us.
That led us to discuss the way this works, and we came up with some questions.
Deep questions…
1) If we ask for forgiveness and God forgives us, will we still be ‘held accountable’ for it?
2) If we don’t forgive someone, or if we don’t ask for forgiveness, will God forgive us?
Think about those things, look up some verses that might help, and we will discuss them in two weeks.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Be Alert and Manage Your Time
Wake up! Pay attention! Know your surroundings! Always be prepared. Sounds like we are in a battle zone or something, doesn’t it? Last week we talked about the need to be self-controlled and alert. This week we explored a few more Scriptures on that topic. Too many people wander through life half-asleep – sleeping awake, if you will. The Christian life is the opposite…purposeful God-following in all areas, 24/7. If done correctly, this life will inspire onlookers to question what it is that drives us. And when that happens, we need to be ready to give an answer that glorifies God and reveals His truth.
Numbing Agents – Sin and Distractions
One of the major ways we ruin our ability to be alert is by letting sin creep into our life. Anytime we are actively or passively pursuing sin then we are numbing ourselves to the things of God.
Sometimes our distractions don’t necessarily have to be sinful. Sometimes we simply waste our time doing things that are not meaningful and valuable. Try to identify some of those time wasters and stop doing them. Identify new blocks of time that you can put to good use, like maybe your drive time to and from work. Just like money, every minute you spend is a minute you can never get back. Spend them wisely!
Be Ready!
Be ready to explain your faith.
Be ready to fight off the enemy.
Be ready to live a thankful, joyful, prayerful life at all times.
There are a lot of Scriptures here, but they are packed with incredible stuff. Notice the extremes: Always be prepared! Always give thanks-for everything! Pray all the time! The closer we can get to that ideal, the more ready we will be to face the challenges of this life.
~~~~~~
Scripture 1 - From Last Week…1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Scripture 2 - 1 Peter 3:14-16
14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Scripture 3 - Ephesians 5:15-21
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Scripture 4 - Ephesians 6:10-18
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Scripture 5 - 1 Thessalonians 5:5-7
5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
Thought Questions
~ What does it look like to be ready ?/ What are some practical ways we can be ready?
~ How is sin the opposite of readiness?
~ Contemplate each piece of the armor. Which is the most important? Most difficult for you?
~ How do you make the most of every opportunity? Do you know what you would say if someone asked you about what makes you different?
~ What are your top 3 time-wasters?
~ What can you do to fit in more of what is truly meaningful and valuable
~ Manage your Time, Money, and Relationships – you don’t have anything else.
Numbing Agents – Sin and Distractions
One of the major ways we ruin our ability to be alert is by letting sin creep into our life. Anytime we are actively or passively pursuing sin then we are numbing ourselves to the things of God.
Sometimes our distractions don’t necessarily have to be sinful. Sometimes we simply waste our time doing things that are not meaningful and valuable. Try to identify some of those time wasters and stop doing them. Identify new blocks of time that you can put to good use, like maybe your drive time to and from work. Just like money, every minute you spend is a minute you can never get back. Spend them wisely!
Be Ready!
Be ready to explain your faith.
Be ready to fight off the enemy.
Be ready to live a thankful, joyful, prayerful life at all times.
There are a lot of Scriptures here, but they are packed with incredible stuff. Notice the extremes: Always be prepared! Always give thanks-for everything! Pray all the time! The closer we can get to that ideal, the more ready we will be to face the challenges of this life.
~~~~~~
Scripture 1 - From Last Week…1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Scripture 2 - 1 Peter 3:14-16
14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Scripture 3 - Ephesians 5:15-21
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Scripture 4 - Ephesians 6:10-18
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Scripture 5 - 1 Thessalonians 5:5-7
5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
Thought Questions
~ What does it look like to be ready ?/ What are some practical ways we can be ready?
~ How is sin the opposite of readiness?
~ Contemplate each piece of the armor. Which is the most important? Most difficult for you?
~ How do you make the most of every opportunity? Do you know what you would say if someone asked you about what makes you different?
~ What are your top 3 time-wasters?
~ What can you do to fit in more of what is truly meaningful and valuable
~ Manage your Time, Money, and Relationships – you don’t have anything else.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Leadership Characteristics 1
Humble Shepherds, Humble Sheep
From Genesis to Revelation, humility (the opposite of pride) is a key characteristic of a true follower of Christ. Both those who are leading and those who are following should walk with humility towards each other. As we learn to submit to the people in authority, that trains us how to submit to God’s authority. And we know that when we submit to God’s authority and trust Him we can lay our anxiety on Him, because He cares deeply about us.
Perhaps the stubborn, individualistic, independent streak that we Americans hold so tightly does us a disservice in our relationship to God. Perhaps we should be more trusting of spiritual authority and more willing to be wronged rather than to always protect our own rights.
Relentless Predator
And just as sheep have a shepherd that cares about them, they also have predators that want to destroy them. Peter encourages his readers to be self-controlled and alert so that they can resist the Predator. We arm ourselves with pepper spray, lock our cars, and avoid walking alone through dark alleys. In the same way, we need to be vigilant for our spiritual safety. As we live in the Spirit, read the Bible, pray, and take every thought captive we are well on our way to becoming strong, firm, and steady!
Scripture:1 Peter 5:1-10
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Thought Questions:
~ What are characteristics of a shepherd? Do you act like a shepherd to anyone?
~ What does true humility look like?
~ Why is it important for the young men to be submissive to the older men?
~ Do you live each moment of each day as if you have an enemy trying to take you out?
~ What does true humility look like?
~ Why is it hard to give up all our anxieties?
~ Do you truly believe that God cares for you?
Bonus Scriptures:
Hebrews 11:6
Matthew 6:30
2 Corinthians 10:5
From Genesis to Revelation, humility (the opposite of pride) is a key characteristic of a true follower of Christ. Both those who are leading and those who are following should walk with humility towards each other. As we learn to submit to the people in authority, that trains us how to submit to God’s authority. And we know that when we submit to God’s authority and trust Him we can lay our anxiety on Him, because He cares deeply about us.
Perhaps the stubborn, individualistic, independent streak that we Americans hold so tightly does us a disservice in our relationship to God. Perhaps we should be more trusting of spiritual authority and more willing to be wronged rather than to always protect our own rights.
Relentless Predator
And just as sheep have a shepherd that cares about them, they also have predators that want to destroy them. Peter encourages his readers to be self-controlled and alert so that they can resist the Predator. We arm ourselves with pepper spray, lock our cars, and avoid walking alone through dark alleys. In the same way, we need to be vigilant for our spiritual safety. As we live in the Spirit, read the Bible, pray, and take every thought captive we are well on our way to becoming strong, firm, and steady!
Scripture:1 Peter 5:1-10
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Thought Questions:
~ What are characteristics of a shepherd? Do you act like a shepherd to anyone?
~ What does true humility look like?
~ Why is it important for the young men to be submissive to the older men?
~ Do you live each moment of each day as if you have an enemy trying to take you out?
~ What does true humility look like?
~ Why is it hard to give up all our anxieties?
~ Do you truly believe that God cares for you?
Bonus Scriptures:
Hebrews 11:6
Matthew 6:30
2 Corinthians 10:5
Monday, October 05, 2009
Why Isn't Everyone Healed?
Q&A
This week we discussed a huge and controversial topic: God’s plan for healing in our lives. I propose that you can boil it down to this:
Question: Healing always worked for Jesus and the apostles-why doesn’t it always work for me?
Potential Answer 1: It is God’s fault.
Potential Answer 2: It is my fault.
Potential Answer 3: All of the Above.
Let’s pursue which of the answers is correct.
People have answered this question in various ways over the years. Sometimes they say, “Supernatural healing like this was only for those times-we shouldn’t expect those results today.”
Others say, “It is not necessarily God’s will that we get healed every time.”
Others will even say, “Because God ‘works all things together for the good’ then that means that He makes us sick so that we can learn from it.”
If you were to take all these reasons together, you could sum them up as “It is God’s fault.” Now, assuming that is true, there is nothing wrong with that answer. God can do whatever He wants and we should be thankful that He chose to allow any of us to live in the first place. One breath of life is a gift, so if that is all we could hope for then we should be thankful.
However, from what I read in Scriptures, I don’t believe that this is the correct answer. This post will provide a brief intro into this topic. I hope to follow with other posts that will answer these questions in more detail.
It’s Not God’s Fault!
Read these two verses:
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Matthew 8:14-17
14When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
16When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
The conclusion I might draw from this OT/NT duo is that Jesus’ life and death bought my full salvation, both physical and spiritual. Of course it is always risky to base huge doctrinal statements on two verses, so in later posts I will provide other supporting evidence. (See also the Bonus Scriptures.)
Maybe It’s My Fault
So, if it isn’t God’s fault, perhaps it is my fault when things don’t work the way they should. Sure, that sounds judgmental and depressing, but it is actually empowering and a relief. If we could figure out what I am doing wrong, then perhaps I could figure out how to do it right.
Isn’t it likely that the Perfect Man and the first generation of His followers would have been more skillful at some of the more challenging acts of faith? And perhaps if I learn from them and follow their examples then I could have similar results!
Summary
It often takes time to unwrap your mind from an entrenched idea so that you can begin to understand another viewpoint. The modern church, as a whole, looks very different from the first and second generation church in the gospels and Acts. We have many explanations of why that is. Perhaps we have been wrong.
PS: Cecil Paxton, who has way more experience at this stuff than I do, will be teaching about this topic on 10/18 at 10 and 6, and on 10/19 at 7. Come learn. See www.gcfc.net for more info.
Bonus Scriptures
Psalm 91:6-7
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
John 14:11-13
11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Hebrews 11:6
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Matthew 6:10
…your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Revelation 21:
4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
This week we discussed a huge and controversial topic: God’s plan for healing in our lives. I propose that you can boil it down to this:
Question: Healing always worked for Jesus and the apostles-why doesn’t it always work for me?
Potential Answer 1: It is God’s fault.
Potential Answer 2: It is my fault.
Potential Answer 3: All of the Above.
Let’s pursue which of the answers is correct.
People have answered this question in various ways over the years. Sometimes they say, “Supernatural healing like this was only for those times-we shouldn’t expect those results today.”
Others say, “It is not necessarily God’s will that we get healed every time.”
Others will even say, “Because God ‘works all things together for the good’ then that means that He makes us sick so that we can learn from it.”
If you were to take all these reasons together, you could sum them up as “It is God’s fault.” Now, assuming that is true, there is nothing wrong with that answer. God can do whatever He wants and we should be thankful that He chose to allow any of us to live in the first place. One breath of life is a gift, so if that is all we could hope for then we should be thankful.
However, from what I read in Scriptures, I don’t believe that this is the correct answer. This post will provide a brief intro into this topic. I hope to follow with other posts that will answer these questions in more detail.
It’s Not God’s Fault!
Read these two verses:
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Matthew 8:14-17
14When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
16When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
The conclusion I might draw from this OT/NT duo is that Jesus’ life and death bought my full salvation, both physical and spiritual. Of course it is always risky to base huge doctrinal statements on two verses, so in later posts I will provide other supporting evidence. (See also the Bonus Scriptures.)
Maybe It’s My Fault
So, if it isn’t God’s fault, perhaps it is my fault when things don’t work the way they should. Sure, that sounds judgmental and depressing, but it is actually empowering and a relief. If we could figure out what I am doing wrong, then perhaps I could figure out how to do it right.
Isn’t it likely that the Perfect Man and the first generation of His followers would have been more skillful at some of the more challenging acts of faith? And perhaps if I learn from them and follow their examples then I could have similar results!
Summary
It often takes time to unwrap your mind from an entrenched idea so that you can begin to understand another viewpoint. The modern church, as a whole, looks very different from the first and second generation church in the gospels and Acts. We have many explanations of why that is. Perhaps we have been wrong.
PS: Cecil Paxton, who has way more experience at this stuff than I do, will be teaching about this topic on 10/18 at 10 and 6, and on 10/19 at 7. Come learn. See www.gcfc.net for more info.
Bonus Scriptures
Psalm 91:6-7
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
John 14:11-13
11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Hebrews 11:6
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Matthew 6:10
…your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Revelation 21:
4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Master's Plan, Part 4: Purposeful Relationships
Secret Mission, not Self-Help Session
Jesus chose His disciples, showed them servant leadership, invested in them, challenged them, gave them the perfect example, and introduced them to the Powerful Spirit. After doing all this He did not just allow them to go on with their lives as new and improved people. No, he sent them out to do His work. What was that work, you might ask?
First Scripture: Luke 9:1-2
And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
1) Get the word out about God’s new world order (aka Kingdom)
2) Alleviate people’s suffering
And, not surprisingly, they met with fantastic success. (Find out next week why they were successful and why we sometimes are not…)
Then after His death and triumphant resurrection, He tacked on one more task: Make Disciples.
Second Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20
19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Discipleship Defined
“Disciple” is a thoroughly Christianized word – even my three-year-old knows what a disciple is. But do we actually understand what that means? More specifically, do we understand how to do it? How do we make that huge leap from Jesus-follower to Disciple-Maker? In our discussion last night we really got to the heart of it – you can go ‘make a disciple’ if you have a relationship with a purpose.
We talked about how it is almost like raising kids – my kids are totally dependent on me and I spend a lot of time and energy training them. Jesus gave us a good example of how He laid out His daily life to build relationships with a purpose.
Simple (not easy) Steps:
Live differently and walk the walk
Take time for people
Get to know them
Love and care for them just as dutifully as we love and care for ourselves
Call to Action
In keeping with Jesus’ example, the point of this blog is not to help us become better people. The point is to call us to action.
Where, or to whom, has God sent you? How will you reach them? What will you do today that will support this mission, or should I say, The Mission?
Discipleship: Purposeful Relationships Perfected
Jesus didn’t call us to stay. He called us to go! And when we go to make disciples, we go with his authority and power.
Extra Credit:
First Scripture:
Luke 9:1-6 and 10:17-20
1 And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
3And He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. 4"Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. 5"And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." 6Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.… 17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." 18And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20"Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."
Second Scripture
Matthew 28:18-20
18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Bonus Scripture:
Acts 1:4-7
4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus chose His disciples, showed them servant leadership, invested in them, challenged them, gave them the perfect example, and introduced them to the Powerful Spirit. After doing all this He did not just allow them to go on with their lives as new and improved people. No, he sent them out to do His work. What was that work, you might ask?
First Scripture: Luke 9:1-2
And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
1) Get the word out about God’s new world order (aka Kingdom)
2) Alleviate people’s suffering
And, not surprisingly, they met with fantastic success. (Find out next week why they were successful and why we sometimes are not…)
Then after His death and triumphant resurrection, He tacked on one more task: Make Disciples.
Second Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20
19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Discipleship Defined
“Disciple” is a thoroughly Christianized word – even my three-year-old knows what a disciple is. But do we actually understand what that means? More specifically, do we understand how to do it? How do we make that huge leap from Jesus-follower to Disciple-Maker? In our discussion last night we really got to the heart of it – you can go ‘make a disciple’ if you have a relationship with a purpose.
We talked about how it is almost like raising kids – my kids are totally dependent on me and I spend a lot of time and energy training them. Jesus gave us a good example of how He laid out His daily life to build relationships with a purpose.
Simple (not easy) Steps:
Live differently and walk the walk
Take time for people
Get to know them
Love and care for them just as dutifully as we love and care for ourselves
Call to Action
In keeping with Jesus’ example, the point of this blog is not to help us become better people. The point is to call us to action.
Where, or to whom, has God sent you? How will you reach them? What will you do today that will support this mission, or should I say, The Mission?
Discipleship: Purposeful Relationships Perfected
Jesus didn’t call us to stay. He called us to go! And when we go to make disciples, we go with his authority and power.
Extra Credit:
First Scripture:
Luke 9:1-6 and 10:17-20
1 And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
3And He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. 4"Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. 5"And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." 6Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.… 17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." 18And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20"Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."
Second Scripture
Matthew 28:18-20
18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Bonus Scripture:
Acts 1:4-7
4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Power
More about The Power
Last week we talked about how Christ was The Example, and when He left He was going to send the Spirit to be The Power. Jesus gave his disciples some advice about the Spirit and what the Spirit would do for them. It is clear that Jesus felt that this was very important, so we too should pay close attention to His words.
First Scripture:
John 16:5-15
"But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?'
"But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.
Questions about The Spirit:
Q: How is the Spirit our ‘helper?’ What is the purpose of the Spirit?
--Gives the fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, self-control
--Provides ‘parental guidance.’ We can ask for advice, permission, and ideas about what we should do.
-- Gets us out of a bind by telling us what to do.
--Reveals things to us
--Gives us courage and comfort.
--Prays for us when we don’t know the words
--Knows the mind/will of God
--Teaches us
--Deposit in our hearts as a pledge
Q: Why did Jesus have to leave the disciples in order for the Spirit to come?
--Jesus had to die and rise to provide the good news for the Spirit to proclaim
--God loves to use a process to accomplish His work. Think about creation.
Q:Why does the Spirit seem to come and go, or be more active in certain places (like Africa)?
We discussed how the Spirit is always working and always ready to work. It is true that sometimes there is an extra outpouring of the Spirit, but that is usually due to our issues, not His. So why does the Spirit work mighty miracles in places like Africa? Well, for one thing, He does work mightily here in the good old U.S. of A, there is no doubt about that. But, it is a good point that revivals often occur in very dark places. Part of that is probably because God works with people who are humble. He also works with people who have faith, and who are not weighed down by unbelief. Sometimes those of us in the US find ourselves thinking that we don’t really have any needs, and the Bible says that worries and wealth can choke out the gospel. (Matthew 13:22)
Bottom Line:
Because of the Spirit, Jesus’ words can apply to us:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Extra Credit:
Brief Overview of the gifts of the Spirit: Here or Here
All the New Testament verses that contain the word "Spirit" Here or Here
Saturday, September 05, 2009
The Master's Plan, Part 2...
The Example and The Power
Jesus gave the disciples (and us) a perfect example of how to live this life. In so doing, He gave up everything He had and poured out His life like an offering. He finished pouring Himself out by giving His Spirit to them. This allowed them to carry on effectively, and today the Spirit still gives us what we need to accomplish even more than Jesus did.
He showed the disciples many things:
How to pray
The importance of Scripture
He was selflessness
He had compassion for the lost and a passion for truth
Patience – he told them and retold them and told them again!
Always forgave.
Denied his flesh
Submitted to God’s will 100%
He was at peace and calm – He knew that everything would work out.
Loved His enemies
Above all, Jesus showed everyone how to love. His life was the perfect example of how to love God and love people.
=============Take Home Message=============
Jesus gave the disciples (and us) a perfect example of how to live this life. In so doing, He gave up everything He had and poured out His life like an offering. He finished pouring Himself out by giving His Spirit to them. This allowed them to carry on effectively, and today the Spirit still gives us what we need to accomplish even more than Jesus did.
He showed the disciples many things:
How to pray
The importance of Scripture
He was selflessness
He had compassion for the lost and a passion for truth
Patience – he told them and retold them and told them again!
Always forgave.
Denied his flesh
Submitted to God’s will 100%
He was at peace and calm – He knew that everything would work out.
Loved His enemies
Above all, Jesus showed everyone how to love. His life was the perfect example of how to love God and love people.
=============Take Home Message=============
- Jesus lived His life to be the perfect example for us. What do we need to do differently to follow that example? How do we help others follow that example?
- How does our example affect people in our family, at school, at work, etc?
- Do you love God? If so, how do you demonstrate it? How do you prove it? How do you know it?
- Challenge: Read John 13-17 this week. Savor Jesus’ last words to His disciples, His friends
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