These insights to the local church were written by Pastor Tony Morgan a few weeks back. After reading through them a few times and giving some consideration I thought I would pass them on.
These insights will be helpful to my Pastor friends and colleagues and also to laity within the church, especially those individuals that are reluctant to change and more progressive models of ministry within the church.
When churches value keeping who they have over reaching people outside the church and outside the faith, their thinking, language and actions tend to look like this:
They program for people who already attend the church.
They create environments that assume only Christ-followers will be present.
They use insider language that’s confusing to people new to the church.
They assume any growth that happens will be initiated by a heart-change outside the church rather than one inside the church.
They never stop ministries because that might offend someone inside the church.
They are slow to do something new because it might offend someone inside the church.
They think it’s a choice between “going deeper” and “reaching the lost” when it’s actually both.
They choose personal preferences over potential ministry impact.
They make decisions based on who they’ll keep rather than who they’ll reach.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Thoughts on Titus 3:1-2
This past Sunday our class was reading from Titus 3;
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Of course, just as this verse points to, we began to discuss our view of government, authorities, and politics. We began to talk about a believer's role regarding these matters and when we are to stand up, step forward and declare that "enough is enough".
In light of this, I considered this passage from Titus, Verse 2 specifically struck me, especially the words "slander", "peaceable", and "considerate".
First Paul writes that a believer is to slander no one. This speaks of our leaders and those in authority, but also of our family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors - everyone! This means no gossip, no ill talk, no lies - nothing - no slander.
But then Paul writes that we are to be peaceable. Yet this isn't always easy. There are things that really seem to get my blood boiling and things that upset me and make me downright angry. Is Paul stating that we truest need to be peaceable at all times? Weren't there times when Jesus wasn't peaceable? And, aren't there things in our culture that we are to stand for and to stand against? As believers aren't we called to speak for the rights of the oppressed and persecuted? Aren't we called to preach the Word, be salt in the world, and to be a light for the world? So, how can we do all of this and still be peaceable at all times?
See, that's where the third word comes in; "considerate". There will be things that strike us, upset us, or even upset us. And these are the moments that we must remember to be considerate. As believers we must step back, even remove ourselves from the situation for a time, to evaluate and consider the larger picture. Ask; "Am I angry because this inconveniences me or causes me some sort of personal difficulty?" or "Am I angry because this us something that God's Word speaks against and breaks His Heart?"
If your angry stems from a personal inconvenience than peaceable you must be! Pray for it and it will come. But, if yourconcerned based on an attack on God's will and His way, you must stand against the matter and peace may not be the answer. Yet here is where Paul's final statement cones in; "always to be gentle toward everyone".
Whatever the case, in peace or in conflict, we are called to be gentle. As believers we are called to be hard on sin but not harsh toward sinners.
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Of course, just as this verse points to, we began to discuss our view of government, authorities, and politics. We began to talk about a believer's role regarding these matters and when we are to stand up, step forward and declare that "enough is enough".
In light of this, I considered this passage from Titus, Verse 2 specifically struck me, especially the words "slander", "peaceable", and "considerate".
First Paul writes that a believer is to slander no one. This speaks of our leaders and those in authority, but also of our family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors - everyone! This means no gossip, no ill talk, no lies - nothing - no slander.
But then Paul writes that we are to be peaceable. Yet this isn't always easy. There are things that really seem to get my blood boiling and things that upset me and make me downright angry. Is Paul stating that we truest need to be peaceable at all times? Weren't there times when Jesus wasn't peaceable? And, aren't there things in our culture that we are to stand for and to stand against? As believers aren't we called to speak for the rights of the oppressed and persecuted? Aren't we called to preach the Word, be salt in the world, and to be a light for the world? So, how can we do all of this and still be peaceable at all times?
See, that's where the third word comes in; "considerate". There will be things that strike us, upset us, or even upset us. And these are the moments that we must remember to be considerate. As believers we must step back, even remove ourselves from the situation for a time, to evaluate and consider the larger picture. Ask; "Am I angry because this inconveniences me or causes me some sort of personal difficulty?" or "Am I angry because this us something that God's Word speaks against and breaks His Heart?"
If your angry stems from a personal inconvenience than peaceable you must be! Pray for it and it will come. But, if yourconcerned based on an attack on God's will and His way, you must stand against the matter and peace may not be the answer. Yet here is where Paul's final statement cones in; "always to be gentle toward everyone".
Whatever the case, in peace or in conflict, we are called to be gentle. As believers we are called to be hard on sin but not harsh toward sinners.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Politics Today
Yesterday I got into a discussion about politics with a couple other people at church. I try my best to avoid any sort of political discussion at church, but this one was friendly and purely motivated.
The question was raised as to why it seems that this year do many people seem to be into the election and politics in general. And it does seem to be true, even those who are not typically involved or interested in politics are wrapped up in them now, staying educated and informed.
But why? What's the big deal? I believe the reason is that the stakes are so high. There is so much to be gained and do much to be lost in this next election that suddenly everyone feels an urgency to get involved and to make sure their voice is heard.
Not only are the stakes high for us today, the stakes are high for our children, grandchildren, and for our entire nation. Therefore, we must have our vote, our opinion, and our voices heard loud and clear. We must vote!
The question was raised as to why it seems that this year do many people seem to be into the election and politics in general. And it does seem to be true, even those who are not typically involved or interested in politics are wrapped up in them now, staying educated and informed.
But why? What's the big deal? I believe the reason is that the stakes are so high. There is so much to be gained and do much to be lost in this next election that suddenly everyone feels an urgency to get involved and to make sure their voice is heard.
Not only are the stakes high for us today, the stakes are high for our children, grandchildren, and for our entire nation. Therefore, we must have our vote, our opinion, and our voices heard loud and clear. We must vote!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
We All Need Encouragement
I wrote earlier today about the power of encouraging words, how some words from Barnabas enabled Saul to fulfill The Lord's call to ministry.
We all need to hear encouraging words in order to receive the confidence and ability to make it through this life. Yet if we do not belong to a community we will not receive the encouragement needed. And, in a world filled with depression and loneliness, encouragement and community seem to be our highest need and desire.
It seems to be a vicious cycle. People are depressed and so they withdraw from community - the community of church, the community of family, the community of friends, and the community of love and fellowship. As they withdraw from community they receive less and less encouragement and they grow more depressed.
THIS IS NOT GOD'S PLAN! The only solution is to get into a community again - maybe even by force.
See, all of us - at one point or another - feel as though we are alone and we need encouragement, love, and support. And it is at these moments that we are overwhelmed with feelings of rejection - perhaps even that we are an outsider.
It is at these very moments - as we wonder why no one cares or why no one calls - that we need to consider others. It is at these very moments that we need to pick up the phone, pick up a pen, or pick up the keys, and pour some needed love and encouragement into the life of another person.
We all need to hear encouraging words in order to receive the confidence and ability to make it through this life. Yet if we do not belong to a community we will not receive the encouragement needed. And, in a world filled with depression and loneliness, encouragement and community seem to be our highest need and desire.
It seems to be a vicious cycle. People are depressed and so they withdraw from community - the community of church, the community of family, the community of friends, and the community of love and fellowship. As they withdraw from community they receive less and less encouragement and they grow more depressed.
THIS IS NOT GOD'S PLAN! The only solution is to get into a community again - maybe even by force.
See, all of us - at one point or another - feel as though we are alone and we need encouragement, love, and support. And it is at these moments that we are overwhelmed with feelings of rejection - perhaps even that we are an outsider.
It is at these very moments - as we wonder why no one cares or why no one calls - that we need to consider others. It is at these very moments that we need to pick up the phone, pick up a pen, or pick up the keys, and pour some needed love and encouragement into the life of another person.
Encouraged To Do Ministry
This morning our men's ministry director shared with us on the topic of encouragement from Acts 9:26-30;
"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus."
Many things come to mind as I read through this passage, but I'll only share a couple.
Paul had been called and equipped to do the work of The Lord, yet without the support of the disciples, he was unable to do this work. Barbaras did two things; he took Saul to the disciples, and he spoke encouraging words about him.
Because of Barnabas' words and deeds the other disciples welcomed him, listened to him, protected him, and enabled him to continue in The Lord's work.
We can learn from this. Following Barnabas' example we must bring those that have been called and equipped by The Lord and we must speak encouraging words about them to others. Following the disciples' actions we must welcome, listen, and protect those that have been called and equipped. And, in doing this we will enable others to further The Lord's ministry.
"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus."
Many things come to mind as I read through this passage, but I'll only share a couple.
Paul had been called and equipped to do the work of The Lord, yet without the support of the disciples, he was unable to do this work. Barbaras did two things; he took Saul to the disciples, and he spoke encouraging words about him.
Because of Barnabas' words and deeds the other disciples welcomed him, listened to him, protected him, and enabled him to continue in The Lord's work.
We can learn from this. Following Barnabas' example we must bring those that have been called and equipped by The Lord and we must speak encouraging words about them to others. Following the disciples' actions we must welcome, listen, and protect those that have been called and equipped. And, in doing this we will enable others to further The Lord's ministry.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Thoughts on Ephesians 5
Ephesians 5
1 Be followers [who imitate] God, therefore, as dearly loved children [who are led by the Spirit of God and are closely related to God] 2 and live a life of love [and affection], just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us [in life and death] as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity [such as lust and wrong motives, or of greed [and coveting of the things that do not belong to you], because these are improper for God’s holy people [who are called to stand out as saints among the culture you live in].
4 Nor should there be obscenity [in actions], foolish talk [such as gossip and slander] or coarse joking [about matters that do not please our Holy God], these things are out of place, but rather give thanksgiving to The Lord. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure [or unclean—in thought or life] or greedy person [who covets and lusts after things in this world] —such a man is an idolater —has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
I want to receive the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. I want to receive all that God has in store for me. I want to receive all that Jesus is preparing for me. Likewise, I want a lot of things in this world; money is tempting, power and prestige sure sound good to me. However I will not inherit any of this if I do not do away with the desires in this life and the idols of this world.
This leaves me with a choice. I can cling to the desires that come in this world —sex, money, power —I can continue to lust after the things in our culture, valuing them above my commitment to God. Or I can pass up on the idols of this world, completely focusing and committing to God —in doing this I am looking to the inheritance of the Kingdom of God and to all that God has in store for me.
See, we will all receive an inheritance —we can demand our inheritance now or we can wait for the one that Our Heavenly Father has in store for us.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Elders: Worthy of Reproof
This past week I had a great discussion with a man about a former pastor of his, particularly the way he questioned him on a matter of the local church. As we talked we began to discuss the roles of the pastor, elders, deacons, and other key leaders. It occurred to us that many Christians have been misguided into thinking that the pastor and other ministry leaders should not be questioned, and that every decision of the church should be endorsed.
So, I thought I might look to The Source and find out what The Bible has to say about such matters.
1Timothy 5; 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
So, I thought I might look to The Source and find out what The Bible has to say about such matters.
1Timothy 5; 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
God, don't wake me up!
Each night after we have read through these Bible stories we have had a brief time of discussion with some very profound questions from a three-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. But, what has struck me the most is the prayers that have followed our time of devotions and discussion.
Tonight we talked briefly about the story and ways that God may be speaking to us, we talked specifically about God speaking to us through prayer and through the Bible. Zion, my three-year-old son, followed our discussion with his prayer;
God, thank you for this day. And, God thank you for all the things we have done today. God thank you for my bed and my pillow, and Wubzzy, and thank you for Wocket in my pocket. Thank you for my chocolate milk, and Blue. And God, thank you for speaking to me. Make sure you speak to me when I am done with my prayer. And don't wait and speak to me after I go to sleep tonight and wake me up. Amen!I thank God that He has given me this time with my children. I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to share with my children. I thank God that my children are listening to His Word. I thank God that He is applying His Word to their young minds and tender hearts. I thank God that He speaks; that He speaks to me, that He speaks through me, and that He speaks to my children.
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