Embracing an Outreaching Lifestyle
  • Unexpected Opportunity
  • Resources
  • Blog

How God Transforms and Multiplies Disciples (Insights in Prophets)

11/11/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
"All of us have wondered at times why God doesn't do more to fix our problems. But our human eyes often fail to see that God isn't rushing to change our circumstances because he is concerned with a much more serious problem - our character. While you struggle with the woes of this world, God's main occupation is preparing you for the world to come. The focus of what God is doing in your life takes place in you, not around you" (Andy Stanley). 


God transforms and multiplies disciples by removing obstacles, bringing righteousness and strength, setting captives free, destroying wrong thinking, refining His people and leading people in the right way. Through this process, people experience peace leading to multiplied disciples.

God Transforms People

God told His servant Jacob whom He chose and helped to not fear since He poured water on thirsty land and streams on dry ground. He poured out His Spirit and blessing so His descendants understood they belonged  to Him. Israel was His witness to proclaim that there was no other God or Rock than Him.  Those who made idols were blind, ignorant and shameful. The idols they treasured were worthless. Craftsmen, blacksmiths and carpenters shaped idols in the form of man in all his glory to worship them as their god. They misunderstood that a block of wood could not save them. Their heart lied to them since they could not save themselves. Israel must return to God since He redeemed and swept away their sins like a morning mist. He displayed His glory through creation. God overthrew false prophets and the learning of the wise. He fulfilled His servants' predictions. God restored the ruins in Jerusalem and Judah. He directed Cyrus as His shepherd to rebuild Jerusalem and lay the foundations of the temple (Is. 44:1-28). God displays His glory in transforming people by revealing the worthlessness of idols.

God Removes Obstacles
God used Cyrus to subdue nations and open doors. God went before Israel to level mountains, break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. He gave them riches stored in secret places so they would know the true Lord. He called them by name, bestowed a title of honor and strengthened them even though they did not acknowledge God. He showed the whole earth that there was no other god except the Lord who formed light, created darkness, brought prosperity and created disaster. God rained down righteousness so salvation would spring up. The clay cannot say to the potter, "What are you making?" or to his parents, "What have you brought to birth?" God made the earth and created mankind upon it. He raised up Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem and set His exiles free. The products of Egypt and merchandise of Cush would be theirs when people saw God was with them. The makers of idols were shamed and disgraced, but Israel would have eternal salvation without shame or disgrace (Is. 45:1-17). God removes obstacles and opens doors in providing financial resources so the world can be saved. 

God Brings Righteousness and Strength
God created the heavens and earth to be inhabited. He did not want Jacob's descendants to seek Him in vain. The righteous God and Savior called the earth to turn to Him and be saved. Every knee and tongue would bow saying that in the Lord alone was righteousness and strength. Everyone who raged against Him would be shamed, but in the Lord all Israel's descendants were found righteous and exulted (Is. 45:18-25). God enables His disciples to seek Him for  righteousness and strength. 

God Sets Captives Free
The idols of Babylon, Bel and Nebo, were unable to rescue them from the weary burden and captivity to sin. God carried, sustained and rescued Israel from birth through old age. Comparing God to riches was futile since it could not save them from their troubles. He used men to fulfill His purpose planned from the beginning of time. His righteousness was near and would not be delayed as He granted salvation and splendor to Israel (Is. 46:1-13). God works through His people to set captives free from sin.

God Destroys Wrong Thinking
Babylon would no longer be called tender, delicate or the queen of kingdoms.  God took vengeance, exposed her nakedness and uncovered her shame. He was angry with His people and gave them into Babylon's hand. They showed no mercy with Israel and even laid a heavy yoke on the aged. Babylon lounged in security not knowing that widowhood and loss of children would occur on a single day. They trusted in wickedness and were misled in their wisdom, knowledge, self-sufficiency, magic spells and sorceries. Wrong counsel wore them out. They could not, along with anyone else, save themselves from the power of the flame (Is. 47:1-15). God exposes and destroys wrong thinking and self-sufficiency. 

God Refines His People
Israel invoked God's name without truth and righteousness.
They called themselves citizens of the holy city but were stubborn like a bronze forehead. God announced new things before they happened so they could not say their idols ordained them. He tested and refined them in the furnace of affliction for His own name's sake. The Lord's chosen ally carried out His purpose against Babylon that God made successful (Is. 48:1-15). God tests and refines His people in the furnace of affliction for His name's sake.

God Leads People In Right Way
God taught Israel what was best and directed them in the way they should go. Their peace would be like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea if they listened to His commands. Their descendants would be like sand and their name maintained before God. Announce their flight from Babylon with shouts of joy saying the Lord redeemed His servant Jacob. God led Israel and made water flow from the rock in the deserts. There was no peace for the wicked (Is. 48:16-22). God leads His people in the right way to experience peace and multiply disciples. 


Ask God to transform and multiply disciples among yourself, family members and friends through the following process: 
1. God reveals His glory by revealing the worthlessness of idols
2. God removes obstacles and opens doors in providing financial resources so the world can be saved
3.  God enables His disciples to seek Him for  righteousness and strength 
4. God works through His people to set captives free from sin
5. God exposes and destroys wrong thinking and self-sufficiency
6. God tests and refines His people in the furnace of affliction for His name's sake
7. God leads His people in the right way to experience peace and multiply disciples 



0 Comments

Conversions Necessary for Proper Stewardship (Insights in Law)

10/21/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Martin Luther wrote that for proper stewardship, "there are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, mind, and the purse." Deut. 13-15 explains proper stewardship begins with loving God (conversion of the heart). It continues with confronting sin and eating healthy (conversion of the mind). It concludes with paying the firstfruits of your earnings, giving generously to the poor and showing consideration to employees (conversion of the purse). Stewardship involves surrendering time, talent and treasure to God as you spend time with Him.

Love God
Do not listen to prophet or dreamer who correctly predicted a miracle if he told people to follow other gods. This was God's test to find out whether they loved Him with all their heart and soul to obey and serve Him only. That prophet or dreamer must be put to death to purge evil among them because he preached rebellion against God who redeemed people from the land of slavery in Egypt. If close relative of friend secretly enticed people you to worship other gods, put him to death so Israel would be afraid and not do evil thing again (Deut. 13:1-11). Love God with all your heart and soul so you can pray and confront sin in your family.

Confront Sin
If wicked men led a city astray to worship other gods, investigate thoroughly, put them to death, destroy both its people and livestock and burn the plunder in the middle of the public square along with the city as a burnt offering to the Lord as a ruin forever never to be rebuilt. The Lord would turn from His anger and show mercy, compassion and increase the numbers as He promised because of obeying His commands (Deut. 13:12-18). Pray and publicly confront church and community-wide sin so God shows mercy and compassion to multiply disciples of Christ.

Eat Healthy
Forbid cutting or shaving the front of peoples' heads for the dead since they were holy and chosen by God as His treasured possession. Eat ox, sheep, goat, deer, gazelle and antelope along with animals with split hoof that chewed cud except camel, rabbit or rock badger. Do not eat pig since it was considered ceremonially unclean. Eat creatures living in water with fins and scales along with clean birds except eagle, vulture, falcon, raven, owl, gull, hawk, osprey, stork, heron and bat. Do not eat flying insects but eat any clean winged creature. Do not eat dead creatures but can give to an alien to eat or sell to a foreigner (Deut. 14:1-21). Eat healthy foods to demonstrate God's holiness as His treasured people.

Pay Firstfruits
Eat the tenth of the grain, new wine and oil that the fields and firstborn of the herds produced each year at the place God chose as a dwelling to learn reverence for His name. If the place was too far, exchange the tithe for silver to buy cattle, sheep, wine or fermented drink and eat in the presence of the Lord. Do not neglect the Levites since they had no inheritance of their own. Every three years, all the tithes of that year's produce would be stored so the Levites, aliens, fatherless and widows could eat and God bless the work of peoples' hands (Deut. 14:22-29). Pay firstfruits from your earnings to learn reverence of God and provide financially for full-time vocational workers and the needy.

Give Generously
Cancel loans to fellow Israelites or brothers every seven years to proclaim the Lord's time for canceling debts. There should be no poor among them for God richly blessed them in giving the land to possess as an inheritance if they fully obeyed all His commands. They would lend to and rule over many nations but borrow from none and none would rule over them. Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted to a poor brother, but be openhanded and freely lend whatever he needed. He could appeal to the Lord and the stingy person be found guilty of sin. God blessed the work of those who gave generously without a grudging heart. Be open-handed toward brothers and the needy even though would always be poor people in the land (Deut. 15:1-11). Give generously to the poor so God can bless the work of your hands. 

Show Consideration
Let a fellow Hebrew slave go free with many resources according to the Lord's blessing in the seventh year. God gave this command because of them being slaves and redeemed in Egypt. They took an awl and pushed it through  ear lobe into the door of slaves and maidservants who wanted to stay for life. Setting servants free should not be a hardship since their service was worth twice compared to a hired hand. As a result, God blessed their owners in everything they did (Deut. 15:12-18). Show consideration and generosity to your employees.

Surrender Time, Talent and Treasure
Set apart every firstborn male of herds and flocks. Do not put the firstborn oxen to work and do not shear the firstborn sheep but eat them in the presence of the Lord at the place God chose. A defective, lame or blind animal with a serious flaw was not sacrificed to the Lord but they ate it without the blood (Deut. 15:19-23). Surrender the best of your time, talent and treasure to God as you spend time with Him. 

Consider how you are doing in the conversion of your heart, mind and purse for proper stewardship on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest:
1. Love God with all your heart and soul so you can pray and confront sin in your family
2. Pray and publicly confront church and community-wide sin so God shows mercy and compassion to multiply disciples of Christ
3. Eat healthy foods to demonstrate God's holiness as His treasured people
4. Pay firstfruits from your earnings to learn reverence of God and provide financially for full-time vocational workers and the needy
5. Give generously to the poor so God can bless the work of your hands
6. Show consideration and generosity to your employees
7. Surrender the best of your time, talent and treasure to God as you spend time with Him
Ask God to develop your one or two lowest rated conversions related to stewardship.  

0 Comments

Replacing Fear and Anxiety with Love and Peace (Insights in NT)

12/28/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Many Christians sacrifice for Christ in their own strength. As a result, they betray Him through disobedience. Fear and anxiety and fear become the fruit. The Christian life is impossible to live. That is why divine resources are required. Christ's relationship with His Father models the dependent relationship we should have with Him through the Holy Spirit. The payoff is knowing God through His word and greater works. He wants to replace fear and anxiety with love and peace. 

Jesus loved His own to the end and knew the following: His time had come to leave the world, the Father gave all things into His hands as He came forth from God and going back to Him. Jesus washed and wiped the disciples' feet with His towel. Jesus said He would have no part with Peter when he refused having his feet washed. When Peter wanted his hands and head washed, Jesus said those bathed only needed their feet washed to be completely clean. Jesus knew the one betraying Him (John 13:1-11). Jesus proved His love by serving and cleansing His disciples.


After washing the disciples' feet, He said they were right to call Him Teacher and Lord. They were to follow Jesus' example in washing one another's feet. Just as a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one sent greater than the sender. Jesus predicted that one would betray Him so "you may believe that I am He." Those who receive Jesus also receive God who sent Him (John 13:12-20). Disciples serve others when they call Jesus Teacher and Lord.

Jesus being troubled in spirit said one would betray Him. He gave the morsel to Judas to show who would betray in answer to Peter's question. Satan entered into Judas and went out immediately at night (John 13:21-30). Disciples betray and trouble Jesus when they follow Satan.  

Jesus said God was glorified in the Son of Man. The disciples could not come where Jesus was going. He told them to love one another as He has loved them so all men would know they are His disciples (John 13:31-35). When people love one another as Christ loved them, they prove to be His disciples.

Peter asked Jesus where He was going. Jesus said Peter would deny Him three times after saying he would lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:36-38). Disciples will deny Christ if they sacrifice in their own strength. 

Believe in God for there are many dwelling places in the Father's house. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth,and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me," in answer to Thomas' question of where He was going. He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. The Father abiding in Jesus does His works since He does not speak on His own initiative. You will do greater works than Christ if ask in His name because He intercedes to the Father who is glorified in the Son. God does anything you ask in Christ's name if you love Him and keep His commandments. The Holy Spirit, as Helper and truth, will be with you forever whom the world can't receive. If anyone loves Christ, he will keep His commandments. God loves you while Christ discloses Himself and abodes with you (John 14:1-24). Dependence on the Holy Spirit through prayer leads to knowing God and doing greater works.

The Holy Spirit whom the Father sends in Christ's name  teaches and brings to your remembrance all things He said to you. Christ brings peace so you don't have to be troubled or fearful. Christ went away to the Father and will return in the future. He told them in advance so His disciples may believe and the world would know Christ loved the Father when these events occur (John 14:25-31). The Holy Spirit teaches God's word so you will believe and have peace.

Confess sin of walking in your own strength realizing that apart from Him you can do nothing. Meditate on God's love for you and then trust the Holy Spirit to impress His word upon your heart so you experience peace.


  



0 Comments

Transforming Discipleship and Mentoring Ministry (Insights in NT)

4/27/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Researcher George Barna writes that for years we have been exposing Christians to scattered, random bits of biblical knowledge in our church services and Christian education classes. They hear a principle here and read a truth there, then nod their heads in approval and feel momentarily satisfied after receiving this new insight into their faith. But within the space of just a few hours that principle or truth is lost in the busyness of their lives, because they had never been given a sufficient context and method that would enable them to analyze, categorize and utilize the principle or truth. This inability to systematically apply scriptural truth produces a spiritual superficiality or immaturity that's reflected in behavior. Luke 8 lists the ingredients for a transforming discipleship and mentoring ministry to counteract these dynamics. 

The 12 apostles were with Jesus as He proclaimed and preached the kingdom of God in various cities. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, wife of Herod's steward, Susanna and many others healed of evil spirits and sicknesses contributed to their support (served) out of their private means (Lk. 8:1-3). People served with the gospel and healed contribute financially to your ministry. 


Jesus spoke a parable of the sower who sowed seed with some falling beside road where birds ate it, other seed fell on rocky soil that withered away because it had no moisture, other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked it out and other seed fell into good soil and grew up and produced a crop 100 times as great. He who has ears to hear, let him hear (Lk. 8:4-8). Grab people's attention to hear God's word by telling compelling stories or asking provocative questions.

When disciples questioned Jesus what the parable might be, He said it had been granted to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God but others couldn't understand the parables. The seed is the word of God.  Those beside the road heard and the devil removed the word from their heart so they couldn't believe and be saved. Those on rocky soil received the word with joy, but with no firm root and temporary belief, they fell away during temptation. The seed that fell among thorns was choked with worries, riches and pleasures of this life, which brought no fruit to maturity (intended perfection or goal). Those with seed in good soil heard the word with a honest and good heart (thoughts, reasonings, understanding, will, judgment, designs, affections, love, hatred, fear, joy, sorrow and anger since these things can actually affect a man's physical heart). They held word fast spiritually and bore fruit with endurance and hope by  not surrendering to circumstances or succumbing under trial (Lk. 8:9-15). Impart thorough grounding from Scripture so people can bear fruit toward spiritual maturity. 

No one covers a lamp but puts it on a lampstand so people can see the light since everything will become evident. Whoever has, more will be given and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have shall be taken from him. Jesus said His mothers and brothers hear the word of God and do it (Lk. 8:16-21). Let your light shine as you practice the Word of God.

Jesus and His disciples got into a boat during a great storm saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Jesus rebuked the wind and the sea became calm. He said, "Where is your faith?" since they were fearful and amazed He commanded the winds and water to obey Him (Lk. 8:22-25). Provide accountability by asking whether you have faith in the storms of life.  

A Gerasene demonic cried out in a loud voice to not torment him while acknowledging Jesus as Son of the Most High God. After asking the demon for his name, Jesus gave them permission to enter the swine. When people found the man delivered and in his right mind, they became frightened and asked Jesus to leave. He told the man to describe the great things God did for him (Lk. 8:26-39). Don't let worries, riches and pleasures choke you, but share great things God is doing in your life. 

A woman with a hemorrhage for 12 years could not be healed by anyone. She touched the fringe of Jesus' cloak and her hemorrhage stopped immediately. After telling the people the reason why she touched Him and how she had been immediately healed, He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace" (Lk. 8:40-48). Those with faith and a good heart reach out to Jesus in hopeless situations and experience healing.

Jairus, a synagogue official, entreated Jesus to come to his dying daughter. After she died, someone told him his daughter died and not to trouble the Teacher anymore. Jesus heard this and said, "Do not be afraid, only believe, and she shall be made well." When they weeped over the daughter, He said, "Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep." Jesus raised her from the dead after saying, "Child, arise!" (Lk. 8:49-56). God imparts life to impossible and desperate situations.  

Here are the key ingredients in establishing a transforming discipleship and mentoring ministry:
1. Trust God to provide financially through those you serve with the Gospel
2. Use compelling stories and provocative questions to grab peoples' attention so they listen to God's word
3. Ground people in the Bible so they grow toward spiritual maturity in the likeness of Christ
4. Teach God's word so people practice and do it
5. Provide accountability by having mentors ask whether you exercise faith in a tough circumstance
6. Have individuals share great things God is doing in their lives
7. Have individuals share the reasons why and how they came to Jesus for healing and freedom in hopeless situations
8. Have individuals share how Jesus imparted life in an impossible or desperate situation

Become part of a small group where you can practice the above eight dynamics. Find a person or mentor where you can encourage each other to practice these dynamics. If you are a church leader, devise a plan where these principles can be embedded in your small group discipleship and mentoring ministry. 

0 Comments

Persecution Spurs Church Growth (Insights in Law)

4/21/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Persecution and bad government spurs church growth. But lack of relationship or contact with a certain people group causes them to be stereotyped by the ruling class. In Ex. 1, it led to unjust policies that violated God’s moral commands like killing male babies and turning Israel into slaves. However, the good news--disciples multiplied into all the cultural spheres. 

Sons of Israel were part of 70 from the loins of Jacob who came to Egypt with Jacob, although Joseph was already there. Joseph, his brothers and all that generation died. Sons of Israel were fruitful, multiplied and became exceedingly mighty so that the land was filled with them (Ex. 1:1-7). God’s plan is to multiply the earth with His disciples.

A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. Because Israel was mightier than Egypt, the king asked his people to deal wisely with them. Otherwise, Israel could unite with their enemies to fight against Egypt and then leave the land. So they appointed taskmasters to afflict Israel with hard labor to build storage cities for Pharaoh. In proportion to their affliction, Israelites multiplied, spread out and were feared. Egyptians compelled them to hard slave labor in mortar and bricks imposed in the field (Ex. 1:8-14). Persecution and hard labor allows God to multiply His people into all cultures.

Egypt’s king told Hebrew midwives to kill every son by casting them into the Nile. The midwives feared God and disobeyed the king’s command by letting the boys live. The midwives said to Pharaoh: “Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous, and they give birth before the midwife can get to them.” God was good to the midwives and the people multiplied and became mighty. Because the midwives feared God, He established families for them (Ex. 1:15-22). Fear of God enables you to establish healthy families and multiply disciples.


Fear God and trust His sovereignty to place you where you can influence others for Christ. 


0 Comments

Stop Taking Shortcuts in Making Disciples (Insights in NT)

11/8/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
Since becoming a believer, I have observed the difficulty in maintaining a balance between building up believers and reaching those outside the faith. Embracing the two Great Commandments of loving God with all our heart, mind and soul & loving our neighbor as ourselves empowers us to make disciples (Matt. 22:34-40; 28:18-20). Churches often try short-cuts by designing programs to get believers together instead of doing life together or scheduling short-term outreaches into the community apart from the hard work of developing authentic relationships motivated by the Holy Spirit through the New Covenant.

Walk in Path of New Covenant Ministry 
The events of Christ’s death and resurrection make walking in the New Covenant possible. You have the opportunity to share in His sufferings and death prior to walking in Christ's glory and resurrection (Matt. 27:28-51; 28:6-7).

Reading about the crucifixion and resurrection is both troubling and awe-inspiring. However, the key question is,  “How will you respond to these truths rooted in actual events that occurred 2,000 years ago?”

Those who have placed their trust in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection are privileged to walk in the footsteps of the original disciples in making new disciples (Matt. 28:18-20).

Process of Making Disciples
The process of making disciples begins with teaching, baptism and instruction. People need to hear the Gospel, be baptized and become  identified and incorporated into the life of the church community and learn everything that Jesus commanded leading to active participation in the Kingdom of God. Matthew illustrates equipping prospective disciples.

Discipleship Training in Context of Matthew:

1. The Sermon on the Mount: Matt. 5-7
Attitudes in responding to God's rule in the Kingdom of God

2. 
Sending of the twelve apostles: Matt. 10
How to have maximum impact in the Kingdom of God through our service and outreach in the world

3. Parables of the Kingdom: Matt. 13
Individual spiritual growth and corporate expansion of the Kingdom in the world

4.  Discipline with church body: Matt. 18
Protecting the integrity of the kingdom from impurity

5.  Olivet Discourse: Matt. 24-25
Attitude and action required to maximize our stewardship of time, talent and treasure in ministering to the least of these in our midst

Study and meditate on the above passages. How will maintain the balance between edification of believers and reaching out to not-yet believers in building the kingdom of God? What next steps is God calling you to make as an individual and as a church?

 



 



0 Comments

Blueprint for Ministry in Uncertain Times (Insights from NT)

8/10/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
My parents divorced while I was graduating from college so have some understanding of family dynamics when trouble hits a home. Not only is divorce ravaging homes, many fathers abuse their children physically and emotionally. More stress comes when people lose their jobs in a poor economy. How do we minister in this climate of uncertainty? 

If you are like me, I would rather someone else get their hands dirty instead of casting out unclean spirits and healing the sick (Matt. 10:1). The word, heal, means to serve and attend to someone whose life has been destroyed. We "heal" someone by going through the following steps in proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 10:7-8):  
1. Heal the sick. Serve the interests of those who are sick, literally powerless, weak and without strength symbolized by the paralyzed person who was raised up supernaturally from his bed (Matt. 9:1-7). Provide vocational and basic life skills training for those who are poor economically (physical health) 
2. Raise the dead. Wake people up from being dead in sin. Preach the gospel so people become new creations in Christ as they are saved from the guilt and penalty of sin symbolized when Christ raised the synogogue official's daughter from the dead (Matt. 9:18,23-26) (spiritual health)
3. Cleanse the lepers. Disciple the outcasts of society (single moms, elderly, abused, disabled immigrants, economic poor, addicted, prisoners, etc.) so they grow in their relationship with Christ and purified from enslavement to power of sin. Christ stopped a woman's bleeding after 12 years when she touched Christ's garments, which symbolizes becoming intimate with Christ through discipleship (Matt. 9:20-22) (mental health)
4. Cast out demons. For discipleship to be effective, we must address sins of the past, destructive beliefs, emotional & spiritual pain and curses & oppression symbolized by the two blind men asking for mercy from Jesus (Matt. 9:27-31) (emotional health). 

We apply a flexible strategy looking for receptive people while trusting God to meet our financial needs (Matt. 10:9-13). 

We also apply a pragmatic strategy utilizing wisdom, fleeing hostility and not taking unnecessary risks (Matt. 10: 16-39). At the same time, we continue preaching and teaching being willing to lose our life in spite of persecution since God will reward our suffering (Matt. 10:26-28, 34-39). The mission of sharing the gospel of the kingdom is "crucial, shared, sustained, complex, strategic, demanding and Jesus-shaped" [i]

Our task as disciples is to serve the humble. Those who receive our message are actually receiving Christ Himself. We will receive eternal reward if we realize it's not about us (Matt. 10:40-42). 

Which of these four points (healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers and casting out demons) most spoke to you? Where do you need to grow in your walk with Christ? How will you impart what Christ has given to someone else? 



[i]  The New American Commentary, pg. 167


0 Comments

How God Makes A Way to Fulfill Our Most Important Task

8/8/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sometimes it seems everything goes against us. People refuse to help us finish a project. Our best friend makes decisions that violate our convictions. An agreement with someone comes back to bite us. It’s tempting in times like these to withdraw, give up and pull out of the battle. In this study, we receive encouragement to continue moving in the right direction because someone fights for us.  
  

The king of Jerusalem formed an alliance with five Amorite kings to attack Gibeon. He feared Israel because they destroyed Jericho and Ai plus Gibeon was a great city with mighty men (Josh. 10:1-5). Joshua fulfilled his commitment to help Gibeon because of a prior covenant made with them.

Joshua and his valiant warriors relayed God's word to Gibeon that they would completely defeat this coalition. No need to be afraid (Josh. 10:7-8). How often do we lose heart when the going gets tough or obstacles confront our path?Joshua believed God's promise. The Lord fought for Israel and Gibeon by sending huge hailstones from heaven. More died from them than those Israel killed with the sword (Josh. 10:11). When we keep our commitments, God comes to our aid. 


Not only to God bring huge hailstones, but the sun stood still in this same battle to provide necessary daylight for Israel to defeat all their enemies (Josh. 10:12-13). Praise God for His supernatural victories in front of others so others will be encouraged to trust Him to fulfill their destinies. He can even supersede the laws of nature to assist in the spiritual battle if we call upon Him. God provides sufficient time so we can pray through to the end and see Him be victorious (Josh. 10:14). 

In Josh. 10:25, Joshua repeated a promise he heard earlier from Moses to be strong and courageous  (Josh. 1:6-7,9). In addition to prayer, meditation on the word of God is critical in being victorious  in battle (Josh. 1:8). 

Joshua and army utterly destroyed every person and left no survivor throughout the land. They captured all these kings and their lands at one time because the Lord fought for Israel (Josh. 10:28-40). For the body of Christ to take our cities from Satan's grasp, we have to be mission-focused and united in prayer.  Who are the kings in our cities? It's the philosophies that guides peoples' minds like materialism and sensuality. 


God calls the church of Jesus Christ to take peoples' thought processes captive to the obedience of Christ by teaching a Christian worldview so they follow Him (2 Cor. 10:3-5; 11:3). We do this by making disciples in every nation and cultural sphere (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15). 

In Joshua case, they captured the land from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza and from Goshen to Gibeon (Josh. 10:41). We aren't fighting these battles by ourselves because God empowers us (Josh. 10:42). 


Remember that God provides the necessary resources to defeat our spiritual enemies in making disciples, even if it means hailstones or the sun standing still (Matt. 28:18,20b;  Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8).

Application: 

1. Watch John Piper video that lasts less than 4
     minutes to motivate you to make disciples. 2. 
Memorize 2 Tim. 2:1-4.  

3. Begin praying for a disciple ("Timothy") who you
     can help grow in Christ. 

4. If possible, invite several of your friends to pray
     about finding "Timothys" so you can encourage
     and be accountable to one another.  

0 Comments

Where's The Passion?

5/22/2010

1 Comment

 
Picture
Life can beat us down! Sometimes it's three steps forward, and two steps back. My oldest son asked me to drive 90 miles to look at a truck he found on Craig's List since he lives in another state. It looked great. I drove it home to show my car mechanic. He said it had been in an accident. So the next day, I drove the truck back to where I had purchased it. Two days of work, but it helped me bond with my son and create passion in our relationship because we shared something in common. 

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were bewildered about the empty tomb. While walking on the road, a strange man asked, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" (Luke 24:13-17). Jesus makes us think by asking questions. By articulating our answers, our mind starts processing key issues so we can put things together. 

Christ then moves from the head to heart where passion resides. Not only were these two disciples ignorant of who Christ was, they were "slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." Christ then explained the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:25-27).

After they invited Christ to stay with them and He broke bread, their hearts burned within them as He opened the Scripture to them (Luke 24:28-32). Passion comes as we spend time with Christ.

Do you have passion in life? If not, search the Scriptures, listen to what Christ has to say and then spend time with Him!


1 Comment
    Picture
    Mark Pomeroy

    RSS Feed


    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

    ​Overview
    ​Sync pilot lesson 1
    Sync YouTube

    ​
    ​

    Follow syncwithgod on Twitter
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    November 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010

    Categories

    All
    1 Chronicles
    1 Corinthians
    1 John
    1 Kings
    1 Peter
    1 Samuel
    1 Thessalonians
    1 Timothy
    2 Chronicles
    2 Corinthians
    2 John
    2 Kings
    2 Peter
    2 Samuel
    2 Thessalonians
    2 Timothy
    3 John
    Abide
    Abortion
    Abundance
    Abundant Life
    Acceptance
    Accomplishment
    Accountability
    Accuracy
    Accusations
    Acts
    Addiction
    Adultery
    Adventure
    Affiction
    Affirmation
    Affliction
    Alcoholism
    Alive
    Ambassador
    Amos
    Antichrist
    Anxiety
    Apathy
    Apostasy
    Apostolic Gifts
    Appearance
    Application
    Armor Of God
    Artistic
    Asleep Spiritually
    Assignment
    Assurance
    Attacks
    Authentic
    Authorities
    Authority
    Awesome
    Balance
    Bargain
    Beauty
    Believe
    Benefits
    Betrayal
    Bible
    Biblical Illiteracy
    Biblical Worldview
    Blameless
    Bless
    Blessing
    Blessings
    Blind
    Blood
    Blood Of The Lamb
    Boast
    Bold
    Bondage
    Broken And Contrite Spirit
    Broken Heart
    Burdens
    Business
    Business Plan
    Busyness
    Calling
    Careers
    Cares
    Change
    Change Agent
    Character
    Children
    Choice
    Choices
    Chosen Instrument
    Christ
    Church
    Church Growth Strategies
    City Ministry
    City Transformation
    Clarity
    Clear Conscience
    Coach
    Colossians
    Comfort
    Comfort Zone
    Command
    Communication
    Communities
    Community
    Community Ministry
    Compassion
    Compensation
    Competence
    Complacency
    Complexity
    Complications
    Compromise
    Condemnation
    Confess
    Confession
    Confess Sin
    Confidence
    Confident
    Conflicts
    Conformity
    Confront Sins
    Confusion
    Connect
    Consequences
    Conspiracy
    Consumerism
    Contend Earnestly For Faith
    Contentment
    Control
    Convergence
    Convict
    Convictions
    Coronavirus
    Corrupted
    Cost
    Counsel
    Courageous
    Covenant
    Covet
    Craftsmanship
    Creative Media
    Creator
    Credentials
    Crime
    Crisis
    Critical Speech
    Cross
    Cross Denominational Lines
    Crown Of Glory
    Cultivating Spiritual Life
    Cultural Christianity
    Cultural Insiders
    Culturally Sensitive
    Culture
    Curses
    Cursing
    Daniel
    Deacons
    Deadness
    Death
    Debt
    Deceit
    Deception
    Decision
    Decisions
    Defraud
    Delegation
    Deliverance
    Deliverer
    Dependence
    Depression
    Descendants
    Desire
    Desolation
    Destiny
    Deuteronomy
    Development
    Dialogue
    Diligence
    Discernment
    Disciple
    Disciplemaking
    Disciples
    Discipleship
    Discipline
    Discussion
    Disease
    Disenfranchised
    Disgrace
    Disobedience
    Dissension
    Distractions
    Divisions
    Divorce
    Double-minded
    Doubt
    Dread
    Drift
    Drudgery
    Dry
    Ecclesiastes
    Economic Depression
    Edify
    Effectiveness
    Elders
    Emotions
    Empower
    Emptiness
    Encourage
    Endurance
    Enemy
    Entanglement
    Entrap
    Environment
    Ephesians
    Equip
    Esther
    Eternal Impact
    Eternal Life
    Eternal Punishment
    Eternal Reward
    Evangelism
    Evangelism And Discipleship Team
    Evangelismi
    Evil
    Exalt
    Exaltation
    Excessive Profits
    Excessive Study
    Exodus
    External
    Ezekiel
    Ezra
    Faith
    Faithful
    Faithfulness
    False Gods
    False Security
    False Self
    False Teachers
    False Teaching
    False Way
    Families
    Family Relationships
    Famine
    Fasting
    Fathers
    Father's Blessing
    Favor
    Fear
    Fear Of God
    Feedback
    Feel-good Religion
    Fellowship
    Finances
    First Love
    Fisherman
    Flesh
    Flourish
    Fool
    Forgiveness
    Foundation
    Freedom
    Free Gift
    Fresh Relationship
    Friends
    Friendship
    Fruit
    Fruitfulness
    Galatians
    Generational Sin
    Generosity
    Generous Giving
    Genesis
    Giving
    Glory
    Goal
    God-confidence
    Godliness
    Godly Foundations
    Godly Offspring
    Godly Sorrow
    God Rules
    God's Agenda
    God's Leadership
    God's Rule
    Good Friends
    Good Life
    Goodness
    Good News
    Good Works
    Gospel
    Gospel Of The Kingdom
    Gospel Workers
    Grace
    Gracious
    Gratefulness
    Gratitude
    Greater Works
    Greatness
    Great Society
    Grief
    Grieve
    Growth
    Grumble
    Guidance
    Guide
    Guilt
    Habakkuk
    Haggai
    Happiness
    Hardships
    Harmony
    Hate
    Hate Sin
    Healing
    Health
    Health-giving Service
    Heart
    Heart Test
    Hebrews
    Heir
    Hell
    High Priest
    His Design
    Holiness
    Holistic
    Holy Spirit
    Holy Spirit Power
    Homosexuality
    Honor
    Hope
    Hopeless Situation
    Hosea
    Hospitality
    House
    Human Resources
    Humble
    Humility
    Hunger
    Hurt
    Husband
    Hygiene
    Hypocrisy
    Identification
    Identity
    Identity In Christ
    Idol
    Idolatry
    Idols
    Image
    Immigration
    Immorality
    Implosion
    Impossible Situation
    Independence
    Individualistic
    Influence
    Infrastructure
    Initiative
    Injustice
    Insight
    Inspire
    Instruction
    Insubordination
    Insults
    Integrity
    Integrity Tests
    Intellectual Faith
    Intercession
    Internal
    Interpersonal
    Intimacy
    Intimidation
    Invest
    Isaiah
    Isolation
    James
    Jealousy
    Jeremiah
    Jesus
    Job
    Joel
    John
    Jonah
    Joshua
    Joy
    Jude
    Judges
    Judgment
    Judgment Seat Of Christ
    Judicial System
    Justice
    Kindness
    King
    Kingdom
    Kingdom Dominion
    Kingdom Impact
    Kingdom Ministry
    Kingdom Mission
    Kingdom Of God
    Kingdom Opportunities
    Kingdom Strategies
    Kingdom Work
    Kingship
    Knowledge
    Know Your Heart
    Lack Of Love
    Lamentations
    Law
    Leadership
    Leadership Crisis
    Least Of These
    Legacy
    Legalism
    Leviticus
    Lies
    Life
    Lifestyle
    Listen
    Living Faith
    Living Water
    Longterm Impact
    Longterm Success
    Lord's Table
    Lose Life
    Loss
    Lost
    Love
    Loved
    Love Of Money
    Lovingkindness
    Luke
    Lukewarm
    Lust
    Majestic
    Make Disciples
    Making Decisions
    Malachi
    Margin
    Mark
    Marketplace
    Marriage
    Martyr
    Mask
    Materialism
    Matthew
    Meaninglessness
    Meditate
    Men Of Peace
    Mental Capacity
    Mentoring
    Mentors
    Mercy
    Micah
    Micromanage
    Mighty Deeds
    Mindset
    Ministry
    Ministry Plan
    Miracles
    Mission
    Mistreatment
    Mocking
    Model Cities
    Money
    Moral Purity
    Moral Relativism
    Motives
    Mourning
    Multiply Disciples
    Music
    Nahum
    Name
    Narrow Way
    Need
    Neediness
    Nehemiah
    Neighbor
    Neighborhood Ministry
    Network
    New Covenant
    New Hands
    New Heart
    New Heaven And New Earth
    New Mind
    New Testament
    New Wine
    Nt
    Numbers
    Nurture
    Obadiah
    Obedience
    Obey
    Object Lesson
    Obstacles
    Offend
    Offense
    Ogd
    Older Men And Women
    Opportunities
    Oppressed
    Organize
    Othercenteredness
    Outcomes
    Overcomer
    Over-confidence
    Pain
    Parenting
    Parents
    Participate
    Partner
    Partnership
    Passion
    Pathway
    Patience
    Peace
    Peacemaker
    Perceptiveness
    Performance
    Persecution
    Perseverance
    Persevere
    Persistent
    Personal Identity
    Perspective
    Persuasiveness
    Petition
    Phiippians
    Philemon
    Philippians
    Physical Needs
    Plagues
    Plans
    Pleasure
    Political Tyranny
    Poor
    Pornography
    Possessions
    Possess Territory
    Post
    Power
    Powerlessness
    Practice
    Pragmatism
    Praise
    Prayer
    Prayer Partners
    Prayer Walking
    Preach Gospel
    Preparation
    Presence
    Presence Of God
    Pressure
    Pride
    Priest
    Priorities
    Proclaim
    Prodigal
    Productivity
    Professionalism
    Profit
    Profiteering
    Promise
    Promise Land
    Promotion
    Prophecy
    Prophesy
    Prophets
    Prosperity
    Protection
    Proverbs
    Provision
    Psalm
    Psalms
    Purity
    Purpose
    Quarrel
    Questions
    Rationalism
    Rationalization
    Reality
    Real Living
    Rebellion
    Rebuild
    Reconcile
    Reconciliation
    Redemption
    Refresh Others
    Refuge
    Reign
    Rejection
    Rejoice
    Relationship
    Relationships
    Relief
    Religious System
    Repent
    Repentance
    Rescue
    Research
    Resources
    Responsibility
    Responsible
    Rest
    Restitution
    Restoration
    Restore
    Restoring Relationships
    Resurrection
    Revelation
    Revenge
    Revenue Stream
    Revival
    Revive
    Reward
    Riches
    Right
    Righteous
    Righteousness
    Right Living
    Ritual
    Romans
    Rule
    Ruth
    Sabbath
    Sacred Assembly
    Sacrificial
    Sacrificial Death
    Safety
    Salvation
    Sanctify
    Satan
    Satisfaction
    Satisfied
    Scroll Of Remembrance
    Second Coming
    Secular
    Security
    Self Confidence
    Selfishness
    Self-made Religion
    Self-righteousness
    Self Sufficient
    Self-sufficient
    Sent
    Servant Attitude
    Serve
    Service
    Sex
    Sexual Sin
    Shame
    Share Gospel
    Shepherd
    Significance
    Signs
    Simplicity
    Sin
    Sinfulness
    Single Minded
    Single-minded
    Skillful
    Skillful Workman
    Small Groups
    Social Justice
    Song Of Solomon
    Sound Doctrine
    Sovereignty
    Sow
    Sowing
    Sowing The Word
    Speak Tenderly
    Speak Truth
    Speech
    Sphere Of Influence
    Spiritual
    Spiritual Battle
    Spiritual Defenses
    Spiritual Discipline
    Spiritual Dryness
    Spiritual Enemies
    Spiritual Fruit
    Spiritual Gifts
    Spiritual Growth
    Spiritual Harvest
    Spiritual Influence
    Spiritual Intimacy
    Spiritual Leadership
    Spiritual Leadership
    Spiritual Nourishment
    Spiritual Warfare
    Spiritual Warriors
    Spiritual Weapons
    Stability
    Stand In The Gap
    Status Quo
    Steal
    Stewardship
    Straightjacket
    Strategic Partnerships
    Strength
    Stress
    Strong
    Strongholds
    Structural Connections
    Struggles
    Study
    Submission
    Submit
    Success
    Suffering
    Supernatural
    Supernatural Transformation
    Supervision
    Surrender
    Sweet Spot
    Sync With God
    Take Up Cross
    Talents
    Teach
    Teachable
    Teaching
    Team
    Teamwork
    Technology
    Temptation
    Temptations
    Testimony
    Test Spirits
    Thanksgiving
    Theology
    Thinking
    Thirst
    Thirsty
    Throne
    Timing
    Titus
    Tongue
    Training
    Transform
    Transition
    Transparency
    Tree Of Life
    Trial
    Trials
    Tribulation
    True Justice
    True Self
    Trust
    Truth
    Unashamed
    Unbelief
    Unconditional Relationship
    Underdog
    Unforgiveness
    United Prayer
    Unity
    Vanity
    Victory
    Vindicator
    Vocation
    Volunteer Recruitment
    Volunteers
    Vows
    Wait
    Wait Patiently
    Walk
    Warfare
    Warning
    Wasted Life
    Water Of Life
    Weakness
    Wealth
    Well Being
    Well-being
    Wife
    Wisdom
    Witness
    Wonderful Counselor
    Word Of God
    Word Of Testimony
    Work
    Workaholic
    Work Environment
    Work Life Balance
    Workmen Of The Word
    Works
    World-changing Ministry
    Worldliness
    Worldly Advice
    Worldly Thinking
    World's Scorn
    Worship
    Worthless
    Wounds
    Wrath
    Young People
    Zeal
    Zechariah
    Zephaniah

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from blumenbiene, Kirt Edblom, f2 photografia