In Honor of my Daughters Birthday today.........."Happy Birthday Jaymie I love you" I wanted to talk about those who actually help the church grow.
1. The Suffering. I know this is strange but our church is better when people who are at their worst come. The Blind, the Lame, the Deaf. They are truly looking for love, life, and the Lord. When the suffering are not a part of our body, we have stopped being what Jesus intended. A House of people who desperately need God. (Matthew 21:13)
2. The Saved. I am not talking about someone who claims it, but contains it. Our church needs sinners who needed Jesus desperately and got Jesus Wholly because they appreciate everything truly.
3. The Servant. This is the person who willingly serves where they are needed. It does not matter to them where or what age group they are servants not managers. They just want to be a part and are willing to do whatever the church needs.
4. The Sacrificer. This person gives of themselves over and over. Financially theirs is ours, Emotionally theirs is ours, physically theirs is ours. This persons life is lived beyond themselves and for the Love of God they love others fully.
5. The Submitter. Literally, this person is for Jesus. They don't try and lead Him, control Him, and can't ignore Him. He is their God and their life is His.
The truth about these people is that they are selfless. They do what is best for others and they do this for the betterment of the ministry. There are many biblical examples of this by my favorite is the woman at the well.
She was a Sinner - Married five times and living with her current boyfriend.
She was Saved - Once she met Jesus she dropped everything.
She was a Servant - After being Saved she went right back to her home town and brought people to Jesus.
She was a Sacrificer - She dropped her pride and her pain and her water bucket for the purpose of souls.
She was a Submitter - No where will you see her trying to manipulate situations or control her destiny. Jesus was her savior and His will prevailed.
Jesus put it this way........
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Its these people who attract others to the church. Who lovingly encourage truth and honestly worship Him.
Are you a little Angel being sought by the Father for worship?
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Little Devils
Today I want to share a few things that I can see just may hinder growth in our church.
1. Holders. Those who try to control all within their realm instead of giving themselves to the needs of the church.
2. Haters. Those who are judgemental, gossips, complainers who instead of loving their hating.
3. Hiders. Those who don't get involved or maybe surface serve.
4. Handlers. Those who try to have their hands on a little bit of everything. They never really do any one thing well, but many things mediocre.
5. Headers. Always thinking about what we could do, instead of doing what were trying to do.
The truth about all of these types of people is that they are all selfish. They do what is best for themselves and yet they do this under the guise of ministry. The Best Biblical Example I could find was in Judas.
Judas claimed to be a Christian but betrayed Christ.
Judas was a Holder as He chose to take care of the money. (John 12:6) I guarantee you that Judas didn't tithe.
Judas was a Hater as He complained about the woman who poured oil on Jesus. (John 12:5-6)
Judas was a Hider as on the outside He walked with Jesus but the inside did not.
Judas was a Handler as He liked being one of the twelve. (in the know)
Judas was a Header as He never really understood the mission of Christ.
Jesus put it this way..........
John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Yes its the little devils in the church that will hinder us, but only if we let them.
Jesus promised that the gates of Hell were not going to prevail against the church and with that cry we will fight Judas's the way Jesus did.
Letting them hang themselves. (Matthew 27:5)
1. Holders. Those who try to control all within their realm instead of giving themselves to the needs of the church.
2. Haters. Those who are judgemental, gossips, complainers who instead of loving their hating.
3. Hiders. Those who don't get involved or maybe surface serve.
4. Handlers. Those who try to have their hands on a little bit of everything. They never really do any one thing well, but many things mediocre.
5. Headers. Always thinking about what we could do, instead of doing what were trying to do.
The truth about all of these types of people is that they are all selfish. They do what is best for themselves and yet they do this under the guise of ministry. The Best Biblical Example I could find was in Judas.
Judas claimed to be a Christian but betrayed Christ.
Judas was a Holder as He chose to take care of the money. (John 12:6) I guarantee you that Judas didn't tithe.
Judas was a Hater as He complained about the woman who poured oil on Jesus. (John 12:5-6)
Judas was a Hider as on the outside He walked with Jesus but the inside did not.
Judas was a Handler as He liked being one of the twelve. (in the know)
Judas was a Header as He never really understood the mission of Christ.
Jesus put it this way..........
John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Yes its the little devils in the church that will hinder us, but only if we let them.
Jesus promised that the gates of Hell were not going to prevail against the church and with that cry we will fight Judas's the way Jesus did.
Letting them hang themselves. (Matthew 27:5)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
A Letter from PRob to newLife
We will continue this discussion of Order on Thursday night at church but I wanted to mention a couple of things today.
#1 People are Hurting. All Over. Lost Jobs, Lonely Relationships, Last Opportunities. Things just don't look hopeful.
#2 People are Hating. It amazes me how much hatred there is towards others. Husbands and wives, Parents and children, Christians and non alike. People are struggling to like each other let alone love each other.
#3 People are Hindering. Even when a church tries to love people, there are those who get in the way. The judgmental Christian, the angry church member, the complaining corrector of all that is not done their way. It makes even the most loving of Christian want to quit.
But we are in no different of a day than when our Savior Jesus lived.
People were hurting then, people were hating then, and people were hindering then, but Jesus did something we need to be reminded of.
Jesus gave his life so that those hurting could be healed, those who hated feel loved, those hindering be without Excuse and hanging from that Cross Jesus cried out.......
Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
We as a church ought to have that thought in us as we minister to the hurting, hating, and hindering believing that their only hope is Jesus.
So today instead of being upset or frustrated at the pain and problems of people, try to forgive them, love them, and ignore them (the hinderers - remember the gates of hell cannot stop the church) and they will be without excuse.
Who needs your love today?
#1 People are Hurting. All Over. Lost Jobs, Lonely Relationships, Last Opportunities. Things just don't look hopeful.
#2 People are Hating. It amazes me how much hatred there is towards others. Husbands and wives, Parents and children, Christians and non alike. People are struggling to like each other let alone love each other.
#3 People are Hindering. Even when a church tries to love people, there are those who get in the way. The judgmental Christian, the angry church member, the complaining corrector of all that is not done their way. It makes even the most loving of Christian want to quit.
But we are in no different of a day than when our Savior Jesus lived.
People were hurting then, people were hating then, and people were hindering then, but Jesus did something we need to be reminded of.
Jesus gave his life so that those hurting could be healed, those who hated feel loved, those hindering be without Excuse and hanging from that Cross Jesus cried out.......
Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
We as a church ought to have that thought in us as we minister to the hurting, hating, and hindering believing that their only hope is Jesus.
So today instead of being upset or frustrated at the pain and problems of people, try to forgive them, love them, and ignore them (the hinderers - remember the gates of hell cannot stop the church) and they will be without excuse.
Who needs your love today?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Organization vs Order Part One
Last Thursday night I shared with the church a message that I believe is going to open us up to amazing things for God in regards to faith. One of those things, Order over Organization is one of the greatest of those things. And so this morning I want to talk about this a little to give a more clearer understanding.
Let me open by saying this, Organization can destroy faith, but order encourage it.
Organization in this context is mans attempt to control a God thing.
This is similar to that of religion and is seen in many faith practices.
But what organization creates is a false sense of a faith relationship hidden beneath some empty God experiences.
Order on the other hand allows for the movement of God and gives man opportunity to flow with it. With order there is no chaos. No confusion. All that is happening has purpose and even a plan. That which is natural to God occurs and we simply move with Him by faith.
Over the next few days we will explore this thought further to hopefully encourage a deeper more meaningful faith experience to those connected with newLife.
Let me open by saying this, Organization can destroy faith, but order encourage it.
Organization in this context is mans attempt to control a God thing.
This is similar to that of religion and is seen in many faith practices.
But what organization creates is a false sense of a faith relationship hidden beneath some empty God experiences.
Order on the other hand allows for the movement of God and gives man opportunity to flow with it. With order there is no chaos. No confusion. All that is happening has purpose and even a plan. That which is natural to God occurs and we simply move with Him by faith.
Over the next few days we will explore this thought further to hopefully encourage a deeper more meaningful faith experience to those connected with newLife.
Organization vs Order Part Two
In order to understand order we must understand that this order is ordered by God. (LOL)
While God is not an organized God He is clearly an ordered God.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost all are in order.
Birth, Life, and Death all are in order.
Salvation, Sanctification, and Service are all in order.
This is true with the Church as well.
Go, Baptize, Teach (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus, Pastors/Teachers, Members (Eph. 5:23, 1 Corinthians 12:29)
This order is clear as we find God continually calling for unity within the church.
(John 17:22, Philippians 2:1-2, Ephesians 4)
The church has a natural, if not Spiritual order to it.
I say all of this for one reason. Whenever an organization is changed, or loosened, it opens itself up to those who would take advantage of it. Those whose hearts are selfish and self centered that only care about using the church to their advantage who by their wolfish ways would create disorder.
Let me give you an example.
We have life groups that allow us to create atmospheres where the natural order of the things of God can take place. Prayer is more efficient through a group who is more familiar with each other, Encouragement is more readily available through a group that knows each others strengths and weaknesses, and service is easier to manage as a small group of servants who have banded together to share love with others. and one of their greatest strengths is that they are all so very different in their organization but through their order fulfill ministry effectively.
But there are those who want to do their own thing. They care little for order but care much for control. They want things done their way, in their time, at their place because its best for them. Paul called these people wolves as they take advantage of what they see as an opportunity to create disorder. If left to their natural order they will cause chaos rather than glorify Christ.
It is imperative to realize that order is a God thing that allows for forward movement within the confines of Gods plan not mans. It is our desire as a church to explore God's way while being careful to protect the Flock from those who would take advantage.
Tomorrow we will add another piece to this thought.
Have an awesome day in the Lord
While God is not an organized God He is clearly an ordered God.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost all are in order.
Birth, Life, and Death all are in order.
Salvation, Sanctification, and Service are all in order.
This is true with the Church as well.
Go, Baptize, Teach (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus, Pastors/Teachers, Members (Eph. 5:23, 1 Corinthians 12:29)
This order is clear as we find God continually calling for unity within the church.
(John 17:22, Philippians 2:1-2, Ephesians 4)
The church has a natural, if not Spiritual order to it.
I say all of this for one reason. Whenever an organization is changed, or loosened, it opens itself up to those who would take advantage of it. Those whose hearts are selfish and self centered that only care about using the church to their advantage who by their wolfish ways would create disorder.
Let me give you an example.
We have life groups that allow us to create atmospheres where the natural order of the things of God can take place. Prayer is more efficient through a group who is more familiar with each other, Encouragement is more readily available through a group that knows each others strengths and weaknesses, and service is easier to manage as a small group of servants who have banded together to share love with others. and one of their greatest strengths is that they are all so very different in their organization but through their order fulfill ministry effectively.
But there are those who want to do their own thing. They care little for order but care much for control. They want things done their way, in their time, at their place because its best for them. Paul called these people wolves as they take advantage of what they see as an opportunity to create disorder. If left to their natural order they will cause chaos rather than glorify Christ.
It is imperative to realize that order is a God thing that allows for forward movement within the confines of Gods plan not mans. It is our desire as a church to explore God's way while being careful to protect the Flock from those who would take advantage.
Tomorrow we will add another piece to this thought.
Have an awesome day in the Lord
Monday, February 6, 2012
A Letter from PRob to newLife
There are four things I want to share with you this morning.
#1 People Proclaiming their faith through Baptism never gets old and yesterday was awesome.
#2 newLife life happens in life groups. Real Relationships are being built there.
#3 The Super Bowl was a didn't for me. I didn't care who won or lost cause Yesterday was about Jesus. and by the way, He won.
#4 Sunday is going to be over the top! and the two part series after that over the top of that.
There are some amazing things happening in our church. Get engaged to be more than a spectator and become a participator.
#1 People Proclaiming their faith through Baptism never gets old and yesterday was awesome.
#2 newLife life happens in life groups. Real Relationships are being built there.
#3 The Super Bowl was a didn't for me. I didn't care who won or lost cause Yesterday was about Jesus. and by the way, He won.
#4 Sunday is going to be over the top! and the two part series after that over the top of that.
There are some amazing things happening in our church. Get engaged to be more than a spectator and become a participator.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A Push is not always a Shove
One of the hardest things as a Leader to do is lovingly motive someone to a deeper more fulfilling relationship with God and others.
This motivation is often viewed as a push and does not make people happy.
But I am not called to coddle or cuddle, I am called to lead.
And leadership dictates at times a push.
A Strong Word
A Confident Call
A Carefilled Correction
Its how Jesus led.
Its how Peter led.
Its how Paul led.
and its how every church ought to want their Pastor to lead.
Its how every wife ought to want her husband to lead.
Its how every child ought to want their fathers to lead.
Without a Pastor pushing forward, a church will often push back and that is when the shoving matches begin.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy...........
1 Timothy 1:18-20 (KJV)
8 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
and
1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Just so you know newLife, a Push is not always a Shove, its often nothing more than an attempt to encourage movement of faith in you and the Church.
Have an Awesome Day
This motivation is often viewed as a push and does not make people happy.
But I am not called to coddle or cuddle, I am called to lead.
And leadership dictates at times a push.
A Strong Word
A Confident Call
A Carefilled Correction
Its how Jesus led.
Its how Peter led.
Its how Paul led.
and its how every church ought to want their Pastor to lead.
Its how every wife ought to want her husband to lead.
Its how every child ought to want their fathers to lead.
Without a Pastor pushing forward, a church will often push back and that is when the shoving matches begin.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy...........
1 Timothy 1:18-20 (KJV)
8 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
and
1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Just so you know newLife, a Push is not always a Shove, its often nothing more than an attempt to encourage movement of faith in you and the Church.
Have an Awesome Day
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