When I think of mentors, I actually think of some who were not officially in that relationship, but of some who had great influences on my life.
The first that comes to mind was my pastor from the thime I was about five years old until I was about 19. His name was Vernell Clark. He was a bivocational minister. One of the things I remember most about him was his sense of humor. Just the stability of having the same pastor over those 14 or 15 years was a great influence on my life. He, along with my wife's pastor, officiated at our wedding. Because of his modeling, I could see myself being in ministry.
The second is Rev. Edward G. Stewart. He was a pastor of a congregation that had an attendance of somewhere around a hundred on Sunday mornings. He was close to sixty years old when he accepted the call to preach. The church I met him at was his first pastorate. He had a vision for a Christian school. A few years before I showed up, he had a representative make a presentation to the church, but there was no interest at that time. Later, though, he had the representative come again, and this time the church was ready. I came to the church when I was twenty-six years old. I became the principal of the Christian school and was the supervisor for the (at that time, very innovative) individualized learning program. A year later, I became the associate pastor. Bro. Stewart appeared to be stern to those who did not know him well. I spent a lot of time with him and saw his wonderful sense of humor. I learned from him to be careful about being too far ahead of your congregation. When the Lord gives you a vision, let Him have time to reveal it to others. Educate, inspire, be patient but don't give up. I also learned the value of hard work. He also was a great servant of the Lord. We spent a lot of time visiting and presenting the Gospel to others. I learned the value of a great relationship between the associate pastor and pastor. I think he had the feeling that anything he wanted (as long as it was not immoral--this was not cultic) I would be willing to help bring about. Because he had that security, he, in turn gave me great liberty in making decisions about running the school.
A third was Dr. Bob Griffin. Technically, he was my boss, but we approached our ministry as co-workers. We just had a good time together. Jake, in our group, could probably understand that because Bob is Josh Griffin's dad. We worked together in shaping and developing a Bible-college ministry.
May the Lord bless you with good mentors in your spiritual journey.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A Mentoring Relationship
In the course I am teaching for Rockbridge Seminary, one of the requirements is develop a relationship with a mentor. I was surprised at how we could build community online when I took the faculty orientation course. Having been through two courses here, I see the same thing happening. I feel like I know Sean and Tyler well even though our face-to-face meetings have probably been less than our online interaction.
One of the opportunities Rockbridge students have to include even more of the "human element" in their experience is to utilize well the requirement to have a mentor as part of their course. The mentor should be in full-time ministry or retired from full-time ministry and should be available to have at least some form of weekly contact (in person, by phone and/or by email). The mentor may be in the student's church, a ministry leader in another congregation nearby, or in another city. If your mentor is indeed in your church or local area, then you can have the face-to-face interaction that can be encouraging to you. Others will have to even a distance relationship with their mentors.
Randy Bennett, our lead teacher this term, gives this advice to those of us who are teaching individual courses: "I've started alerting my students early on that scheduling an appointment with their mentor at the close of the course has been one of the biggest challenges the students face. In this day and age of world wide mission trips, many of the students find that their mentors are half way across the globe just when they need their final report. I encourage them to take a close look at the final four weeks of the course when most of the challenging assignments are due and adjust their calendars as necessary."
That is something to take into account. Will the mentor (for Rockbridge students) be available at the end in such a way for them to get and submit their final report?
I haven't got it figured out exactly how to do this, but I think it would be helpful for our Preachers Meeting participants. Our monthly meetings do add a practical and human element, but to have a mentor, such as your pastor be able to interact with you about your course on a weekly basis (or at least a couple of times a month) would be helpful.
Tyler, Sean, and Ben, What do you think?
One of the opportunities Rockbridge students have to include even more of the "human element" in their experience is to utilize well the requirement to have a mentor as part of their course. The mentor should be in full-time ministry or retired from full-time ministry and should be available to have at least some form of weekly contact (in person, by phone and/or by email). The mentor may be in the student's church, a ministry leader in another congregation nearby, or in another city. If your mentor is indeed in your church or local area, then you can have the face-to-face interaction that can be encouraging to you. Others will have to even a distance relationship with their mentors.
Randy Bennett, our lead teacher this term, gives this advice to those of us who are teaching individual courses: "I've started alerting my students early on that scheduling an appointment with their mentor at the close of the course has been one of the biggest challenges the students face. In this day and age of world wide mission trips, many of the students find that their mentors are half way across the globe just when they need their final report. I encourage them to take a close look at the final four weeks of the course when most of the challenging assignments are due and adjust their calendars as necessary."
That is something to take into account. Will the mentor (for Rockbridge students) be available at the end in such a way for them to get and submit their final report?
I haven't got it figured out exactly how to do this, but I think it would be helpful for our Preachers Meeting participants. Our monthly meetings do add a practical and human element, but to have a mentor, such as your pastor be able to interact with you about your course on a weekly basis (or at least a couple of times a month) would be helpful.
Tyler, Sean, and Ben, What do you think?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Theology and Practice of Ministry
Hello Everyone,
For the next 8 weeks, I will be teaching the course, The Theology and Practice of Ministry for Rockbridge Seminary. I will come here and share some highlights along the way.
The folowing comments may help us all in our ministry: "Welcome to the Theology and Practice of Ministry. I pray the Lord will bless you as you go through the course material. There is an exciting component to this study that could revolutionize an existing church. The members of the congregation become the ministers, and we become the equippers. Properly implemented, we could witness the exciting sponteous expansion of the church.
"One caution is in order. If you get excited about the material in this course, remember that the members of your congregation have not been immersed in the priniciples as you have. Change is often difficult, and sometimes frightening, for many people.
"As pastors and church leaders, we often are given the ability to see far ahead. The challenge for us is to be patient as we educate about the value of our (hopefully God-given) vision."
May the Lord gives us all wisdom about the timing of introducing and implementing vision.
What insights do you have about how to implement change in an existing situation?
For the next 8 weeks, I will be teaching the course, The Theology and Practice of Ministry for Rockbridge Seminary. I will come here and share some highlights along the way.
The folowing comments may help us all in our ministry: "Welcome to the Theology and Practice of Ministry. I pray the Lord will bless you as you go through the course material. There is an exciting component to this study that could revolutionize an existing church. The members of the congregation become the ministers, and we become the equippers. Properly implemented, we could witness the exciting sponteous expansion of the church.
"One caution is in order. If you get excited about the material in this course, remember that the members of your congregation have not been immersed in the priniciples as you have. Change is often difficult, and sometimes frightening, for many people.
"As pastors and church leaders, we often are given the ability to see far ahead. The challenge for us is to be patient as we educate about the value of our (hopefully God-given) vision."
May the Lord gives us all wisdom about the timing of introducing and implementing vision.
What insights do you have about how to implement change in an existing situation?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
New Comments
I am reprinting some earlier comments in response to one of the posts about baptism:
Here is the first one:
Good Morning, I hope your Baptism's went well, we had rain at our house yesterday, but all in all it was a nice day. I love baptism services, they usually preach the message that day. Also, I dont thing we're having our next preachers meeting until the end of Sept. Is that correct?
(From Sean Emery)
Here is the second one:
I had the wonderful opportunity to be baptised in the river Jordan a few years back while visiting the Holy Land. Wow what an experience that will forever be dear to my heart. But I am with Randy on this one there are so many that lay their lives on the line for Christ. I am encouraged by their stand that we too can make a stand in our everyday life.
(From Rev. Ben Eldridge)
Hey, Ben,
It's good to have you come out of the shadows. I pray that all goes well with you in your ministry.
Tyler, I heard that you filled in for Kevin McNeely while he was participating in Andy Lee's ordination service. Did it go well?
Do either you or Sean have any questions for Ben?
I think you are right, Sean, about the next preacher's meeting being in September.
Here is the first one:
Good Morning, I hope your Baptism's went well, we had rain at our house yesterday, but all in all it was a nice day. I love baptism services, they usually preach the message that day. Also, I dont thing we're having our next preachers meeting until the end of Sept. Is that correct?
(From Sean Emery)
Here is the second one:
I had the wonderful opportunity to be baptised in the river Jordan a few years back while visiting the Holy Land. Wow what an experience that will forever be dear to my heart. But I am with Randy on this one there are so many that lay their lives on the line for Christ. I am encouraged by their stand that we too can make a stand in our everyday life.
(From Rev. Ben Eldridge)
Hey, Ben,
It's good to have you come out of the shadows. I pray that all goes well with you in your ministry.
Tyler, I heard that you filled in for Kevin McNeely while he was participating in Andy Lee's ordination service. Did it go well?
Do either you or Sean have any questions for Ben?
I think you are right, Sean, about the next preacher's meeting being in September.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Spiritual Dryness
Sean, I am reprinting your comment here to be a help to others:
"I've struggled with spiritual dryness. I think the hardest times to stay close to God is when nothings going on. Its the true test. I would have to say the most obvious time God has shown up big is when I was diagnosed with cancer. I'm glad I'm at a point now that I can look back and see how God can work. I felt close to Him because I was in trouble. But I'm not now, I dont pray to Him like I did then. I was ashamed of this but I believe there's times for that kind of praying and now I pray a little different. I'll find myself thinking about how in the Bible, it gives us stories of some faith heroes. But its not a diary of their everyday life, I'm sure they must have felt spiritual dryness. But when they needed God, He was there. All in all, I'm thankful for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, VBS, Camp Jericho, and Homecoming. These times with church and family help. The other times when trouble comes, I'm resolved with being glad I can go to a God who will be there."
The everyday Christian life is not always on the upswing. Maybe that's partly why we are called disiples--it takes discipline, and dicipline is not always exciting. The fruits, of discipline, however, are very exciting!
"I've struggled with spiritual dryness. I think the hardest times to stay close to God is when nothings going on. Its the true test. I would have to say the most obvious time God has shown up big is when I was diagnosed with cancer. I'm glad I'm at a point now that I can look back and see how God can work. I felt close to Him because I was in trouble. But I'm not now, I dont pray to Him like I did then. I was ashamed of this but I believe there's times for that kind of praying and now I pray a little different. I'll find myself thinking about how in the Bible, it gives us stories of some faith heroes. But its not a diary of their everyday life, I'm sure they must have felt spiritual dryness. But when they needed God, He was there. All in all, I'm thankful for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, VBS, Camp Jericho, and Homecoming. These times with church and family help. The other times when trouble comes, I'm resolved with being glad I can go to a God who will be there."
The everyday Christian life is not always on the upswing. Maybe that's partly why we are called disiples--it takes discipline, and dicipline is not always exciting. The fruits, of discipline, however, are very exciting!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Unusual Times of Refreshing
We have been having unusually beautiful weather for August. At least in my opinion it has been nice. Maybe you prefer it a little hotter. While I think my favorite times of the year for Southern Illinois are late spring and early fall, I do like living in a area that has four definite seasons. The variety is great.
We have seasons in our lives. I even see churches experiencing cycles. Most of the time if you hang on during a low time, you will see another great time come in the church again. (Of course there are a lot of factors that could prevent such from happening.)
In our spiritual lives we experience times of dryness, discouragement, and REFRESHING. I am thankful for those unusual times of refreshing. Sometimes they come during revival meetings. Sometimes they come during regularly scheduled church services. Sometimes they come during times of private prayer. Whenever they come, aren't you extremely grateful?
I mentioned earlier that last Sunday, we would probably have several come to be baptized. We had a nice surprise that morning when our church attendance was 101. That may not seem like much for many who are reading this, but it is good for us. We have had more than 100 on several occasions, but we always had a goal planned for those days. This time, no goal was set. All those folks just showed up. We were having a picnic afterwards, and I'm sure that enticed some, but still it was a refreshing surprise.
I also knew that we had several who could be baptized because of the recent numbers of professions of faith that we witnessed. Still, I usually ask those who could be baptized if they were indeed planning on doing so. This time I did not.
We had two other churches join us for this special day: Ezra Church of God, where my daughter and son-in-law attend, sent three young people--all who had been saved at Camp Jericho. One of them was at the camp of which I was privileged to be the camp pastor. God's Tree of Life Free Will Baptist Church in Pittsburg, IL also brought two men to be saved. Altogether, we ended up with fourteen. That was a nice surprise too. I baptized the people from Unity and Ezra (Ezra is currently without a pastor) except for two who attended unity. Those two young ladies, Katie Simmons and Melanie Simmons, were baptized by their dad, Randy Simmons. Bro. Charles Bowers from God's Tree of Life baptized the two that came with him--One of those was Bill Simmons, Bro. Randy Simmons' father. It was a good day.
Those two surprises, the attendance and the number baptized, were refreshing.
Other nice times of refreshing, though, are the times when the Lord decides to meet with us in unusual ways or when He decides to give unusual blessings.
When have you experienced unusual times of refreshing? When has God surprised you recently? How has He pulled you through something that you just did not know how you would get through?
We have seasons in our lives. I even see churches experiencing cycles. Most of the time if you hang on during a low time, you will see another great time come in the church again. (Of course there are a lot of factors that could prevent such from happening.)
In our spiritual lives we experience times of dryness, discouragement, and REFRESHING. I am thankful for those unusual times of refreshing. Sometimes they come during revival meetings. Sometimes they come during regularly scheduled church services. Sometimes they come during times of private prayer. Whenever they come, aren't you extremely grateful?
I mentioned earlier that last Sunday, we would probably have several come to be baptized. We had a nice surprise that morning when our church attendance was 101. That may not seem like much for many who are reading this, but it is good for us. We have had more than 100 on several occasions, but we always had a goal planned for those days. This time, no goal was set. All those folks just showed up. We were having a picnic afterwards, and I'm sure that enticed some, but still it was a refreshing surprise.
I also knew that we had several who could be baptized because of the recent numbers of professions of faith that we witnessed. Still, I usually ask those who could be baptized if they were indeed planning on doing so. This time I did not.
We had two other churches join us for this special day: Ezra Church of God, where my daughter and son-in-law attend, sent three young people--all who had been saved at Camp Jericho. One of them was at the camp of which I was privileged to be the camp pastor. God's Tree of Life Free Will Baptist Church in Pittsburg, IL also brought two men to be saved. Altogether, we ended up with fourteen. That was a nice surprise too. I baptized the people from Unity and Ezra (Ezra is currently without a pastor) except for two who attended unity. Those two young ladies, Katie Simmons and Melanie Simmons, were baptized by their dad, Randy Simmons. Bro. Charles Bowers from God's Tree of Life baptized the two that came with him--One of those was Bill Simmons, Bro. Randy Simmons' father. It was a good day.
Those two surprises, the attendance and the number baptized, were refreshing.
Other nice times of refreshing, though, are the times when the Lord decides to meet with us in unusual ways or when He decides to give unusual blessings.
When have you experienced unusual times of refreshing? When has God surprised you recently? How has He pulled you through something that you just did not know how you would get through?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Great Job on Course 2
Good job, everyone, on course 2.
Sean, Tyler and I really enjoyed having you join with us. I said we could take a well deserved break, but I didn't remember at that time that it might be 5 weeks before we could get back into it. On the other hand, I will be starting a course as an adjunct professor for Rockbridge Seminary in just a couple of weeks. Maybe it would be good for me to get started on that for a few weeks before I tried doubling up.
Anyway, I hope the rest of the summer goes well for you. You can check back here from time to time. I will try to post something two or three times a week.
Randy
Sean, Tyler and I really enjoyed having you join with us. I said we could take a well deserved break, but I didn't remember at that time that it might be 5 weeks before we could get back into it. On the other hand, I will be starting a course as an adjunct professor for Rockbridge Seminary in just a couple of weeks. Maybe it would be good for me to get started on that for a few weeks before I tried doubling up.
Anyway, I hope the rest of the summer goes well for you. You can check back here from time to time. I will try to post something two or three times a week.
Randy
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Baptism
We are having a baptismal service tomorrow afternoon. We have several from church who could be baptized, and we have two other churches joining with us. We do not have a baptistry at church, so in the winter time we have to go to other churches occasionally for baptismal services. Grange Hall has allowed us to do this several times.
While I would really like to have a baptistry at church, I do really like the setting where we have baptisms in a pond. At our house, we have a pond (actually it is large enough to be classified as a lake, albeit a very small lake) where we have baptized may people. I think my dad, who envisioned this lake way before the ravine was ever dammed up, would be very pleased that it has been put to this use.
In some countries, a Christian baptism can be very dangerous to those candidates. They face persecution, and in some cases, perhaps eventually death. Those converts have a radical identification with Christ that puts the average American Christian to shame.
May we move closer and closer to a radical identificatin with Christ!
You are welcome to share your comments by clicking on the word, "comments," below.
While I would really like to have a baptistry at church, I do really like the setting where we have baptisms in a pond. At our house, we have a pond (actually it is large enough to be classified as a lake, albeit a very small lake) where we have baptized may people. I think my dad, who envisioned this lake way before the ravine was ever dammed up, would be very pleased that it has been put to this use.
In some countries, a Christian baptism can be very dangerous to those candidates. They face persecution, and in some cases, perhaps eventually death. Those converts have a radical identification with Christ that puts the average American Christian to shame.
May we move closer and closer to a radical identificatin with Christ!
You are welcome to share your comments by clicking on the word, "comments," below.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Finishing Up
We will continue to comment in the comments sections since our goal is to log on at least five times a week, and preferably on five different days.
Early, next week, I will try to get you your final grades.
You both have done an excellent job.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I will keep the daily posts open for general discussion. The posts will be set up where anyone can comment at the bottom. This would be a good time for our visitors to join us.
You may have noticed some ads appearing at the left of the main posting screen. I would encourage you to click on them and see if you find anything there that interests you. Also, to the left, you will notice some information about articles on the internet. I would also encourage to click on the titles of those articles and read them in their original contexts. The newest article is "Sharing Spiritual Intimacy."
Visitors, click on the word "comments" below and join us.
Early, next week, I will try to get you your final grades.
You both have done an excellent job.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I will keep the daily posts open for general discussion. The posts will be set up where anyone can comment at the bottom. This would be a good time for our visitors to join us.
You may have noticed some ads appearing at the left of the main posting screen. I would encourage you to click on them and see if you find anything there that interests you. Also, to the left, you will notice some information about articles on the internet. I would also encourage to click on the titles of those articles and read them in their original contexts. The newest article is "Sharing Spiritual Intimacy."
Visitors, click on the word "comments" below and join us.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A Job Well Done
You both have your required number of posts that have to be a certain length. Let's keep the conversation going through Monday.
Sean, you mentioned about our encouragement of you during this course. Let me say how much I appreciate you joining us over these last eleven weeks. It has enriched us, and we have enjoyed getting to know you better.
In future months, someone else will be reading the books you both have just read. It will be interesting to see the direction some of the conversations will take because of how well you will be acquainted with the material.
Tyler, I would be interested to know how your experience of handling both a book and a DVD course turned out. You could mention it in the wrap up, or you could e-mail me with your comments about that.
Sean, we, Tyler and I both, think you were asleep in that picture of you reading.:) (Now, do you want to take any potshots at us?)
Sean, you mentioned about our encouragement of you during this course. Let me say how much I appreciate you joining us over these last eleven weeks. It has enriched us, and we have enjoyed getting to know you better.
In future months, someone else will be reading the books you both have just read. It will be interesting to see the direction some of the conversations will take because of how well you will be acquainted with the material.
Tyler, I would be interested to know how your experience of handling both a book and a DVD course turned out. You could mention it in the wrap up, or you could e-mail me with your comments about that.
Sean, we, Tyler and I both, think you were asleep in that picture of you reading.:) (Now, do you want to take any potshots at us?)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching Week 8
Please place your comments and questions for week 8 here.
Course 2 Week 8
Whoops!
Sorry, guys, I missed putting up the new post yesterday.
This week, you will have two requirements: (1) make at least 9 quality posts. I will ask you to make your initial post as usual. Then, I am going to ask each of you make three posts in the other person's area asking questions about their chapter titles. (To make that a quality post, you will have to make a two-sentence (or more) comment about the title and then ask the question). Your remaining posts will be answering those questions and doing a few chapter summaries.
(2) Your second requirement will be to do a course wrap up.
The course wrap up is worth four points. Answer the following questions:
(1) What new insights (or reinforcements of things you already knew) were helpful to you as you went through this course?
(2) What are some things that relate to the topic you were studying that you would like to know more about?
(3) What skills or areas of knowledge would you like to improve as a result of this study? Or, what did you already find improving as a result of this study.
(4) What are some ways you can use what we have studied in your ministry?
You may also email me with any suggestions you have for improvement of the course.
Sorry, guys, I missed putting up the new post yesterday.
This week, you will have two requirements: (1) make at least 9 quality posts. I will ask you to make your initial post as usual. Then, I am going to ask each of you make three posts in the other person's area asking questions about their chapter titles. (To make that a quality post, you will have to make a two-sentence (or more) comment about the title and then ask the question). Your remaining posts will be answering those questions and doing a few chapter summaries.
(2) Your second requirement will be to do a course wrap up.
The course wrap up is worth four points. Answer the following questions:
(1) What new insights (or reinforcements of things you already knew) were helpful to you as you went through this course?
(2) What are some things that relate to the topic you were studying that you would like to know more about?
(3) What skills or areas of knowledge would you like to improve as a result of this study? Or, what did you already find improving as a result of this study.
(4) What are some ways you can use what we have studied in your ministry?
You may also email me with any suggestions you have for improvement of the course.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Course 2 End of Week 7
Well, Fellows,
We are almost there.
One more week, and we will take a well deserved break. The blog will still be open for comments until we get our new books, but there won't be any requirements for a few weeks.
Tyler, if you haven't already answered it, I see that Sean jumped in and asked you a question.
Next week, you will have two requirements: (1) make at least 9 quality posts. I will ask you to make your initial post as usual. Then, I am going to ask each of you make three posts in the other person's area asking questions about their chapter titles. (To make that a quality post, you will have to make a two-sentence (or more) comment about the title and then ask the question). Your remaining posts will be answering those questions and doing a few chapter summaries.
(2) You second requirement will be to do a course wrap up. I will give instructions about that tomorroww.
I would like to say that I have really enjoyed the time we have spent together. I look forward to the day when we could get even more people involved in our online discussions.
You both have done an excellent job up to this point.
Bro. Randy
We are almost there.
One more week, and we will take a well deserved break. The blog will still be open for comments until we get our new books, but there won't be any requirements for a few weeks.
Tyler, if you haven't already answered it, I see that Sean jumped in and asked you a question.
Next week, you will have two requirements: (1) make at least 9 quality posts. I will ask you to make your initial post as usual. Then, I am going to ask each of you make three posts in the other person's area asking questions about their chapter titles. (To make that a quality post, you will have to make a two-sentence (or more) comment about the title and then ask the question). Your remaining posts will be answering those questions and doing a few chapter summaries.
(2) You second requirement will be to do a course wrap up. I will give instructions about that tomorroww.
I would like to say that I have really enjoyed the time we have spent together. I look forward to the day when we could get even more people involved in our online discussions.
You both have done an excellent job up to this point.
Bro. Randy
Sunday, August 3, 2008
God's Use of Unusual Partings
The book of acts talks about three good men (among many others). One was the apostle, Paul. Another was Barnabas who encouraged the apostles to receive Paul after he was saved. The third was a young man, Barnabas' relative, John Mark, often just known as Mark.
Barnabas and Paul were set apart for the Gospel ministry. They started on a missionary journey, and they took Mark with them. We don't know why, but Mark decided not to finish the journey.
When they got ready to go another journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them again. Paul did not. They could not agree. The Bible even says that contention was very strong among them. It was not over a doctinal issue. It was over a procedural issue.
They decided to go their separate ways. Barnabas and Mark went together, and Silas joined Paul. We do not read that anyone rebuked Barnabas, and we do read that the disciples commended Paul and Silas for their journey.
Should this have happened? I am convinced that only the Lord knows if they should have separated at that point.
In any case, the Gospel went out in two different directions at the same time.
They were all used of God.
At a recent business meeting, we had quite a low bank balance. This surprised me because three weeks earlier I had been told that we were doing well. Even two weeks earlier, we talked about the fact that we might be able to use some of the extra money for a special purpose. Then we helped someone with a pretty good sized need. By the time we got to business meeting, the balance was fairly low.
We began to have motions to cut things. They were done decently and in order. My concern was that we had divided votes where we usually have almost unaminous votes. Another concern was that people who had things they really cared about cut might start looking over what we do with a fine-tooth comb and start suggesting that we cut other things out of spite.
We have to be careful of attitude at this poing. Some might be tempted to say, "Well, we don't have enough money to do the radio broadcast or buy donuts or contribute to outside causes . . . ." And then they could use that to prohibit us doing something new that we should do. They might be tempted to think, "Let's start picking apart what we will spend for special services and so forth."
We do need to be aware of where we are financially, but let's see if it is only temporary or whether it is long-term.
Let's pray that the Lord will bless us all with abundance to where we will be having to figure out where to use all the money being given to the church.
What are some spiritual applications of the above Scriptures? If you've had a contention with someone in the past, look for reconciliation if possible.
The simple fact of the matter is that we have all contended with God at some point in our lives. If we are in contention with Him right now, may we come back to Him.
One of the churches pulled out of our Quarterly Meeting yesterday. We were able to bid them Godspeed, and we shook hands with them before they left. I disagree with their reasons for pulling out, but I do want to say that they are all good people and that I have highly respected them in the past, and that I do highly respect them now; although I respectfully disagree with them.
Unusual partings can be used of the Lord to cause the Gospel to go in different directions or to be spread in different ways.
What happened to John Mark? He was later approved by Paul. See Colossians 4:10 and II Timothy 4:11. He was a companion of Peter (I Peter 5:13). Paul asked for him to come to him, later in Paul's life because Mark was useful to him in ministry.
Probably John Mark's greatest accomplishment, though, was that he wrote the second book of the New Testament.
God can use some contention in unusual ways if we are called according to His purpose and if we love God. (Roman 8:28)
Barnabas and Paul were set apart for the Gospel ministry. They started on a missionary journey, and they took Mark with them. We don't know why, but Mark decided not to finish the journey.
When they got ready to go another journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them again. Paul did not. They could not agree. The Bible even says that contention was very strong among them. It was not over a doctinal issue. It was over a procedural issue.
They decided to go their separate ways. Barnabas and Mark went together, and Silas joined Paul. We do not read that anyone rebuked Barnabas, and we do read that the disciples commended Paul and Silas for their journey.
Should this have happened? I am convinced that only the Lord knows if they should have separated at that point.
In any case, the Gospel went out in two different directions at the same time.
They were all used of God.
At a recent business meeting, we had quite a low bank balance. This surprised me because three weeks earlier I had been told that we were doing well. Even two weeks earlier, we talked about the fact that we might be able to use some of the extra money for a special purpose. Then we helped someone with a pretty good sized need. By the time we got to business meeting, the balance was fairly low.
We began to have motions to cut things. They were done decently and in order. My concern was that we had divided votes where we usually have almost unaminous votes. Another concern was that people who had things they really cared about cut might start looking over what we do with a fine-tooth comb and start suggesting that we cut other things out of spite.
We have to be careful of attitude at this poing. Some might be tempted to say, "Well, we don't have enough money to do the radio broadcast or buy donuts or contribute to outside causes . . . ." And then they could use that to prohibit us doing something new that we should do. They might be tempted to think, "Let's start picking apart what we will spend for special services and so forth."
We do need to be aware of where we are financially, but let's see if it is only temporary or whether it is long-term.
Let's pray that the Lord will bless us all with abundance to where we will be having to figure out where to use all the money being given to the church.
What are some spiritual applications of the above Scriptures? If you've had a contention with someone in the past, look for reconciliation if possible.
The simple fact of the matter is that we have all contended with God at some point in our lives. If we are in contention with Him right now, may we come back to Him.
One of the churches pulled out of our Quarterly Meeting yesterday. We were able to bid them Godspeed, and we shook hands with them before they left. I disagree with their reasons for pulling out, but I do want to say that they are all good people and that I have highly respected them in the past, and that I do highly respect them now; although I respectfully disagree with them.
Unusual partings can be used of the Lord to cause the Gospel to go in different directions or to be spread in different ways.
What happened to John Mark? He was later approved by Paul. See Colossians 4:10 and II Timothy 4:11. He was a companion of Peter (I Peter 5:13). Paul asked for him to come to him, later in Paul's life because Mark was useful to him in ministry.
Probably John Mark's greatest accomplishment, though, was that he wrote the second book of the New Testament.
God can use some contention in unusual ways if we are called according to His purpose and if we love God. (Roman 8:28)
Friday, August 1, 2008
Fellowship
One of the purposes of the Church is fellowship. Since Paul was a missionary church-planter, he did not have as long-term relationships as some of the other apostles. I think Ephesus is the place he stayed the longest. The book of Acts mentions him being able to meet with the Ephesian elders who encouraged him as he made a stop on his trip to Rome. They were people he knew well. He may have had some (longer-time) friends in the Sanhedrin, but when he accepted Christ, of course, those relationships were broken.
He was friends with the other apostles, but he did not get to spend a lot of time with him. I'm sure he was very thankful for Barnabas and Silas who accompanied him on his journeys. Even though he and John Mark parted ways for a while, he asked for Mark to bring him something in later years, so there was a reconciliation.
I am thankful for fellowship. I look forward to seeing you at the Quarterly Meeting this weekend.
He was friends with the other apostles, but he did not get to spend a lot of time with him. I'm sure he was very thankful for Barnabas and Silas who accompanied him on his journeys. Even though he and John Mark parted ways for a while, he asked for Mark to bring him something in later years, so there was a reconciliation.
I am thankful for fellowship. I look forward to seeing you at the Quarterly Meeting this weekend.
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