Memorization

In recent times several people have brought up the subject of memorizing Scripture to me or me to them. My original inspiration was an biography of the founder of The Navigators ministry, Dawson Trotman, that I read in the early 90's. Practicing memorization of the Scripture has proved invaluable in helping to make me more Christlike. While one does not find an absolute command to do so in the Bible, what we do see makes for a compelling case. For example, Ps. 119:11 "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (ESV) Or, Proverbs 22:17-18 "Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them on ready on your lips. Consider the example of Jesus when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness following the 40 day fast. "But he answered, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Note his subsequent responses in Matthew 4:6 & 10 when He quotes Scripture in response to temptation.
Some practical tips include memorizing verses or passages that really stand out to you, are especially meaningful. Memorize the reference i.e. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 By saying the reference both before and after the verse you will be able to find it even if you forget part of it. Many people have remarked on my ability to find things in the Bible. It is due to following this practice when I memorized. Finally, review, review, review.
Last Monday had the privilege of spending several hours with our brother Alex in arboreal serenity. Thanks for the fellowship, bro. This morning met with some brothers from our ekklesia in further exploration of how we should make decisions as a group. We looked into eldership, which we had not done in any formal manner. I hope to make that the subject of my next post.

Kingdom of God

In recent times I have sought revelation on the Kingdom of God. The ubiquity of this theme, particularly in the NT, makes it difficult to comprehend in its fullness. The kingdom is come, but not completely fulfilled. Through its King, our Lord Jesus, it has invaded and ultimately defeated the kingdom of darkness. Something small grows to immense size. (Matt. 13:31ff) Citizens of the Kingdom receive power over sin, sickness, the demonic, and death- although we still wrestle with these things.
Greg Gilbert, author of "What is the Gospel?", a clear, concise, helpful book given to me by our brother Ed C, defines it this way. "The Kingdom of God is His redemptive rule, reign and authority over those redeemed by Jesus." (p. 88) This leads to my belief that the Kingdom expands one person at a time, as they submit to the Lordship of Christ in their lives. Once this begins then the Kingdom is strengthened by our relational bonds with God and each other.
Tuesday evening had the joy and privilege of partnering with our brother John in facilitating a gathering of regional elders representing eight separate ekklesias. John did an excellent job of keeping us on topic, which consisted primarily of praying for the different churches in such a way that everyone had the opportunity to share. We hope to get together again in 3 months, which would make the fourth time we've come together.
Yesterday served as a subject in an experiment conducted by our brother Gary in his neuro motor lab, the first time I had done something like that. In the evening taught on the kingdom of God to the saints in our house church. Looking forward to our brother Matt's presentation the next two weeks.

Lebanon ( ME & CT)

Midday Saturday drove up to Lebanon, ME to visit a house church there. Had fellow shipped with some of the people in this group for about a year some time ago. They welcomed me so warmly that it felt like coming home. Thanks, saints. Worked for about three hours, bringing wood from the street into the host family's basement, bringing back memories of childhood "wood details." This group has about six families. I received an invitation to share about my recent travels as well as my visit to Ghana in 2007. They asked me a number of questions, which I attempted to answer. Extremely thankful to God for His faithfulness with these saints, and for their responsiveness to Him. Their love for the people of God radiates Christ.
After getting back to Boston about 10:30 I got up early the next morning to head to Lebanon, Ct. Once again I experienced the diversity and variety of the Body of Christ. The group in Maine sang a cappella. The one in Conn. is the only one I know with its own orchestra- six string players including a full size harp & a flute player. People call out the number of the song they wish to sing. I was racking my brains to remember the title of "Be Thou My Vision," when someone else called it out. So gorgeous with all the instrumentalists & the vocals.
Our brother Mark shared on unity from John 17 & Romans 12 & I followed with some thoughts on our brotherhood in Christ from Matt. 23:8, John 20:17, Romans 8:29 & Hebrews 2:11-12. One thing one can count on in visiting a house church is a good meal and my Lord's Suppers in both Maine and Connecticut proved that once again.

On Wednesday spent most of the day with a couple, T & H, hoping to encourage them in their faith and in their reception of the love of God. That evening we began our series on the Kingdom of God, laying a basic framework of Jesus as King, who has come in power to invade the kingdom of darkness to set the captives free. "For the Kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." ( 1 Cor. 4:20 ESV) We toured the Mt. of Transfiguration where Jesus is revealed in all His glory as the King. (Mark 9)
Then Thursday morning took the T and spent time with our brother Gary. We are working our way through Romans- currently in 8. We looked at the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a person as the ultimate determinant of whether they were part of God's family. "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." ( Romans 8:9)
Drove out to Whitinsville to lunch with my close friend and brother John, taking the oppty. to make final preparations for our Regional Leaders gathering. Gratified to see our unity, which enables us to work together for the glory of God. May we be used of God to help fulfill the prayer of the Lord Jesus in John 17:20ff that "We might be one even as He and the Father are one."
Friday was a rest day. ( I have an ongoing case of O L D.) Saturday morning some of the brothers in our ekklesia got together and interact on how decisions are made in our group. Our time was limited but we made a good start.
Am exploring becoming an ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher.

God at Work

Seeing an acceleration in the Spirit. On Sunday had the pleasure of taking Matt & Candice out to Milford for our Lord's Day gathering. Good attendance, visitors, great hospitality from the host family, and sharing from several including our brother Josh about the importance of waiting on the Lord. Had the opportunity to give a teaching that has welled up in my heart before- the role of the Holy Spirit in "inspiring" and revealing the Word of God to believers. In addition to the usual passages in 2 Tim 3 & 2 Peter 1, we saw four separate instances in which the Bible expressly says that the Holy Spirit spoke, and the relevant quotation from the OT. We explored the unique quality of the Word as God breathed, unlike any other book written, and John 17:17, which equates the Word with truth. Also noted the "Spirit of truth" passages, and the revelation of 1 Cor 2:12-13.
Our brother Matt had the oppty. to minister to an impoverished couple from another state. I joined him on Monday. We were able to provide food, lodging, and today, with the aid of Josh & Rema, clothing. This is what it is all about. "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Today met with Josh & did some study in 1 Timothy leading to several other topics. Am greatly encouraged by his growth in Christ.

Highlights

Computer problem finally resolved Friday of this week. Tuesday morning met with Matt W, my partner in the gospel. Cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting together on a regular basis with the people God has given you to co-labor with. As in a marriage, communication is key.
On Wednesday trekked to CT. to visit our brother Bruce, a precious saint who, among other things, is liasing between house and traditional churches. He has spent a number of years developing relationship with key apostolic and prophetic people, in addition to numerous overseas ministry trips. Am thankful for this important resource for the development of the Kingdom of God in New England. We hiked up a nearby peak, enjoying the autumnal splendor of God's creation, and rich fellowship. I hope that those in NE HC circles can have more interaction with him.
Thursday evening met with the support/accountability group, and Friday morning with a men's Bible study working through 1 John. Perhaps the most significant encounter of the week happened on Friday evening when Rick M from Maine & I spent the early evening together. We had been in a house church years ago for a brief time & I have gathered with him since but this was the first time we had gotten together one on one. Very appreciative of the vision and burden God has given him to bring home groups in southern NH & ME together relationally & to facilitate planting new ones. Hoping to support and encourage him.

Conference

Tardy in posting this week due to computer problems. Had the privilege of attending the 10th annual NE house church conference this past weekend, and introducing the speakers, Steve Atkerson & John Rexford, in the secondary track. This year Matt Durning, the conference organizer, chose the theme of leadership. Steve & John worked their way through numerous Biblical references, and much personal experience. They also entertained questions and comments. On behalf of the region, I expressed our gratitude for Steve's perseverance in ministering to us year after year. John, a relative newcomer to house churching, but a close personal friend of long standing, spoke with fervor and passion. About sixty attended including a family from PA. It is a real joy to witness people whom you know ministering to one another during the breaks, and welcoming in new people. For example, John told me that he had the chance to fellowship with our brother Nathaniel for ten minutes. I said "That's great, but far too short a time to spend with such a wonderful saint."
Also delighted to discover that Josh, who fellowships with us in E. Cambridge feels led by the Lord to enter into an equipping relationship with me.
On Sunday had the privilege of gathering with brethren in Whitinsville at a nearby park. Discussed the theme of Biblical friendship, and appealed to them to pray about visiting other churches as a group to encourage and bless them.
Matt W & I are preparing a multi-session mid week Bible study on the Kingdom of God for our group. Am happy to spend more time with them, and give space for more participatory sharing on Sundays.

Accountability

Thursday evening met with the support/accountability group of brothers. While I have said this before I can't emphasize enough the importance of making one's self vulnerable and receptive to several trustworthy, godly members of one's own gender. For many years i played my cards close to the vest- spiritually & emotionally speaking- to my detriment, and those around me. It doesn't matter how gifted or mature one thinks that they are- we all need those whom we can trust to speak into our lives to help prevent us going off in bad directions. Granted that most people learn things the hard way, and that God can use that method- it's still painful and time consuming.
Saturday morning had the privilege of going to N. H. to have breakfast with half a dozen brothers. Our brother Rick M has a vision for relational unity among the house church groups in Maine and New Hampshire, a vision I joyfully support and encourage.
On sunday met with my "home" house church in a community center room in the local projects interacting with moms and children to whom M & M have ministered for the past five years. We were blessed with the presence of our brother Russ, a new family & a young brother from Brazil. M. T. shared on the theme of sin, utilizing passages from Romans 5 & Psalm 51.
This Saturday I look forward to the 10th Annual N. E. house church conference in Quinebaug, CT.