In 1 Corinthians 12 the Holy Spirit writes through Paul to give us the analogy of believers as a body. "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." (1 Cor. 12:27ESV)He goes on to reveal that each member is important for the functioning of the body. It's harder to walk with one leg than two or to peel an orange with one hand. Over forty years I have experienced and witnessed a tremendous amount of failure in believers working together. The worldly method of one person dominating or controlling doesn't bear good fruit in the Kingdom of God. And it's usually the leaders that can't get along and thus provide a good example for others.
So what does it take to work together on a practical basis?
Humility: "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility towards one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5b) This includes giving up our sense of 100% certitude in what we believe we have heard from the Lord.
Mutual Accountability: "But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Heb. 3:13) Note this it is one another, not one to all of the others. No one should be immune from this.
Communication: This is hard work. It takes patience, perseverance and affirmation. The above represents the briefest introduction to this subject.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
How are They to Hear without Preaching?
Putting on the miles this past week. Wednesday I met up with Dale & Laurie for lunch and fellowship before they returned to CA. Then off to CT to see Peter & Christiane to receive their perspective on the state of the church in New England. Thursday was a rest day, and then away Friday night with Sanford & Deb to a gathering of regional elders and their wives. Ten couples came and I believe that it either initiated or enhanced their trust and relationship so that they can work more fruitfully together.
Saturday morning got together with MJW & Josh to pray and counsel together. Communication and accountability are crucial for the advance of the kingdom. Jetted off to Chelsea where i had received an invitation through my friend Doug to preach at an outreach to poor and homeless people started by our brother Ruben. Now i should say that preaching is not my specialty, I'm more inclined towards teaching, but I accepted the offer with the hope of lifting up the Name of Jesus. My fervent prayer was that God would give me something for these people because I'm not from a street background and I have nothing to give of my own. As I launched into my testimony and then into the theme of forgiveness through the same power that raised Christ from the dead, I had a powerful sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit moving me to the side and taking over. Apparently it impacted a number of people because Ruben, whom I really don't know, has invited me to return.
Sunday had the delight of worshiping with the saints in S. Boston. We receive a steady stream of visitors and yesterday was no exception with seven out of a total of twenty adults. God is at work, may He continue to open the doors.
Saturday morning got together with MJW & Josh to pray and counsel together. Communication and accountability are crucial for the advance of the kingdom. Jetted off to Chelsea where i had received an invitation through my friend Doug to preach at an outreach to poor and homeless people started by our brother Ruben. Now i should say that preaching is not my specialty, I'm more inclined towards teaching, but I accepted the offer with the hope of lifting up the Name of Jesus. My fervent prayer was that God would give me something for these people because I'm not from a street background and I have nothing to give of my own. As I launched into my testimony and then into the theme of forgiveness through the same power that raised Christ from the dead, I had a powerful sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit moving me to the side and taking over. Apparently it impacted a number of people because Ruben, whom I really don't know, has invited me to return.
Sunday had the delight of worshiping with the saints in S. Boston. We receive a steady stream of visitors and yesterday was no exception with seven out of a total of twenty adults. God is at work, may He continue to open the doors.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Principles for Evaluating a Word
For those believers who receive the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit until Christ returns, and who practice participatory gatherings, the Scripture provides a principle to safeguard against error. In this note I am using the word “word” as an umbrella term that includes prophecy, the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and other speaking gifts. ( 1 Cor. 12:7-8, 1 Peter 4:10-11a) The Bible explicitly tells us to assess or judge these utterances. “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” (1 Cor. 14:29) “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.” ( 1 Thess 5:20-21) “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” ( 1 John 4:1 ESV)
How would we go about this? The primary and most important test is whether it lines up with the eternal Word of God (the Bible) “but the word of the Lord remains forever.” (1 Peter 1:25a) For we know that the Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself. (Titus 1:2 “God, who never lies”) If the “word” does not agree with the Word of God, then it is not a “word” from God. Other less reliable indicators are whether the indwelling Spirit within you (Rom. 8:11) bears witness, or your discernment of the reaction of the brethren listening to the utterance.
A potentially crucial component, which is much more feasible in a small environment, is trust and relationship built up within the group. Weighing or assessing is greatly enhanced by one's knowledge of the speaker's character and walk with God. Sometimes the “word” is not for the group but for the person speaking. After assessment, what are the potential choices? One can simply say “Amen,” if you receive the word as coming from God. You can choose to ignore it and move on. You can probe and inquire what the speaker meant or you can veto the utterance. Ideally you have a Biblical basis for doing so. All of this is facilitated by the presence of mature brethren. I recognize that this principle is rarely employed but the Scripture teaches it and we should adhere to its instructions.
How would we go about this? The primary and most important test is whether it lines up with the eternal Word of God (the Bible) “but the word of the Lord remains forever.” (1 Peter 1:25a) For we know that the Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself. (Titus 1:2 “God, who never lies”) If the “word” does not agree with the Word of God, then it is not a “word” from God. Other less reliable indicators are whether the indwelling Spirit within you (Rom. 8:11) bears witness, or your discernment of the reaction of the brethren listening to the utterance.
A potentially crucial component, which is much more feasible in a small environment, is trust and relationship built up within the group. Weighing or assessing is greatly enhanced by one's knowledge of the speaker's character and walk with God. Sometimes the “word” is not for the group but for the person speaking. After assessment, what are the potential choices? One can simply say “Amen,” if you receive the word as coming from God. You can choose to ignore it and move on. You can probe and inquire what the speaker meant or you can veto the utterance. Ideally you have a Biblical basis for doing so. All of this is facilitated by the presence of mature brethren. I recognize that this principle is rarely employed but the Scripture teaches it and we should adhere to its instructions.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Impact
Last Sunday and last Tuesday night our group in Cambridge had the delight of receiving five and seven visitors, respectively. All of these saints were enthusiastic, gifted in varied ways, and used by God to bless us. This experiences renews my hope that God will raise up a semi-itinerant team of people to travel around New England to the various house churches. Even though these people didn't intentionally work together as a team the impact was considerable. What could happen if God handpicked people like Jesus did with the disciples, worked out the logistical problems, and sent them out to minister? So thank you God for Dale & Laurie, Saj, Jason, Amy, and Charlie & Vicky.
One of my other fervent hopes is that God will use the following of Jesus through the vehicle of apostolic traditions to blend the Body together- the charismatics and the evangelicals (cerebrals and expressives) and people with such varied gifts as the apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding and teaching. Sadly this is not usually what happens. One of the keys is communication. Yesterday I met with a couple who enjoy very different gifts than I have. By the grace of God we had developed enough trust and relationship that i was able to get clarity on a difficult issue without the typical blowups. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3)
One of my other fervent hopes is that God will use the following of Jesus through the vehicle of apostolic traditions to blend the Body together- the charismatics and the evangelicals (cerebrals and expressives) and people with such varied gifts as the apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding and teaching. Sadly this is not usually what happens. One of the keys is communication. Yesterday I met with a couple who enjoy very different gifts than I have. By the grace of God we had developed enough trust and relationship that i was able to get clarity on a difficult issue without the typical blowups. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Strong Encouragement
"So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have STRONG ENCOURAGEMENT to hold fast the hope set before us." ( Heb. 6:17-18 ESV) As I reflect on the several days since my last entry this emerges as the predominant theme, the need to give and receive strong encouragement to one another.
Thursday evening I had the delight of fellowship with Nathaniel, Eden, and their newborn daughter. Nathaniel has a humility and heart for the Word of God that is both rare and precious. Eden blessed me with healthy food and hospitality. Friday I trekked to the wilds of Harvard U to observe my friend Gary making his doctoral thesis defense, the culmination of six years of grad school, although I really didn't understand much of anything he said, and to meet his parents for the first time. Afterwards we celebrated his success aided by members of the "covert team of Gary's friends," (Serene, Tout et. al) After that, well after my bed time, Josh & I discussed a variety of topics, encouraging one another.
Saturday morning we joined M. T., praying, encouraging, and discussing together. I am very blessed by the sincerity and faithfulness of these two brothers. In the afternoon I ventured north to see our brother Nick. We hiked around, giving mutual encouragement & continuing in prayer. Then God blessed me with a call from our brother Doug, a true defender of the faith, and the one who taught me about strong encouragement from the Scriptures in the power of the Spirit. Thank you God for our brother Doug.
Thursday evening I had the delight of fellowship with Nathaniel, Eden, and their newborn daughter. Nathaniel has a humility and heart for the Word of God that is both rare and precious. Eden blessed me with healthy food and hospitality. Friday I trekked to the wilds of Harvard U to observe my friend Gary making his doctoral thesis defense, the culmination of six years of grad school, although I really didn't understand much of anything he said, and to meet his parents for the first time. Afterwards we celebrated his success aided by members of the "covert team of Gary's friends," (Serene, Tout et. al) After that, well after my bed time, Josh & I discussed a variety of topics, encouraging one another.
Saturday morning we joined M. T., praying, encouraging, and discussing together. I am very blessed by the sincerity and faithfulness of these two brothers. In the afternoon I ventured north to see our brother Nick. We hiked around, giving mutual encouragement & continuing in prayer. Then God blessed me with a call from our brother Doug, a true defender of the faith, and the one who taught me about strong encouragement from the Scriptures in the power of the Spirit. Thank you God for our brother Doug.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Reflections on the love of God
Some of the most powerful illustrations of God's love are found in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit reveals to Isaiah that "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." (Isa. 40:11 ESV) Or "Sing for joy, O heavens and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted." (Isa 49:13) Particularly moving is the revelation given to Hosea. "And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord." In the depths of the "minor" prophets Nahum writes, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he cares for those who trust in him." (Nahum 1:7 NIV by memory)David writes, "I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul." (Ps 31:7)
Because of our experience of human love which is often capricious or contains an element of selfishness, and at the best of times is finite, it is difficult to receive the truth of God's infinite, selfless love and compassion for us. May we believe that "the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." (Ps. 103:8) "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust." (Ps. 103:13-14)
Because of our experience of human love which is often capricious or contains an element of selfishness, and at the best of times is finite, it is difficult to receive the truth of God's infinite, selfless love and compassion for us. May we believe that "the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." (Ps. 103:8) "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust." (Ps. 103:13-14)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Walking with the King
God is faithful. Saturday morning I had the opportunity to pray with some young men in our church. God granted me the privilege of true fellowship with Matt, Josh & Alex. In early afternoon i traveled to Chelsea at the invitation of my longtime friend and brother in the Lord, Doug, who participates in an outreach to street people there. Doug is a true warrior of the cross, one who has persevered through suffering. Also had the joy of seeing our brother Steve, whom i had not seen for two years. His enthusiasm for Christ is a wonderful thing, and he continues faithful in sharing the gospel of Christ. Our Lord blessed me yet again in allowing me to sit next to a first grade girl who had lost a number of her front, baby teeth, but whose adult teeth had not grown in. She had a sweet smile created by God. Blessed also to see the faithfulness of our brothers Reuben and Carlos, and the team that works with them in ministering Christ in word and deed. ( Handing out food)
Saturday evening I returned home to gather with the saints here. God gave me an opportunity to share about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in revealing the truth of the Word of God to us. A number of the group are memorizing Scripture verses. Mine was 2 Thess 2:13 "But we bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, for God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." (KJV) Several are also working on the books of the Bible in order. This facilitates following along in Bible studies.
This morning trekked to Cambridge to enjoy fellowship with my home house church. Steve & Donna came to cross-pollinate for which we are very grateful. Donna has a gift in the facilitation of worship while Steve shared from the Word. Ross & Trina gave us words from the Lord about examining ourselves. "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?- unless indeed you fail to meet the test." (2 Cor. 13:5 ESV)
Saturday evening I returned home to gather with the saints here. God gave me an opportunity to share about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in revealing the truth of the Word of God to us. A number of the group are memorizing Scripture verses. Mine was 2 Thess 2:13 "But we bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, for God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." (KJV) Several are also working on the books of the Bible in order. This facilitates following along in Bible studies.
This morning trekked to Cambridge to enjoy fellowship with my home house church. Steve & Donna came to cross-pollinate for which we are very grateful. Donna has a gift in the facilitation of worship while Steve shared from the Word. Ross & Trina gave us words from the Lord about examining ourselves. "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?- unless indeed you fail to meet the test." (2 Cor. 13:5 ESV)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Reflections on Discipleship
REFLECTIONS ON DISCIPLESHIP
In the past week the Lord Jesus has caused me to look again at the related issues of multiplying churches and developing leaders. But in actuality we are not told to do these things, as counter-intuitive as this may sound. What we are told to do is make disciples. “And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-19a ESV) Leaders are mature disciples capable of making other disciples (disciplemakers), and new churches are formed by the multiplication of disciples.
What is a disciple? The Greek word “mathetes” means a learner, which implies at least three things. The budding disciple needs a mentor or discipler, he needs to be teachable, and this requires humility. What is required of a disciple? He must put Jesus above every other human relationship. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) He must bear his own cross. (Lk 14:27), and he must renounce all that he has. (Lk. 14:33)
Further, he must abide in God's Word. (John 8:31-32), love his fellow disciples (John 13:34-35), and bear much fruit, thus glorifying God. “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:8) Using the definitions that Jesus uses I estimate that at least 95% of American Christians are not disciples.
How are disciples made? Through a work of the Holy Spirit to which the individual person responds. Having a mature, humble disciplemaker is of great benefit, but not, strictly speaking, necessary. However, this is what we see in Jesus with the twelve, and the relationship between Paul and Timothy.
In the past week the Lord Jesus has caused me to look again at the related issues of multiplying churches and developing leaders. But in actuality we are not told to do these things, as counter-intuitive as this may sound. What we are told to do is make disciples. “And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-19a ESV) Leaders are mature disciples capable of making other disciples (disciplemakers), and new churches are formed by the multiplication of disciples.
What is a disciple? The Greek word “mathetes” means a learner, which implies at least three things. The budding disciple needs a mentor or discipler, he needs to be teachable, and this requires humility. What is required of a disciple? He must put Jesus above every other human relationship. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) He must bear his own cross. (Lk 14:27), and he must renounce all that he has. (Lk. 14:33)
Further, he must abide in God's Word. (John 8:31-32), love his fellow disciples (John 13:34-35), and bear much fruit, thus glorifying God. “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:8) Using the definitions that Jesus uses I estimate that at least 95% of American Christians are not disciples.
How are disciples made? Through a work of the Holy Spirit to which the individual person responds. Having a mature, humble disciplemaker is of great benefit, but not, strictly speaking, necessary. However, this is what we see in Jesus with the twelve, and the relationship between Paul and Timothy.
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