New Hampshire Visit

  Last Tuesday and Wednesday i had the opportunity to go to northern New Hampshire. The first leg of the trip was to see Ray, the only pastor i have ever had who prioritized Biblical discipleship. We have recently reconnected as the Lord has brought me along the road of discipleship. In the morning one brother came over and I had an opportunity to share about some of what I learned and experienced in Brazil, along with a number of verses on the theme of intentional discipleship. Ray confirmed that the key difference between mentoring and true Biblical discipleship is accountability. Ray and his wife are probably two of the best equipped people in North America to disciple others. They have had the rare experience of being personally discipled, and have been doing this with others for decades.
     In the evening four brothers came over, and we were able to look at the theme of accountability, using numerous verses from the "Pastoral" letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus. I sensed that the men were attentive, and urged them to receive personal discipleship from Ray. Time will show if the message penetrated their hearts. The culture is totally opposed to accountability and responsibility, and the Church in America is generally satisfied with church attendance as a sign of commitment to Christ. These obstacles are difficult to overcome.
   The following day i traveled further north to visit Tom. We had good fellowship, a walk along a raging river, and lunch that included a French dish called "poutin," which is French fries with melted cheese and gravy. We also had some times of prayer. God is using him to impact a number of people in what is sometimes called life on life ministry.
   Reading in Ezekiel 37 i came across something i had not previously noticed. In Matthew 27:52-53 we read "The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many." Compare this to Ezekiel 37:13. "And you shall know that I am the Lord, when i open your graves and raise you from your graves, O My People." (ESV)