HeartQuest 101

It was Thanksgiving 2007 where I did a dramatic monologue at the King’s Grant Thanksgiving Eve service. The story came right out of Luke 17:11-19, where only one out of 10 cleansed lepers came back to thank Jesus for what He had done for them.

Lepers were the outcasts of society. People feared catching the disease, so they were put aside into leper colonies outside of town, banned from public life and the religious community. There was deep separation from others, (except for other lepers). They were required to ring a bell or call out, “unclean, unclean” as they approached people on the street or in town. This allowed the healthy people to part like the Red Sea and let them through.

Let me share the observations I see in this story are:

1. These lepers were men (Luke 17:12). As Men of Steel, we recognize that the Bible often speaks of men… yes, there are stories about how Jesus broke the gender barrier and elevated the role and status of women, but some stories are specifically about men. So, while women can make application to their own situations and lives, men need place themselves in the story, as men.

2. These men stood at a distance (Luke 17:12). How often do men come into the community of faith yet remain at a distance? The “Jesus thing” is ok for my wife and kids, but I’ll just keep my distance so I won’t become sold out, a Jesus freak, a fanatic or required to do too much outside of my normal routine. As men, we need to look out for each other, which cannot be done from a distance. We need other men willing to call us to account for our behavior that does not honor our wives, or our God. We need someone unafraid to get in our face and challenge us to get back on track. That’s what friends do. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17) which is a process that can often “hurt” the flint and the blade because there is friction and parts of the blade are filed away in order to become a sharp instrument, the way the blade was intended and works best.

3. These men met Jesus (Luke 17:12). While a simple fact, the purpose of Men of Steel is to know Christ and make Him known (the same motto of King’s Grant Baptist Church). Men need to be able to hear and understand the gospel in a culturally relevant way, and we seek to put the gospel into language that men can understand. Since we all face similar situations and struggles, we can speak the same language and help someone who does not know Christ to come and meet him. The introduction need not be a hardliner presentation of the gospel, but as we live life, we can help other men understand there is more to this life than just living or existing. How can we help more men meet Jesus? The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) needs to be our primary focus.

4. These men raised their voices to Jesus (Luke 17:13). This might be a lesson for all of us; to not be afraid or ashamed to speak up for Jesus when the opportunity arises. While at this point in the story these men were not “saved,” they definitely knew who they needed to find and meet in order to get their lives straightened out. The crowd must have been looking at them, and angry at them for invading their space… “These men should be put away somewhere, out of sight, where they can’t bother anyone. Who are they to come to this rabbi; no one has time for these outcasts.” Wow, how many times did other people write us off before we came to Christ?

5. These men ask for mercy (Luke 17:13). I have discovered that there is quite a difference between justice, mercy and grace. Justice is pretty much getting what you deserve; mercy is not getting what you deserve; and grace is getting something that you don’t deserve. They asked for mercy, basically to not receive what they deserved, which in this story is misery in life and a slow, agonizing death. They did not deserve this fate because of anything they did that was perhaps more sinful than the crowd, but since they were in this situation, this is the path that they were on. Jesus can come into any life and take them from the wide path that leads to destruction and set them on the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

6. Jesus sees and speaks to these men (Luke 17:14). No mater how alone we feel in this life, Jesus sees us and speaks to us. There is “no temptation such as is common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13) meaning that Christ was tempted in all ways as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). So, He hears us and understands our struggles.  He speaks to us today through His revealed and inspired Word, the Bible. That is why it is so important to be involved in a regular small group for Bible study. We experience real and genuine life change in community, not a cocoon!

7. These men were to go and show themselves to the priests (Luke 17:14). At the risk of soundings obvious, where do we find the priests in Jesus’ day? At church. I believe that even while we are still in our sinful state, we need to be involved in the community of faith. People cannot wait until they get their lives back on track to start going to church, because it will never happen. If we could earn our salvation on our own without Christ or grow toward maturity without His church, we would not need either, but we can’t. How many times do men fail on their own, until they get into a proper relationship with God through Christ?

8. Only one of these men came back with gratitude (Luke 17:15-16). We often focus on the nine ungrateful men who did not come back to thank God for what He had done for them, but are we not more like the nine than the one who came back? The Bible tells us to be thankful in everything (1Thessalonians 5:16-18), so what are you thankful for? Wife, kids, job, home, money, health, church, friends…? Why not make sure you approach God daily with a thankful heart?

9. This one man was a Samaritan (Luke 17:16-17). Samaritans were the hated half-breeds that real Jews despised. Here Jesus makes the Samaritan the hero of the story. In context we know that the Jews felt they needed no forgiveness from God because they were the “chosen people” of God. The Pharisees believed that they were already in right relationship with God through their religious ceremonies and knowledge of the ancient writings. They were so much better than the common people, especially those who were non-Jews. The point for us might be that we must accept everyone without prejudice or bias against them. Jesus said that our acts of kindness done for “least of these” is actually done for Christ (Matthew 25:40, 45). The ground at the foot of the cross is level; no one is higher than someone else in the Kingdom (not Americans, whites, Europeans, or even wealthy people).

10. This one man was “made well” by his faith (Luke 17:19). After all the talk about church and living a godly life, the one thing that cannot be left out is faith. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and we live the Christ-life by faith (2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 2:6). Faith is what the church and a relationship with Jesus is all about. If we want to be made well, it can only be done through faith in Christ.

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My Bible study class studied for several weeks a book by Chip Ingram on the Miracle of Life Change. I recently discovered nine foundational truths about life change (from Pastor Rick Warren):

1. Understand that the goal of all change is Christlikeness. God doesn’t want us to be happy; he wants us to be holy. We become holy as we become more like Jesus. When you see people, remember this – God’s goal for the people you see isn’t balance, happiness, or comfort. He wants nothing less than for them to become like Jesus.

Paul tells us in Romans 8:29, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” We have a phrase here in America, “Like father, like son.” God wants nothing more than for us to become like Jesus, in how we act, how we talk, how we relate to others, how we relate to God, and every aspect of our lives. This is always the goal of biblical change.

2. Realize that both you and God have a part to play in changing. You can’t do God’s part in the change process, but you must do yours. You can see this clearly when Paul writes in Philippians 2:12-13, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Notice Paul says, “Continue to work out …” That’s your part. Then he says, “for it is God who works in you …” That’s God’s part. We both have a part to play.

The Bible doesn’t say to work for your salvation. It says to “work it out.” There’s only one way you can find salvation – by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Think about it, you don’t work out in the gym to create muscles you don’t have; you work out to strengthen the muscles God has given you. When you “work out” your salvation, you don’t earn it. Instead, you strengthen what God has already given you. You can’t transform or change yourself, but – because of the cross – the Holy Spirit can. But you have a part to play.

3. Accept that lasting change starts with choice. Whatever hurt, habit, or hang-up you have, change begins with a choice. Choice is one of the greatest gifts that God gives us. In the Bible, God tells us to make healing choices (Deuteronomy 30:19), “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

4. Change requires truth. Jesus said in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The truth may set you free, but first it makes you miserable. The reason most of us aren’t free is that we don’t want to face the truth about our sin. We don’t want to face the truth about others, our relationships, our parents, or our past. The Bible says our hearts are “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).

That deceit has to be balanced with the truth of God. Why does truth set us free? Because the way we think affects the way we feel. The way we feel then affects the way we act. If you want to change the way you act, you don’t want to start with your behavior, you start with your thoughts. The battle over sin always begins in the mind. You can’t stop the thoughts that come into your mind, but you need to know how to divert them.  Change happens when we’re honest about what is in our heart and then we challenge it with the Word of God. The truth is, behind every self-defeating behavior in your life is a lie that you believe to be true.

5. Lasting change happens in community. God has wired us to only get well in community, not a cocoon. Koinonia (the Greek term for fellowship or community) simply means being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ, and sharing a common life.

Change happens when you open up and share your hurts, habits, and hang-ups. It’s the only way to get over them. James 5:16 tells us to, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Revealing your feelings is the beginning of healing. If you want to see true life change, you need to develop Christian community or fellowship in your life.

6. Lasting change is a step-by-step process. The kind of change that we really long for won’t happen by accident or by chance. Change happens intentionally and incrementally. The Message paraphrases 2 Corinthians 3:18, “Our lives are gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” When God enters our lives, we become gradually more like Jesus. That is sanctification.

7. Lasting change requires multiple reinforcement. You’ve got to get truth in a lot of different ways to make the way for lasting change. How can people listen to Pastor Skip’s sermons for years and not grow?  People just don’t grow by listening.  James tells us not to merely listen to the Word of God but to obey it (James 1:22). He goes on to say that the one who “looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25).

It’s the person who remembers the Word of God and does it who is blessed. Leaders must teach people the Bible in multiple ways to make that happen in their lives. God loves variety. He wired some people to learn through what they hear. Others learn from they see or read. Others learn by doing.  Those who participate in worship will hear the Word. They talk about it in their small group Bible studies. They read about it in a book.

8. Lasting change requires new habits. I’ve heard it said that you are the sum total of your habits. You’ve got both good and bad habits, but what you do habitually is what you are. You don’t have to think about taking a shower, brushing your teeth, or shaving. You just do it. Those are habits. You’re not an honest person unless you are habitually honest. You’re not faithful to your spouse if you’re only faithful 98% of the time.

For 2,000 years Christians have been developing good habits. We often call them spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, quiet time, Bible study, solitude, fasting, service, journaling, etc. These are building blocks of spiritual growth. Not many believers have been to a boot camp for spiritual growth because. We just did not know that we needed it.

9. Real change changes others. A lot of people come to marriage counseling and say they wanted to change their spouse, when what they really needed to do was change themselves. You can only change someone else by changing yourself. When you change, you force the other person to change because they can’t respond to you the same old way. When God changes you, he’ll use you to change others.

How do you know someone’s life has been changed by God and they’re spiritually mature? You know the same way that you know if someone is physically mature – reproduction. Spiritually mature people reproduce. As people experience real life change, they’ll help others find the same hope.

God says life is a choice. Jesus says, “I came so that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). Life is a choice, but most people are just existing. They get up in the morning, go to work, come home, watch TV, and go to bed. Then they get up in the morning, go to work, come home, watch TV, and go to bed… over and over, repeating that same pattern. One day they wake up and realize there is more to this life than just existing!
 
The kind of life that God wants us to have is not automatic. Spiritual growth is not automatic. You have to make choices to help yourself grow.

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I’ve just finished the Paul D. Borden book, Direct Hit, and wanted to share many of the quotes from the book. The staff at King’s Grant is reading this together, and our pastor is currently involved with the Great Commission Breakthrough Cluster, and group of local pastors that are a part of this church growth strategy sponsored by the Norfolk Area Baptist Association.

I See a Better Tomorrow

“Vision is derived from the passion of a leader who has a prophetic burning within the soul to accomplish something significant for God.”

“The biblical mission of mission of the church is 180 degrees opposite to the mission or purpose of most congregations [in affluent countries].”

In the development of vision: the first time period is from one to five years prior to systemic change (preparation). There is a lot of prayer at this point. The second phase works within one year, but no more than two. This involves seeing the community for what it really is, a complex social unit (discovering the values, interests, desires and aspirations of the community.

The “pastor creates a preaching calendar for the vision… how he will communicate the vision over the next one to five years.” It is cast by telling compelling stories and metaphors.

“The pastor is also looking for those within the congregation who are responding to the sermons, training, and comments on vision.”

Going along with the status quo creates job security but demands few if any risks.

When is Somebody Going to do Something?

“Vision is God’s major tool to provide hope for people.”

“New visions require risk, which entails leaving that which is known and comfortable for that which is unknown.”

Presentation of the vision must “always be accompanied with a presentation of urgency for that vision. Without the constant presentation of urgency, people vote with their behavior for the status quo. A good leader must make the status quo so unacceptable that people are willing to embrace a new vision.” Or people will not change.

Theological urgency: people are lost and on their way to hell. There is a spiritual need to act. Many times we talk about urgency but our behavior does not demonstrate any urgency.

Clergy and lay leaders must “lead the congregation to confess the sin of complacency (no urgency).” We simply do not believe that the majority of people around us are lost.

Practical urgency: people must see where they are headed if they refuse to change. Help the congregation to see the community in which the congregation exists for what it really is. Help the congregation to feel the loss of people because they have left; therefore they are no longer a healthy, vibrant and growing congregation. We must also describe what is happening to the culture of our nation (morality of the congregation is not much different from those outside the congregation).

“If one creates urgency from a prophetic perspective so that everyone feels guilty about all that could be happening but is not, there will be no change. Prophets create guilt, and guilt is designed to produce repentance, which is a type of change.“ Change in congregation may start with repentance, but must be led by leaders and not prophets. “Shame and blame do produce change.” But this must be paired with casting vision.

The pastor must constantly preach on themes that talk about why it is important to be a disciple of Christ, the need to be reconciled and the need for forgiveness. He uses charts and graphs to see what has happened to the declining congregation. Use interviews of people in the community who deal with the issues around the congregation. Use interviews of non-church people who see the church as irrelevant or boring.

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I’ve just finished the Paul D. Borden book, Direct Hit, and wanted to share many of the quotes from the book. The staff at King’s Grant is reading this together, and our pastor is currently involved with the Great Commission Breakthrough Cluster, and group of local pastors that are a part of this church growth strategy sponsored by the Norfolk Area Baptist Association.

It’s More Than Just Talk

“We usually expect that for one to lead well in a congregation, he or she must have the ability to communicate reasonably well in some form so that people are motivated to follow.”

Churches need to have a communication strategy that includes “before or after the formal presentation to make comments to the audience.” The pastor takes every advantage to communicate the mission and vision of the organization.

Pastors of the church “develop relationships, model discipleship and train leaders who may be open to following when change is being implemented.”

“Good leaders are constantly raising up new leaders.”

“The ability for any organization to effectively accomplish it’s purpose is ultimately determined by leaders who are effective because they communicate well.”

“Few pastors are willing to assume the role of a leader who takes responsibility for mobilizing the congregation to accept the mission of obeying our Lord’s Great Commission: to make disciples for Jesus. Instead, many pastors and other church staff presume that their job is to call individuals to personal discipleship.”

The church is often an “environment where faithful endeavor is honored, but fruitful results are not expected or demanded… The church shies away from accountability perhaps better than any other organization in the world.”

When people gain positions of leadership by default, that “leadership deteriorates to one of conserving the status quo.” They fear losing people, and have a theology that the church is for them, rather than for those who are not yet a part of the congregation. Change, and an influx of new people, would mean “a loss of control” and therefore a decline in personal status.

“Change always starts with mission and vision. No new mission or vision will take hold and last over time if the structure is not changed to allow both to flourish.”

“Congregations are created by God to be God’s primary tool for making individual disciples and for changing entire congregations.” The pastor’s leadership is directed “more to the congregation as an entity than it is to the individuals who comprise the congregation.”

“Your purpose as a church leader is to lead a congregation to find those strategies and tactics that will enable followers to effectively reach lost and dying people with the good news.”

Will the Real Leaders Please Stand Up?

Many times leaders will speak “against [other] leaders complaining about issues of power and authority. In effect, we have now developed a theology of smallness.”

“According to Leith Anderson, leadership involves a person seeing a need and taking the responsibility to see that the need is met.” The leader then influences and mobilized others.”

“Leadership refers to the employment of disciplines that people can develop regardless of their talents or mix of spiritual gifts.” There is an art and a science to leadership.

“At the heart of all effective leadership is passion,” which “begins with a prophetic burden”  and “arises when we are focused on God and are able to see the needs that people have because of the great chasm between them and God.”

“We can tell if people are truly called by whether they possess a passion for God and for reaching the lost… passion comes as we, in our own ways, take God seriously.”

“A leader’s first task is to be clear about the mission. A leader must then ask if this mission is one that God wants him or her to lead and if it is worth dying for.”

“Primary customers [of the church] are ones who are not yet part of the congregation [basically lost people]… secondary customers are the disciples who are already involved in the congregation. Secondary customers are developed to reproduce more primary customers.”

We must have “movement from an inward focus to an outward focus” which “demands a major shift in who controls the organization”… it takes “courageous leaders who are willing to risk all for the sake of the Great Commission.”

“In today’s culture, “people vote with their feet and their pocketbook”… “Congregations going through major changes find that there are often more people leaving than new people coming.” It may even cost a few long-time relationships. The Great Commission must be obeyed above personal interests.

“What worked yesterday in one congregation produces little change today… More congregations die than are started each week in North America… If leaders cannot handle flexibility, they will find it difficult to let go of old behaviors and lead new initiatives, and long-term systemic change will probably not occur.”

“The very nature and essence of the church is to be involved in a passionate, missional effort of turning lost people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.”

“Most of [the church’s] ministries are designed to provide service and fulfillment to those who are already related to [Christ]… The most effective pastors are missionaries at heart.”

“Missional leaders are open to accountability” because effectiveness is measured by loses and new recruits into the kingdom.

“Followers are motivated when leaders proclaim a clear vision, which is the answer to a great urgency.”

“The church in North America has lost is primary sense of mission. We spend far too much time and money engaging disciples in tasks and responsibilities that do not advance the mission.”

Regarding wisdom, “[leaders] never ask more of their sheep than they are willing to do as leaders.”

“Positive leaders are constantly showing disciples what God can do and wants to do… they cast vision and assume the best.”

Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. Most excuses for lack of growth are:

• Environmental – our location, neighborhood, resort area, transitional community – this is a missionary issue, people don’t see the harvest before them.
• Lack of commitment – if my people were more committed, serve more, give more – this is a vision issue, people have not caught the vision.
• Spiritual – God has left, or is judging our city or church – this is an issue of denial, saying God has written off our area.

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I recently read a blog that had five questions that a husband should ask his wife that would communicate to her just how much he really cares for her. It is my goal to ask these questions this weekend…

What is the most romantic thing that I’ve ever done for you? You might be surprised! When we get married we think about “wowing” her by taking her to nice places and spending lots of money, but in reality it may be the little things that communicate to her how special she is.

What is something fun we can do together? Men, our definition of fun and hers is usually completely different. One of the things about most women is that they want to feel connected to their husbands, to feel like they matter and are important, and one of the ways they do that is by simply having fun. It’s not about taking her to something that you like doing. It’s about asking her what she wants to do, and then making that happen. It proves to her that you care.

What is one thing I can do for you this week that will relieve stress from your life? Men, we have no idea how much stress our lady carries around with her, and because she is a woman (thus everything is connected to everything) we should be willing to do all we can to relieve stress from her life. This may include giving her an afternoon to herself, without the kids. It may include you cooking dinner one night or cleaning up afterwards. Whatever it takes, do it!

How Can I Pray For You? It is amazing the number of men that will not ask their wife this question. We are called to lead our homes spiritually, which means we should provide protection and direction. When she asks you to pray for something specific, we must resist the temptation to go ahead and be the answer to her prayer by solving the problem she’s bringing to your attention. She asked you to pray–not fix it. I know we have a tendency to try to fix everything, but she doesn’t want us to fix her problem, she wants you to listen to her.

If you could change one thing about our marriage–what would it be? This one takes guts! We think we are the perfect match for her, and all is well. But she can give you some really great insight into what she considered to be important, and we should be motivated to work as hard as we can to honor her request.

Ephesians 5:25 says we are to love our wives as Christ loves the church…

• He never stops loving the church
• He never stops pursuing the church
• He always comes home for the church
• He never cheats on the church
• He provides for the church
• He never stops thinking about the church
• He takes the church seriously

I am definitely not the perfect husband, but more and more I am realizing that my marriage not about what I deserve or can get out of it, it’s all about what I can give to her and how I can serve her. As men of God we should go all out to show the world how awesome Jesus is through loving our bride like He loves His.

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When I think of men, we get involved in a lot of stuff. Sometimes we have too many irons in the fire and some fairly important things get left undone. Any married man might identify with this situation, we had the best of intentions, we never intended to not follow through, we never planned to let our wives down, but we did not finish what we started. My house is a standing monument to unfinished tasks… well, to be honest, many projects have not yet been started (there’s just a list posted to the refrigerator door).

After being delivered from centuries of slavery in Egypt, the children of Israel followed this same pattern. God gave His chosen people a simple instruction to possess the land, which meant they were to completely drive out the current residents. If they didn’t follow through, the Canaanites would drag them down spiritually, which was seen over and over, and the Israelites chasing after false gods rather than sole loyalty to the One True God. It’s recorded twice in two separate books: Joshua 17:13 and Judges 1:28.

In our present situation, we do the same thing. Not by worshipping false gods, but we claim the salvation of Christ yet still hold on to the old sinful nature of the past. While the nature doesn’t ever completely leave (the struggle continues throughout life – Romans 7:14-25) we cannot allow known sin to permeate our lives. John tells us that no one born of God sins (that is, habitually practices sin – 1 John 5:18), but we must strive to completely drive out the evil that desires to ensnare us into bondage to sin (2 Timothy 2:4, Hebrews 12:1, 2 Peter 2:20).

So what is the result of our not completely driving out the old sinful nature? I believe that God was tired of their hypocrisy. Check out the word of God through the prophet Jeremiah:

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will never suffer because the Temple is here. It’s a lie! Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, “We are safe!”—only to go right back to all those evils again? Jeremiah 7:8-10

Wow! Let’s get serious about walking in a manner worthy of the calling of Christ (Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, . He saved us to live in faith (Colossians 2:6) not to walk in the same way as the world around us. Take on the “yoke” of Christ and learn from Him (Matthew 11:29)… that’s discipleship.

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The church is not supposed to be just spinning it’s wheels with lots of activities. It’s more than a social organization where people can get together. It’s more than a club that has an exclusive “members only” policy. We are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13, 14, John 12:46). We have a great message (1 John 1:5) and provide hope (1 Timothy 1:1, 5, Hebrews 6:19, 1 Peter 1:21) for hurting people and families. There’s a place for any person of any age with a message that is applicable to all people. 

Leaders set the pace. Let me suggest that we adopt these ten values to live by. They’re the relational characteristics that each person in the discipleship ministry should hold as important and strive to embody.  So, as relational leaders we value… 

A Willingness to Engage

It’s important to overcome fear and continually approach and engage all kinds of people in our ministry. Leaders should be on the lookout for new people, approach people who are new or unfamiliar, and be familiar enough with the total church program to direct and escort guests to where they need to be. If people are unwilling to come on their own, we should go up to them (John 5:40). 

• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
• 2 Corinthians 12:15 – I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
• 1 John 3:16 – We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Laughter and Fun

It’s important to lighten up and enjoy the many blessings God has given to us. If there’s no fun in what we do, why would anybody want to be a part of it? We have a serious message, but we should be the first people to share the joy we have in our lives.   

• John 10:10 – I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (or more abundantly).
• Psalm 126:2-3 – We celebrated with laughter and joyful songs. In foreign nations it was said, “The LORD has worked miracles for his people.” And so we celebrated because the LORD had indeed worked miracles for us.
• Isaiah 25:9 – Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.

Transparency and Authenticity

It’s important to be yourself, lower the mask, and be vulnerable with each other and the people we serve. If we put forth a spirit that we have it all together, having no struggles, God just blesses all the time, we then come across as a super-Christian and people can’t really identify with us, or will feel this is not the place where they fit in. We don’t glory in our sin, but how God uses our weaknesses to bring Himself honor and glory is another story. Sharing how God was with us through trial and trouble goes a long way. 

• 1 Corinthians 2:3-4 – I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.
• 1 Corinthians 1:26 – Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
• 2 Corinthians 11:30 – If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.
• 2 Corinthians 12:5 – On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 

Encouragement

It’s important to be positive and uplifting to everyone. It’s not putting on a mark to hide inner feelings, but we should be positive and encouraging; people should feel better about who they are after being around you. 

• 1 Thessalonians 5:12 – Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
• 1 Corinthians 16:18 – For they have refreshed my spirit and yours, therefore acknowledge such men.
• 1 Timothy 5:17 – The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
• Philippians 2:22 – But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 

Being “Others Oriented”

It’s important to put others first. Live to give and care more for the comfort of another than for yourself. The JOY class really has the title right Jesus is first, others are next and yourself is third. I remember a YMCA camp in Alabama that had signs all over the place, “I am Third.” I like that! 

• Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
• Philippians 2:3 – Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
• 1 Peter 2:17 – Honor all people, love the brotherhood,
• 1 Peter 1:22 – Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 

Communicating Care

It’s important that we care for our people and for each other. The cliché is true… people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. How can we each encourage someone else this week? How can we encourage our people to be more than just a Sunday attender, but live it out during the week, and reach out to their neighbors? Do we really care about people, their needs and their spiritual condition? 

• John 13:34-35 – Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
• John 15:12, 17 – This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
• 1 Corinthians 9:24 – Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
• Romans 13:8 – Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
• Romans 14:19 – So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
• Romans 15:7 – Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
• Hebrews 3:13 – But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” 

Follow Through

It’s important to be faithful to your commitments to our people, leaders, and this ministry. If we let people down, as a character trait, we really harm the gospel because people see us (as leaders) to be those who walk closely to Christ. It is so important to finish well, to never say that I have served enough and it’s time to pass the baton. Age can keep us from serving the way we used to but we still have tremendous knowledge and experiences that need to be passed on to an awaiting generation. Find a FAT apprentice (Faithful, Available and Teachable) and pass on the valuable ministry into which you have invested your life. 

• 2 Timothy 4:7 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
• Acts 20:24 – I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.
• 2 Timothy 3:10-11 – Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings,  

Spiritual Growth

It’s important to be continually and actively growing closer to Jesus. We cannot lead anyone to a place of faith if we have never been there ourselves. A leader continues to grow; he never “arrives.” The best teachers are still students, learning new stuff each week and passing on that which has made a difference in their lives. A teacher does not just lead a lesson but teaches people. 

• Hebrews 6:1 – Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.
• Ephesians 4:14, 15 – we are no longer to be children,  tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.
• Luke 6:40 – A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. 

Prayer

It’s important to pray for our people, each other, our church, and this ministry. We do not minister in our own strength (or we’ll burn out), so it is vitally important to be in a prayer relationship with God! The Spirit’s power is unleashed as we yield to God’s will and draw close to Him. People will come to know the Lord as we pray for them.  

• Proverbs 2:3-6, – If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
• 2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again. 

Living Intentionally and Invitationally

If we don’t ask… will never have a response.  We need to be asking our people to take the next step in their spiritual journey, and we need to be asking others to come along side us and serve on this discipleship ministry. Spiritual growth or church growth does not happen by accident, but we must be intentional. Our mandate is clear, found in the Great Commission: 

• Matthew 28:19 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
• Zechariah 3:10 – In that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘every one of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and under his fig tree.
• Matthew 22:4 – Tell those who have been invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fattened livestock are all butchered and everything is ready; come to the wedding feast.
• Matthew 25:35 – For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in.  

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Noting that hundreds of church growth principles have been put forth in the last thirty years, Charles Arn responded to a recent question, What are the top five church growth principles? Based on his own study and experience, these are foundational church growth insights that you can take to the bank.’ Whether you’re in a church of 20 or 20,000, these principles will help to invest the talents God has given to your church, so that when the Master returns you can return more than what you were given (Matthew 25:14-30).

Principle 1: Disciple-making is THE priority. As Arn explains it, A church can do many good things. A church should do a few important things. But there is only one essential thing a church must do: go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life. (Matthew 28:19, The Message)

Principle 2: Social networks are the vehicle. There is a silver bullet’ that any congregation can use to reach more people. Here it is: Non-Christians come to Christ and the church primarily through relationships with Christians. Again, this may seem elementary,’ but I remain amazed at the number of churches and Christians who believe something other than friends reaching friends will somehow create growth.

Principle 3: Felt needs are the connecting point. Arn notes that most unchurched people aren’t nearly so concerned about their eternal destiny as Christians are. Right or wrong, they have on their mind something of immediate interest: their jobs, friends, health, kids, finances, hobbies. If the gospel of Christ is really relevant to all aspects of our lives, we need to show unreached people how it is relevant to their lives, as well. Don’t start with your agenda, start with theirs.

Principle 4: Relationships are the glue. What’s the primary ingredient that keeps people active in church? Friendships. Put simply, if people have friends at church, they stay. If they don’t have friendships, they won’t. According to one study, new members who stay beyond their first year made an average of seven new friends in the church. Those who dropped out made fewer than two. The implication for churches is clear we need to be intentional about creating friendships, not just acquaintances.

Principle 5: Transitions are windows of opportunity. Arn points out that unchurched persons in our community are not equally receptive to becoming Christians and members of our churches. Significant changes in people’s lifestyle move them toward spiritual receptivity. Such changes may be controlled events (marriage, divorce, relocation, retirement) or uncontrolled ones (death of a spouse, medical crisis, job loss). Churches need to encourage members to be aware of these events in the lives of those in their social network. And, churches can develop specialized ministries in response to these transitions.

From The Top Five Church Growth Principles by Charles Arn, president of Church Growth, Inc. REV, July/Aug 2009.

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I remember living in Richmond several years ago and while driving in to work every morning, there was this commercial on the radio for an imaging company that offered a special on a full body scan… although, I forget the name of the machine. A lot of men seemed to be getting these scans, especially as they approached age fifty.

As I read Psalm 139:23-24, I thought about how God can also do a full body scan! God can check the heart, the mind, the hands, the eyes, the feet, the mouth, you name it. I found the following questions helpful for every man to look deep inside where no one but you and God can see. Ask these questions and petition God to guide you on the road to everlasting life. 

1. Have I been proud in my inmost thoughts, or “imagination”? Do I focus on myself and my selfish desires instead of the needs and desires of others?
2. Do I blame or have I been judgmental of others?
3. Do I get frustrated or even angry because people don’t respond exactly the way I want them to? Do I feel inadequate thinking I have nothing to offer?
4. Do I spend much of my day dreaming or fantasizing about a life different than the one I have? Do I live in a state of real contentment, accepting and being grateful for what God has done for me?
5. Where do I remain in denial about myself? If Jesus were sitting here with me (which He is!), what would He tell me about the true condition of my heart? What would He say about what needs to be dealt with?
6. Where am I “digging in my heels” through pride, insisting that “I am right” about something at the cost of my relationship with my family, friends or co-workers?
7. Is the Holy Spirit “haunting me” about something that I will not admit or agree with Him is a problem?
8. Is the Holy Spirit convicting me while my pride pushes back insisting “I’m justified” in my resentment and anger about the issue?
9. Am I being called to humble myself with someone, to settle a conflict or a difference, but my pride pushes back and says “No, I will not!”
10. Have I been offended by someone that I will not forgive – really forgive – or am I holding onto resentment, anger, or bitterness towards this person? Do I replay the offense over and over again in my mind and justify the emotions I feel in the name of “Yes, but look at what they did to me!”
11. Do I have things or people that I give more power and influence to then God Himself? This can be very subtle – is there anything in my life that bears more weight with me than what Jesus says about it?
12. Do I care more about the approval I get from people than I do about pleasing God? Is there anything I care more about than pleasing God in secret obedience?
13. Do I have a secret – something I am spending mental, emotional and spiritual energy to keep someone else from knowing – that I am hesitant to confess to God and to others, or even flat-out refuse God’s conviction to bring into the light?

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A reporter investigating the citrus industry in Florida, found a man at a conveyor belt putting large oranges in one hole, small ones in a second hole and damaged ones in a third hole. After several moments of watching this monotonous routine, the reporter asked how the worker can do this day after day. He said, sir, you don’t know the half of it. Every day, all day long it’s decisions, decisions, decisions.

There’s a Hunger for Guidance – Deuteronomy 18:10, 11-12. There’s a silence in the Bible, and no step by step process for finding God’s will.

There are Many Divining Christians

Some people meditate, empty their minds and allow God to speak directly to them, but inner impressions may not be the will of God.

Biblical roulette allows your fingers to do the walking and pick out a passage or let the book flop open to read a word from the Lord. We’ve heard the story of the man seeking guidance and the passage found was Matthew 27:5, Judas went away and hanged himself. Then Luke 10:37, where Jesus finished the parable of the Good Samaritan and said, “Go and do likewise.” Still not satisfied, he found John 2:5, where Mary, the mother of Jesus says, “Do whatever He tells you.”

Promise boxes can be another way – taking the next verse in the box, at breakfast, and that is God’s word for you that day. I read of a man (whose wife was terminally ill), who sat at the table and the next card was John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me will live.” He was convinced that God had spoken to him, so he spread the great news that God was going to heal his wife, only to be disappointed later that week. People came to the conclusion that the man was a religious fanatic or that God had gone back on his word.

There are Classic Searching Questions, like whom should I marry? Should I take this Job or that one? Should I buy this home or rent? Should I go to this school or that one? So how do you know? Will there be a sign over the proper direction? Or how about the right person to marry? How will I spot her? Will she be carrying a large Bible or wear her hair in a certain way?

The Bull’s-Eye Theory – that there is a range of possible choices that are acceptable to God, so our main goal is to find the bulls-eyes, or the center of God’s will. We think that the center would be for missionary service, pastors, Christian businessmen who support missionaries. Then there’s a second ring further out, they went to church but were not as involved in God’s work as others. Finally we get to those who missed the target completely! These people missed the center and will never have the chance to be in the bulls-eye, because they married second best, or they settled for second best.

Three Wills of God

Philosophers are right to explain what we mean by the term, “God’s will.” 

God’s sovereign will – God’s purpose from eternity past to eternity future, and he determines that all of it will take place. In Ephesians 1:11, “we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” History is God’s story and he writes the story line. Theologians will call this God’s hidden will, because he doesn’t have to reveal the secret things of God to humans. He reveals what he wants!

God’s moral will – God wants us to know this one because he reveals it in the Bible. Scripture tells us what to believe and how to behave. Its moral and it’s clear.

God’s individual will – God would seem to have my life all mapped out on a blackboard in heaven and we need to see it to make the right choices that he has for our lives. It’s here that we ask the question, “What is God’s will for my life” when really we are asking the wrong question. The question is, “What is God’s will, and how can I bring my life in tune with it?” He works his sovereign will, sometimes even through atheists and unbelievers; he reveals his moral will; but he doesn’t necessarily reveal his specific plan for our lives. Individual will is not to be on the same level as the other two.

Peace as Proof of being in God’s Will – Colossians 3:15 says to let the peace of Christ rule your hearts… you were called to peace.” Some would say that you are living within God’s boundaries when you experience peace. When you step outside the boundaries, the umpire blows the whistle and peace is lacking. It sounds good until you look at the examples of Jonah and Jesus.

Freedom and Responsibility – The question we should ask is no longer, “How can I know God’s will?” Instead we should ask, “How can I make good decisions?” If we change the question, we change the direction of the answer. “How do I know God’s will?” makes us passive, in receiving mode. “How do I make good decisions?” makes us active. It shifts the responsibility of decision-making from God to us. It’s like helping your kids across the street… we’re very directive, hold my hand and we’ll cross together. Then at one point they grow up and they can cross without hold our hand, and then if we have taught them well enough, they will be able to cross in our absence, having taught them to make good decisions.

How to Make Good Decisions on this Life Journey?

Take a position of humility and submission is a good start. It’s hard to be humble when we are selfishly looking out for our own interests.

Allow the law of love to guide – what is the most loving thing?

Know your strengths and weaknesses – some things you are able to do with a certain ease and effectiveness; other things do not.

Consider the circumstances – Tornadoes on the east side of Louisville KY, near SBTS. Interpretation is difficult, if God was angry over horse racing, gambling and bourbon, why did he leave Churchill Downs in tact?

Open doors – it is not always the Lord leading you through an open door. Just because it’s open does not mean you need to go through it. Don’t let circumstances determine your decisions. The phrase is used five times in the NT (Acts 14:27, 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3 and Revelation 3:8) and they all refer to an opportunity. “When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me. But I had no peace of mind because my dear brother Titus hadn’t yet arrived with a report from you. So I said good-bye and went on to Macedonia to find him. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13. If an open door determines God’s direction, what Paul did is puzzling.

Seeking wise counsel – This is a sure way to get better at making decisions.

A Final Verse – “Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left”. – Isaiah 30:20-21

This tells me to make a wise decision with the light I have, and then God will confirm that I have chosen the right direction. I can choose the wrong direction when I totally disregard the decision-making steps above.

A.W Tozer said that the man or woman who is wholly and joyously surrendered to Christ can’t make a wrong decision.

The action to take when struggling with a decision, get to know God and He will make His will, your will.

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