Discipleship in Acts

Acts 2:42 tells us that THEY devoted THEMSELVES to the Apostles doctrine. How much effort are we to muster to disciple someone? Many ministers can recount stories of devotion of time, energy, teaching and resources for the spiritual formation of a convert in their care, only to witness this person fall from the faith. Other stories demonstrate the small seed planted by one, watered by another and then supernatural increase by God’s own hand and their insatiable desire for His Word and His Presence.

Acts 8:34-39 further illustrates the point with Phillip and the Eunuch. Obviously, there are multiple passages that encourage studying the Word of God with one another, bearing burdens, and bearing the weaknesses of fellow believers. I just wonder (out loud-I guess) how much of our efforts should be placed on pushing Christians toward discipleship? Shouldn’t most of our efforts be toward salvation? Again, obviously, we should and must provide opportunity (and make that opportunity easily accessible) for Christians to engage in discipleship. We should provide structures, processes, trainings, resources to equip the saints to do the work of ministry. However, Christians/Disciples must devote THEMSELVES to the Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, prayer and breaking of bread (one of my first sermons focused on this passage as the four pillars of the church–discipleship based message–still believe it by the way).

However, shouldn’t most our resources be placed on sending the Gospel out into the community? Cultivating an atmosphere on Sunday mornings where God’s Presence reigns? (Thus, confronting, convicting and converting the sinner). Resources of creativity, money, talent, prayer, preparation, planning, recruiting (inviting lost), and anticipation should be poured into creating an atmosphere of God’s Presence on Sunday mornings that is soooo real that NO ONE can deny His existence. Lives are transformed. It’s not about seeker-sensitive, it’s not about culturally relevant, it’s not about performing excellence—it’s about creating an atmosphere where He reigns and demonstrates His power for salvation. Now, that doesn’t mean that all of those aren’t elements, there just not the main thing!! HE IS.

Discipleship MUST be about moving Christians toward salvation machines. It’s ALL about not letting people die and go to hell. Not just having a better marriage, not just having sweeter kids, not just saving/making money God’s way—-DON’T let your friends die and go to hell.

Let us be DOERS of the Word and not HEARERS only—deceiving ourselves and letting our religion become useless.

 

Acts1:8-ff….Leading with the Spirit of Leadership

Last post ended with verse 8 of chapter 1. Receiving power to be witnesses is truly the ultimate requirement for leadership. (We could reminisce about David and his leadership in the Spirit, Moses, Judges, well I guess the OT for that matter!) Verses 9, 10, 11 are just awesome! “As they strained to see Him rising into heaven…” That totally describes many church leaders today. We have received instruction from God, yet we strain to see Him where He WAS. (Reminded about a cloud and fire and a man named Moses–we won’t go unless you go with us LORD.) These Apostles needed another visitation; they had just talked with GOD!! But they still needed angels to tell them to do what God/Jesus had instructed them to do.

Down to verse 15…the Apostles DO work. I think often, when we hear from God, we tend to pray (some) do (little) and wait (a lot). But by knowing the Word, they understood there was preparation to DO during the praying. Peter understood that “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled”…They had to prepare for revival and growth. Prayer and preparation for revival and growth are important (we need to know we CAN’T plan revival-but we can pray and prepare). The Apostles talked through replacing Judas and followed the Word and Spirit and appointed Matthias.

One thought about chapter 2 (for now)—once they had prayed (obeyed), prepared (appointed Matthias –or hired for growth?) then God GAVE them the increase He desired. See, jumping back to Christ’s ascension, He spoke to His Disciples-not the masses. He knew pouring into them prepared them for the HUGE harvest to come. 3000 added in ONE day!!! Added to EVERYDAY!!!! Only the Holy Spirit CAN do this!! He will only do this when WE are prepared!!

 

Leadership in Acts

Acts seems to be THE best book out there on leadership. Acts 1:2 gives great insight to leadership. Christ worked until the VERY end. He leveraged EVERY opportunity to pour in further instruction. This verse also lets us know that Christ LED through the power of the Holy Spirit. Christ spent time with the chosen disciples. Most leaders would want to be in front of the largest crowds, hopefully empowering, reaching the most with the best efforts. However, Christ understood His purpose: to empower those that were called and chosen to carry out the mission. Leadership development.

Verse 3 illustrates Christ passion to model and lead by example. He PROVED through many ways to His apostles that He had done what He said He had done! How often do we get offended and off track when we sense our team needs more evidence from us? How is it that we drift off point so easily? Christ talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Verses 4 and 5 give us a specific example of His teaching. Basically, He told them to drop everything to ensure they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. “Do leave Jerusalem….” He reminded and reinforced of the promise and the baptism coming. Do we continue to remind and reinforce the promises of God are coming? Do we really believe they are coming? As David states in Psalm 5:3 do we wait in expectation? Or are we now leading and moving through the motions?

Verses 6 and 7 are interesting to me…the disciples are asking (still) if the promise in NOW and earthly. This question reveals another aspect of leadership. Christ didn’t pretend to know things He didn’t know. He didn’t want His leaders to waste time on off point issues. Wow, “Lord has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our Kingdom?” —is this question off-point?!! Do we let the good become the enemy of the best? Do we entertain really good questions, causes and agendas at the cost of THE MISSION?

For now, verse 8 will be a great ending point (or beginning). The Baptism of the Holy Spirit launches the Apostles and disciples into passionate and empowered ministry. Empowered to DO all that we envision doing. (Greater works-kinda stuff). It is amazing that the authors of the New Testament were baptized in the power of the Holy Spirit, the recipients of these gospels, epistles and writings were baptized in the Holy Spirit, however, we often treat this empowerment as optional. A command from Christ to drop everything until this gift is received. Many of you know, I have earned a degree in leadership, however, NOTHING can replace the empowerment, wisdom and direction that the Holy Spirit brings. He is the Spirit of Wisdom. Think about the Comforter, the one who brings back everything to memory, the one who breaks every yoke. Shouldn’t we desire to yield fully to His Spirit and Voice?

The rest of this passage is full of leadership, preparation, planning and yielding to His will for ministry advancement.

 

Does God still judge sin?

In light of my last post about Christian beliefs, I thought this would be a nice follow-up. Of course, I have my own thoughts, Scriptures and deep beliefs, but this isn’t a place for me to throw out my stuff. I want to hear from you and learn. So here are a few questions:

Does God still judge sin?

Does He still judge personal sin?

Does He still judge corporate sin?

Does God judge the sins of a nation?

Are we held accountable? Are nations blessed, cursed? Is God active just in individual lives or governments? Are churches blessed/cursed?

Is all judgment finalized in the Cross? Is God active in nations or simply within individuals?

What does His activity look like in our postmodern-postChristian society?

What implication does the Old Testament have for a postmodern believer, if any?

What does a “Christian nation” look like? Are there ‘levels’ of godly nations, ungodly nations?

Are godly nations protected, favored and blessed while ungodly ones are cursed and judged?–what does this look like for individuals?

Are there ramifications for continual sin in the believer’s life? Family? Church? Nation?

Again, I would love to hear your thoughts..Pastors, don’t be afraid of a little theology….besides everything we do reflects theology.

 

Easter Wrap-up

Wow!!-Mind-blowing….

1. First of all, I LOVE being a part of something so much larger than myself!!–The Body of Christ!!–There is a call and position for YOU!! Come discover it with us!! And make us better too!!

2. I am LOVING all the reports pouring in from many churches!! Lots of people are now going to heaven instead of hell!! 350 at one church, 50 at one church, 32 at one church, 4 or 5 at our church, and on and on…..

3. The energy was CRAZY!!!

4. Worship was BEST EVER!!!

5. Every element built perfectly!

6. No radio spot, no mailer, no advertisement—we still had a great crowd with LOTS of regulars out!!

7. I broke a large sheet of glass yesterday!—I have the best job ever!!

8. iFaith is going to be a great series!! Already FIRED up for it!!! Invite people–we have invite cards (5000!!)

Feeling like Christ; I need to spend more time in prayer AFTER a great move of God than before..totally need to slip away today and pray.

9. Let’s treat this coming Sunday with the same anticipation, faith, and preparation as we did Easter. Let’s continue to invite and share the Gospel everyday!!

10. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, we are to show, preach and pray the love, hope and joy of the Gospel (Good news) to the lost!!

11. We WILL DO ANYTHING SHORT OF SIN TO KEEP PEOPLE FROM DYING AND GOING TO HELL!!!-That’s our sole purpose for being here!!! One body, many members advancing the Kingdom of God and destroying the works of the enemy!!

12. NO ONE CAN DO IT ALONE–we need one another. Drop your pride and repent and work in unity of the Body to see His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven!!

13. Praying for Sunday!! Praying for TC to grow to 200 every week!!–Only YOU can make that happen!!

 

Leadership/Evangelism according to Godin

What would it look like if the Church (everyone single fully devoted follower of Christ) approached ministry/witness like this:?

here

I don’t fully think this is the ONLY way to do it, but it is definitely an overlooked and under-appreciated approach. I hope and pray that the Body of Christ will implement this ideology in our witness/invitation approach.

 

Rough Summary of Dr. Garmon’s Leadership Teaching

Leadership crisis of character—
Quotes:
John Nichols-pastors need to focus on being a Christian first. Leadership is BEING in relationship with HIM.
Perry Noble-listen to God and do what He says.

Know, Be, and Do. Often we desire outcomes so desperately we sell out our being for accomplishment. We seek, ask, and knock on the door of methodology, program and paradigm while neglecting our responsibility and calling to BE. Fundamentally, we are called to be in relationship with our Heavenly Father. Communing with God the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit via the work of the Son in the context of the Word within our community of faith is the life of faith. Our foundation for ministry expression is found within this relational knowing. The erosion of clergy character has significant detriment on Gospel identity in our community. There is a desperate need for character development in our leadership.
Too often, the charismatic communicator receives promotion without developing intimacy with God. Each prayer, devotion, study time becomes focused toward the next speaking engagement. Personal development and devotion fades in the public lime light. (It is ridiculous to type that last statement).
How do you hold in tension the desires for self-promotion/self-protection and humility/confidence in God?
What do I need to know in order lead effectively in the ministry?
1. Know God
2. Know/understand yourself—not just hearing to give to others…but growing personally
3. Know/understand others
4. Know/understand how to manage the differences…main tension is the difference between 2 and 3.
Knowing God IS the beginning. However, we are to reverently know Him. (Ps 111:10 (NEB) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and they who live by it grow in understanding…Prov 9:10 (NEB) The first step to wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.)
Study of Scripture and prayerful reflection on God’s historic activity brings knowledge, wisdom and understanding to our life. Once one knows God and finds comfort in His abilities and love; confidence arises.
Knowing one’s self is difficult. (Jeremiah 17:9) We are able to deceive ourselves and follow polluted intentions. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Intentionally feeding our hearts His Word and Presence protects, nurtures and guides us toward His calling.
Being a student of those whom you lead versus simply leveraging followers to implement a vision sets mediocre leaders apart from excellent. Leadership is fundamentally an issue of the heart. Knowing and understanding those whom God has trusted to one’s care is elementary to Christian fundamentals. (John 13:34) Many leaders take for granted their followers. Understanding why others are following is crucial to communication and completion of the journey.
Finally, knowing and understanding how to manage differences between you as the leader and others around you is crucial. Not everyone is the same. Not everyone expects the same results. Not everyone wants the same things from the journey. Understanding and communicating clearly expectations, destinations and processes distinguishes mediocre and excellent.

 

Leadership Questions EVERYONE Should Ask

Leadership questions: those of you within any leadership role, please consider the following questions I ‘borrowed’ from another blog I stumbled on this morning. These truly cause me to pause, pray and think.

Are you doing anything in your life that absolutely requires God’s help to accomplish it? If not, you’re probably not doing anything significant. (Yet)

What if today you pushed past your deepest fear with the confidence that God was with you?

What if you viewed all you had (your time, energy and resources) as things entrusted to you by God for which you had to give an account?

For the full post of these questions from the original blog click here

 

Sin, Sanctification, Confession and Condemnation in the Believer’s life

What are your thoughts on sin in the believer’s life? At what point does one break fellowship with Christ? Can one loose salvation? If so, when does this occur? Instantaneously, at the commission of the slightest notion of sin? Or after traveling down the road of habitual sin? If so, where on this road? Must one commit apostasy to break fellowship? Was God’s righteous judgment on sin once and for all at the cross appropriated to all immediately at the cross (a sort of universalism), or immediately at confession (a sort of eternal security), or continuously accompanied with continual confessions (a sort of perfectionist legalism)? Does one need to live a life of spiritual paranoia repenting without ceasing? If sanctification is truly a process of being set apart and being made holy, is salvific grace nullified at the commission of one sin?

Is it not the enemy who accuses the brethren? Is it not the Spirit who sets us free? Does not the Spirit convict the world of sin, Christ save through faith/grace? Do we not grow in grace and knowledge (sanctification-purification) through the wooing of the Spirit in intimate agape relational peace, joy and deliverance?

Or is there a both/and grace-filled relational arena in which Christ judges the deepest recesses of one’s heart. (Who can know the heart but The Spirit?) Is it more about passionately pursuing His nature in intimate relationship with Him within the covenant community of the Body of Christ, than strict adherence to interpretative theological constructs one deems right?

My next post will address the second movement of Yielding to the Spirit in Bible Study: The importance of owning a shared (accountable) story with a community of faith as we search the Scriptures and listen to the Voice of His Spirit convict and transform. His Word moves us toward action. Never damning us to the prison of condemnation and paralyzing fear of hopelessness in obtaining His love through our works righteousness of filthy rags. Well, more on that later, for now let’s focus on the questions above.

 

Social Media Generation Trends

What responsibilities does the church have in relation to technology and reaching the current and next generations?

I know this chart is difficult to read-basically the younger one is the more life happens online. From education to entertainment, from announcements to authentic community and transparent communication, younger generations live online. Facebook, Twitter and other social media communities are not only providing community and interaction they are shaping relationships and defining how and what community is within our digital era.
While it’s true, older generations do interact with the internet, we are seeing trends showing the internet morph into a social community. Email is no longer the young person’s tool.

It’s true: email is for old people – at least it is now. Today, 74% of internet users age 64 and older send and receive email, making it the most popular activity in this group. Meanwhile, email usage among teens is dropping. In 2004, 89% of teens said they used email. Now that number is 73%(Sarah Perez).

Younger generations connect via text messaging, quicker than email. They Facebook, less intrusive and time-consuming than face to face. They Twitter for exponential connection.

Again, what must the church do to engage this generation and culture? watch this video before commenting