As I study the development of leadership in the Early Church, I begin with the twelve Apostle in Acts 6:1-6 who acted together in resolving a problem that arose in caring for widows. Though Peter and John had been prominent in ministry before this, the twelve were united in a decision to have the body of Christ select “seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (6:3).
The Church multiplied because of the Spirit’s work through the Apostles and those who were scattered because of persecution (chapter 8), but this did not have a negative impact on unity in the Church. The church in Antioch (chapter 13:1-4) had “prophets and teachers” (plural) who were united in worship and fasting, a spiritual state from which the Spirit could send out Barnabas and Saul (Paul). No one acted independently of each other in the church. Their unity provided the environment where the Spirit could work freely. These two men whom the Spirit separated for His work, went from place to place preaching the gospel and making “many disciples” (14:21). The new believers formed new churches in the places where they lived. Within only a few months, Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders…in every church with prayer and fasting”(14:23). The plurality of leaders is seen throughout the New Testament and is intended to make their work effective and at the same time safeguard the flock from one person seizing control and promoting error that leads many astray. Are we following this model?
0 Comments
We are very excited to give you the details regarding our 4th Edition of God Plan for His Disciples. To make it simple, I have listed below the features of this book. If this creates an interest with you and a desire for a copy or copies, please go to our contact page and send us a note with your address and how many copies you would like. We only ask for a donation to cover printing costs. • A clear description of Salvation. • The authority and sufficiency of Scripture and the Holy Spirit. • The significance of Water Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Prayer. • How to study and use the Bible for themselves and others. • The Gospel of Pure Grace, the Purpose and Eternal Plan of God, and the roles ofGod’s Family or Household. • Our Life and rich inheritance “in” Christ • The privilege of walking “with” Christ. • Developing a Daily Quiet Time with the Lord. • A path to maturity and a pathway into Leadership by going through the study of God’s Plan for His Church. • A Concordance with Scriptures for all lessons. If you have never worked through this book, we strongly encourage you to get a copy and take the time to work through the chapters. It will transform your walk with the Lord. I have brought you news before of what God is doing in Nepal. Just yesterday I received a message from our “Timothy” in Nepal saying that a church has asked for 50 God’s Plan for His Disciples and want him to start a training series there soon. This type of news reminds us of the New Testament principle that God’s work done God’s way will spontaneously grow and expand under the power and control of the Holy Spirit. This is what the Spirit did and what He is still doing today. Remember what Luke said in Acts 12? “But the word of God increased and multiplied” (Acts 12:24). Do you want to see this happen today, so the ends of the earth are reached with the gospel? “And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15).
What did Paul mean by “you do not have many fathers”? The idea of “guides” was someone who conducted themselves as a “guardian or leader” but did not invest in persons as Paul did. He had been a “father” to the Corinthians, so they became believers by teaching them the gospel of grace through “the word of the cross” (1:18). The depth of Paul’s fatherhood is seen in his discipline, when they turned to sinful ways, to bring them back into the joy of their salvation. As he closes his second letter to them Paul says, “For we are glad when we are weak, and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for” (2 Corinthians 13:9). Paul never lowered the standard of spiritual conduct, but as a father who loved each one, held them to God’s purpose in their calling. “Fathers” in the church does not refer to those who have raised natural children (though it might include them), but to spiritual leaders who care deeply about spiritual maturity. Are you a “father” like Paul? As I thought more about my blog yesterday, it reminded me of Jesus’ teaching and promise to the disciples he made at the beginning of His ministry.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). There are several important parts of this teaching and promise we must keep in perspective.
If we are honest with ourselves and others, most of our pursuits end up in dissatisfaction. Why is this so often true. Is it that we do not stop and carefully evaluate the things we go after? Perhaps we should take time this weekend and reevaluate our pursuits in life. Fathers, this is critical for us and our families. What we pursue (spend time and money on) will most likely be what our children and friends pursue. How thankful we are for the partners God has given us in various parts of the world. This picture to the left is from a country in S. E. Asia where training continues with these indigenous Christians who are very hungry for solid biblical teaching. They are much like the Bereans “who were more noble…[because]…they received the Word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). There is a big difference between those who gather because of curiosity and those who meet because their souls are dry and need the water of the Spirit to infuse fresh life into them. Though the woman in John 4 knew some information about God’s relationship with Israel and how “our fathers worshiped,” she had not drunk from the living water yet. I wonder how many who attend your church need a “drink from the water [Jesus] will give”? (John 4:14, 20). You and I who have the Holy Spirit must be at the work of making this water available to thirsty souls. There was no question that the Early Church had its ears tuned to what God was doing. After the stoning of Stephen and the persecution of the Church increased, many of the believers in Jerusalem were scattered. We might say that this was intentional as God wanted the work that was started at Pentecost to spread throughout the world (see Acts 1:8).
One of the amazing movements of God during this time was that non-Jews were hearing the gospel preached in the power of the Holy Spirit and persons were being saved. One of the first examples was “Cornelius, a centurion” (10:22-48). To be part of this movement, Peter had to pass through an experience with the Lord making him realize that God was working in persons outside Judaism. When Peter reported what had happened to the church in Jerusalem, “the circumcision party criticized him’ (11:2). It was up to Peter to explain what God was doing because he had seen it with his own eyes. This movement went as far as Antioch, “and the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord” (11:21). Would we recognize a movement like this if it happened today? While there are many examples I could pull from, I have chosen John Day (1797 to 1859) who was passionate about the salvation of African people. This area of the world has been our focus for many years, particularly for Randy, Pat, and most recently Tom. Consider Day’s attitude toward his life and work.
“Sadly, for Day, his earthly time of training young men called and qualified to preach the gospel was prematurely ended by an apparent seizure while delivering a sermon on February 15, 1859, at Monrovia’s Providence Baptist Church. Day’s missionary service ended with the clear conviction that his mission…was being successfully fulfilled. “The natives are becoming more and more enlightened, see more clearly that God controls the affairs of men, and that they are accountable to him and must appear before his righteous bar.” This understanding gave Day the strength to go forward despite the death of two wives and several children and enduring wars between the natives and colonists. He died assured in his call, trusting in a present, all-powerful God.” (Jim Berwick, 2018) Are we involved in missions with this assurance that God is in complete control and that we can trust Him no matter what happens and under any circumstances? As Randy and Jonathan head to Pakistan, they are hopeful and prayerful. The challenges there are unique because of the diverse culture and political /religious environment. Please keep them in your prayers during the dates below.
June 14 – Randy meets up with Jonathan in Dubai and together they begin their second trip to this country. June 15-17 Sialkot – This is a graduation of GPHD that we introduced last time. Pray that the pastors and young people will use this discipleship plan to make many strong in their faith. Also pray that a prayer movement might begin, like that of John, “Praying Hyde” who lived and ministered here in the 1800’s and for S., a key leader of a church-planting movement here. June 18-22 Islamabad – In this new work, Jonathan and Randy have the opportunity to develop 20 young leaders from a region near the Afghanistan border. These young people have recently come to Christ and have opportunities to not only reach others in this area, but also to bring the gospel to Afghans. This is a very difficult and dangerous mission field so let us pray that their faith will be firmly established in Christ and His Word, and that the Holy Spirit will empower & guide them to make disciples among the least reached unreached of northern Pakistan and the country of Afghanistan. Please pray for V., the one who is discipling them. June 22-23 Travel Home – they will need time to reflect and rest. “And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat” (Mark 6:31). In this blog, I come back to the subject of “truth.” There is so much evidence around us that very few people care about truth and where to find it. One of the saddest moments in history was when Jesus stood before Pilate who asked Him, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). What makes this so sad is that Pilate failed to wait for the answer, particularly when Pilate had the person who is “the Truth” standing before him. Like Pilate, many seek truth in the wrong places.
Why do people avoid the truth? Truth will expose our words, actions, and motives that do not measure up to God’s standard. It confronts us in such a way that our sin is exposed and we are required to make things right with the Lord first, and then with others. If we are seeking to be governed by truth, it will require that we speak the truth to others. How we do this is very important. Paul says to the believers at Ephesus, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Notice there are two imperatives in this verse.
How are we doing with this exhortation from Paul? Are we first willing to let truth expose failure in ourselves before we use it to help others? |
Archives
December 2023
Link To Our Old Blog:
|