The Jabez prayer is celebrated. But look at 1 Chronicles Chap 5:20
1 Chron 4:9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, [c] saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
I Chron 5: 20 They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.
Success Formula:
Prayer and supplication
Trust and application
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Lessons from the last days of Joshua
Lessons from Joshua’s Last Days
Lesson 1:
Pulling together as one is essential for success. We must support each other. Even when it appears that the issue is not our immediate problem we need to be attentive and be proactive in achieving the required objectives.
Joshua 22: 1 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh 2 and said to them, "You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. 3 For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you.
Lesson 2:
Obedience to those responsible for leadership produces positive results. The Reubenites were clear about what they wanted and had it in their grasp. Yet they denied themselves and obeyed the instructions of Moses. It was not convenient for them. They would have preferred to do otherwise. Yet, they obeyed....to their great benefit.
Joshua 22: 6 Then Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their homes. 7 (To the half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given land in Bashan, and to the other half of the tribe Joshua gave land on the west side of the Jordan with their brothers.) When Joshua sent them home, he blessed them, 8 saying, "Return to your homes with your great wealth—with large herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze and iron, and a great quantity of clothing—and divide with your brothers the plunder from your enemies."
Lesson 3:
Holding others accountable for doctrinal correctness is necessary even with those who are close to you.
Joshua 22: 10 When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. 11 And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, 12 the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.
Lesson 4:
The sin of individuals can have negative impact on the entire body. Achan was not the only one who died for his sin. When we are members of the Lord’s church we are not allowed to think that ours actions are our own private business. Our actions can invite God’s wrath upon the entire body.
Joshua 22: 18" 'If you rebel against the LORD today, tomorrow he will be angry with the whole community of Israel. 19 If the land you possess is defiled, come over to the LORD's land, where the LORD's tabernacle stands, and share the land with us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building an altar for yourselves, other than the altar of the LORD our God. 20 When Achan son of Zerah acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things, [a] did not wrath come upon the whole community of Israel? He was not the only one who died for his sin.' "
Lesson 5:
Unswerving and undiluted faithfulness to God is demanded of us. We have to be careful about our ties with the “Gods” of this world. Life throws up many things that we can idolize. Our spouses, our jobs, our pursuit of education, our possessions, cable and TV and our friends.
They become idols because we place them before our responsibilities to God.
Joshua 23: 6 "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. 7 Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. 8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.
Lesson 6:
When you enlist God in your battles we can achieve results far beyond what we can accomplish on our own. The key to success is to commit everything that we do to God.
Joshua 23:9 "The LORD has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. 10 One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. 11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God."
Lesson 7:
God is true to His word. His promises come to fruition if we remain faithful and obedient.
Joshua 23: 14 "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
Lesson 1:
Pulling together as one is essential for success. We must support each other. Even when it appears that the issue is not our immediate problem we need to be attentive and be proactive in achieving the required objectives.
Joshua 22: 1 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh 2 and said to them, "You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. 3 For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you.
Lesson 2:
Obedience to those responsible for leadership produces positive results. The Reubenites were clear about what they wanted and had it in their grasp. Yet they denied themselves and obeyed the instructions of Moses. It was not convenient for them. They would have preferred to do otherwise. Yet, they obeyed....to their great benefit.
Joshua 22: 6 Then Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their homes. 7 (To the half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given land in Bashan, and to the other half of the tribe Joshua gave land on the west side of the Jordan with their brothers.) When Joshua sent them home, he blessed them, 8 saying, "Return to your homes with your great wealth—with large herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze and iron, and a great quantity of clothing—and divide with your brothers the plunder from your enemies."
Lesson 3:
Holding others accountable for doctrinal correctness is necessary even with those who are close to you.
Joshua 22: 10 When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. 11 And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, 12 the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.
Lesson 4:
The sin of individuals can have negative impact on the entire body. Achan was not the only one who died for his sin. When we are members of the Lord’s church we are not allowed to think that ours actions are our own private business. Our actions can invite God’s wrath upon the entire body.
Joshua 22: 18" 'If you rebel against the LORD today, tomorrow he will be angry with the whole community of Israel. 19 If the land you possess is defiled, come over to the LORD's land, where the LORD's tabernacle stands, and share the land with us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building an altar for yourselves, other than the altar of the LORD our God. 20 When Achan son of Zerah acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things, [a] did not wrath come upon the whole community of Israel? He was not the only one who died for his sin.' "
Lesson 5:
Unswerving and undiluted faithfulness to God is demanded of us. We have to be careful about our ties with the “Gods” of this world. Life throws up many things that we can idolize. Our spouses, our jobs, our pursuit of education, our possessions, cable and TV and our friends.
They become idols because we place them before our responsibilities to God.
Joshua 23: 6 "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. 7 Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. 8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.
Lesson 6:
When you enlist God in your battles we can achieve results far beyond what we can accomplish on our own. The key to success is to commit everything that we do to God.
Joshua 23:9 "The LORD has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. 10 One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. 11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God."
Lesson 7:
God is true to His word. His promises come to fruition if we remain faithful and obedient.
Joshua 23: 14 "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
My role in the re-building process
My role in the re-building process
We have been discussing the re-vitalizing of our work at St. Andrew. Our various groups have developed action plans. These have been presented to the general assembly. We have also reviewed budgets and we look forward to the open discussion.
Last week there was a call for clarity as to the roles that are required of each of us. The sentiment was that people are committed they only need to be clear as to what is required of them.
I was also blessed to hear Bro. Eddie Fisher’s use of Eph 4 to motivate brethren:
I have been mindful of 1 Cor 12 as it relates to our roles in the service of God:
It is clear then that we have shared responsibilities in the church. No one has any grounds for being inactive. Yes, leaders and teachers need to prepare the flock for service. But we are all individual parts of the body – each with a role to play.
I want to explore further some of the roles and responsibilities. The objective is not to be critical but to highlight how we ought to be individually and collectively if we are to do justice to our responsibilities.
I want to pay more attention to who are to be as against what we ought to do.
When we get who we are right, then it will be clear what we ought to do. In fact, then it will be natural for us to be found doing the right things at the right time in the right way and with the right attitude.
The first thing that I think is necessary is for us to be united. We need to see ourselves as part of one body. We must be the manifestation of what Paul wants of the Corinthian church:
ICor 12:26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
In a real sense our commitment to the congregation has to be called into question. I would be deeply concerned about my future if my heart or liver or lung felt about my body the way that some of us feel about this congregation.
How would you feel if morning after morning parts of your body just did not show up for duty?
Your eyes stayed up late and really can’t be bothered to function today. Or they wandered off next door to experience your neighbours new state-of-the-art lighting. “We did not see it as a problem. We thought you would find a way to get through by going ahead in faith. We figured some other part would double up.”
Then your feet decide that they too can follow suit and just opt out one morning. And then all the parts get into the act. At that point you must wonder when your heart will decide that it is not fair for it to carry the burden all the time and to be always present.
The Scriptures are inspired and carefully crafted. The analogy of using the body to depict what the church is like is not accidental. It gives each of us deeper understanding of what is required in a functional congregation.
Not one of us would treat casually the fact that our hands have decided not to come along with us today. Which of us would shrug our shoulders at the fact that our brain wants to sleep late or to go elsewhere?
Brethren, if this congregation is to be a beacon for Christ and to achieve meaningful impact in our community, each member must come to the recognition that they are a part of the body. And just like with the human body, they cannot separate themselves from the body without important consequences.
If you lose your little toe it is going to take some time for you to re-learn how to maintain your balance. Any part that is disposed of is noticeable. So not only are the parts to recognize where they belong and the important role they have to play but the others parts must be fully conscious of the absence of any part.
If my ears fail to show up for duty I must be deeply concerned and set about getting them back in service. The body will make a concerted effort to avoid losing any of its parts. It knows that it cannot be effective if its parts continue to opt out on it. It takes extra care then to keep all its parts intact.
So, the first commitment to who we are to be in the re-building process is that we must see ourselves as a part of this congregation in the same way that our eyes and our ears and our little toe are a part of our body.
Also, we are to be individually and collectively as earnestly interested in the well being of each member as we are concerned about a corn on our toe or about irregular heartbeat or about impaired hearing in our body. We must commit to securing the well being of each member.
And there is a twist.
What if my leg gets infected and becomes gangrenous? I might have to make the decision to have it amputated to save the rest of my body. So then, are there circumstances in which we need to separate ourselves from a member for their own good and for the good of the body?
1 Corinthians 5
Expel the Immoral Brother!
11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
Now this is a role that we tend to ignore. It is awkward for us to deal with unpleasant issues. Confronting someone with their shortcomings is something that we shy away from. Yet, the goal is to have them restored. Leaving them to continue with wayward behaviour not only threatens their salvation but also the fate of the entire body.
So then this is another manifestation of who we are to be in our quest to be a dynamic beacon for Christ. We are to be a congregation that is willing to discuss the failings of members with them with a view towards restoring them.
We must also be a congregation that is willing to withdraw fellowship from members who refuse to heed admonition – again with a view to saving their souls.
Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?
We must also bear in mind the long history of the presence of evil either inviting God’s wrath or blocking His blessings.
Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin
11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.
Brethren, unless we commit to removing the persistent secret and not so secret sin from among us, we should not be surprised if our efforts bear little fruit and our work is in vain. As individuals, we should also be mindful of the fact that our actions are not personal. They have implications for the entire body.
God and sin do not rest comfortably together.
Another of the challenges that the congregation faces is the shortage of financial resources. This has been highlighted as we reviewed the proposed budget. It is clear that things that we would like to achieve are not possible in the context of existing financial arrangements.
On our road to being a dynamic beacon for Christ we have to change our profile as it relates to financial matters. We need to make the transition to being a well resourced congregation. We have to be a congregation that gives generously and consistently.
I want to step out of the box a little and suggest that one solution is for us to increase our capacity individually and collectively to earn more. Sacrificing from what you have is great. But what if you developed the capacity to earn more from which to sacrifice?
Also, what if we had more persons with more resources from which to give?
Christ called fishermen but also a tax collector. We have spoken about friendship evangelism being a major thrust as we go forward. Many of us have professional colleagues.
What if more of these were brought into our fellowship and were willing to contribute sacrificially and consistently?
Would that improve our capacity to achieve some of our goals?
Reflect on the areas that come readily to mind when we conceive our evangelical efforts. Are they skewed away from upscale areas? Are middle and upper income earners less in need of Christ?
As we move forward then, can we commit to being a congregation that takes the Gospel across all income levels?
But what about those of us who are already inside? Are we satisfied that we have maximized our earning potential? Are we earnestly praying and working to dramatically increase our capacity to generate wealth?
Have we with a clear conscience petitioned God to expand our borders and to open opportunities to us that would enable us to contribute significantly more to our work in His vineyard?
Are we blocking His blessings because of a lack of faith to step forward and claim Promised Land opportunities that God has extended to us?
Why do we doubt that by believing prayer and petition and confident action we can give 5 or 10 times the level of our current annual contribution?
What is required is for us to change our understanding of who we are and whose we are.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are a part of this congregation in same way that our eyes are a part of our bodies.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are as concerned about the well being of each member as we are keen to protect and develop the vital organs of our bodies.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are willing to challenge members about their wayward behaviour and to separate ourselves from them if necessary. We do this in the same way that we work to prevent infection from invading our bodies and are willing to amputate a limb in the interest of the rest of the body.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are a congregation that mobilizes the resources it needs to achieve its objectives.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we give sacrificially and consistently as individuals and collectively.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are a congregation that works hard to increase our numbers including persons with significant earning and giving capacity.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are individually and collectively able to multiply our own capacity to earn and to give by earnest prayer and diligent work.
Brethren, these changes inevitably lead to success in Christ.
When we are these things we will be beacons for Christ and achieve great things in His name.
I close with 3 challenges that will move us forward:
1. Let us demonstrate our readiness to own a building by demonstrating to God that we will be able to get the people to worship in it.
a. Working on the principle of friendship evangelism let us ensure that once per month we have a minimum of 10 “visitors” in our worship service.
2. Let us demonstrate to God our willingness to be good financial stewards and to give sacrificially.
a. A building will need to be maintained even if we got one today as a gift.
b. Let us demonstrate our capacity to God, potential contributors and financiers that we can at least maintain the building.
c. Let us therefore set aside a special fund that is the equivalent of the cost of insurance, light, water, telephone and general repairs.
d. A team is working on those numbers and we will then ask persons who are willing to make a monthly contribution to that fund.
3. Let us demonstrate to God our commitment to this fellowship. It is pointless inviting our friends and then demonstrating a culture of unreliable attendance. Let us commit that during this re-building process we do our very best to be present for worship AND Bible Study.
St. Andrew, when Abraham demonstrated his willingness to obey God even to the sacrifice of his son, God recognized his efforts and rewarded him.
When the woman with the issue of blood fought her way through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus’s garment, Jesus recognized her efforts and rewarded her.
When Joshua led the Israelites out on the 7th day God recognized their efforts and rewarded them.
Let us be the kind of congregation that freely seeks to expose the people we associate with to the Word of God.
Let us be the kind of congregation that takes our worship, study and fellowship so seriously that we seize every opportunity to assemble whenever the brethren meet.
Let us be the kind of congregation that appreciates the fact that we are merely stewards of the material things that God he blessed us with and consequently we are happy to consistently contribute to the work of the church.
I made bold to promise you today that once we demonstrate these qualities God will pour out blessings upon us beyond our wildest imagination.
Trevor Smith My role in the re-building process St A coC 06-06-10
We have been discussing the re-vitalizing of our work at St. Andrew. Our various groups have developed action plans. These have been presented to the general assembly. We have also reviewed budgets and we look forward to the open discussion.
Last week there was a call for clarity as to the roles that are required of each of us. The sentiment was that people are committed they only need to be clear as to what is required of them.
I was also blessed to hear Bro. Eddie Fisher’s use of Eph 4 to motivate brethren:
I have been mindful of 1 Cor 12 as it relates to our roles in the service of God:
It is clear then that we have shared responsibilities in the church. No one has any grounds for being inactive. Yes, leaders and teachers need to prepare the flock for service. But we are all individual parts of the body – each with a role to play.
I want to explore further some of the roles and responsibilities. The objective is not to be critical but to highlight how we ought to be individually and collectively if we are to do justice to our responsibilities.
I want to pay more attention to who are to be as against what we ought to do.
When we get who we are right, then it will be clear what we ought to do. In fact, then it will be natural for us to be found doing the right things at the right time in the right way and with the right attitude.
The first thing that I think is necessary is for us to be united. We need to see ourselves as part of one body. We must be the manifestation of what Paul wants of the Corinthian church:
ICor 12:26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
In a real sense our commitment to the congregation has to be called into question. I would be deeply concerned about my future if my heart or liver or lung felt about my body the way that some of us feel about this congregation.
How would you feel if morning after morning parts of your body just did not show up for duty?
Your eyes stayed up late and really can’t be bothered to function today. Or they wandered off next door to experience your neighbours new state-of-the-art lighting. “We did not see it as a problem. We thought you would find a way to get through by going ahead in faith. We figured some other part would double up.”
Then your feet decide that they too can follow suit and just opt out one morning. And then all the parts get into the act. At that point you must wonder when your heart will decide that it is not fair for it to carry the burden all the time and to be always present.
The Scriptures are inspired and carefully crafted. The analogy of using the body to depict what the church is like is not accidental. It gives each of us deeper understanding of what is required in a functional congregation.
Not one of us would treat casually the fact that our hands have decided not to come along with us today. Which of us would shrug our shoulders at the fact that our brain wants to sleep late or to go elsewhere?
Brethren, if this congregation is to be a beacon for Christ and to achieve meaningful impact in our community, each member must come to the recognition that they are a part of the body. And just like with the human body, they cannot separate themselves from the body without important consequences.
If you lose your little toe it is going to take some time for you to re-learn how to maintain your balance. Any part that is disposed of is noticeable. So not only are the parts to recognize where they belong and the important role they have to play but the others parts must be fully conscious of the absence of any part.
If my ears fail to show up for duty I must be deeply concerned and set about getting them back in service. The body will make a concerted effort to avoid losing any of its parts. It knows that it cannot be effective if its parts continue to opt out on it. It takes extra care then to keep all its parts intact.
So, the first commitment to who we are to be in the re-building process is that we must see ourselves as a part of this congregation in the same way that our eyes and our ears and our little toe are a part of our body.
Also, we are to be individually and collectively as earnestly interested in the well being of each member as we are concerned about a corn on our toe or about irregular heartbeat or about impaired hearing in our body. We must commit to securing the well being of each member.
And there is a twist.
What if my leg gets infected and becomes gangrenous? I might have to make the decision to have it amputated to save the rest of my body. So then, are there circumstances in which we need to separate ourselves from a member for their own good and for the good of the body?
1 Corinthians 5
Expel the Immoral Brother!
11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
Now this is a role that we tend to ignore. It is awkward for us to deal with unpleasant issues. Confronting someone with their shortcomings is something that we shy away from. Yet, the goal is to have them restored. Leaving them to continue with wayward behaviour not only threatens their salvation but also the fate of the entire body.
So then this is another manifestation of who we are to be in our quest to be a dynamic beacon for Christ. We are to be a congregation that is willing to discuss the failings of members with them with a view towards restoring them.
We must also be a congregation that is willing to withdraw fellowship from members who refuse to heed admonition – again with a view to saving their souls.
Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?
We must also bear in mind the long history of the presence of evil either inviting God’s wrath or blocking His blessings.
Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin
11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.
Brethren, unless we commit to removing the persistent secret and not so secret sin from among us, we should not be surprised if our efforts bear little fruit and our work is in vain. As individuals, we should also be mindful of the fact that our actions are not personal. They have implications for the entire body.
God and sin do not rest comfortably together.
Another of the challenges that the congregation faces is the shortage of financial resources. This has been highlighted as we reviewed the proposed budget. It is clear that things that we would like to achieve are not possible in the context of existing financial arrangements.
On our road to being a dynamic beacon for Christ we have to change our profile as it relates to financial matters. We need to make the transition to being a well resourced congregation. We have to be a congregation that gives generously and consistently.
I want to step out of the box a little and suggest that one solution is for us to increase our capacity individually and collectively to earn more. Sacrificing from what you have is great. But what if you developed the capacity to earn more from which to sacrifice?
Also, what if we had more persons with more resources from which to give?
Christ called fishermen but also a tax collector. We have spoken about friendship evangelism being a major thrust as we go forward. Many of us have professional colleagues.
What if more of these were brought into our fellowship and were willing to contribute sacrificially and consistently?
Would that improve our capacity to achieve some of our goals?
Reflect on the areas that come readily to mind when we conceive our evangelical efforts. Are they skewed away from upscale areas? Are middle and upper income earners less in need of Christ?
As we move forward then, can we commit to being a congregation that takes the Gospel across all income levels?
But what about those of us who are already inside? Are we satisfied that we have maximized our earning potential? Are we earnestly praying and working to dramatically increase our capacity to generate wealth?
Have we with a clear conscience petitioned God to expand our borders and to open opportunities to us that would enable us to contribute significantly more to our work in His vineyard?
Are we blocking His blessings because of a lack of faith to step forward and claim Promised Land opportunities that God has extended to us?
Why do we doubt that by believing prayer and petition and confident action we can give 5 or 10 times the level of our current annual contribution?
What is required is for us to change our understanding of who we are and whose we are.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are a part of this congregation in same way that our eyes are a part of our bodies.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are as concerned about the well being of each member as we are keen to protect and develop the vital organs of our bodies.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are willing to challenge members about their wayward behaviour and to separate ourselves from them if necessary. We do this in the same way that we work to prevent infection from invading our bodies and are willing to amputate a limb in the interest of the rest of the body.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are a congregation that mobilizes the resources it needs to achieve its objectives.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we give sacrificially and consistently as individuals and collectively.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are a congregation that works hard to increase our numbers including persons with significant earning and giving capacity.
Things change for the better when we know and respect the fact that we are individually and collectively able to multiply our own capacity to earn and to give by earnest prayer and diligent work.
Brethren, these changes inevitably lead to success in Christ.
When we are these things we will be beacons for Christ and achieve great things in His name.
I close with 3 challenges that will move us forward:
1. Let us demonstrate our readiness to own a building by demonstrating to God that we will be able to get the people to worship in it.
a. Working on the principle of friendship evangelism let us ensure that once per month we have a minimum of 10 “visitors” in our worship service.
2. Let us demonstrate to God our willingness to be good financial stewards and to give sacrificially.
a. A building will need to be maintained even if we got one today as a gift.
b. Let us demonstrate our capacity to God, potential contributors and financiers that we can at least maintain the building.
c. Let us therefore set aside a special fund that is the equivalent of the cost of insurance, light, water, telephone and general repairs.
d. A team is working on those numbers and we will then ask persons who are willing to make a monthly contribution to that fund.
3. Let us demonstrate to God our commitment to this fellowship. It is pointless inviting our friends and then demonstrating a culture of unreliable attendance. Let us commit that during this re-building process we do our very best to be present for worship AND Bible Study.
St. Andrew, when Abraham demonstrated his willingness to obey God even to the sacrifice of his son, God recognized his efforts and rewarded him.
When the woman with the issue of blood fought her way through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus’s garment, Jesus recognized her efforts and rewarded her.
When Joshua led the Israelites out on the 7th day God recognized their efforts and rewarded them.
Let us be the kind of congregation that freely seeks to expose the people we associate with to the Word of God.
Let us be the kind of congregation that takes our worship, study and fellowship so seriously that we seize every opportunity to assemble whenever the brethren meet.
Let us be the kind of congregation that appreciates the fact that we are merely stewards of the material things that God he blessed us with and consequently we are happy to consistently contribute to the work of the church.
I made bold to promise you today that once we demonstrate these qualities God will pour out blessings upon us beyond our wildest imagination.
Trevor Smith My role in the re-building process St A coC 06-06-10
Back to School Parables
Back to School Parables
1. Parable of the unproductive school
There was a school that was fully staffed and had adequate resources. However, year after year none of their students were successful in external examinations. This situation was brought to the attention of the highest authority who initiated an immediate investigation.
The Principal blamed the teachers and the teachers blamed the Principal and gave numerous reasons for the continued failure. The authorities became frustrated with the whole situation and decided to close the school with the aim to start anew with a totally new team.
2. Parable of the wayward teaching staff
Over time, parents became concerned about the example that the teachers was setting for their children at a popular school. A student who needed to go to the staff room late one afternoon found 2 teachers in a compromising position. Another student who lived close to one of the teachers was shocked at what was going on at the teacher’s home.
The reports of unprofessional conduct and unseemly behaviour grew steadily.
Yet, these teachers had a reputation for being harsh with their disciplining of students. They came down hard on the slightest hint of misbehaviour, refused to listen to explanations and showed no mercy. They demanded the highest level of discipline and behaviour from the students.
3. Parable of the unprepared teacher
There was a teacher that was responsible for preparing students for external exams. However, despite being in the post for some time, it was clear that he had not mastered the subject. He could not answer questions that were posed by students. He had great difficulty explaining important concepts. He did seem to even know what the syllabus covered.
Students lost confidence in him. They were reluctant to accept that what he said was really so and they tuned out during his classes. They started to seek other sources of information.
4. Parable of the misguided student
There was a student who started out by getting good grades. His parents and colleagues praised his academic prowess. This caused him to become overconfident. He stopped listening to his teachers and questioned everything that they did. It seemed that nothing that those in charge did could be right in his eyes. He always had a complaint or figured that things should have been done differently.
Gradually his grades began to slide and in the final analysis he was not able to successfully complete his external examinations.
5. Parable of the absentee student
There was a student that was duly registered for classes. When the report cards for the term were being prepared, the teacher noted that the student was absent almost as much as she was in class.
On reflection, the teacher noted that the same student did not participate actively in class. She just came sat and left. In fact, the teacher felt that there was almost no difference whether she attended class or not.
Also, while others would participate in other activities of the school this student was never available for those events.
6. Parable of the wise student
There was a student who got an opportunity to escape from really bad personal circumstances. He was fortunate to get into a very good school that achieved excellent results.
Mindful of the chance to put his past behind him and to secure a bright future, he listened keenly to the instructions that he was given. He studied diligently and took care to ensure that he was obedient.
He resisted all distractions and moved steadfastly to the ultimate goal of getting his external certification. There was much joy when he completed the journey and stepped forward to claim his award.
1. A. Parable of the unproductive school - explained
You may recall that this was a school that was fully staffed and had adequate resources. However, year after year none of their students were successful in external examinations. This situation was brought to the attention of the highest authority who initiated an immediate investigation.
The Principal blamed the teachers and the teachers blamed the Principal and gave numerous reasons for the continued failure. The authorities became frustrated with the whole situation and decided to close the school with the aim to start anew with a totally new team.
The school is the congregation that has members, a place to worship Bibles and hymnals. They meet and worship but there are never any new disciples.
Mark 16: 15 15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
Baptisms are not in evidence and consequently they are not adding to the number of the saved. Discussions abound as to who is to blame and what needs to be done. Everyone points to someone else. In the final analysis, God loses patience with the entire body.
Rev 3:1"To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b]of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.3Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
2. A. Parable of the wayward teaching staff - explained
You will recall that the teachers were behaving unprofessionally and unsatisfactorily while holding the students to the highest standard of behaviour. They showed no mercy and came down hard on the students with draconian punishment.
The teachers represent those who are in the church but are failing to live up to its principles. They take pleasure in engaging in sinful behaviour in private while being pious in public. They are quick to condemn those who are not in the church and are ready to call down judgement on them.
Yet, their own lives cannot bear scrutiny. They give the church a bad name and lead people to believe that all Christians are hypocrites who live by double standards and are devoid of mercy.
Mat 23:27 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
3. A. Parable of the unprepared teacher - explained
You may recall that there was a teacher that was responsible for preparing students for external exams. However, despite being in the post for some time, it was clear that he had not mastered the subject. Students lost confidence in him. They were reluctant to accept that what he said was really so and they tuned out during his classes. They started to seek other sources of information.
This teacher represents the Christians who have been in the church for some time. Yet, they continue to be babes in the Faith. They are not able to explain what it is that they believe and why they believe it.
They are unable to answer frequently asked questions from those to whom they are charged to guide to Christ. Soon those seekers turn to other sources for information and run the risk of being misled and guided to eternal damnation.
Heb 5:12 Warning Against Falling Away
11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
4. A. Parable of the misguided student - explained
Recapping, this student became overconfident and stopped listening to his teachers and questioned everything that they did. It seemed that nothing that those in charge did could be right in his eyes. He always had a complaint or figured that things should have been done differently.
Gradually his grades began to slide and in the final analysis he was not able to successfully complete his external examinations.
This student represents some members of the church. They get to a point where they believe that they know more than those who are charged with leadership. They find fault with every move that is made and think that things should be done some other way.
They resist every initiative and strive to impose their will on the group. There is a better way they say, and I know the better way. They are disruptive and add little value to the group despite their protestations.
Ultimately, they get frustrated and their commitment wanes until in the final analysis they lose their souls.
Apostle Paul’ s challenges with the Corinthian church is an example of this type of behaviour. Read 2 Corinthians to see the kinds of issues that Paul had to address.
Think also of the potentially strong brother or sister who after a good start has fallen away because they could not get their own way. Think also of those members who hop from one congregation to another as soon as their views are not accepted.
5. A. Parable of the absentee student - explained
The story here is of a student that was duly registered for classes. However, she was absent almost as much as she was in class. Even when she did come to class she did not participate actively. She just came sat and left. Also, while others would participate in other activities of the school this student was never available for those events.
This student represents a high percentage of church members. Their attendance record is atrocious. They claim that they are members of the body but they show up when they feel like it and play no meaningful role in the mission of the church.
Even when they do come, they are like virtual zombies. They go through the motions and cannot wait to slip away until weeks after they come by to salve their consciences and keep up appearances. There is little point in discussing their attendance with them as they are quick to be defensive about it and ready to use that as an excuse for staying away.
As with the absentee student, we are left to wonder what results this type of church member will get in the final examination.
6. A. Parable of the wise student - explained
To recap, there was a student who got an opportunity to escape from really bad personal circumstances. He was fortunate to get into a very good school that achieved excellent results.
Mindful of the chance to put his past behind him and to secure a bright future, he did all that was required of him.
He resisted all distractions and moved steadfastly to the ultimate goal of getting his external certification. There was much joy when he completed the journey and stepped forward to claim his award.
This student represents the individual who is trapped in a life of sin. Sin has enslaved them and their life is without hope. A dutiful Christian invites him to worship and he sees the light. He sees that a great opportunity has been opened to him to have his live transformed.
He learned that in order to be saved from his life of sin he needed to follow a carefully laid out plan.
He had to take care to understand and follow each of the 6 steps:
What must WE do to save our souls?
1. Hear the Word – the Gospel
John 6: 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2. Believe
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
3. Repent
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.
Luke 13: 1 Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.
4. Confess Jesus is Lord
Matt 10:32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
5. Be baptized for the remission of your sins
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Pet 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
6. Remain in Christ
John 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Pet 2: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
1. Parable of the unproductive school
There was a school that was fully staffed and had adequate resources. However, year after year none of their students were successful in external examinations. This situation was brought to the attention of the highest authority who initiated an immediate investigation.
The Principal blamed the teachers and the teachers blamed the Principal and gave numerous reasons for the continued failure. The authorities became frustrated with the whole situation and decided to close the school with the aim to start anew with a totally new team.
2. Parable of the wayward teaching staff
Over time, parents became concerned about the example that the teachers was setting for their children at a popular school. A student who needed to go to the staff room late one afternoon found 2 teachers in a compromising position. Another student who lived close to one of the teachers was shocked at what was going on at the teacher’s home.
The reports of unprofessional conduct and unseemly behaviour grew steadily.
Yet, these teachers had a reputation for being harsh with their disciplining of students. They came down hard on the slightest hint of misbehaviour, refused to listen to explanations and showed no mercy. They demanded the highest level of discipline and behaviour from the students.
3. Parable of the unprepared teacher
There was a teacher that was responsible for preparing students for external exams. However, despite being in the post for some time, it was clear that he had not mastered the subject. He could not answer questions that were posed by students. He had great difficulty explaining important concepts. He did seem to even know what the syllabus covered.
Students lost confidence in him. They were reluctant to accept that what he said was really so and they tuned out during his classes. They started to seek other sources of information.
4. Parable of the misguided student
There was a student who started out by getting good grades. His parents and colleagues praised his academic prowess. This caused him to become overconfident. He stopped listening to his teachers and questioned everything that they did. It seemed that nothing that those in charge did could be right in his eyes. He always had a complaint or figured that things should have been done differently.
Gradually his grades began to slide and in the final analysis he was not able to successfully complete his external examinations.
5. Parable of the absentee student
There was a student that was duly registered for classes. When the report cards for the term were being prepared, the teacher noted that the student was absent almost as much as she was in class.
On reflection, the teacher noted that the same student did not participate actively in class. She just came sat and left. In fact, the teacher felt that there was almost no difference whether she attended class or not.
Also, while others would participate in other activities of the school this student was never available for those events.
6. Parable of the wise student
There was a student who got an opportunity to escape from really bad personal circumstances. He was fortunate to get into a very good school that achieved excellent results.
Mindful of the chance to put his past behind him and to secure a bright future, he listened keenly to the instructions that he was given. He studied diligently and took care to ensure that he was obedient.
He resisted all distractions and moved steadfastly to the ultimate goal of getting his external certification. There was much joy when he completed the journey and stepped forward to claim his award.
1. A. Parable of the unproductive school - explained
You may recall that this was a school that was fully staffed and had adequate resources. However, year after year none of their students were successful in external examinations. This situation was brought to the attention of the highest authority who initiated an immediate investigation.
The Principal blamed the teachers and the teachers blamed the Principal and gave numerous reasons for the continued failure. The authorities became frustrated with the whole situation and decided to close the school with the aim to start anew with a totally new team.
The school is the congregation that has members, a place to worship Bibles and hymnals. They meet and worship but there are never any new disciples.
Mark 16: 15 15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
Baptisms are not in evidence and consequently they are not adding to the number of the saved. Discussions abound as to who is to blame and what needs to be done. Everyone points to someone else. In the final analysis, God loses patience with the entire body.
Rev 3:1"To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b]of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.3Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
2. A. Parable of the wayward teaching staff - explained
You will recall that the teachers were behaving unprofessionally and unsatisfactorily while holding the students to the highest standard of behaviour. They showed no mercy and came down hard on the students with draconian punishment.
The teachers represent those who are in the church but are failing to live up to its principles. They take pleasure in engaging in sinful behaviour in private while being pious in public. They are quick to condemn those who are not in the church and are ready to call down judgement on them.
Yet, their own lives cannot bear scrutiny. They give the church a bad name and lead people to believe that all Christians are hypocrites who live by double standards and are devoid of mercy.
Mat 23:27 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
3. A. Parable of the unprepared teacher - explained
You may recall that there was a teacher that was responsible for preparing students for external exams. However, despite being in the post for some time, it was clear that he had not mastered the subject. Students lost confidence in him. They were reluctant to accept that what he said was really so and they tuned out during his classes. They started to seek other sources of information.
This teacher represents the Christians who have been in the church for some time. Yet, they continue to be babes in the Faith. They are not able to explain what it is that they believe and why they believe it.
They are unable to answer frequently asked questions from those to whom they are charged to guide to Christ. Soon those seekers turn to other sources for information and run the risk of being misled and guided to eternal damnation.
Heb 5:12 Warning Against Falling Away
11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
4. A. Parable of the misguided student - explained
Recapping, this student became overconfident and stopped listening to his teachers and questioned everything that they did. It seemed that nothing that those in charge did could be right in his eyes. He always had a complaint or figured that things should have been done differently.
Gradually his grades began to slide and in the final analysis he was not able to successfully complete his external examinations.
This student represents some members of the church. They get to a point where they believe that they know more than those who are charged with leadership. They find fault with every move that is made and think that things should be done some other way.
They resist every initiative and strive to impose their will on the group. There is a better way they say, and I know the better way. They are disruptive and add little value to the group despite their protestations.
Ultimately, they get frustrated and their commitment wanes until in the final analysis they lose their souls.
Apostle Paul’ s challenges with the Corinthian church is an example of this type of behaviour. Read 2 Corinthians to see the kinds of issues that Paul had to address.
Think also of the potentially strong brother or sister who after a good start has fallen away because they could not get their own way. Think also of those members who hop from one congregation to another as soon as their views are not accepted.
5. A. Parable of the absentee student - explained
The story here is of a student that was duly registered for classes. However, she was absent almost as much as she was in class. Even when she did come to class she did not participate actively. She just came sat and left. Also, while others would participate in other activities of the school this student was never available for those events.
This student represents a high percentage of church members. Their attendance record is atrocious. They claim that they are members of the body but they show up when they feel like it and play no meaningful role in the mission of the church.
Even when they do come, they are like virtual zombies. They go through the motions and cannot wait to slip away until weeks after they come by to salve their consciences and keep up appearances. There is little point in discussing their attendance with them as they are quick to be defensive about it and ready to use that as an excuse for staying away.
As with the absentee student, we are left to wonder what results this type of church member will get in the final examination.
6. A. Parable of the wise student - explained
To recap, there was a student who got an opportunity to escape from really bad personal circumstances. He was fortunate to get into a very good school that achieved excellent results.
Mindful of the chance to put his past behind him and to secure a bright future, he did all that was required of him.
He resisted all distractions and moved steadfastly to the ultimate goal of getting his external certification. There was much joy when he completed the journey and stepped forward to claim his award.
This student represents the individual who is trapped in a life of sin. Sin has enslaved them and their life is without hope. A dutiful Christian invites him to worship and he sees the light. He sees that a great opportunity has been opened to him to have his live transformed.
He learned that in order to be saved from his life of sin he needed to follow a carefully laid out plan.
He had to take care to understand and follow each of the 6 steps:
What must WE do to save our souls?
1. Hear the Word – the Gospel
John 6: 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2. Believe
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
3. Repent
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.
Luke 13: 1 Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.
4. Confess Jesus is Lord
Matt 10:32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
5. Be baptized for the remission of your sins
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Pet 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
6. Remain in Christ
John 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Pet 2: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
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