Christian Believers Guide

Pastors Appreciation: Money is Not The Mission of the Chruch

2007-01-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings Brethren:

As Almighty God is our witness, the Church was established to Praise God. The Church is not the place for things of the world. Those that insist on tainting the houses of God will see the wrath of God when Babylon falls. Peace and Love, Carl Patton writing for the FreedomJournal July 20, 2001 in the year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. PASTORS ANNIVERSARIES (APPRECIATION) RITUALS & MONEY PART 23: MONEY IS NOT THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

In the name of Jehovah God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the earth.

As the prosperity teaching continues to impregnate the lost wretched souls of various congregations, many people have forgotten the mission of the church. The church was not established as an economic institution and place of origin for rich Preachers. The church also was not established as a fund-raising institution.

The English word church is taken form the Greek word Kuriakos which means belonging to the Lord. However it stands for another Greek word ekklesia (which comes from the word ecclesiastical) which means assembly. In the Book of Acts we see the general implication of the church as an assembly in Acts 19:32. Meanwhile Stephen's speech in Acts 7:38 refers to congregation and describes the new gathering or congregation of the disciples of Jesus Christ.

A final definitive statement on the church notes that the church is not merely for humankind's salvation. Thus the church is also a place to praise God's glory see Ephesians 1:6, 2:7. Therefore, the church nor its function ceases with the completion of its earthly task.

So if the church is a primary place to receive salvation and praise God where did the "money church" come from? There are great and distinct parallels between the Old Testament Pharisees and the multitudes of Contemporary Christian Churches. First most of the present day church leaders (Preachers, Deacons, etc.) are hypocrites. Also they believe in selected Old Testament Law and follow an assortment of traditional doctrines that contradicts the Bible.

But if we are to receive salvation and Peace and Paradise we must follow the laws of God. Jesus gives the great Commission in the following (also see Mark 16:15-18).

Matthew 28:18. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

God bestowed upon Christ the full right to rule over his kingdom. With that authority Jesus gave instructions to his disciples. Thus he told them to add to the church (disciples) as they preached and taught the Good News of Jesus Christ. Jesus is a living Savior. Thus, this command still applies to believers today.

Related Scripture: Matthew 26:64, Ephesians 1:19-22, 1 Peter 3:22.

Matthew 28:19. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

The most important element within this passage is that Jesus affirms the God-Head. He says baptize in the name (not names) of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. All nations refers to "every creature" in Mark 16:15. We also see the distinction between the Old and New Law. The Old Law saw the Mosaic system given to the Jews. However, the Gospel was given to both Jews and Gentiles.

To teach among all nations would require one to speak in every language. But none but the Apostles had this ability. This commission should not be applied to Preachers today, because they do not have that ability nor gifts of the Apostles. Related Scripture: Luke 24:47

Acts 2:38:47. Peter preached and the believers became the first church.

Matthew 28:20. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world amen."

As the teaching went forth the Holy Spirit would be sent to "bring all things to their remembrance" John 14:26. "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."Here the authority of the Apostles would be in force to the end of the world.

Meanwhile, the words of the Apostles are written in the New Testament. These words are divinely inspired and are just as binding if the Apostles and Jesus had remained on earth. Therefore, there are no successors to the Apostles in this world. Thus they are still in their own proper place of authority under Christ and will be until the end. Related Scripture: Matthew 1:23

Matthew 18:20. "For when two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

John 14:17-20 & 15-31. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 13:5-6. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Cont. Part 24: Preachers That Stand On Truth Are Not Afraid To Sacrifice

Pitfalls Of Christian Small Groups

2007-01-02T13:49:00.001-08:00

Many churches build a small group ministry as an extension of the main church worship and religious practices, just because other churches have successful small groups. This is a mistake because small groups have completely different dynamics from the larger Christian fellowship. When the small group ministry is organized top-down, it loses the flexibility that makes small groups attractive and Spiritually successful. The simple need for organization in a large group church requires rigid schedules and lessons that minimize the value of individual people. We'll cover how this large group thinking can generate small group pitfalls, and how to avoid them.

Curriculi-Curricula: One of the worst demands a large group imposes on a small group is "approved curricula." The chief values in smalls groups are flexibility and appreciation of the individual. To rigidly adhere to some "Sunday School" type program is an insult to the Biblical fact of the priesthood of all believers. People may attend for a couple weeks, but then will drop out. If you have faith in the Holy Spirit and His Biblical role as teacher, you don't need no stinking programs. If you don't have such faith, you don't need small groups, or church, for that matter.

Tyranny Of Time: The importance of balancing schedule and flexibility is often missed by small group leaders. The top-down approach says all small groups will be 90 minutes, equally divided between prayer, study and fellowship (for example). The rigidity may comfort 10% of the people but the other 90% won't keep coming. On the other hand, If it's 30 minutes this week and 3 hours next week, no one will want to come. 90 minutes to 2 hours is a good general timeframe for a weeknight because people are busy. I always recommend having a set quitting time so those who have to, can get home and get their kids to bed, while others can stay if they feel like it. Have some Bible questions to discuss, but if someone comes with a huge need, feel free to spend the whole time praying or meeting their other needs. That way, people have some comfort in regularity while knowing the whole group is also sensitive to each other's needs.

Respect Privacy: This is more than not prying. It's also avoiding putting people on the spot...something that happens far too much in church settings. Every Christian prays, but many don't like to do it out loud in front of people. So, arrange your prayer time so those who wish to, can, but the others don't feel compelled to. The same goes for Bible reading and answering questions. One person's fairness can be another's tyranny. It should be perfectly fine for someone to sit the whole evening or the whole year without saying a word. Trust me on this, you'll get a lot more out of people if you let the Holy Spirit guide them. As an added bonus, what you get will be from God, rather than someone making something up because you called on them.

People Are Important to themselves and to God. In a classroom situation, there may be times that someone's comment or answer must be corrected. Small groups are not classrooms, so no one is there to teach. That other lady's answer may be as far from your understanding of God as is humanly possible, but it's her answer, and deserves respect. By venturing her comment, she did more right than wrong. Have faith that the Holy Spirit will lead discussion so that she will learn from the others. You'll have the added benefit of learning a thing or two, yourself...from her, of all people...even as wrong as you thought she was. By not having any wrong answers, you encourage open discussion and have more growth and learning than any classroom-style teaching could ever accomplish.

Respond To Individual Needs: This is an area where large churches are far inferior to small groups. People are needy! That's why we come to God in the first place. Sad, that at our greatest point of need, the whole church service isn't devoted to minister just to us. Well, that's the power of small groups. If someone comes in having just had an argument with their spouse, maybe that's an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to use the group to help that one person, rather than talk about the weather and finish the questions tonight. Top-down thinking says..."this is a Bible study...why aren't we studying the Bible?" Small group ministry thinking says, "You can't know the Word until you do the Word."

Sense People's Sensitivity: While some people are outgoing and insensitive, others are quiet and very sensitive. This is a weakness of the small group that's often not present in the large church setting. Because individuals are discouraged from interrupting the program of a large church, those who do speak can use carefully chosen words that don't ruffle many feathers. In a small group, everyone is encouraged to participate, so outgoing insensitive people, if uncontrolled, will offend the sensitive ones. The good news is, because the outgoing ones are allowed to speak in a small group, they stand a good chance of learning not to be offensive. Still, a good small group facilitator will limit the outgoing ones by asking for other opinions and by politely defending the sensitivities of the shy.

To avoid the pitfalls of small group ministry it's important to preserve flexibility, have faith in the Holy Spirit , and to respect each person as a holy priest used by God to minister to you and the others. Get that down and there is no question you will have a successful small group ministry.

Persecuted Christians

2007-01-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Nearly two years after the establishment of anti conversion laws, Indian Christians are celebrating the effects of their repeal. Only time will tell the long term blessings of this legal change, but several resulting miracles have already taken place. In the first month alone, a group of 50 Indian church planters report having baptized over 1,200 new Christians!

Christians throughout India were stunned when the pro-Hindu government was overturned in the Spring 2004 national election, and several state governments annulled local anti conversion laws.

Said one local Bible League trained Christian, I praise God for enabling us to spread the Gospel in our country. He heard our fears and prayers regarding the election. God gave us an extra bonus when He made our state government remove the anti conversion law which was in force until now. Hallelujah!

Undeterred by fear Indian Christians have faced many hardships in sharing the Gospel. Bible League trained Christians in India report that they or fellow believers have faced threats, physical attacks, and jail time for sharing their faith.

Baptisms, in particular, became a significant challenge for local churches. Under the anti conversion laws, anyone who chose to become baptized was legally obligated to seek permission from the government, as well as provide them with the name of the person performing the baptism. Fearing repercussions, many new Christians did not make this outward profession of faith until after the laws were repealed.

Still, thousands of Indians were undeterred in their faith. A local Bible League trained Christian, while under the anti conversion law, wrote, We continue to encourage Christians through the Word of God. We remind them of the promises Matthew 28.20 and the testimonies of the great martyrs . We are encouraged to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, regardless of what happens to us. We are prepared for imprisonment, punishment, and even death for the sake of Christ.

Relying on Gods faithfulness Continue to pray for the Church in India. The repeal of state anti conversion laws has been a tremendous miracle, but challenges still remain. One state continues to uphold anti conversion laws, and persecution persists throughout the country.

Yet God has been faithful to His children in India, and they are recognizing Him as their Savior by the thousands. Praise God for increasing opportunities to share His Word with the lost.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28. 19 & 20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Why is masturbation wrong?

2007-01-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Why is masturbation wrong?

Hi, I was reading this book by a pastor, and he was talking about young adults and relationships, sexual immorality etc. When it came to masturbation, he said it was wrong but he couldn't really say why. I started doing some research on masturbation on the net but I kept coming up with the same thing...it's wrong, but no specific reason why, or most Christian websites just don't mention it at all. I guess it's hard to give a reason because the bible doesn't say anything about it directly. I guess I want a deeper explanation of why it's wrong. Is it sex? Is it a selfish act? An impure act? Does it grieve the Holy Spirit? Is it okay when you're single but wrong when you're married or right in marriage, wrong when you're single? Answers please...

Greetings Brethren,

Peace be unto you. We thank God for another day and for the inspiration to search out his sacred Word. We also come lifting up our Savior Christ Jesus in praise and giving due honor and reverence to the Holy Spirit.

The Bible holds the keys to our salvation and the Truth and knowledge that we need along the path to Peace and Paradise.

In the name of God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the earth

Brethren it is always important to search the scriptures for answers to questions that confront the believers along our journey. However as you have noted this question takes some time and energy as the word itself is not noted in scripture and there is the great challenge.

In our experiences with similar questions and concerns for example Cremation. The word Cremation is not found in scripture however we then look for related terms, words etc. that can be applied to our major question and concern. Thus we find that the Bible renders much about graves, burials, fire, ashes, and body, soul and Spirit. The Spirit is of special interest in that the Cremators argue that God is only concerned about the Spirit therefore one can do anything with the body. We need not go into a lengthy discussion as you can find the on-going series on Cremation on this Board. However we note in scripture that the Spirit is not a Right and Good Spirit when one decides to Cremate and Burn the body as a way to dispose it at death. Therefore we look for what the Bible renders and not man.

For another example that is more related to our present discussion we note the series on Pastors Appreciation/Anniversaries. Once again the word or phrase Pastors Appreciation or Pastors Anniversaries is not noted in scripture. However with this subject there is not an abundance of related terms that we found in researching the question on Cremation. However what is most important in this discussion is the use of the term Celebration and who we should be Praising. There is where we found the answers to our question.

In the case of masturbation we must look at what the Bible says about fornication, adultery, and then pursue what the Bible renders concerning sex, sexuality, and sexual sin. However as a preface to all of this we must first define masturbation. Then pursue the scripture references that relate to our central question. Within this framework we can then find the answers to the questions regarding is masturbation wrong. What are the stipulations on marriage and masturbation? Is masturbation related to fornication outside of marriage? Is masturbation noted differently within the marriage confines?

Nirvana, Armageddon and The Kingdom of God

2006-12-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

Every now and then as we go about this task of planting a new missional community its nice to have a reminder as to why it is we are doing it. When the weight of ecclesiastical popularity is still with the ‘successful’ movers and shakers of the church growth movement, why would anyone want to do anything different?

Last Sunday I had an experience that whispered to me again “keep going – keep going… There are people out there who don’t know me, and never will if the only flavor is vanilla”

Here’s what happened…

In the process of leaving my last pastoral position and starting the new work I have not been participating regularly in any congregation, however last Sunday I decided to visit my parent’s church – the church I was a youth pastor at for 5 years and a member of for 14 years. I had intended to nip in just before 10:00 a.m. and out fairly quickly after.

It was a nice idea but…

First off I had to give an elderly lady a lift – her car had broken down and she phoned mum and dad (just after they had gone) to ask for a ride. So I stopped by and picked her up – easy done. Then when I arrived in the foyer I saw my mum animatedly pointing at a big guy who had his back to me and saying ‘he wants to talk to you!’ My first thought was ‘but who the hell is he?!!?’

When he turned around I recognised Geoff (not his real name) who I had first met when he was a kid at our youth group about 10 years ago. Geoff is a very intelligent, deep thinking guy who I got to know and introduced to Jesus. I used to meet with him regularly for discipleship – but I knew that in spite of our good relationship, he was always struggling with faith questions and I had a sense that after I left the church he didn’t hang around long.

That was fairly true – this was his first time back in around 5 years – his first time in any church in that time. Nice coincidence! I sensed maybe God was up to something…

We walked in together and milled thru the small crowd – there were 50 there today (I counted) – and found a seat. Like most Australian churches Vanilla Baptist’s Sunday morning attendance has been in steady decline for many years.

Friendly people greeted both Geoff and I – two wanderers returned home for a bit. Geoff had graduated as an engineer, worked in the field for a while before returning to complete a diploma in education and become a teacher. He is now 24, and in his first year of teaching out in the goldfields of Western Australia. He had returned home for school holidays and thought he might come to church…

We took our seats on the old jarrah pews.

I found myself wondering – how will Geoff find this experience? He is somewhat familiar with church culture, but given his recent absence from the church environment how will he feel?

I found myself very conscious of him and his reactions. On one level the time ‘in church’ that morning was very engaging – and on another it gave fuel to my questions about our forms and practices and our hope of connecting with people like Geoff.

With all the musicians having left Vanilla for some reason, the church is now working with ‘canned music’ in the form of CD’s. Not a good idea! It’s hard enough to stay in synch with musos who are physically present let alone a CD where there is no flexibility. That was the low point of the morning – glitches galore made the ‘praise and worship’ experience one I was glad to see come to an end. Geoff laughed occasionally at the shambles we called ‘worship’ but didn’t seem too worried – I guess if you don’t laugh you cry.

Rob from Baptist Care did a presentation on their work in W.A. It was a longish presentation, but as Geoff said tactfully ‘very thorough!’ There were the usual announcements – ‘don’t park here’ – ‘rosters are out’ yada yada… and then came communion…

This’ll be interesting I thought…

The worship leader read the passage of scripture that finishes with:

1 Cor 11:27-29 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. {28} A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. {29} For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.

I wondered how Geoff was feeling – a long time ‘gone’ and looking at a communion table after hearing that passage read – a passage I think we have misused all too often.

He must have read my mind because as it came time to go and out and get the wine and bread he asked ‘What did he say? What was that last bit?’

‘You mean the bit about eating in an unworthy manner?’ I said.

‘Yeh – what’s that about?’

‘Are you worried?’ I asked

‘Yeh.’

What would you have done?…

I found myself saying ‘You’re cool mate – join us. You know Jesus – that’s what matters’.

Perhaps on reflection I should have taken the time to talk more with him right there. It was a ‘teachable moment’ – but not one that I felt we could explore in the context of the service. The need to keep things moving so we could be ‘out on time’ meant that a conversation of that nature was completely impractical. I wondered…

When did we start needing to finish ‘on time’?

And who gets to decide what that time is?!…

When we were done with communion the offering was collected. Geoff contributed and I didn’t. Why did Geoff put money in?…

Just wondering…

During the offering I asked him if he wanted to have lunch – I wanted to explore more with him what was going on in that moment of anxiety. Obviously it was significant to him and it raised serious questions in his mind. I was concerned that the reading of that passage without some explanation had made this ‘prodigal’ feel inappropriately unworthy. Then again maybe it was healthy because it had forced him to confront his own deviation from Christ’s path. The next best solution to talking it through then and there seemed to be a conversation afterwards.

Then came the main act – the sermon – this is a Baptist church! By now we were already running about 15 minutes behind time and the preacher was stressed. He promised to be brief – he looked at his watch – he commented on how hungry we must be feeling… Really?… I hadn’t noticed any of this until he made me aware!

He began with the Bible reading – Revelation Ch. 15/16. My heart sank. Geoff returns to church and the first sermon he hears is about seven headed beasts and dragons and frogs and… This is going to be a disaster I concluded!

I was very wrong. Geoff, like so many of his generation, seemed to really enjoy the focus on the abstract and metaphorical prophecies and what they may mean for us today. We explored the meaning of ‘Armageddon’ and the ‘application’ the preacher drew was about the need for Christians to be ‘in the world’ rather than cloistered away. With all that was churning around in my mind I can’t remember how he got there, but I liked where he finished up!

To his credit the speaker did a decent job with a difficult passage and Geoff seemed very engaged. He borrowed my ‘book’ a couple of times to check on what was being said. I heard him groan and sigh several times – sounding like he had questions he wanted to ask – and by the end he was shaking his head – not impressed. ‘That can’t be right’ he said. ‘This guys missed it!’ I thought it hilarious that Geoff would see himself as quite competent to interpret the imagery in Revelation when I (with my theology degree and 13 years of experience) have so often seen it as too hard.

Straight after he began to ask me questions about it all – particularly about the call for the church to stand against evil in the last days.

“How can anyone determine what is evil?

“Isn’t that judging?… and didn’t Jesus say ‘don’t judge?’”

Lunch was going to be the place to dump all these questions. We both hung around for morning tea renewing acquaintances, drinking cheap coffee and eating even worse biscuits.

Why?…

Geoff bumped into another person from his past life and we invited her down to lunch with us. From some of Geoff’s throwaway lines I could already sense a deep philosophical conversation about to happen – something I am always up for.

And I was not disappointed! Once we had shared where our lives had been for the last 5 years I asked him what was happening for him during communion. It sparked a conversation between the three of us that lasted nearly 90 minutes and got pretty feisty at times. I sometimes think in the past I have been too soft and accommodating with people who disagree with me, and while I think ‘gentleness and respect’ is vital, I have come to a place now where I’m a bit more likely to confront and disagree strongly. I can listen well but I also have strong convictions and I have seen that it is increasingly important that I put them out there – because others will.

Geoff had obviously bought into a fair bit of Buddhism and was trying to reconcile this with the teachings of Jesus – “maybe Nirvana and the kingdom of God are the same thing?… Anyone who believes that theirs is the only true religion is arrogant, deluded and dangerous…” And then back to the issue he had with the preacher – “How can anyone make a judgment on what constitutes evil?”

When pushed, Geoff conceded that evil probably did exist but what he really objected to was someone making the decision on behalf of others as to where the bar should be set. “Who are we to judge?…” he would ask.

In short he is a fairly typical 21st Century pluralist picking and mixing bits of different religions to try and create something that works for him.

We went at it pretty hard and dug into some very deep stuff. It was great to have Sue – a very sharp thinker – sitting across the table because there were times when I was struggling to keep up!

The end result?…
I think we all came away challenged. I don’t think we had a ‘winner’ and ‘loser’ but I am hopeful that we heard each other. I am hopeful the discussion will continue – I am hopeful that Geoff will find his was back to Jesus.

But if he does I’m not convinced he will fit too well in church as we know it…

That morning raised for me yet again, the question of how to engage Geoff and others of his generation who are genuinely thinking, genuinely seeking, who are not just willing to buy the party line and who want to engage in dialogue.

Is Sunday morning the place?…

The voice still whispers “keep going – keep going…”