“… Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ,” (Colossians 1:27-28, nasb).
Have you ever been surprised or disheartened with the conduct or teaching of pastors of large churches or directors of large ministries? Discouraged by their rudeness, crudeness, anger, language, teaching, lavish and ostentatious life style. Many of us are intimidated and fearful to say anything, for after all we may only be a pastor of a small church of 50, so who are we to confront (even graciously) a pastor of a church of 5000? How can we speak to the conduct of a famous Christian author when we’ve never even written a book?
But should not all of us in the body of Christ encourage each in the body in our conduct and walk with God?
A pastor of a mega church speaks crudely of sex from the pulpit, publically says he does not like people (except his own family), treats others rudely and is known as the “angry” pastor. I spoke at a meeting of pastors and was seated next to this “famous” young pastor. He spoke to no one at the table even when spoken to. When I sought to encourage and talk to him, he simply answered with an angry stare.
Was this a time to say something like, “Hey, brother, what do you think of Paul’s instruction to the church of Colossae in Colossians chapter 3, when he says in verses 10 to 12 that as a Christian, we are to put on (so the world can see) a heart of compassion, kindness, and humility. Brother, as a pastor and teacher of the Word, is it possible to be a true believer without the evidence in our lives of things that clothe a follower of Christ.
The reason most of us would not speak (even kindly) to a “big shot” church leader like this is because we are afraid they will answer, “Who do you think you are?”
Well, we do know (or should know) who we are; we are members to each other in Christ, in His body the Church!
So, don’t be a coward like me. Tactfully in love with gracious speech (or writing) speak to those who bring shame to Christ and discouragement to those in the church. Don’t be intimidated and fooled with statements like, “I know Pastor So and So is not perfect, but look at the size of his church. He may be angry, uses crude language, and doesn’t like people, but look at all he does for the Kingdom.”
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity,” (Colossians 3:12-14, nasb).
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear,” (Ephesians 4:29, nasb).
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you,“(“Ephesians 4:31-32, nasb).
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come,“(2 Corinthians 5:17, nasb).
“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf,“(2 Corinthians 5:14-15 nasb).
If our teaching, life style, and conduct do not glorify the Lord Jesus, what good is it whatever size our ministry or church is?
by Doug Nichols
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Basic Principles of Worship Music
Because worshiper and worship cannot be treated independently of each other, Christians must understand the biblical principles that apply to the use of worship music. Dan G. MacCartney, in his article, "Music and the Worship of the Living God," enumerates these principles:
1. The worship of God, and, thus, also the music of worship, should correspond to God's character. How we worship should reflect the kind of God He is. This correspondence principle underlies all other principles.
2. The worship of God, and hence, the music of worship, should exhibit the joyful reverence and awe. This we may call the holiness principle.
3. The worship of God, and , thus, the music of worship, must conform to God's own prescriptions for worship, as contained in His Word. This we commonly call the regulative principle.
4. The worship of God, and, thus, the music of worship, should involve the whole worshiper and not just cognitive but also aesthetic, emotional, and physical aspects of our being. This is a holistic principle.
5. The worship of God, and, thus, the music of worship, should embody the best the worshiper can do. I will term this the excellence principle.
Source: Faithwalk, Vol.3, No.1, 2003, p. 26.
1. The worship of God, and, thus, also the music of worship, should correspond to God's character. How we worship should reflect the kind of God He is. This correspondence principle underlies all other principles.
2. The worship of God, and hence, the music of worship, should exhibit the joyful reverence and awe. This we may call the holiness principle.
3. The worship of God, and , thus, the music of worship, must conform to God's own prescriptions for worship, as contained in His Word. This we commonly call the regulative principle.
4. The worship of God, and, thus, the music of worship, should involve the whole worshiper and not just cognitive but also aesthetic, emotional, and physical aspects of our being. This is a holistic principle.
5. The worship of God, and, thus, the music of worship, should embody the best the worshiper can do. I will term this the excellence principle.
Source: Faithwalk, Vol.3, No.1, 2003, p. 26.
Monday, June 22, 2009
A Checklist for Evaluating Worship
W. Robert Godfrey, in his book Pleasing God in Worship, poses the following questions, which we may well use to help us assess if our corporate worship conforms to God's Word, or better still, if we are worshiping God acceptably with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:29):
√ Does my church love and believe the Bible?
√ Is the worship of my church filled with the Word of God?
√ How much of the service is given to the reading of the Bible?
√ How much of the service is given to biblical prayer?
√ How much of the service is given to singing that is biblical in content and character?
√ What is content of preaching?
√ Is preaching a substantial part of the service?
√ Is the Law of God clearly present in the service?
√ Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly present and central in the service?
√ What is the role of the sacraments [baptism and Lord's Supper] in the ministry of the church?
√ Are there elements of the service that are more entertaining than biblical?
√ Are both joyful thanksgiving and reverent awe expressed and balanced in the service?
Source: Faithwalk, Vol. 3 No. 1, 2003, p. 15
√ Does my church love and believe the Bible?
√ Is the worship of my church filled with the Word of God?
√ How much of the service is given to the reading of the Bible?
√ How much of the service is given to biblical prayer?
√ How much of the service is given to singing that is biblical in content and character?
√ What is content of preaching?
√ Is preaching a substantial part of the service?
√ Is the Law of God clearly present in the service?
√ Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly present and central in the service?
√ What is the role of the sacraments [baptism and Lord's Supper] in the ministry of the church?
√ Are there elements of the service that are more entertaining than biblical?
√ Are both joyful thanksgiving and reverent awe expressed and balanced in the service?
Source: Faithwalk, Vol. 3 No. 1, 2003, p. 15
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Saturation Praying
by Rev. Will Bruce, Minister-at-Large
Overseas Missionary Fellowship
10 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120-4413
Telephone: 800.422.5330 or 303.730.4160
Fax: 303.730.4165
E-mail: info@omf.org
I. Saturation Praying is praying in which we share, unite, and zero in on the target with specific and full coverage.
Luke 11:1 "Lord, teach us to pray." We are commanded to pray: 1 Thess. 5:17. We are invited to pray:John 14:14. We are the losers if we do not pray: James 4:2b.
We talk to God, the Father through Jesus Christ, the Son, helped by the Holy Spirit. We talk with God simply and naturally as we would talk to others, yet with reverence.
It is hard to change old habit patterns and adopt that which would prove to be more effective in relation to answers for ourselves and for others. Involve the whole family or group in praying--no spectators, all participate. We move on from panic or crisis praying to protective praying.
God loves us, accepts us and cares for us. He will also forgive and cleanse us as we repent. "We are His workmanship." Ephesians 2:10. He is a living God who hears and answers.
II. General Rules:
Brief--back and forth
Only one formal opening and closing
Avoid simply "Lord, bless so and so."
Specific. Not shotgun praying. Luke 11:5,6.
Saturate one subject at a time.
Pray in agreement.
Everyday language but not crude.
Honest and open.
One step at a time.
Then move on to another subject.
An example of saturation praying for a missionary coming home on furlough. Items for prayer will include: extra strength for the multiplied duties prior to his leaving; handing over the work to others; health problems; travel arrangements; safety in travel; needs of the family (change of schools, new friends, culture shock); relationships with family members at home (including unsaved or bereaved ones); a place to live; a ministry in the home church; deputation opportunities; need of a car, furlough studies; ability to communicate the challenge of the field, etc.
Evelyn Christenson has an excellent book on prayer and a leader's guide for teaching prayer. She suggests these 6 simple steps:
1. Subject by subject.
2. Short prayers.
3. Simple prayers.
4. Specific prayers.
5. Silent prayers.
6. Small groups.
III. Five suggested steps for praying, with full freedom to move back and forth between steps:
1. Tune in: Psalm 46:10; Ps. 27:14, and think of:
a. What He is.
b. What He has done for us.
c. What we are in Him.
d. What we have in Him.
2. Praise Him (worship): Phil 4:4-7; 1 Thess. 5:16, and thank Him for:
a. Who He is.
b. What He has done for us.
c. What He will do.
Be specific. Give thanks for NEW LIFE, HEALTH, FAMILY MEMBERS, ANSWERS TO PRAYER, etc.
3. Share personal needs: James 5:13-16. In honesty, in openness, with reality. Use "I" for expressing a need or in confession, not "We."
4. Bear one another's burdens: Gal. 6:2. Have a real concern for and understanding of one another. Use your imagination concerning the needs of others. Ask God for guidance.
5. Reach out in earnest, specific, in-depth prayer for other Christians and those without Christ in your neighborhood, nation, and world.
IV. Benefits:
1. A new awareness of one another.
2. A new sense of being loved.
3. Timid ones begin to participate.
4. Praying is more thorough, therefore more effective.
Some recommended books on prayer:
Prayer Power Unlimited by J. Oswald Sanders
Born for Battle by Arthur Mathews
God's Powerful Weapon by Denis Lane
Prayer without Pretending by Anne Townsend
Mountain Rain by Eileen Crossman, The biography of J.O. Fraser. Gives an ideal example of what is accomplished on the mission field through prayer in the home country.
The Prayer of Faith by J.O. Fraser
Effective Prayer by J. Oswald Sanders
Overseas Missionary Fellowship
10 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120-4413
Telephone: 800.422.5330 or 303.730.4160
Fax: 303.730.4165
E-mail: info@omf.org
Overseas Missionary Fellowship
10 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120-4413
Telephone: 800.422.5330 or 303.730.4160
Fax: 303.730.4165
E-mail: info@omf.org
I. Saturation Praying is praying in which we share, unite, and zero in on the target with specific and full coverage.
Luke 11:1 "Lord, teach us to pray." We are commanded to pray: 1 Thess. 5:17. We are invited to pray:John 14:14. We are the losers if we do not pray: James 4:2b.
We talk to God, the Father through Jesus Christ, the Son, helped by the Holy Spirit. We talk with God simply and naturally as we would talk to others, yet with reverence.
It is hard to change old habit patterns and adopt that which would prove to be more effective in relation to answers for ourselves and for others. Involve the whole family or group in praying--no spectators, all participate. We move on from panic or crisis praying to protective praying.
God loves us, accepts us and cares for us. He will also forgive and cleanse us as we repent. "We are His workmanship." Ephesians 2:10. He is a living God who hears and answers.
II. General Rules:
Brief--back and forth
Only one formal opening and closing
Avoid simply "Lord, bless so and so."
Specific. Not shotgun praying. Luke 11:5,6.
Saturate one subject at a time.
Pray in agreement.
Everyday language but not crude.
Honest and open.
One step at a time.
Then move on to another subject.
An example of saturation praying for a missionary coming home on furlough. Items for prayer will include: extra strength for the multiplied duties prior to his leaving; handing over the work to others; health problems; travel arrangements; safety in travel; needs of the family (change of schools, new friends, culture shock); relationships with family members at home (including unsaved or bereaved ones); a place to live; a ministry in the home church; deputation opportunities; need of a car, furlough studies; ability to communicate the challenge of the field, etc.
Evelyn Christenson has an excellent book on prayer and a leader's guide for teaching prayer. She suggests these 6 simple steps:
1. Subject by subject.
2. Short prayers.
3. Simple prayers.
4. Specific prayers.
5. Silent prayers.
6. Small groups.
III. Five suggested steps for praying, with full freedom to move back and forth between steps:
1. Tune in: Psalm 46:10; Ps. 27:14, and think of:
a. What He is.
b. What He has done for us.
c. What we are in Him.
d. What we have in Him.
2. Praise Him (worship): Phil 4:4-7; 1 Thess. 5:16, and thank Him for:
a. Who He is.
b. What He has done for us.
c. What He will do.
Be specific. Give thanks for NEW LIFE, HEALTH, FAMILY MEMBERS, ANSWERS TO PRAYER, etc.
3. Share personal needs: James 5:13-16. In honesty, in openness, with reality. Use "I" for expressing a need or in confession, not "We."
4. Bear one another's burdens: Gal. 6:2. Have a real concern for and understanding of one another. Use your imagination concerning the needs of others. Ask God for guidance.
5. Reach out in earnest, specific, in-depth prayer for other Christians and those without Christ in your neighborhood, nation, and world.
IV. Benefits:
1. A new awareness of one another.
2. A new sense of being loved.
3. Timid ones begin to participate.
4. Praying is more thorough, therefore more effective.
Some recommended books on prayer:
Prayer Power Unlimited by J. Oswald Sanders
Born for Battle by Arthur Mathews
God's Powerful Weapon by Denis Lane
Prayer without Pretending by Anne Townsend
Mountain Rain by Eileen Crossman, The biography of J.O. Fraser. Gives an ideal example of what is accomplished on the mission field through prayer in the home country.
The Prayer of Faith by J.O. Fraser
Effective Prayer by J. Oswald Sanders
Overseas Missionary Fellowship
10 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120-4413
Telephone: 800.422.5330 or 303.730.4160
Fax: 303.730.4165
E-mail: info@omf.org
Friday, June 12, 2009
Quarreling Forbidden
Trying to shift blame from ourselves to another person is a common practice. Whether it is an extreme case, such as the Nazis on trial after World War II who said they were only following orders, or a less heinous situation, such as a young child saying that his brother made him steal a pack of gum, all people like to point the finger when they are caught in sin.
Jacob's sons knew that truth about what had really happened to Joseph would have to come out once they were charged with telling their father the good news that Joseph had not died. Remember that Jacob's sons lied to him after Joseph was sold into slavery, telling him that "a fierce animal" had slaughtered their brother (Gen. 37:31-35). To explain why Joseph was still alive would necessitate a full revelation of their betrayal. Though all (except Benjamin) were guilty of this crime on some level, the tendency to shift blame would create opportunities for the brothers to accuse one another of responsibility in hopes of being held less culpable for their act.
Joseph moves to prevent this arguing in Genesis 45: 21-24. First he moves to assure them that there is no need to blame one another through the gift of "a change of clothes" (45:22). The clothing each brother receives is an outer garment that is also used as a blanket. In other words, it is a tunic, recalling the coat of many colors that helped prompt the brothers' jealousy of Joseph (chap. 37). By this gift Joseph gives further proof of forgiveness and reconciliation, for special coats can now be given without any worry of inciting strife.
More important are Joseph's instructions for his brothers not to quarrel. For the first time in decades, Jacob's sons are at peace with one another, and nothing must trouble this accord. Today, we must heed these words as well and avoid foolish arguing, not only over blame, but over relatively minor matters as well (Rom 14:1). John Calvin comments: "We ought to imitate this kindness of Joseph; that we may prevent, as much as possible, quarrels, and strifes of words; for Christ requires of his disciples, not only that they should be lovers of peace, but also that they should be peace-makers."
Source: Thomas, Derek W.H., "Quarreling Forbidden," Tabletalk October 2007, page 30.
Jacob's sons knew that truth about what had really happened to Joseph would have to come out once they were charged with telling their father the good news that Joseph had not died. Remember that Jacob's sons lied to him after Joseph was sold into slavery, telling him that "a fierce animal" had slaughtered their brother (Gen. 37:31-35). To explain why Joseph was still alive would necessitate a full revelation of their betrayal. Though all (except Benjamin) were guilty of this crime on some level, the tendency to shift blame would create opportunities for the brothers to accuse one another of responsibility in hopes of being held less culpable for their act.
Joseph moves to prevent this arguing in Genesis 45: 21-24. First he moves to assure them that there is no need to blame one another through the gift of "a change of clothes" (45:22). The clothing each brother receives is an outer garment that is also used as a blanket. In other words, it is a tunic, recalling the coat of many colors that helped prompt the brothers' jealousy of Joseph (chap. 37). By this gift Joseph gives further proof of forgiveness and reconciliation, for special coats can now be given without any worry of inciting strife.
More important are Joseph's instructions for his brothers not to quarrel. For the first time in decades, Jacob's sons are at peace with one another, and nothing must trouble this accord. Today, we must heed these words as well and avoid foolish arguing, not only over blame, but over relatively minor matters as well (Rom 14:1). John Calvin comments: "We ought to imitate this kindness of Joseph; that we may prevent, as much as possible, quarrels, and strifes of words; for Christ requires of his disciples, not only that they should be lovers of peace, but also that they should be peace-makers."
Source: Thomas, Derek W.H., "Quarreling Forbidden," Tabletalk October 2007, page 30.
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