As a believer in Christ it can be frustrating when I fail, when I sin. Because of that failure, and the frustration that comes with it, life can be overwhelming. To complicate matters I know that this response, allowing life to overwhelm, is in itself not right. There must be a better way to respond.
Last night Wakefield started their new small groups. Over the next 8 weeks we are using the Discipleship Explored curriculum. This material takes the group through a study of Philippians. Our first session focused on Philippians 1:6, the great promise that God will complete in you the good work He began upon salvation. We learned in Philippians 1:10-11 that this will be complete when Christ returns for the church and ultimately we will be filled with the fruits of Christ righteousness!
How then should this fact of perfect completion change my day-to-day existence? It should fill me with joy, relief, and of course confidence. I should understand that even in failure God is still working in me to complete His intended work in my life. I hope this week when you stumble and fall that you will allow Philippians 1:1-11 to pick you up and fill you with the confidence that God is still working in your life and bringing it to completion.
Another note, small groups started last night and we had a very good turn out. We had two strong groups in spite of the blizzard. Feel free next Sunday evening to join us and become a part of a group. We would love to have you.
-Mark
Showing posts with label Discipleship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Discipleship. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, July 6, 2009
Two Lessons on Samson
This coming Sunday we will look at the life of Samson. After reading the story a few times I have decided that there are a few reasons for God to include it. Samson's life provides for us a some lessons worth considering. But which lesson is the primary for us to learn? Let's look at the first two.
Lesson one could be titled "What Could Have Been." God had a great purpose for Samson, but because of his sin, he failed to reach it. There are elements of this in the story. Samson was ordained prior to conception to accomplish a task for God. God gave his parents details concerning his upbringing and what he was expected to accomplish. Judges 13:1-5
Another lesson is related to the first - "Sin Destroys." Again this is true. Samson seems to be a man driven by his passions, especially for the opposite sex. These desires ultimately lead to his downfall. His great physical strength is taken away and he is blinded by his captures. Interestingly, he often "saw" his desire. Thus, the removal of his eyes is a telling punishment.
So which is it - lesson number one or lesson number two? Neither. I think the Bible is teaching an entirely different message with Samson. What then is that? Come back next week. I am up at Camp Tohiglo, where it is impossible to get a connection. Next Sunday I will teach on Samson and post the better understanding of this man's life. In the mean time let's follow the two lesser lessons - live up to your potential and don't sin. Good luck!
-Mark
Please visit our church at http://www.wakefieldbible.org/
Lesson one could be titled "What Could Have Been." God had a great purpose for Samson, but because of his sin, he failed to reach it. There are elements of this in the story. Samson was ordained prior to conception to accomplish a task for God. God gave his parents details concerning his upbringing and what he was expected to accomplish. Judges 13:1-5
Another lesson is related to the first - "Sin Destroys." Again this is true. Samson seems to be a man driven by his passions, especially for the opposite sex. These desires ultimately lead to his downfall. His great physical strength is taken away and he is blinded by his captures. Interestingly, he often "saw" his desire. Thus, the removal of his eyes is a telling punishment.
So which is it - lesson number one or lesson number two? Neither. I think the Bible is teaching an entirely different message with Samson. What then is that? Come back next week. I am up at Camp Tohiglo, where it is impossible to get a connection. Next Sunday I will teach on Samson and post the better understanding of this man's life. In the mean time let's follow the two lesser lessons - live up to your potential and don't sin. Good luck!
-Mark
Please visit our church at http://www.wakefieldbible.org/
Monday, June 8, 2009
To Shirk or Not To Shirk
I recently developed a plumbing problem. Last night while I was away at church my outside faucet began to run. My neighbors, Roland and Mike, heard it and came to the rescue, but try as they might, they could not turn it off. Only after I returned home was I able to cut the water off from the inside. Now I am faced with a plumbing problem.
This morning I looked up the local plumber's phone number. But before calling, I decided to look at the problem. I found that with a short trip to Home Depot, I could easily fix the problem and save hundreds of dollars. However, if I know anything about myself, it is never as easy as it looks, it always takes more time than anticipated, and it always costs more than I assume. On top of all that, I am busy with other matters. So if my time is valuable, is it not better to call in the professional and have them do it quickly and efficiently?
This seems to be the approach of many in the church to the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20 commands all believers to take the Gospel out and make disciples. However, in our church world of layman and professional, we all try to shirk this responsibility and pass it on to those called and often paid to perform. Of course we should financially and prayerfully support worldwide missions. We should appoint, send, and oversee missionaries throughout the world. However, what about Matter 28:19-20? It does not limit the scope to the professional. All of the church is within the "go" statement. Therefore we too have responsibilities in this ministry of disciple making.
There is much that can be accomplished locally. How many, I wonder, of the local church ever share their faith in the community? Without looking at any stats, I will assume the number is "few and far between." What about you reader, when have you last shared your testimony and the good news that is available to all? Quit calling in the professionals to do all of your work. Quit shirking your responsibility in the ministry of disciple making. Step up and share what God has done for you. Now I'm off to Home Depot. Wish me well.
-Mark
Please visit our church at http://www.wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157
This morning I looked up the local plumber's phone number. But before calling, I decided to look at the problem. I found that with a short trip to Home Depot, I could easily fix the problem and save hundreds of dollars. However, if I know anything about myself, it is never as easy as it looks, it always takes more time than anticipated, and it always costs more than I assume. On top of all that, I am busy with other matters. So if my time is valuable, is it not better to call in the professional and have them do it quickly and efficiently?
This seems to be the approach of many in the church to the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20 commands all believers to take the Gospel out and make disciples. However, in our church world of layman and professional, we all try to shirk this responsibility and pass it on to those called and often paid to perform. Of course we should financially and prayerfully support worldwide missions. We should appoint, send, and oversee missionaries throughout the world. However, what about Matter 28:19-20? It does not limit the scope to the professional. All of the church is within the "go" statement. Therefore we too have responsibilities in this ministry of disciple making.
There is much that can be accomplished locally. How many, I wonder, of the local church ever share their faith in the community? Without looking at any stats, I will assume the number is "few and far between." What about you reader, when have you last shared your testimony and the good news that is available to all? Quit calling in the professionals to do all of your work. Quit shirking your responsibility in the ministry of disciple making. Step up and share what God has done for you. Now I'm off to Home Depot. Wish me well.
-Mark
Please visit our church at http://www.wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157
Friday, June 5, 2009
Putting Focus to Your Prayer Time
I've always struggled with maintaining a disciplined prayer life. I do pray, however, I often lack focus, praying only what comes to mind. This leads to wool gathering; and much that should have been put before the Lord is forgotten.
Recently I purchased a tool that I hope will help cure this lack of discipline. It is The 29:59 Plan. Although I have only used it for not quite one week, it has helped immensely. Peter Lord and Daniel Henderson, the creators of this tool, help you divide your prayer time up into manageable chunks and help you direct your prayers with focus and purpose. The tool is flexible. You don't just pray what they want you to pray. But, you take the tool and make it fit your prayer needs.
If you are struggling with discipline in your prayer life or just want to freshen up - add some change to your devotion time - then consider The 29:59 Plan. You can purchase it at http://www.pray2959.com/ I'll let you know how I am doing with it in the weeks to come.
-Mark
Please visit our church at http://www.wakefieldbible.org/
Recently I purchased a tool that I hope will help cure this lack of discipline. It is The 29:59 Plan. Although I have only used it for not quite one week, it has helped immensely. Peter Lord and Daniel Henderson, the creators of this tool, help you divide your prayer time up into manageable chunks and help you direct your prayers with focus and purpose. The tool is flexible. You don't just pray what they want you to pray. But, you take the tool and make it fit your prayer needs.
If you are struggling with discipline in your prayer life or just want to freshen up - add some change to your devotion time - then consider The 29:59 Plan. You can purchase it at http://www.pray2959.com/ I'll let you know how I am doing with it in the weeks to come.
-Mark
Please visit our church at http://www.wakefieldbible.org/
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Mac Daddies on Discipleship
Lately, there has been a discussion here at Wakefield over the question of discipleship. "What is discipleship?" and "What makes one a disciple of Jesus Christ?" are two of the questions kicked around. We know that Matthew 28:19 tells us to go and make disciples. Does that mean that the term "disciple" is the same as "believer"? Let's try in just a few paragraphs to develop an answer.
First, to be a disciple it is absolutely essential to be a believer. One cannot be a disciple of Christ without first putting their trust in Christ. Are there those who follow the principles of the christian life without first believing? No doubt. However, to live the disciple's life does require something that only a believer posseses, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. For the life of a disciple is a supernatural life, a life that can only be lived with the power of God, not the power of self.
William MacDonald, a Plymouth Brethren writer, lists seven terms for discipleship:
1. A supreme love for Jesus Christ - Luke 14:26
2. A denial of self - Matthew 16:24
3. A deliberate choosing of the cross - Matthew 16:24
4. A life spent following Christ - Matthew 16:24; Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:8
5. A fervent love for all who belong to Christ - John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
6. An unswerving continuance in His Word - John 8:31
7. A forsaking of all to follow Him - Luke 14:33
I'll put a link to MacDonald's article below and you can go to it and read the greater detail. Feel free to voice you comments here concerning the article.
We can simplify MacDonald's many words by using a statement from John MacArthur Jr. Commenting on Matthew 7:24-27 in his commentary on Matthew 1-7, MacArthur says, "The mark of true discipleship is not simply hearing and believing, but believing and doing." The two men in the passage build similar homes, but with one major difference - the foundation. The passage speaks of a believer building a life based on obedience to God's Word as opposed to someone, unbeliever or believer, who builds his life on something other than God's Word. The first is a disciple, the second not.
If our understanding of Matthew 7:24-27 is correct, then churches contain many believers, but few disciples. Discipleship begins with faith, but does not end there. Discipleship is a life lived in obedience to Christ and to His Word. God help us in our effort to obey and in our effort to bring others into the the place of discipleship.
-Mark
MacDonald's article
Please visit our church at http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157
First, to be a disciple it is absolutely essential to be a believer. One cannot be a disciple of Christ without first putting their trust in Christ. Are there those who follow the principles of the christian life without first believing? No doubt. However, to live the disciple's life does require something that only a believer posseses, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. For the life of a disciple is a supernatural life, a life that can only be lived with the power of God, not the power of self.
William MacDonald, a Plymouth Brethren writer, lists seven terms for discipleship:
1. A supreme love for Jesus Christ - Luke 14:26
2. A denial of self - Matthew 16:24
3. A deliberate choosing of the cross - Matthew 16:24
4. A life spent following Christ - Matthew 16:24; Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:8
5. A fervent love for all who belong to Christ - John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
6. An unswerving continuance in His Word - John 8:31
7. A forsaking of all to follow Him - Luke 14:33
I'll put a link to MacDonald's article below and you can go to it and read the greater detail. Feel free to voice you comments here concerning the article.
We can simplify MacDonald's many words by using a statement from John MacArthur Jr. Commenting on Matthew 7:24-27 in his commentary on Matthew 1-7, MacArthur says, "The mark of true discipleship is not simply hearing and believing, but believing and doing." The two men in the passage build similar homes, but with one major difference - the foundation. The passage speaks of a believer building a life based on obedience to God's Word as opposed to someone, unbeliever or believer, who builds his life on something other than God's Word. The first is a disciple, the second not.
If our understanding of Matthew 7:24-27 is correct, then churches contain many believers, but few disciples. Discipleship begins with faith, but does not end there. Discipleship is a life lived in obedience to Christ and to His Word. God help us in our effort to obey and in our effort to bring others into the the place of discipleship.
-Mark
MacDonald's article
Please visit our church at http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157
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