LETTERS TO THE CHURCH

I just read the second chapter of Revelation.  I read it slowly and aloud – as I often do.  I stopped several times for personal reflection and prayer.

If you don’t know, in Revelation 2&3 the Apostle John is instructed by the living, resurrected Lord, to write letters to seven churches in Asia Minor and to be sure that these letters are delivered to the saints who inhabit these churches.  The letters contain affirmations and condemnations. 

They are detailed and personalized; clearly designed messages intended to affirm and/or purify the seven churches. 

Chapter two includes letters to:

·         Ephesus

·         Smyrna

·         Pergamum

·         Thyatira

Chapter three includes letters to:

·         Sardis

·         Philadelphia

·         Laodicea

Although we don’t know exactly when this letter was written, it is probable that it was written around 95 A.D.  This date is significantly later than all other New Testament writings!  It places the writing of these letters approximately sixty years AFTER the death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus! 

Imagine the response of these churches when they received these letters from John and found them to be messages directly from the resurrected Lord!  Consider their pride when Jesus affirmed them for their faithfulness.  Ponder their surprise when they realize that the resurrected Lord is watching their church and knows of their transgressions!  What must it have been like for each of these seven churches when they heard these letters read out in public worship! 

The realization that their Lord was distant and living in another realm – yet was still attentive and concerned about their measure of faithfulness to Him and His mission – must have been impacting! 

Now, think about it.

The only difference between 95 A.D. and 2024 A.D. is 1,929 years!    

Jesus is still attentive to His followers and their churches!  He still watches and observes from His position at the right hand of God the Father Almighty!  He’s actively – through His Holy Spirit – guiding and guarding His Church!  He will never cease to care! 

If I might be so bold, I don’t think He cares about our denominational structures or allegiances – actually, I think these break His heart because we’ve become so fractured.  I don’t believe He cares about the quality or size of our structures.  In my way of thinking, I believe He’d be far more pleased if we built churches for those in impoverished environments so that they can continue to carry the gospel to the lost!  I doubt that He’s much interested in the questions we ask for membership or ordination.  I find it hard to believe that He’s concerned about our order of worship. 

If we thoughtfully examine our processes and functions, we might realize that much of what we dedicate our time and effort to is frivolous and a mere distraction from the things that really matter to our Lord. 

Perhaps a time of reflection on the messages in these letters might refocus us on the things that really matter to our risen Lord and Savior.  Here’s a sample of what we might learn:

·         Jesus sees the good things we do from our loving and genuine hearts.  [vs.2,9]

·         Jesus is aware of times that we persevere and refuse to give up on our faith!  [v.3]

·         Our Lord knows when we drift from our first love, and He wants us to change our ways!  [v.4]

·         Jesus reminds us that when we suffer, He sees.  He reveals that some believers will, indeed, suffer greatly; but He encourages us to remain faithful so that we will earn a great reward!  [v.10]

·         He is aware when we suffer under unrighteous and unjust leaders!  Jesus is pleased when we remain faithful and refuse to deny Him!  [v.13]

·         He confronts us when we slip into false teaching or sexual immorality.  He counsels us to change our ways and return to Him!  [vs.14,16]

·         The Lord of the Church is aware of our love, deeds, faithfulness, service and endurance!  [v.19]

·         Christ is not pleased when we tolerate leaders and posers who are immoral and lead others astray.  [v.20]

·         Jesus declares that He will deal with these unrighteous ones and will, thereby, protect His Church!  [vs.22-23]

·         He reminds us that “I am the One who relentlessly explores the mind and heart, and I will deal with each of you as you deserve according to your acts.”  [v.23]

He closes His letter to Pergamum with this challenge!

“Let the person who is able to hear, listen to and follow what the Spirit proclaims to all the churches. To the one who conquers through faithfulness even unto death, I will feed you with hidden manna and give you a white stone. Upon this stone, a new name is engraved. No one knows this name except for its recipient.”

JOB'S EXAMPLE

I’m reading in THE VOICE BIBLE for 2024. 

I get bored easily, so I typically read in five biblical zones to keep my interest high.  If you’re interested, here is my breakdown:

Genesis through Ruth                    236 chapters

I Samuel through Esther                200 chapters

Job through Song of Songs           243 chapters

Isaiah through Malachi                   250 chapters

New Testament                               260 chapters

In the past, I have gradually and systematically read through the Bible reading several chapters a day – using bookmarks to keep me organized.

However, this year I’m exercising even more flexibility by using a chart that I introduced in yesterday’s blog article titled: BIBLE READING TIPS.

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I read the first chapter of Job this morning.  What a remarkable chapter! 

It begins by describing a righteous man who probably lived in the vicinity and time-frame  of Abraham [sixth century B.C.]  He’s prosperous and is wholeheartedly dedicated to living a life that is pleasing to God! 

I’ll share several things from this chapter that I find to be totally astounding.

FIRST

Job illustrates true devotion to his children by continuing to pray for them even in their adulthood. 

His adult children always got together to celebrate special occasions. 

When these days of feasting were through, Job would call all of his family to his own house and purify them, rising up early in the morning to offer burnt sacrifices for each one.

JOB: God, forgive my children for any secret sins or grudges they have against You deep in their hearts. [v.5 VOICE]

This illustrates that our responsibility for our children does not end when they become adults and establish autonomy. 

Job continues to bear concern for the spiritual purity of his children.  He regularly calls them together and intercedes with God Almighty on their behalf!   

His concern is not shallow.  Job knows human nature and our vulnerability toward sin and rebellion.  He can’t bear to see his children drift from the divine purposes of God.  He invests his time, passion and resources to do everything within his power to see that they maintain a close, intimate, pure relationship to God! 

Surely I don’t need to unpack the message Job presents to us.  If God has blessed us with children, we are perpetually to care for them spiritually and to do everything within our ability to see that they walk in sincerity before the Lord!

SECOND

Suddenly, the scene changes to the courts of heaven.

Now one day, it came time for the sons of God, God’s heavenly messengers, to present themselves to the Eternal One to give reports and receive instructions.  The Accuser [Satan] was with them there. [v.6 VOICE]

God and the Accuser enter into a discourse that begins with God asking him where he has been.  His response: “Oh, roaming here and there, running about the earth and observing its inhabitants.” [v.7 VOICE]

God’s immediate response is to ask Satan if he has looked into the life of Job. 

He is unlike any other person on the whole earth – a very good man – his character is spotless, his integrity unquestioned. In fact, he so believes in Me that he seeks, in all things, to honor Me and deliberately avoids evil in all of his affairs. [v.8 VOICE]

Satan’s response clearly indicates that he has indeed examined Job’s life.  He claims that God has put a hedge of protection around Job [It is implied that this protection has prevented Satan from distracting and entrapping Job.]

God’s response shocks us!

ETERNAL ONE: I delegate this task to you [Satan].  His possessions are now in your hand.  One thing, though, you are not to lay a finger on the man himself.  Job must not be touched. [v.12 VOICE]

Soon after this encounter, tremendous disaster falls on Job, clearly as a result of Satan’s intervention:

·         His herds of donkeys and oxen are stolen by Sabeans, and all of his servants are killed except one who escapes to report to Job.

·         At the same time, lightning strikes his 7,000 sheep and his shepherds.  Only one survives to report the catastrophe to Job.

·         Chaldeans attacked another group of Job’s servants and stole 3,000 camels while killing all of his servants but one – who escaped to report to Job.

·         Finally, a fourth messenger arrives to tell Job that his children had all been killed by a tornado while they were feasting together.  Only one servant survived to report the tragedy to Job.

The point to be observed here is obvious:  God had such confidence in Job’s faithfulness that He pointed Job out to Satan, thereby, putting all of Job’s possessions – including his children - under Satan’s influence! 

How many of us are living this kind of exemplary spiritual life?

THIRD

Job’s initial response is exactly what we would expect, however, then he cries out of his pain words that we are incapable of understanding.

HIS RESPONSE

·         He tore his robe

·         Shaved his head

·         Fell to the ground

·         “Face down, Job sprawled in the dirt to worship.” [v.20 VOICE]

HIS WORDS

JOB: I was naked, with nothing, when I came from my mother’s womb; and naked, with nothing, I will return to the earth.

The Eternal has given, and He has taken away.  May the name of the Eternal One be blessed. [v.21 VOICE]

The chapter ends with a narrator’s observation:

In all of this Job neither sinned nor did he make foolish charges against God. [v.22 VOICE]

And we’re all left asking ourselves the same question:  Would I respond with such faith if Satan was to attack me and cause similar destruction and pain in my life?

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I have some work to do now.  I need to talk with God and get my priorities straightened out.  I need to – once again – review my life and renew commitments.  

Perhaps you need a self-appointment for similar purposes?

BIBLE READING TIPS

So many people have good intentions when it comes to reading the Bible, but it can be an overwhelming task – 1,189 chapters!!!!

The Old Testament is the longer of two sections – the New Testament being the other.  Certain areas of the Old Testament are repetitive and contain historical information regarding the nation of Israel.

There are all kinds of plans available for reading the Bible in a year or two.  This is a daunting task that will require you to read over three chapters per day [for a year]. That can be kind of time consuming for a slow reader!

There’s nothing magical about reading the Bible through in a year!  Vacations, holidays, trips and stressful periods often interrupt our reading plan.

Here’s a tool that might help you.  It can be downloaded at:

https://visualunit.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/bible_reading_chart.png

 

It allows you to read in complete freedom wherever you like on any given day and then simply ‘x’ off the chapter(s) you read.  You can jump around as much as you like!  You can read in multiple sections at the same time!  It allows you to easily keep track of your progress.

SOME TIPS:

1.    Secure a Bible that will hold your interest.  My favorites are:

·         The Message by Eugene Peterson – language of the 1990’s.

·         The New Living Translation was originally done by Kenneth Taylor in the 1960’s so   that his children could better understand the Bible.  Eventually, it was refined by   teams of scholars and is an enjoyable rendering of the scriptures for us today.

·         The VOICE Bible is a very creative version of the Bible produced by Thomas   Nelson Inc. and released in 2012.  Many writers, musicians, artists and language   scholars collaborated on this project.

·         The New International Version was an attempt to create a commonly accepted,   evangelical Bible at a time when so many translations were flooding the market.   First available in 1978, it has undergone numerous revisions.

Using a study Bible is a great idea!  These incorporate notations and explanations to help with understanding the passage.  This will slow your reading progress, but expand your understanding. 

 2.  Set a regular time and place to do your reading and try to be faithful at this newly desired discipline.

 3.    Make notations as you find things that strike/impact you.

·         One option – if you don’t mind, is to simply make marginal notes/symbols in your Bible.

·         Few will do this, but having a partner to talk with throughout the process can be enriching!  Use the technology of the day to compare notes, hold one another accountable, share discoveries and ask questions. 

     4.    Many pastors may be willing to be a resource to you when you have questions or need            explanations. 

            As an alternative, there are usually astute people in the church who have spent their lives        exploring scripture.  These people often are used as Sunday School teachers!  Tap into            their wisdom as well!

       5.  Exercise GRACE!!!!  Don’t quit because you missed a week of reading!  Jump back in!    You have not failed!  God is not disappointed in you!

  6.   When you’re ready to do so, add prayer to your reading time – even in its simplest forms.    Just a simple prayer like: “Lord, as I read today, show me truth that will help me to live pleasing to You! Amen.”

       Also, if people come to your mind while you’re reading, jot down their name and believe  that God brought them to your mind intentionally!  Pray for them!

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Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Bless those who may embark on the challenge of getting more familiar with Your Word!  Guide them! Teach them! Use them! Grow them! FOR YOUR GLORY!  AMEN!

SPIRITUAL TECTONIC PLATES!

While sitting in my Sunday School class this morning studying the first chapter of Luke, I had a train of thoughts that rattled my thinking.

The period of the Old Testament prophets ran from approximately 930 – 500 B.C. The Old Testament closes a little over four hundred years before Christ (about 425 BC) with the Jewish people being partially restored to their land, and living under the dominion of the Persian Empire.

Then came four hundred years of silence. During these years, Israel was under the dominion of Persia, Greece, and Rome.  Alexander the Great insisted on Greek as a common language.  Consequently, our New Testament was written in Greek!  The world largely enjoyed a period of peace as the Romans ruled a massive empire from 27 B.C. until 180 A.D. A worldwide system of roads and transportation built by the Romans allowed efficient travel for military, trade, and the populace – including eventually missionaries like Paul, Barnabas, Luke and others.

But spiritually, not much happened and no canonical writings emerged. 

But suddenly, as B.C. was about to be restarted as A.D. the spiritual tectonic plates seemed to begin to shift!

This change was demonstrated in a number of ways:

·         Some scholars – who were especially attuned to the movement of the heavenly bodies – noticed things happening in the eastern sky that indicated to them that a new king was about to be born in the east.  Curious, and driven by God, they embarked on a long and arduous journey from Persia to Bethlehem.

·         A small town priest named Zacharias was drafted to perform a priestly service.  While he was in the Temple doing so, an angel appeared to him to report that his prayer had been heard and his aged wife would become pregnant and bear him a very special son, and he was to name him John.   

·         Shortly after this, an angel appeared to a young woman from Nazareth, named Mary.  He announced that she would soon become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit and she would eventually bear the Son of God. 

·         Mary immediately travelled to visit her family – Zacharias and Elizabeth - in the hill country of Galilee.  When she arrived, Elizabeth also broke out in a prophetic-like utterance.  She was divinely enabled to know that Mary was pregnant with the Messiah and honored her [Luke 1:42-45]! 

·         Although it is often undervalued, Mary uttered prophetic words that are still considered sacred many years later.  We know her statement as the Magnificat [Luke 1:46-56].

·         Shortly after, Elizabeth gave birth to John.  The Holy Spirit touched Zacharias and he burst forth in an ecstatic utterance with prophetic significance [Luke 1:67-79]!

·         Sometime following, Mary’s husband-to-be, Joseph, also received a visit from an angel who informed him that Mary’s pregnancy was of God and that he should go ahead and take her as his wife!  That angel reappeared to Joseph numerous times over the years to guide him and protect the young child!

·         About two years after Jesus’ birth, the Persian wise men arrived in Bethlehem and visited the young child and His parents.  They bestowed on the young family extravagant gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then, they were warned in a dream to avoid returning to Herod to report what they had seen and where!

Not much would happen for the next couple of decades while John and Jesus grew up and matured.

However, John – who became known as a fiery wilderness preacher – began to proclaim the coming of the Messiah! His message: “I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” [Mark 1:8].

Then – finally – Mark 1:9,14 records that “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan…Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”

To complete our train of thought, we must acknowledge that the three years of Jesus’ public ministry were marked by a massive wave of spiritual activity.  Some was directed through demons and spiritual oppression.  The rest was orchestrated through the political and religious structures of that day! 

THERE WAS NO MORE SILENCE!

GOD ISN'T FINISHED WITH ME YET

I recently re-read a book from my shelves:  THE NEXT CHRISTIANS: How a New Generation is Restoring the Faith, copyright 2010, by Gabe Lyons.  I'm going to deliberately keep it out on my desk for a good while so that I can flip through it and reexamine the many underlined passages.  

The book slowly exposed me in areas that were painful and awakening.  I am deeply challenged by its message and find myself wanting to evolve into a 'Next Christian'.  I have a long way to go and will have to reengage myself regularly if I hope to activate this transformation.

Although I graduated from a seminary that espoused four major branches of theology [Feminist, Calvinist, Progressive, Libertion]. I managed to emerge with my Wesleyan faith-base intact.  I think this was enabled by the fact that the United Methodist Church was sending a lot of their theology students to this school, which created a tolerance for the Wesleyan perspective.  :-)

I emerged from the process as an innovative thinker, cooperative leader, and biblically-based teacher.  Having been raised in the Free Methodist Church, I found it to be a suitable and comfortable base of operation throughout the years, although I currently worship in an evangelical Presbyterian church.  My sources of influence have been eclectic: 

• a Free Methodist college
• a United Methodist seminary
• a liberal Presbyterian seminary
• a charismatic Catholic university
• and a host of friends and associates from a wide variety of Christian-faith-based backgrounds!  

I consequently emerged as a firmly entrenched theological mongrel with a mainstream way of thinking.  I was comfortable and even effective as a result of these processes.

But Gabe Lyons' book began to rattle and disturb my comfort zone.  He had a subtle way of showing me that I am judgmental, proud, and ineffective when it comes to engaging those who disagree with my paradigms.  

My activism has often resorted to boycotts, picketing and letter-writing campaigns.  This approach nearly cost my son (Travis) an education at the United States Naval Academy [but that's a story I've told elsewhere].  I was proud of this approach - until I read THE NEXT CHRISTIAN.  This book unpeeled the roots of my exclusivism, anger, and stubbornness!  I'm hopeful that - even at this late stage of my life - I might be able to change my approach to things I don't like or understand.

I want to break the patterns of rigid thinking and express patience, a desire to know and understand and a renewed passion for a restoring impact!  

Unless you've read the book, it's a challenge for me to convey its message in a brief space.  Perhaps a quote from page 75 will suffice [or at least plant a seed].

No one - Christian included - can avoid all contact with potentially corrupting people, systems, and influences.  For everyday followers of Jesus, this tension begs the question: How should Christians react when placed in an environment that celebrates sin, overlooks injustice, or tolerates immorality?

[I think ALL of us would agree that this is a relevant question for our day!] 

Michael Metzger has said, "When confronted with the corruption of our world - Christians ought to be provoked, not offended and withdrawn."

In contrast, classic Separatist Christians (the insiders, culture warriors, and evangelizers) are often offended by corruption.  Characterized by their lifestyle choices, these Christians tend to remove themselves from potentially harmful situations - citing their disgust of immorality or their pursuit of holiness as the reason.  As is consistent with their perspective, they condemn, judge, withdraw, and boycott.  They play the paradoxical role of antagonist instead of the sacrificial pursuer. 

In my copy of this book, you will see the word "OUCH!" penned in my script!

All these years, I've been offended and withdrawn - hoping to punish evil and withdrawing from its presence!  How un-Christ-like of me!  How Pharisaical!  God, help me to change!

Lyons gives many examples of 'Next Christians' working within our culture [and other cultures] to bring a spiritual restoration to situations and environments.  

I reflect on my years of ministry with a mix of pride and remorse.  I'm grateful that due to training, education and excellent role models, I did a lot of things right!  However, I lament that I dropped the ball when it comes to having a restorative impact on the culture!  I will try to do better in the years I have left.  

It's hard to capture the essence of a 200-page book in this brief forum.  If this blog has tickled or unnerved anything within you - perhaps you'd like to get a copy and read it?  

COVID-19 EFFECTS ON THE CHURCH

We may never be able to determine the full impact that the COVID 19 pandemic had on the church worldwide. 

One facet alone is that almost every church had to quickly discover how to project worship services online!  For small congregations with limited resources and little or no equipment, this was a major stretch.  

We’ve all likely seen poorly produced worship services with many empty seats and little zoom capability.

Churches that had already begun to use the internet had a huge leap on all others!  Some were quite adept and polished in their presentations.  Using multiple cameras, on-stage cameras, a coordinated mixer and the ability to fuse camera shots became the dream of all. 

Congregants were taught to worship from home in the same way that workers were encouraged to work from home!   Churches suffered from a lack of attendance.  Churches closed because of a dearth of tithes and offerings! 

In many places, evangelism faltered as churches struggled just to keep the doors open! 

Even now, with the pandemic behind us, the church continues to struggle in many places.  Congregants always have the option of staying home to worship.  Does that really substitute for the exchange of greetings, fellowship, and contagion that results from worshiping in a ‘live’ environment?  This question could be actively debated. 

I read regularly of the goals and growth of my home denomination across Asia.  Pictures are posted almost daily of new believers being baptized into the body of Christ.  A goal has been set for a million new believers in the next several years!  Country leaders are ‘zooming’ prayer and strategy meetings as they encourage one another.  Large groups are being impacted as a result. 

But we rarely hear of or see this kind of growth and impact in the United States.  It is happening in rare pockets that have resisted the lethargy of sameness that has infected the American Church!  Copying successful platforms and models has been debilitating to the church for several decades now!  Local creativity and adjustment is listless!  Those who are innovative and quickly adjust to the needs and desires of their people are thriving and few! 

No paradigm will work in every situation!

Our buildings are considered a blessing, but the church’s greatest days – the first four centuries – had no buildings!  This is a fact that we often overlook!  During a pandemic, a building becomes an albatross! 

I have written about the ‘house-church movement’ in other places.  It is a viable alternative for the American Church that will not likely evolve because of our dependence on our facilities!  Yet it is exploding across Asia and has been for multiple decades! 

What will it take to see similar growth and life in the American Church? 

If you’re in an environment where convert growth is occurring – REJOICE!!!!!  Not only rejoice, but enlist in the momentous task of mentoring, coaching and befriending these new converts!  Your own life will be indelibly impacted as you walk alongside someone who is exploring the faith in all its newness! 

If you’re not in a place where vital faith is being expressed and experienced and new converts are coming in line with Christ – TWO OPTIONS:

1.       Talk with leaders and others from your church!  See if there is any interest in seeing a Spirit-Renewal.  Could an investment of energy and effort make a difference.  Will the structure of your church allow for this to occur?  God can bring revival ANYWHERE!  Are others seeking something more meaningful?  Are others discontent?  Is this just a drought period?  Is there a history of vibrancy that could be renewed?

2.       If you deem that it is not likely that renewal will occur where you are, then SEARCH!   Your own spiritual health and ultimate destination may depend on it!  Find a group who share your concerns and desires.  Be genuine!  Get close to God and His Word!  Share openly and honestly.  Become a God-directed catalyst for the development of something that will shake the earth and birth new lambs! 

Nothing will catalyze your life (and the life of your family) more than involvement in a vibrant, faith-filled, body of believers who are intent on seeing God’s will be done and His mission accomplished! 

WHAT IS OUR END GOAL?

Colossians 2:6-7  [NASB]

"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."

Two brief verses, yet so much implied!

FIRST

This life-changing, transforming relationship begins with receiving Christ Jesus as Lord.  That reflects the opening of one’s heart to receive Jesus as Lord!  Although we don’t understand all of the implications of that when we initially make the decision, we have put our feet on a path that will have massive implications! 

SECOND

Start walking with Him!  This is a dynamic relationship that includes give-and-take.  Open frequent dialogue with Him!  Start and end your day in conversation with Him.  Ask for help or guidance when you need it.  Listen for His warnings and counsel.

THIRD

Engage in the discipleship process enthusiastically.  It helps to have a guide with skin on; someone who can show you the footsteps and explain the reasoning.  Sometimes it is a class, but a one-on-one relationship is most effective.  Someone who can ask you the hard questions and respond reasonably to the tough questions you have!  It inevitably involves engagement with the Word of God!

FOURTH

With time, effort and persistence, you become established in your faith!  This process cannot be rushed!  Other believers will affirm this reality when it begins to show itself.  It must not generate pride or arrogance.  As this goal is reached, we are now eager to help others navigate the early steps of engaging the faith!

FIFTH

This process culminates and is oiled by frequent – nearly constant – expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving to God!  He has orchestrated this entire process and we owe Him everything!  Our worship is a manifestation of our thanksgiving! 

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Where are you in this clear process of maturing in our faith?

Take note:  each step has pitfalls!

1.      Some make the commitment to serve Christ – but then never really start walking with Him.

2.      Others experience the joy of walking with Him, but easily and quickly get drawn back into old patterns of behavior.

3.      It’s very easy to give up if a person doesn’t enter into the process of engaging the Word and growing through accountability.  Spiritual immaturity is common in the American church!

4.      There is no time limit or final test to tell you that you have arrived at spiritual maturity!  It requires great patience and submission.  Too much desire can actually delay this process. 

5.      Reaching spiritual maturity is not the goal!  Too many believers fail to recognize this!  The goal is reproducing the faith you have acquired in a seeking person!  This takes courage and boldness.  The vast majority of American believers have never made it this far!  The joy of walking another person through this process is remarkably satisfying!  It also brings great joy to Jesus!

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 A FEW TAGS FOR FURTHER THOUGHT:

 Ø  Churches make a great deal out of membership!  A long list of questions are usually required with commitments of allegiance to a denomination.  I am hard-pressed to find much in scripture that relates to this process.  I’ve advocated consistently that the only two questions that should be required are:

1.      Are you determined to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?

2.      Are you persistently purposed to love your neighbors as you love yourself?

 Ø  I grew a great deal over my ministry years.  Eventually I came to the place where after preaching, I made a clear explanation of how to receive Christ as your Savior and Lord!  Answer the question: “How do I become a Christian?”  Make it clear!  Give an opportunity for people to respond!!!!!  Making a public expression of enlisting with Christ helps to set our course and resolve! 

Too many times, a pastor gives a great message and then calls for the offering.  What does this say to new people who might be present?  It’s time to pay the church’s bills?  Are you kidding me?  Where is the call to discipleship?  Where is the opportunity to indicate a public confession? 

Ø  Those who are effective at progressing through the above steps of faith should be recognized.  Not by positions of leadership, however.  Positions of leadership in the church will likely remove them from the crucial interactions with lost people, and instead deploy them to serve the predictable tasks of the local church.  When a pastor recognizes that a person has excelled through discipleship and become a major influencer for Christ, the last thing we want to do is distract them from their soul-saving mission!  There are plenty of others who have not yet matured to this point who can take and count the offering, serve communion, be greeters, and populate the many committees of the church. 

We must think through these things and use wisdom in deploying the assets and resources that God has placed within our influence!  We will be held accountable for the way we utilize our people!