June 2016

"Day 6c"

July 1, 2016

“Day 6c”

Blessings folk!

Day 1 - Light
Day 2 - Waters separated
Day 3 - Vegetation
Day 4 - Sun, Moon, Stars
Day 5 - Water/Air creatures
Day 6…Land animals and man…in the image of God

Man was created in the image of God…

Gen 1:24-27

Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind”; and it was so.

God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.


God…Father, Son, Spirit…made man in His image, according to His likeness.

Man was to rule…have dominion…over all creation.
Over the fish of the sea….
Over the birds of the sky…
Over the cattle…
Over every creeping thing…
Over all the earth

God created us male and female to rule and reign in dominion over all the earth.

Then God did this…

Gen 1:28

God blessed them;…


He blessed them.
As we will see later, it was good…very good.

What could possibly go wrong?

"Day 6b"

June 30, 2016

“Day 6b”

Blessings folk!

Day 1 - Light
Day 2 - Waters separated
Day 3 - Vegetation
Day 4 - Sun, Moon, Stars
Day 5 - Water/Air creatures
Day 6…Land animals and…

Gen 1:24-27

Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind”; and it was so.

God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.


Then, God made man.

Did you see how?

“Let us make man…”
Who is “us”?
Father.
Son.
Spirit

Man is made in “Our image, according to Our likeness”.
In the image of God
Father, Son, Spirit.
Man has body, soul, spirit.
Man is a tripartite being

God is spirit.
Man has a spirit.

Other animals do not have spirits.
Yes, some have a “soul”…the seat of emotions.
Some animals exhibit emotion.

But only man is made in the image of God.
We stand apart.
We were created for a purpose.
…to be continued…

"Day 6a"

June 29, 2016

“Day 6a”

Blessings folk!

Day 1 - Light
Day 2 - Waters separated
Day 3 - Vegetation
Day 4 - Sun, Moon, Stars
Day 5 - Water/Air creatures
Day 6…

Gen 1:24-26

Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind”; and it was so.

God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.


We see the Lord continues to create…
by His Word
ex nihilo
in a 24-hour day
it was all good

He created a couple of groups on Day 6.
We look at one group today - “living creatures”

Look at how they are described…
living creatures
cattle
creeping things
beasts of the earth

All were created “after their kind”.

There is distinction among creatures.
A dog is a dog.
A cat is a cat.
Etc.

There is a reason the Lord emphasizes such.

…to be continued…

"Day 5"

June 28, 2016

“Day 5”

Blessings folk

Day 1 - Light
Day 2 - Waters separated
Day 3 - Vegetation
Day 4 - Sun, Moon, Stars
Day 5 - …

Gen 1:20-23

Then God said, “Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.”

God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind; and God saw that it was good.

God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”

There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.


On Day 5 - a literal 24-hour day - the Lord created by speaking…
swarms of living creatures in the waters
birds in the open expanse of the heavens…note “heavens”…there are at least three heavens…
the “open expanse” where birds fly
the domain of the sun, moon and stars
the dwelling place of the Most High…Paradise - the “third heaven”

2Co 12:2-4

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.

And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—

was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.


On Day 5 the Lord brought forth…
water creatures
air creatures
sea monsters
every creature that moves in the waters
All “after their kind”.

The Lord declared it all to be good.

He commanded the creatures…
to be fruit and multiply
to fill the seas
to multiply on the earth

Evening and morning were the fifth day.

A wonderful creation.
A perfect creation.
A creation we do not know.
The creation we have now has been judged once - Genesis 6, the flood.
The current state of creation will be judged by fire in the wrath of God.
The creation yet to come…when the Lord spends many days “rebuilding” (45 days?)…how amazing will it be.

Dan 12:11-12

“From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.

“How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!

"Day 4"

June 27, 2016

“Day 4”

Blessings folk!

Day 1 - Light
Day 2 - Waters separated
Day 3 - Vegetation
Day 4 - ….

Gen 1:14-19

Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years;

and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so.

God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also.

God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,

and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good.

There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.


Hum…
God created “light” on Day 1.
Then, on Day 4 He states “let there be lights int eh expanse of the heavens to separate the day and the night…”

Light was created before the sound, moon and stars.

The purpose to the heavenly luminaries?
separate day from night
for signs
for seasons
for days
for years

The Word could not be clearer.
God created the sun.
God created the moon.
God created the stars.
All in one day.
All after He created Light.

This reveals that a 24-hour

"Day 3"

June 26, 2016

“Day 3”

Blessings folk!

Day 1 - Light
Day 2 - Waters separated.

Then, day 3….

Gen 1:9-13
Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so.

God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them”; and it was so.

The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good.

There was evening and there was morning, a third day.


The waters below the heavens were gathered into one place.
(The water above remained.)

God brought forth the dry land…”let the dry land appear”.
It was so.
By the Word of the Lord.

It was good.
Land=earth.
Waters=sea.

Then, the Lord brought forth vegetation on the earth…
plants yielding seed
fruit trees with seed
both after their kind

God saw that is was good.
God “saw to it” that is was good.

Evening/morning,
Day 3.

This is important for the understanding of the 24-hour day in Genesis 1…as we will see tomorrow.

Believe the Word.
You will not be disappointed.
You will know the Truth.

"Day 2"

June 25, 2016

“Day 2”

Blessings folk!

The Lord spoke creation into existence and form in six days.
The Word declares this.
The Word verifies it.

Now, day 2.

Gen 1:6-8

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.


On day 2 the Lord separated the waters.
Interesting.

A firmament was created.
A dividing space between the waters.
Hummm?

So, there were waters below and waters above.

What is this firmament?

The Lord names it “heaven”.

This is likely speaking of what we call “the sky”…the atmospheric realm.

This helps to give some understanding to Genesis 6 and the flood account.

The hydrological cycle and processes of creation were different prior to the flood.

So, day 1 - “light”!
Day 2 - “firmament in the midst of the waters”.

God designed.
God executed.
God has a plan.

Did you note the phrase “and it was so.”
Thus it is with the plan, design and creation of the Lord.
Nothing will thwart it.
It is so.

"Day 1"

June 24, 2016

“Day 1”

Blessings folk!

By faith we understand that the worlds were created/prepared by the Word of God.

Let’s look at that.

Remember.
Do not allow a “spirit of familiarity” to rob you of the voice of the Lord through His Word.

Gen 1:1-5

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.


Evening and morning.
Day one.

There is great debate among theologians.
Was this a literal “24-hour day”?
Was this “day” a period of time?
I believe that we will see that it means a literal 24-hour day.
The Word gives statements and hints.

What did God do on Day 1?
The Spirit of the Lord moved over the surface of the waters.
At the beginning all was formless and void…empty, nothing
God brought forth form…water…
God created “light”
He separated the light from the darkness
Light: day
Darkness: night

Nothing unusual, correct?

Until you consider that the sun, moon and stars were not created until Day 4.
What then is it that God created on Day 1?

I believe it is “light”.
The electromagnetic spectrum.
The basis for all life and creation - energy.
Life.

The Lord spoke it into existence.

Rejoice in what He did Day 1.

"Believe By Faith"

June 23, 2016

“Believe By Faith”

Blessings folk!

Let’s head back to the great cloud of witnesses.
Remember?
We were in Hebrews 11 before we took some time examining what the Lord says about the character of leadership.

The last passage we examined in Hebrews was…

Heb 11:3
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.


We then went here…

Gen 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.


Remember, Jesus believed in the Genesis account of creation…

Mat 19:3-6
Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?”

And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE,

and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’?

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”


The passage that Jesus quotes is from Genesis.

Jesus believed the biblical account of creation.
He knew because He created all!

We know “by faith”.
We believe His Word.
This is what Hebrews 11:3 states.
By faith we understand…
Understand what?
…that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God.
…what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Creation was “made”.
Creation was made by the Word of the Lord.
Creation was “ex nihilo”…from nothing.
Creation is created/existent based upon things “not seen”…interesting.

So-called “science” will seek to undermine the truth of the Lord.
Such is lie.

Believe by faith, then watch what the Lord reveals to you through His Word and Spirit.

"Prayer, Fasting, Appointed"

June 22, 2106

“Prayer, Fasting, Appointed”

Blessings folk!

The Word is filled with insights, instructions, commandments, etc. related to leadership.
From Genesis to Revelation we see principles that are needed today.

We have looked at some in Titus, Ephesians and 1 Peter.

Now, read the following…

Act 14:21-23

After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.


Paul and his entourage were traveling.
They were proclaiming the Gospel…the Good News of the Kingdom of God…salvation provided in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

People believed.
In this believing, local churches were “born”.
The church is the Body of Believers.
Not a building.
Not an organization.
Not an institution.
Not a denomination.

An organic Body of Believers.

Note they “made disciples”.
Discipleship is active, not passive.
They pointedly taught and modeled the Kingdom.

They strengthened the souls of the disciples.
They encouraged them in the faith.
They let them know that trials and
tribulations were part of the Kingdom.
(We as the Body today do a rather poor job of all three…strengthening the should, encouraging in faith, know of trials/tribulations)

Then this.
Did you see how the leadership was established?
Prayer.
Fasting.
Appointed.

You do not see “congregational rule” in the Word.
You do see the “congregation”/ church involved in decisions.
You do see them being consulted.
You do see debate, argument and the working out of situations.
But, you do not see the church “voting” on an issue.

Paul and his group prayed, fasted and then appointed those the Lord revealed.

They then did this.
They commended them to the Lord.
They did not seek to control, micro-manage, etc.
They commended them to the Lord.
They were the Lord’s.
The Lord was in charge.

Such is rare today.

The question is this…

Do we trust our ways, means, strategies and abilities…
Or…
Do we trust the way of the Lord?

The answer is sadly obvious in most situations…

"Unified, Mature, Full"

June 21, 2016

“Unified, Mature, Full”

Blessings folk!

So, why are these roles/gifts given to the Body of Christ?
apostle
prophet
evangelist
pastor
teacher

Eph 4:11-13

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.


There is a reason.
This is the design and structure of the Lord.
Most of the Body of Christ rejects the governmental structure the Lord gave for His church…then they wonder why they have the problems they do.

These are given…
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service…service of the Kingdom
to the building up of the Body of Christ

They are to function until…
we all attain to the unity of the faith
we all attain to the knowledge of the Son of God
we are all mature
we all attain to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ

Until we attain the fullness of Christ.

This is yet to be.
This is the reason that all are still viable and greatly needed today.

Do not reject the design of the Lord.
Embrace it.
Apply it.
Live within it.
Watch the Spirit do what He desires.

"He Gave Teachers"

June 20, 2016

“He Gave Teachers”

Blessings folk!

The Lord has given…
apostles
prophets
evangelists
pastors
for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the Body of Christ.

There is one more.
Read the passage again…perhaps the last time? Happy Happy

Eph 4:11-13

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.


The Lord gave teachers - “didaskalos”: a teacher

Teachers teach the things of the Lord, of the Kingdom, of His Word, of His Spirit.

Often, people believe that is one who is a teacher in one arena, such as a school teacher, is called to the role of “teacher” within the Kingdom.

Such is not necessarily true.

Yes, a teacher vocationally may be called to teach in the Body.
But, the Lord may call someone to teach in the Body who is not a “teacher” vocationally.

The Lord does not see as we do.

These individuals - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers - are empowered by the Spirit for the work of the Kingdom.

We would do well to live the Kingdom as the Lord designed.

May we listen to Him.
May we hear Him.
May we align our lives, structures, organizations, etc according to His Word.

"He Gave Pastors"

June 19, 2016

“He Gave Pastors”

Blessings folk!

We have seen that the Lord has given “gifted folk” for the work of the service of equipping the saints and building up the Body of Christ.

This is not limited to vocational endeavors.
Not just a job.

Most who are equipped by the Lord to function within these roles/callings are not vocational “ministers/pastors”. For the most part, the Body does not understand this. We tend to want to focus upon the “hired minister”. There are reasons for this. Reasons that we might examine later.

For today, read the passage again. Yes. Again. Happy Happy

Eph 4:11-13

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.


The Lord has given “pastors” - poimen. Shepherd.

We in the western church tend to exalt this position…actually an echo of the Catholic church priest. Such should not be. We are to honor one another. No one more than another.

The pastor shepherds, leads, protects.
The pastor is not a “one-man-does-it-all” calling/gifting.

All five of these roles are needed for the Body to be equip and built up.

We can not state that evangelist/pastor/teacher are important and applicable to the church today while apostle/prophet are not. Yet, many do.
This is error.

All are needed.
All are important.
The pastor needs the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist and the teacher.

Pastor.
Has the Lord given you as such to the Body?
Do not be boxed-in with a vocational mindset.

Has the Lord called you to shepherd, to help, to lead?

"He Gave Some Evangelist"

June 18, 2016

“He Gave Some Evangelist”

Blessings folk!

Apostles: “
apostolos”
one sent forth with orders, a delegate, a messenger

Prophets: “
prophetes”
“one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”
a foreteller
an inspired speaker

These are some who are given by the Lord to the Body for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the Body.

We continue.
Read the passage again.

Eph 4:11-13

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.


Evangelist:
“euaggelistÄ“s"
bringer of good news, glad tidings
New Testament herald of salvation who are not apostles

All Believers are to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Some are “given” by God to proclaim to the purpose of the equipping and building up of the Body.

Is there “overlap” in the calls and functions of these the Lord gives? Yes.
We are to resist the temptation to draw sharp lines of demarcation in the giving of the Lord.
For instance, evangelists and apostles both proclaims (as do the others).
The apostle carries the idea of going into regions that had never heard the Gospel.
They establish the Kingdom.
They “build” the church.

Evangelists bring forth the Good News.

Has the Lord given you to do such?

"He Gave Some As Prophets"

June 17, 2016

“He Gave Some As Prophets”

Blessings folk!

The Lord gave apostles to the church.
In the first century.
And today.

Eph 4:11-13

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.


Remember, the purpose is the equipping of the saints for the work of the service of the Kingdom, for the building up of the Body of Christ.

Now, the Lord gave some as prophets.

Prophets speak the Word of the Lord..
To “prophesy” means to speak forth the word.
Yes, there is a time when the Spirit leads one to prophesy something that has yet to occur, something in the future.
This is of the Lord.
There is also the prophesying of speaking forth the truth of the Lord.

An example.
When you tell someone “God loves you”, you are prophesying the truth to them.
The Lord desires for all Believers to prophesy…

1Co 14:5

Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

Speak forth the Truth.
Acknowledge that prophets are “for today”.
Has the Lord called/gifted you for such?

"He Gave Apostles"

June 16, 2016

“He Gave Apostles”

Blessings folk!

Line upon line.
Precept upon precept.
This is how we receive the Word of the Lord.

Fret not that a slow pace is taken.

Read the passage again.
Reread, focusing on the first verse…

Eph 4:11-13

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.


The Lord “gave”.

These individuals, gifted by God for the work of equipping the saints, are given.
They are a “gift”.

What has the Lord given?

Apostles.
Yes, the twelve that spent three years with Jesus were apostles…they are a select group.
But, there are other apostles mentioned in the Word. Several more.
An “apostle” is simply one that is sent with the message of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God.

Do apostles exit today?
Yes.
How do I know?
Because all these roles are to be in the Body of Christ until we “attain to the unity of faith…”
That has yet to occur.

Sadly, large portions of the Body reject the role and function of the apostle.
We are thereby weakened and do not function as the Lord desires.

Are there false apostles?
Certainly.
But that should not dissuade us from the truth.
There are also false “pastors’, “teachers”, “preachers”, “deacons” and the like.

Rejoice in the Lord that He has given the apostle.

Has the Lord released this calling/gifting/etc. upon you?

"He Gave Some..."

June 15, 2016

“He Gave Some…”

Blessings folk!

We continue to examine the character, role and functioning of leadership within the Body of Christ.

Here is an extremely important passage…

Eph 4:11-13

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.


The passage begins with the Word “and”…this is important…context, context, context.
We will examine the context closer later.
For today, note who these “gifted individuals” are…
apostles
prophets
evangelists
pastors
teachers
All are still viable and a functional part of the Body of Christ today…more later.

Note what they do…
equip the saints

Note the purpose…
building up the Body of Christ

Note the timing…
until we all attain to the unity of the faith.
until we attain the knowledge of the Son of God
until a mature man
to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ

This is a foundational passage in understanding leadership in the Body.
Most of the Body of Christ errs in the understanding and application of this passage.

Can you see how?
Can you see what needs to be done?
Are you willing to do it?

"Praying Elders..."

June 14, 2016

“Praying Elders…”

Blessings folk!

Elders provide leadership to the Body of Christ.

The Lord raises up the elders that He desires.
The Body recognizes the move of the Lord in individuals.

The leading of the elder is more than an organization/logistical position.
There are deeds involved.

Jas 5:13-16

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;

and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.


Elders are to pray.
They are to pray for the sick.
They are to pray and anoint with oil.
They are to pray in faith.
They are to be men of faith.

Such prayer will heal the sick and raise them up.
Sins will be forgiven.

Elders will lead.
Lead in confessing sins to one another.
Lead in praying for one another.

Realize, the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

This is the norm in the Body of Christ…if we allow.

"Shepherd..."

June 13, 2016

“Shepherd…”

Blessings folk!!

We learn some of Peter…

1Pe 5:1-3

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.


Peter was a fellow elder among those whom he was writing.
He did not exalt himself above them.
He had witnessed the suffering of Christ.
He was a partaker of the glory that is to be revealed.

An interesting phrase…”the glory that is to be revealed.”

We as believers have the glory of the Most High.
He literally dwells within.
This glory is yet to be revealed.
It will be…at the revelation of the Lord.

So, Peter was speaking to the elders as a fellow elder.

Hear the instructions.

Shepherd the flock of God among you. A shepherd leads. He does not drive. One can not “drive” sheep. One leads sheep.
Exercise oversight, yet do so without compulsion. I don’t know about y’all, but much of what I have seen/experienced is being “compulsed.”
Shepherd and give oversight voluntarily…
according to the will of God. If God calls, do it. Fret not over other issues.
not for sordid gain. Oh the true stories in which I could regale you with about people who want the position, power, prestige, authority…yet only “if they get paid.”
Elders are to shepherd with eagerness.
not lording over the flock
proving to be examples to the flock

Such individuals are rare today.
But, they are there.
Is the Lord calling you to be such?
Seek Him.

"Elders Among You..."

June 12, 2016

“Elders Among You…”

Blessings folk!

A little more about elders/overseers.

More about the character of the elder.
Insight into the functioning of the elder.

1Pe 5:1-3

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.



Note, there are “elders among you.”

The model and structure of leadership that we find in the Word is that of plurality.
A group of leaders.
Elders.
Not just one person.
Not just one person “with the vision” (totally unbiblical)
Not just one person “leading”.
Plurality.
All equal.
Varied gifts and callings? Yes.
Will different folk be the “point man” on different things? Yes.

The exhortation was to the groups of elders among you…hummmm…..

Tomorrow we will look at how they are to function.

For today, how different would the Body of Christ function/be if we simply followed the Word of the Lord and did what He instructs?

"The Overseer"

June 11, 2016

“The Overseer”

Blessings folk!

It is a fine thing to desire to do the work of an overseer.

Note:
It is a role, a functioning, an “office” that the the Lord desired for the Body of Christ.
It is work.
Not limited to vocational.
It takes energy.
Work.

Look at the character of the overseer.

1Ti 3:1-7

It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.

He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.

And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.


Many of these are in other portions of the Word…some are added insight…
Above reproach
the husband of one wife
temperate
prudent
respectable
hospitable
able to teach
not addicted to wine
not pugnacious
gentle
peaceable
free from the love of money
manager of own house
not a new convert
good reputation outside the church

When seeking leadership, we must look toward a pattern and practice of behavior that support all these.

Certainly, there we will be failures from time to time, but is the overall pattern supportive of these characteristics?

Too many leaders are not qualified.
They are lovers of money…so prevalent.
They are addicted…maybe not to wine (from my background)…but to food…gluttony is as much a sin as drunkenness. They are addicted to power, prestige, position and other passions. Addiction is the issue.
They are intemperate.
They are not prudent.
They are argumentative.
They are brusk rather than gentle.

Beware of such.
Flee such.

"A Trustworthy Statement"

June 9, 2016

“A Trustworthy Statement”

Blessings folk!

Elders.
Overseers.

We have seen some of what the Word says about them.
Here is more.

Read.
Meditate.
Take it before the Lord.
Is this what we seek when we seek leadership?

1Ti 3:1-7

It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.

He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.

And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.


These are trustworthy.

Let us trust in the Lord rather than the strategies, process, plans and procedures of man.

…to be continued…

"Lord's Bond-Servant"

June 8, 2016

“Lord’s Bond-Servant”

Blessings folk!

Yesterday, we saw the character of leadership within the Body of Christ.
The Spirit led Paul to write to Titus delineating these traits…

Above reproach.
Husband of one wife.
Not self-willed.
Not quick-tempered.
Not addicted to wine.
Not pugnacious.
Not fond of sordid gain.
Hospitable.
Lover of good.
Sensible.
Just.
Devout.
Self-controlled.
Holding fast the Word of Truth.
Able to exhort in sound doctrine.
Able to refute those who contradict.


Hear the Word of the Lord through Paul to Timothy…

2Ti 2:24-26

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,

with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.


All true believers are bond-servants of the Lord.
Therefore, all these things apply to us…yes, even teaching…we all teach in varied ways.

How much more so should leaders in the Body be.
They must be:
non-quarreling
kind to all
able to teach
patient when wronged
gentle when correcting opposition…perhaps the Lord will save the opposer!

Leaders model the life of the Kingdom to those in the Kingdom…and to those outside.

The Word also tells us this…

2Ti 2:22-23

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.


Flee youthful lusts.
Pursue righteousness.
Pursue faith.
Pursue love.
Pursue peace.
Do so with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart…the true Body
Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations. Such produce quarrels.

This is what we as the Body of Christ seek in leadership.
The Lord has said so.
Why do we do as the children of Israel and look upon the external?

1Sa 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Seek the heart of the Lord.

"Elders..."

June 7, 2016

“Elders…”

Blessings folk!

We are going to examine another subject for a few days…then return to the great cloud of witnesses.

Many portions of the Body of Christ are “look’n for leadership”.

The Word tell us much about leadership within the Body.
We would do well to learn these truths and then apply them.
This might require the setting aside of “this is our plan, process and procedure”, but can we do better than what the Lord has said?

Look at what the Spirit states through Paul to Titus…bear with me…the passage is lengthier than normal…but it is important to understand the context…

Tit 1:1-9

Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,

but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,

To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.

For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,

but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,

holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.


Note what we learn of Paul…

Who he is?
bond-servant of God
apostle of Jesus Christ

To what purpose?
for the faith of those chosen of God
for the knowledge of truth which is according to godliness
in the hope of eternal life
to proclaim the commandment of God our Savior

Paul left Titus in Crete to establish and set in order the Body.
He was to also appoint elders in every city.

The elder/overseer is then described.
These are the traits and character of an elder.
When seeking leadership, look for this (as well as other passages we will examine).

Above reproach.
Husband of one wife.
Not self-willed.
Not quick-tempered.
Not addicted to wine.
Not pugnacious.
Not fond of sordid gain.
Hospitable.
Lover of good.
Sensible.
Just.
Devout.
Self-controlled.
Holding fast the Word of Truth.
Able to exhort in sound doctrine.
Able to refute those who contradict.

Too many so-called “church leaders”, especially of the vocational variety, are disqualified by this list.

Many are those who see sordid gain….are quick-tempered…pugnacious…self-willed.
Most simply do not know the Word of God.
Academic “credentials” do not mean that one knows the Word!
They are unable and unwilling to exhort in sound doctrine. They do not know it.
They are unable to refute those who contradict…they know not the truth.

When seeking leadership, seek the Lord.
It is really simple.
Seek the mind of the Lord.
Have the mind of the Lord.
He will direct.

"Have You Not Read...?"

June 6, 2016

“Have You Not Read…?”

Blessings folk!

By faith we believe that God created ex nihilo - from nothing.

Heb 11:3
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.


The writer of Hebrews believed this.
The prophets believed this.
Jesus believed and referenced this.

How do I know?

Jesus referred to Genesis 1-3…

Mat 19:3-6
Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?”

And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE,

and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’?

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”


Jesus is quoting Genesis.
Jesus speaks of humans being “created” male and female. He knows. He did the creating!
From the beginning!
Jesus quotes Genesis related to the two becoming one flesh.

Jesus believes, confirms and affirms Genesis 1-3.

How then can we deny it?

Yet, many professing believers do.

Walk not in the fear of man.

Know that God created.
All that He revealed in Genesis 1-3 is true and accurate.

Know and believe this…

Gen 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

If we do not believe the first verse in the Word, then why should we believe the balance.
We can not reject one truth and accept another.

Rejoice in that which He has done and which we can not see.

"We Understand..."

June 5, 2016

“We Understand…”

Blessings folk!

The great cloud of witnesses.

We saw yesterday, that they lived by faith…

Heb 11:1-2
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

For by it the men of old gained approval.


The “men of old” were approved (by God) by their faith.

Hebrews 11 is known for a long list of people of faith.

We will look at each.
We will cross-reference the account to get complete understanding.

We begin today with a thought that is likely to offend many true believers.

It actually is a profound truth.

Read it…

Heb 11:3
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.


Read again…

Do you see?

Before the list of individuals, the Lord presents a “we”.

“We” understand.

The writer of Hebrews was declaring that they understood this truth.

This is a truth that is often rejected among true believers.

The Lord prepared/made the worlds.
He created all.
He did so by His Word.
He created ex nihilo - from nothing.
What we see, He created from things that are not seen.
The first point of faith in this passage is this:
God created.

Can one be a true believer and yet not believe that God created ex nihilo by His Word?
Yes.
But, their faith will be weak.
Confusion will be the norm.

The reality is this.

If one does not believe Genesis 1-3…
If one does not believe what Jesus confirms related to Genesis 1-3…
If one does not believe what God says throughout the Word…literally hundreds of verses where He testifies that He created…
If one does not believe by faith that He created…

Then, their “belief” unto salvation is likely a false belief.

Now, I know the “scientific” arguments.
(I was a chemistry major in college&hellipWinking

It is a matter of faith, since no human is an eyewitness to the origins of the universe.

We either believe that God created ex nihilo, or we believe the theories of man.

What do you believe?
Do you understand this to be true?

…to be continued…

"Assurance and Conviction"

June 4, 2016

“Assurance and Conviction”

Blessings folk!

Our examination of the great cloud of witnesses begins and ends with one basic fact/point.

It is by faith.

Hebrews 11 is about faith.
Example after example about faith.

What is faith?

Heb 11:1-2

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

For by it the men of old gained approval.


Faith is…
assurance…of things hoped for
conviction…of things not seen

By faith, men of old…the great cloud of witnesses…gained approval.
Not by action.
Not by deed.
By faith

RT Kendall tells a personal story of a time when he inquired of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as to the nature of faith. What is a definition of faith?
Lloyd-Jones did not immediately answer.
The next day, Lloyd-Jones phoned RT and stated “believing God”.

That is faith.
Believing God.

Our assurance is in God.
Our conviction is in God.

Faith in anything else is not faith.
It is idolatry.

Determine to walk in true faith.
Learn of true faith.
Manifest true faith.

"Great Cloud of Witnesses"

June 3, 2016

“Great Cloud of Witnesses”

Blessings folk!

The Lord has given us so much in His Word.

One thing He has given is “real-life” examples.
His account of people.
His account that is to encourage, exhort, teach and instruct us.

In Hebrews, the Lord refers to these as a “great cloud of witnesses”.

Heb 12:1
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,…


Note the verse begins with “therefore”.
The witnesses recounted are covered in the previous chapter.
We will examine them…will take awhile. Happy

The testimony of the witnesses surround us.

But there is more.

There is purpose to the account of the witnesses.

Read the balance of the sentence…

Heb 12:1-2

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.


The great cloud of witnesses are to encourage us to…
lay aside every encumbrance
lay aside the sin which so easily entangles us
run the race set before us…with endurance
fix our eyes on Jesus
understand who Jesus is and what He did
author of faith
perfecter of faith
endured the cross…for the joy set before Him
despised the shame of the cross
sat down at the right hand of Father

Know Jesus, The Witness!
Knowing the witnesses…
Knowing what they encountered and endured…
Such will equip us…encourage us…inspire us.

"Speak Grace..."

June 2, 2016

“Speak Grace…”

Blessings folk!

Grace.
The wondrous provision of the Most High God.

Have you noted how many of the books of the New Testament begin with a proclamation of the grace of God upon the recipients?

They often end likewise.

Here is an example…

2Pe 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;

2Pe 3:18
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.


Think on this.

How different would our conversations and interactions be if each Believer greeted one another declaring grace and peace to each other?

What if each of us multiplied in the grace and knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord?

Peter began the letter with this declaration.
He ended the letter with the same…an imperative, an instruction…command.

Grow in grace.
Grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus…
Lord
Savior
Christ

Understand what this means.

Then, give Him glory for His grace…now until the day of eternity.

"Turning the Grace of God"

June 1, 2016

“Turning the Grace of God”

Blessings folk!

We have seen much of what the Word tells us of the grace of God.

Wonderful truths in which we are to live.
Truths that changed…and continue to change…our lives.

Yet, there are those who seek to take this grace and use it in an ungodly manner.
There are those who pervert the grace of God.

Jude wrote of such.
He actually desired to write about our common salvation, yet he felt compelled, by the Spirit, to address this issue.

Jude 1:1-4

Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.

Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.

For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.


Note how Jude spoke mercy, peace and love over them…that such would be multiplied.

He then exhorted them to contend earnestly for the faith.
To fight for the truth of the faith.
Why?

Because certain persons had crept in unnoticed.
In where?
Into the true Body of Christ.
These are not true believers.
They are “tares”.
They look the part of a believer.
They act the part.
They are false

How do I know?
God said so.
- marked out for condemnation
- ungodly persons

Look at what they do.
- they turn the grace of God into licentiousness (promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters…disregarding accepted rules or conventions,)
- they deny the Lord Jesus Christ

Such are prevalent in the organizational church.
(Remember, the True Body of Christ is an organism…a Body.
The organization of the church is a man-made creation)
Many of these certain persons are in leadership of the organization.

Beware of such.
Speak the truth.
Call them out.
Do not let them harm the Body of Christ.
Contend for the faith.