MILK, MEAT, AND MATURITY

The writer of Hebrews in chapter five, verses 12-14, chides the congregation for their lack of spiritual growth. The foundational principles ought to have been learned and built upon. When they should have been focused on growing, they were still fixated on grounding. The preacher must consider his audience and feed them appropriately.

Babes need MILK, “you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe,” (v. 12b-13). They would choke on meat. We should always have some infants in the audience. That means the church is engaged in evangelism and new spiritual babes are being birthed into the family of God. The preachers and teachers must consider them and nurture them. Only as they are given milk will they have healthy growth.

Adults need MEAT, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (v. 14). If the preachers and teachers only offer milk and do not give meat when the believers need it, then their growth will be stunted and they may well seek another local church where meat is offered. There ought always be grown-ups in the congregation, for this means the church is dedicated to discipleship. Solid, substantial Scriptural truths are given to them to chew on as growth is sustained.

Soul nourishment brings MATURITY. Babies are precious, but if they never develop then there is a problem. As that is contrary to the normal physical pattern, it is likewise in the spiritual realm. 

This is evidenced by duplication, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers,” (v. 12a). Children have matured biologically when they can reproduce. They not only have the capacity to do so, but the competency for doing so. Maturing disciples multiply disciples. The taught become teachers. 

It is also manifested in discernment, “that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (v. 14). The immature are easily led astray. Children are naive and gullible. You have to keep poisons locked away from them or they will consume them. The church may have those prone to drink toxins as if it were truth. Cult members target such. Adults have learned to weigh what is presented to them. There is discernment that detects what is good and they swallow it, but the evil doesn’t pass, “the smell test.” They sniff it, and usually turn from it, but if they taste it they spit it out!

The healthy church family is one where new babies are being birthed and given milk to mature them, and where maturing saints are discipled as they are given meat to multiply them. The church’s preachers and teachers must be mature and model this if they are thus to lead the congregation.

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 21

God Leads Through His People

“Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭77:19-20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

God could have led the Israelites across the Red Sea and into the Promised Land without the assistance of any human, but He chose not to rescue them this way. While God’s people were saved through the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, He used Moses and Aaron to do it. This is the pattern we see throughout scripture. God’s plan of redemption for the world is accomplished through His people sharing the gospel. He does not have to use us, but He chooses to use us for His name’s sake. God leads His people through His people. Never underestimate the role you can and will play in the lives of those you are sharing the gospel with and discipling. If God is going to do a work in your one’s life, He will likely use you and other believers to do it.

As you go about your day, look for opportunities the Lord has given you to be His hands, feet and mouthpiece to those you encounter. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD REFLECTED

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”  (John 8:12a). But, in another place, He declared, “You are the light of the world.” (Matt.5:14a). This is what it means to be a disciple—a Christ-follower. “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. “ (John 8:12b).

Our light is a reflected light. Think in terms of the light of our sun and moon. The sun is the source of light. The moon does not generate its own light, but reflects the light of the sun. Thus, the Son of God is the source of any light we have, but we are designed to radiate His glory to the world.

Jesus is in heaven. If He is to be seen on earth, it will be through His church. The glory of God that was manifested in His human body on earth is now meant to be revealed in His spiritual body—the church.

Our world is a dark place. The night of sin has fallen upon the planet. Yet, that makes the need for light all the greater, and causes our light in contrast to be so bright—just like a full moon in a clear sky.

Maintain fellowship with the Lord. Spend time in His presence. In a lunar eclipse, the shadow of earth comes between the moon and sun, and the light of the moon is obscured. If we are not careful, this world can have that effect on us.

In your showing of good works and the sharing of Gospel words, let your light shine today!

MENTORS FOR MEN OF GOD

Mentor was the elderly friend and adviser of Odysseus, hero of Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. When Odysseus went to fight in the Trojan War, he made Mentor the guardian of his son, Telemachus. From this name, we get our English term for a faithful and wise counselor. Mentoring is the process where the teacher’s life and teaching is poured into the disciple. We recognize it in the relationship of Moses and Joshua, of Elijah and Elisha in our text, of Jesus and the Twelve, and of Paul and Timothy.

Let’s consider first THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MENTORING PROCESS (2 Kings 2:1-11).  The Great Commission is about mentoring—reaching people and teaching people.

GOD HAS A SET TIME FOR HIS PEOPLE (v.1,11).  Elijah had a deadline he was going to keep. So do we. Therefore we must redeem the time and make our days count. The greatest thing we can leave behind is a heritage of faith that has been embraced by another generation.

GOD HAS A SUSTAINED TASK IN HIS PURPOSE (v.9).  God’s people come and go, but God’s purpose remains fixed. The mentor cultivates an understanding of the work to be done and develops a desire in the one mentored to continue that work. The bond between mentor and pupil is crucial (v.9-10).

Then, there is THE INTENTION OF THE MENTORING PROCESS (v.12-18).  The intent of the mentoring process is that the work continues undisrupted by the absence of the mentor.

Note THE SEVERING OF THE RELATIONSHIP (v.12).  The tearing of his garments was not only a sign of his dismay, but also a symbol of his dividing asunder from Elijah. The test of a successful mentor is whether the one mentored can stand alone.

Next we have THE SEIZING OF THE RESPONSIBILITY (v.13-15).  Elisha takes up the mantle and ministry of Elijah. An important part of that ministry was mentoring, so he will assume that role also. He will mentor the sons of the prophets. Paul told Timothy to take that which he taught him and commit it to faithful men who could teach others also (2 Tim.2:2).

We’ve seen the importance and intention of the mentoring process, and conclude with THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE MENTORING PROCESS (v.19-25).  There are profound implications when true mentoring occurs.

One of the unmistakable results is THERE WILL BE MINISTRY(v.19-22).  These people had a problem and turned to the man of God for a solution.  Anyone can spot problems, but good leaders solve problems.

THERE WILL BE AUTHORITY (v.23-25).  Those who mock God will mock us—we can expect it. But heavenly authority rests upon us. God will settle the scores.

Have you matured to the place where you can be a mentor? If not, are you being mentored so you can mature?

There is no success without a successor. God help us to become like Christ and be able to say with Paul, “Follow me in the same way I follow Christ.”

WHAT RESPONSE WE SHOULD MAKE TO THE GOSPEL

“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.”  (‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:23-26‬)

Our response to the Gospel is to We receive it and share it.  This is the SCOPE OF IT.

The call is to follow Jesus—to be a disciple.  To respond to the good news is to become a disciple.  It is not just for Christians who are ready to move to a higher level.  It is Christianity—a life-giving, life-altering commitment to Christ.

While it is a personal decision, it is never a private one.  To deny Jesus before men is to have Him deny us before the Father.  To declare Jesus as Lord before the world, is to have Him declare us as being in the Kingdom of God at the Father’s throne.  There is no middle ground.  That is not my opinion, it is the clear call of Jesus.

Have you received the Gospel by responding in faith to the grace offered you, repenting of your sin and following Christ in a radical reordering of your life?  If you have done so, have you publicly confessed Christ by baptism and identification with His body in a local church?

DIRECTION, DESIRE, AND DISCIPLINE: Children and Conversion

Read Mark 10:13-16.

Can children come to Christ?  I believe that they not only can, but they should. Spurgeon said, “I have sometimes met with a deeper spiritual experience in children of ten and twelve—than I have in certain people of fifty and sixty! ... Capacity for believing lies more in the child—than in the man. We grow less rather capable of faith—than more capable of faith. Each year brings the unregenerate farther away from God...” (https://gracegems.org/B/Spurgeon_children.htm).  Every parent and church leader should read what Spurgeon says there.

Children should be directed to Jesus.  In our text, we see “they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them.”  The stodgy old theologians (the disciples) thought it a waste of time, but Jesus “was greatly displeased,” at them and rebuked them.

In directing them to Jesus, we help grow a desire for Jesus. These children were not compelled by force but came freely, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them...” and thus we see in their tender hearts a passion that went beyond parental direction to the youth’s drawing to Christ.  We must show, as adults, the wondrous glory of Jesus—His supreme worth and beauty. Show Jesus as He is to them and they will likely seek Him eagerly!

Of course, they will need discipline in developing their faith. The connection between the world discipline and discipleship should be evident. We must all—irrespective of age—have a childlike faith in coming to Christ. You cannot be saved without such simple trust for Jesus said, “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”  That, however, is the starting point and not the ending point. Such genuine faith will become a growing faith.  We disciple them in the principles of “the kingdom of God.”

DIRECTION, DESIRE, AND DISCIPLINE: Will the Circle Be Unbroken?

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” (Genesis‬ ‭18:19‬)

An old Gospel song poses the question, “Will the circle be unbroken?”  It calls us to reflect on a family circled around a room at some joyous celebration, but also to lament the gathering of a family for a funeral as a loved one has been separated from the living by death.  Ultimately, one hopes for the entire family to be together again in the sweet by and by.

Christian parents who bring children into the world want to see those children with them in the next world. Although we cannot assume responsibility for any individual soul—each person must make their own decision—we can accept accountability for directing them, helping fuel a desire in them, and discipline them toward a relationship with Christ.

We see this in what God says about Abraham.  God knew this man and his heart of faith—that he would point his children heavenward.  Because that love for God would be evident in him, he would stir by example and teaching a desire in his offspring for God. Abraham would discipline his descendants in righteousness and justice so as to minimize the effects of a pagan culture and maximize the opportunity of obedience to God’s will and ways.

Will the circle be unbroken?  Let us seek that for our family with all that is in us!

HUMAN CLAY: Generation to Generation

Read 2 Timothy 1:3-5.

Paul was Timothy’s spiritual “father,” in that he took the young man under his wing, and helped shaped him into the pastor he would become. Yet, that was only possible because the lad had been won to faith through the influence of his mother and grandmother. Paul speaks of, “the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice” (v.5).

In this case, we see the powerful work of the Gospel from generation to generation as it is transmitted down. There was certainly a role played by the preacher in Timothy’s godly service, but the role of a parent in Timothy’s genuine salvation is the matter celebrated here. The truth is, that what happens in the home sets the stage for what happens in the church, and how the message in the church building is reinforced by what is taught in the house is crucial if it is to have enduring impact. It is unlikely that the few hours our ministry has the children under roof at the church house will be sufficient for a child’s spiritual development.  In the best case scenario, there is a partnership between pastors and parents as the church encourages and equips parents in discipling their children.

Even in a single parent home, God can work. The challenges are even greater in that scenario, than when both father and mother are active and engaged.  Some families have both parents present, yet one—often the father—is disengaged from spiritual influence, and may not even be a Christian. Apparently, Timothy was in a single parent home, as the father is not mentioned. There is hope to be found for children in that environment as we note here.

We should also see that a grandparent has a role. Once your children are raised, your work is not done. Likely your children, will have children, and you can continue to reinforce and resource your extended family.

Every Christian—married or not, parent or childless—is to help transmit the Gospel from generation to generation. It is time to embrace our responsibility!

A FRESH START: The Goal of Family Discipleship

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9

If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time!  What should be our goal in teaching children in the home and at the church house?  As parents and teachers, we are to shepherd a child’s heart.  The Jews were taught this in the Shema—this core text in Hebrew life—from Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

We disciple children by doing three things.

First, we are to speak A CONVINCING WORD ABOUT GOD. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (v.4-5‬). Our instruction is to lead children to know about God and based on what they know—to love Him.  Our aim is not just nice behavior (which is merely external), but genuine belief (which is internal). Rules alone will bring conformity that can quickly be discarded in adulthood, but teaching children to know and love God results in transformation that is abiding.  The bullseye of our target in teaching is not just conduct, but conversion.

Second, we are to show A CONSECRATED WALK WITH GOD.  “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.” (v.6‬). As vital as the doctrine we speak is, it is only believable in the devotion we show. “Do what I say and not what I do,” is a formula for parental disaster. Our children should see a life committed to the study of God in His Word and a life consecrated to the love of God in our walk. Adults are meant to shine the light of God’s truth on children and be the salt that makes them thirsty for a personal love relationship with Him.

Third, we are to seek A CONSISTENT WITNESS FOR GOD. “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (v.7-9‬). Children need more doctrine and devotion than a couple of hours on a Sunday morning at the church house. They need a consistent witness throughout the day, every day. From the moment they rise in the morning until they are tucked in at night, their heart needs to be shepherded. Obviously, the pastor cannot be around to do that.  It is the task of parents.

Are we trying to raise nice boys and girls for our family reputation or believing disciples for God’s glory?

ACCOUNTABILITY

There are no, “Lone Ranger,” Christians. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. We are all sinful, and salvation does not eradicate the possibility. It does give us the power to overcome temptation.  Sanctification is an ongoing work.  One of the best tools in God’s toolbox is a faithful friend.  We help sharpen one another with loving counsel and correction. Proverbs 27:5-6, 9, 17 speak to this. 

1. ACCOUNTABILITY CAN BE PAINFUL. “Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (v.5-6). A surgeon doesn’t cut you open because he is sadistic. He does it to bring ultimate good,  though painful in the process. Truth spoken in love can have a corrective element.

2. ACCOUNTABILITY CAN BE PLEASURABLE.   “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.” (v.9). While there is certainly the need for painful correction, accountability is more—it is pleasurable counsel. If your friend is always negative toward you, then he or she isn’t much of a friend. They become a foe!  The true friend will reinforce the positive as well as rebuke the negative. They do more than cut—they comfort.  We need more than diagnosis of our problems—though we need that.  We need a cure. 

3. ACCOUNTABILITY WILL BE PROFITABLE. “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (v.17). A dull ax is of little use.  The edge must be sharpened and it requires a metal file. Iron rubbing on iron can produce sparks.  There is heat from the friction.  Yet, it is needful for the ax to be profitable. God wants us to be useful in His Kingdom, and I need my friend to help keep me sharp. I am expected to do likewise for you.

Who is your accountability partner?

SMART OR STUPID? GLADNESS OR GRIEF?

“The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Our children have the capacity to bring us great gladness or giant grief.  They are a source of happiness but can also be a source of heartbreak. The determining factor according to Solomon is whether the sons are smart or stupid.  By that, I don’t mean intellectual aptitude and educational achievement.  There are some morons with PHD’s and some geniuses who are post hole diggers. There is certainly nothing wrong with “book learning,” and mental acuity is wonderful.  Develop your mind as far as you are able for the glory of God who created you with a brain.  Use your head for something other than a hat rack!

Solomon, however, is speaking of the wisdom that comes from the Word—of spiritual capacity rooted in knowing God.  Remember that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Prov. 9:10). So, wisdom is not so much about our mental capacity as our moral character. What we are spiritually affects every dimension of our life—our mind, will, and emotions are directed according to the Scriptures.

As parents are we discipling our children to know the Lord?  Are we helping them grow in their connection with the eternal One?  Such sons and daughters will gladden us.  Instead, we may focus on their classroom grades and ballfield trophies—preparing them for success in the world—but, if we fail to impart wisdom, leading them to be smart in the things of God, we will have stupid kids who will grieve us.  They may know many foreign languages, speaking them fluently, but not be conversant with eternity. They may get high marks in trigonometry, but flunk theology. They may make a fortune in business, but be spiritually bankrupt and morally impoverished.

Let’s get busy on teaching them Book work—the Good Book, that is.

AN OPEN DOOR

 

See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it….  (Revelation 3:8b)

These words were addressed to the first century church of Philadelphia.  Since they are eternal truth inspired by God they have an application for the church today.  Studying the entire letter to the Philadelphian saints recorded in Rev.3:7-13 will yield rich spiritual insights, but for the purpose of this devotional we will concentrate on verse eight.  The verse expresses the door of opportunity God presents to His church anytime, anywhere, if only they will submit to Him in faith and obedience.

Consider the PERSON SPEAKING.  These words were uttered by Jesus Himself.  The letter to each of these churches was dictated to John.  The Apostle was the secretary, but Jesus was the Author.  How our Lord described Himself is important.  In verse seven, He says, “These things says He who is holy, He who is true, ‘He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens….’”  This speaks of His authority.  Christ has the keys.  This tells us that while the door is open for sharing the Gospel and making disciples that His church must respond with urgency for there will come a time when the door of opportunity closes.

Too often, we limit the impact we might have because in our thinking we lower God to the level of our experience, when we ought to raise the level of our experience to the greatness of our God!  Don’t you think that a God who could speak the universe into existence by the sheer word of His power is mighty enough to keep His promises to His people?  He will equip us to get the job done.

Hear this as a PERSONAL SUMMONS.  The response made by the church is dependent on the individual member.  Consider verse 13, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  The church where we belong will never progress beyond the level of commitment of its members.  The work cannot be done by a handful, though it can start there.  If enough are willing to hear the call and walk through the door of opportunity the church will flourish.  The outward growth of the church in reaching the world demands the inward growth of the Christian in the teaching of the Word.  A tree can only grow up and branch out in fruitfulness as it puts roots down for nourishment and stability.  An open Bible for daily meditation and an open heart for prayerful submission becomes the open door for spiritual development.  Also, when the church doors are open for Bible study and worship, we bring our Bibles, listen and learn.

This leads to the PRIVILEGED SERVICE.  The open door God sets before such a church does not lead to meadows where we laze in the sun, but to fields white for harvest.  Tens of thousands of unreached people dwell in a five-mile radius of our church—many of them without Christ—lost in their sins.  It is a privilege to serve Christ by sharing the Gospel.  I am so glad someone told me about Jesus—now I need to tell others.  

The door is open—for now.  Someday that door will close.  Our culture is becoming increasingly resistant to the Gospel.  Today is the day to share Christ for tomorrow may be too late.  That family member or friend may soon have the lid on their casket closed on them.  Tell them about Jesus now!

PRIORITIES IN MINISTRY

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.  (Jude 20-23)

There is not enough time to do all you want to do.  There is not enough time to do all others want you to do.  There is enough time to do what God wants you to do!  It is a matter of finding His agenda to drive your priorities.  When it comes to church ministries, there are many good things that can claim the time of pastor and people.  Jude gives us insight on God’s priorities.  

Priority number one is BUILDING (v.20a).  Jude isn’t referring to bricks and mortar, but building up God’s people.  We have tended to measure a church’s effectiveness by the buildings, budgets and bodies.  But that isn’t what the Scripture here suggests.  This is spiritual development.  

It is a conscious action.  You must make a decision to build.  It is costly, time consuming business with little immediate results.  Building people up won’t happen by accident.  

It is a careful action.  God has given us a blueprint—the Bible.  We must take care to build according to His specifications.

It is a continuous action.  The Greek verb is a present active participle meaning continuous action.  The work of discipleship is never done—personally or corporately—this side of eternity. Faith is the foundation, but we must carefully build upon it. 

Priority number two is PRAYING (v.20b).  Concerning praying, when all is said and done—there is often a lot more said than done!

This speaks to the priority of prayer.  Without it, we’re on a religious treadmill.  We can do much after we pray, but nothing until we pray.

We recognize the power of prayer.  The Spirit gives the direction and dynamic to our praying.  He is the source of our power.

Priority number three is LOVING (v.21a).  Jesus loved the church and gave himself for her.  We are to follow His model.

This demands our personal effort.  You must keep yourself—it’s a choice.  You don’t fall in or out of love.  Guard your heart.

It speaks to our present environment.  We abide in an atmosphere of holy, heavenly love.  This is love for our Father and love for our brother.  You can’t love one and not the other. 

Priority number four is LOOKING (v.21a).  The most effective ministry is one done with an eye on eternity.

This is a look or preparation.  The most important dimension of Christ’s return is a call to readiness.  What are we doing that is of eternal significance?

This is a look of expectation.  The script of this story we call life can bring difficulty, but just remember the final chapter ends in glory!

Priority number five is REACHING (v.22-23).

This speaks to our compassion (v.22).  All about us we see the misery caused by the mastery of sin.  We can help by reaching out with the Gospel!

This should be our compulsion (v.23).  The fire of hell compels us to sound the warning.  Lost souls cannot rescue themselves.  We must pull them out.

May God keep us focused on these priorities!  Some day when we stand before Him, we’ll be glad we did!

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  ‎(Luke 14:27)

The nature of many evangelistic appeals is to get someone to repeat a prayer, sign a commitment card, and get them into the baptistery.  The preacher tries to make it as easy as possible for someone to respond.  The message is often: “Do you want a better marriage?  Do you want to be happy and fulfilled as a person?  Do you want success in business?  Then come to Jesus.”  While it is possible that some of that may happen, Jesus never promised, “Your Best Life Now.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote in The Cost of Discipleship, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”  Bonhoeffer was a pastor in Nazi Germany and his opposition to Hitler led to his execution.  If we would follow Christ there are three things we cannot do (Luke 14:26, 27, 33). 

We cannot put anyone in the place only God deserves (Luke 14:25-26).  This teaching is shocking.  It was to the multitudes that first heard it.  It does not mean that we are to literally feel loathing for our family members.  The Bible tells us to honor our parents, for husbands and wives to love each other, for parents to love their children—even to love our enemies.  No Scripture can be interpreted to contradict what it means in another place.  It was a way Jesus used to make a radical comparison.  It meant that the love we have for God is to be so superior to any other love that those other loves would be as hate.  J.C. Ryle gave the practical application this way: “If the claims of relatives and the claims of Christ come into collision, the claims of relatives must give way.  We must choose rather to displease those we love most upon earth, than to displease Him who died for us on the cross.” 

We cannot live for self and live for Christ (Luke 14:27).  The crowd thought Jesus was marching to Mt.Zion to overthrow Caesar and replace Herod—reestablishing the glory days of Solomon—and they would, of course, benefit from it.  Jesus tells them no—He’s marching to Mt.Calvary to bear a cross and die for sinners—and the result would be eternal life—if we follow Him.  That means we must die to self as we take up our cross.  Yet, the airwaves today are filled with the so-called prosperity gospel promising health and wealth if you just have enough faith.  That is the polar opposite of what Jesus says here.

We cannot cling to the things of this world and still hope to possess heaven (Luke 14:28-35).  We might almost conclude Jesus didn’t want people to follow Him, but such is not the case.  What He was doing was separating the wheat from the chaff; the believers from the make-believers; the committed from the curious.  Following Jesus has to do with building and battling—one costs money and the other costs blood—so He told these stories about counting the cost.  What will it cost you?  It could cost you everything (v.33).  We recognize that all we have is God’s and we are just stewards.  He may let us keep it.  He may even multiply it for ministry.  He can claim it when He wants.  Jim Eliot, missionary and martyr said, “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  It costs to follow Christ, but costs much more not to do so!

HEAVENLY HARMONY

 

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  (Acts 4:32)

Have you heard an orchestra warming up before a concert?  It is the most horrendous sound.  There is no rhythm, no tune—just noise.  Everyone is doing his or her own thing in a kind of musical anarchy.  When the conductor steps up and raps the baton, everything changes—as the percussion, woodwinds, strings, and brass blend in beautiful harmony.  God has designed the church with diversity—some are cello players, others hold cymbals, and some clarinets, yet in following our Great Conductor, and reading from the same sheet of music—the Word of God—there will be heavenly harmony.  Sadly, many churches are more like the orchestra warming up with awful, discordant notes!  We discover the difference in the latter portion of Acts chapter four.

Harmony comes in PRAYER (v.31).  Something happens when people bind themselves together in a chorus of corporate prayer.  The church was birthed in prayer at Pentecost, and now we see them bound in prayer here.  Likewise, the glory of God came down, and His power was manifested in a remarkable manner.  The filling of the Spirit was evident, and their witness to Christ was courageous.  How we need such a move of God today!  Until God’s people unite their voices in prayer, the church will lack power.

Harmony is nurtured in PURPOSE (v.32).  We move forward together when we focus on a common goal.  They shared a common faith—their shared belief in Christ united them in the same family, and their shared beliefs in conviction united them in the same faith.  They had a complete fellowship—their hearts knit together in grace and generosity.

Harmony yields a credible PROCLAMATION (v.33).  The Great Commission was their assignment and they refused to be sidetracked.  Any church that permits the Devil to detour them from evangelism and discipleship will soon find itself in the quagmire of division over lesser things.  A congregation hot after lost souls has no time to get hot with each other in anger.  Such will be a great church for they have tapped into great grace!

Harmony leads to sharing POSSESSIONS (v.34-37).  Talk is cheap.  If we love someone, we will put our money where our mouth is!  They laid their possessions at the feet of God’s men, signifying their submission to God’s will and dedication in God’s worship.  Our giving ought never to be an afterthought, but an act of adoration.  It involves worship.  They gave all.  While God may not call us to share everything we have, He does call us to surrender all we have.  The needs of others are met when we do.  One of us cannot fund the missions and ministries of the church, but pooled together we can do all God wants.

If we are not in harmony with our fellow believers, we are not in harmony with God.  Let us look to the Conductor, get on the same page, and make music that will wow the world!

THE CHURCH’S TASK

Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”  (Luke 24:46-47)

All kinds of books have been—and still being—written about what the church is to be and do.  You will read titles like, “The Attractional Church,” “The Purpose Driven Church,” “The Multipying Church,” “The Five Star Church,” “Sticky Church,” “The Intentional Church,” and on and on we could go.  Some of these provide solid insights; most of them give some help.  There is value in reading them.  The best book ever written on church life, however, is the Good Book!  The Word of God is our instruction manual.  Jesus said that He would build His church, so let us hear the task that He assigned us.

The church’s task is to WIDEN people’s understanding of the Word of God (Luke 24:44-45).  Jesus wants us to grow in the grace and knowledge imparted from Scripture.  He wants us to widen our comprehension of His ways, deepen our convictions from His Word, and heighten our consecration in our walk.  The teaching and preaching of the truth of Scripture is indispensable—it is how disciples are developed.

Receiving the truth, we are equipped to WITNESS for the Lord (Luke 24:46-49).  The church is not to be a reservoir where the Gospel is stored, but a river where the Gospel is streamed.  Good news is meant for sharing!

• We have a message (v.46-47).  Jesus died and rose so that repentance from sin is experienced and remission of sins extended.
• We have a mission (v.48).  Those who know Christ have the responsibility to introduce Him to others.
• We have the might (v.49).  Our assignment is too big for us, but we don’t have to depend on our ability and ingenuity.  We have the power of the Holy Spirit!

Knowing the truth and sharing the truth is grounded in—and strengthened by—our WORSHIP in the church (v.50-53).  What we do can only be accomplished in community.  Throughout this text plural pronouns are used: “they” (v.45); “them” (twice in v.50 and twice more in v.51).  We assemble to celebrate our Savior and connect with the saints.  After we gather and scatter, then we reassemble to rejoice in what God has done in and through us!  Those we reach are welcomed into the family through baptism, united in communion and grounded in instruction.  An environment of love for God and our fellowman is provided.  The church is a hothouse for growing disciples.

It is simple isn’t it?  That reminds me of another book: “Simple Church”!  Yet, it is true.  We just need to do a few things well—and only those matters commanded by our Master.  Like a three-legged stool, take out just one: our inspiration in worship, our instruction in the Word, our involvement in witness—and that local church cannot stand.  Now, let’s open the Book, open our hearts, and open our mouths!

GREAT COMMISSION OR GRAVE OMISSION?

‎Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.  ‎When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.   And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.   Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  (Matthew 28:16-20)

As many as 95% of church members never lead anyone to Christ.  While God designed the church to be a mighty army on the march, most troops seem to be content camping in their tents—and too often the officers are sitting with them.  Unless the leaders are on the frontlines, it is certain the infantry won’t be.  Jesus gave us marching orders.  Has the Great Commission become the grave omission?

We see THE PEOPLE THAT JESUS PICKED. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.  ‎When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”  (v.16-18)  The Commander called His disciples to an appointed place to receive their assignment.  These were not perfect people—we see some even struggling with doubt.  They were appointed, however, and more—they would be anointed.  This work could never be done in our own strength, but the good news is we have Christ’s authority behind us—the Holy Spirit to empower us.  God uses ordinary people for His extraordinary evangelistic enterprise.

Then there was THE PROGRAM THAT JESUS PRESENTED.  “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…’” (v.19-20a)  This is the ultimate soul-winning strategy.  It is a call to action.  The first two letters in Gospel spell go!  A football team is penalized if they stay in the huddle too long.  Our holy huddles are important, but we must run the play to move the ball down the field.  This plan of action is also a plan of reproduction.  Our task is not complete when someone prays to receive Christ.  We can’t stop until all people groups have heard.  The convert must be connected to a church through baptism and instructed in the faith, so they in turn can go make other disciples.

Furthermore, we find THE PRESENCE THAT JESUS PROMISED.  “‘and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”  (v.20b)  Of course, God is omnipresent, and Jesus has promised to never forsake His people.  Nevertheless, there is a special spiritual connection—the manifest presence of the Savior—reserved for those who go out in His name.  Vital fellowship with Jesus is broken by sin—and a grave omission of the Great Commission is disobedience.  Jesus is alive, but will never seem more alive to you in this world than when you are sitting with a sinner and sharing His love, seeing the miracle of a new birth, right before your eyes!  Now, let’s all salute and say, “Reporting for duty, Lord!”

 

(Graphic courtesy of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina)

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

 

“For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”  (Acts 13:47)

Christ has commissioned His church to take the Gospel to the whole world.  Our task is not complete until all have heard this good news.  The church at Antioch in the first century took the command seriously.  They became the launching pad for what we call, “International Missions,” today.  They started the job, but now it is up to us to finish it!

 

There was THE CALL THAT WAS EXTENDED.  “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ ” (Acts 13:2)  The Spirit of God is still calling men and women into His work.  Yesterday, I had the joyful occasion to fill out a missions organization recommendation form for one of our church’s members who believes God has called her to go to the ends of the earth.  Is He speaking to you?

There was THE COMMISSION THAT WAS EMBRACED.  “So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”  (13:4)  The church confirmed those who were called.  The Holy Spirit directed the missionary movement each step of the way.  A church that fails to embrace God’s heart for the world is in rebellion toward God, no matter what else they may be doing.

There was THE COMMUNICATION THAT WAS EXCLAIMED.  “And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.”  (v.5a)  Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the Gospel.  The Word of God is the seed of eternal life—and none are saved apart from its regenerating power.  There are many needs in our world—inadequate housing, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, disease—and we should address these.  Our primary call, however, is to preach the Gospel, for that is the greatest need!

There was THE CONFRONTATION THAT WAS EVIDENT.  “But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.”  (v.45)  A missionary movement is in its very nature an invasion of enemy territory.  Satan will always fight the truth with both heresy (see v.6-11) and hostility (v.44-52), but, the Gospel is invincible—and we see that in Acts.

There were THE CONVERSIONS THAT WERE EXPERIENCED.  “Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”  (v.48)  We sow the seed.  God is responsible for the harvest.  He calls out His elect through His missionaries.

There was THE CELEBRATION THAT WAS ENJOYED.  “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”  (v.52)  The birth of a baby brings great joy to a family.  How true that is when the church sees new sons and daughters of God birthed by Gospel witness!  Let us enthusiastically take the Gospel to the ends of the earth!

SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL SERVICE

 

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10

What makes a successful athlete, businessman, or musician?  There are many contributing factors, but a chief characteristic is the successful man or woman has clear objectives and consuming commitment to reach those goals.  That it true of spiritual success stories, also.  The Apostle Paul underscored that in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  The Old Testament prototype we will examine today is a man named Ezra.

The first secret of successful service modeled by this man is to DESIRE THE WISDOM OF GOD: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD….”  The writer of Proverbs extols the virtue and value of God’s wisdom.  When young Solomon might have chosen anything from God’s treasure chest, the young king chose the riches of Divine wisdom.  That was the channel through which God’s blessing flowed into his life, and through him into his reign.  Ezra was gripped with the same passion for the treasure of truth.  The wisdom of God is found in the Word of God.  Successful servants of God, are diligent students of Scripture.  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  (2 Tim.2:15)  Have your prepared your heart to seek God’s wisdom in His word like Ezra?

The second secret of successful service seen in this scribe is to DO THE WILL OF GOD: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it….”  James enjoins us to, “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (1:22).  This implies that we can:

• Find the Will of God.  God has fashioned us for His purposes, and furnished us with His gifts.  He wants us to discover His design to make an eternal difference.
• Follow the Will of God.  God never calls us to a task unless He also supplies the tools.  God never fails to provide.  Daily decisions determine destiny!
• Finish the Will of God.  This is a spiritual legacy.  Some leave behind footprints in sand, washed away by the tides of time, while others set their steps in cement, and mark out a path for others to follow to the finish.

The third secret of successful service exemplified by Ezra is to DECLARE THE WORD OF GOD:  “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”  Spiritual success stories are written in the hearts and minds of those shaped by the influence and instruction of the servant of God.  The baton of truth is carried faithfully by the man or woman in their leg of life’s race, but then is transferred to others, who then will do the same.  This is discipleship, and is the indispensable mission of the church, and the indisputable mark of a successful servant.  That’s what I’m trying to do today, and what I pray you will seize and relay on to another—and we will celebrate together in victory in glory!