GO!

I had the privilege of sharing a sermon this morning using Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 13:1-3 as my main texts.  The message was entitled, “GO!”, and in keeping with my preaching style the two letters of go became my outline — main point #1, God; main point #2, Others.

Matthew 28 is clear about Jesus commanding us to go and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded – including the command to go and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded.  On and on it goes as one disciple makes another who makes another who makes another who . . . you get the point, right? 

The big question for the church, for Christianity, for you and I, is “are we doing that?“!  It appears to me that Jesus would say proof of being a disciple is that you are making disciple-making disciples.  I connected the “great commission” passage with the Acts 13 passage because I believe the events at the beginning of Acts 13 shows us a glimpse of how to carry out the great commission at a church congregation level.

As Acts 13 opens, we find the Christian leaders in Antioch worshiping God and fasting.  We don’t know if this was a regular “worship service” and time of fasting but the history of the early church to this point in the book of Acts would indicate that this was a regular practice.  It was during this time of focusing on God that the Holy Spirit instructed them to set apart Barnabas and Paul for the work He had called them to do.  As you read the rest of the book of Acts you discover that the work they were called to do was to take the news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus to the Gentiles — they were to have God’s focus on others!

That is the way Jesus lived while He was on earth.  He first and foremost focused on His relationship with God — His Father.  He knew His power came from the one who had sent Him.  He knew, and practiced, the importance of spending time alone with God in prayer and fasting, listening for the voice of His Father.  His focus was so much on God that He could say that if anyone had seen Him, they had seen the Father.

His time with God the Father gave Him his Father’s focus on others.  His realization and statement that He was sent to “seek and save that which was lost” came from the Father.  He knew his Father’s focus on others is what would take Jesus to the cross.  He adopted that focus as his own, not willing that any should perish but all would come to repentance.  His focus on God gave Him the focus on others that allowed Him to pray, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” 

Will you GO?  Will you deliberately focus your life on God in order to have His focus on others?  You most likely already go — you go to work, to the gym, to the classroom, to the golf course, to the ball field, to wherever else it may be.  Since you are already going, the real question is are you making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded?  I pray that you are, and that you will! 

GO!

NEXT!

Next is one of those words that can bring a sigh of relief or it can drive fear deep within the heart of a person.  It all depends on who is saying it, with what purpose, and in what tone. 

We all find ourself waiting from time to time — sometimes it feels like constantly waiting — looking forward to, or dreading whatever is next.  Until we reach our final reward that comes with Jesus stating, “well done good and faithful servant”, there will be something yet to come.  Living life as an obedient follower of Jesus requires that we live with care and diligence in the present while constantly keeping our eyes fixed on the future — on the “author and perfecter of our faith”, Jesus Christ.

When I was ordained into ministry, my good friend and mentor gave me some great words of advice and encouragement.  He told me that whatever I find myself going through, good or bad, God would use it to prepare me for whatever is next — even if, and maybe especially if, next is face to face with Him.  Often though, I have a great deal of influence on how well I’ve learned the lessons and how prepared I really am for what is next.

I’ve thought a lot about this as I’ve been preparing to speak at a Master’s Men meeting being held on April 11 at Michiana Christian Service Camp.  At our previous meeting, it was announced that Master’s Men would need new leadership if it was to continue.  Since that time, God’s Spirit has had me thinking about this subject of next.  I think that next raises some important questions that each of us would do well to consider.  Here are some of them to think about:

• Who, and what, has been a part of the preparation for where I am now as an individual?
• What is my current situation, experience, and training preparing me for as an individual?
• Considering the groups I have been involved with, what has been the preparation to bring them to where they are now?
• Considering those same groups, what are they currently going through that may be preparing them for what’s next?
• If individually I am being prepared for what’s next, how observant and involved am I in preparing someone for what I am currently doing?
• If I am part of the leadership of a group, how can I effectively prepare the group for what’s next?
• As a leader, how involved am I in preparing the next leaders?

These are some of the questions that I hope to raise and potentially address as I speak at Master’s Men on Monday evening.  More importantly, I think these are questions that you and I would do well to consider on a regular basis and then act upon them as God gives wisdom and direction.

Praying that not only are you and I being prepared for what’s next but that we are serious about paving the way for those who come behind us so that they are better prepared for the next in their life.

Living With Strength And Courage: Lesson 13

Living With Strength And Courage:
A Study of the Book of Joshua

Joshua 22: Lest We Forget (Do You Want To Fight?)

The Text:

1. For what purpose does Joshua summon the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh? How do you think they might have felt upon hearing of the “summons”? . . . upon hearing Joshua’s message?

2. As Joshua prepares to send them off, what does he stress to them? What are they to take with them and what are they to do with it?

3. On the way home, what action is taken by the two and a half tribes and what is the rest of Israel’s reaction?

4. Who was sent to address the two and a half tribes and what was their assumption? What was the real reason for the “offending” action?

5. How do you think the two and a half tribes felt about the charges being leveled against them? How was this conflict resolved?

The Application:

1. What determines how you initially feel when “summoned” to a meeting? How do you feel when you recognize that God is calling you to meet with Him?

2. How often do you need reminded to “keep the main thing the main thing”? Do you appreciate those reminders? What does God expect you to do with the things He has given you?

3. Have your actions ever been misunderstood? Have you ever misunderstood the actions of others? How do you respond when a fellow believer appears to be doing something wrong? How do you respond when accused of wrongdoing?

4. What can we learn from this passage about addressing perceived wrongdoings? What do you think was the key element in averting war?

5. What is God calling you to do about conflict you may be involved in within the family of God? How does your actions have the potential to rescue others?

“A Christian leader works through misunderstandings
and conflict with a spirit of humility and listening.”

Living With Strength And Courage: Lesson 12

Living With Strength And Courage:
A Study of the Book of Joshua

Joshua 18 – 21: Finishing What Was Begun

The Text:

1. As chapter 18 opens, what are the people of Israel doing? What had they not done? How far had they gotten?

2. What is Joshua’s response? What does he do about it? How is his wisdom shown in this process?

3. What was the purpose of the “cities of refuge? Where were they and how did they function? Was this a “free pass” system?

4. Who were the Levites and what was their request in chapter 21? How many towns were they given? Do you notice anything about their location? How would this help or hinder them in completing their responsibilities?

5. What does the last paragraph of chapter 21 have to say about Israel and their receipt of the “promised land”? How faithful was God to them?

The Application:

1. Are you a “finisher”? What things tend to keep you from finishing tasks?
. . . from finishing things that you know God has called you to do?

2. How can you best help others in finishing the things God has called them to do? Is there someone in your life that you need to find ways to involve them in “finishing”?

3. Are there principles in the “city of refuge” concept that we ought to apply today? What are they and how would that work? Are you more apt to seek revenge or show mercy?

4. As a “royal priesthood of believers”, how should your living location influence the people around you? Does it?

5. What is the advantage of finishing what God has called you to? How would you describe God’s faithfulness to you?

“A Christian leader lives with the goal of hearing,
‘Well done good and faithful servant’.”

Living With Strength And Courage: Lesson 11

Living With Strength And Courage:
A Study of the Book of Joshua

Joshua 13 – 17: A Place To Call My Own

The Text:

1. How did God describe Joshua as he approaches this time of land allocation? What did God have to say about the people of the mountain regions that were still living in the land?

2. Why did the tribe of Levi receive no land? How were they to live and prosper?

3. What method did Joshua use to decide who received what land? What were the advantages/disadvantages of this method?

4. What was Caleb’s request of Joshua? Why was he wanting, and expecting, this request to be granted? How confident was he of taking the land he wanted?

5. What complaint did the tribe of Joseph have? What was Joshua’s response?

The Application:

1. Do you ever feel that your age is a hindrance to finishing what God has set before you? How can you grow in your trust of God to drive out the obstacles before you?

2. How easy is it for you to see God as your provider? Is He enough?

3. When dealing with people, how hard is it to be fair? . . . From your perspective? . . . From their perspective? . . . From God’s perspective? How content are you with your “lot” in life?

4. Are there promises of God in your life that you have yet to claim? How eager are you to move forward to claim them if you know it will require great effort on your part?

5. Do you ever think life is unfair, that you haven’t received a large enough share compared to others? How do you respond when God says there is more available but you have to work at it?

“A Christian leader must trust God to always provide what is right.”

Living With Strength And Courage: Lesson 10

Living With Strength And Courage:
A Study of the Book of Joshua

Joshua 11 & 12: Never Give Up

The Text:

1. What effect did Israel’s defeat of the southern cities of Canaan have on the northern people? How does God describe the size of the northern coalition?

2. What was God’s instructions to Joshua regarding the northern armies? Why do you think these specific instructions were given?

3. How obedient was Joshua to the commands of God? To the instructions of Moses?

4. How much time was spent at war with the northern cities? Why do you think God specifically refers to the Anakites? How thorough was their defeat?

5. How many kings were defeated? What was the result for Israel?

The Application:

1. When God gives you a victory, how often do you find yourself facing an even larger obstacle or enemy (at least in your view)?

2. How does God encourage and reassure you regarding victories yet to be won? What things can you be tempted to credit for victory and even try to use for future victories that God would call you to “disable” so they can’t be used?

3. How easy/hard is it to be obedient to God in all things — even when “common sense” might suggest another way is better? Are there people in your life that you trust are listening to God to the extent that you would “follow them as they follow Christ”?

4. What do you do when you feel like giving up? How persistent are you in battling things that others may describe as impossible? How tempted are you to make treaties (compromise) with your enemies?

5. What does it take for you to have “rest from war”? How difficult is it to stay in the battle until all victories are won?

“The Christian’s battles are won not by the mighty in strength,
but by the mighty in faith and obedience.”

Discovering The Plan

Imagine a person, a city, a region, a nation that rebels against the authority of God and His Word.

That may not be all that hard to imagine.  Perhaps it describes where you live.  Maybe you are honest enough to recognize the times in your life when it described you!  I know that I have been there and live there.

Sometimes living during such rebellion and disregard of God, it is hard to imagine any hope for change.  Yet it is in the midst of such times that God gives a message of great hope to the people of Israel during the time of Jeremiah.  During a time of great hardship and struggle due to a rejection of God, these words are proclaimed by the prophet: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Not quite the statement I would expect to see made to such a wicked and rebellious people!  I would expect plans that include judgment, punishment, and condemnation.  Praise be to God, that wasn’t His desire for Israel and it isn’t His desire for us either!  God’s plans for each of us are plans that give us a hope and a future.  When you are ready to leave a life of rebellion, God says, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

There is the key to “discovering the plan“!   If you want to know God’s plans for you — the plans that give you a hope and a future — then you must turn to God and seek Him with all your heart.  I wish it was as easy to do as it is to write.   Seeking God with all your heart is  hard.  It requires dedication, perseverance, patience, humility, faith, and love.  Your enemy, Satan, will try every trick in and out of the book to distract you in an attempt to cause your heart to not be fully devoted to God.  Your time spent in God’s Word and in prayer, getting to know Him, can help you see through the distractions and deceptions. 

I want to be a whole-hearted seeker of God!  How about you?

Living Life With Strength And Courage: Week 9 – Not All Is As It Seems

Living Life With Strength And Courage:
A Study of the Book of Joshua

I am currently teaching a mid-week small group study at the Deer Run Church of Christ through the book of Joshua.  As I have the opportunity, I will be posting our discussion questions from each week.  Feel free to respond or comment on any of the questions.

Week 9:  Not All Is As It Seems
Joshua 9 & 10
Discussion Questions from November 3

The Text:

1. What effect did Israel’s victories over Jericho and Ai have on the rest of the Canaanite kings?  What was the majority reaction?  What was the reaction of the people of Gibeon?  What does the details of their plan say to you?
2. What was the result?  What should have Israel done that they failed to do?
3. What did the people of Israel want to do when the truth was discovered?  What was Joshua’s response?
4. How did the other kings respond to Gibeon’s peace treaty with Israel?  What was Joshua’s response to Gibeon’s plea for help?  In what unusual way did God intervene?
5. Are there ways that these events actually turned out to Israel’s benefit?

 The Application:

1. How do you feel when those in opposition to you appear larger than life?  Are you ever tempted to strike back or respond with deception? 
2. What are some ways that you, or Christians in general, can be deceived?  How elaborate are our enemy’s plans of deception?  What should we do to help avoid being deceived? 
3. How do you feel when you discover that you’ve been deceived?  What is your first reaction?  Who is usually to blame?  How do you think God would have you respond?
4. When someone who has deceived you comes under attack, how likely are you to help them?  Should you?
5. Does God still work in miraculous ways?  Will He continue to “work all things together for good for them that love Him, that are called according to His purposes”? 

 “It is always right to do the right thing!”

Living Life With Strength And Courage: Week 8 – Winning the Battle of “I”

Living Life With Strength And Courage:
A Study of the Book of Joshua

I am currently teaching a mid-week small group study at the Deer Run Church of Christ through the book of Joshua.  As I have the opportunity, I will be posting our discussion questions from each week.  Feel free to respond or comment on any of the questions.

Week 8:  Winning the Battle of “I”
Joshua 8
Discussion Questions from October 27

The Text:

1. How do you think Joshua may have felt about attempting another battle with the people of Ai?  What encouragement does God give Joshua regarding a second effort at taking the city of Ai? 
2. What battle plan does God give Joshua to use?  How does this compare with the Jericho battle plan? . . . With the battle plan on the first attempt to conquer Ai?
3. How effective was this battle plan?  How many people were left in Ai?  What happened to the property of the people of Ai?
4. What activity followed the victory?  What significance was there in having the people divided between Mt Gerizim and Mt Ebal?
5. What did Joshua do with the law of God?  How should this have helped him and the people of Israel?

 The Application:

1. How do you feel about trying something again that you have previously failed at?  What does, or would, give you the most encouragement in those times? 
2. Insanity = Continuing to do the same thing the same way and expect different results.  When you know you need to do something that you have failed at before, how important is it to do it in a different way? 
3. What determines your success at things you attempt?  . . . Regular life things?  . . . Big things?  . . . Impossible things?
4. Who gets the praise, honor, and credit when you are successful?  Who should?
5. How often do you expose yourself to scripture with multiple senses in order to imprint it in your life?  How is that key to “winning the battle of ‘I’”?

 “Winning the battle of ‘I’ requires a total defeat of ‘I’”

 

Living Life With Strength And Courage: Week 7 – Recognizing the Battle of “I”

Living Life With Strength And Courage:
A Study of the Book of Joshua

I am currently teaching a mid-week small group study at the Deer Run Church of Christ through the book of Joshua.  As I have the opportunity, I will be posting our discussion questions from each week.  Feel free to respond or comment on any of the questions.

Week 7:  Recognizing the Battle of “I”
Joshua 7
Discussion Questions from October 20

The Text:

1. In review, how much “plunder” were the people of Israel allowed to take from Jericho?  Does verse 1 of chapter 7 seem out of balance to you? 
2. With verse 1 yet unknown to Joshua and the army, how do you think they felt about continuing the conquest of Canaan?  What might their approach to the city of Ai indicate about their attitude?
3. What was Joshua’s response to the outcome of the battle of Ai?  Who did he blame?  What seems to be his biggest concern?
4. What was God’s response?  What instructions did He give?
5. What was Achan’s excuse?  What was his punishment?  What do you think this said and did for the rest of the nation?

 The Application:

1. How much of what you have belongs to God?  How do you feel when someone else’s sin affects you?  How about when your sin affects someone else? 
2. How do you respond to success?  When things are going well for you, how tempting is it to shift life into “cruise control” and attempt to do things on your own?
3. How do you respond when it seems like God has let you down?  What kind of response is appropriate?  . . . Inappropriate?
4. When God tells you to “get up” and deal with sin, how easy it is to take “I” out of the way and see sin as God sees it?  How about when God says you have something that belongs to Him?
5. What excuses do you use to justify keeping things for yourself that should belong to God?  How do you balance God’s love and mercy with his wrath and judgment found here?

 ”Never underestimate the enemy or overestimate yourself.”