I recently read a stirring book on World Evangelism by Oswald J. Smith entitled, “The Cry of the World.” Below is a portion from the chapter “Why has the Church failed to Evangelize the World?” I also included his answers to that question; along with my thoughts.
In referring to God’s command to go and make disciples of all nations, Smith writes, “God’s commands are always accompanied by His enablement. We could have done it. He would not have mocked us by asking us to do the impossible. “The Gospel MUST be published among ALL nations. Why then has it not been done?”
1) Because of the Enemies of the Gospel
There are a number of enemies to the spread of the Gospel. They are real and powerful. Two are primary. First and the one most talked about, Satan, the author of evil. He mounts attacks against the spread of the Gospel through persecution, hard hearts, and alternant religions. Second a most hidden enemy, self – that is you and me. My soul resists sacrifice. I don’t want to give up my comforts for the advance of the Gospel.
2) Because of our Emphasis on Education
Education is important. Education can also be an excuse for not engaging in ministry and evangelism which is difficult. It is always easier to talk about ministry and evangelism in the classroom. At some point the classroom stops serving to advance the Gospel. I believe it is important to be trained just enough, then go practice what you’ve learned. With this foundation, you can continue to grow as you practice ministry.
3) Because of many Closed Doors
I don’t have much to say here except there are still many closed doors to the Gospel. This would refer to countries and people groups who are antagonistic to the message about forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
4) Because we have not sent out a sufficient Number of Missionaries
There are not enough people willing to sacrifice by leaving the comforts of home behind to preach the Gospel through words and actions. There are also not enough people willing to sacrifice by living on a lower household income so that more can be given to support those willing to go.
5) Because we have not Followed the Pauline Methods
Paul’s method of evangelism was to go and disciple, to go and disciple, and to go and disciple. He never got too comfortable in one place very long. We are in the habit of getting comfortable. I am in the habit of getting comfortable. As a missionary, Paul never stayed in one place very long – maybe two years. He focused on establishing local leadership and then moved on to a new town.
6) Because we have not been Convinced that the Heathens are Lost
This one hurts a little. Are we really convinced that people who have not surrender their lives to Jesus Christ will not be in heaven forever but instead eternal punishment and alienation from God. People who don’t know Jesus – really are lost. Their thinking is corrupt. Their morals are broken. Their ethics are bent in a self-serving direction. This doesn’t mean Christians are perfect – but Christians are no longer slaves to being lost.
So in conclusion, are we going to get the job done? These roadblocks are insignificant in comparison to the power of Christ. It is said of him, “all authority in heaven and on earth [are given to him].” (Matt. 28:18)
We should respond, “YES, I will go, give and pray!”
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
MY OWN HEART FIRST - Ez 3:10
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)
It is so easy to see what is wrong with someone else. I’m a profession at making recommendations, a novice at making personal changes. I’m working to focus on self improvement – but it concerns me, I need to focus. It requires no effort to fix my friends or family.
There is a great saying, “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before criticizing them.” This statement was proved true again this past week while I working in my middle son’s classroom. I’ve never been tempted to criticize his teacher because she seems to be doing a great job – but working with 26 First and Second Graders for 4 hours will help you resolve to never think remotely critical again.
However, this fresh realization was not the most illuminating discovering that day. It was actually a walk back from recess alongside another teacher carrying the only two four-square balls to be shared by 400 children. I asked her if my son could bring a ball to be shared by his classroom because he was not certain he could. She said, “Yes, but also went on to say how she was applying for a grant to buy balls for the school.” A grant for purchasing balls, are you serious? In America, we need to apply for a grant to buy balls for children attending school. As I thought about it, another question came to mind, "Do we really want our teachers writing grants to purchase balls?" It’s weird and so unrelated to their primary function. The reality: few of us really understand the pressure and demands on American teachers from writing grants for play equipment to helping emotionally troubled children, and to teaching second-language learners.
Jesus said, “Don’t judge.” If you do judge, then you will be judged by the same measure you lay down on someone else. He challenges us to start by inspecting our lives, pointing us to remove the log in our lives before confronting our fellow brothers and sisters to remove their speck. The big idea: God wants me to deal with My Own Heart First.
This is the topic for my next Sunday sermon. Let his Word sink deep into your heart before you go out to challenge the world. Let his Word transform you before you confront evil face to face. If you don't deal with Your Heart First, then you are positioned to fail.
It is so easy to see what is wrong with someone else. I’m a profession at making recommendations, a novice at making personal changes. I’m working to focus on self improvement – but it concerns me, I need to focus. It requires no effort to fix my friends or family.
There is a great saying, “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before criticizing them.” This statement was proved true again this past week while I working in my middle son’s classroom. I’ve never been tempted to criticize his teacher because she seems to be doing a great job – but working with 26 First and Second Graders for 4 hours will help you resolve to never think remotely critical again.
However, this fresh realization was not the most illuminating discovering that day. It was actually a walk back from recess alongside another teacher carrying the only two four-square balls to be shared by 400 children. I asked her if my son could bring a ball to be shared by his classroom because he was not certain he could. She said, “Yes, but also went on to say how she was applying for a grant to buy balls for the school.” A grant for purchasing balls, are you serious? In America, we need to apply for a grant to buy balls for children attending school. As I thought about it, another question came to mind, "Do we really want our teachers writing grants to purchase balls?" It’s weird and so unrelated to their primary function. The reality: few of us really understand the pressure and demands on American teachers from writing grants for play equipment to helping emotionally troubled children, and to teaching second-language learners.
Jesus said, “Don’t judge.” If you do judge, then you will be judged by the same measure you lay down on someone else. He challenges us to start by inspecting our lives, pointing us to remove the log in our lives before confronting our fellow brothers and sisters to remove their speck. The big idea: God wants me to deal with My Own Heart First.
This is the topic for my next Sunday sermon. Let his Word sink deep into your heart before you go out to challenge the world. Let his Word transform you before you confront evil face to face. If you don't deal with Your Heart First, then you are positioned to fail.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
FINAL JUDGMENT - Rev. 20:11-15
This message concludes our study on many of the beliefs we hold to be true at Hillside. There are many other beliefs we could talk about but we’ve covered the major issues. It is foundational that we believe the Bible contains the Words of God, that Jesus sacrificed his life to free the world from Sin, that we may have eternal life and walk by the Spirit of God in every day decisions. We only need to submit ourselves to God through Jesus Christ. It is a great life!
Our focus in these past two weeks has been on the end of time. The end of all things will come soon. I hope you are ready to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. The one item that will make you ready is your name written in the Book of Life. You get your name written in the Book of Life by surrendering your life to God through belief in His Son Jesus. (Romans 6:23, Rev. 13:8)
I had an interesting experience this week that got me thinking about my readiness to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Twice a year, I will gather with a group of other Assembly of God Pastors to interview new candidates for licensing with our Fellowship. Sometimes, we must decide that a person needs to wait on receiving their licensing until they finished other requirements. So this week, one of the candidates was returning after about 6 months because we had rejected his application for licensing. He and his wife had taken care of the things we had asked; even going further than we had requested – cutting back fixed expenses and completing more theological training. We all felt confident about approving them for licensing with the Assembly of God Fellowship. They had made some real changes in the past few months.
The exciting part of this experience was listening to the sacrifices they had made in an effort to loosen the world’s hold on their lives – more affordable rent, saving account, and budgeting for one-time expenses in advance. It was refreshing to hear how they had adjusted their life to meet the Call of God upon their lives to minister the Gospel. Then, one of my partner interviewers asked this question, "Do you feel like moving into a smaller home is a great sacrifice?" The candidates responded, "No, the house is still big enough for our family, but for less money. It has allowed us to live in freedom while still receiving a 10% decrease in pay from my job because of economic troubles." Amazed.
How wonderful…God will empower us to break the hold of the world on our lives. This is what I believe is the point of studying the end of time. If you read the book of Revelation from this prospective you will get so much more from it. Many people study what the Bible says about the end of the world in an effort to figure out all the details of how it will happen. Revelation was not written so you would know exactly how everything would happen, but to encourage Christians to let go of the world and concern for the world, instead holding tightly to Jesus. I hope more than anything that you make the decision to hold tightly to Jesus.
Our focus in these past two weeks has been on the end of time. The end of all things will come soon. I hope you are ready to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. The one item that will make you ready is your name written in the Book of Life. You get your name written in the Book of Life by surrendering your life to God through belief in His Son Jesus. (Romans 6:23, Rev. 13:8)
I had an interesting experience this week that got me thinking about my readiness to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Twice a year, I will gather with a group of other Assembly of God Pastors to interview new candidates for licensing with our Fellowship. Sometimes, we must decide that a person needs to wait on receiving their licensing until they finished other requirements. So this week, one of the candidates was returning after about 6 months because we had rejected his application for licensing. He and his wife had taken care of the things we had asked; even going further than we had requested – cutting back fixed expenses and completing more theological training. We all felt confident about approving them for licensing with the Assembly of God Fellowship. They had made some real changes in the past few months.
The exciting part of this experience was listening to the sacrifices they had made in an effort to loosen the world’s hold on their lives – more affordable rent, saving account, and budgeting for one-time expenses in advance. It was refreshing to hear how they had adjusted their life to meet the Call of God upon their lives to minister the Gospel. Then, one of my partner interviewers asked this question, "Do you feel like moving into a smaller home is a great sacrifice?" The candidates responded, "No, the house is still big enough for our family, but for less money. It has allowed us to live in freedom while still receiving a 10% decrease in pay from my job because of economic troubles." Amazed.
How wonderful…God will empower us to break the hold of the world on our lives. This is what I believe is the point of studying the end of time. If you read the book of Revelation from this prospective you will get so much more from it. Many people study what the Bible says about the end of the world in an effort to figure out all the details of how it will happen. Revelation was not written so you would know exactly how everything would happen, but to encourage Christians to let go of the world and concern for the world, instead holding tightly to Jesus. I hope more than anything that you make the decision to hold tightly to Jesus.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
JESUS WILL RETURN - Acts 1:9-11
Jesus will return - this topic is debated with passion among Christian Denominations because no one really knows how it's all going to end. Most Christians are in agreement that Jesus will return to Earth, it's just the how that's confusing. What we do know is that some things are going to change, which is what I will focus on in this blog.
The first big change will be the removal of the church or what some have called the Rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 offers a clear picture of what will happen to the dead and living persons in Christ upon his return. The second big change will be the 1,000 year reign of Christ on Earth – that’s right – Jesus is going to establish a kingdom on Earth for 1,000 years. The Bible says, Jesus “will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south…then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.” (Zech 14:4-5)
It will be an awesome event for sure. Revelation 19:11-16 adds to Zechariah’s vision with a picture of Jesus, the King of kings, coming from heaven on a white horse to take possession of his kingdom. He has a sharp sword, wears a blood stained robe, and is followed by the armies of heaven. Again, it is an awesome event!
So what is the purpose of this reign? This Reign of Christ crushes the manifestation of Satan’s power. Up to this point in human history – evil has only been restrained from full manifestation as the Holy Spirit works through the church (God’s people). This explains our constant struggle with evil. At the rapture, the church is removed, so Satan has full range (or as Revelation talks about the Beast) to exercise his will on the Earth. The persecution of individuals who don’t want to follow the Beast, which means they are following God, will be great. Also, the judgment of God will be great, but the Beast and his followers will continue in rebellion against God. They get even more angry and bitter.
This period is often called the Tribulation. Evil is no longer held back, there are few witnesses to Christ’s work on the Cross, and God’s judgment is being delivered in full measure. Many people chart this period as a seven year period. The end of this period is marked by Jesus’ physical second coming to Earth to establish his kingdom (Rev. 19) – the restoration of King David’s rule. The Beast and Satan are locked away. People are free to live without persecution. There is still tension between those living within Jerusalem and those living outside. However, God’s Children will live in the presence of the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah.
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is released and makes one last attempt to overthrow heaven. He is defeated, judged and thrown into the lake of fire. This is the official end, new Heaven and new Earth – we live in peace with God forever. (Revelation 20, 21)
Ah, a quick summary of the end for sure. There is so much we don’t know about the end of human history. You can see in the Bible pictures of the end times in Daniel and Revelation. Much of it is difficult to understand because the writers of these letters are seeing pictures of the future not necessarily specific details. They offer us sketches of the future, an overall perspective of the end, which is a picture of God as the final judge, one who is very powerful and merciful to those who put their trust in him. We have no need to worry about the end of time. God promises to meet our every need.
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:9
The first big change will be the removal of the church or what some have called the Rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 offers a clear picture of what will happen to the dead and living persons in Christ upon his return. The second big change will be the 1,000 year reign of Christ on Earth – that’s right – Jesus is going to establish a kingdom on Earth for 1,000 years. The Bible says, Jesus “will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south…then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.” (Zech 14:4-5)
It will be an awesome event for sure. Revelation 19:11-16 adds to Zechariah’s vision with a picture of Jesus, the King of kings, coming from heaven on a white horse to take possession of his kingdom. He has a sharp sword, wears a blood stained robe, and is followed by the armies of heaven. Again, it is an awesome event!
So what is the purpose of this reign? This Reign of Christ crushes the manifestation of Satan’s power. Up to this point in human history – evil has only been restrained from full manifestation as the Holy Spirit works through the church (God’s people). This explains our constant struggle with evil. At the rapture, the church is removed, so Satan has full range (or as Revelation talks about the Beast) to exercise his will on the Earth. The persecution of individuals who don’t want to follow the Beast, which means they are following God, will be great. Also, the judgment of God will be great, but the Beast and his followers will continue in rebellion against God. They get even more angry and bitter.
This period is often called the Tribulation. Evil is no longer held back, there are few witnesses to Christ’s work on the Cross, and God’s judgment is being delivered in full measure. Many people chart this period as a seven year period. The end of this period is marked by Jesus’ physical second coming to Earth to establish his kingdom (Rev. 19) – the restoration of King David’s rule. The Beast and Satan are locked away. People are free to live without persecution. There is still tension between those living within Jerusalem and those living outside. However, God’s Children will live in the presence of the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah.
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is released and makes one last attempt to overthrow heaven. He is defeated, judged and thrown into the lake of fire. This is the official end, new Heaven and new Earth – we live in peace with God forever. (Revelation 20, 21)
Ah, a quick summary of the end for sure. There is so much we don’t know about the end of human history. You can see in the Bible pictures of the end times in Daniel and Revelation. Much of it is difficult to understand because the writers of these letters are seeing pictures of the future not necessarily specific details. They offer us sketches of the future, an overall perspective of the end, which is a picture of God as the final judge, one who is very powerful and merciful to those who put their trust in him. We have no need to worry about the end of time. God promises to meet our every need.
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:9
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
THE MINISTRY - 1 Tim. 2:5-7
Even though Jesus Christ appointed apostles, pastors and such to bear testimony of his name and lead the church (both local churches and The Church - Christians worldwide), he entrusted the ministry of the church to ALL its members. And what I mean by ministry is the demonstration of God’s love and forgiveness to the world. The Great Commission; people being baptized and discipled, is in the hands of the church. Every believer is part of this administration of God’s message to the lost world. We are all ministering priests, actively serving with the gifts bestowed by the sovereign Spirit of God. Every one receives a gift(s) from God for the building up of the church (1 Peter 4:10).
The church is a living organism. As people are added to the assembly, they mature, reproduce, and care for each other by hurting with those who hurt and rejoicing with those who have victories. A church will grow in this envirnoment; as it does, there arises a need for the organism to provide the expanding community with capable leadership. If capable leadership is not chosen, the community will get off track; wandering down strange paths of teaching or becoming disorganized to the point of confusion and ineffectiveness.
In very practical terms, the church chooses a few members who show gifting and dedication for the leading of the organization to be set apart (Ordained) as its Ministers; all the while holding to the principle focus of every member of the organism a minister. These Ministers are gifted by the Lord Jesus for the quipping and organizing of the church. Ephesians 4:11-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-16 talk in great length about these roles or offices given to the church. The Apostle Paul says at the opening of his letter to the church in Galatia, “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father…” Paul clearly had an understanding of a special calling by God or an ordination (setting apart for service) on his life to serve the church. Throughout the New Testament, we hear of people being set apart for service or special mission on behalf of the Lord and His Church for ministry. (Acts. 13:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:14)
However, don't forget: the ministry of the church is entrusted to the people as a whole. Like it says in Revelation 1:4-6:
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Jesus freed you from your bondage to sinful living so that you could live for him as a priest serving God. A priest's function is to assist people in connecting with God, hearing confessions, and praying for the sick – all a witness of Christ’s love. Each of these activities and many more are entrusted to us (you) as the church. In summary, here are some questions to think about before Sunday:
1. Do I have an understanding of my role as a priest in the church? Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelations 1:-4-6; Hebrews 10:18-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-7
2. Do I have an understanding of my role under the ordained leader(s) of the church? Scriptures: Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:1-4; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5
3. Am I acting/functioning like a priest in the church?
4. Am I called to serve the church as a person set apart for a specific purpose?
The church is a living organism. As people are added to the assembly, they mature, reproduce, and care for each other by hurting with those who hurt and rejoicing with those who have victories. A church will grow in this envirnoment; as it does, there arises a need for the organism to provide the expanding community with capable leadership. If capable leadership is not chosen, the community will get off track; wandering down strange paths of teaching or becoming disorganized to the point of confusion and ineffectiveness.
In very practical terms, the church chooses a few members who show gifting and dedication for the leading of the organization to be set apart (Ordained) as its Ministers; all the while holding to the principle focus of every member of the organism a minister. These Ministers are gifted by the Lord Jesus for the quipping and organizing of the church. Ephesians 4:11-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-16 talk in great length about these roles or offices given to the church. The Apostle Paul says at the opening of his letter to the church in Galatia, “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father…” Paul clearly had an understanding of a special calling by God or an ordination (setting apart for service) on his life to serve the church. Throughout the New Testament, we hear of people being set apart for service or special mission on behalf of the Lord and His Church for ministry. (Acts. 13:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:14)
However, don't forget: the ministry of the church is entrusted to the people as a whole. Like it says in Revelation 1:4-6:
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Jesus freed you from your bondage to sinful living so that you could live for him as a priest serving God. A priest's function is to assist people in connecting with God, hearing confessions, and praying for the sick – all a witness of Christ’s love. Each of these activities and many more are entrusted to us (you) as the church. In summary, here are some questions to think about before Sunday:
1. Do I have an understanding of my role as a priest in the church? Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelations 1:-4-6; Hebrews 10:18-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-7
2. Do I have an understanding of my role under the ordained leader(s) of the church? Scriptures: Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:1-4; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5
3. Am I acting/functioning like a priest in the church?
4. Am I called to serve the church as a person set apart for a specific purpose?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS - 2 Timothy 2:22
Awesome! Eleven people responded to the survey question about sharing your faith in Jesus Christ with others. Nice to know there are some people reading and responding to this blog.
I spent a good amount of the last two weeks thinking about Authentic relationships, which is the sermon topic for this Sunday. (Next subject in our WE BELIEVE series.) I think it would be good to share some thoughts here for your feedback. Also, I want to share my list of what defines an authentic relationship. It will help if you add to my list. And if you do; you may find your comments as part of this Sunday's definition of what it means to offer an authentic relationship to another person.
Authentic Relationships
1. Focus on Others
2. Not easily offended
3. Listen first, speak second
4. Assume the Best
5. Honest/Open
6. Permission to Ask
7. Sense of Ownership
Many of these points are self-explanatory, but I will address a few specifically.
Assume the Best: often I encounter people who are negative about others before they even begin to know them. In my mind, heart, and according to the Bible, I believe we must give an opportunity for people to explain themselves or their actions before we write them off. Communication is tricky business. It has always worked well for me to assume the best from another until I have solid, first-hand evidence of their intention to wound me.
Permission to Ask: Authentic Relationships are filled with both give and take. For some reason today, it is not acceptable to ask for help. You are seen as needy or weak, as a bother. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point in modern history relationship became one way.
"You serve me."
"You meet my needs."
"You make me happy."
"And if you don't...then I'm leaving."
Maybe it is a result of our loss of community. I feel weird asking my neighbor for a cup of sugar. My mom feels weird asking her children for help chopping wood. Church members feel weird picking up the phone to say, "I'm struggling, help." Have we just lost an understanding that relationships are two-ways, give and take?
Ownership: In general, I see a dis-interest in people among people. There is an increase in benevolence organizations. Interest in Humanity projects is on the rise. But, what about your neighbor? Who is taking interest in the person you live next to, sit next to in a church service, or work with 40 hours per week? An authentic person who is offering an authentic relationship takes ownership of those in their circle of influence.
For example, I received word this morning about a Pastor who is possibly struggling at another church in town. This Pastor and I know each other, in fact, I would say we are friends. Wait; not really. I only talk to him 6-12 times a year. Seldom do our conversations last more than 10 minutes. But we know each other. So what do I do? If I am going to provide an authentic relationship, I am going to contact him and have our 13th conversation. I'm going to take ownership, not leaving it to someone else. Am I busy? Yes. Do I have time to deal with this? No. Am I going to benefit from this outreach call? Probably Not. But see, none of that is the point. I want to offer authentic relationships and be the recipient of authentic relationships.
Why? Because my knowledge of God grows while in authentic community with others. The Bible tells me to "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace,
along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." ( 2 Timothy 2:22)
God has told me to flee and pursue alongside others who are called by Him.
I spent a good amount of the last two weeks thinking about Authentic relationships, which is the sermon topic for this Sunday. (Next subject in our WE BELIEVE series.) I think it would be good to share some thoughts here for your feedback. Also, I want to share my list of what defines an authentic relationship. It will help if you add to my list. And if you do; you may find your comments as part of this Sunday's definition of what it means to offer an authentic relationship to another person.
Authentic Relationships
1. Focus on Others
2. Not easily offended
3. Listen first, speak second
4. Assume the Best
5. Honest/Open
6. Permission to Ask
7. Sense of Ownership
Many of these points are self-explanatory, but I will address a few specifically.
Assume the Best: often I encounter people who are negative about others before they even begin to know them. In my mind, heart, and according to the Bible, I believe we must give an opportunity for people to explain themselves or their actions before we write them off. Communication is tricky business. It has always worked well for me to assume the best from another until I have solid, first-hand evidence of their intention to wound me.
Permission to Ask: Authentic Relationships are filled with both give and take. For some reason today, it is not acceptable to ask for help. You are seen as needy or weak, as a bother. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point in modern history relationship became one way.
"You serve me."
"You meet my needs."
"You make me happy."
"And if you don't...then I'm leaving."
Maybe it is a result of our loss of community. I feel weird asking my neighbor for a cup of sugar. My mom feels weird asking her children for help chopping wood. Church members feel weird picking up the phone to say, "I'm struggling, help." Have we just lost an understanding that relationships are two-ways, give and take?
Ownership: In general, I see a dis-interest in people among people. There is an increase in benevolence organizations. Interest in Humanity projects is on the rise. But, what about your neighbor? Who is taking interest in the person you live next to, sit next to in a church service, or work with 40 hours per week? An authentic person who is offering an authentic relationship takes ownership of those in their circle of influence.
For example, I received word this morning about a Pastor who is possibly struggling at another church in town. This Pastor and I know each other, in fact, I would say we are friends. Wait; not really. I only talk to him 6-12 times a year. Seldom do our conversations last more than 10 minutes. But we know each other. So what do I do? If I am going to provide an authentic relationship, I am going to contact him and have our 13th conversation. I'm going to take ownership, not leaving it to someone else. Am I busy? Yes. Do I have time to deal with this? No. Am I going to benefit from this outreach call? Probably Not. But see, none of that is the point. I want to offer authentic relationships and be the recipient of authentic relationships.
Why? Because my knowledge of God grows while in authentic community with others. The Bible tells me to "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace,
along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." ( 2 Timothy 2:22)
God has told me to flee and pursue alongside others who are called by Him.
Friday, July 31, 2009
UPDATE
It's been several weeks since I've posted anything new on this blog. Took a few weeks off with the family and took a few weeks off from extra writing commitments.
Starting August 30, we turn a corner on our We Believe Series at Hillside to some topics which will require extra writing and research. The theological ideas we will be studying through August and September are too large to handle in one Sunday message. I will be posting more Scripture for you to study and research on your own. Eric
Starting August 30, we turn a corner on our We Believe Series at Hillside to some topics which will require extra writing and research. The theological ideas we will be studying through August and September are too large to handle in one Sunday message. I will be posting more Scripture for you to study and research on your own. Eric
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