Verse of day
And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.
On Counseling Others
great post by natan4jesus on sermonindex
as we all struggle to work out our own salavation with fear and trembling, and seeing that we are NOT face-to-face, to reason, each of us bearing different life experiences, different walks with Jesus, different Relationships with God....we all bear sufferings, we bear joy, we all fear/revere God, love Jesus, (that would be my prayerful assumption, may God make it so) we all get hungry, we all get crabby, we might misunderstand one another; you get i'm trying to say.
and sometimes, some of us are Job, and other times we're his well meaning friends, Eliphaz,Bildad, Zophar, and young Elihu, whose learned theology had no helpful, encouraging or comforting word for a truly Godly sufferer.
Because we all suffer, and in our suffering, we might lash out at others, especially when we dont have the restraints of being face to face, in our dialogue and reasoning together.
my feeling is, in these current days of turmoil and dislocation, all of us might be on edge, the news of the "world" spits out fear and loathing to us, day after day. In America, we've lived so richly, and it seems that cup is being taken away.....and like Job, we ask why.
Job makes his complaints, and his friends misconstrue that his complaint is based on one of humankind's greatest temptations, to love the gifts rather than the Giver, when it is Job's greatest pain that he feels God's alienation from him.
So they rebuke Job, and thru the logic of their theology confidently assume they can account for all God's Ways, and what happens is, that they arrive at a stalemate, and then Praise His Name, the LORD weighs in.
we always arrive at a stalemate, and then Jesus weighed in, and gave in, gave His Blood.
i see Jesus Christ all over this Book of Job, and it brings such Joy:
Quote:
For then you would number my steps;
you would not keep watch over my sin;
my transgression would be sealed up in a bag,
and you would cover over my iniquity.
Job 14:16-17
and
Quote:
"O earth, cover not my blood,
and let my cry find no resting place.
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
and he who testifies for me is on high.
Job 16:18-19
and
Quote:
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
Job 19:25-27
but in amongst all that, his four friends are just laying into old Job, and in their words, are orthodox Yahwistic theology, which can't be disputed, but........ none of these five men, have any idea, what has happened in Heaven, when the accuser went before God.
this wisdom dialogue, present in Job, between the five men, reminds me in a certain way, of how we all come together...and i dont mean that in a bad way. It just is. God is God and we are not.....and sometimes things just get messy here, and for my part i ask forgiveness to any contribution in this regard.
our theology might be "in order'...orthodox, etc, but we all frequently come to stalemates, or misunderstandings.
and thats okay, because in the final analysis, God spells It all out when He says:
"And he said to man,'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"
Job 28:28
respectfully and lovingly submitted, Eliphaz....or is it, Bildad, or Elihu, or Zophar, or Job....nope...its neil.
as we all struggle to work out our own salavation with fear and trembling, and seeing that we are NOT face-to-face, to reason, each of us bearing different life experiences, different walks with Jesus, different Relationships with God....we all bear sufferings, we bear joy, we all fear/revere God, love Jesus, (that would be my prayerful assumption, may God make it so) we all get hungry, we all get crabby, we might misunderstand one another; you get i'm trying to say.
and sometimes, some of us are Job, and other times we're his well meaning friends, Eliphaz,Bildad, Zophar, and young Elihu, whose learned theology had no helpful, encouraging or comforting word for a truly Godly sufferer.
Because we all suffer, and in our suffering, we might lash out at others, especially when we dont have the restraints of being face to face, in our dialogue and reasoning together.
my feeling is, in these current days of turmoil and dislocation, all of us might be on edge, the news of the "world" spits out fear and loathing to us, day after day. In America, we've lived so richly, and it seems that cup is being taken away.....and like Job, we ask why.
Job makes his complaints, and his friends misconstrue that his complaint is based on one of humankind's greatest temptations, to love the gifts rather than the Giver, when it is Job's greatest pain that he feels God's alienation from him.
So they rebuke Job, and thru the logic of their theology confidently assume they can account for all God's Ways, and what happens is, that they arrive at a stalemate, and then Praise His Name, the LORD weighs in.
we always arrive at a stalemate, and then Jesus weighed in, and gave in, gave His Blood.
i see Jesus Christ all over this Book of Job, and it brings such Joy:
Quote:
For then you would number my steps;
you would not keep watch over my sin;
my transgression would be sealed up in a bag,
and you would cover over my iniquity.
Job 14:16-17
and
Quote:
"O earth, cover not my blood,
and let my cry find no resting place.
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
and he who testifies for me is on high.
Job 16:18-19
and
Quote:
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
Job 19:25-27
but in amongst all that, his four friends are just laying into old Job, and in their words, are orthodox Yahwistic theology, which can't be disputed, but........ none of these five men, have any idea, what has happened in Heaven, when the accuser went before God.
this wisdom dialogue, present in Job, between the five men, reminds me in a certain way, of how we all come together...and i dont mean that in a bad way. It just is. God is God and we are not.....and sometimes things just get messy here, and for my part i ask forgiveness to any contribution in this regard.
our theology might be "in order'...orthodox, etc, but we all frequently come to stalemates, or misunderstandings.
and thats okay, because in the final analysis, God spells It all out when He says:
"And he said to man,'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"
Job 28:28
respectfully and lovingly submitted, Eliphaz....or is it, Bildad, or Elihu, or Zophar, or Job....nope...its neil.
Parental Mythbusting
Parental Mythbusting
Tommy Clayton
Content Developer
Friday, October 22, 2010
Myths—they intrigue, entertain, and sometimes even humor us. From health and history to sports and science, myths and misconceptions seem to find their way into every realm of human thought and activity—including parenting.
As Christians, we probably dismiss most of the parenting myths we encounter without a second thought, right? After all, we’re Christians, those who look to and depend upon God’s Word to determine our reality, not worldly platitudes or cultural traditions. If you’re among those who think only naïve and untaught Christians fall for unbiblical substitutes when it comes to parenting, maybe you’d better take a look at our list.
Here are ten of the most common myths confronting Christian parents these days. Mom and dad, as you endeavor to raise your children to the glory of God, take note of them:
Myth # 1: “Children must be the first priority in our family.”
Heard that one? According to this myth, the child-centered family is the successful family, so the more attention you give your children, the better they’ll turn out. Basically, you’ve got to prioritize your children over your spouse. No matter how pious they make it sound, it’s not pious at all. The Bible says your spouse is your priority, second only to God. Husbands, you understand this…God commands you to love you wife as your own body (Eph. 5:28). Why? Because you’re in a “one flesh” relationship with that woman (Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31). There is no such relationship between parent and child; it’s a different level of intimacy. To elevate the relationship with your children above the more intimate relationship you have with your spouse isn’t positive in any sense. It’s a subtle but dangerous myth that always weakens and sometimes wrecks a home. Beware.
Myth # 2: “I should rely mainly upon the church—particularly the children’s ministry, to teach the Bible to my children.”
Most of us would probably deny believing this myth, but how we live tells all. Evaluate your habits at home, parents. Where does the majority of your children’s spiritual instruction take place—church or home? Who provides that instruction—an Awana leader or you? We’re not belittling the role of your local church’s teaching ministries. We are pointing out that Sunday school and youth group should supplement your teaching at home, not replace it. Both the Old and New Testaments assign parents, not pastors, the responsibility of teaching their children (See Deut. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).
Myth # 3: “The behavior of my children is a sure measure of successful parenting.”
That statement would cease to be a myth with a slight adjustment: Your response to the behavior of your children is a sure measure of successful parenting. See the difference? Your child’s behavior is mostly out of your control; your response is not. None of us, especially after the early years, can control our child’s behavior. But you can and must control your response to their behavior. God’s simple instruction to parents is found in Ephesians 6:4, “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Your success as a parent relates to how faithfully you carry out that charge, not how well your children receive discipline and instruction.
Myth # 4: “Quality time with my children is more important than quantity time.”
Some parents use this myth to ease their guilt for spending too little time with their kids. That’s not the biblical model. When God instructed parents to impart His Law to their children, notice how much time is involved: “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deut. 6:6, 7). We’re mistaken to think we can somehow schedule those teachable moments into a few scattered, “quality” interactions between dinner and dessert. Faithfulness to the parenting task requires more time than that. As you make yourself available, you’ll begin to see how many unplanned opportunities arise out of those times of sitting, walking, lying down, and rising up.
Myth # 5: “My children belong to me.”
Behind this myth is the false notion that, “My children are my property, and it’s my right to raise them as seems best to me.” Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a gift from the Lord.” Even life itself is a gift, isn’t it? But it still belongs to God. Parenting is a stewardship, and we are stewards of all God’s gifts, including our children. We provide care, impart instruction, and teach them to fear God, and one day we’ll give an account to Him for how we carry out our charge. Children belong to God.
Myth # 6: “My wife should take responsibility for training our children since I work.”
Husbands, don’t turn God’s calling for your wife (Titus 2:4-5, to love you and your children, and keep the home) into a fatal parenting myth. God’s instruction to your wife doesn’t excuse you from parental responsibility. Scripture presents parenting as a joint-effort, and it also issues several commands directly to you fathers—it’s your responsibility to train your children (Eph 6:4, Col. 3:21). It’s true, your wife will spend more time at home with the kids while you work, but that doesn’t eliminate or diminish your responsibility to join her—in fact to lead her—in the parenting task.
Myth # 7: “My children won’t be able to understand spiritual truths until they are much older.”
Biblical history, human history, and common experience demonstrate how young children can comprehend spiritual truth. Remember the prophet Samuel, or the young king Josiah? Samuel’s close relationship to the Lord began at a very young age (1 Sam. 2:26), and king Josiah instigated spiritual revival in Judah when he was only a teenager (2 Kings 22:1; 2 Chronicles 34:33). In 1735, during the American Great Awakening, God saved Phebe Bartlet, a young girl in Jonathan Edward’s congregation, when she was only 4 years old. Parents and pastor alike thoroughly examined her comprehension of gospel truth and found clear evidence that she was born again. Time proved the genuineness of her profession. One of her favorite activities was attending church to hear the preaching of her pastor, Jonathan Edwards (not a theological lightweight). Don’t fool yourself parent—and certainly don’t try and fool your children. They are sharper than you think.
Myth # 8: “If I spank my children, it will exasperate and provoke them.”
Sadly, this myth is alive and well in many Christian homes. It intimidates parents and spoils children. Contrary to our anti-spanking culture, Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” Truth is, if you want to provoke and spoil your children, just continue to shelter them from the painful consequences of disobedience (Prov. 29:15). No kid loves a spanking, and we don’t like discipline either, do we? But the writer of Hebrews tells us that discipline yields peaceful, productive fruit (Heb. 12:5-11). (Here are a few other Scriptures to counter this insidious myth—Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13; 29:17).
Myth # 9: “Spanking my children is the key to successful biblical parenting.”
For some of you, spanking your child seems quicker, easier, and more effective than the relentless dawn-to-dusk instruction called for in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (see Myth #4). Ephesians 6 also calls for “discipline,” but Paul clearly has more in mind than spanking. The positive command, “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (v. 4), refers to the systematic training and instruction of children. Literally, the word “instruction” could be translated “putting in mind.” As a parent, you want to impart the knowledge of God regularly and lovingly to your child under the guidance of Scripture. That is the key to successful parenting. Spanking is just one part of that larger task.
Myth # 10: “If I teach my kids properly, God promises they’ll eventually turn out well.”
No doubt you’ve heard this myth. It’s a popular interpretation, and application, of Proverb 22:6—“Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” How many times have you seen a parent cling to that verse in desperation as they watch defiant children forsake all they were taught? Some children sit under loving, prayerful instruction from their parents, only to later shame them with a scandalous lifestyle. It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it. But Solomon’s proverb is not meant to be a gilt-edged guarantee your child will eventually trust Christ and live righteously. Solomon is simply saying early training usually secures lifelong habits. It’s a charge to give great care and consistency to how and what you teach your children. God promises to bless us for parental faithfulness, but that doesn’t necessarily mean our children will be saved. They have their own relationship with God to work out.
Parents, we’d like to hear from you. Have you detected some of those myths? Have you managed to dodge them, or have you tripped over a few? What other myths would you like to add? Let us know in the discussion thread below.
Tommy Clayton
Content Developer
Friday, October 22, 2010
Myths—they intrigue, entertain, and sometimes even humor us. From health and history to sports and science, myths and misconceptions seem to find their way into every realm of human thought and activity—including parenting.
As Christians, we probably dismiss most of the parenting myths we encounter without a second thought, right? After all, we’re Christians, those who look to and depend upon God’s Word to determine our reality, not worldly platitudes or cultural traditions. If you’re among those who think only naïve and untaught Christians fall for unbiblical substitutes when it comes to parenting, maybe you’d better take a look at our list.
Here are ten of the most common myths confronting Christian parents these days. Mom and dad, as you endeavor to raise your children to the glory of God, take note of them:
Myth # 1: “Children must be the first priority in our family.”
Heard that one? According to this myth, the child-centered family is the successful family, so the more attention you give your children, the better they’ll turn out. Basically, you’ve got to prioritize your children over your spouse. No matter how pious they make it sound, it’s not pious at all. The Bible says your spouse is your priority, second only to God. Husbands, you understand this…God commands you to love you wife as your own body (Eph. 5:28). Why? Because you’re in a “one flesh” relationship with that woman (Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31). There is no such relationship between parent and child; it’s a different level of intimacy. To elevate the relationship with your children above the more intimate relationship you have with your spouse isn’t positive in any sense. It’s a subtle but dangerous myth that always weakens and sometimes wrecks a home. Beware.
Myth # 2: “I should rely mainly upon the church—particularly the children’s ministry, to teach the Bible to my children.”
Most of us would probably deny believing this myth, but how we live tells all. Evaluate your habits at home, parents. Where does the majority of your children’s spiritual instruction take place—church or home? Who provides that instruction—an Awana leader or you? We’re not belittling the role of your local church’s teaching ministries. We are pointing out that Sunday school and youth group should supplement your teaching at home, not replace it. Both the Old and New Testaments assign parents, not pastors, the responsibility of teaching their children (See Deut. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).
Myth # 3: “The behavior of my children is a sure measure of successful parenting.”
That statement would cease to be a myth with a slight adjustment: Your response to the behavior of your children is a sure measure of successful parenting. See the difference? Your child’s behavior is mostly out of your control; your response is not. None of us, especially after the early years, can control our child’s behavior. But you can and must control your response to their behavior. God’s simple instruction to parents is found in Ephesians 6:4, “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Your success as a parent relates to how faithfully you carry out that charge, not how well your children receive discipline and instruction.
Myth # 4: “Quality time with my children is more important than quantity time.”
Some parents use this myth to ease their guilt for spending too little time with their kids. That’s not the biblical model. When God instructed parents to impart His Law to their children, notice how much time is involved: “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deut. 6:6, 7). We’re mistaken to think we can somehow schedule those teachable moments into a few scattered, “quality” interactions between dinner and dessert. Faithfulness to the parenting task requires more time than that. As you make yourself available, you’ll begin to see how many unplanned opportunities arise out of those times of sitting, walking, lying down, and rising up.
Myth # 5: “My children belong to me.”
Behind this myth is the false notion that, “My children are my property, and it’s my right to raise them as seems best to me.” Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a gift from the Lord.” Even life itself is a gift, isn’t it? But it still belongs to God. Parenting is a stewardship, and we are stewards of all God’s gifts, including our children. We provide care, impart instruction, and teach them to fear God, and one day we’ll give an account to Him for how we carry out our charge. Children belong to God.
Myth # 6: “My wife should take responsibility for training our children since I work.”
Husbands, don’t turn God’s calling for your wife (Titus 2:4-5, to love you and your children, and keep the home) into a fatal parenting myth. God’s instruction to your wife doesn’t excuse you from parental responsibility. Scripture presents parenting as a joint-effort, and it also issues several commands directly to you fathers—it’s your responsibility to train your children (Eph 6:4, Col. 3:21). It’s true, your wife will spend more time at home with the kids while you work, but that doesn’t eliminate or diminish your responsibility to join her—in fact to lead her—in the parenting task.
Myth # 7: “My children won’t be able to understand spiritual truths until they are much older.”
Biblical history, human history, and common experience demonstrate how young children can comprehend spiritual truth. Remember the prophet Samuel, or the young king Josiah? Samuel’s close relationship to the Lord began at a very young age (1 Sam. 2:26), and king Josiah instigated spiritual revival in Judah when he was only a teenager (2 Kings 22:1; 2 Chronicles 34:33). In 1735, during the American Great Awakening, God saved Phebe Bartlet, a young girl in Jonathan Edward’s congregation, when she was only 4 years old. Parents and pastor alike thoroughly examined her comprehension of gospel truth and found clear evidence that she was born again. Time proved the genuineness of her profession. One of her favorite activities was attending church to hear the preaching of her pastor, Jonathan Edwards (not a theological lightweight). Don’t fool yourself parent—and certainly don’t try and fool your children. They are sharper than you think.
Myth # 8: “If I spank my children, it will exasperate and provoke them.”
Sadly, this myth is alive and well in many Christian homes. It intimidates parents and spoils children. Contrary to our anti-spanking culture, Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” Truth is, if you want to provoke and spoil your children, just continue to shelter them from the painful consequences of disobedience (Prov. 29:15). No kid loves a spanking, and we don’t like discipline either, do we? But the writer of Hebrews tells us that discipline yields peaceful, productive fruit (Heb. 12:5-11). (Here are a few other Scriptures to counter this insidious myth—Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13; 29:17).
Myth # 9: “Spanking my children is the key to successful biblical parenting.”
For some of you, spanking your child seems quicker, easier, and more effective than the relentless dawn-to-dusk instruction called for in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (see Myth #4). Ephesians 6 also calls for “discipline,” but Paul clearly has more in mind than spanking. The positive command, “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (v. 4), refers to the systematic training and instruction of children. Literally, the word “instruction” could be translated “putting in mind.” As a parent, you want to impart the knowledge of God regularly and lovingly to your child under the guidance of Scripture. That is the key to successful parenting. Spanking is just one part of that larger task.
Myth # 10: “If I teach my kids properly, God promises they’ll eventually turn out well.”
No doubt you’ve heard this myth. It’s a popular interpretation, and application, of Proverb 22:6—“Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” How many times have you seen a parent cling to that verse in desperation as they watch defiant children forsake all they were taught? Some children sit under loving, prayerful instruction from their parents, only to later shame them with a scandalous lifestyle. It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it. But Solomon’s proverb is not meant to be a gilt-edged guarantee your child will eventually trust Christ and live righteously. Solomon is simply saying early training usually secures lifelong habits. It’s a charge to give great care and consistency to how and what you teach your children. God promises to bless us for parental faithfulness, but that doesn’t necessarily mean our children will be saved. They have their own relationship with God to work out.
Parents, we’d like to hear from you. Have you detected some of those myths? Have you managed to dodge them, or have you tripped over a few? What other myths would you like to add? Let us know in the discussion thread below.
Gods Word by Josef Urban
WE ARE COMMANDED, EXHORTED, AND TAUGHT TO:
- To obey it (Ex. 19:5).
- To be diligent to always remember and never forget it (Deu. 4:9).
- To allow it to fill our heart, our household, and our conversation always (Deu. 6:7).
- To teach it to our children (Deu. 4:9, 6:7, 11:19).
- To live by it as our daily bread (Deu. 8:3).
- To read it every day (Deu. 17:19).
- To meditate on it day and night (Jos. 1:8).
- To explain it clearly and simply to people so they understand (Neh. 8:8).
- To esteem it as greater than our necessary food (Job 23:12).
- To hide it in our hearts to keep us from sin (Psa. 119:11).
- To delight in it as sweeter to our soul than honey is to our mouth (Psa. 119:103).
- To be the light that guides our lives (Psa. 119:105).
- To treasure it above all earthly treasure (Psa. 119:127).
- To be consumed with zeal for it (Psa. 119:139).
- To seek knowledge and wisdom from it like searching for hidden treasures (Pro. 2:3-4).
- To tremble at it in holy fear (Isa. 66:2).
- To have it burning in our heart like a fire in our bones (Jer. 20:9, Luk. 24:32).
- To pray over it according to its’ prophecies and promises (Dan. 9:2-3).
- To quote it in time of temptation (Mat. 4:4).
- To not contradict it by the traditions of men (Mark 7:13).
- To receive Christ to whom all the Scriptures bear witness (John 5:39).
- To allow the Holy Spirit to quicken it to our understanding (John 6:63).
- To be cleansed, sanctified and set apart to God by it (John 15:3, 17:17).
- To devote ourselves to it continually (Acts 2:42).
- To not neglect it for things of lesser importance (Acts 6:2).
- To search it and test all teaching by what is written (Acts 17:11).
- To convince and evangelize by it proving that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:28).
- To receive the Word and be built up in the faith by it (Acts 20:32).
- To not doubt or waver at the promises contained in it (Rom. 4:20).
- To hear it and allow it to impart faith to us hearts (Rom. 10:17).
- To receive hope and comfort by it (Rom. 15:4).
- To not handle it deceitfully (2 Cor. 4:2).
- To be washed with the water of the Word (Eph. 5:26).
- To use it as a sword to battle against evil (Eph. 6:17).
- To allow it to dwell in us richly with all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 3:16).
- To speak it boldly even if men don’t like it (1 Th. 2:3).
- To receive it as having divine authority (1 Th. 2:13).
- To read it publicly and be taught by it (1 Tim. 4:13).
- To observe it without partiality (1 Tim. 5:21).
- To be diligent to understand it, interpret it and teach it correctly (2 Tim. 2:15).
- To know it and receive wisdom unto salvation by it (2 Tim. 3:15).
- To be taught, reproved, corrected, and trained by it (2 Tim. 3:16).
- To not give occasion for unbelievers to blaspheme it (Tit. 2:5).
- To believe it and receive its blessings by faith (Heb. 4:2).
- To grow up by it and develop discernment by it (Heb. 5:14).
- To highly esteem those who teach it to us (Heb. 13:7).
- To desperately crave it like a baby craves milk (1 Pet. 2:2).
- To not twist it to our own destruction (2 Pet. 3:16).
- To allow it to give us assurance of our salvation (1 John 5:13).
- To earnestly contend for the faith revealed in it (Jude 1:3).
- To be persecuted for our testimony to it and even die for it (Rev. 1:9, 6:9).
- To sing it in praise to God (Rev. 15:3).
- To not add to it or take away from it (Rev. 22:18-19).
- To obey it (Ex. 19:5).
- To be diligent to always remember and never forget it (Deu. 4:9).
- To allow it to fill our heart, our household, and our conversation always (Deu. 6:7).
- To teach it to our children (Deu. 4:9, 6:7, 11:19).
- To live by it as our daily bread (Deu. 8:3).
- To read it every day (Deu. 17:19).
- To meditate on it day and night (Jos. 1:8).
- To explain it clearly and simply to people so they understand (Neh. 8:8).
- To esteem it as greater than our necessary food (Job 23:12).
- To hide it in our hearts to keep us from sin (Psa. 119:11).
- To delight in it as sweeter to our soul than honey is to our mouth (Psa. 119:103).
- To be the light that guides our lives (Psa. 119:105).
- To treasure it above all earthly treasure (Psa. 119:127).
- To be consumed with zeal for it (Psa. 119:139).
- To seek knowledge and wisdom from it like searching for hidden treasures (Pro. 2:3-4).
- To tremble at it in holy fear (Isa. 66:2).
- To have it burning in our heart like a fire in our bones (Jer. 20:9, Luk. 24:32).
- To pray over it according to its’ prophecies and promises (Dan. 9:2-3).
- To quote it in time of temptation (Mat. 4:4).
- To not contradict it by the traditions of men (Mark 7:13).
- To receive Christ to whom all the Scriptures bear witness (John 5:39).
- To allow the Holy Spirit to quicken it to our understanding (John 6:63).
- To be cleansed, sanctified and set apart to God by it (John 15:3, 17:17).
- To devote ourselves to it continually (Acts 2:42).
- To not neglect it for things of lesser importance (Acts 6:2).
- To search it and test all teaching by what is written (Acts 17:11).
- To convince and evangelize by it proving that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:28).
- To receive the Word and be built up in the faith by it (Acts 20:32).
- To not doubt or waver at the promises contained in it (Rom. 4:20).
- To hear it and allow it to impart faith to us hearts (Rom. 10:17).
- To receive hope and comfort by it (Rom. 15:4).
- To not handle it deceitfully (2 Cor. 4:2).
- To be washed with the water of the Word (Eph. 5:26).
- To use it as a sword to battle against evil (Eph. 6:17).
- To allow it to dwell in us richly with all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 3:16).
- To speak it boldly even if men don’t like it (1 Th. 2:3).
- To receive it as having divine authority (1 Th. 2:13).
- To read it publicly and be taught by it (1 Tim. 4:13).
- To observe it without partiality (1 Tim. 5:21).
- To be diligent to understand it, interpret it and teach it correctly (2 Tim. 2:15).
- To know it and receive wisdom unto salvation by it (2 Tim. 3:15).
- To be taught, reproved, corrected, and trained by it (2 Tim. 3:16).
- To not give occasion for unbelievers to blaspheme it (Tit. 2:5).
- To believe it and receive its blessings by faith (Heb. 4:2).
- To grow up by it and develop discernment by it (Heb. 5:14).
- To highly esteem those who teach it to us (Heb. 13:7).
- To desperately crave it like a baby craves milk (1 Pet. 2:2).
- To not twist it to our own destruction (2 Pet. 3:16).
- To allow it to give us assurance of our salvation (1 John 5:13).
- To earnestly contend for the faith revealed in it (Jude 1:3).
- To be persecuted for our testimony to it and even die for it (Rev. 1:9, 6:9).
- To sing it in praise to God (Rev. 15:3).
- To not add to it or take away from it (Rev. 22:18-19).
How to kill a church plant
1. Establish a “Come To” environment, instead of a “Go To” environment.
Many church-starts begin by going to a new community, but then set up a building for people “come to” in order to find God or Community or … you fill in the blank. Going doesn’t stop until we are staying in homes, transforming individuals, families and communities. See Matthew 10, Luke 9, and Luke 10.
2. Make converts, instead of Disciples.
Most churches are concerned with convincing people to believe like they do and adopt the church’s peculiar doctrine – making converts. A disciple is one who believes like Jesus does and gives his or her life to be like Jesus and help others to find Jesus and become like Him. Converts are about a brand of church or denomination. Disciples are about obediently following the Master regardless of consequences. No one wants our religion, or our style of worship, or our doctrines. Almost everyone wants to be a follower of God, a disciple of Jesus without the crud we have added in the modern church. Yes, there are some who will come to our churches. What about the 80-90% who will never darken the door of a traditional church? They will refuse to become converts. They may respond to the becoming disciples of the Creator of the Universe.
3. Grow Churches, instead of establishing new churches.
I am frequently asked to consult with churches who are interested in starting new work. The first question I ask is, “Are you interested in growing your church, or in reaching your community for Christ?” Many people see these as the same. They are not. Growing a church is about getting more people to come to the church. The reality is that no single church appeals to even a miniscule part of society. Churches have personalities, and these personalities click with only a few. So, if you start out to simply grow a church, there is a limit to how many people can be reached, simply because most people will have zero interest in the church.
On the other hand, if you start out to reach a community, regardless of whether or not the new believers will come to any particular church, numerous churches with just the right personalities for new believers will be initiated. In the course of all these new groups being starting, the catalytic church or churches will grow.
One can’t reach a community by trying to grow a church. But, if one reaches the community by all means available, the church that does this will grow.
4. Teach stuff, instead of obedience to all the commands of Christ.
One of the most misquoted and misunderstood passages of the Bible is Matthew 28:18-20. Ask people, sometime, what this passage tells us to teach. I think you will be surprised by the number of people who will not say, “to obey.” Most of our churches, and most of our doctrines, are about teaching facts or knowledge about the Bible or theology or doctrine, or our own particular brand of church.
We will not see significant church planting until and unless we are willing to teach everyone to obey all the commands of Christ, our Creator and God. How does one teach obedience? By being consistently obedient in public and in private, in word and in thought. Obedience is taught by an obedient life that supports daily life decisions from the principles of God’s Word regardless of the consequences. A faithful life is an obedient life in all situations and circumstances regardless of the consequences of being obedient.
The Great Commission is one commission with four parts or commands. If any one of these commands is not obeyed, then the commission is broken and will not produced the fruit that God intended – obedient Disciples and Churches.
Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
By
David L. Watson
Many church-starts begin by going to a new community, but then set up a building for people “come to” in order to find God or Community or … you fill in the blank. Going doesn’t stop until we are staying in homes, transforming individuals, families and communities. See Matthew 10, Luke 9, and Luke 10.
2. Make converts, instead of Disciples.
Most churches are concerned with convincing people to believe like they do and adopt the church’s peculiar doctrine – making converts. A disciple is one who believes like Jesus does and gives his or her life to be like Jesus and help others to find Jesus and become like Him. Converts are about a brand of church or denomination. Disciples are about obediently following the Master regardless of consequences. No one wants our religion, or our style of worship, or our doctrines. Almost everyone wants to be a follower of God, a disciple of Jesus without the crud we have added in the modern church. Yes, there are some who will come to our churches. What about the 80-90% who will never darken the door of a traditional church? They will refuse to become converts. They may respond to the becoming disciples of the Creator of the Universe.
3. Grow Churches, instead of establishing new churches.
I am frequently asked to consult with churches who are interested in starting new work. The first question I ask is, “Are you interested in growing your church, or in reaching your community for Christ?” Many people see these as the same. They are not. Growing a church is about getting more people to come to the church. The reality is that no single church appeals to even a miniscule part of society. Churches have personalities, and these personalities click with only a few. So, if you start out to simply grow a church, there is a limit to how many people can be reached, simply because most people will have zero interest in the church.
On the other hand, if you start out to reach a community, regardless of whether or not the new believers will come to any particular church, numerous churches with just the right personalities for new believers will be initiated. In the course of all these new groups being starting, the catalytic church or churches will grow.
One can’t reach a community by trying to grow a church. But, if one reaches the community by all means available, the church that does this will grow.
4. Teach stuff, instead of obedience to all the commands of Christ.
One of the most misquoted and misunderstood passages of the Bible is Matthew 28:18-20. Ask people, sometime, what this passage tells us to teach. I think you will be surprised by the number of people who will not say, “to obey.” Most of our churches, and most of our doctrines, are about teaching facts or knowledge about the Bible or theology or doctrine, or our own particular brand of church.
We will not see significant church planting until and unless we are willing to teach everyone to obey all the commands of Christ, our Creator and God. How does one teach obedience? By being consistently obedient in public and in private, in word and in thought. Obedience is taught by an obedient life that supports daily life decisions from the principles of God’s Word regardless of the consequences. A faithful life is an obedient life in all situations and circumstances regardless of the consequences of being obedient.
The Great Commission is one commission with four parts or commands. If any one of these commands is not obeyed, then the commission is broken and will not produced the fruit that God intended – obedient Disciples and Churches.
Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
By
David L. Watson