Disciple Makers

This message is the final one in a series on 7 core values of our church. The audio can be heard on our rvwc.podbean.com website. 

Disciple Makers

Review of our Definitions

Disciple Makers reproduce in others everything they have learned as passionate and obedient followers of Jesus.

Big church is the gathering that helps to equip disciple makers through worship, teaching, and celebration, then sends them into the world.

Small churches are communities of people who provide support and training for ministry, then work together to change the world for Jesus.

Unity is members of God's family working together in a spirit of mutual respect and celebration of our differences.

Ministry is serving people and building relationships that help reconcile them to God and to one another

Witness is the work of Spirit empowered believers to boldly tell what Jesus has done and is doing in their lives and in the world.

Knowing Jesus is having a growing relationship where we hear his voice, understand his heart, experience his love, and do what he says.

Disciple Makers reproduce in others everything they have learned as passionate and obedient followers of Jesus.

Let's take a look at being disciplemakers from the Gospel of Matthew.

Note what we are called to be.  Jesus, the first DiscipleMaker, said this to the men he called....

 

Matthew 4:18-25 (NIV)

 [18] As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. [19] “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” [20] At once they left their nets and followed him.

 [21] Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, [22] and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

 

 [23] Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. [24] News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. [25] Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

We are called to follow Jesus first.

And He will make  us fishers of men.

Radical Nature of Following Jesus

Matthew 8:18-22 (NIV)

 [18] When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. [19] Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

 [20] Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

 [21] Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

 [22] But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

 

Here is another passage that sheds some light on the radical nature of our call to follow Jesus...

Matthew 10:32-42 (NIV)

[32] “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. [33] But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

 [34] “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to turn 

“‘a man against his father, 

a daughter against her mother, 

a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—

 [36] a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.’*

 [37] “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; [38] and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [39] Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

[40] “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. [41] Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. [42] And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

Here is some more from Jesus on the radical nature of being a follower of Jesus...

Matthew 16:21-28 (NIV)

 [21] From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

 [22] Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

 [23] Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

 [24] Note Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever wants to save his life* will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. [26] What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. [28] I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

And here is one last passage that highlights the serious nature of following Jesus.

Matthew 19:16-30 (NIV)

 [16] Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

 [17] “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”

 [18] “Which ones?” the man inquired. 

 Jesus replied, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, [19] honor your father and mother,’* and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.*’”

 [20] “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

 [21] Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

[22] When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

 [23] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

 [25] When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

 [26] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

 [27] Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

 [28] Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother* or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Now, let's establish something from this passage that we really need to understand. It is impossible to follow Jesus in our own strength. We need supernatural help in order to follow Jesus. He is the one who makes us disciples. Even though we have to choose to follow Him and choose to deny ourselves, it is still a work of God to make us disciples.  

Disciples are chosen but must choose to yield to the one who they are following.

So, our first concern when it comes to being disciplemakers is to follow Jesus passionately and obediently.

Ministry

Please click on rvwc.podbean.com to listen to the audio of this message or surf in to our Watch & Listen page on our Website - rvwc.ca to watch the audio titled "June 29, 2014."

Today we are dealing with one of the greatest opportunities for the building up of the church and the building of relationships to people who need to be reconciled to God and to each other. MINISTRY.

By way of introduction, let me give you a brief history of God's dealings with man and man's responses.

God created man and man sinned causing trouble in the world. To curb the sinfulness and wickedness of man God chose a people through whom He would reveal Himself to the world. To these people He gave a religion - rules and regulations, sacrifices and rituals for life and service to Him. To administer this religion He gave the priesthood to the tribe of Levi. Hence, there came to be an understanding that only certain ones were allowed to do spiritual works. Then came Jesus. He did it all. And He sent His Spirit to live in His people so that they could serve Him. And He made us all into priests.  Listen to Peter...

1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV)

 [4] As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— [5] you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

So, we are all ministers before God. We all pray directly to God and we all offer spiritual sacrifices. Not blood sacrifices, but spiritual sacrifices. To understand this, let's think about something Jesus said about sacrifice. Now, first let's talk about Jesus sacrifice.  He died on a cross to pay for our sins. That was His sacrifice. This cannot be repeated by anyone else. Read Romans on this. One sacrifice by Jesus was good for all time for all people. No one can pay for their own or anyone else's sins. Now let's look at that passage where Jesus calls us to live a sacrificial life.

Luke 9:22-24 (NIV)

[22] And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

[23] Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 

What this passage says to me is that I must choose to lay down my life daily in service to others if I am to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I must choose daily to be a priest who offers spiritual sacrifices - ministry - so that I fulfill the challenge of Jesus for my life.

There is no clergy \ laity distinction in the Scriptures. 

Our understanding of ministry is found in Ephesians and in the teaching of Jesus, as well as throughout the Scriptures. For today, we will primarily look at Mark's Gospel and Paul's letter to the Ephesians.

First Ephesians...

Ephesians 4:7-16 (NIV)

[7] But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (a reference to all the gifts for all the people) [8] This is why it* says: 

“When he ascended on high, 

he led captives in his train 

and gave gifts to men.”*

 [9]  (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions*? [10] He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) [11] It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 [14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

The five-fold ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers have one purpose - preparing God's people for works of service. The Greek word is diakonia and Vine's Expository Dictionary defines it as ...

service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others

So, here is the definition for ministry that we have come up with to help us flesh it out...

Ministry is serving people and building relationships that help reconcile them to God and one another.

And now Mark...

Mark 10:32-45 (NIV)

 [32] They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. [33] “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, [34] who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

 [35] Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

 [36] “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

 [37] They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

 [38] “You don't know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

 [39] “We can,” they answered. 

 Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, [40] but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

 [41] When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. [42] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [43] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (diakonos) [44] and whoever wants to be first must be slave (doulos - bondservant) of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, (diakonos) but to serve, (diakonos) and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

We serve in the church by using our spiritual gifts. Training in these gifts is primarily accomplished in Small Churches.  In SC people get an opportunity to observe others using their spiritual gifts and then practice doing the same. 

Example:  you see somebody speaking a word to someone that impacts that person in a profound way. 

Let's think about the various ways we can serve others in the church and in the world today. 

INPUT FROM EVERYONE HERE...

You serve someone at work by praying for them or speaking a word of encouragement to them.

You serve in your neighborhood by befriending your neighbors.

You serve in your community by getting involved with the fire department or coaching kids teams.

We serve as ambassadors by conducting ourselves like kings kids.

ALL for the purpose of building relationships  with people so that you can witness to them.

Works of service - Jesus came not to be served but to serve and give his life... Can we do any less? We must take up the cross and lay down our lives for others. Picture a world like this.

Now, let's send some of our ministers out today. Katie and Taylor are going to camp... 

PRAY

Spiritual Parenting

The Lord led me to bring this message on Father's Day so I left our series on church life for this week. We'll get back to it soon. For the audio of this message you will need to go to rvwc.podbean.com and listen. Again, these notes are not a manuscript and are only meant for an aid to the message preached.

A fatherless generation needs parenting, spiritually.

Kids in schools - as young as age 8 are cutting, suicidal, and depressed. Their parents are willing to give them away. 

Deuteronomy 10:11-22 (NIV)

[11] “Go,” the LORD said to me, “and lead the people on their way, so that they may enter and possess the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”

 Fear the LORD

[12] And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, [13] and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

 [14] To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. [15] Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. [16] Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. [17] For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. [18] He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. [19] And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. [20] Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. [21] He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. [22] Your forefathers who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Psalms 68:4-5 (NIV)

[4] Sing to God, sing praise to his name, 

extol him who rides on the clouds*— 

his name is the LORD— 

and rejoice before him.

[5] A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, 

is God in his holy dwelling.

Paul gives an exhortation concerning fathering people. 

1 Corinthians 4:15-16 (NIV)

[15] Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. [16] Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

Paul claims to be a father to them in Christ through the gospel. We may not be fathers in Christ through the gospel but we may be through the church. We are in the same church and belong to one another. Are we being spiritual parents to those who are younger. 

In John's first letter he addresses three groupings of people in the church...

1 John 2:10-17 (NIV)

[10] Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him* to make him stumble. [11] But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

[12] I write to you, dear children,

because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

[13] I write to you, fathers, 

because you have known him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men, 

because you have overcome the evil one.

I write to you, dear children,

because you have known the Father.

[14] I write to you, fathers, 

because you have known him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men, 

because you are strong,

and the word of God lives in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

 [15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Children, Fathers, Young Men

Now, in that day and culture, women did not figure as prominently in the church as they do today so the language would seem to exclude mothers and young women. But I believe that God includes mothers and young women today. The early church had not yet come into the full realization of the promise that was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost where it was proclaimed that men and women would prophesy.  Listen to this....

Acts 2:14-18 (NIV)

 [14] Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. [15] These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! [16] No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

[17] “‘In the last days, God says, 

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions, 

your old men will dream dreams.

[18] Even on my servants, both men and women, 

I will pour out my Spirit in those days, 

and they will prophesy.

When God made man and placed him in the garden, He said that it was not good for the man to be alone so he took something out of man and using man material made a woman. Only after the fall into sin was it said that the man would rule over the woman. Genesis 3:16  Since the curse of sin has been lifted by Jesus on the cross there is no need for man to rule over woman. Man should rule with woman in partnership as equals because woman is a part of man, not separate from him. This is so real that God says that those who are united in marriage are one flesh. There is no inferior place for women in the kingdom of God.

So, today, I am calling mothers and fathers to rise up and take your place in the life of this church.  The first thing we all need to do is adopt some kids and take some young men and women into our circle of care. 

1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

[22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.* 

10 times the phrase "love one another" occurs in the NT, 5 of them in 1 John alone.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (NIV)

 [14:1] Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. [2] For anyone who speaks in a tongue* does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.* [3] But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. [4] He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. [5] I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,* but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues,* unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

There are three things I would like to challenge those of us who are spiritual parents to do today. 

Prayerfully pick someone to pray for

Prayerfully plan to prophesy over them - speaking words that encourage, comfort, and strengthen

Prayerfully plan to engage them in conversation, in cards, or electronically (fb, txt, email, twitter)

Unity

Here are the notes from Sunday's message. (June 8, 2014) please remember this is not a manuscript and you will need to go to rvwc.podbean.com to hear the audio.

Unity is members of God's family working together in a spirit of mutual respect and celebration of our differences

Jesus spoke of the importance of unity and made it His plea to the Father on our behalf and on behalf of the world. Listen to part of His prayer in John 17...

John 17:20-23 (NIV)

 [20] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: [23] I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Read  1 Corinthians 12:12-21  ...many members, one body... can't say, I have no need of you...

1 Corinthians 12:12-21 (NIV)

 [12] The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by* one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

 [14] Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. [15] If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

 [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don't need you!” 

Philippians 2:1-16

One in spirit and purpose

Philippians 2:1-16 (NIV)

 [2:1] If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. [4] Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

 [5] Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

 [6] Who, being in very nature* God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

 [7] but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature* of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

 [8] And being found in appearance as a man, 

he humbled himself 

and became obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

 [9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place 

and gave him the name that is above every name,

 [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

 [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

 Shining as Stars

 [12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

[14] Do everything without complaining or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe [16] as you hold out* the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 

Colossians 2: 1-3 united in love

Colossians 2:1-3 (NIV)

 [2:1] I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. [2] My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

Colossians 3: 11-17

Colossians 3:11-17 (NIV)

[11] Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

[12] Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

 [15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Titus 3:9-11 Divisiveness condemned...

Titus 3:9-11 (NIV)

[9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. [11] You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

One of the most notable stories of love and unity in all of the Scriptures is the story of David and Jonathan.  David has just slain Goliath and has come before Saul to tell him who his  father is.  Then we have this record of the interaction of David and Jonathan....

1 Samuel 18:1-4 (NIV)

 [18:1] After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. [2] From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. [3] And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. [4] Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

The following lament was written by David when he learned of Saul and Jonathan's death....

2 Samuel 1:17-27 (NIV)

David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan

 [17] David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, [18] and ordered that the men of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar):

 [19] “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. 

How the mighty have fallen!

[20] “Tell it not in Gath, 

proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, 

lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, 

lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice.

[21] “O mountains of Gilboa, 

may you have neither dew nor rain, 

nor fields that yield offerings [of grain]. 

For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, 

the shield of Saul—no longer rubbed with oil.

[22] From the blood of the slain, 

from the flesh of the mighty, 

the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, 

the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied.

[23] “Saul and Jonathan— 

in life they were loved and gracious, 

and in death they were not parted. 

They were swifter than eagles, 

they were stronger than lions.

[24] “O daughters of Israel, 

weep for Saul, 

who clothed you in scarlet and finery, 

who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.

[25] “How the mighty have fallen in battle! 

Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

[26] I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; 

you were very dear to me. 

Your love for me was wonderful, 

more wonderful than that of women.

[27] “How the mighty have fallen! 

The weapons of war have perished!”

We are being brought to unity so that we can grow up and change the world....

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)

[11] It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 [14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Growing up in love means that we can celebrate our differences rather than chafe about them...

Romans 14:1-23 (NIV)

 [14:1] Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. [2] One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. [3] The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. [4] Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

 [5] One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. [6] He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. [7] For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. [8] If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

 [9] For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. [10] You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. [11] It is written: 

 “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, 

‘every knee will bow before me; 

every tongue will confess to God.’”*

 [12] So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

 [13] Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. [14] As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food* is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. [15] If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. [16] Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. [17] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, [18] because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

 [19] Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. [20] Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. [21] It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

 [22] So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. [23] But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Paul ministered to the Gentiles and was himself a Jew. He knew about walls that divide. 

Ephesians 2:11-22 (NIV)

 [11] Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)— [12] remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

 [14] For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, [15] by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, [16] and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. [17] He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. [18] For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

 [19] Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Small Church - Practical

Sunday's interviews were not scripted so there are no notes for this weeks message. However you can listen to it at www.rvwc.podbean.com by clicking on the url.

Small Church

Here are Dave's notes on Small Church and the audio can be heard by clicking here or going to rvwc.podbean.com and listening to the message by the same title. Check it out.

Small Church

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

 [42] They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Small Church defined...                  

Small churches are communities of people who have been sent out to work together to change the world for Jesus.

Small churches provide support and training for ministry.

Our ministry is reconciling people to God by listening to Him (prayer and the Word) and doing what He says by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. (fullness & spiritual gifts)

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NIV)

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 

Support - comforting, encouraging, strengthening, and praying for one another's personal growth and ministry involvement

1 Corinthians 14:1-12 (NIV)

 [14:1] Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. [2] For anyone who speaks in a tongue* does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.* [3] But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. [4] He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. [5] I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,* but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues,* unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

 [6] Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? [7] Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? [8] Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? [9] So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. [10] Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. [11] If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. [12] So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Training - learning what a follower of Jesus does and doing it until it becomes a natural part of our lifestyle

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

[7] Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. [8] For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

- training yourself to be godly involves learning what godliness is and learning to live it.

Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV)

 [11] We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. [12] In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! [13] Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. [14] But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

- training to discern good and evil

Hebrews 12:7-14 (NIV)

[7] Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? [8] If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. [9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! [10] Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. [11] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

 [12] Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. [13] “Make level paths for your feet,”* so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

 Warning Against Refusing God

 [14] Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 

- trained by painful discipline from God.  The painful stuff in our lives is God's way of disciplining us as children He loves

2 Peter 2:14 (ESV)  They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!

  - hearts trained in greed. Even evil is something we get trained in if we are working at it hard and long enough.

2 Peter 1:3-11 (NIV)

 [3] His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

 [5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

[10] Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, [11] and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Training Defined...           

γυμνάζω

Transliteration

gymnazō

Outline of Biblical Usage

to exercise naked (in a palaestra or school of athletics)

to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind

KJV Translation Count — Total: 4x

Big Church - Practical

Shawna's notes on the practical side of Big Church opportunities and needs.  For the audio of her message click here or go to rvwc.podbean.com and listen there.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers with boldness for witness and with abilities to strengthen the church. These abilities are called spiritual gifts because they are given by the Spirit of God.
Today I want to talk about these abilities in the context of big church.  

The primary purposes of our big church gatherings are worship, teaching and celebration.  Dave covered this on the last two Sundays.  In order to help us to focus on these things on Sunday, there are a bunch of other things that take place behind the scenes in preparation for this gathering. Much like how you would prepare if you were having people over.  You would get things ready for when they arrive. Today we’re going to look at some of the behind the scenes work and spiritual gifts.

Ephesians 4:11-16 says that God gave apostle, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for acts of ministry (service).  These people are often visible when we gather, and because of that, we often see them as doing front line ministry or ministry that is more important than others. But they are not the only people with things to do in the context of big church. There is a place for many.

This verse clearly says that these people are to prepare God’s people for works of service.  It is all of God’s people who are front line ministers.  If anything these guys are at the back of the line, preparing people and sending them out. They are not superstars, they are servants.

This is shown in Romans 12.  The Bible uses many different metaphors for our relationship with each other and our role in family of God.  In this context he uses body parts, in another he uses family and so on...but they all show our connectedness and our interdependence.

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

This is why we must use our gifts and abilities-because we belong to each other.  Just sitting in the gathering week after week is not an option - we each have a function. God has something for us to do.  If we are not using our abilities to strengthen the body, then what is stopping us?  If we feel stopped by fear, hangups from your past church backgrounds, apathy, or anything else, we need to realize that is not of God. Fear is from the devil. The opposite of fear is joy and love. Sometimes we have to step out in order to overcome fear and apathy.  If God is telling us it is time to do something, we need to listen and obey and trust that he will take care of that. Quit making excuses because when we join the family, we belong to others.  We no longer belong to ourself. 

Paul goes on to look at how we serve.  Have you ever seen people serving and they act as though they are having a root canal or something?  Will serving always be easy, nope. But when God is involved, there should be joy, peace and love in it. 

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Paul says that ministering is really about our heart and we need to do it with all we have and not be lazy.  He says take responsibility for what you have been given.

There are ways in this body that are behind the scenes.  No one  usually sees those who clean the building, but the Big Church has been served by having a clean place to gather. No one sees you but your heavenly Father does. And he sees your heart as your doing this act.  

This year our driveway has taken a beating.  On May 24th @ we will be meeting to do some outdoor maintenance. Please see Dave Clark if you are going to help with this.  There are so many ways you can serve and use your gifts in Big Church

Media - At the back you can help with sound/media shout.  You can also work on the website and other methods of communication. If you have technical abilities and would like to develop new things please see me or Mike.

Kids - You can teach and work with the kids downstairs. This is less behind the scenes because teaching is a focus with Big Church.  If your would like to help see Katrina

Cleaning - as already mentioned.  Join a cleaning team or even organize the teams. There will be an inside spring cleaning day too in June TBD. Please see me.

Counting the money and working in the office. See CANDACE or MICHELE

Coffee Time - Creating an environment for celebration.  Relaxing, inviting, hospitable. See RACHEL

Please do not think that just because someone is already doing something that there is no room for you.  There is room. we belong to one another and we need to take the abilities that God has given us, and be serious about putting it to use.

And why do we need to be serious about it?

Let’s go back to the top Romans 12:1-2: Romans says  In view of God’s mercy, present your bodies as living sacrifices.  Holy and pleasing to God because this is your reasonable act of worship. Present all that you have to God. The Father gave us everything.  He sent his son to die for us.  And then the Son Jesus gave his life for us.  Submitting our bodies to God is our reasonable act of worship because of all he has done for us.  

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to talk about small church which is going to be exciting, but this week pray.

The assignment for this week is to meditate on is Romans 12 and ask, what does this mean for me?

Big Church - Part Two

The notes from today's message are below but there is no audio or video for today. My apologies.  But here are the scriptures and a few notes for you to read and meditate on.

Big Church Part Two - Sending

Big church is the corporate gathering which helps to equip disciple makers and sends them into the world. We do this by fostering unity and maintaining focus through worship, teaching and celebration.  This is what happened in the early church.

Something I forgot to mention last week as a foundation for Big Church and also for Small Church...

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)

[11] It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 [14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

 

First thing we do in Big Church Gathering

Worship - communion with God, generous giving, and ministry.

Second thing we do in Big Church Gathering

Teaching - communicating truth upstairs and down.  Listen and apply what is taught.  Also help with Kids Time

2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NIV)

[23] Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. [24] And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. [25] Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

It is extremely important to listen to what is taught. Jesus spoke of the stubbornness of the Pharisees and teachers of his day when he said this to them...

Matthew 23:33-39 (NIV)

[33] “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? [34] Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. [35] And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. [36] I tell you the truth, all this will come upon this generation.

 [37] “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. [38] Look, your house is left to you desolate. [39] For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.*’”

Third thing we do in Big Church Gathering

Celebration - sharing the stories of what God has done  

There is nothing more encouraging than a story of what God has done...

Acts 15:1-4 (NIV)

 [15:1] Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” [2] This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. [3] The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. [4] When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

They reported what God was doing through them. They told about people being saved and this made the brothers glad.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

[11] Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Why we do what we do in Big Church Gathering. It's all about...

Sending - from our Big Church Gathering we send you out locally and globally. 

Jesus told a story about sending people out....

Matthew 22:1-14 (NIV)

 [22:1] Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: [2] “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. [3] He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.

 [4] “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

 [5] “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. [6] The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. [7] The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

 [8] “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. [9] Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ [10] So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

 [11] “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. [12] ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.

 [13] “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

 [14] “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Those who were chosen were those who responded to the invite and had proper wedding garments.

Workers for the Harvest - we are sent into the world.

Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV)

 [35] Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

There are people who need the Lord. They need to see Him and know Him. And we are the very reflection of God to this world.  Remember how Paul said it....

Ephesians 3:7-11 (NIV)

[7] I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. [8] Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. [10] His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, [11] according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

We are a reflection of God for this world.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

[18] And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect* the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

REVIEW

Worship is communion with God, generous giving, and ministry

Teaching is communicating truth - upstairs and downstairs

Celebration is sharing what God has done

Big Church - Part One

Big Church - Sending
Click here for the audio messages on PodBean.  Scroll down to the previous post for the notes from the introductory message of this series.

Big church is the corporate gathering which helps to equip disciple makers and sends them into the world. We do this by fostering unity and maintaining focus through worship, teaching and celebration.  This is what happened in the early church. 

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

 [42] They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. (Big Church) They broke bread in their homes (Small Church) and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

We need to gather corporately.  Here is why...

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)

[23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

First thing we do in Big Church Gathering

Worship - communion with God, generous giving, and ministry. This includes such things as pre-service prayer, singing to the Lord, listening to teaching, teaching (Kids Time), generous giving, and sharing testimonies of what God has done in our lives.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

 [12:1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual* act of worship. [2] Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

This means we give our whole selves to God in worship. Nothing is held back. God is not an option in life. He is Life.

Hebrews 12:18-29 (NIV)

[18] You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; [19] to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, [20] because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”* [21] The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”*

 [22] But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, [23] to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, [24] to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 [25] See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? [26] At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”* [27] The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

 [28] Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, [29] for our “God is a consuming fire.”*

Worship is giving God first place in all of my life and expressing to Him my love, joy, thanksgiving, and awe.  Worship is both personal and corporate.

Listen to David's instruction about worship given to the people of Israel when the ark of the covenant had been brought back into Jerusalem....

1 Chronicles 16:7-12; 23-36 (NIV)

 [7] That day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this psalm of thanks to the LORD:

 [8] Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; 

make known among the nations what he has done.

 [9] Sing to him, sing praise to him; 

tell of all his wonderful acts.

 [10] Glory in his holy name; 

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

 [11] Look to the LORD and his strength; 

seek his face always.

 [12] Remember the wonders he has done, 

his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced...

[23] Sing to the LORD, all the earth; 

proclaim his salvation day after day.

[24] Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

[25] For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; 

he is to be feared above all gods.

[26] For all the gods of the nations are idols, 

but the LORD made the heavens.

[27] Splendor and majesty are before him; 

strength and joy in his dwelling place.

[28] Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, 

ascribe to the LORD glory and strength,

[29] ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. 

Bring an offering and come before him; 

worship the LORD in the splendor of his* holiness.

[30] Tremble before him, all the earth! 

The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.

[31] Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; 

let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”

[32] Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 

let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!

[33] Then the trees of the forest will sing, 

they will sing for joy before the LORD, 

for he comes to judge the earth.

[34] Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 

his love endures forever.

[35] Cry out, “Save us, O God our Savior; 

gather us and deliver us from the nations, 

that we may give thanks to your holy name, 

that we may glory in your praise.”

[36] Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, 

from everlasting to everlasting.

 Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the LORD.”

Worship God with praise and thanksgiving - OT story of war 2 Chron 20

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 (NIV)

 [20:1] After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites* came to make war on Jehoshaphat.

 [2] Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom,* from the other side of the Sea.* It is already in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). [3] Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. [4] The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

 [5] Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard [6] and said:

 “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. [7] O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? [8] They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, [9] ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’

 [10] “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. [11] See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. [12] O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

 [13] All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.

 [14] Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.

 [15] He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. [16] Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. [17] You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”

 [18] Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. [19] Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice.

 [20] Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” [21] After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his* holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: 

“Give thanks to the LORD, 

for his love endures forever.”

 [22] As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. [23] The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

 [24] When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. [25] So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing* and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. [26] On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Beracah* to this day.

 [27] Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. [28] They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lutes and trumpets.

 [29] The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. [30] And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

Church Life Overview

Our fiscal year ends on April 30th. Today is our last Sunday of this past year and this message is an overview of the things we will focus on at the beginning of our 2014/2015 Fiscal Year. There will probably be 8-10 messages in this series.

Click here for the audio of this message on PodBean. It will be titled "Church Life Overview."

Reflections on the past year....

- Challenging winter

- Painful losses of people

- Continuing transition from what was to what we believe should be (Men of Issachar)

Celebrations of this past year...

- Greater levels of involvement and commitment from individuals

- More people involved in ministry

- new people choosing to follow Jesus HALLELUJAH

- two trips to Guatemala with great teams

- paying off all indebtedness

2014-2015 Our Next Twelve Months

- Small Churches launched and existing ones flourishing

- Disciple Makers bearing fruit - GROWTH spiritually and relationally

- Love abounding

- Joy expressed

- Holy Spirit working

- Financial commitment to this local expression of the church

- Fresh resolve and commitment to UNITY

- Increased desire and boldness for WITNESSING

- Greater involvement in MINISTRY

- KNOWING JESUS as a church and as individuals  CHRISTLIKENESS

DISCIPLE MAKERS reproduce in others everything they have learned as passionate and obedient followers of Jesus.

1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV) men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;

SUMMARY....

The eight ideas below represent the focus for our church. 

Disciple Makers - reproducing in others everything they have learned as passionate and obedient followers of Jesus.

Bearing fruit

Growing spiritually and relationally

Big Church - Sending

Commitment to regular attendance

Commitment to financial support

No Indebtedness

Small Church - Sent

Existing small churches flourishing

New small churches being planted

Unity

Fresh resolve to be one in the Lord

Love abounding in diversity

Joy expressed

Holy Spirit working

Witness

Testifying to what Jesus has done

Praying for great boldness

Ministry

Everyone involved in ministry

Ministering with spiritual gifts

Knowing Jesus

Commitment to prayer

Engagement in learning

Sharing the Journey with one another

The Invitation

Wholehearted participation with us in this journey

GOOD FRIDAY - April 18th of Holy Week

Matthew 27:11-55 (NIV)

 [11] Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.
 [12] When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. [13] Then Pilate asked him, “Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” [14] But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
 [15] Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. [16] At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. [17] So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” [18] For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
 [19] While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
 [20] But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
 [21] “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
 “Barabbas,” they answered.
 [22] “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked.
 They all answered, “Crucify him!”
 [23] “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
 But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
 [24] When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man's blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
 [25] All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”
 [26] Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

 [27] Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. [28] They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, [29] and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. [30] They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. [31] After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

 [32] As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. [33] They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). [34] There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. [35] When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.* [36] And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. [37] Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. [38] Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. [39] Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads [40] and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
 [41] In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. [42] “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. [43] He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” [44] In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

 [45] From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. [46] About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi,* lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”*
 [47] When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He's calling Elijah.”
 [48] Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. [49] The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him.”
 [50] And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
 [51] At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. [52] The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. [53] They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
 [54] When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son* of God!”
 [55] Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.

THURSDAY, April 17th of Holy Week

Matthew 26:47-75 (NIV)

 [47] While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. [48] Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” [49] Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

 [50] Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.”* 

 Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. [51] With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

 [52] “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. [53] Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? [54] But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

 [55] At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. [56] But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

 [57] Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. [58] But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

 [59] The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. [60] But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. 

 Finally two came forward [61] and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

 [62] Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” [63] But Jesus remained silent. 

 The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ,* the Son of God.”

 [64] “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

 [65] Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. [66] What do you think?” 

 “He is worthy of death,” they answered.

 [67] Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him [68] and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?”

 Peter Disowns Jesus

 26:69-75pp—Mk 14:66-72; Lk 22:55-62; Jn 18:16-18, 25-27

 [69] Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.

 [70] But he denied it before them all. “I don't know what you're talking about,” he said.

 [71] Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

 [72] He denied it again, with an oath: “I don't know the man!”

 [73] After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.”

 [74] Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don't know the man!” 

 Immediately a rooster crowed. [75] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.