Chapter 6
A Call to Discipleship
As a former Football player and Coach I know a little about what makes a good team. It may seem obvious that a good team needs good athletes, but that is not always the case. Those born with natural talent can easily become prideful and therefore not teachable. We all know the famous slogan there is no "i" in team, one of my sayings is I am only as strong as my team. You can only have a good team if the players are willing to be taught how to work together.
We see in the NBA finals the Dallas Mavericks were not as strong as the Miami Heat athletically but they worked together better as a team, so when the Miami Heat stars were held in check, the team crumbled, while the Mavericks excelled under pressure.
When Jesus was forming His team He did not choose His Disciples as the world would. His chose a tax collector, the lowest of the lows in society. It is like choosing the person who would be chosen last for a team, first. You see those who are looked down upon, treated poorly, ridiculed, are those who when shown worth, when given value, respond with total devotion. For they are ones looking for change, longing to feel important.
When Jesus chose Matthew he left everything and followed Him. Totally dedicated. That is why Islam is so strong. They focus on reaching the down cast, the poor, the needy. For they easily become extremist.
When the Pharisees who were wealthy and powerful witnessed Jesus at a banquet with Levi (Matthew) and his fellow tax collectors they were like how can you eat with such scum. Jesus responded I did not come to call on those who think they are righteous, but to those who know they are sinners and need to repent.
My High School football coach told me if there were twelve of me on the team we would have won the championship. I was known as a dedicated player, not the most talented, but one who gave it my all. As a coach I would rather have no naturally athletic players who were teachable than a team of great athletes who thought they knew it all and didn't need my assistance.
Islam is our major opponent, understand now we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age. Islam is the spirit of the anti-Christ. If this nation is going to continue to be the land of the free, we are going to have to match our opponent in the degree of devotion. If we are devoted to the one and only God as much as Muslims are devoted to a false God, then we will win, "For greater is He that is within us than He that is in the world." Our battle is fought differently, while they hate, we love, while they bring war, we bring peace, while they kill, we give life. Our battle is won in prayer and by acts of Faith.
So we cannot be like the many who followed Jesus in the crowd and just got their needs met. We must willing to be the few who give up everything and follow Him. True disciples who are devoted, disciplined, dedicated, who like Matthew and the other disciples leave everything and follow Him.
Practically this means we cannot just come to church, and go home, living predominantly for ourselves. We need to be following the Great Commission, discipling the nations, by joining a discipleship group first then taking what we are being taught and teaching someone else, multiplying ourselves. Most importantly we must be fully submitted to Christ.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Authorized Authority
Have you ever been around someone who takes their position of responsibility too far? Who goes beyond the authority designated? They act as if they are the owner of an establishment but they are really not. They are the ones that talk bad about those whom have higher authority parading around showing off how important they think they are when in fact they are just jealous.
The Pharisees were just like that, they tried to walk in authority that God never gave. They followed Jesus looking for opportunities to criticize Him, to discredit Him, to get others to turn against Him.
People want to have authority but they want it there own way. To rise in authority it takes hard work, discipline, proper training, gifting, but bottom line it is who you know. God only gives authority to those who truly know Him. Nobody gives important responsibilities to someone they don't know. The more we know God the great authority we will walk in.
People can see through us, they can tell if we are who we say we are. For we are judged by what our life produces, if we are fruitful. If we have what people want they will seek our services, we don't have to try to convince them of anything.
We see how much people believed in Jesus by the story of the paralyzed man on a sleeping mat, who when they couldn't get to Jesus because of the crowd, went up to the roof, took off the tiles, and lowered him down by rope. We see then Jesus did not just heal him he dealt with his greater need He said his sins were forgiven. Those in authority can speak things to others that others cannot say or if they do it will not be received.
There are plenty of pretenders out there like the Pharisees who create their own authority but true authority is delegated by God. Our authority may be questioned but when God's hand print is on our work, enough said. When our life declares what only God can do then those who question us will be unheard.
The Pharisees were just like that, they tried to walk in authority that God never gave. They followed Jesus looking for opportunities to criticize Him, to discredit Him, to get others to turn against Him.
People want to have authority but they want it there own way. To rise in authority it takes hard work, discipline, proper training, gifting, but bottom line it is who you know. God only gives authority to those who truly know Him. Nobody gives important responsibilities to someone they don't know. The more we know God the great authority we will walk in.
People can see through us, they can tell if we are who we say we are. For we are judged by what our life produces, if we are fruitful. If we have what people want they will seek our services, we don't have to try to convince them of anything.
We see how much people believed in Jesus by the story of the paralyzed man on a sleeping mat, who when they couldn't get to Jesus because of the crowd, went up to the roof, took off the tiles, and lowered him down by rope. We see then Jesus did not just heal him he dealt with his greater need He said his sins were forgiven. Those in authority can speak things to others that others cannot say or if they do it will not be received.
There are plenty of pretenders out there like the Pharisees who create their own authority but true authority is delegated by God. Our authority may be questioned but when God's hand print is on our work, enough said. When our life declares what only God can do then those who question us will be unheard.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Caught Not Just Taught
Chapter 4
Caught Not Just Taught
We get bombarded with all types of information daily. Not everything we hear are we able to respond to, know matter if we agree with it or not. With all the knowledge we are receiving it is easy to have information overload. Where we have just heard too much and don't even know where to start so we do nothing. How many of us have heard a sermon that was so inspiring yet did not know where to even begin in regards to putting it to practice? So our dilemma as ministers is how do we get our people to go beyond being hearers of the word to being doers also as it says in the book of James?
We see here in Luke 5:1-3 that the crowd were pressing in to hear the word of God and Jesus taught them standing on Simon's boat. In verse 4 Jesus now tests Simon to see if he really got it. Simon's response like many of us is he separated the natural from the spiritual. The bible is the manual for life. The purpose for spiritual revelation is to learn how to live supernaturally here on earth.
It is so easy to get people excited with our teaching, but I have found that very few do anything with it. God has given us His Word to increase our faith. Faith is a verb meaning action. So if we are not applying what we are hearing with faith we will use our human reasoning to justify our inaction and God's ways will not be established in our lives.
Jesus tells Peter in verse 4 to let down his net to catch some fish, Peter says in verse 5 but I have worked hard all night and haven't caught anything, but against his reasoning, by faith he let's down his net in verse 6 and immediately he has more fish than he knows what to do with.When we obey God's word, His Spirit moves, and supernatural results follow. We will always have limitations separate from God, but when we follow His lead there are no limitations.
If we as leaders want to make disciples we need to test people on His word so that they can see how great God can move, and break free from the limitations they have put on themselves. People must see faith at work if they are going to be willing to follow. Preaching alone may draw a crowd, but to me it don't matter the amount of hearers one has it matters the amount of doers. This can only come if we give opportunity for the Word to come alive by providing illustrations that display God's power at work allowing others to step out in faith so what was taught can now be caught. For we see in verse 11, that these ones who witnessed this left everything and followed Jesus.
Caught Not Just Taught
We get bombarded with all types of information daily. Not everything we hear are we able to respond to, know matter if we agree with it or not. With all the knowledge we are receiving it is easy to have information overload. Where we have just heard too much and don't even know where to start so we do nothing. How many of us have heard a sermon that was so inspiring yet did not know where to even begin in regards to putting it to practice? So our dilemma as ministers is how do we get our people to go beyond being hearers of the word to being doers also as it says in the book of James?
We see here in Luke 5:1-3 that the crowd were pressing in to hear the word of God and Jesus taught them standing on Simon's boat. In verse 4 Jesus now tests Simon to see if he really got it. Simon's response like many of us is he separated the natural from the spiritual. The bible is the manual for life. The purpose for spiritual revelation is to learn how to live supernaturally here on earth.
It is so easy to get people excited with our teaching, but I have found that very few do anything with it. God has given us His Word to increase our faith. Faith is a verb meaning action. So if we are not applying what we are hearing with faith we will use our human reasoning to justify our inaction and God's ways will not be established in our lives.
Jesus tells Peter in verse 4 to let down his net to catch some fish, Peter says in verse 5 but I have worked hard all night and haven't caught anything, but against his reasoning, by faith he let's down his net in verse 6 and immediately he has more fish than he knows what to do with.When we obey God's word, His Spirit moves, and supernatural results follow. We will always have limitations separate from God, but when we follow His lead there are no limitations.
If we as leaders want to make disciples we need to test people on His word so that they can see how great God can move, and break free from the limitations they have put on themselves. People must see faith at work if they are going to be willing to follow. Preaching alone may draw a crowd, but to me it don't matter the amount of hearers one has it matters the amount of doers. This can only come if we give opportunity for the Word to come alive by providing illustrations that display God's power at work allowing others to step out in faith so what was taught can now be caught. For we see in verse 11, that these ones who witnessed this left everything and followed Jesus.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Chapter 3
Under the Anointing!
One of the toughest things in regards to school is trying to stay awake when you have a boring teacher. My favorite teachers are those that speak with passion. They make you believe in what they are saying and inspire you to put to practice what you learn. We see in Luke 4:31-32 Jesus taught in Capernaum and His teaching impressed the listeners, for He taught with boldness, confidence and authority, not just quoting what another believed but speaking in away that made the listeners believe.
When I teach without the anointing, there is a timidness, an uncertainty, I have to try to convince others through many words. When I teach under the anointing just like Jesus the boldness, confidence and authority cause what I am saying to be believable. It is usually straight to the point where you feel every word that is spoken.
When the Word is preached under the anointing signs and wonders follow. The kingdom of Heaven advances as God's presence exposes darkness and His light manifest Salvation, Deliverance, and Healing.
We see this in verse 33 and 34, a man demonically disturbed screamed out in the midst of Jesus teaching. Demons cannot stay quiet, we don't have to search them out, they will make themselves known if God's anointing is on us. We have all been around people who can't keep their mouth shut, that speak their mind, no matter how obnoxious they may sound. That is how the demons act around light. When they are exposed they act a fool. Jesus in verse 35 quickly puts the demonic spirit in it's place. When we walk in our authority darkness must flee.
In verse 36 and 37 we see Jesus is now recognized not just for His great wisdom but His amazing power. When we walk in both wisdom and power we become God's force that all of Hell is afraid of. Power gives influence as more and more people are drawn to God through us. For we see in verse 40-41 many sick and oppressed came to Him and He healed and delivered them all.
In verse 42-44 Jesus tried to leave but the crowds clung to Him so he couldn't go on. This is another test that many seem to fail. Can we handle the fame? When we seem to be so wanted by man do we give ourselves to their needs or do we walk in obedience to God? The purpose of the anointing is not to show off God's power but to draw others into relationship with Him. Not to get other's to rely on us but to get other's to rely on God for themselves.
The bible says God prefers obedience over sacrifice. We think we are so special because of the sacrifices we make for others, but God will only reward us for our obedience to Him. People's faith may draw an anointing forth from us but does it does not mean we are being obedient to God. For many leaders have done much good even while walking in darkness. The bible says that many will come to Him with all their good deeds and He will say depart from me you worker of iniquity, for I don'e even know you. So if people begin leading us rather than Him, burn-out will follow, for only God can sustain meeting people's needs. The anointing quickens our flesh we walk in supernatural power, when we are in the natural we easily become overwhelmed. Any leader that burns out is in disobedience to God.
Under the Anointing!
One of the toughest things in regards to school is trying to stay awake when you have a boring teacher. My favorite teachers are those that speak with passion. They make you believe in what they are saying and inspire you to put to practice what you learn. We see in Luke 4:31-32 Jesus taught in Capernaum and His teaching impressed the listeners, for He taught with boldness, confidence and authority, not just quoting what another believed but speaking in away that made the listeners believe.
When I teach without the anointing, there is a timidness, an uncertainty, I have to try to convince others through many words. When I teach under the anointing just like Jesus the boldness, confidence and authority cause what I am saying to be believable. It is usually straight to the point where you feel every word that is spoken.
When the Word is preached under the anointing signs and wonders follow. The kingdom of Heaven advances as God's presence exposes darkness and His light manifest Salvation, Deliverance, and Healing.
We see this in verse 33 and 34, a man demonically disturbed screamed out in the midst of Jesus teaching. Demons cannot stay quiet, we don't have to search them out, they will make themselves known if God's anointing is on us. We have all been around people who can't keep their mouth shut, that speak their mind, no matter how obnoxious they may sound. That is how the demons act around light. When they are exposed they act a fool. Jesus in verse 35 quickly puts the demonic spirit in it's place. When we walk in our authority darkness must flee.
In verse 36 and 37 we see Jesus is now recognized not just for His great wisdom but His amazing power. When we walk in both wisdom and power we become God's force that all of Hell is afraid of. Power gives influence as more and more people are drawn to God through us. For we see in verse 40-41 many sick and oppressed came to Him and He healed and delivered them all.
In verse 42-44 Jesus tried to leave but the crowds clung to Him so he couldn't go on. This is another test that many seem to fail. Can we handle the fame? When we seem to be so wanted by man do we give ourselves to their needs or do we walk in obedience to God? The purpose of the anointing is not to show off God's power but to draw others into relationship with Him. Not to get other's to rely on us but to get other's to rely on God for themselves.
The bible says God prefers obedience over sacrifice. We think we are so special because of the sacrifices we make for others, but God will only reward us for our obedience to Him. People's faith may draw an anointing forth from us but does it does not mean we are being obedient to God. For many leaders have done much good even while walking in darkness. The bible says that many will come to Him with all their good deeds and He will say depart from me you worker of iniquity, for I don'e even know you. So if people begin leading us rather than Him, burn-out will follow, for only God can sustain meeting people's needs. The anointing quickens our flesh we walk in supernatural power, when we are in the natural we easily become overwhelmed. Any leader that burns out is in disobedience to God.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Lesson to Lesson
Lesson to Lesson
Each lesson we pass leads to another lesson. God's bible school never ends until full maturity in Christ has been gained. Even though one has a degree in most careers today because things are always advancing additional training is continuously needed.
Jesus in Luke 4:14 returned from his 40 day intensive bible school training in the wilderness powerful in the spirit. As we see in vs 15 it gained Him much acclaim. As we learn from each lesson in life we have more to offer others and therefore greater influence follows.
Not everyone though is learning from the lessons in life and therefore are held back, repeating the same tests over and over again, these are those who can become jealous and try to pull back those who are advancing. It is usually those closest to us that seem to have the most difficult time accepting our growth, for it brings too reality where they are themselves, in which they would rather not admit, so they respond negatively.
This is what Jesus faced when returning to where He grew up. Those who know our past have the hardest time accepting who we have become. The attitude is usually who do you think you are?
Well Jesus laid it out in verse 18, it is God's Spirit that is on Him to preach the good news, bringing pardon to sinners, opening blind eyes, delivering the oppressed, He is the fulfillment of this prophecy from the book of Isaiah. It is not about who we are it is about who God is. It is not about what we are able to do it is about what His Spirit does through our lives. People who know us too well will often be limited because their ears are dull, their eyes are blind, for they can only see us and not the Spirit of God working through us. It says in verse 22 that they were all surprised in what they heard but they still questioned it (had there doubts) because He seemed so different from who they knew.
In verse 23 it says no prophet is ever welcomed in their hometown. Most of us will be sent away from where we grew up because people just have a hard time believing the changes evident in our life because of our past. It should be that the changes cause others to change as they see the true evidence of God's power, but man's stubbornness gets the best of them. I do have a few that I can say have changed from my hometown because of God's work in my life, but only a few, little compared to the impact I have had elsewhere.
In verse 28-30 we see that they did not just reject Jesus they tried to kill Him. Can we handle the test of rejection, where our own family and friends reject us? For many, this is the test that they fail. They can sacrifice much but not losing the ones they have developed lifelong relationships with. Jesus said we must forsake all and follow Him. Our ministry success will be determined by how far we are willing to follow Him. What or whom are we willing to forsake for the cause of the Gospel? That is why the bible says to count the cost. The price of following Jesus is our lives.
I remember people close to me telling me that it is okay that I have found religion but just keep it to myself? Meaning if I want to stay in relationship with them I better not preach to them. Also when I started getting radical that is when church folks really started examining me and trying to point out shortcomings. Meaning you are making me look bad, you better just be a dead good for nothing Church going Christian like me, or I will come against you.
God sent me away from this environment because He knew His power would be limited in my life. God wants to send many out of their comfortable environments so He can greatly use them, but few are willing to go? Many are choosing their family and friends over Christ. Yes, they still go to church, and serve diligently, but they have not really answered the call. They have dropped out of the school of the Holy Spirit, and have enrolled in the school of religion and tradition.
Each lesson we pass leads to another lesson. God's bible school never ends until full maturity in Christ has been gained. Even though one has a degree in most careers today because things are always advancing additional training is continuously needed.
Jesus in Luke 4:14 returned from his 40 day intensive bible school training in the wilderness powerful in the spirit. As we see in vs 15 it gained Him much acclaim. As we learn from each lesson in life we have more to offer others and therefore greater influence follows.
Not everyone though is learning from the lessons in life and therefore are held back, repeating the same tests over and over again, these are those who can become jealous and try to pull back those who are advancing. It is usually those closest to us that seem to have the most difficult time accepting our growth, for it brings too reality where they are themselves, in which they would rather not admit, so they respond negatively.
This is what Jesus faced when returning to where He grew up. Those who know our past have the hardest time accepting who we have become. The attitude is usually who do you think you are?
Well Jesus laid it out in verse 18, it is God's Spirit that is on Him to preach the good news, bringing pardon to sinners, opening blind eyes, delivering the oppressed, He is the fulfillment of this prophecy from the book of Isaiah. It is not about who we are it is about who God is. It is not about what we are able to do it is about what His Spirit does through our lives. People who know us too well will often be limited because their ears are dull, their eyes are blind, for they can only see us and not the Spirit of God working through us. It says in verse 22 that they were all surprised in what they heard but they still questioned it (had there doubts) because He seemed so different from who they knew.
In verse 23 it says no prophet is ever welcomed in their hometown. Most of us will be sent away from where we grew up because people just have a hard time believing the changes evident in our life because of our past. It should be that the changes cause others to change as they see the true evidence of God's power, but man's stubbornness gets the best of them. I do have a few that I can say have changed from my hometown because of God's work in my life, but only a few, little compared to the impact I have had elsewhere.
In verse 28-30 we see that they did not just reject Jesus they tried to kill Him. Can we handle the test of rejection, where our own family and friends reject us? For many, this is the test that they fail. They can sacrifice much but not losing the ones they have developed lifelong relationships with. Jesus said we must forsake all and follow Him. Our ministry success will be determined by how far we are willing to follow Him. What or whom are we willing to forsake for the cause of the Gospel? That is why the bible says to count the cost. The price of following Jesus is our lives.
I remember people close to me telling me that it is okay that I have found religion but just keep it to myself? Meaning if I want to stay in relationship with them I better not preach to them. Also when I started getting radical that is when church folks really started examining me and trying to point out shortcomings. Meaning you are making me look bad, you better just be a dead good for nothing Church going Christian like me, or I will come against you.
God sent me away from this environment because He knew His power would be limited in my life. God wants to send many out of their comfortable environments so He can greatly use them, but few are willing to go? Many are choosing their family and friends over Christ. Yes, they still go to church, and serve diligently, but they have not really answered the call. They have dropped out of the school of the Holy Spirit, and have enrolled in the school of religion and tradition.
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