tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184594362024-03-07T10:52:43.647-07:00Thoughts Out There by EdThoughts on evangelism, making disciples, church, and life.Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-87651198607156761632021-02-08T14:13:00.019-07:002021-02-08T14:17:22.449-07:00The Genius of Jesus (John 3 14–17 & Numbers 21:6–20)<p>Give this two-minute video a look and then share the story with one other person today! #multiplication, #wilfiregospel, #thegospel, www.wildfiregospel.com</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="336" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3YukBMpVozo" width="481" youtube-src-id="3YukBMpVozo"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-80474331241326277532021-01-11T16:34:00.004-07:002021-01-22T08:13:43.439-07:00Moving Forward with Humility in a Broken World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqBAXfF4jOk3NwCEq3WL6ZcGX9S0w5VFhCMDcBAxI14v4I3CViATIVfLmS8Jhz7vnX2YXySW8bwnpQqIBgDgbuUr2Fu_rSp51hEUYZZhb4fSznNPPDgLQuSKcGgAO2sfUNAziWg/s630/spiritual-principle-humility.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqBAXfF4jOk3NwCEq3WL6ZcGX9S0w5VFhCMDcBAxI14v4I3CViATIVfLmS8Jhz7vnX2YXySW8bwnpQqIBgDgbuUr2Fu_rSp51hEUYZZhb4fSznNPPDgLQuSKcGgAO2sfUNAziWg/s320/spiritual-principle-humility.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><br /></b><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was shocked by the events on January 6th at our nation’s capital as it was overrun by extremists. I am sure you were shocked as well. As I thought about all that has transpired, I felt the need to communicate with you how I see a way believers can move forward. Here are my thoughts.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The last several years have been devasting. People are deeply divided on many levels and the divisions run deeper than simply political affiliations or ideologies. Christians are sadly divided over issues of politics, personalities, and the pandemic. I do not imagine many people seeing the church being more unified today than she was twenty years ago. Divisions within Christianity are increasing as the art of listening becomes deaf, the art of conversation becomes mute, and the art of blame-shifting is honed to perfection. Our network of house churches has not been spared from the divisions created over the past several years.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Believers must recognize that there is an enemy of unity, a promoter of division, and his name is Satan. We should never underestimate the faithfulness of Satan. Jesus told us that this thief, Satan, is committed to “…kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10a). Killing dreams and/or people, stealing possessions and/or hope, and destroying ideas and/or unity all find their roots in pride, and prideful thinking is fueled by the Thief.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pride says I’m right and you are wrong. Pride uses people and ideas to their own advantage. Pride suggests that one is more righteous than another because their ideas are superior. Pride often comes with arrogance (Proverbs 8:13; Jeremiah 49:16).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Pride demands to be heard but is not concerned to listen. Pride promotes self and shifts the blame to others. Pride is vociferous, arrogant, and despises those who disagree (Obadiah 1:3). Pride causes disunity, division, and disorientation. Pride is opposed by God (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). When God is against you, you will lose every single time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In my seeking and straining to hear the voice of the Lord through His Word, in my spirit, and with my community of believers, I am discerning the need for humility in our dealing with these deep divisions (Proverbs 22:4). Humility desires to listen and think together while being reserved to share words or allow emotions to drive further division (Proverbs 12:15; James 1:19). Humility allows for gentleness, tolerance, and preserves unity (Ephesians 4:1–6). Humility speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and is able to refute arrogance while being kind, patient, and corrective with others (2 Timothy 2:22–26). Humility causes grace to flow from God to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5–6). God promises that when we are humble, He will exalt us when He knows the time is right (1 Peter 5:6).</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Humility is depending on the Lord to shift hearts towards Him, always aware that there is the opposition of Satan’s faithfulness (1 Peter 5:8). The battle is real. The casualties are real. Our need is to realize our dependence upon His wisdom and guidance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Scriptures are overflowing with stories of humble yet rugged underdogs, who overcame impossible odds and were yet victorious (e.g., 1 Samuel 14:6, 17:48; Acts 4:13–14). Living for Jesus means battling together against the enemy which takes courage, resilience, and reliance upon Him, in humility and hunger for more of God’s reign in our midst.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I want to encourage us to show the world the strength of humility and the dependence upon the Lord. While there will be disagreements between us, humility finds a way forward without demoralizing others (Romans 12:3, 16). Humility invites us to believe and, hope in the best for each other (1 Corinthians 13:7). God will win, He always does. Our role is to follow Him, nudging others to do the same.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Here are some questions we might ponder for ourselves.</span></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Is there someone who I cut out of my circle or have pushed away because their ideas are different than mine?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Does this relationship need repairing? What steps can you take to begin to repair the past pain?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Do I give grace for others to have opinions that aren’t necessarily wrong, but different than mine?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>Do I have a person who immediately comes to mind when these questions are asked of me, thus pointing to them instead of looking to myself?</span></li></ul></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-50302383243871154972020-10-12T16:00:00.003-07:002020-10-12T16:03:13.888-07:00No Contest<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TqYpaPuIIvMHso6M-gnHFw4YIUyeRUamb1ZIWlaPr1ImUQ9D8rKzNvenQ2xodU1r7qx6aiUwDGOdDxTQEBgkXZlJKkgwdT8EIc_gqEgZqkBIdhER8iDr2vS3cWXRLTFak2G6TA/s960/Presentation1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TqYpaPuIIvMHso6M-gnHFw4YIUyeRUamb1ZIWlaPr1ImUQ9D8rKzNvenQ2xodU1r7qx6aiUwDGOdDxTQEBgkXZlJKkgwdT8EIc_gqEgZqkBIdhER8iDr2vS3cWXRLTFak2G6TA/w400-h225/Presentation1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-family: Poppins;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In this podcast, we will explore how the Trinity is involved every time you share the gospel with people. The Trinity is fully committed to your success in evangelism every time! Get ready to be encouraged as we explore Acts 3, Ephesians 6, and Colossians 4.</span></p></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can listen to this podcast by clicking <a href="https://www.wildfiregospel.com/wildfire-gospel-podcast/no-contest" target="_blank">HERE</a> or by going to <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wildfire-gospel-podcast/id1492507122" target="_blank">Wildfire Gospel Podcast</a>.</span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-69452539375789709302020-08-13T12:31:00.002-07:002021-01-11T16:30:50.046-07:00Fear God, Honor the King: Opportunities in Trying Times<p><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JNuvAH8j565YPkGcyvVm_7y7mSELluXucW9TpfVFBsA2uSu5BIVo046s7vBzh0r_G13QwhcrabihWQBsi6fybzAsHLuCceZtS_qkfzPDL13tBuKJeCeohzj7suvGGHPi56TvNQ/s700/Opportunities_244485933R.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JNuvAH8j565YPkGcyvVm_7y7mSELluXucW9TpfVFBsA2uSu5BIVo046s7vBzh0r_G13QwhcrabihWQBsi6fybzAsHLuCceZtS_qkfzPDL13tBuKJeCeohzj7suvGGHPi56TvNQ/s640/Opportunities_244485933R.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><i>1 Peter 2:13–17 (NASB95)<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 7pt;">13</span></sup>Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 7pt;">14</span></sup>or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 7pt;">15</span></sup>For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 7pt;">16</span></sup>Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond slaves of God. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 7pt;">17</span></sup>Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.</i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Overview of 1 Peter’s Audience and Purpose</b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">First Peter is a letter written by the Apostle Peter to believers in Asia Minor who are in some hard situations due to their faith in Christ (1:6–7; 2:18–20; 3:1, 13–17; 4:1–4, 12–19; 5:10). Peter is encouraging these dispersed believers to stand firm in their faith amid the persecutions and trials they were enduring.<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Three Struggles</b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">I have struggled with wearing a mask during the global pandemic of COVID-19. I have learned that wearing a mask is not helpful and possibly harmful. I have also understood that wearing a mask can stop the spread of the virus. Both approaches are taught by medical authorities. I have also heard that being mandated to wear a mask is an infringement on my rights. But I have also been told that wearing a mask is the minimum I can do to love my neighbors. Both of these thoughts come from godly people whom I respect. So, I have struggled during the confusion to do what is best. Do I follow the masking mandate guidelines, or do I exercise my freedom and not wear a mask? Is the government bent on taking away my first amendment rights or is the government imposing the wearing of masks as one thing that can be done to protect myself and/or others? Maybe you have struggled as well!<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Another struggle I have had is with governing authorities who are limiting larger church gatherings. Some believe that these limitations are in the best interest of communities so the spread of the coronavirus will be limited. Others believe that these restrictions violate the First Amendment of the Constitution and should be ignored. There are several conspiracy theories floating around about the motivation for these restrictions. What if churches meet together in larger settings and there is a spike caused by these meetings – even if social distancing and the wearing of masks are followed? Would churches meeting together in larger groups be responsible? It seems wise to currently limit larger group gatherings and focus more on smaller group (house church) gatherings. I’ll discuss more on this thought further down in this article. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">I have yet another struggle! Are churches looking at the pandemic as an opportunity to pause and rethink how the church might function better, or are churches simply finding ways to wait out the virus so they can get back to business as usual? What might God be saying to His church through the pandemic? What does the Bible have to say about these issues?<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Submit to Every Human Institution</b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">In 1 Peter 2:13–17, Peter instructs struggling believers in Christ that they are to submit themselves to every human institution. He defines what he means by every human institution. Peter is referring to kings or others sent by God (1 Peter 2:13-14). This teaching is not ambiguous but clearly stated; believers at that time were to submit to them. This teaching is true for us today.<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Peter says that human institutions are to govern “…for the Lord’s sake…”. It could not be clearer. Peter’s command to submit to every human institution is a general truth to be followed by believers in situations when encountering human governments. While submitting to every human institution is what is expected, human institutions are not the absolute authority. God is the absolute authority therefore believers should disobey human institutions when they are told to violate God’s will (1 Peter 2:15).<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">In 1 Peter 2:15, Peter tells us that it is God’s will for us to do what is right. In this context, to do what is right is to submit to every human institution, as long as it is not violating God’s Lordship in our lives. When we do what is right, Peter tells us we will “…silence the ignorance of men.” The emphasis is that when Christians display good behavior in their communities, this will serve to minimize attacks against them. Christian’s good deeds will normally deescalate tense situations. When Christians are full of good deeds, it will expose the attacker’s motives of hatred. The attackers will have no objective basis for their persecution of Christians. But believers may yet be persecuted even though they demonstrate good works. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b><i>Act</i></b><b> as Free Men</b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">It may surprise you to learn that the word “Act” is supplied by the translators and is not in the original language. The idea is better understood to be, “<i>Submit and do good deeds</i> as free men…” which is consistent from verse 13, “Submit…to every human institution…”. Peter is stressing that we use our freedom in Christ to live under God’s will so our lives will be seen as full of good deeds. We are to use our freedom to obey God and not sin (cf. Romans 6). We are liberated to do what is good and follow God’s will. As believers, we should not use our freedom in Christ for evil or doing whatever we want. We are bond slaves to God and are to live for what pleases Him because of the price Jesus paid for us (1 Peter 1:18-19). Whenever governing authorities require us to do what is evil by violating God’s will and standards, we are to not conform. The normal choice of believers is to follow governing authorities by freely following God’s will. Nevertheless, if governments require us to do what is evil or demand that believers refuse to worship God, then believers, as slaves of God, must refuse to obey.<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>God is the Ultimate Authority</b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Embedded in Peter’s letter to suffering and displaced Christians in the first century (1 Peter 1:1) is the truth that believers are to fear God because He is the ultimate authority (1 Peter 2:16c, 17). Like the first century believers, we are bond slaves to God because He is the ultimate authority. This means His will is for us to honor all people (1 Peter 1:17a). We are to treat every person with dignity and respect. We should be praying for and engaging with people so they are encouraged to look to Jesus. We are also to love the brotherhood of believers (1 Peter 1:17b). This includes a commitment to being together for mutual encouragement in our faith in Christ. Being committed to being together is a benefit to others as well as for ourselves. While kings are to be honored and respected, God is to be feared (1 Peter 1:17c). We are to fear God as our ultimate authority. Believers will stand before Him as our judge for how we live. In this context, fearing God means to submit to every human institution. We will be judged for how well we submit to the king, how we honor all men, how we love the brotherhood, and for how we fear God. God is our ultimate authority.<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Working it Out</b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">How do we evaluate both mask-wearing and large gathering issues believers are facing in light of what Peter is teaching? When I think about wearing masks, I think the best way forward is to allow each person to live by their convictions. Each person must be humble and give grace! Whether wearing a mask is effective in dealing with the coronavirus is hotly debated. Some consider it as a commonsense solution, much like wearing a seat belt in a car. Others view it as another step in taking away another freedom. Still, others consider mask-wearing as having detrimental effects like; decreased oxygen intake, carbon monoxide build-up, increased social isolation due to decreased visibility of facial expressions, and a false sense of security from the virus. Some believe that masks make no difference in containing the virus – they feel the government is overreaching and even wrong – based on the data they have found most convincing. Both sides can be passionate about their perspectives. Arguing about whether to wear a mask or not is currently dividing believers. This is not the will of God, it is not honoring all people nor loving the brotherhood nor honoring the king. To move beyond these divisions, I suggest that believers give room for all sides on this issue. I do not think my suggestion is easily accomplished in our current environment where divisions are tearing some apart. If we desire to avoid divisions, it seems to be the only way forward and requires humility. Practically, this would mean allowing people to wear masks or not to wear masks without prejudice. If you are uncomfortable being around people who choose to not wear a mask, then simply letting the other person or group be aware of this would be helpful. Grace should be given.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">How do we as Christians respond to a government that mandates that we cannot gather indoors in larger groups? Many churches are choosing to not physically meet together while others are choosing to defy the mandate and hold in-person church gatherings…and this number is increasing. I know of people who are choosing to leave the church community they have been part of to gather with other believers who are meeting in person. This begs the question: what is the will of God in this matter? What are our good deeds to be in this situation? Are the governing authorities asking believers to violate God’s will and therefore, churches should disobey the government's mandate and meet in large gatherings? How do we respond to believers who are not comfortable meeting together in person due to the fear of the spread of the coronavirus in larger groups? How does a church consider ministering to those who are not comfortable meeting together currently? What do we say to those who are more vulnerable to the virus…how do we care for them? Do we have options to create unity? <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>What are the Options?</b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">I think churches must establish that worshipping God is paramount for every person. For most believers, worshipping God means gathering in a church building to pray, sing songs to God, experience the bread and cup, and hear a message from a pastor. This practice of church has been a long-standing good experience. However, believers must also know that there is so much more to worship! I believe the COVID-19 pandemic allows the church an opportunity to rethink our practices and trade in what has been good for something better. Change is always scary and uncomfortable. We have been comfortable worshipping God in our buildings, and it has been convenient, but now we have an opportunity to pause and think differently. Are our current difficulties happening to us, or for us to rethink and retool the church? COVID-19, with all of the trouble, confusion, and anxiety it has caused, gives us an opportunity to grow, learn, and work towards something different and even better.<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Several churches immediately went to online worship services. Families watched from their computers or mobile devices to hear announcements, enjoy music from the worship band, and listen to a pastor share a message. Recent surveys reveal that 48% of church goers before the pandemic have not watched any online services. This indicates a huge shift and should alert church leaders to think deeply about what God is saying to us through the pandemic.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Other churches encouraged people to ask their neighbors what needs they have and then work to meet them. Meeting needs is particularly helpful to serve those who are more vulnerable should they contract the coronavirus. Meeting the needs of people is a step in the right direction; it is demonstrating good deeds.<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">I humbly suggest that those who are in good health, are of an age that does not predispose them to the virus, and do not have co-morbidities begin to gather together in small groups and be the church. When people share a meal in a home, look to Jesus and pray together, have the freedom to share their fears, and look together at the Scriptures with interaction, hope begins to emerge. It has been my experience that decentralizing from buildings to workplaces, homes, parks, and pools makes church more inviting. People who join together to worship God are likely empowered to meet the needs of their communities. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">For those who are more vulnerable, joining smaller groups via an online platform is most certainly an option (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, etc.). When the most vulnerable are in need of help, the house church can pool their resources to meet those needs be it food, small repairs, meals, and any other need that may arise. This is part of the good deeds (1 Peter 2:15) that will silence foolish men. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Where the governing authorities are prohibiting smaller church gatherings, I think disobedience to the governing authorities is warranted. This would not be the first time the church has had to take a strong stand and protest against over-reaching governing authorities in order to obey and follow God’s will. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">My humble opinion regarding larger church gatherings is for churches to submit to our human institutions and not meet in this format. The Scriptures do tell us to not forsake meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25), but the size of the group is not of importance. When we choose to not meet in larger gatherings, a focus on the church as rebelling is removed. The church is then viewed as being good citizens, doing good deeds, and will silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Peter 2:15). While mostly unconventional, meeting in smaller house churches will accomplish the worship of God together, equip the saints to be involved in meeting the needs of the community and offers the opportunity to be even more fruitful by meeting the needs of those around them. This will make the church even more attractive. More believers are actually engaged in ministry instead of watching ministry take place on a platform. In smaller group meetings, believers have the opportunity to use their spiritual gifts instead of watching a few use their spiritual gifts. <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">This shift from larger church meetings to smaller house church meetings will present several challenges to pastors and spiritual leaders. It is how the first-century church lived out their faith, so the precedence has been given to us (Acts 2:42-48, 20:20; Romans 16). We must obey God’s will first. We must worship Him together for our good and the good of the community around us. Finding a smaller way forward offers the opportunity to empower and release people to be making disciples in their workplaces and neighborhoods. The reward of decentralizing the church for a broader gospel impact is worth the risk! Keep searching for the better in our pursuit of making disciples.<span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.christianpost.com/news/nearly-half-of-churchgoers-say-they-havent-watched-any-online-service-in-past-4-weeks.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.christianpost.com/news/nearly-half-of-churchgoers-say-they-havent-watched-any-online-service-in-past-4-weeks.html</span></a>, <a href="https://lifewayresearch.com/2020/03/16/livestreaming-services-hasnt-been-an-option-for-many-churches/"><span style="color: blue;">https://lifewayresearch.com/2020/03/16/livestreaming-services-hasnt-been-an-option-for-many-churches/</span></a></span><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-54907401366952357162020-05-12T14:08:00.000-07:002020-05-12T14:11:43.221-07:00Is There Purpose in Suffering? Part 2 (1 Peter 1:6–9)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Jke8iMeZJbwkPdvYT5rO3zJ5iwu2ot3tL0tNPlJM-lgQQHYf_LJMoxZ8oEL2-JwbvYMo9lDBiYhqfMiHZJYt_FUuOcmsLL7_Fg4FBrj90TnLefjeXm7FUjkngUwsm_gHfHbT1w/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="724" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Jke8iMeZJbwkPdvYT5rO3zJ5iwu2ot3tL0tNPlJM-lgQQHYf_LJMoxZ8oEL2-JwbvYMo9lDBiYhqfMiHZJYt_FUuOcmsLL7_Fg4FBrj90TnLefjeXm7FUjkngUwsm_gHfHbT1w/s320/Purpose+in+Suffering+Part+2+Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><font face="arial"><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">Summary/Overview of Part 1 (1 Peter 1:5–9)</span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><font face="arial"><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">Peter’s audience was in a hard place. Their lives had been disrupted. Peter could empathize with them and reminded them of the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They had been born again to an active and living hope. As they embraced their disruption and, focused on Christ, they were promised to be rewarded with a stunning inheritance waiting for them in heaven. Part of the purpose of suffering is to grip onto Christ’s living hope so that they will receive a full reward.</span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial">I enjoy looking at Debbie and my wedding photos. They remind me of how beautiful my wife has always been, how happy she makes me feel. The wedding photos remind me of my life-long commitment to be faithful to her and her alone. Weddings are something to be celebrated and remembered. They reflect God’s love and design for a relationship between a man and a woman. When I find a couple in my office who have lost their way with each other, I will often have them write a letter to themselves, reminding themselves of how they fell in love and what drew them together. This often will help reignite their feelings and allow them to revisit what drew them together.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial">When I look at my wedding photos, I find rejoicing erupt in my soul, but our life together has taken us through many difficulties. We have endured marriage after the honeymoon as we learned of each other’s faults. We have learned to give grace to each other, forgive, and to appreciate our unique differences. We have endured our daughter, Rachel, being been brain injured and who lives with us as an adult who cannot care for herself. Caring for Rachel is a joy that is full of struggles. We have waded through the fear and pain of breast cancer. Being spiritual leaders is fraught with hurtful words, misunderstandings, and pride. When I flip through our wedding pictures, I remember and rejoice what God has done.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial">Peter states in 1 Peter 1:6 that his audience of first-century believers “greatly rejoice” in God’s faithfulness to them while they are in the middle of having their lives disrupted and dispersed (1 Peter 1:1). Peter reminded them that they were born again (1 Peter 1:3). He reminded them that as they embraced their struggles with a “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3), they would be rewarded with a stunning inheritance in the future. It is always helpful to look back and remember just how faithful God is to us.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial">Because the world is broken, suffering persists. As Peter’s audience rejoiced in what God had done for them and the inheritance waiting for them, suffering screamed all around them. Peter calls those sufferings, “various trials”. These trials are common to all people. It is not limited or focused on being persecuted for the faith. Various trials include common struggles all people experience; sickness, accidents, and other painful events in life. These common trials come “if necessary”.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial">Trials are in fact necessary for us to prove if our focus is on God or on our own efforts for control. When we find that our focus is on ourselves in the midst of trials, we can learn that we need to adjust our focus back to trusting God and cry out to Him. If we find our focus is on God during trials, we know that our inheritance is growing. We are investing in our eternal future. It seems that each person’s inheritance has different qualities, depending on how we face various trials in our lives. This is part of the purpose of suffering.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial">Our faith, Peter tells us, is more precious than gold. The eternal inheritance we are investing in as we follow Jesus cannot be lost (1 Peter 1:4–5) because it is protected by God Himself. Our struggles may feel like we are going through a fire. As our focus is on God in the middle of these trials, we can be sure that Jesus is taking notice of how we handle them. When the day comes, and we find ourselves before Him, Jesus will give us praise and glory and honor for how we have lived for Him. Hearing Jesus say “Well done my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:14–30), is more precious than any amount of worldly goods and comforts we can amass in this life. We must ask ourselves if we actually believe this – especially in the midst of trials. Our focus will determine how we endure life’s various trials. When we do believe God’s Word and focus on Christ, we will become more generous with our time, talents, and treasures in many ways for His glory.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial">Jesus Himself knows of “various trials” because He experienced them while He lived on the earth. He endured much because of His great love for us (Philippians 2:5–13). He wants to share His glory with us – that is such an awesome, generous gift (John 17:22–23). We would do well to remind ourselves, and others, of all that God has done, is doing and will do as we face the sufferings in this world.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial">At times, doubts will rise about God and His goodness; especially when we are suffering. This is a common human experience. Peter offers us encouragement when he wrote, “…and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” The outcome of our faith, Peter reminds us, is the salvation of our souls (1 Peter 1:9). This salvation is our future abundant life that will be lived out forever with Him in His Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><font face="arial"> </font></span></p><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt;"><font face="arial">Our response to all of life’s disruptions and trials is to live with a passionate present hope in the One who loved us so much, that He willingly became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). He made this sacrifice so that we will enjoy Him forever. Jesus is anticipating that day when He will be able to give us praise and glory and honor for how we choose to live for Him. I pray you are faithful, fruitful, and finish well so you will hear those words, “Well done,” as you endure various trials in this life!</font></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-17376426358914068632020-05-07T15:38:00.000-07:002020-05-12T14:11:37.639-07:00Is There Purpose in Suffering? Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Whenever our lives are disrupted, it is a form of suffering. Our lives may get disrupted by health issues, broken relationships, financial hardships, a government imposing on our freedoms as human beings, or various other situations. Some of life’s disruptions may be temporary while others may be long term struggles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The common denominator to suffering is that everyone’s life is disrupted at times (1 Peter 5:9). Because mankind was created to live forever in a perfect setting with God (the Garden of Eden), brokenness stirs our souls because we long for restoration. All of the creation knows this to be true (Romans 8:18–25). One day, God will restore all things…this is our hope and belief (2 Corinthians 13:9–11; 1 Peter 5:10; Revelation 21, 22).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peter wrote his first letter (1 Peter) to a group of people who had their lives disrupted through persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. They were forced out of their hometowns and scattered throughout several foreign regions. They were aliens with new cultures, customs, and forced to develop new friends, new vocations, and businesses. They likely left in a hurry with only what they could carry on the backs of animals as well as their backs. Their lives were severely disrupted. In part, Peter wanted his audience to understand some purposes in their suffering. While most people will not face the same sort of disruption as these first-century people did, all disruptions cause stress. When our “normal” changes, our anxiety rises. The uncertainty of the future causes us unrest. What can be learned from Peter’s letter when we face disruptions in our lives?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peter himself knew of disruptions in his life. One day he was a fisherman, that was what he grew up knowing. Jesus noticed him and beckoned Peter to follow Him (Luke 5:1–11). Peter left everything; his family and the family business, his wife, his home…his world was disrupted forever! Peter’s life was also disrupted theologically, practically, relationally, and financially. As he learned to follow Jesus, change became constant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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From miracles of healing (Mark 5:1-20) to miracles of hearing (Matthew 17:5–6) to witnessing resurrections (John 11:43–44), Peter was a changed man living a world that was about to change even more. Just as Peter was getting used to his new normal in following Jesus, Jesus was yanked from him, crucified and buried. His level of confusion by these disruptions must have been enormous. When Jesus was raised from the dead and appeared to Peter (John 21:7), he would never look back. His life was permanently disrupted.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peter’s first piece of comfort to those he was writing, was to remind them that they were chosen by the Father. He prayed for them to have grace and peace in the fullest measure (1 Peter 1:2). Amid their disrupted lives, Peter speaks the gospel to them. They had already believed the gospel which is that Jesus is God, that He died for their sins and that He rose again – they had already been born again to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Though their lives had been disrupted their hope was living. Living hope is active and life-changing for followers of Christ because Jesus has been resurrected from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:30–32). A living, active, effective hope is always helpful when our lives are disrupted. Reminding others and being reminded of the gospel of Jesus is good medicine for the soul. It gives us purpose and a direction to move when things are unsettling. We should always remember the gospel and tell it to other believers and not-yet-believers. It keeps our mind where it is best served, focused on Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Embracing this living hope, especially while suffering from disrupted lives, we can choose to live differently. We can choose to be different enough to make a difference. When disrupted people embrace the changes around them with their minds set on the living hope brought about because of Jesus’ resurrection, we can expect Him to reward us!<o:p></o:p></div>
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God did not determine for our lives to be disrupted. When He created the world, He proclaimed His work to be very good (Genesis 1:31). It is sin that has caused disruptions, decay, and death in the world. However, when followers of Jesus live out their living hope during disruptions, an inheritance is promised (1 Peter 1:4).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Living out our hope with our minds set of Christ earns us a stunning inheritance. Our inheritance is “imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away” (1 Peter 1:4). Living out our hope in faith will bring us rewards (Hebrews 11:6). The inheritance spoken of by Peter is “…reserved in heaven for you”. Our inheritance is reserved or already secured by God. This inheritance is protected by the power of God through faith (1 Peter 1:5). This faith is God’s faithfulness, not our faith. If our inheritance is dependent on our faith, it is not so secure. We all stumble in many ways (James 3:2). God is the faithful one who keeps us safe (John 10:27–30). We can have a living hope while enduring disrupted lives because of Christ’s truth, power, and promises. As we live in this way, we can be sure that we are protected by the power of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The measure of our inheritance will be decided by Jesus when each of us stands before Him at His judgment seat (Romans 14:12; 1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment of Christ on His followers is not about determining their eternal destination. Having eternal life is determined by a belief in Jesus (John 3:14–17; 5:24; Acts 16:31). The judgment is regarding how we have lived out our living hope while sojourning on earth. This is why the Apostle John encourages his audience to “Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” (2 John 8).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Peter’s audience was in a hard place. Their lives had been disrupted. Peter could empathize with them and reminded them of the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They had been born again to an active and living hope. As they embraced their disruptions, focused on Christ, they are promised to be rewarded with a stunning inheritance, waiting for them in heaven. Part of the purpose of suffering is to grip onto Christ’s living hope so that they will receive a full reward.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-84615654783617900272020-04-16T09:34:00.001-07:002020-04-16T09:34:56.825-07:004 Truths in 4 Minutes About Your Competence in Evangelism!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZl-iaQy9xE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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You can find more encouragement regarding evangelism at <a href="http://www.wildfiregospel.com/">www.wildfiregospel.com</a> <div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-91262145903901704342020-04-01T13:08:00.000-07:002020-04-01T15:59:56.960-07:00Church: What Happens After the Pandemic is Over?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When it’s over, how will the church have been affected by the COVID-19 virus in the USA? We are certainly navigating uncharted waters. Here is Ed Stetzer’s (author, researcher and missiologist) tweet about inadequacies in the church as spiritual leaders face the coronavirus crisis head-on:</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In other words, Christians have been conditioned to expect the church to be an attended event even if it is streamed. People equate church with a building, music, announcements a message/sermon, and an offering and communion. A quick tour of Facebook the past two Sundays demonstrates a dependence on a virtual church service by professionals in order to “attend church.” This is what people have come to expect regarding church—that no matter what, it must be led by a pastor—whether in person or virtually—as exampled in these last few weeks. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is also true that many believers are doing amazing acts of love around the world to help out people in need while physically and socially distancing. From children making baskets filled with comfort items for the elderly to Salvation Army Churches filling up vans full of paper goods and non-perishable food items to distribute to people in need. These acts of kindness are inspiring and hopefully will continue once this COVID-19 pandemic is over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because of the church’s dependence on professional leaders and programs, the closing of worship services caused by the physical distancing requirements to fight the pandemic will affect many changes in churches around the world. As Stetzer stated above, churches have not equipped people to lead in their homes or neighborhoods. The COVID-19 virus exposes weaknesses in the church and offers opportunities for growth, maturity, and change if they are noticed and embraced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here are my best guesses at outcomes for the future of the church after the COVID-19 Pandemic is over.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. Churches' finances will take a downturn.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because some people are out of work and others have anxiety and uncertainty about their jobs, many people will choose to stop or reduce giving to churches and charities. There are at least three possible outcomes if this happens.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Churches that have staff will be forced to lay off employees. These trained church leaders will have few options or opportunities for employment in other churches. Their families will be forced to seek out and learn new careers. When these staff people are regrettably let go, untrained volunteers will step up to carry on; but for how long and at what cost to the quality of the<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="page2"></a> programs? Will the people in these churches adjust to the new normal? Will the church leadership move to small group/house church gatherings to meet peoples’ needs? Will there be a doubling down on re-creating what has been lost?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After the staff is cut, church organizations will be forced to trim or stop programs and building maintenance will be delayed. There will not be enough money to support them. This may cause an alarm to those who used these programs for spiritual inspiration. Parishioners (people) will look for other ways to receive programs and inspiration. As buildings decay and carpets fray, what once was inviting will soon be a deterrent. More volunteers may be needed to hold things together. Will they be able to fulfill these new demands and for how long?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For many churches of various sizes, there will simply not be enough money to keep paying both the rent and expenses as well as the salary of the pastor. Hard decisions will need to be made. If the church building is forfeited because the mortgage or rent cannot be paid, people may leave the church because setting up and tearing down a full-service church in a new place is hard work for an hour of inspiration a week. If the pastor is let go, some may leave because the church just will not be the same any longer—they are without leadership…and they are right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">People will be out of the rhythm of going to church.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is most likely to happen with people who have been attending a church but have not been connected very deeply in any meaningful way. When I was thirteen, I remember our family going on a three-week vacation. During our vacation, we did not attend a church and once we returned, we did not go back to church for several years. Because our family was not deeply connected to leaders or anyone in the church, no one reached out to us and we enjoyed sleeping in on Sundays. If this scenario becomes a reality, it will reduce the church’s income further causing more financial challenges.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. Churches will simply shut their doors.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Even before this new reality of churches being forced to move from live worship services to virtual streaming, churches appeared to be losing ground when measuring attendance. According to a 2019 article by Gallup</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, the past two decades of church attendance has declined sharply. Many church researchers indicate that anywhere between 3,000 and up to 10,000 churches close annually but those numbers are difficult to verify. There are also many churches being started annually. Again, the number of new church starts (traditional to organic/house churches) is hard to quantify. For those churches that have increased attendance, this is most often due to people moving from one church to another, not through organic growth or by new conversions. When this pandemic is over, most churches who survive with buildings and staff intact will see great numerical growth at the expense of other churches that will close.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The church will never be gone, but what form will it take in the future?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What can be done in this difficult time to equip people to become rugged disciple-makers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Opportunities</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The COVID-19 crisis creates opportunities…if they are looked for!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. A focus on discipleship, not passive attendance.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Many, if not most churches are attempting to keep believers meeting together for various types of virtual worship and teaching. The focus, in my survey of the internet, is that most churches are providing a virtual place to connect for music and teaching done by professionals. Certainly, many church leaders are also encouraging believers to look for opportunities to meet basic and physical needs of their neighbors and friends and this is wonderful. But more needs to be done to help believers learn how to feed themselves from the Scriptures and be equipped in discipleship as this pandemic recedes.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">While we are practicing physical distancing, churches must find ways to help people stay connected socially through texts, Facetime, and applications like Zoom. We must find practical ways to help others (particularly the elderly and immune-compromised) feed and nourish themselves on God’s Word and equip and teach them to make disciples. This is more urgent than providing worship music and more sermons. Believers need to be encouraged to view this pandemic as an opportunity to be equipped, empowered and released.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When life gets back to normal, my hope is that believers will have been connecting with their neighbors, co-workers, and friends, offering hope and encouraging them to look to God to experience His love. Will believers be viewed as having been different enough to make a difference when physical distancing was practiced? If so, then once physical distancing is abandoned, will they be equipped and prepared to reach out in fresh ways so a fresh harvest of souls will be reached? For those who were not believers before the pandemic, and came to believe in Jesus during this time, will they be able to help others to follow their example and place their trust in Jesus or will they have been taught to simply attend a church?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">How can churches now move people from passive attenders to disciple-makers during this time of physical distancing? There are many answers to how to accomplish this, but it will not be done by providing virtual worship experiences alone. The church was not designed by God for this type of virtual connectivity. The church was also not designed to be something believers passively attend.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. An embracing of smaller.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Was the church designed to be focused on large group gatherings where most believers are passive outside of singing? How can 1 Corinthians 14:26</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> be realized? Can a mobilized people where each person brings a gift to be imparted to a community be experienced in large groups? How is Hebrews 10:24–25</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> given texture? How can believers, when they come together,</span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">stimulate and encourage each other if they simply sit in rows without a robust interaction with one another? The answer must be smaller gatherings – small enough so that spiritual gifts are encouraged to be practiced as a church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It seems logical that this happens mostly through relationships, and by empowering, equipping and releasing people to practice acts of faith and love with a few others. This type of thinking and shifting of paradigms is hard work. It will mean many changes which most people do not like or are uncomfortable with. These shifts will require a more willing and rugged believer who is ready and wanting to change and become a Kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">4</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">). Is the church ready and willing to activate these priests to act with freedom and power? These shifts will be costly as things change but also powerful for our world.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. Hope to reach further into society.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When the above thoughts are implemented, the church's ability to put foot to ground (action) by the priests (all believers) will have a positive impact on society. More ministry will be produced apart from the organization of churches and that will be a good thing. How can the church celebrate these new ministries and resource them with more equipping, encouragement and stimulation to reach the unreached?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When believers are empowered, equipped and released into the societies of their neighborhoods, workplaces, and third places, much more will be accomplished than any large group gathering can accomplish. Church leaders must be honest to admit that their large group gatherings are not accomplishing a significant mark on society. Let me be clear, I am not advocating that larger group gatherings should be abandoned, but should they be the main substance of our faith? If we have not been effective in raising disciples who know how to make disciples (2 Timothy 2:2–3</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">) prior to physical distancing, then how will it happen if nothing changes once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed? The church must change!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://news.gallup.com/poll/248837/church-membership-down-sharply-past-two-decades.aspx</span></u><sup><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></sup></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12.2667px;">1 Corinthians 14:26 (NASB95) What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.</span><sup><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 15.9467px;"><o:p></o:p></span></sup></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="font-size: 11pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12.6667px;">Hebrews 10:24–25 (NASB95) </span><sup><span style="line-height: 15.8333px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">24</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12.6667px;">and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds </span><sup><span style="line-height: 15.8333px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">25</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12.6667px;">not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">1 Peter 2:9 (NASB95) But you are </span><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">A CHOSEN RACE</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">A</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> royal </span><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">PRIESTHOOD</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">A HOLY NATION</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">A PEOPLE FOR</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> God’s</span><sup><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></sup></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8pt;">OWN POSSESSION</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His</span><sup><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></sup></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">marvelous light.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="font-size: 11pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 11.7333px;">2 Timothy 2:2–3 (NASB95) </span><sup><span style="line-height: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 11.7333px;">The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. </span><sup><span style="line-height: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 11.7333px;">Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.</span><sup style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 15.2533px;"><o:p></o:p></span></sup></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-45497800214333371272020-02-25T15:33:00.002-07:002020-02-25T15:33:45.693-07:00A Virus That Will Change the World and No, It Is Not the Coronavirus.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2emqJ1-vuSw3pS5dS2y9eaTcQm8CXHcZf9vuvV19g-iEzimQZ96E4VppSCuUsktonxWXXWBkvL5eXAe3nuoZljeBxlo8Ttbr9uX0rzE7wqeYIgqZVaSoQDId-Rc70VW2nQKUx0w/s1600/Influenza-Virus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1165" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2emqJ1-vuSw3pS5dS2y9eaTcQm8CXHcZf9vuvV19g-iEzimQZ96E4VppSCuUsktonxWXXWBkvL5eXAe3nuoZljeBxlo8Ttbr9uX0rzE7wqeYIgqZVaSoQDId-Rc70VW2nQKUx0w/s320/Influenza-Virus.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica}
</style>
</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>"And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Luke 10:2)</i></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Subheading" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The 10:2b
Virus<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Body" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Since 2001, I
have been infected by a virus that has changed my life and outlook. It is a
spiritual virus, not physical, and I would like to pass it on to you. I call it
the10:2b virus, from Luke 10:2b. I have set an alarm to go off every day at
10:02 am to remind me to pray that we will experience the plentiful harvest. It
doesn’t matter who I am with at 10:02 am; when the alarm goes off, I invite
them to join me in my call to prayer. My prayers are for the good of the
community, and for God to raise up women and men who will be bold to share the
good news of Jesus. I also beg God to set my heart on fire with the things that
set His heart on fire. Why not put this article down right now, and set your own
alarm for 10:02 am or a time that is convenient for you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Body" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am amazed</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> at</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> how
direct Jesus is on this topic of a ripe harvest</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and the
need </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">for us to pray for more
workers. I am also amazed at how many believers and church leaders do not
follow this command of Jesus on a daily basis. When we obey His instructions,
we make room in our hearts for His wildfire for the souls of friends,
neighbors, and even strangers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Subheading" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Action<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Body" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Prayer and
action are both vital and should go hand–in–hand on our faith journeys. God
responds to our prayers for souls to come into His kingdom in both direct and
subtle ways, so if we pray, we should be ready to act on opportunities! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Body" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I recently
challenged a group of believers to ask God to give them a few souls to sow into
and harvest for His Kingdom. “Beg God,” I urged, “and don’t stop until He
answers!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few weeks later when </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">this group met again, one </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">of the men shared that he took my challenge
seriously and began praying. After a few days of begging God to bring people
into his life who were hungry for him, nothing happened. He began to think that
praying the same thing</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">,</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> over and over again</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">,</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">wasn’t getting
any results,</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> but he kept on praying.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Body" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A couple of days
later his neighbor came across the street to chat, so he followed the lead of
the Spirit and shared his story and asked some spiritual questions. That’s when
he learned that his neighbor had been seeking a fresh spiritual direction. The
next day</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">,</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> one of his co-workers admitted that he had been away from God for years
and wanted to reconnect, but was not interested in the commercial side of the church. You could not stop this man in our church from beaming. </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It required prayer, conversation, and acts of love,
but he finally saw results. </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These
men have begun to meet together to discuss the Word, admit their mistakes</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">,</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> and
pray for others to join them in pursuing Christ. I believe that a new church is
about to start! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Body" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You can find more free encouragement, video's and podcasts on evangelism at <a href="http://wildfiregospel.com/">wildfiregospel.com</a></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-88307233387588935772020-02-18T14:25:00.001-07:002020-02-18T14:26:50.983-07:00How Fast Do You Want To Go?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">“How
fast do you want to go?” That was the question asked of me while traveling on
the Autobahn in Germany. My friend, Scott, was driving a Mustang Bullitt with a
4.6-liter engine. My reply was, “Let’s see how fast this car can go.” Before I
knew it, my head was thrown back into the headrest and 120 mph was surpassed.
It was exhilarating as the speed filled my body with adrenaline. On the
Autobahn, there are no limits.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">As
I think about the good news offered by Jesus to our broken world, I imagine
Jesus wants His followers to understand that there are no limits to what can be
accomplished. My experience in discussing the offering of good news by
believers to the world is that most actually see limits. Some of the limits
most Christians envision are: that they are not competent to share the good
news, they need more knowledge, abilities, passion or training. But what if
Jesus sees things differently? Can His vision be trusted or should believers
rely on their own perspective? How fast do you want to go in seeing the gospel
expanded through you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jesus’
perspective on this topic can be explored in Mark 5. In this chapter, there is
the story of a man who had been demonized for some time and Jesus’ encounter
with him (Mark 5:1–20). This man was isolated to a graveyard due to his
demonization. He was violent, tormented and emotionally, relationally,
physically and spiritually broken. This passage says that others had tried to
restrain him with chains and ropes, but he broke them all. Mark 5:5 tells us
about this man’s pain “Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the
tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones.” Jesus and His
disciples landed their boat on the shore near where this unnamed man spent his
days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">As
Jesus and His followers got out of their boat on the shore of the Gerasene
region, the man immediately ran towards them. The demonized man ran up to Jesus
and bowed down before Him (Mark 5:6). In Jesus’ interaction with this man, He
casts the demons out of Him. Jesus gave the many demons who were tormenting
this man permission to enter a herd of two thousand swine. The herd ran
headlong over a cliff and perished in the sea. This caused great commotion in
the region as the herdsmen ran back to their villages, reporting what just
happened. The death of the swine would certainly bring economic devastation to
the region and the people of the villages were angry. Many of the people came
to Jesus and demanded He and His followers leave. Jesus and His disciples
headed back to their boat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">As
the boat was shoving off the shore, the man formally demonized ran to Jesus and
begged to go with Jesus. He was so grateful to be relieved from his burden,
that he believed his best option was to become a follower of Jesus. But Jesus’
response is stunning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This
man was a non-Jew who likely had no understanding of Jewish teaching nor of
their Messiah. All he knew was that he had been so broken and now he was so
whole…he wanted to be part of whatever Jesus was up to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jesus’
response to his request to become a follower of His was, no! Jesus said to this
man, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has
done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” This man only knew what had
happened to him and that a man named Jesus had given him his life back. He was
so thirsty for more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In
the last verse of this story, we read, “And he went away and began to proclaim
in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him, and everyone was
amazed.” A man who had been demonized for a long time was now made whole by
Jesus and he told ten-cities (Decapolis) what Jesus had done for him and how He
had mercy on him. The whole area was amazed. The next time Jesus came to this
area (Mark 6:53–56), the people recognized Him and brought them many to be
healed. This is a result of one new believer’s obedience to tell the simple
message of how Jesus had healed him and had mercy on him. The truth of Jesus
spread fast because of one man who had been made whole. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">When
believers are obedient to share the good news of Christ, things can change
rapidly. So, how fast do you want to go? Be obedient and share what Jesus has
done for you and how He has had mercy on you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #111111; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">For more information on your natural ability to share the gospel go to </span><a href="http://www.wildfiregospel.com/" style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); color: #2b932b; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-decoration-line: none;">www.wildfiregospel.com</a></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-26851518171389055602020-02-13T10:28:00.001-07:002020-02-13T10:28:15.498-07:00Adventures await!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3JTzItb4XYE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
Let's have a conversation about this 1-minute video. What are your thoughts?<br /><br />
You can find more information, video's, podcasts and more at wildfiregospel.com<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-49919740434803755402020-02-12T12:03:00.000-07:002020-02-12T12:03:04.588-07:00How Do We Get Ready to Defend and Explain Our Faith?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_nzSPiSppooT6XMDMQWGj8l0Zho6ywbic_MZYzP0bu510x0ZJZYQYN-mg6fXuGrBLVaJaKrmtvSvjPV1ZEkVA2_Ap-ZJsmyDT4JC46M0Vs_86ADyETJzNPvdTZ3uSSpBc2ALvA/s1600/keep-calm-1-peter-3-15-defend-the-faith-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_nzSPiSppooT6XMDMQWGj8l0Zho6ywbic_MZYzP0bu510x0ZJZYQYN-mg6fXuGrBLVaJaKrmtvSvjPV1ZEkVA2_Ap-ZJsmyDT4JC46M0Vs_86ADyETJzNPvdTZ3uSSpBc2ALvA/s320/keep-calm-1-peter-3-15-defend-the-faith-3.png" width="274" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Being Ready to
Give a Defense</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="ListLabel1"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In a culture that values control and
success more than mystery, the following verse has often been incorrectly
taught and misunderstood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span class="ListLabel1"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“...But
sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, </span></i></span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">always being ready to make a defense</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> to
everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with
gentleness and reverence,”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Peter 3:15 (emphasis mine)</i></span><span class="ListLabel1"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="ListLabel1"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This verse begins by instructing us to
sanctify, or set aside, Christ as Lord in our hearts. Christ is to have the
first place in our hearts. This is a deliberate decision we are to make and
maintain as we follow Jesus. As we make Him King of our lives, we should </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">be constantly prepared to defend and explain our
faith. The question is: how do we get ready to defend </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">explain our faith?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The word for “make a defense” in 1
Peter 3:15 is apologia (from which we get apologetics). Apologia means ‘a
verbal defense.’</span>[1]<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>The meaning can be refined to include an intelligent or well thought out
response. A popular view is that apologetics starts with a sufficient religious
education for refuting questions or accusations against Christianity. With this
understanding of </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">apologia</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, most believers will feel inadequate. How can
ordinary believers ever know enough to deal with the many complex issues out
there? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Many books have been written on the
topic of apologetics to help believers become better equipped at defending
their faith<span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_edn2">[2]</a> <span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A glance at just the table of contents in these books may seem</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> too complex to
pursue further. Apologetics can be a very intellectual topic. There is just too
much to know for most believers to give a well thought out response to the
endless list of questions people can ask about our faith. With this
understanding of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">apologia</i>, few people
will feel competent and confident enough to make a defense to everyone who
asks. It serves to silence the majority to get ready to give a defense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A Better
Way to Understand How to Get Ready…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I believe there is a better way to
approach this verse or the concept of ‘apologia’ that works well for all
believers and fits well with the words of Jesus and the examples we see in the
New Testament. To always be ready to defend your faith means <u>that you are
ready to depend on God for the right words at the right time during
interactions</u>. To trust that Jesus will do what He has promised and give us
what to say at the right time to say it is something anyone can do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To give a defense (apologia), we
simply talk about the “hope that is within” us. We do not have to be ready to
refute every doctrinal, theological or philosophical argument! We only need to
share the hope that Christ has given us when we place our trust in Him. We
don’t have to debate people with the goal to crush their opinions; we can
respect that they are made in the image of God but don’t know Him yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once I was flying from Chicago to
Washington D.C. where I had a long conversation with Dr. Laura. Dr. Laura was a
Ph.D. and a professor at an esteemed university. There is no way I was humanly
prepared to engage her intellectually. God allowed me to be instrumental in
sharing His love for her. God is gracious to include us in His work in people’s
lives as He also shapes our hearts to be more like Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My conversation with Dr. Laura
covered areas where she was an expert, or at least more educated than me, and
yet, God gave me the precise way to interact with her at the moment. The only
preparation I had for that conversation was depending on the Holy Spirit to
bring to my mind what she needed to hear at that time, and He did! In every
interaction where the Gospel is either hinted at or the central topic, God is
at work. He will give the believer the right words at the right time to
accomplish His purpose in the heart of the not-yet–believer (Ephesians 6:18–20).
That brings freedom. First Peter 3:15 does not instruct us to know the </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">best</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> response; it tells us to ‘always be
ready’ to give an account for the hope already in us.</span>[3]<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>God makes us ready when we rely on Him to give us the necessary words. The
person we are talking to is the important one in spiritual conversations. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Evangelism</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is not
about us, it is about what God is doing in the other person at the moment!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would
like to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to leave comments below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You
can find more equipping information about making the impossible become reality
at </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://wildfiregospel.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: linear-gradient(to right, currentcolor 100%, currentcolor 0px) 0px 100% / 1px 1px repeat-x rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start; white-space: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #ae2d09;">wildfiregospel.com</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Strong’s Concordance” www.biblehub.com,
accessed December 29, 2019, <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/627.htm"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://biblehub.com/greek/627.htm</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Several studies (McDowell, 1999; Strobel,
2013; Geisler, 2007; Moreland, 2003; Craig, 2010; Licona, 2004).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=18459436#_ednref3" name="_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The Bible is a treasure of wisdom for
believers, but we’re not limited to a physical copy when we study it. Word
studies, Bible commentaries, sermons, podcasts, and books are a few ways for us
to learn and grow in our understanding of the Scriptures. As we learn and grow,
we open a door for God to bring to our mind what He knows the person we are
talking to needs to hear at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-16698072128415181872020-02-02T13:05:00.000-07:002020-02-03T09:37:40.490-07:00How Did That Happen?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1MwFO3YCfqeUvT5TUPs-lp2ez-w4zQNdjzmUlS5v1BoMZrjmur0wSXCAiESyS3Ow1PPUY1CWMqmcVmUBvKPowoP3kD75xxxw7dzkQKBQ2OlvC4J8nBARe7VPWItdKawmIQW4GQ/s1600/impossible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1MwFO3YCfqeUvT5TUPs-lp2ez-w4zQNdjzmUlS5v1BoMZrjmur0wSXCAiESyS3Ow1PPUY1CWMqmcVmUBvKPowoP3kD75xxxw7dzkQKBQ2OlvC4J8nBARe7VPWItdKawmIQW4GQ/s320/impossible.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
city of Thessalonica had a long history of being dominated by Rome for 200
years. When Paul came to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–9), the religious culture was
complex. There were worship centers for Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Political
ideologies. The Jews also had a presence in this city (Acts 17:1–2). After
leaving Philippi (Acts 16), Paul came to Thessalonica and taught at the local
synagogue for three Sabbaths. This means that Paul was in Thessalonica for
three to four weeks. With such a complex religious and political situation, a
Christian revival might seem unlikely to predict. But that is exactly what
happened. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paul
taught in the synagogue from the Old Testament, arguing that Jesus Christ was
the Messiah (Acts 17:2–3). His arguments were so persuasive, that many of the
Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and women believed in Jesus as the Messiah (Acts
17:3–4). The pride of the Jewish leaders would not have any of that teaching.
They caused an uprising which led to immediate persecution for those who had
believed Paul’s teaching about the Messiah, Jesus (Acts 17:5-9). We read in
this passage that the Jewish leaders went looking for Paul but, “…When they did
not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city
authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also,
and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of
Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus” (Acts 17:6–7). Paul was
encouraged to leave Thessalonica by the new believers and he and Silas made
their way to the town of Berea (Acts 17:8ff). The truth of Jesus being the
Christ (Messiah) was not hampered by persecution, but instead, was spread
widely throughout the region (1 Thessalonians 1:5–10). How did that happen?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
can read of this region being powerfully affected.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“…
you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the
word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia,
but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have
no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a
reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a
living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from
the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians
1:7–10). </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How
did these brand–new believers become so powerful in their witness of Jesus that
Paul had “…no need to say anything”? There are at least three principles that
we can imitate from Paul’s work with the Thessalonians to create an atmosphere
where similar results are possible.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Engagement</span></span></strong><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The first thing Paul did was to engage those who were spiritually motivated to
discuss the truth of Jesus. Paul did this after being persecuted himself in
Philippi (Acts 16). Paul knew his message was unstoppable. The principle of
engagement begins with a deep dependency of prayer for the people we are
impacting (1 Thessalonians 1:2–4). As Paul prayed for these new believers, he
trusted that God would take His Word and cause it to affect those who heard.
Prayer, expectation, and trust in God’s message to people are vital as we look for
Him to impact the areas we live in.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Equipping</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paul
equipped the new believers in Thessalonica with truth from the Word and by
setting an example for them to follow. Paul most assuredly told them stories
of His time in Philippi and the effect, the message of Jesus had upon them.
They saw his example of perseverance during persecution which inspired them to
do the same. As they followed Paul’s teaching and example of living for Jesus,
they believed God could do for them what he had done through Paul.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Empowering</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Part
of the gospel of Jesus is that He gives His followers everything they need to
be successful…from the moment of salvation (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:3, 6:18–20).
These new believers not only trusted in Jesus, but they also trusted that Jesus
would use them in similar ways as they obeyed what they had been taught both in
word and by Paul and Silas’ example.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Engagement,
equipping and empowerment are three principles the Thessalonians followed as
taught them by Paul. That is how this explosion of expansion took place in
Thessalonica and beyond. I believe this is possible for you and me today. I
pray that you as you engage the people God places around you, that you will
realize that God has equipped and empowered you to follow Him so His kingdom is
expanded through you…beginning today (Philippians 2:13). </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You
can find more equipping information about making the impossible become reality
at <a href="http://wildfiregospel.com/">wildfiregospel.com</a>. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-30727288844401494482020-01-27T14:37:00.000-07:002020-01-28T17:17:06.295-07:00How Competent Are You, In Sharing The Gospel?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bCdZ1nWNl7hKnAjHRN_rh0pdo8WT1SIr0GDMbRQs9ff0O83s7BRpCiLVU59eatIsloimNdjKSr-p6iH0NZ8vbvKcgMSL7BW4fqgYC_T4zPTdAOpTqgc0_fhcG6M-zUKBWX2p9w/s1600/Positive-Attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="700" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bCdZ1nWNl7hKnAjHRN_rh0pdo8WT1SIr0GDMbRQs9ff0O83s7BRpCiLVU59eatIsloimNdjKSr-p6iH0NZ8vbvKcgMSL7BW4fqgYC_T4zPTdAOpTqgc0_fhcG6M-zUKBWX2p9w/s320/Positive-Attitude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">I
remember feeling awful and incompetent. I had shared the gospel with my
Grandfather and he was livid. I wanted to retell this story to my mentor, and
so I did. My mentor scolded me and told me that I had lacked tack in my
presentation. He also said that I may have pushed my Grandfather too hard. I
may have ruined his chance of ever coming to the knowledge of the truth. I hung
my head and closed my mouth about the gospel for a long time.</span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">I
believed I had done something good, but my mentor told that I did not. My mentor
informed me that there were wrong and right ways to share the gospel and I had
gotten it all wrong! How could I ever be competent in sharing the gospel with
others? Maybe you have felt this way at times as well.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">Was
I competent, or was I incompetent in my sharing the gospel with my Grandfather?</span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">Let’s
take a look at how the Apostle Paul speaks about competence with the gospel for
every believer.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">In
<a href="https://biblehub.com/context/2_corinthians/3-1.htm" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 3:1–4</a>, Paul told the believers in the city of Corinth that they
were each a letter of Christ. The letter is the truth of the gospel written in
our hearts by the Holy Spirit. “Such confidence we have through Christ towards
God” (2 Corinthians 3:4). Paul wanted these believers to have confidence in
sharing the gospel. Paul taught them that they were all a gospel letter written
to the world by God. </span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">Paul
continues by telling them in verse 5 that they were not competent because of
their ability. No matter their status, intelligence, eloquence or capacity,
these things do not make them competent in sharing the gospel.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Their competence comes from God
in sharing the gospel. Every believer is competent to share His eternal truth
adequately from the moment of salvation. That is a very different message than
I had received after sharing the gospel with my Grandfather. But there is more!<span style="color: #111111;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">Take
a look at what 2 Corinthians 3:6 teaches us.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">“He
has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant…” (2 Corinthians 3:6a
NIV).</span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">God
makes every believer a competent minister of the new covenant. God has already
made you fit, adequate, qualified or prepared to be a competent minister of the
gospel. The gospel, or new covenant, is the message of God reconciling the world
to Himself through Christ (<a href="https://biblehub.com/context/2_corinthians/5-18.htm" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:18–19</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">No
matter what you think or believe, the Scriptures teach us that we are all competent
ministers in sharing the gospel. When do we receive this competence to share
the gospel with confidence? At the moment you became a believer. That is an
amazing reality that God instills in every believer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">On
my Grandfather’s death bed, he trusted in Jesus for his eternal destiny. He
also proclaimed that he wanted a faith like mine. He recognized that what I had
told him for years was actually true. I learned that I was competent to handle eternal
truth adequately when it comes to sharing the gospel. My Gramps is now in
heaven and I had a part in shaping his belief before his conversion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">I hope
this post has encouraged you to believe the Biblical reality that you are a
competent minister of the gospel from the moment you believe. It is my prayer
that you will realize and embrace this truth, so the message of Jesus will spread
fearlessly through you until God calls you home! Blessings.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #111111; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; padding: 0in;">For more information on your natural ability to share the gospel go to <a href="http://www.wildfiregospel.com/">www.wildfiregospel.com</a></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-62277840241093123182020-01-21T16:06:00.000-07:002020-01-28T17:17:22.607-07:00Is it God, or is it the Caffeine?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_8YqwDQdf_ukB_NyrmwVfNTEPcWeRQgRgSkjeqtlpo7ZX3fj3hm21cgeirgfTevJbb6aAZ05ctg2LcLaGdl0LfRo-v39Yzv-Iz0DJi1KVSlDmSRZtbiSrVszA7FB-TH3CHVrMA/s1600/Coffee_LYK+fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_8YqwDQdf_ukB_NyrmwVfNTEPcWeRQgRgSkjeqtlpo7ZX3fj3hm21cgeirgfTevJbb6aAZ05ctg2LcLaGdl0LfRo-v39Yzv-Iz0DJi1KVSlDmSRZtbiSrVszA7FB-TH3CHVrMA/s320/Coffee_LYK+fb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I was enjoying a hot Americano with two friends who love Jesus. I do love my coffee strong and black (or is it black and strong?). We were discussing a passage in the Bible when I noticed a man craning his neck to listen in on our conversation. My friends had their back to this man. In the middle of our conversation, I broke out telling my friends the story of how I met Jesus; which they had heard a dozen times before. My friends had a look of bewilderment, but I just went on telling my story. After we wrapped up our time of coffee and conversation, we headed to the door. One of my friends asked me why I had told the story of how I met Jesus? I replied by telling him that the man sitting behind him was listening in to our conversation and I simply felt the something in my soul nudging me to tell my story so the man could hear the gospel incognito.<br />
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At that very moment, the man who was listening to our conversation came through the door of the coffee shop. He mentioned he had heard our conversation and asked if we were going to meet there again because he would like to join us the next time. That began a new friendship that expanded to our inviting Jerry to meet with us anytime he would like to. A couple of years later, I spoke at Jerry’s funeral with many of his friends hearing the gospel of Jesus.<br />
<br />
When I felt the nudge of the Spirit to share my story, fear rose in my mind. What would my friends think? Was what I sensed from God or from the caffeine from the coffee? How could I know?<br />
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One of my mottoes when it comes to talking about Jesus is that “It is always the right time to love”. Learning to hear and respond to the voice of God is an art form that all believers can learn to discern…with practice. That is exactly what I did while sipping hot, strong, black coffee with friends. I practiced, took a risk and followed what was the nudge of the Holy Spirit. I learned a lot that day about how God speaks to my soul regarding talking about the gospel of Jesus.<br />
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Why not give it a try this week? Pray for the Lord to nudge you at some point to talk about His story. That IS His desire! He will answer that prayer and you will be surprised at how natural it will become…over time, as you practice the art of hearing from Jesus.<br />
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I would love to hear your thoughts on this post. Feel free to comment below!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #111111; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">For more information on your natural ability to share the gospel go to </span><a href="http://www.wildfiregospel.com/" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">www.wildfiregospel.com</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-26049947118219539522020-01-01T18:50:00.000-07:002020-01-28T17:18:32.411-07:00Can Everyone Be a Master Gospel Giver?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-vHtE9ROavxFgU02aWPiDCkoTcyD7Bul2QV69_m1WLgoQEi1y4Woyopr0YTEqmUxGlhWCGD8bPKwOvTIGATOIMDrQ5kjHZVF1NVwN3MxP37LmFYb__YmKL3gGEtjzUvYB9nCDQ/s1600/Dou_Astronomer-by-candlelight_2_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="664" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-vHtE9ROavxFgU02aWPiDCkoTcyD7Bul2QV69_m1WLgoQEi1y4Woyopr0YTEqmUxGlhWCGD8bPKwOvTIGATOIMDrQ5kjHZVF1NVwN3MxP37LmFYb__YmKL3gGEtjzUvYB9nCDQ/s320/Dou_Astronomer-by-candlelight_2_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I stared at this painting for a long time. I was mesmerized by how real the painting felt. The painting was created in 1665 by Garret Dou, a student of Rembrandt. The painting was small in size and yet, the detail was captivating. It looked like a photograph, but it was a painting. It was intricate and seemed flawless. The genius it took to create what Mr. Dou saw took amazing skill and expertise. I can only imagine that it took years of practice to create this masterpiece.<br />
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If I were to pick up a palette of colors and attempted to recreate this painting, it would be a futile exercise. I am simply not skilled in painting nor have I studied or practiced the techniques needed to do so. If a master painter were to develop a step by step process so another could attempt to imitate this painting, none would likely come close to the quality of the original.<br />
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In thinking about sharing Jesus’ good news with people, many (possibly most) believers are intimidated or hesitant. Courses on evangelism are created to diminish the hesitation. The trainers of these courses speak of the steps required to evangelize with ease. The trainer will often include stores of evangelism from their own life which make it sound so easy or natural for them. The ones being trained cannot imagine how they could ever pull off anything similar. The approach they are taught feels unnatural and leaves them wondering if they should be engaged in this learning. Deep in their hearts, the students know they want to share the gospel with others and are likely alerted to the truth that the Scriptures invite and even command them to be engaged in evangelism. But the training simply feels forced. The approach they are being taught does not come from who they were created to be. The information may be helpful, but the approach is mechanical.<br />
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Every believer is familiar with the gospel. After all, every believer knows what happened to them and how they embraced the truths required for salvation. Becoming a believer in Jesus requires an admission that they have sinned. To be a believer also requires an understanding and acceptance that Jesus came to pay the penalty for their sins. Lastly, to become a believer requires a belief in Jesus–who He is and what He has done for them.<br />
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Because every believer knows how to be saved, why is there an emphasis to train them on how to share what has happened to them? While I believe it is helpful to learn Scriptural truths and references regarding being saved (justified), I do not believe there is an approach that needs to be learned so a believer can share successfully. Instead, believers need to be encouraged to listen to Jesus and repeat what He speaks to them to say. This causes a dependency on Christ rather than a dependency on a script or programmed approach to evangelism.</div>
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Allow me to briefly explain why I think that the more we train people on how to share their faith, that they actually share the gospel less.<br />
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<strong><em>1. Every believer is created uniquely.</em></strong></div>
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Because every believer is created uniquely, each person’s approach to sharing will be unique. I believe God creates a variety of approaches for each person, designed for each interaction. Each approach is crafted by God to fit the believer’s personality AND to fit the person they are sharing the gospel story. This causes the believer to tune in their spiritual ears to hear from God as to the way He KNOWS the person or group they are sharing with needs to hear. When the interaction is crafted by God for how the believer should share and for the person or group to hear; the presentation is supernaturally adjusted to meet the needs of everyone involved (1 Corinthians 2:10–16).<br />
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<strong><em>2. Each receiver is created uniquely.</em></strong></div>
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God knows the life-story of every person whether they are a believer or not. He knows what they believe. He knows their questions, doubts, fears, and hopes. God is very interested in getting the information of His gospel to them in a way that fits their needs. He intentionally brings believers into their lives so the message is customized for the specific interaction. While the message never changes, the approach or portion of the gospel given can and should vary, based on the believer following the lead of the Spirit who lives in them.<br />
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<strong><em>3. Jesus did not use the same technique or approach to share the gospel.</em></strong></div>
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Some of the more well-known interactions of Jesus with unbelievers are:<br />
- When He invited His disciples to follow Him. He told fishermen that they would be fishing for men (Matthew 4:19) and He told Matthew the tax collector to simply, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9).<br />
- Jesus told Nicodemus that He must be born-again (John 3:3, 7). He never told another person that they must be born-again.<br />
- As Jesus interacted with the woman at the well (John 4), He told her that He was the Messiah (John 4:26). Many in this village of Sychar “believed” (John 4:39, 42).<br />
- Jesus healed the nobleman’s son and he and his whole household believed (John 5:53–54).</div>
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In each of the above evangelistic encounters, we find Jesus using a different approach as He invited people to trust in Him.<br />
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<strong><em>4. Creativity in sharing is needed because both you and the receiver of the message are at unique seasons in your life.</em></strong></div>
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I am honestly just not good enough to know how to present the gospel in each situation. I am unsure if a person needs to be encouraged, have their worldview dismantled or a swift kick in the derriere about some sin in their life. I may be unsure, but God knows exactly what is needed to draw the person I am sharing with too Himself (John 6:44, 65). God resides in me (1 Corinthians 6:19), and will nudge me with what He knows the person needs to hear at that very moment (Ephesians 6:18–20; Colossians 4:2–6).<br />
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All of the above teaches me that a deeper dependence upon the Spirit of God is needed, rather than a trust in a programmed approach. God may use an approach you have learned, so learn a couple. Always keep your heart open to hear from the Spirit of God to guide every conversation so the person moves another step or two in the direction of Jesus.<br />
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When this approach is followed, I believe there will be more gospel sharing because the believer will know that Jesus is directing them. When Jesus is directing a person, how can a mistake be made? I want believers to be free to share the gospel naturally, as God has created them and to trust Him for the approach that best fits both them and the person they are spiritually caring for.<br />
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Because Jesus will give us the approach and the words needed to meet the need of the person we are sharing the good news, we can all become a master gospel giver.<br />
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I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Let’s start a conversation!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #111111; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px; white-space: normal;">For more information on your natural ability to share the gospel go to </span><a href="http://www.wildfiregospel.com/" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px; white-space: normal;">www.wildfiregospel.com</a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-58157003489973398892019-12-13T12:45:00.001-07:002020-01-28T17:18:50.433-07:00J'aime Jésus et Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_KDZ1UjkjzBBYUmc2_X_MV46vtDGxfcC1ExOERXus7D31nrDFj_SCMW6dk2w2IdFbrL7dzx4s7UmokQe5iTtOH63-Jie6AEZlDh9GcZedt0_dtms6B_qnqIf-zKPmoPArLpftA/s1600/eiffel+tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_KDZ1UjkjzBBYUmc2_X_MV46vtDGxfcC1ExOERXus7D31nrDFj_SCMW6dk2w2IdFbrL7dzx4s7UmokQe5iTtOH63-Jie6AEZlDh9GcZedt0_dtms6B_qnqIf-zKPmoPArLpftA/s400/eiffel+tower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: #f8f9fa; color: #222222;">J'aime Paris (I love Paris)! When my wife and I have the
opportunity to visit Paris, we love to stay at </span><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.hotelduchampdemars.com/">Hotel du Champ de Mars</a>. Each room has a unique French feel, the staff is very helpful the price point is
affordable and the hotel is perfectly located in the </span><span style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">authentic Gros
Caillou district.</span><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Writing the above paragraph was fun and whisked my mind
across the sea to Paris. It is my belief that talking about Jesus should be
just as natural as talking about the Hotel du Champ de Mars. Not everyone likes
to travel or travel to Europe or enjoys Paris, but that does not stop me from
sharing the good news of this wonderful hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus has transformed my life radically and for the good in
every way possible. Jesus has guaranteed me eternal life with Him because of my
belief in Him (John 3:14–17). Jesus has given me spiritual abilities (gifts)
that I use to build up those whom I connect. I have the ability to be filled or
controlled by the Holy Spirit. The list of benefits could go on. I actually
believe that almost every person would want to have eternal life with God as well as abilities to help others and a joy that is consistent…so…why wouldn’t I invite
others to explore those possibilities by believing in Jesus? I really do find
it fun to share my faith in Jesus with people. He has changed my life! He
promises to give me the opportunities, the right words and the right timing to
share Him with others (Luke 12:11–12; Ephesians 6:18–20).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="background: #f8f9fa; color: #222222;">J'aime Jésus (I love Jesus), and I will keep enjoying
speaking of Jesus in natural ways whenever He gives me the opportunity. I
invite you to do the same! Give away the joy of Jesus. Blessings. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: #f8f9fa; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa;">Want to learn more about how fun and natural sharing your faith can be? <i><u>Wildfire - The Fearless Spread of the Gospel</u></i> is full of practical advice to equip you in sharing the gospel naturally. You can find <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099066046X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1" target="_blank">Wildfire on Amazon (print & digital)</a> or in the iBooks store.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #111111; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">For more information on your natural ability to share the gospel go to </span><a href="http://www.wildfiregospel.com/" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">www.wildfiregospel.com</a></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-37919903851741850592017-04-07T14:05:00.000-07:002020-01-28T17:20:09.874-07:00Jesus Has All Authority!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">I was recently asked the following question: "In Luke 8:22-56, what do you think Luke is
trying to tell us about Jesus by grouping these stories together?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">In Luke 8:22–56, we find four miracles
performed by Jesus. They are reported by Luke in a rapid sequence and in a
condensed fashion. Here is a brief list of the four and possibly five miracles
performed by Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Calming the sea (Luke 8:22–25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Casting out the legion of demons (Luke 8:26–39)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Healing the woman with a hemorrhage (Luke
8:40–48)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Raising the girl from the dead (Luke 8:49–56)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">It appears that Luke is detailing the authority
of Jesus over several segments of creation and therefore is declaring His Deity
while He walked on earth in His humanity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">In the Calming of the sea (Luke 8:22–25), Jesus
declares His authority over creation. In this miracle, we see Jesus engage His
omnipotence and Kingship over the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">In the casting out of the legion of demons
(Luke 8:26–39), Jesus declares His authority over spiritual world and the forces
that disrupt good and promote evil. This is something He had already commanded
His disciples to be doing and gave them another teaching on this topic through
this example (Mark 3:13–15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">In the healing the woman of her hemorrhage
(Luke 8:40–48), Jesus declares His authority over sickness. In this miracle, it
seems Jesus engaged His omniscience and His omnipotence while encouraging and
teaching His disciples of the importance of faith (Luke 8:48).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">In the raising of the synagogue official’s
daughter from the dead (Luke 8:49–56), Jesus declared His authority over death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Jesus did all of these miracles with His
disciples watching which would cause them to proclaim His authority, which they
saw with their own eyes, to the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;">There may be another nugget in the middle of
these stories that also proclaimed Jesus’ authority and genius. Jesus desires
and commands for all believers to be about making disciples (Matthew 28:16–20).
At the end of the story of the demonized man who was set free from the legion
of demons, we find Jesus denying a brand–new believer to spend time with Him
and instead sends him away to declare what Jesus had done for him. No formula.
No program. No rote presentation. Simply he was to tell the whole cite (ten
cities in Mark 5:19) what great things Jesus had done for him. We learn in Mark
5:20 that the results were that everyone in the ten cities marveled. This
teaches me that Jesus wants even the newest believer to be proclaiming His good
news and that they will be successful simply by obeying.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #2d3b45; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #111111; font-family: Times; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">For more information on your natural ability to share the gospel go to </span><a href="http://www.wildfiregospel.com/" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: Times; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">www.wildfiregospel.com</a></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-70212262360785399002016-08-17T13:20:00.004-07:002016-08-17T13:22:50.650-07:00Church: Ministry or Missional Focus?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d4VgfYh3ekA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d4VgfYh3ekA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hi and thanks for stopping by to view this video. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Take a moment and leave a comment. Blessings upon you!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-62338211671773340762016-07-20T08:27:00.001-07:002020-01-28T17:19:52.562-07:00Good Seed+Good Soil=Multiplication<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iW3X_o7MlcQ" width="459"></iframe><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #111111; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #111111; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">For more information on your natural ability to share the gospel go to </span><a href="http://www.wildfiregospel.com/" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 17.3333px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;">www.wildfiregospel.com</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-52132050610199251342016-06-24T13:01:00.001-07:002016-06-24T13:01:49.229-07:00Church<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rV1ekPzGFGc" width="480"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-59761465882500634132016-06-24T12:46:00.001-07:002016-06-24T12:46:08.110-07:00Three Essential Elements for Growth<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T-o4ES7RZSM" width="480"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-88342360924508802682016-06-01T12:11:00.002-07:002016-06-01T12:11:37.152-07:00Why Do I Talk About Being on Mission…a Lot?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ll admit it…I talk a lot about being on mission. Whether I am eating a meal, taking a hike, working around the house or teaching, I am asking the Lord who He wants me to connect with and what He wants me to say. Because I am passionate about giving people the hope, love and invitation to be in relationship with God, the message just ooze’s from my life.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe that Jesus has given to every believer His spiritual DNA so that they can grow into maturity and be reproductive for generations. People can be spiritually reproductive for generations if they pass the understanding of DNA to those they help become more like Jesus (discipleship).</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DNA is Divine Truth (the Living and Written Word of God - Matt. 22:37), Nurturing Relationships (the one another taught in the Scriptures - Matt. 22:39) and Apostolic Mission (Apostle means sent one so every believer is sent to take the good news where ever they go - that is their mission -Matt. 28:16-20).</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most believers have some understanding that the Word of God (Living and Written) is vital to their spiritual health (Divine Truth). Most believers enjoy being with other believers in a variety of settings (Nurturing Relationships). In my experience, the area that is most lacking in believers is the intentional focus of sharing the good news through action and words (Apostolic Mission). Because of this, God has had my life focus on being missional.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My emphasis for nudging people forward in mission is because I see God as being missional. The Missio Dei (Mission of God) is at the core of what we learn of Him in the Scriptures. Here are twelve core verses that speak of God being on mission (Missio Dei) and how He wants those who trust Him to be on mission as well.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Genesis 1:27-28</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">27God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; <b>male and female He created them.</b> 28God blessed them; and God said to them, "<b>Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it</b>; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth."</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Genesis 12:1-3 </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1Now the Lord said to Abram,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Go forth from your country,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And from your relatives</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And from your father's house,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To the land which I will show you;</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2And I will make you a great nation,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I will bless you,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And make your name great;</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so you shall be a blessing;</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3And I will bless those who bless you,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the one who curses you I will curse.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exodus 19:5-6</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then <b>you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine</b>; 6and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' <b>These are the words that you shall speak</b> to the sons of Israel."</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isaiah 6:8</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "<b>Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us</b>?" Then I said, "<b>Here am I. Send me!</b>"</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matthew 24:14</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world</b> as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matthew 28:18-20</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“18…All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 <b>Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations</b>, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 <b>teaching them to observe all that I commanded you</b>; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mark 16:15</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And He said to them, "<b>Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation</b>.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luke 4:18-19</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because <b>He anointed Me to preach the gospel</b> to the poor.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has sent Me to <b>proclaim release to the captives</b>,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And <b>recovery of sight to the blind</b>,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To <b>set free those who are oppressed</b>,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19 To <b>proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.</b>"</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John 17:20-21</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20 "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, <b>so that the world may believe that You sent Me</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John 20:21</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; <b>as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.</b>"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Acts 1:8</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and <b>you shall be My witnesses</b> both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Peter 2:9-10</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9 <b>But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation</b>, a people for God's own possession, <b>so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light</b>; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being missional must be more than something we believe or talk about. It must be something we do…something we are. We must be active (missional) in growing closer to God (Divine Truth). We must be active in growing in our love and service for each other (Nurturing Relationships). We must be active in our tangibly being present with other people so they can both see and hear the invitation of God to connect with Him.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Growing in the knowledge of God and the love for others is incomplete. We must also be focused on giving away our knowledge and love to the people God allows our life to intersect. God is missional everyday and in a variety of ways where ever you go. We must discipline ourselves to see these opportunities and then take action.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!</span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-91900694543470354602016-05-16T04:00:00.000-07:002016-05-17T10:27:16.959-07:00The Necessity of Together<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jesus wasn’t kidding when he <i>commanded</i> every one of his followers to be engaged in helping each other to become like Him - making disciples (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+28:16-20" target="_blank">Matthew 28:16-20</a>). Disciple making brings life to the soul. There are many ways that discipleship can be done but it must include the following basic ingredients: relationship, time investment and intentionally pointing each other to become more like Jesus. In Paul’s last letter, he instructs his closest disciple of over thirteen years, Timothy, that discipleship includes walking together in the same direction (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/2-timothy/2-22.html" target="_blank">2 Timothy 2:22</a> - Nurturing Relationships), a saturation of the Word of God in our souls (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/2-timothy/passage/?q=2+timothy+3:16-17" target="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a> - Divine Truth) and a strong engagement of sharing the good news of Christ with others as our mission (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/2-timothy/4-5.html" target="_blank">2 Timothy 4:5</a> - Apostolic Mission).</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Discipleship is a core principle for the health of the church. When each believer takes seriously the task of growing deep in Christ with others, the gospel spreads wildly. Individualistic faith journeys, a hallmark of western Christianity, are not found in the Scriptures. Growth and spiritual reproduction always happens in relationship. Jesus sent out His disciples two by two (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/matthew/10.html" target="_blank">Matthew 10</a>, <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/luke/10.html" target="_blank">Luke 10)</a>, He told us to go and make disciples of all nations (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+28:16-20" target="_blank">Matthew 28:16-20</a>), all of the Paul’s missionary journey’s in the book of Acts were done in communal relationships, the one another’s of the New Testament speak to our need of discipleship and Paul’s last letter focused on discipleship (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/2-timothy/2-2.html" target="_blank">2 Timothy 2:2</a>). Discipleship requires sacrifice. Sacrifices of time, energy, transparency, forgiveness, risk and love. Discipleship is a necessity for true spiritual health.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Recently I had opportunity to hang out with several people who all said they were followers of Christ Jesus. They were from a variety of faith communities including Presbyterian, Evangelical, Methodist and Catholic. We had many spiritual conversations as I mostly listened and sprinkled our conversations with a few questions and comments. During these conversations I heard thoughts from devotionals, quotes from their pastors or priests, a recalling of what their brand of church promotes and a sprinkling of insights from the Big Book (from alcoholics anonymous), celebrate recovery and the twelve step program. None of them referred to the Scriptures as their source of truth to guide their lives. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of their insights had hints of Scriptural truth but many others were really far from the truth. Each of these dear people were searching for meaning in their life and a greater purpose. They were wounded, sincere people in their faith but immature because they saw their faith as something that was administered to them by professionals. Although these people were somewhat faithful in attending church services, they had no real connection to the people in their churches nor to their spiritual leaders. Because their faith had been reduced to individualistic faith journeys of attendance with no relationship or accountability, they all were floundering on many levels of their faith. They were filled with doubts, disillusionment and despair. They were each hovering on spiritual poverty if they were not already steeped in it. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few choice questions and Biblical passages of encouragement from me brought life to their eyes. Most commented that they wished we could spend more time together. Their pain was real and deep and taking more of their soul. Who will walk with them to dig out of the mire clay?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Becoming more like Jesus is to be the goal of each His followers. To be more like Jesus must mean you can’t continue to be who you are today. Dying to yourself on a daily basis (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/galatians/2-20.html" target="_blank">Galatians 2:20</a>) and putting on Christ (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/romans/13-14.html" target="_blank">Romans 13:14</a>) are crucial decisions each believer must make in community as we walk this earth. We are to “…flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, <b><i>with those</i></b> who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 emphasis mine). Being transparent and vulnerable with a few others is dangerous, risky, bold and healthy in our fight to be more like Jesus Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Are you living an individualistic faith journey or a saturated faith journey engaged with others? Should you choose the former you will likely miss the deep satisfaction of abiding in Christ and end up living for yourself. Should you choose the latter, you will find a deeper fulfillment and your life will be saturated with Scripture, living out the one others of the Bible and a missional bent to invite others to do the same…and the world will be blessed. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I pray these thoughts have been of some benefit to you. I would love to interact with you on this topic.</span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18459436.post-75560072537860216802016-05-11T14:58:00.001-07:002016-05-11T15:00:40.956-07:00Happiness and Satisfaction - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we seek to find satisfaction in our accomplishments, we end up pouring ourselves into the tasks that promise satisfaction but leave us wanting more. The focus of our life centers on us instead of Christ. Chasing satisfaction, self-worth or money are all fleeting objects of worship (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/ecclesiastes/5-10.html" target="_blank">Eccl. 5:10</a>). Yup, read that last sentence again...all of us have worshipped satisfaction, self-worth, money or all three! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We need to have confidence (self-worth), but not in ourselves. Our confidence should come from Christ living through us (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/philippians/1-6.html" target="_blank">Philippians 1:6</a>, <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/philippians/4-13.html" target="_blank">4:13</a>, <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/hebrews/4-16.html" target="_blank">Hebrews 4:16</a>). We should live abundant (satisfaction) lives, but that is only found in the ways of Christ (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/psalms/16-11.html" target="_blank">Psalm 16:11</a>, <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/psalms/17-15.html" target="_blank">17:15</a>). We all need money to provide for ourselves and families, but chasing (loving) money is a root of all kinds of evil (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/1-timothy/6-10.html" target="_blank">1 Timothy 6:10</a>).</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://edwaken.blogspot.com/2016/04/happiness-and-satisfaction-part-1.html" target="_blank">In my last post</a>, I wrote to you that finding true happiness happens when we become more and more like Jesus (<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/psalms/passage/?q=psalm+95:1-7" target="_blank">Psalm 95:1-7</a>; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/matthew/5-6.html" target="_blank">Matthew 5:6</a>) not by pursuing self. Happiness comes through pursuing Christ as our priority and reminding ourselves about all He has done for us. His love for us is motivating like nothing else.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 95:1-7 invites us to remember what God has done for us and to enter into worshipping Him in community; "Come let US worship and bow down...". </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 95:8-11 warns us to not harden our hearts towards the Lord as the children of Israel did in the wilderness. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8 The lord says, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">as they did at Massah in the wilderness.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">9 For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">even though they saw everything I did.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10 For forty years I was angry with them, and I said,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">‘They are a people whose hearts turn away from me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They refuse to do what I tell them.’</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">11 So in my anger I took an oath:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">‘They will never enter my place of rest.’” (Psalm 95:8-11 (NLT)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The above verses are referring to <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/passage/?q=exodus+16;+exodus+17" target="_blank">Exodus 16-17</a>. The children of Israel saw the Lord provide daily food in the form of manna and meat and yet, they did not trust Him to care for their need of water. They complained against God and even said they wish they had not left Egypt where they were slaves and poorly treated. This caused God to be disappointed with them. That generation did not experience the promised land - they lost their reward but not their relationship with Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happiness comes when we remember and are grateful for all that Christ has done for us. Trying to create satisfaction never works for very long. Resting in Christ, trusting Him and keeping His priorities are truths that will never disappoint...but...we must believe and trust Him. Who do you trust more, your own efforts or God's priorities?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Would love to hear your thoughts!</span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thoughts, comments, and insights from my brain to yours!</div>Ed Wakenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12703789732994456898noreply@blogger.com0