4 keys to knowing God's will

Do not be foolish,

understand the Lord’s will. 

Ephesians 5:17

Knowing and doing God's will is an essential part of being a spiritually successful Christian. 

First, to know God’s will we start with an attitude of trust. “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

Most of God's will involves that which applies to every believer. These are his standing orders. They are found in the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount and throughout the Bible. We ought to begin there. If we are not faithful in these areas we cannot expect to be able to understand His specific will on a certain issue. This attitude of trust also involves our ultimate intent. Why ask if we are not going to obey? 

Second, to know God’s will we must seek Him through the Bible. “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may he thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

This requires devotional reading, deep study and reflection. Tap into the timeless principles of God's Word to understand how it applies directly to our situation. 

Third, to know God’s will we must seek Him through prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) 

The Holy Spirit impresses us with wisdom, insight, understanding, and discernment. He also gives us inner peace about our decisions. However, we must be tuned into God, to be sensitive to His subtle messages and nudges. 

Fourth, to know God’s will we must seek wise counsel. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15) 

Guidance can come from parents, teachers, pastors, and friends. It is important that we verify our impressions by insuring that other believers concur. We need to be spiritually accountable to others, who in turn offer guidance as we struggle with the path ahead. This is why Christianity is not experienced alone.

This is part of the sermon series “How To Be Spiritually Successful.” It is based on the Masterlife study “The Disciple's Cross.”

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MasterLife: Developing a Rich Personal Relationship with the Master

Three reasons for Christian community

“Let us not give up meeting together,
as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another –
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25 NIV

 Spiritually successful Christians understand that fellowship is essential for spiritual growth. The word usually translated “fellowship” in the New Testament is the Greek word koinonia (koy-nohn-ee'-ah.) It carries the idea of partnership, sharing and community. Here are three reasons why Christians should need community.
 
 COMMUNITY PROVIDES ENCOURAGEMENT 

"And let us consider how we may

spur one another on

toward love and good deeds." 

Hebrews 10:24 NIV 

 
The early church met daily in the temple courts and ate together in their homes experiencing the energy of public worship and the intimacy of small gathering. The second chapter of Acts begins with the believers gathered together in one place. The Holy Spirit comes upon them and the chapter ends with multiple gatherings of Christians.

The church assembled, whether it is a megachurch of thousands or a house church of a dozen, is the place where we grow in our faith. It is where our faith moves from the theoretical to the practical. Our burdens are divided and our joys are multiplied.
 

COMMUNITY PROVIDES FOR MUTUAL CARE

"There were no needy persons among them.

For from time to time those who owned land or houses

 sold them,  brought the money from the sales

   and put it at the apostles’ feet,

and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”  

Acts 4:33-34 NIV  

When the primary bread winner of a family losses their job, disaster looms over the horizon. In a short time the family can find themselves homeless. One Sunday school class took quick action when a member lost his job. Their department, which was made up of three classes, conducted a garage sale and raised thousands of dollars. A powerful bond was created between those who participated & the couple that benefited and they had a good time. 

There are no lone ranger Christians. There are at least 58 different teachings in the New Testament that cannot be followed unless you are a part of a group of believers. Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

THERE IS POWER IN COMMUNITY 

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth

agree about anything you ask for 

it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”  

Matthew 18:49 NIV 

When Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel (Acts 4), the believers gathered for mutual support and to pray . Once again, God's power was displayed. The house shook, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word of God boldly under the threat of arrest.

One of my colleagues learned that his downtown Chicago church was to be the target of a disruptive protest by a coalition of left-wing groups. He decided to continue with Wednesday night prayer meeting as the hostile crowd gathered and chanted across the street.

Suddenly, busloads of Christians from other downtown churches started arriving. They lined the sidewalk between the church and the protesters and began to sing songs of faith. They choir continued to grow and soon the sound of praise drowned out the voices of hate. The discouraged protesters quietly exited.

View a video of “Fellowship Is Essential for Spiritual Growth.”  

GET THE BOOK:
MasterLife: Developing a Rich Personal Relationship with the Master

This is part of the sermon series “How To Be Spiritually Successful.” It is based on the Masterlife study “The Disciple's Cross.”

Unleashing the power of God

Become stronger with this simple exercise

We read a remarkable account in Genesis where Abraham bargains with God over the fate of the city of Sodom. Abraham was deeply concerned beacause his nephew, Lot, lives in Sodom.. He interceded passionately, appealing to God's mercy. “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis18:25)

Part of the power in prayer is that, like Abraham, we know that God will deal with us through his mercy and grace.

Abraham's approach is humble. “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes” (Genesis18:27)

This brings to mind the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The Pharisee, being of one of the religious elite, reminded God about his good works and reputation. The Tax Collector confessed his unworthiness. Jesus said of the tax collector, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Abraham's pleas were humble but persistent. He started haggling at fifty and got down to ten. If ten righteous people were found in Sodom, the city would be spared. Jesus taught us about the effectiveness of persistent prayer in the parables of the Persistent Widow and the Persistent Neighbor. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)

Anything big enough to worry about is big enough to pray about. Paul wrote, :”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Prayer focuses the power of God like a magnifying glass focuses the sun’s power. Abraham's prayer focused God's power on one family. Sodom was not spared (there were not ten righteous there) but God remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the disaster that overthrew the cities. (Genesis 19:29)

Another great example of the focusing of God’s power is found in Acts 4. Peter and John were in jail for preaching the gospel. God's people prayed, “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-35)

The results:

1. The place where they were meeting was shaken.
2. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
3. All the believers were one in heart and mind.
4. They shared everything they had.
5. The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power.
6. Much grace was upon them all.
7. There were no needy persons among them.

View a video of “Unleashing God's Power through Prayer.”

GET THE BOOK:

MasterLife: Developing a Rich Personal Relationship with the Master

This is part of the sermon series “How To Be Spiritually Successful.” It is based on the Masterlife study “The Disciple's Cross.”

Five essential elements of Bible engagement

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Bible engagement is a key element to spiritual success because it is the primary way God speaks to us. The five letters in the word HEART can help us to remember the essential elements of Bible engagement. 

Hear

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJ

Hearing is the easiest way to get God’s word. Faith Comes by Hearing provided free downloads of the Bible in the MP3 format.

Examine (read)
“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 NIV
 
Hearing is a passive way of getting God’s word. We only remember 5 – 10% of what we hear. Reading is more effective.

The habit of daily Bible reading will help you to grow spiritually in a way nothing else will. If you read three chapters of the Bible a day and five chapters on Sunday you will read through the whole Bible in a year. That should take about 15 to 20 minutes a day. If you miss a day don’t panic. You wouldn’t quit eating if you missed a meal.

You can download a Bible reading plan here.
 
Analyze (study)
“But the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and gladly listened to the message. They searched the Scriptures day by day to check up on Paul and Silas' statements to see if they were really so.” Acts 17:11 TLB

Studying is more than reading. It involves writing down notes and using other study sources. Bible study allows you to feed yourself. One of the signs of Christian maturity is that you no longer need someone to feed you. You can feed yourself and others.

Remember (memorize)
“Obey me and live! Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart.” Proverbs 7:2 TLB

You can only remember 5 – 10% of what you hear and up to 30% of what you study but you will remember 100% of what you memorize.

Think (meditate)
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2 NIV

Reading and memorizing scripture can become mechanical. Even Bible study can become nothing more than an academic exercise. Meditation can make the Word of God a part of your life.

View a video of “Get a Strong Grasp on the Bible.”

GET THE BOOK:

MasterLife: Developing a Rich Personal Relationship with the Master

This is part of the sermon series “How To Be Spiritually Successful.” It is based on the Masterlife study “The Disciple's Cross.”

Plugging into Jesus: Part 2

This is to my Father’s glory,

that you bear much fruit,

showing yourselves

to be my disciples.

John 15:8

Remaining fully charged (spirit-filled) will make you spiritually successful. First, being plugged into Jesus helps you to see God's work. God is at work all around us, all the time, and He wants you to join Him in His work. He created us for good works which He prepared in advance. (Ephesians 2:10)

Second, being plugged into Jesus will allow you to produce much fruit. This phrase is often connected with soul-winning (leading people into a saving relationship with Christ.) This is certainly in keeping with Jesus' Great Commission to us, “Go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

This phrase is also connected to spiritual fruit as listed in Galatians: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Jesus said that every tree is known by its fruit. (Luke 6:44) A fig tree cannot grow apples. An apple tree cannot grow figs. The Jesus vine produces Jesus fruit. If this does not describe you, you don't have a strong connection to the source of spiritual power.

Third, if you stay plugged into Jesus, ask and it will be done for you.

Fourth, bearing fruit brings glory to God and marks you as a disciple of Jesus.

If you want fruit in your life; if you want to grow your faith and deepen your relationship with God, you must remain plugged into Jesus. He is the true vine. You are just a branch. Apart from the vine you cannot grow nor bear fruit.

View a video of “Plugging into Jesus.”

This is part of the sermon series “How To Be Spiritually Successful.” It is based on the Masterlife study “The Disciple's Cross.”

Plugging into Jesus: Part 1

I am the vine;

you are the branches.

If you remain in me 

and I in you,

you will bear much fruit;

apart from me 
you can do nothing.

John 15:5

The prophet Isaiah wrote “The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel (Isaiah 5:7)” but when Israel fell out of favor with God, the prophet Hosea declared, “Israel is an empty vine (Hosea 10:1).”

A vine with no fruit is not of any value. Israel was disqualified and spiritually powerless.

Jesus declared that He was the true vine (John 15:1). In the same way that the vine brings water and life to the branches, Jesus brings LIVING WATER and spiritual power to us. He alone is the source of salvation and reconciliation to God. To be filled with the Spirit, we need to drink daily of His living water.

We can plug in to Jesus daily through a Quiet Time.

A quiet time (or devotions) is a regular appointment that we keep with God that allows us to block out other distractions and focus on our connection with Jesus through practices like prayer and Bible reading. A quiet time establishes a rhythm in our life that keeps us more mindful of God’s presence and builds spiritual strength.

For physical training is of some value,
but godliness has value for all things,
holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8

How to have a successful quiet time.

1. Have a consistent schedule (morning, evening, lunch)
2. Include Bible reading' even if its just a passage. This is the clearest way God speaks to us.
3. Pray. Focus more on listening for God's voice than on asking for things.
4. Keep a journal. Write the Bible verses you read and what God is telling you. Write your prayer requests and God's answers.

How do you plug into Jesus?

View a video of “Plugging into Jesus."

This is part of the sermon series “How To Be Spiritually Successful.” It is based on the Masterlife study “The Disciple's Cross.”

Creative Staffing

In his book, Unleashing the Church, Frank Tillapaugh describes the innovative way in which he staffed his inner city church in Denver. His professional staff included both full and part-time ministers as most churches do, but some positions were unpaid. All staff were given the authority and respect merited by their position whether or not they were paid, including opportunities for professional development. This enabled Tillapaugh's church to establish “a major ministry with modest means.”

There are many people in America with some level of formal theological education who are not making a living by serving a church. Some may be a stay at home spouse, retired or employed in another field. Some of these folks do not desire a paid position in a church and others want to return to full-time church work but haven't found a paying position, yet.

Serving as staff in an unfunded position can be a good experience for those who are looking to be hired full-time one day. It provides experience, networking opportunities, and career continuity. More importantly, it provides a way to fulfill the calling that led one to seek theological training in the first place.

Ray Bakke, The Urban Christian, told a seminary class that 50% of the graduates would be out of ministry in five years. The primary reason was that there were not enough paying jobs to keep up with all the graduates of America's seminaries, divinity schools and Bible colleges. On the other hand, there was a growing need for more workers in the harvest field. The number of Christians as a percentage of society was shrinking. Furthermore, new church starts were not keeping up with population growth.

Bakke stated that if we are to maintain a Christian witness in America and reach this generation with the gospel, we will need large numbers of trained ministers who will be self-supporting and committed to spreading the gospel. This is a familiar concept for Baptists. As America expanded West, the farmer/preacher tended to the spiritual needs of the pioneers. These bivocational pastors, who helped make Baptists the second largest denomination in America, are the key to evangelism in the 21^st century.

Today, we need bivocational ministers of all types. Churches in affluent neighborhoods have large, fully funded staffs to meet the needs of their church members. In contrast, under-resourced neighborhoods have the same (often greater) needs but lack the finances to hire the needed staff. The answer, again, is a large number of trained, committed and self supporting ministers who are called to show God's love to our inner city areas.

This is an important element in Baptist Temple's ability to provide so many ministries to our community. On the front lines are our bivocational pastors: John Richey (Family Deaf Church), Raul Lozano (Betel) and Milton Smith (Empowering Grace). There is also a second wave of unfunded or partially funded ministry associates: Maryanne Richey (Deaf ministry), Clinton Shull (outreach and evangelism), Larry Brown (Deaf and pastoral ministry) and Joe Guinn (daycare and hunger ministries). All have advanced ministry training and have been called to minister to our church and community.

In addition, there are the counselors who are funded thorough the BCFS to provide free family counseling and the volunteer support staff that help with maintenance and office duties.

Baptist Temple is not unique in its approach to ministry staffing but the model that we are adopting is one that will allow urban churches with a desire to spread the gospel effectively.

It’s Time to develop a passion for the Great Commission

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

The numerical decline of the church in America is not as tragic as the fact that the church in America is losing its ability to influence society. Not just the church but individual Christians as well. News reports generally show a remarkable similarity in the lifestyles and choices of Christians and non-Christians. As we continue to fail in our mandate to make disciples, we keep finding it harder to differentiate ourselves in life from those who are non- or even anti- Christian. The church can impact the world not by creating more converts but by making disciples. Evangelism involves a process that begins with a personal decision and is not finished until the fish becomes a fisherman.

Many Christians are afraid to share their faith because of the fear of rejection. They might wind up losing a friend. However, we must be mindful of the fact that it is not us that they are rejecting. It is Jesus. You can still be friends. You can still pray.

Another barrier to evangelism is that many Christians are unsure of how to share the gospel. Well, you don’t have scream, put on a suit or, even, thump a Bible. One effective technique is simply sharing what faith in Jesus has meant in your life. Remember the man born blind (John 9)? He simply said, “I once was blind but now I see.”

Inviting someone to church is another effective technique. The famous apostle, Peter was introduced to Jesus by his less familiar brother, Andrew. The Woman at the Well brought many in her village to meet Jesus (John 4).

It’s important to note that baptizing comes before teaching. We are called to belong as well as believe and belonging starts before a decision for Christ can be made. We need to build relationships with people as part of evangelism. Involve yourself in the lives of unchurched people. Invite them over for coffee. People are usually open to talking about spiritual matters with people they know.

Teaching is an essential part of disciple-making and the biggest part of the process is small group ministry. It combines community building with Bible study. It gives close attention to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of all who participate. If you are a mature Christian you need to help lead a small group.

Modeling is, also, part of the process. You are a disciple-maker. If you are a SS teacher you are a disciple-maker. If you are a Deacon, you are a disciple-maker. If you are a leader, you are a disciple maker. If you are a CHRISTIAN you are a Disciple maker.

Your goal as a disciple-maker is not to make people smarter about the Bible. It is to make people more like Christ. Your goal as a disciple-maker is not to grow your class larger. It is to send people out into ministry. Our success as a disciple-making church is not measured in how many people we can gather on Sunday morning. It is measured in how many are working to build the kingdom.

Sermon Audio

Looking back and taking account

Many people like to look back at this time of year. They review their finances to see how much they have in the bank and/or how much money they owe, check to see if they’ve made any progress in their careers or education and try to determine if they are generally better off than they were the previous year.

This is also a good time to review your spiritual health as compared to previous years. Do you feel closer to God? Is your prayer life stronger? Have you grown in your knowledge of the Bible?

A balanced life is marked by peace of mind, which means physical health, mental health, financial health, and spiritual health. A lack in any one of these areas affects the others. Sometimes, health in one or more of these areas is beyond our control but maximizing whatever health we do have will lead to peace of mind. Even people who suffer from chronic illness achieve peace of mind and wholeness within their limitations.

Putting spiritual health first will help maximize health in the other areas and spiritual health is mostly within our control. You may be struggling financially but can still find peace and perspective through prayer.

Bible study, prayer and communal worship are the keys to spiritual health. The church community exists to teach and encourage you and each of these areas.

As you look towards the coming year I pray that you will enjoy health in every area of your life and especially the peace of mind that comes with walking close to Jesus.

Jesus and the Bible

Message from Sunday,
October 4:

Jesus and the Bible
(Matthew 5:17-48)

To believe the Bible is the Word of God, but separate it from daily experience is to misuse it, and to ignore Christ’s pattern for using the Bible.

How to Develop a Close Relationship with God

Sunday's message: How to Develop a Close Relationship with God (Hebrews 5:12-13)

Desire, consistency and application are needed to develop the habits that draw us closer to God.

Are you satisfied with your spiritual life?

Are you satisfied with where you are in your spiritual life? The Apostle Paul wasn’t. He said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).” The disciples weren’t. They said, “Lord increase our faith (Luke 17:5).”

Many Christians have told me that they want to be closer to God. Some struggle with sins, addictions, hardened hearts and shame. For many, bad habits that they have developed over time dominate their lives and create a barrier not only to God but also to a stable and satisfying life.

In order to escape the past and enjoy the abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10) and to live as the new creation that Paul wrote about (2 Corinthians 5:17), we need to develop new habits. This is not about a works-oriented religion. This is about following the teachings of the Bible. In the same way that physical workouts make our bodies stronger, spiritual workouts make our faith stronger.

"Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

Spiritual workouts involve prayer and Bible study. Practicing these habits daily will draw you closer to God over time. This is especially true when done in the context of a group of believers who will nurture you and pray for you.

Many of us who grew up in the inner city developed bad habits related to survival or the desire to escape. These habits destroy our relationships, our health, our ability to be productive citizens and interfere in our relationship to God. One key element in developing maturity in our faith is substituting good faith habits for our bad habits and surrounding ourselves with a community of believers that will build us up and not tear us down.

This Sunday I will be preaching on developing a closer relationship with God and will podcast the message on this blog.

I Wanna Be Like Christ

The American church has done a great job of calling people to follow Christ but have not done as well in helping them to mature. It’s possible that we have somehow given the impression that we can enjoy forgiveness at Jesus’ expense and have nothing more to do with him. Perhaps we think the gospel is limited to John 3:16 and not Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Jesus did, however, call for our obedience:

If you love me, you will obey what I command.
John 14:15
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.
John 14:21
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our home with him.
John 14:23
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love,
just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
John 15:10
You are my friends if you do what I command.
John 15:14

Becoming a Christian is more than fire insurance. It is becoming like Christ. But this is not happening. Polls by Barna Research and the casual observation show that there is little difference in the behavior of believers and non-believers. Even on such big issues as abortion, divorce and cheating on taxes!

Imagine the witness to the world if most Christians became more like Christ.

If you want to “Be Like Mike” (Michael Jordan), you do more than just buy his shoes and wear his number. You practice dribbling, passing, shooting and defense. You observe his moves and mimic them.

It’s the same if you want to be like Christ. Observe what Christ did and practice it: prayer, fasting, serving, and quoting the Scripture from memory.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is
—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2