I have been studying up on religion in Brazil. Today there seems to be quite a diversity. In the 18th century Brazil's official religion was Roman Catholic. This was due to the Portuguese people who were the first settlers and conquerors from Europe. Later as the Portuguese brought slaves from Africa to work on the plantations, the religion started to take on a different look. Even though the slaves were forbidden to practice their religions they managed to maintain their beliefs and doctrines. Since 1889, when the Brazilian Constitution was set forth, Brazil ceased to have an official religion and today the Constitution guarantees absolute freedom of religion.
According to the 2000 census, most of Brazil's population still claims to be Roman Catholic, however, there are many other religious groups in Brazil. Some of these are: Protestant, Pentecostal, Episcopal, Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptist. In addition there are over a million and a half Spiritualists or Kardescists (also known as spirit tappers or mediums) who follow after the doctrines of the French philosopher Allan Kardec. The Spiritualists believe in reincarnation. There are followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; small minorities of Jews; Muslims, Buddhists and numerous followers of Candomble and Umbanda (especially in northern Brazil). What is Candomble and Umbanda?
Candomble is a religion that was brought to Brazil by slaves from Nigeria. It is polytheistic and worships a number of African deity. Candomble believes that everyone is born with a patron god. Today, a blending of Catholicism and Candomble is practiced by many people throughout Brazil.
Umbanda is a religion derived from Candomble coupled with Christianity and Kardecism and is widely practiced thoughtout Brazil. Umbanda believes there is one supreme creator god who gives power to spirits of deceased people to counsel and guide believers. These dead spirits are also being transformed through spiritual evolution into other life forms and physical material.
Hmmm ... interesting. It sounds like Evangelical Friends has their work cut out for years to come. Let's get it on for the glory of Jesus Christ!
Thanks for your support and prayers ...
------
Adrian
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Classic sermon
Today I watched a classic sermon on TV. It was Rex Humbard preaching in the early 70's. His text was Mark 10 and the rich young ruler. His title, "Between two thieves." Humbard's key point: just as Jesus was crucified on a cross between two thieves two thousand years ago He is today by church people.
The two thieves are "what I should have done for Jesus yesterday but didn't" and "what I plan to do for Him tomorrow. The problem? Yesterday cannot be revisited and tomorrow never comes. All that matters is what we do for Jesus today!"
Thanks Rex for your years of service to Christ's kingdom. I'm sure you are enjoying your heavenly reward! I plan to as well someday.
-----
Thanks for stopping by!
Adrian
The two thieves are "what I should have done for Jesus yesterday but didn't" and "what I plan to do for Him tomorrow. The problem? Yesterday cannot be revisited and tomorrow never comes. All that matters is what we do for Jesus today!"
Thanks Rex for your years of service to Christ's kingdom. I'm sure you are enjoying your heavenly reward! I plan to as well someday.
-----
Thanks for stopping by!
Adrian
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Buddha and the Bible
Tradition as I understand it says that Gautama (a man later known as the Buddha)was from a wealthy family and experienced worldly happiness in his younger years. At some point his happiness was shattered when he became aware of the common sufferings of life. His fixation with suffering lead him away from his family at age 29 at which time he shaved his hair and put on yellow garments. He lived in solitude, frequently moving from place to place in order to avoid people and discover enlightenment through fasting, solitude and meditation.
When this failed to provide Gautama inner peace he gave up fasting and solitude and one night under a fig tree had a great awakening to discovered what he called the path to salvation (commonly known as the middle path). The doctrine of Buddha teaches the end goal is Nirvana (the passing away of worldly existence into eternity where suffering no longer exists). To get to Nirvana one must endure several life times of suffering on earth in various forms. Redemption as defined by Gautama is living with the reality that all of the life times one must experience are a form of suffering which must be passed through successfully by doing good deeds and meditating on the knowledge gleaned from past experiences and the hope one has for future Nirvana. Tradition says that under the fig tree Gautama was transformed into the Buddha. His redemption experience so filled him with joy that he squat at the base of the fig tree for seven days.
For many centuries now Buddha has been portrayed as a big man squatting under a fig tree. His disciples still favor fall colors for their garments because it symbolizes the leaves of a tree just before passing from one life into the next. A process of suffering they believe all living creatures must pass through on middle path to Nirvana.
The Bible teaches in Romans that all men know about God through conscience, circumstances and creation. No doubt Gautama's quest for redemption was actually the grace of God calling him to a personal relationship with his Creator and to experience the true redemption that comes only through Jesus Christ. For those who accept the Divine invitation righteousness, peace and joy is experienced instantaneously. For those who reject the Creator's call the inner striving continues and quest for peace remains.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
When this failed to provide Gautama inner peace he gave up fasting and solitude and one night under a fig tree had a great awakening to discovered what he called the path to salvation (commonly known as the middle path). The doctrine of Buddha teaches the end goal is Nirvana (the passing away of worldly existence into eternity where suffering no longer exists). To get to Nirvana one must endure several life times of suffering on earth in various forms. Redemption as defined by Gautama is living with the reality that all of the life times one must experience are a form of suffering which must be passed through successfully by doing good deeds and meditating on the knowledge gleaned from past experiences and the hope one has for future Nirvana. Tradition says that under the fig tree Gautama was transformed into the Buddha. His redemption experience so filled him with joy that he squat at the base of the fig tree for seven days.
For many centuries now Buddha has been portrayed as a big man squatting under a fig tree. His disciples still favor fall colors for their garments because it symbolizes the leaves of a tree just before passing from one life into the next. A process of suffering they believe all living creatures must pass through on middle path to Nirvana.
The Bible teaches in Romans that all men know about God through conscience, circumstances and creation. No doubt Gautama's quest for redemption was actually the grace of God calling him to a personal relationship with his Creator and to experience the true redemption that comes only through Jesus Christ. For those who accept the Divine invitation righteousness, peace and joy is experienced instantaneously. For those who reject the Creator's call the inner striving continues and quest for peace remains.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Socrates and Jesus
What if Socrates had met Jesus? I wonder how his life would have changed? He was truly a great thinker whose influence continues on to this day in philosophy. As we look back on his life we can see the fingerprint of God in his thoughts but to our knowledge Socrates never came to know the one true God. What if he had?
The significance of Socrates's approach to life is that one must know one's ignorance and embark upon a journey of thought. That through an awareness of what one does not know one will arrive at the very knowledge that is crucial for life. For Socrates, the good life consisted of the insatiable desire for self revelation.
He also believed in deity. That the traditional gods of his culture would help man in self discovery and lead man to ultimate truth. Through a process known to him as "daimonion" the gods would direct one through an inner voice that required obedience beyond reason for higher knowledge to be found. That man should trust the inner leading of deity and risk living in freedom as though he know good existed and was leading towards truth.
Socrates held to the immortality of the human soul. That peace of mind in life is based upon such certainty and that sources of doubt are removed through "pursuing good." Good for Socrates was a combination of self discovery and obeying the inner voice of deity.
Socrates took his own life in 399 B.C. by drinking poison. Some say the last thing he is known for saying is, "perhaps it is well to bathe before drinking the hemlock, and so spare the women the trouble of washing my body." One wonders how the story might have ended if Socrates had responded to the transforming call of God on his life?
Like Socrates, so many today are searching for inner peace and joy. Like the philosopher of old they too are forging a theory of thought and practice as a means to their final destination and yet, peace and joy eludes them just the same. Could you be such a person?
We must all yield to the call and plan of God in order to find righteousness, peace and joy. It can only be realized by those who have relationship with Jesus Christ and fully surrender self to His will. Know thyself today ... true living is absent until Jesus is present. Meet Jesus today!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
The significance of Socrates's approach to life is that one must know one's ignorance and embark upon a journey of thought. That through an awareness of what one does not know one will arrive at the very knowledge that is crucial for life. For Socrates, the good life consisted of the insatiable desire for self revelation.
He also believed in deity. That the traditional gods of his culture would help man in self discovery and lead man to ultimate truth. Through a process known to him as "daimonion" the gods would direct one through an inner voice that required obedience beyond reason for higher knowledge to be found. That man should trust the inner leading of deity and risk living in freedom as though he know good existed and was leading towards truth.
Socrates held to the immortality of the human soul. That peace of mind in life is based upon such certainty and that sources of doubt are removed through "pursuing good." Good for Socrates was a combination of self discovery and obeying the inner voice of deity.
Socrates took his own life in 399 B.C. by drinking poison. Some say the last thing he is known for saying is, "perhaps it is well to bathe before drinking the hemlock, and so spare the women the trouble of washing my body." One wonders how the story might have ended if Socrates had responded to the transforming call of God on his life?
Like Socrates, so many today are searching for inner peace and joy. Like the philosopher of old they too are forging a theory of thought and practice as a means to their final destination and yet, peace and joy eludes them just the same. Could you be such a person?
We must all yield to the call and plan of God in order to find righteousness, peace and joy. It can only be realized by those who have relationship with Jesus Christ and fully surrender self to His will. Know thyself today ... true living is absent until Jesus is present. Meet Jesus today!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Monday, March 8, 2010
Prayer request
This week as you join me in praying for the new Evangelical Friends Church mission field opening in Brazil later on this month would you specifically ask God to help me be successful in accomplishing my vision for this trip. My vision is to be known as the “eyes and feet” of the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region on the ground in northern Brazil gathering information useful for discernment and implementation of Kingdom building opportunities and as an extension of her “heart” for the Brazilian people to feel, define, and develop trust in for future partnership in ministry.
The intelligence of an organization is measured in two primary ways today. One, by how effectively it can gather, process and respond to information. Two, by how it impacts others relationally. Providing good organizational and relational intelligence is a must for this first missionary sortie.
Thank you for your prayers,
Adrian
The intelligence of an organization is measured in two primary ways today. One, by how effectively it can gather, process and respond to information. Two, by how it impacts others relationally. Providing good organizational and relational intelligence is a must for this first missionary sortie.
Thank you for your prayers,
Adrian
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Brazil objectives
Mission Trip Performa
March 18-30, 2010
Submitted by: Adrian Halverstadt
Vision: (What do I want this mission trip to be primarily known for?)
Through this mission trip I want to be known as the “eyes and feet” of the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region on the ground in northern Brazil gathering information useful for discernment and implementation of Kingdom building opportunities and as an extension of her “heart” for the Brazilian people to feel, define, and develop trust in for future partnership in ministry.
Mission: (What is my purpose for this mission trip?)
Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region
- To assist in opening a new mission field in Brazil with the intent of having at least one new EFC-ER church established by Easter of 2011 and an additional churches in the Following years.
- To obtain pertinent information for discernment and future planning
> Identify four church planting locations in the region of Carpina, Brazil
> Gather pictures and video useful for planning, promotion and prayer
> Identify indigenous Spirit-filled leadership and establish an international virtuous cycle of communication:
Leaders:
- Locate a “leader among leaders” who is strong in administration and savvy in communication
- Locate two leaders who possess a call and skill set for church planting and a fervor for evangelism
Virtuous communication:
- to develop a narrative of shared interest, passionate goals, ideas and tools, and
God stories of success
- develop a relational connection among leaders and supporters (future goal is to obtain 1000 supporters with virtual connection)
- to create mobilization through education, empowerment, and respect
- Define EFC-ER to Brazilians as an international community of Christ followers
who are “Great Command and Commission” in purpose
Willoughby Hills Friends Church
- To extend the ministry and influence of WHFC into Brazil
- To stoke the fire of excitement and expectancy during this time of transition
at WHFC by representing her as a commissioned servant, sharing favorable
reports on God’s activity in Brazil, and identifying connection points for future
involvement and the sharing of resources in northern Brazil for the glory of God.
Personal
- To answer the call/leading of the Holy Spirit to support the vision of EFC-ER
- To assess and discern future ministry opportunities for the Halverstadts in Brazil
- To exercise my spiritual gifts of preaching, teaching and administration as
opportunities present in Brazil
Barclay College
- To explore opportunities for BC to engage Kingdom building in Brazil through
partnership with EFC, Community Churches, and World Renewal International
Demonstrate Association:
- BC is an Evangelical Friends institution of higher education and is Great
Command and Commission in purpose.
- BC can quantitatively impact EFC’s vision for Brazil through human resources
> short term - faculty an staff can facilitate church teams
> mid term - faculty and students can provide extended on site service in
4-12 week intervals
- indigenous training
- field development
- higher relational intelligence and cultural relevance
> long term - greater exposure to students to the work of the Holy Spirit
through EFC missions with the hope that many would decide to return
for long term service
- BC can raise the organizational intelligence of EFC’s missions by:
> placing more skilled personnel on the field to gather information, assess
cultural needs, and network on location over longer periods
of time (8-12 week periods).
Marketing:
- Greater exposure for Barclay College to EFC and world
Academics:
- Strengthen the academic matrix of BC through cross culture experience
Mission:
- Expands the mission statement of BC internationally
- Explore the viability of a BC extension site in northeast Brazil
Objectives: (How will I focus my resources and measure my success?)
- Fulfill the stated vision and mission as stated
- Meet the rigors of the trip itinerary as listed below:
3/18 - Mission Board at WOC at 9:30 am
- Depart Akron/Canton Airport at 6:30 pm
3/19- Travel
3/20-29 -TBD (by Frank and Tele)
3/30-31 - Travel
Strategy: (What S.M.A.R.T. “Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and
Time-bound” goals do I have in preparation for the trip?)
- Purchase tickets by 2/20 (done $1499.70)
- Secure 40 prayer partners by 2/22 (44 as of 2/23)
- Post weekly prayer updates on my blog and FB page
- Apply for a Brazilian tourist Visa by 3/6
- Set itinerary with Frank and Tele by 3/6
- Submit final draft of the trip Performa to Dr. John Williams by 3/6
- Finalize budget by 3/6
Air - $1499.70
Ground transportation, lodging & food - $1000 (per Frank’s estimation)
Brazilian tourist visa - $300
- Prepare sermons, lectures and interview questionnaire by 3/17
- Pick up video equipment and cell phone with GMS from WOC on 3/18
- Attend Mission Board meeting on 3/18
---------
Thanks for reading this and I apologize for the formatting (Blogspot is not cooperating with me today)
------
Adrian
March 18-30, 2010
Submitted by: Adrian Halverstadt
Vision: (What do I want this mission trip to be primarily known for?)
Through this mission trip I want to be known as the “eyes and feet” of the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region on the ground in northern Brazil gathering information useful for discernment and implementation of Kingdom building opportunities and as an extension of her “heart” for the Brazilian people to feel, define, and develop trust in for future partnership in ministry.
Mission: (What is my purpose for this mission trip?)
Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region
- To assist in opening a new mission field in Brazil with the intent of having at least one new EFC-ER church established by Easter of 2011 and an additional churches in the Following years.
- To obtain pertinent information for discernment and future planning
> Identify four church planting locations in the region of Carpina, Brazil
> Gather pictures and video useful for planning, promotion and prayer
> Identify indigenous Spirit-filled leadership and establish an international virtuous cycle of communication:
Leaders:
- Locate a “leader among leaders” who is strong in administration and savvy in communication
- Locate two leaders who possess a call and skill set for church planting and a fervor for evangelism
Virtuous communication:
- to develop a narrative of shared interest, passionate goals, ideas and tools, and
God stories of success
- develop a relational connection among leaders and supporters (future goal is to obtain 1000 supporters with virtual connection)
- to create mobilization through education, empowerment, and respect
- Define EFC-ER to Brazilians as an international community of Christ followers
who are “Great Command and Commission” in purpose
Willoughby Hills Friends Church
- To extend the ministry and influence of WHFC into Brazil
- To stoke the fire of excitement and expectancy during this time of transition
at WHFC by representing her as a commissioned servant, sharing favorable
reports on God’s activity in Brazil, and identifying connection points for future
involvement and the sharing of resources in northern Brazil for the glory of God.
Personal
- To answer the call/leading of the Holy Spirit to support the vision of EFC-ER
- To assess and discern future ministry opportunities for the Halverstadts in Brazil
- To exercise my spiritual gifts of preaching, teaching and administration as
opportunities present in Brazil
Barclay College
- To explore opportunities for BC to engage Kingdom building in Brazil through
partnership with EFC, Community Churches, and World Renewal International
Demonstrate Association:
- BC is an Evangelical Friends institution of higher education and is Great
Command and Commission in purpose.
- BC can quantitatively impact EFC’s vision for Brazil through human resources
> short term - faculty an staff can facilitate church teams
> mid term - faculty and students can provide extended on site service in
4-12 week intervals
- indigenous training
- field development
- higher relational intelligence and cultural relevance
> long term - greater exposure to students to the work of the Holy Spirit
through EFC missions with the hope that many would decide to return
for long term service
- BC can raise the organizational intelligence of EFC’s missions by:
> placing more skilled personnel on the field to gather information, assess
cultural needs, and network on location over longer periods
of time (8-12 week periods).
Marketing:
- Greater exposure for Barclay College to EFC and world
Academics:
- Strengthen the academic matrix of BC through cross culture experience
Mission:
- Expands the mission statement of BC internationally
- Explore the viability of a BC extension site in northeast Brazil
Objectives: (How will I focus my resources and measure my success?)
- Fulfill the stated vision and mission as stated
- Meet the rigors of the trip itinerary as listed below:
3/18 - Mission Board at WOC at 9:30 am
- Depart Akron/Canton Airport at 6:30 pm
3/19- Travel
3/20-29 -TBD (by Frank and Tele)
3/30-31 - Travel
Strategy: (What S.M.A.R.T. “Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and
Time-bound” goals do I have in preparation for the trip?)
- Purchase tickets by 2/20 (done $1499.70)
- Secure 40 prayer partners by 2/22 (44 as of 2/23)
- Post weekly prayer updates on my blog and FB page
- Apply for a Brazilian tourist Visa by 3/6
- Set itinerary with Frank and Tele by 3/6
- Submit final draft of the trip Performa to Dr. John Williams by 3/6
- Finalize budget by 3/6
Air - $1499.70
Ground transportation, lodging & food - $1000 (per Frank’s estimation)
Brazilian tourist visa - $300
- Prepare sermons, lectures and interview questionnaire by 3/17
- Pick up video equipment and cell phone with GMS from WOC on 3/18
- Attend Mission Board meeting on 3/18
---------
Thanks for reading this and I apologize for the formatting (Blogspot is not cooperating with me today)
------
Adrian
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Family Life Seminar at WHFC
Dr. John Trent
Institute for
The Blessing
Presents
Coffee Cup Coaching Seminar
with Dr. Tony Wheeler
WHEN: Saturday, April 10th
TIME: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Willoughby Hills Friends Church
2846 S.O.M. Center Rd
Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
CONTACT: Church Office @ 440-944-1026 or visit www.whfriends.org
ANXIETY ADDICTION LONELINESS DIVORCE DRUGS FINANCIAL ISSUES
This seminar is designed to equip the laity to care for each other and in turn reach out to the community and help families through real life issues.
This exciting training will empower people to overcome the fears they may have about reaching out and going to coffee with a friend to lend support. You will be amazed to see people set free to do the work of God in your body.
As you work with people two things become apparent. One, people are hurting and need someone who can lend a listening ear. Two, many people are gifted with counseling and communication skills in the church who are not being utilized as they should to help others in the body. The pastor and staff can never meet all of the needs of the individuals in the body, in fact, they were not meant to. The Bible makes it clear that we are to be caring for one another on an intimate level.
“Let’s Go To Coffee”
This half day seminar will prepare you to help hurting people by just being willing to care for them and offer them the same love and grace Christ has given you.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
To Register for the Coffee Cup Coaching Seminar: contact the church office
Cost: $7.00 each or $10.00 per couple (includes continental breakfast)
Institute for
The Blessing
Presents
Coffee Cup Coaching Seminar
with Dr. Tony Wheeler
WHEN: Saturday, April 10th
TIME: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Willoughby Hills Friends Church
2846 S.O.M. Center Rd
Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
CONTACT: Church Office @ 440-944-1026 or visit www.whfriends.org
ANXIETY ADDICTION LONELINESS DIVORCE DRUGS FINANCIAL ISSUES
This seminar is designed to equip the laity to care for each other and in turn reach out to the community and help families through real life issues.
This exciting training will empower people to overcome the fears they may have about reaching out and going to coffee with a friend to lend support. You will be amazed to see people set free to do the work of God in your body.
As you work with people two things become apparent. One, people are hurting and need someone who can lend a listening ear. Two, many people are gifted with counseling and communication skills in the church who are not being utilized as they should to help others in the body. The pastor and staff can never meet all of the needs of the individuals in the body, in fact, they were not meant to. The Bible makes it clear that we are to be caring for one another on an intimate level.
“Let’s Go To Coffee”
This half day seminar will prepare you to help hurting people by just being willing to care for them and offer them the same love and grace Christ has given you.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
To Register for the Coffee Cup Coaching Seminar: contact the church office
Cost: $7.00 each or $10.00 per couple (includes continental breakfast)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Why Mission Work In Brazil?
Great question! For me the question is easily answered, "because Lisa said I could." Any other questions? Seriously, even though that is a legitimate answer in my life (smile) let me give you some other reasons for doing mission work in Brazil.
First, because Brazil is a field which God has cultivated for such a time as this and Evangelical Friends are ready to seed the Gospel in the soil of His preparation. Second, there is an obvious need for Kingdom development in Brazil. Though our partnership with World Renewal International we have identified over 400 communities within a one day drive of Carpina which do not have an Evangelical Church at this time. I will bring us great joy to assist the Brazilian people in establishing faith communities in their geographic location which God will use to transform individuals, their families and culture for His glory.
Third, we are Commission to go to every point on the globe by our divine Commander and Chief with a specific purpose in mind. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus said that we should "Go into all the world and make disciples baptizing them into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," and, He adds in Acts 1:8, as His "witness in the uttermost parts of the world" (Acts 1:8). These two passages have a common theme which Evangelical Friends address theologically. We believe that Christ's atonement not only provides for the forgiveness of sin but extends to the transformation of the heart (nature of man) as well. As we go into Brazil our intent is to present Jesus as the One who can immerse humanity into the very life of God so they can emulate Jesus to their fellow countrymen!
Real lasting Kingdom building and expansion will occur in Brazil when men, women, boys and girls consecrate their whole being to Jesus and are consequently filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Then the purity and love of Christ will naturally ooze from their being. Only then will the influence of Christ be fully manifest in their daily life impacting the Brazilian culture for the glory of God. This is the message of holiness and we must proclaim it to the nation. The world needs to know that Jesus Christ can speak to the condition of all!
Fourth, Jesus tells us that missions is a natural result of the consecrated life. Once we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit we naturally participate in missions! Note with me Christ's words from John 17, after praying "sanctify them," our Lord continues, "As You sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate Myself, that they may also be consecrated in truth" (18-19). Jesus demonstrated the fullness of His transformation by coming to earth as a missionary. We can concluded from this passage that a primary sign of the fullness of Christ's work in man is participation in missions.
"Going forth into the world" is a litmus test for the fullness of the Holy Spirit, an evidence of the fully sanctified life. That is one of the main reasons why Evangelical Friends are Kingdom building in Brazil ... we can't help ourselves ... it's in our spiritual DNA!
What say you? Are you passionate about local and global missions? If not then ask Jesus Christ to entirely sanctify your life today. It's yours for the asking!
------
Adrian
First, because Brazil is a field which God has cultivated for such a time as this and Evangelical Friends are ready to seed the Gospel in the soil of His preparation. Second, there is an obvious need for Kingdom development in Brazil. Though our partnership with World Renewal International we have identified over 400 communities within a one day drive of Carpina which do not have an Evangelical Church at this time. I will bring us great joy to assist the Brazilian people in establishing faith communities in their geographic location which God will use to transform individuals, their families and culture for His glory.
Third, we are Commission to go to every point on the globe by our divine Commander and Chief with a specific purpose in mind. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus said that we should "Go into all the world and make disciples baptizing them into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," and, He adds in Acts 1:8, as His "witness in the uttermost parts of the world" (Acts 1:8). These two passages have a common theme which Evangelical Friends address theologically. We believe that Christ's atonement not only provides for the forgiveness of sin but extends to the transformation of the heart (nature of man) as well. As we go into Brazil our intent is to present Jesus as the One who can immerse humanity into the very life of God so they can emulate Jesus to their fellow countrymen!
Real lasting Kingdom building and expansion will occur in Brazil when men, women, boys and girls consecrate their whole being to Jesus and are consequently filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Then the purity and love of Christ will naturally ooze from their being. Only then will the influence of Christ be fully manifest in their daily life impacting the Brazilian culture for the glory of God. This is the message of holiness and we must proclaim it to the nation. The world needs to know that Jesus Christ can speak to the condition of all!
Fourth, Jesus tells us that missions is a natural result of the consecrated life. Once we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit we naturally participate in missions! Note with me Christ's words from John 17, after praying "sanctify them," our Lord continues, "As You sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate Myself, that they may also be consecrated in truth" (18-19). Jesus demonstrated the fullness of His transformation by coming to earth as a missionary. We can concluded from this passage that a primary sign of the fullness of Christ's work in man is participation in missions.
"Going forth into the world" is a litmus test for the fullness of the Holy Spirit, an evidence of the fully sanctified life. That is one of the main reasons why Evangelical Friends are Kingdom building in Brazil ... we can't help ourselves ... it's in our spiritual DNA!
What say you? Are you passionate about local and global missions? If not then ask Jesus Christ to entirely sanctify your life today. It's yours for the asking!
------
Adrian
Monday, March 1, 2010
Brazil Prayer Request
I ask you to pray for godspeed on my Brazilian visa. I received word today that last week's electronic submission was declined so today I Federal Expressed a hard copy to the Brazilian Consulate. They tell me the turn around time is 12-15 business days and I need it no later than March 17.
Thanks for your prayers,
Adrian
Thanks for your prayers,
Adrian
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Praying Through Transition
God's leading in Halverstadt family to transition from 30 years of pastoral ministry to academics/administration at Barclay College and church planting with Evangelical Friends in Brazil requires us to sell our home and relocate in Kansas. God has graciously identified a beautiful home for us to rent in Haviland and now I request your prayers for the sale of our Eastlake home. It was listed today on the MLS with Keller Williams.
Heavenly Father,
Lisa and I have fully consecrated our lives to You and celebrate this time of transition. We thank you for the gracious opportunity you have bestowed upon us to pastor such a fine church these past 12 years and ask for You to extend grace to her in this time of change. We have made dear friends who will forever remain in our hearts and mind.
We look forward to Your work at both Barclay College and Kingdom building with Evangelical Friends in Brazil. Please extend to us Your grace in this time of transition. May You be glorified through our lives and in the sale of our home (and Yours).
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Heavenly Father,
Lisa and I have fully consecrated our lives to You and celebrate this time of transition. We thank you for the gracious opportunity you have bestowed upon us to pastor such a fine church these past 12 years and ask for You to extend grace to her in this time of change. We have made dear friends who will forever remain in our hearts and mind.
We look forward to Your work at both Barclay College and Kingdom building with Evangelical Friends in Brazil. Please extend to us Your grace in this time of transition. May You be glorified through our lives and in the sale of our home (and Yours).
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Brazil Mission
I want to thank each of you who offered to pray for the Brazil church planting project for the next 40 days. My goal was to have 40 people praying for my March trip and at this point I have 42! PTL!
I will be submitting "prayer action items" each week. Today I want to include an informational letter for you to read from Frank Penna. Frank will be traveling with me to Brazil and assisting us in planting 400 new churches. Enjoy his words and thank you again for joining the prayer team.
Respectfully,
Adrian
Tuesday, February 23, 2010,
Thanks to all who have agreed to pray with us over the next few weeks. You are joining (at least) 40 others, some from the World Renewal Family, some from the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region family, and those of you in my extended family and friends. I am thrilled with the fact that we are beginning this process by bathing it in prayer and intercession. God will be faithful to hear and answer our prayers!!
I aim to keep this simple, but effective and effectiveness will have a lot to do with consistency. Just a few minutes of prayer every day by so many people over this period of time will make for great results.
To begin, I suggest you take one of more pieces of paper that you can place in strategic spots (as a bookmark in your Bible, on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror, car dash), anywhere that will serve as a reminder to pray. Write on the paper 40/400. That means we are praying for 40 days for 400 communities within a days drive of Carpina, Brazil that do not have a gospel preaching church. The Lord has opened a door for Evangelical Friends churches to be planted in those places. We need His power, His anointing, His wisdom, and more to follow His lead in that effort. Sometime soon you will receive some of the names of those communities, but for now, here are a few of the requests on my heart over the next few days. Please join me as the Lord reminds you (especially when you see 40/400!).
Please Pray:
1) That the Lord Jesus Christ will be the focus of all we say do as we proceed. In the myriad of details and decisions to be made, we want to lift Him up in order that Brazilian men, women and children will be drawn to Him and Him alone.
2) That Brazilian leaders will be raised up, called and anointed as needed for this task.
3) That the Holy Spirit will give us direction and prepare the communities where we can be most effective.
4) For Steve Turner, Adrian Halverstadt, Frank Penna and Tele Moraes as they prepare to meet for two weeks in March for planning sessions.
God bless you all. 40/400 prayers are already making a difference!
I will be submitting "prayer action items" each week. Today I want to include an informational letter for you to read from Frank Penna. Frank will be traveling with me to Brazil and assisting us in planting 400 new churches. Enjoy his words and thank you again for joining the prayer team.
Respectfully,
Adrian
Tuesday, February 23, 2010,
Thanks to all who have agreed to pray with us over the next few weeks. You are joining (at least) 40 others, some from the World Renewal Family, some from the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region family, and those of you in my extended family and friends. I am thrilled with the fact that we are beginning this process by bathing it in prayer and intercession. God will be faithful to hear and answer our prayers!!
I aim to keep this simple, but effective and effectiveness will have a lot to do with consistency. Just a few minutes of prayer every day by so many people over this period of time will make for great results.
To begin, I suggest you take one of more pieces of paper that you can place in strategic spots (as a bookmark in your Bible, on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror, car dash), anywhere that will serve as a reminder to pray. Write on the paper 40/400. That means we are praying for 40 days for 400 communities within a days drive of Carpina, Brazil that do not have a gospel preaching church. The Lord has opened a door for Evangelical Friends churches to be planted in those places. We need His power, His anointing, His wisdom, and more to follow His lead in that effort. Sometime soon you will receive some of the names of those communities, but for now, here are a few of the requests on my heart over the next few days. Please join me as the Lord reminds you (especially when you see 40/400!).
Please Pray:
1) That the Lord Jesus Christ will be the focus of all we say do as we proceed. In the myriad of details and decisions to be made, we want to lift Him up in order that Brazilian men, women and children will be drawn to Him and Him alone.
2) That Brazilian leaders will be raised up, called and anointed as needed for this task.
3) That the Holy Spirit will give us direction and prepare the communities where we can be most effective.
4) For Steve Turner, Adrian Halverstadt, Frank Penna and Tele Moraes as they prepare to meet for two weeks in March for planning sessions.
God bless you all. 40/400 prayers are already making a difference!
Monday, February 15, 2010
God is on the move at my church!
Yep that's right! God is on the move at my church. My church currently is Willoughby Hills Friends. I've been on staff here for 12 years and recently announced that God is calling Lisa and I into another field of ministry. Starting July 1 we will be supporting God's kingdom building as a vice president at Barclay College and planting churches in Brazil with Evangelical Friends. I can't wait to see what new adventure God unfolds for the Halverstadts in the years ahead but for now I am pumped over what God is doing in my local church!
You ask, "How do you know God is working at WHFC" and "What are the signs of His activity?" Great questions! First John 4 lays the foundation for such discernment in the body of Christ. In fact, John commissions his readers to "test the spirits at work" in the following ways to see if God is in it.
One, Is Jesus Christ being exalted? (1 John 4:2) When the Spirit of God is present Jesus Christ is exalted. When the Spirit is moving Jesus will be exalted as God who came to earth in the flesh, died for the sin(s) of mankind, rose from the grave and lives victoriously today in the lives of those who seek Him. Jesus is "center stage" in the "life production" of WHFC ... God is on the move here!
Two, The work of Satan is being thwarted (1 John 4:4). The Bible says that "God is love"(4:8), and that Satan is out to kill, steal and destroy the manifestation of God's love in humanity. WHFC is a loving church. She is unified in Christ, cares for her own, and is extending the heart of Christ to the world through local and global missions. She is actively engaged in the process of pulling down the strongholds of Satan and reclaiming the turf that rightfully belongs to the King of Glory. God is on the move in my church!
Three, People are walking in holiness (1 John 4:6). To walk in holiness means to walk with Jesus "for He is the Spirit of Truth." WHFC has a renewed interest in following Jesus and not man, in reading the Bible and submitting to its authority. Her faith and trust is in the CEO, -JESUS- and she's not going crazy during this time of change in church leadership. Such peace in a church only manifests through relationship with Jesus Christ. The evidence of God control in the life of a consecrated Christian is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. These qualities cannot be manufactured by man ... they can only be imparted into a surrendered heart through a divine act of Christ.
Atta Boy Willoughby Hills Friends ... according to John 1 you have all the signs of a church that God is blessings! It is going to be exciting to see what miracles God unfolds in your midst. I am proud to say, "That's my church!" How about you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
You ask, "How do you know God is working at WHFC" and "What are the signs of His activity?" Great questions! First John 4 lays the foundation for such discernment in the body of Christ. In fact, John commissions his readers to "test the spirits at work" in the following ways to see if God is in it.
One, Is Jesus Christ being exalted? (1 John 4:2) When the Spirit of God is present Jesus Christ is exalted. When the Spirit is moving Jesus will be exalted as God who came to earth in the flesh, died for the sin(s) of mankind, rose from the grave and lives victoriously today in the lives of those who seek Him. Jesus is "center stage" in the "life production" of WHFC ... God is on the move here!
Two, The work of Satan is being thwarted (1 John 4:4). The Bible says that "God is love"(4:8), and that Satan is out to kill, steal and destroy the manifestation of God's love in humanity. WHFC is a loving church. She is unified in Christ, cares for her own, and is extending the heart of Christ to the world through local and global missions. She is actively engaged in the process of pulling down the strongholds of Satan and reclaiming the turf that rightfully belongs to the King of Glory. God is on the move in my church!
Three, People are walking in holiness (1 John 4:6). To walk in holiness means to walk with Jesus "for He is the Spirit of Truth." WHFC has a renewed interest in following Jesus and not man, in reading the Bible and submitting to its authority. Her faith and trust is in the CEO, -JESUS- and she's not going crazy during this time of change in church leadership. Such peace in a church only manifests through relationship with Jesus Christ. The evidence of God control in the life of a consecrated Christian is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. These qualities cannot be manufactured by man ... they can only be imparted into a surrendered heart through a divine act of Christ.
Atta Boy Willoughby Hills Friends ... according to John 1 you have all the signs of a church that God is blessings! It is going to be exciting to see what miracles God unfolds in your midst. I am proud to say, "That's my church!" How about you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Heart talk
The story is told that the gods of Olympus gathered together one day to answer a perplexing question: "Where should they hide the powers of the gods so humans can't find them?"
One god said, "At the bottom of the sea."
Another said "No, they will surely find them there. Let's put them on top of the highest mountain instead."
"No", another said. "They will be up there before you know it."
After much discussion, the gods finally agreed on where to hide their powers. They agreed on a place they're certain that humans would never look - inside their own hearts.
(taken from "Thinking for a Living" by Joey Reiman. pg 35)
One god said, "At the bottom of the sea."
Another said "No, they will surely find them there. Let's put them on top of the highest mountain instead."
"No", another said. "They will be up there before you know it."
After much discussion, the gods finally agreed on where to hide their powers. They agreed on a place they're certain that humans would never look - inside their own hearts.
(taken from "Thinking for a Living" by Joey Reiman. pg 35)
Friday, January 15, 2010
State of the church address
As executive pastor it is my responsibility to compose and present a state of the church address to the members and attenders of Willoughby Hills Friends Church. We keep attendees in the loop each month on the performance of the fellowship but its always good to have an end of the year summary. Permit me to highlight the bullet points from Sunday's presentation and share with you God's leading for my life.
First of all I am pleased to say that WHFC is in a good place as we enter the new year. Three years ago the church suffered a serious split that took 300 people away and several hundreds of thousands of dollars from the annual receipts. Due to the concerted effort of all who remained we have been able to stabilize in just three years and are seeing God do incredible things in our midst!
For the second year in a row since the split we have finished financially in the black. That means we spent less money than we received. In 2009 we not only showed black ink on the bottom line but actually surpassed our approved budget! In addition we significantly exceeded our mission budget last year in giving which really speaks to the heart and vision of the congregation.
In 2009 our attendance leveled out at 1100 and began showing signs of growth. In addition, our benevolent programs exploded with growth. We moved our buses out of the four bay garage and turned it into an outreach center for the community. Also, over this past month our leadership re-affirmed the vision, mission and objectives that were established three years ago and are actively using them as a template for future strategy, staffing and ministry.
These are great days for WHFC! She is spiritually, emotionally, financially and relationally healthy enough to embrace change. At this time our leaders are revisiting and re-visioning job descriptions in preparation for staff recalls and future hires and a search committee is in place to search out a new lead pastor.
Lisa and I sense God leading us into a different type of ministry at this time. We have served in this great church for 12 years but will not be extending our call beyond June. Rather we are moving to Haviland Kansas to assume a position on the President's cabinet of Barclay College and to assist in opening a new mission field for Evangelical Friends in Brazil. We will have more information to share about our involvement in Brazil over the next several months as plans take shape. As far as the position at Barclay College is concerned I will be assuming the position of Provost/Vice President of Academic Services in July.
These are exciting days for WHFC! God is up to something big here. Please pray for the Halverstadts as we transition from Ohio to Kansas over the next several months. Let us all pray from the next team of leaders God has on the hook for WHFC and for His anointing to be over her ministry. Together let's all embrace change for the glory of our Savior-Jesus Christ.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
First of all I am pleased to say that WHFC is in a good place as we enter the new year. Three years ago the church suffered a serious split that took 300 people away and several hundreds of thousands of dollars from the annual receipts. Due to the concerted effort of all who remained we have been able to stabilize in just three years and are seeing God do incredible things in our midst!
For the second year in a row since the split we have finished financially in the black. That means we spent less money than we received. In 2009 we not only showed black ink on the bottom line but actually surpassed our approved budget! In addition we significantly exceeded our mission budget last year in giving which really speaks to the heart and vision of the congregation.
In 2009 our attendance leveled out at 1100 and began showing signs of growth. In addition, our benevolent programs exploded with growth. We moved our buses out of the four bay garage and turned it into an outreach center for the community. Also, over this past month our leadership re-affirmed the vision, mission and objectives that were established three years ago and are actively using them as a template for future strategy, staffing and ministry.
These are great days for WHFC! She is spiritually, emotionally, financially and relationally healthy enough to embrace change. At this time our leaders are revisiting and re-visioning job descriptions in preparation for staff recalls and future hires and a search committee is in place to search out a new lead pastor.
Lisa and I sense God leading us into a different type of ministry at this time. We have served in this great church for 12 years but will not be extending our call beyond June. Rather we are moving to Haviland Kansas to assume a position on the President's cabinet of Barclay College and to assist in opening a new mission field for Evangelical Friends in Brazil. We will have more information to share about our involvement in Brazil over the next several months as plans take shape. As far as the position at Barclay College is concerned I will be assuming the position of Provost/Vice President of Academic Services in July.
These are exciting days for WHFC! God is up to something big here. Please pray for the Halverstadts as we transition from Ohio to Kansas over the next several months. Let us all pray from the next team of leaders God has on the hook for WHFC and for His anointing to be over her ministry. Together let's all embrace change for the glory of our Savior-Jesus Christ.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Men's Fight Club
Chef Bubba Harth just reported that breakfast will be served at Fight Club this week! Men, gather in the Church Cafe at 7:30 am for fellowship, food and Bible study. The cost? You must listen to bad jokes and give a free will donation for the food! :-)
Passages to ponder ...
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand are pleasures forever (Psalms 16:11)
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully (Matthew 5:6)
I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me (Psalm 16:7)
He must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30)
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand are pleasures forever (Psalms 16:11)
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully (Matthew 5:6)
I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me (Psalm 16:7)
He must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Men's activities ...
Tonight:
Men's Church at the Meetinghouse at 7 pm in room 152. Tonight's discussion topic: "The Outrageous Offerings of Christ to Humanity"
Thursday Breakfast:
7 am at Flavors on the Vine in Eastlake (one block west of SOM on Vine street)
Saturday:
Fight Club in the Cafe at the Meetinghouse, 7:30 am. The passage for discussion this week is I John 3.
Men's Church at the Meetinghouse at 7 pm in room 152. Tonight's discussion topic: "The Outrageous Offerings of Christ to Humanity"
Thursday Breakfast:
7 am at Flavors on the Vine in Eastlake (one block west of SOM on Vine street)
Saturday:
Fight Club in the Cafe at the Meetinghouse, 7:30 am. The passage for discussion this week is I John 3.
I am ...
Here's some passages to ponder:
I am gifted with love, power and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
I am chosen for success (John 15:16)
I am complete in Christ Jesus (Colossians 2:9-10)
I am secure in Christ (Romans 8:31-39)
I am confident (Philippians 1:6)
I am free (Romans 6:16-18; 8:1-2)
I am capable of handling life today (Philippians 4:13)
I am the embodiment of Jesus Christ today (Ephesians 2:5)
I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
I am valuable to God (I Corinthians 6:20)
I am a member of God's family (Ephesians 2:19)
I am God's treasure (I Peter 2:9-10)
I am dearly loved by God ((Colossians 3:12)
I am a new creation in Christ Jesus (@ Corinthians 5:17)
I am forgiven of all my sin (Ephesians 1:6-8)
I am an heir of God (Romans 8:12)
I am the friend of God (John 15:15)
------
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
I am gifted with love, power and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
I am chosen for success (John 15:16)
I am complete in Christ Jesus (Colossians 2:9-10)
I am secure in Christ (Romans 8:31-39)
I am confident (Philippians 1:6)
I am free (Romans 6:16-18; 8:1-2)
I am capable of handling life today (Philippians 4:13)
I am the embodiment of Jesus Christ today (Ephesians 2:5)
I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
I am valuable to God (I Corinthians 6:20)
I am a member of God's family (Ephesians 2:19)
I am God's treasure (I Peter 2:9-10)
I am dearly loved by God ((Colossians 3:12)
I am a new creation in Christ Jesus (@ Corinthians 5:17)
I am forgiven of all my sin (Ephesians 1:6-8)
I am an heir of God (Romans 8:12)
I am the friend of God (John 15:15)
------
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Badge of Discipleship
Jesus said, "A new command I give unto you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Throughout the Gospels, Christ teaches that love is the key component for those who profess His name. Author William Fletcher refers to this as the "badge of discipleship." He continues on by summarizing the important elements of Jesus' love demonstrated in the scriptures. Christ's love:
> Showed concern about people's families, homes, and health.
> He was willing to take time for people in need even though He was engaged in a busy ministry.
> He provided others faithful support in the spiritual battle by intercessory prayer.
> He extended complete forgiveness, even when it seemed undeserved.
> He humbly served others.
> He laid down His life for others.
So it is with us. If we are to love others as Jesus commanded, we must learn to express a practical love for the whole person. It must be the kind of love Jesus has demonstrated.
This kind of love only becomes a reality when our lives are totally under the Savior's control. Only then can He love others through us, so what is impossible in human strength becomes possible through the indwelling presence and power of Christ in us. Only in this way can we love others as He has loved us.
Heavenly Father reveal Yourself through me this day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
> Showed concern about people's families, homes, and health.
> He was willing to take time for people in need even though He was engaged in a busy ministry.
> He provided others faithful support in the spiritual battle by intercessory prayer.
> He extended complete forgiveness, even when it seemed undeserved.
> He humbly served others.
> He laid down His life for others.
So it is with us. If we are to love others as Jesus commanded, we must learn to express a practical love for the whole person. It must be the kind of love Jesus has demonstrated.
This kind of love only becomes a reality when our lives are totally under the Savior's control. Only then can He love others through us, so what is impossible in human strength becomes possible through the indwelling presence and power of Christ in us. Only in this way can we love others as He has loved us.
Heavenly Father reveal Yourself through me this day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Defining the Second Command ...
A contemporary paraphrase of the parable of the Good Samartian could go something like this:
"A man lies injured along a country road leading from Jerusalem to Jericho. Another man comes along riding on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. When he sees the injured man he immediately pulls over to the side of the road, stops, leans over and asks in a concerned tone, "would you like to use my cell phone to call someone?" Hearing nothing the biker rides off mumbling, "I hope that guy has good health coverage. He's going to need it with those injuries!"
That's hardly the attitude Jesus communicated in the parable or that John wrote of when he penned, "We know love by this, that Jesus Christ laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for our brethren. But whoever has the world's goods and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (I John 3:16-17). The love of God (steeped in mercy) pities and relieves the miseries of His creation. Why? Because God always responds out of His nature ... and God is love.
Fulfilling the Second Command of Jesus "to love thy neighbor" is not just a feeling, however deep or strong it might be: it is goodness in action prompted by a Divine compassion within the heart of man. A compassion that is the DNA of God imparted into the fiber of man at the point of full surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The litmus test for a true disciple of Jesus is the demonstration of love. Nothing more and nothing less!
Christians need to come face to face with this reality of scripture. Too often we attempt through our church ministries to go "win souls for Jesus" by inviting them into our services and special programming while ignoring the obvious physical needs of those who pass us by. Jesus never separated the two. We must always be mindful that Christ put the "Go" into the "Gospel" for a reason. For a church that stays behind brick and mortar never really has opportunity to love the world as Jesus did.
G. H. Morrison writes,
"Love never asks how little can I do ... love always asks how much. Love does not merely go to the measured mile ... love travels to the uttermost. Love never haggles, never bargains, with nicely calculated less or more. Love is generous ... abounding in grace and mercy."
Thanks for stopping by today!
------
Adrian
"A man lies injured along a country road leading from Jerusalem to Jericho. Another man comes along riding on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. When he sees the injured man he immediately pulls over to the side of the road, stops, leans over and asks in a concerned tone, "would you like to use my cell phone to call someone?" Hearing nothing the biker rides off mumbling, "I hope that guy has good health coverage. He's going to need it with those injuries!"
That's hardly the attitude Jesus communicated in the parable or that John wrote of when he penned, "We know love by this, that Jesus Christ laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for our brethren. But whoever has the world's goods and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (I John 3:16-17). The love of God (steeped in mercy) pities and relieves the miseries of His creation. Why? Because God always responds out of His nature ... and God is love.
Fulfilling the Second Command of Jesus "to love thy neighbor" is not just a feeling, however deep or strong it might be: it is goodness in action prompted by a Divine compassion within the heart of man. A compassion that is the DNA of God imparted into the fiber of man at the point of full surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The litmus test for a true disciple of Jesus is the demonstration of love. Nothing more and nothing less!
Christians need to come face to face with this reality of scripture. Too often we attempt through our church ministries to go "win souls for Jesus" by inviting them into our services and special programming while ignoring the obvious physical needs of those who pass us by. Jesus never separated the two. We must always be mindful that Christ put the "Go" into the "Gospel" for a reason. For a church that stays behind brick and mortar never really has opportunity to love the world as Jesus did.
G. H. Morrison writes,
"Love never asks how little can I do ... love always asks how much. Love does not merely go to the measured mile ... love travels to the uttermost. Love never haggles, never bargains, with nicely calculated less or more. Love is generous ... abounding in grace and mercy."
Thanks for stopping by today!
------
Adrian
Genuine relationship
"I want to ...
Love you without clutching, appreciate you without judging, join you without invading, invite you without demanding, leave you without guilt, criticize you without blaming, and help you without insulting.
If I can have the same from you, then we can truly meet and enrich each other."
(Taken from a poster in an alcoholic rehabilitation center)
Love you without clutching, appreciate you without judging, join you without invading, invite you without demanding, leave you without guilt, criticize you without blaming, and help you without insulting.
If I can have the same from you, then we can truly meet and enrich each other."
(Taken from a poster in an alcoholic rehabilitation center)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Get real!
What is real? asked the Rabbit one day before Nana came to tidy the room. Does it mean having things that buzz or whistle inside you or a handle that sticks out?
Real isn't how you are made said the Skin Horse. It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become REAL!
Doesn't it hurt? asked the Rabbit.
Of course, said the Skin Horse because he was always truthful. But when you are real you don't mind being hurt because that is what Real does.
Does it hurt all at once or more like being wound up bit by bit? asked Rabbit.
It doesn't happen all at once, said the Skin Horse. It's a process and it takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.
Generally by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby looking. But when you are Real these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to the people who don't understand (Margery Williams, "The Velveteen Rabbit", pgs. 16-17).
The second command of Jesus Christ is to "love thy neighbor" (Matthew 22). Easier said than done eh? Love involves pain as modeled by the life of Jesus Christ. Real people love and love really hurts. Unfortunately without Christ many turn away from the pain of love. Selfishly thinking, "I deserve better!" Believing they have a right not to hurt. Some things however can only be experienced through suffering and loss ... being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ is first and foremost.
Getting Real means to expect (even anticipate) suffering and pain in relationship with others. It will involve seeing the heart of God at work rather than Satan through adverse circumstances and in the face and actions of the difficult people you live or work with. Becoming Real means re framing life's expectations to include self-giving and self-sacrificing for others "as unto the Lord" as the norm.
What say you?
------
Adrian
Real isn't how you are made said the Skin Horse. It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become REAL!
Doesn't it hurt? asked the Rabbit.
Of course, said the Skin Horse because he was always truthful. But when you are real you don't mind being hurt because that is what Real does.
Does it hurt all at once or more like being wound up bit by bit? asked Rabbit.
It doesn't happen all at once, said the Skin Horse. It's a process and it takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.
Generally by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby looking. But when you are Real these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to the people who don't understand (Margery Williams, "The Velveteen Rabbit", pgs. 16-17).
The second command of Jesus Christ is to "love thy neighbor" (Matthew 22). Easier said than done eh? Love involves pain as modeled by the life of Jesus Christ. Real people love and love really hurts. Unfortunately without Christ many turn away from the pain of love. Selfishly thinking, "I deserve better!" Believing they have a right not to hurt. Some things however can only be experienced through suffering and loss ... being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ is first and foremost.
Getting Real means to expect (even anticipate) suffering and pain in relationship with others. It will involve seeing the heart of God at work rather than Satan through adverse circumstances and in the face and actions of the difficult people you live or work with. Becoming Real means re framing life's expectations to include self-giving and self-sacrificing for others "as unto the Lord" as the norm.
What say you?
------
Adrian
Monday, January 4, 2010
God always behaves like Himself
God always behaves like Himself and how grateful I am that this is so. No matter what the occasion God always responds out of His nature ... and God is love. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness."
Such love is fully explained through the life of Jesus Christ. For Jesus Christ brings us face to face with the love of God. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God "demonstrating His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). I like the story of the little boy who suffered from reoccurring nightmares one evening. His Dad would rush to his side in comfort each time and say, "son there is no need for you to fear because God is right here beside you." Each time the young boy would reply, "okay dad" and soon return to sleep. However after several bouts he said to his dad with tears streaming down his face, "I know God is with me but I need someone with skin on!"
John reminds us that our benevolent God "became flesh and lived among us." That's what Love (God) does. He gives us "skin" when we need it! This is true of His followers as well. We will naturally be "skin" for others because we share the nature of God.
Dr. Warren Wiersbe describes the nature of God in man as though it were a compass. Just as a compass always responds to the magnetic field of the earth so will man respond to the love of God manifest through our "skin". When we put on the "skin" of Jesus for others and get close to them they will sense the power, presence and draw of God in respond to His nature. God will always behave like Himself ... in and through you! So put on your Jesus skin and go live your life to the fullest. His love will do the rest!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Such love is fully explained through the life of Jesus Christ. For Jesus Christ brings us face to face with the love of God. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God "demonstrating His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). I like the story of the little boy who suffered from reoccurring nightmares one evening. His Dad would rush to his side in comfort each time and say, "son there is no need for you to fear because God is right here beside you." Each time the young boy would reply, "okay dad" and soon return to sleep. However after several bouts he said to his dad with tears streaming down his face, "I know God is with me but I need someone with skin on!"
John reminds us that our benevolent God "became flesh and lived among us." That's what Love (God) does. He gives us "skin" when we need it! This is true of His followers as well. We will naturally be "skin" for others because we share the nature of God.
Dr. Warren Wiersbe describes the nature of God in man as though it were a compass. Just as a compass always responds to the magnetic field of the earth so will man respond to the love of God manifest through our "skin". When we put on the "skin" of Jesus for others and get close to them they will sense the power, presence and draw of God in respond to His nature. God will always behave like Himself ... in and through you! So put on your Jesus skin and go live your life to the fullest. His love will do the rest!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Monday, December 28, 2009
"Good employees are everything in business..."
January is the time when I conduct staff reviews for the previous year and report the information to the elders and administrative council in February for goal setting, celebration and to aid in the recall process. Even though I have not formally begun the review process for 2009 I know a great deal about the performance of our pastoral staff over the past 12 months and the statement "good employees are everything in business" penned by Mark DeMoss in "The Little Red Book of Wisdom" (pg. 62) rings true in my mind regarding their performance. All of our staff have taken their calling and goals serious and worked tirelessly to create greater health and growth at WHFC and the greater community in which they serve.
DeMoss obviously puts substance to his words and does place high value on his employees at the DeMoss Group because the Gallup Management Journal recently ran a study that placed his organization in a small minority of American workplaces (27%) whose employees are "engaged," that is passionate and profoundly connected. Gallup is not alone in this finding ... the Atlanta Business Chronicle also gave the DeMoss Group an A+ rating as an employer. They also recently received special notation in Christianity Today magazine and from the Church Management Association as well. Something seems to be working at the DeMoss Group. What is it?
DeMoss writes, the "key to our success is our employees. They are our organization's best asset. We have learned that how you treat your people trumps what you do with your clients, schedules, output and spreadsheets. Happy employees affect everything else" (pg. 65).
DeMoss lists four motivational factors that contribute to employee retention and motivation with in their organization. The first motivator is mission. The DeMoss Group is more than a job description with a dollar sign attached. He says , we help our employees see where their employment is a mission to do something that matters beyond the bottom line (66).
The second motivator is a good leader. We do not look for the smartest or the brightest but people who are committed to the mission of the organization and to the people we employ. We find that people have an easier time serving a leader who is wholeheartedly serving them (67).
Third, we focus on the corporate culture at the DeMoss Group. Every company has an unwritten code for work environment, people chemistry, traditions and management style. Ours is focused on collaboration and teamwork. We preach and practice open-door management with the underlying assumption that each employee adds value and must be heard (68).
The fourth motivator is compensation and benefits. We compensate our employees according to industry standards, reward them with raises and profit sharing opportunities each year, and require them to take a four week sabbatical every five years. During the paid sabbatical employees are required to be unplugged from company phones, emails and computers. They are not permitted to do work of any kind for the company. We want them to rest and be refreshed (68).
Heavenly Father,
Help me to be a good leader for the staff at WHFC. Impart to me Your wisdom and attitude that will increase my sensitivity to their heartfelt needs and add value to their life and ministry. Please place a hedge around each one and their family at this time. May they feel You close by all the days of their life and know they are needed, loved and appreciated by the people they seek to serve at WHFC. In Jesus' name. Amen
DeMoss obviously puts substance to his words and does place high value on his employees at the DeMoss Group because the Gallup Management Journal recently ran a study that placed his organization in a small minority of American workplaces (27%) whose employees are "engaged," that is passionate and profoundly connected. Gallup is not alone in this finding ... the Atlanta Business Chronicle also gave the DeMoss Group an A+ rating as an employer. They also recently received special notation in Christianity Today magazine and from the Church Management Association as well. Something seems to be working at the DeMoss Group. What is it?
DeMoss writes, the "key to our success is our employees. They are our organization's best asset. We have learned that how you treat your people trumps what you do with your clients, schedules, output and spreadsheets. Happy employees affect everything else" (pg. 65).
DeMoss lists four motivational factors that contribute to employee retention and motivation with in their organization. The first motivator is mission. The DeMoss Group is more than a job description with a dollar sign attached. He says , we help our employees see where their employment is a mission to do something that matters beyond the bottom line (66).
The second motivator is a good leader. We do not look for the smartest or the brightest but people who are committed to the mission of the organization and to the people we employ. We find that people have an easier time serving a leader who is wholeheartedly serving them (67).
Third, we focus on the corporate culture at the DeMoss Group. Every company has an unwritten code for work environment, people chemistry, traditions and management style. Ours is focused on collaboration and teamwork. We preach and practice open-door management with the underlying assumption that each employee adds value and must be heard (68).
The fourth motivator is compensation and benefits. We compensate our employees according to industry standards, reward them with raises and profit sharing opportunities each year, and require them to take a four week sabbatical every five years. During the paid sabbatical employees are required to be unplugged from company phones, emails and computers. They are not permitted to do work of any kind for the company. We want them to rest and be refreshed (68).
Heavenly Father,
Help me to be a good leader for the staff at WHFC. Impart to me Your wisdom and attitude that will increase my sensitivity to their heartfelt needs and add value to their life and ministry. Please place a hedge around each one and their family at this time. May they feel You close by all the days of their life and know they are needed, loved and appreciated by the people they seek to serve at WHFC. In Jesus' name. Amen
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Salvation
Salvation isn't a gift that I can just get, then I've got it and I'm fixed. Salvation is a byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ. God's name is "I AM", present tense ... Not "I Was." To be saved you must "saddle up" to Jesus every day. Full salvation is three things: "relationship, relationship, relationship with Jesus" - Dr. Dennis Kinlaw (Revive, Winter, 2009, pg. 17)
Seeing it all
There are two watershed events in human history. One was Moses' experience with God at the burning bush, when God told us His name: "I AM" and spoke of His passion to abide with men. The second was at Bethlehem, when God came to earth as a human: Jesus Christ, to abide with men. When you have experienced Jesus Christ in your life, you've seen all there is to see of God - Dr. Dennis Kinlaw (Revive, Winter, 2009, pg. 16)
Relationship
"One of the best ways to get to know Jesus better is to shadow someone who already knows Jesus well" - Dr. Dennis Kinlaw
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Practicing Discernment # 5
Lon Fendall says that "becoming aware of God's movement and hearing His voice is all conditional on practicing the presence of Christ" (Practicing Discernment, page 37). Jesus taught us in John 15:3-4 that real intimacy with God is experienced through Jesus when we are with Jesus. The essence to real life and transformation occurs only through connection with Jesus. Being with Him daily is the most important thing in this life.
I read recently about an ordinary farmer who experienced this very thing. He is known to us today as Brother Lawrence. After his conversion in midlife, he joined a monastery, hoping to cultivate his relationship with Jesus. Instead, he was assigned to permanent dish duty in the kitchen.
Although he was initially discouraged because of no time to observe religious rites and formal studies of the scriptures, he began focusing his energy on practicing the presence of Christ as he washed pot and pans. Much to his joy, he soon discovered that it was possible to abide in the presence of Jesus while we worked in the kitchen.
He eventually found out that the activity of daily life was not impeding upon his communion with his Savior. In fact, whenever his mind began to drift from thoughts of Christ he would simply return his attention to the Lord and his relationship would quickly refresh. Soon Brother Lawrence was radiating the presence of Jesus to such a degree the the monks of the monastery where lining up at the door of the kitchen to learn the secret of the Christian life!
Brother Lawrence is only one example of countless numbers of ordinary people who have found extraordinary peace, joy, power, and purpose through living in a present reality with Jesus. When the goal of our lives change from trying to figure out what is right behavior to cultivating a present reality with Jesus we to will experience true life in the Son! Practicing discernment in life is simply walking in the reality of Jesus! What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
I read recently about an ordinary farmer who experienced this very thing. He is known to us today as Brother Lawrence. After his conversion in midlife, he joined a monastery, hoping to cultivate his relationship with Jesus. Instead, he was assigned to permanent dish duty in the kitchen.
Although he was initially discouraged because of no time to observe religious rites and formal studies of the scriptures, he began focusing his energy on practicing the presence of Christ as he washed pot and pans. Much to his joy, he soon discovered that it was possible to abide in the presence of Jesus while we worked in the kitchen.
He eventually found out that the activity of daily life was not impeding upon his communion with his Savior. In fact, whenever his mind began to drift from thoughts of Christ he would simply return his attention to the Lord and his relationship would quickly refresh. Soon Brother Lawrence was radiating the presence of Jesus to such a degree the the monks of the monastery where lining up at the door of the kitchen to learn the secret of the Christian life!
Brother Lawrence is only one example of countless numbers of ordinary people who have found extraordinary peace, joy, power, and purpose through living in a present reality with Jesus. When the goal of our lives change from trying to figure out what is right behavior to cultivating a present reality with Jesus we to will experience true life in the Son! Practicing discernment in life is simply walking in the reality of Jesus! What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Monday, December 21, 2009
I'm weighing in on baptism today
Jesus said, "Wait for the gift My Father promised ... for John baptized with water, but ... you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:4-8).
I find myself in a unique setting here at Willoughby Hills Friends Church. We are both Quaker and have a baptistery. Yep, right under the platform where the the drums set each week in our worship center is a large walk-in hot tub that is uncovered a couple of times each year, filled with water and heated to a comfortable temperature for those who desire to be water baptized in a public setting. But as much as I enjoy baptizing people people with water I never want the Church to forget the significance of the Friends view on baptism.
For centuries Friends did not practice water baptism because of the teaching of Christ. Most Quaker historians would say that Friends started practicing water baptism because of the influence of other denominations and key people like John Wesley and Billy Sunday. Typically today, Friends who practice water baptism state "that it an outward symbol of an inward work of grace." I'm okay with that but I wonder if we are selling short the one true baptism that Jesus spoke of in the process? If we are not clear on our position we can mislead people from the truth of God's word.
Water baptism had a specific purpose in the Old Testament. In fact, it was one of three Old Covenant signs (works) which God required of His people. The signs of the covenant between God and man were "circumcision" (Genesis 17:9-11), "honoring the sabbath of God" (Exodus 20:8-10), and later "water baptism" (John 1:33). In fact, baptism is not mentioned in the Bible as another identifying sign for the Old Covenant until John began doing so in the River Jordon. Some theologians hold that it was only a sign intended for the era of Incarnation stating that Jesus was baptized only to fulfill the Old Testament law (covenant)and never baptized others in water.
Regardless, the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ provides us with spiritual circumcision and became the Lord of the Sabbath for us. So, I guess we must ask, "then why the need for water baptism?" Here's where I am weighing in on the subject.
John the Baptist's ministry was new and unique for his time. He preached to people who were interested in the coming Messiah and who believed the promises of scripture. Most accepted John as a prophet from God (he certainly did not fit the status quo) and were good practicing Jews (circumcision, Sabbath observing, etc.). Through the act of water baptism in the Jordan they were indicating their belief that God was about to send the Messiah and they were prepared to receive Him unto themselves. Thus, water baptism was a sign of preparation and expectancy for the Advent of Christ.
So when we practice water baptism today it should be as an indication that we believe the Messiah has come and that we have made preparation in our heart for Him. But we must be clear that the New Covenant sign for identification with God is not circumcision, keeping the Sabbath or being baptized with water. It is being baptized with the Holy Spirit and the evidenced is seen "by loving one another." Francis Shaeffer said, "the sign of Christian love is the mark of the true Christian."
John the Baptist understood this truth when he said at the water baptism of Jesus, "The man who you see the Spirit come down on and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit ... now I must decrease and He must increase."(John 1:33). The hour "now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23).
For the New Testament believer, love is the only outward sign of an inward work of grace. Jesus said, "A new covenant I give unto you (with as new sign of conformity) ... that you love one another. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for another" (John 15:12-14). "By this (Jesus said) will all men know you are My disciples, by how you love one another" (John 13:35).
Have you asked Jesus Christ to baptize you with the Holy Spirit yet? Friend, you need more than just the forgiveness of sin you need a heart transformation that will enable you to love the world to Jesus and show the world that you are a true follower of the Almighty!
Perhaps the water baptism we should practice today is the washing of each other's feet. What say you? Thanks for stopping by!
-----
Adrian
I find myself in a unique setting here at Willoughby Hills Friends Church. We are both Quaker and have a baptistery. Yep, right under the platform where the the drums set each week in our worship center is a large walk-in hot tub that is uncovered a couple of times each year, filled with water and heated to a comfortable temperature for those who desire to be water baptized in a public setting. But as much as I enjoy baptizing people people with water I never want the Church to forget the significance of the Friends view on baptism.
For centuries Friends did not practice water baptism because of the teaching of Christ. Most Quaker historians would say that Friends started practicing water baptism because of the influence of other denominations and key people like John Wesley and Billy Sunday. Typically today, Friends who practice water baptism state "that it an outward symbol of an inward work of grace." I'm okay with that but I wonder if we are selling short the one true baptism that Jesus spoke of in the process? If we are not clear on our position we can mislead people from the truth of God's word.
Water baptism had a specific purpose in the Old Testament. In fact, it was one of three Old Covenant signs (works) which God required of His people. The signs of the covenant between God and man were "circumcision" (Genesis 17:9-11), "honoring the sabbath of God" (Exodus 20:8-10), and later "water baptism" (John 1:33). In fact, baptism is not mentioned in the Bible as another identifying sign for the Old Covenant until John began doing so in the River Jordon. Some theologians hold that it was only a sign intended for the era of Incarnation stating that Jesus was baptized only to fulfill the Old Testament law (covenant)and never baptized others in water.
Regardless, the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ provides us with spiritual circumcision and became the Lord of the Sabbath for us. So, I guess we must ask, "then why the need for water baptism?" Here's where I am weighing in on the subject.
John the Baptist's ministry was new and unique for his time. He preached to people who were interested in the coming Messiah and who believed the promises of scripture. Most accepted John as a prophet from God (he certainly did not fit the status quo) and were good practicing Jews (circumcision, Sabbath observing, etc.). Through the act of water baptism in the Jordan they were indicating their belief that God was about to send the Messiah and they were prepared to receive Him unto themselves. Thus, water baptism was a sign of preparation and expectancy for the Advent of Christ.
So when we practice water baptism today it should be as an indication that we believe the Messiah has come and that we have made preparation in our heart for Him. But we must be clear that the New Covenant sign for identification with God is not circumcision, keeping the Sabbath or being baptized with water. It is being baptized with the Holy Spirit and the evidenced is seen "by loving one another." Francis Shaeffer said, "the sign of Christian love is the mark of the true Christian."
John the Baptist understood this truth when he said at the water baptism of Jesus, "The man who you see the Spirit come down on and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit ... now I must decrease and He must increase."(John 1:33). The hour "now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23).
For the New Testament believer, love is the only outward sign of an inward work of grace. Jesus said, "A new covenant I give unto you (with as new sign of conformity) ... that you love one another. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for another" (John 15:12-14). "By this (Jesus said) will all men know you are My disciples, by how you love one another" (John 13:35).
Have you asked Jesus Christ to baptize you with the Holy Spirit yet? Friend, you need more than just the forgiveness of sin you need a heart transformation that will enable you to love the world to Jesus and show the world that you are a true follower of the Almighty!
Perhaps the water baptism we should practice today is the washing of each other's feet. What say you? Thanks for stopping by!
-----
Adrian
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Men's Fight Club
Hi guys,
I just want to remind you that we will meet in the Church Cafe this Saturday at 7:30 am for gooooood coffee and Bible study. Our passage for discussion will be I John 2:12-17. Come prepared to share your research with the group.
Also, you are invited to join others for breakfast the next two Thursdays (Christmas Eve & new Years Eve) at Flavors on the Vine in Eastlake at 7 am.
One more item, Wednesday night Men's Church will not meet on 12/23 but will assemble on 12/30 in room 152 at 7 pm.
I just want to remind you that we will meet in the Church Cafe this Saturday at 7:30 am for gooooood coffee and Bible study. Our passage for discussion will be I John 2:12-17. Come prepared to share your research with the group.
Also, you are invited to join others for breakfast the next two Thursdays (Christmas Eve & new Years Eve) at Flavors on the Vine in Eastlake at 7 am.
One more item, Wednesday night Men's Church will not meet on 12/23 but will assemble on 12/30 in room 152 at 7 pm.
I'm weighing in on church music today!
I've been thinking some about the purpose and place for music in the local church and would like to share my thoughts for discussion. First off, I have come to the conclusion that the music we use in public worship services should be "blended" in style. Why? Let's begin with the purpose of worship. First, because music is often so closely associated with how people view worship in the local Church. In the mind of many, good music equals good worship. But, in the context of scripture this mindset can be too limiting and even misleading.
Jesus states that "true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship Him" (John 4:23). Worship is nothing more than centering Christ in our hearts so our lives can stay in balance and fulfill the purpose in which God intended for each of us. My studies indicate that worship mostly appears in the Bible as a verb. Why? Because worship is an act of our will through which we invite the Holy Spirit to center us in the life and customs of Jesus so we can go forth and emulate Him to the world to the glory of the Father.
True Spirit-led corporate worship will present Jesus in a manner that will address the personality and preferences of all. A blended style that presents a classic, traditional and contemporary palate for participants will give each one the opportunity to use music as a means to center Christ in their heart more easily in a public venue. It could be much like it was on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:6), where each one could sense the Holy Spirit and respond in their own language (so to speak). Through a blended venue each one's preference is valued and God can use corporate singing as a means to center Christ in the hearts of all who desire to worship Him through the Spirit and unto Truth (Jesus).
Speaking of Jesus, His take on worship was clearly stated in Luke 22:19, "this do in remembrance of Me." Paul echoes these very words to the Corinthians in his first letter (11:24) to address their disunity and unloving attitude towards each other in the local church. He reminds them that their attitude and structure was to cater to the needs of the Body (attendees) so that each one could center Christ in their heart without the selfish distraction of others. When we come together for corporate worship we need to present a full musical palate that permits the Holy Spirit to penetrate every life with the image of Jesus so they can leave the premise purposed in heart to love and serve their fellow man as He did.
According to Jack Wilcuts in his book "Why Friends are Friends," we gather in the meetinghouse with one another to "experience Christ in our midst" and to "practice the presence of Christ." What does that mean for us musically? It means that Christ is in each one who has gathered together corporately. It is through our coming together as the Body of Christ that Jesus is fully manifest. Presenting a full palate of musical style can be our way of practicing His presence in our midst by acknowledging His preeminence and honoring the unique way He chooses to express Himself through the likes and tastes of others. Perhaps that is what He meant by the phrase, "this do in remembrance of Me" musically speaking, for the Church today. What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Jesus states that "true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship Him" (John 4:23). Worship is nothing more than centering Christ in our hearts so our lives can stay in balance and fulfill the purpose in which God intended for each of us. My studies indicate that worship mostly appears in the Bible as a verb. Why? Because worship is an act of our will through which we invite the Holy Spirit to center us in the life and customs of Jesus so we can go forth and emulate Him to the world to the glory of the Father.
True Spirit-led corporate worship will present Jesus in a manner that will address the personality and preferences of all. A blended style that presents a classic, traditional and contemporary palate for participants will give each one the opportunity to use music as a means to center Christ in their heart more easily in a public venue. It could be much like it was on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:6), where each one could sense the Holy Spirit and respond in their own language (so to speak). Through a blended venue each one's preference is valued and God can use corporate singing as a means to center Christ in the hearts of all who desire to worship Him through the Spirit and unto Truth (Jesus).
Speaking of Jesus, His take on worship was clearly stated in Luke 22:19, "this do in remembrance of Me." Paul echoes these very words to the Corinthians in his first letter (11:24) to address their disunity and unloving attitude towards each other in the local church. He reminds them that their attitude and structure was to cater to the needs of the Body (attendees) so that each one could center Christ in their heart without the selfish distraction of others. When we come together for corporate worship we need to present a full musical palate that permits the Holy Spirit to penetrate every life with the image of Jesus so they can leave the premise purposed in heart to love and serve their fellow man as He did.
According to Jack Wilcuts in his book "Why Friends are Friends," we gather in the meetinghouse with one another to "experience Christ in our midst" and to "practice the presence of Christ." What does that mean for us musically? It means that Christ is in each one who has gathered together corporately. It is through our coming together as the Body of Christ that Jesus is fully manifest. Presenting a full palate of musical style can be our way of practicing His presence in our midst by acknowledging His preeminence and honoring the unique way He chooses to express Himself through the likes and tastes of others. Perhaps that is what He meant by the phrase, "this do in remembrance of Me" musically speaking, for the Church today. What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Practicing Discernment # 4
Recently we heard in the news that a Northwest flight carrying 144 passengers overflew the airport by 150 miles. They tell us the pilots remained unresponsive to the air traffic controllers who were desperately trying to make contact with them. The plane finally turned around after the stewardess got the pilot's attention by pounding on the cockpit door. The seasoned pilots had become so absorbed with a new software program on their laptops that they had lost track of their destination.
The same thing can happen to us in our Christian walk if we are not careful. We need to keep our eyes on the face and feet of Jesus all the time. I think that's sort of what the author of Hebrews was saying when he penned the words "keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus" (12:2). It is possible to become so absorbed with "life" that our passion for following Jesus can be crowded out. None of us accidentally fall out of love with Christ rather it is the result of accumulating hundreds of wrong or poor decisions by simply not dwelling in His presence or discerning His will effectively. As a result our love cools and other things can gradually take priority and focus away from our Savior.
The discipline of practicing spiritual discernment everyday can help us make right decisions and keep Christ's love knocking at the door of our heart. And, it is a daily opportunity to maintain a passionate love for Jesus. We should view each new day is an opportunity to fall in love with Jesus all over again.
So what about you? Have you over-shot the airport, so to speak? Has the trail cooled in your venture with Jesus because you have lost sight of His face in lieu of life's distractions? Simply make Jesus your monarch rather than a mascot and re-engage the journey!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
The same thing can happen to us in our Christian walk if we are not careful. We need to keep our eyes on the face and feet of Jesus all the time. I think that's sort of what the author of Hebrews was saying when he penned the words "keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus" (12:2). It is possible to become so absorbed with "life" that our passion for following Jesus can be crowded out. None of us accidentally fall out of love with Christ rather it is the result of accumulating hundreds of wrong or poor decisions by simply not dwelling in His presence or discerning His will effectively. As a result our love cools and other things can gradually take priority and focus away from our Savior.
The discipline of practicing spiritual discernment everyday can help us make right decisions and keep Christ's love knocking at the door of our heart. And, it is a daily opportunity to maintain a passionate love for Jesus. We should view each new day is an opportunity to fall in love with Jesus all over again.
So what about you? Have you over-shot the airport, so to speak? Has the trail cooled in your venture with Jesus because you have lost sight of His face in lieu of life's distractions? Simply make Jesus your monarch rather than a mascot and re-engage the journey!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Practicing Discernment # 3
"Now then my children listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways... Blessed are they who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway" (Proverbs 8:32 & 34).
It's been three years since Lisa and I spent concentrated time together discerning God's will for our ministry like we have over the past two months. What a blessed journey this has been for the two of us! Over the course of many weeks Lisa walked with Jesus through a Wednesday night Bible study for women on knowing God's will and felt comfortable sharing her insights and experiences with me along the way. At the same time I've been probing the Holy Spirit through reading both sacred literature and reacquainting myself with some of my favorite classics on hearing the voice of God. Through our journey we are growing more intimate and seeing the face and GPS of Jesus more clearly.
What has been some of the ways God has stirred upon our hearts in this time of discernment? Probably in some of the same ways He moves your life. God tends to present a full palate for each of us to use when piece-mealing His will together for direction and clarity in life. The palate of discernment usually consists of:
1. The Scriptures. The old book is inspired by God and should always be an active part of our discernment process. God will use it to get our attention and keep our hearts attentive to His leading.
2. Friends. God will speak peace and illumination in times of transition from those in our sphere of influence. I am convinced that it is impossible to know God's will in isolation ... we need people. When facing times of discernment remember three important words: "relationship, relationship, relationship!" God will often times speak through our faith community.
3. Circumstances. Often times God is speaking through open and closed doors. Just be sure you are not the one kicking the door open or slamming it shut. Rather, permit God's hand to twist the knob on your behalf. Circumstances can also include supernatural intervention. We serve a God of signs and wonders so who knows, maybe God will cause the sea to part, the bush to burn or make your donkey speak. Hebrews 13:2 says we may even entertain an angel or two on occasion. So, we should never discount the miraculous power of God as a means of communication from God.
4. Emotions and physical sensations. Romans 14:17 reminds us that "the kingdom of God is not eating or drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Sometimes the will of God cannot be seen so much on the bottom line of a contract but will always include "peace and joy". Believe me, I know from experience that the peace of God is more powerful than any night time medication one can take!
5. Dreams. By this I'm referring to "your heart's desire." What has God placed upon your heart that could possibly be seen through flights of imagination? What do you day dream about when you think of doing something different? This could be God's way of saying to you as He did to His servant Abraham, "Lech-Lekha", Hebrew for "Get up and Go!" (Genesis 22:2).
One thing for sure ... we must always keep our eyes fixed on the doorways of God's will. How cool is that? Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your journey with Jesus today!
------
Adrian
It's been three years since Lisa and I spent concentrated time together discerning God's will for our ministry like we have over the past two months. What a blessed journey this has been for the two of us! Over the course of many weeks Lisa walked with Jesus through a Wednesday night Bible study for women on knowing God's will and felt comfortable sharing her insights and experiences with me along the way. At the same time I've been probing the Holy Spirit through reading both sacred literature and reacquainting myself with some of my favorite classics on hearing the voice of God. Through our journey we are growing more intimate and seeing the face and GPS of Jesus more clearly.
What has been some of the ways God has stirred upon our hearts in this time of discernment? Probably in some of the same ways He moves your life. God tends to present a full palate for each of us to use when piece-mealing His will together for direction and clarity in life. The palate of discernment usually consists of:
1. The Scriptures. The old book is inspired by God and should always be an active part of our discernment process. God will use it to get our attention and keep our hearts attentive to His leading.
2. Friends. God will speak peace and illumination in times of transition from those in our sphere of influence. I am convinced that it is impossible to know God's will in isolation ... we need people. When facing times of discernment remember three important words: "relationship, relationship, relationship!" God will often times speak through our faith community.
3. Circumstances. Often times God is speaking through open and closed doors. Just be sure you are not the one kicking the door open or slamming it shut. Rather, permit God's hand to twist the knob on your behalf. Circumstances can also include supernatural intervention. We serve a God of signs and wonders so who knows, maybe God will cause the sea to part, the bush to burn or make your donkey speak. Hebrews 13:2 says we may even entertain an angel or two on occasion. So, we should never discount the miraculous power of God as a means of communication from God.
4. Emotions and physical sensations. Romans 14:17 reminds us that "the kingdom of God is not eating or drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Sometimes the will of God cannot be seen so much on the bottom line of a contract but will always include "peace and joy". Believe me, I know from experience that the peace of God is more powerful than any night time medication one can take!
5. Dreams. By this I'm referring to "your heart's desire." What has God placed upon your heart that could possibly be seen through flights of imagination? What do you day dream about when you think of doing something different? This could be God's way of saying to you as He did to His servant Abraham, "Lech-Lekha", Hebrew for "Get up and Go!" (Genesis 22:2).
One thing for sure ... we must always keep our eyes fixed on the doorways of God's will. How cool is that? Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your journey with Jesus today!
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Adrian
Monday, December 14, 2009
Leadership
In an uncertain and rapidly changing environment it is important that leaders demonstrate courage and dependability. Also, as values are being questioned and negotiated, character is more important than charisma and competencies. Before people are prepared to follow someone, they want to know that the person is one they can trust. (taken from ChurchNext by Eddie Gibbs, page 114)
I wonder what main attractional quality hooked the people of Galilee to Jesus ... Courage, dependability, charisma, competency or character?
What canst thou saith?
I wonder what main attractional quality hooked the people of Galilee to Jesus ... Courage, dependability, charisma, competency or character?
What canst thou saith?
Practicing Discernment # 2
Psalm 139:7,12 makes it clear that God's presence is unquestionable in life. The Psalmist writes, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? ... nothing can hide You from me ..."
God is accessible 24/7 and one of the greatest joys in life is learning to practice the presence of Christ in the midst of our agenda and distractions, daily clamor and human desires that jockey for our attention each day. We must be committed to creating space and inviting Christ into our lives.
"To settle into a holy awareness of God's presence does not requires us to quit doing what we are doing, but to discipline ourselves to focus on God in the midst of our daily living and working. While it may require intentionality to practice living fully in the presence of God, it is also very natural ... very similar to being in love.
When we are in love, we are constantly aware of our beloved, regardless of what we are doing or where we are. We have tuned in to the opinions, moods, wants and needs of that special one. We have a natural consciousness of him or her that rises from the heart of love and delight. And so it is with our relationship with Christ. It is not hard to be aware of someone that adores us. It is not difficult to want to know what our beloved is thinking and feeling. It isn't a chore to share our life with Jesus who is totally wonderful." (Practicing Discernment, pg. 28)
Heavenly Father,
Jesus Christ is centered in my heart this day and I choose to be singleness in vision and purpose. To see only my Savior and how He may present Himself through the needs of others this day. I lay at the feet of Jesus my will for it is Christ who lives in and through me. Together we will work my job, engage the circumstances of life, and continue to grow the man according to Your glory and good pleasure.
Love, Adrian
God is accessible 24/7 and one of the greatest joys in life is learning to practice the presence of Christ in the midst of our agenda and distractions, daily clamor and human desires that jockey for our attention each day. We must be committed to creating space and inviting Christ into our lives.
"To settle into a holy awareness of God's presence does not requires us to quit doing what we are doing, but to discipline ourselves to focus on God in the midst of our daily living and working. While it may require intentionality to practice living fully in the presence of God, it is also very natural ... very similar to being in love.
When we are in love, we are constantly aware of our beloved, regardless of what we are doing or where we are. We have tuned in to the opinions, moods, wants and needs of that special one. We have a natural consciousness of him or her that rises from the heart of love and delight. And so it is with our relationship with Christ. It is not hard to be aware of someone that adores us. It is not difficult to want to know what our beloved is thinking and feeling. It isn't a chore to share our life with Jesus who is totally wonderful." (Practicing Discernment, pg. 28)
Heavenly Father,
Jesus Christ is centered in my heart this day and I choose to be singleness in vision and purpose. To see only my Savior and how He may present Himself through the needs of others this day. I lay at the feet of Jesus my will for it is Christ who lives in and through me. Together we will work my job, engage the circumstances of life, and continue to grow the man according to Your glory and good pleasure.
Love, Adrian
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Practicing Discernment
I have enjoyed re-reading the book, "Practicing Discernment" by Fendall, Wood and Bishop. They remind readers that discernment is a daily necessity for all who get serious about being the people of God (xiii). That we are called to be under a Theocracy where God is an active partner in our decision making and we must learn to hear and follow His voice continuously (xvi).
Our ability to discern God's leading is the direct result of Christ's atonement. His incarnation and atoning sacrifice makes provision for the impartation of the Divine nature of God to take up residence in our mortal bodies. The very essence of His heart and nature can purge and control ours (see Jeremiah 31:33-34). The incredible wonder is not just that God has made this available to us for our own good through Jesus Christ but that He personally invites ordinary people like you and me into intimate relationship with Him and to follow His lead from the inside out!
Practicing daily discernment is born out of a hunger to know and be with God ... to be able to follow His lead. It is a dialogue between us and the Living Christ(23). As Evangelical Friends we believe that God is speaking with us all the time, whispering in our ear, nudging our emotions, stirring our senses, and lighting our way through His Spirit and our circumstances. That He desires to be our partner and to journey through this life with us. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear the Voice saying, Here I am, this is the road ... now follow it!" (Isaiah 30:21 CEV).
Heavenly Father, I consecrate my life to You this day. Your love has purged my heart from everything that is unloving and Your Spirit is in control of my life this day. I will journey to the left and right throughout the course of this day but I will not intentionally wander from Your presence. Thanks for wanting to be with me today. Love Adrian.
Thanks for stopping by!
Our ability to discern God's leading is the direct result of Christ's atonement. His incarnation and atoning sacrifice makes provision for the impartation of the Divine nature of God to take up residence in our mortal bodies. The very essence of His heart and nature can purge and control ours (see Jeremiah 31:33-34). The incredible wonder is not just that God has made this available to us for our own good through Jesus Christ but that He personally invites ordinary people like you and me into intimate relationship with Him and to follow His lead from the inside out!
Practicing daily discernment is born out of a hunger to know and be with God ... to be able to follow His lead. It is a dialogue between us and the Living Christ(23). As Evangelical Friends we believe that God is speaking with us all the time, whispering in our ear, nudging our emotions, stirring our senses, and lighting our way through His Spirit and our circumstances. That He desires to be our partner and to journey through this life with us. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear the Voice saying, Here I am, this is the road ... now follow it!" (Isaiah 30:21 CEV).
Heavenly Father, I consecrate my life to You this day. Your love has purged my heart from everything that is unloving and Your Spirit is in control of my life this day. I will journey to the left and right throughout the course of this day but I will not intentionally wander from Your presence. Thanks for wanting to be with me today. Love Adrian.
Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, November 30, 2009
I John 2:7-11 summary
Based upon my research of I John 2:7-11 (which I posted last week) I think John is telling his readers the following:
(7) My fellow earthlings, there is no difference between any of us though our color, race or creed may vary. We are all from the womb of a woman and we should look out for the needs of one another. Loving and caring for the needs of people is what Jesus practiced and we should do the same. It was the passion which drove Him to do what He did and it was the command He gave us to obey, a mission to fulfill.
(9) Any one who has had the love of Christ fill his heart will be sensitive to the needs of others. They will not turn a blind eye or deaf ear to their pain or need but will reach out to them as Jesus did. (11) Those who do not care for the needs of others simply prove that Christ's love has not yet purged their heart and that they have not yet found the real purpose and meaning to life.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Adrian
(7) My fellow earthlings, there is no difference between any of us though our color, race or creed may vary. We are all from the womb of a woman and we should look out for the needs of one another. Loving and caring for the needs of people is what Jesus practiced and we should do the same. It was the passion which drove Him to do what He did and it was the command He gave us to obey, a mission to fulfill.
(9) Any one who has had the love of Christ fill his heart will be sensitive to the needs of others. They will not turn a blind eye or deaf ear to their pain or need but will reach out to them as Jesus did. (11) Those who do not care for the needs of others simply prove that Christ's love has not yet purged their heart and that they have not yet found the real purpose and meaning to life.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Adrian
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Fight Club
Hello Men.
Happy Thanksgiving! Lord willing I'll see each of you on Saturday for our weekly Fight Club. We will meet in the church Cafe at 7:30 am. Our concentrated study will be I John 2. Come prepared to share!
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Adrian
Happy Thanksgiving! Lord willing I'll see each of you on Saturday for our weekly Fight Club. We will meet in the church Cafe at 7:30 am. Our concentrated study will be I John 2. Come prepared to share!
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Adrian
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
I John 2:7-11 word study
As I continue my study of John's first epistle I find the author's focus in this section to be quite intriguing to say the least. He changes the manner in which he addresses his readers and his choice of words not only present a need for social action but also seems to suggest that the benevolent care of others is a true test for identifying genuine Christ followers.
I will share my interpretation of this passage later this week (Lord willing) but for now look over the word study below and see if you do not draw similar conclusions to mine. Be sure to conduct your own word study for comparison sake. The more research we have the better our interpretation will be.
The Text: I John 2:7-11
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
Word Study:
"Brethren" (adelphos) meaning humankind or coming from the womb in likeness
"new" (kainos), new in the sense of freshness; refreshing
"old" (palaios), worn out; obsolete
"commandment" (entole), injunction or precept
"beginning" (arche), point of commencement; first estate or ranking
"thing" (hen-heis), appears in the negative tense meaning certain and abundant
"true" (alethinos), meaning truthful or truth filled
"darkness" (skotia), shading, dimness, or obscurity
"past" (parago), meaning to lead near; to go along with; departed
"light" (phos), to make manifest; fire within
"shines" (phaino), meaning to be seen
"hates" (miseo), to detest; persecute; to be loveless for
"brother" (same as brethren, see above definition), meaning fellow human
"love" (agapeo-agan), to love in a social or moral sense.
"stumbling" (skandalon), to be trapped; to be or do a thing of offense
"walks" (peripateo), meaning to be occupied with
"blinded" (tuphloo), to make blind; to obscure
"eyes" (ophthalmos), vision or sight. Also used in reference to a jealous side glance
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Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
I will share my interpretation of this passage later this week (Lord willing) but for now look over the word study below and see if you do not draw similar conclusions to mine. Be sure to conduct your own word study for comparison sake. The more research we have the better our interpretation will be.
The Text: I John 2:7-11
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
Word Study:
"Brethren" (adelphos) meaning humankind or coming from the womb in likeness
"new" (kainos), new in the sense of freshness; refreshing
"old" (palaios), worn out; obsolete
"commandment" (entole), injunction or precept
"beginning" (arche), point of commencement; first estate or ranking
"thing" (hen-heis), appears in the negative tense meaning certain and abundant
"true" (alethinos), meaning truthful or truth filled
"darkness" (skotia), shading, dimness, or obscurity
"past" (parago), meaning to lead near; to go along with; departed
"light" (phos), to make manifest; fire within
"shines" (phaino), meaning to be seen
"hates" (miseo), to detest; persecute; to be loveless for
"brother" (same as brethren, see above definition), meaning fellow human
"love" (agapeo-agan), to love in a social or moral sense.
"stumbling" (skandalon), to be trapped; to be or do a thing of offense
"walks" (peripateo), meaning to be occupied with
"blinded" (tuphloo), to make blind; to obscure
"eyes" (ophthalmos), vision or sight. Also used in reference to a jealous side glance
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Friday, November 20, 2009
First John 2:3-6 study
As I continue my personal study of I John I would like to share some of my research and personal translation of 2:3-6. John writes (NKJV),
"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."
Word study of the Text:
"know" in verses 3 & 4 - (Ginosko, Greek), meaning to be sure of; feel; experiential understanding; allow.
"keep" - (Tereo), meaning to guard; keep watch over or eye upon.
"commandments" in verses 3 & 4 - (Entole), meaning injunction; authoritative perscription; precept.
"liar" - (Pseustes), meaning a falsifier.
"truth" - (Aletheia), meaning verity; to become truth.
"word" - (logos), the use of the Greek article indicates "maintaining a presence (or state) of mind.
"perfected" - (Teleioo), meaning consummated; shown complete. Is a derivative of the word (teleios) meaning complete, right standing; of full maturity.
"abides" - (Meno), meaning a given place or state; indwelling.
"walk" - (Peripateo), meaning votary; as a companion.
My Translation of I John 2:3-6:
John is writing to those who are near and dear to his heart, his spiritual children in Christ Jesus. In this section he gives them the litmus test for their faith to expose the heresy of the Gnostics. He is saying the assurance of their completeness in Christ, the proof that they have experienced the fullness of His salvation is their singleness of purpose to honor the greatest command of the Christ to love one another. Greater enlightenment or higher knowledge and revelation is a tactic used of Satan to distract and confuse people, and to discourage the children of God. It is a dead end street which leads to nowhere.
Once Christ has purged our hearts with His love we should consider ourselves complete in the sight of God. We have been refashioned into the image of Jesus and in complete approval and fellowship with God. We are right where God wants us to be! The only thing left for us to do is to love others out of the abundance of His love which has been placed in our heart. If that is the desire of your heart then you've got it! You have become truth because He (Truth) fully resides in you!
Those who say they have experienced Jesus but still think they need something else in addition are deceived. They have simply not become singleness of heart and purpose yet. For those of us who have been perfected through the indwelling fullness of the Holy Spirit the operating system of our life has changed. We can no longer run the old program of sin. Our system of life is set by our Controller, Jesus Christ. And we live in that reality every moment of our day.
Thanks for reading!
------
Adrian
"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."
Word study of the Text:
"know" in verses 3 & 4 - (Ginosko, Greek), meaning to be sure of; feel; experiential understanding; allow.
"keep" - (Tereo), meaning to guard; keep watch over or eye upon.
"commandments" in verses 3 & 4 - (Entole), meaning injunction; authoritative perscription; precept.
"liar" - (Pseustes), meaning a falsifier.
"truth" - (Aletheia), meaning verity; to become truth.
"word" - (logos), the use of the Greek article indicates "maintaining a presence (or state) of mind.
"perfected" - (Teleioo), meaning consummated; shown complete. Is a derivative of the word (teleios) meaning complete, right standing; of full maturity.
"abides" - (Meno), meaning a given place or state; indwelling.
"walk" - (Peripateo), meaning votary; as a companion.
My Translation of I John 2:3-6:
John is writing to those who are near and dear to his heart, his spiritual children in Christ Jesus. In this section he gives them the litmus test for their faith to expose the heresy of the Gnostics. He is saying the assurance of their completeness in Christ, the proof that they have experienced the fullness of His salvation is their singleness of purpose to honor the greatest command of the Christ to love one another. Greater enlightenment or higher knowledge and revelation is a tactic used of Satan to distract and confuse people, and to discourage the children of God. It is a dead end street which leads to nowhere.
Once Christ has purged our hearts with His love we should consider ourselves complete in the sight of God. We have been refashioned into the image of Jesus and in complete approval and fellowship with God. We are right where God wants us to be! The only thing left for us to do is to love others out of the abundance of His love which has been placed in our heart. If that is the desire of your heart then you've got it! You have become truth because He (Truth) fully resides in you!
Those who say they have experienced Jesus but still think they need something else in addition are deceived. They have simply not become singleness of heart and purpose yet. For those of us who have been perfected through the indwelling fullness of the Holy Spirit the operating system of our life has changed. We can no longer run the old program of sin. Our system of life is set by our Controller, Jesus Christ. And we live in that reality every moment of our day.
Thanks for reading!
------
Adrian
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A Pilgrim
"Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah. Pilgrim through this barren land"
A pilgrimage is a journey undertaken in the light of a story. A great event that has happened; the pilgrim hears the reports and goes in search of the evidence, aspiring to be an eyewitness. The pilgrim seeks not only to confirm the experience of others firsthand but to be changed by the experience. (written by Paul Elie)
Heavenly Father, Paul told the Philippians that "the righteous that is from You is received by faith; so that I may have fellowship with You, know Jesus, and experience the power of His resurrection working within me this day. And though I have already attained Your favor and I am perfected in Your eyes through the righteousness of my Savior, I will press forward this day with Jesus as a pilgrim to lay hold of that which Christ has in store for me. So shall I walk by this rule today and this rule alone will be my mandate" (3:10-14, 16).
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Adrian
A pilgrimage is a journey undertaken in the light of a story. A great event that has happened; the pilgrim hears the reports and goes in search of the evidence, aspiring to be an eyewitness. The pilgrim seeks not only to confirm the experience of others firsthand but to be changed by the experience. (written by Paul Elie)
Heavenly Father, Paul told the Philippians that "the righteous that is from You is received by faith; so that I may have fellowship with You, know Jesus, and experience the power of His resurrection working within me this day. And though I have already attained Your favor and I am perfected in Your eyes through the righteousness of my Savior, I will press forward this day with Jesus as a pilgrim to lay hold of that which Christ has in store for me. So shall I walk by this rule today and this rule alone will be my mandate" (3:10-14, 16).
In Jesus' name, Amen.
-------
Adrian
Men's Fight Club
Men, you are invited to join me in the Church Cafe this Saturday morning at 7:30 am for the very best coffee served in northern Ohio. Yes you heard correctly. Why else would so many guys get up early on a sleeper day? Well, maybe it does have a little something to do with Bible study, Christian fellowship and men who are consecrated to Jesus Christ. But one should never under estimate the draw of a quality cup of Joe!
Anyhow, this will be a good week to attend. Rumor has it that chef Bubba will be in the house and breakfast will be cooked to your liking. Just think ... great coffee, a hot breakfast, Bible study ... does it get any better than this? I think not!
This week we will continue to work through I John 2. Come prepared to share what God is speaking to your heart from the text. Be sure to look over your Fight Club notes and the I John material posted on my blog as a refresher and to allow the Holy Spirit to prime your pump for Fight Club discussion!
See you Saturday. There is no extra charge this week for the coffee grounds served with every cup. They're on the house this week!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Anyhow, this will be a good week to attend. Rumor has it that chef Bubba will be in the house and breakfast will be cooked to your liking. Just think ... great coffee, a hot breakfast, Bible study ... does it get any better than this? I think not!
This week we will continue to work through I John 2. Come prepared to share what God is speaking to your heart from the text. Be sure to look over your Fight Club notes and the I John material posted on my blog as a refresher and to allow the Holy Spirit to prime your pump for Fight Club discussion!
See you Saturday. There is no extra charge this week for the coffee grounds served with every cup. They're on the house this week!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ancient wisdom
"The problem today is not a non-church going community but a non-community going church." (as quoted by A. Scott Matheson in his 1893 book titled: "The Church and Social Problems")
Papal pearls
Only those who are "on the way" aren't "in the way!" (taken from: Rise, Let us be on our Way, by Pope John Paul II)
Spanish advice
Caminante, no haycamino. Se hace camino al andar.
Translated, "Wayfarer, there is no way. You must make the way as you go." - Spanish poet Antonio Machado
Translated, "Wayfarer, there is no way. You must make the way as you go." - Spanish poet Antonio Machado
I John 2:1-2 summary
John writes,
"My little children, these things I write to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world."
Summary of the original text:
"My little children, these things I write to you that you may not sin"
- "My", (emos) meaning "proceeding from me"
- "Little children," (teknion) meaning "darling one; to be near and dear to the heart"
- "Sin," (hamartano) meaning to miss the mark and not share in the prize.
"And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."
-"sins" (hamartia), meaning to be sin filled
- "Advocate," (parakletos) meaning intercessor or literally the one who brings to parties together.
- "righteous," (dikaios) meaning to make innocent. Derived from (dike) meaning to make equitable in character and action.
"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world."
- "propitiation," (hilasmos) meaning an expiator. Webster says an expiator is one who puts an end to guilt and assiduous labor.
- "sins," (hamartia) meaning sin filled
- "world," (kosmos) meaning the world and all of its adorning; all of creation in both the wide and narrow sense, including its inhabitants.
My translation of I John 2:1-2:
John is saying, My dear readers of this letter, you are near and dear to my heart because I am your spiritual daddy. I write to you at this time because I do not want you to miss out on the prize given to you through Jesus Christ because of the deception of the Gnostics. You were once sinfilled (not according to the original design of God; not being found in His image or likeness) but Jesus Christ reconciled you with God and to His original design for your life. Now you are one with the Father and perfect in His sight (or right where He wants you to be at this time, "telios"). Jesus has made you innocent (perfect, "telios")by purging you of a nature that was not of Him and replaced it with His. Jesus has put an end to your guilt and labor to gain God's approval. You have peace with God and no one has the right to tell you otherwise. Tell the whole world and all of God's creation, that Jesus can put an end to the guilt and shame of sin once and for all!
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Thanks for stopping by!
Adrian
"My little children, these things I write to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world."
Summary of the original text:
"My little children, these things I write to you that you may not sin"
- "My", (emos) meaning "proceeding from me"
- "Little children," (teknion) meaning "darling one; to be near and dear to the heart"
- "Sin," (hamartano) meaning to miss the mark and not share in the prize.
"And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."
-"sins" (hamartia), meaning to be sin filled
- "Advocate," (parakletos) meaning intercessor or literally the one who brings to parties together.
- "righteous," (dikaios) meaning to make innocent. Derived from (dike) meaning to make equitable in character and action.
"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world."
- "propitiation," (hilasmos) meaning an expiator. Webster says an expiator is one who puts an end to guilt and assiduous labor.
- "sins," (hamartia) meaning sin filled
- "world," (kosmos) meaning the world and all of its adorning; all of creation in both the wide and narrow sense, including its inhabitants.
My translation of I John 2:1-2:
John is saying, My dear readers of this letter, you are near and dear to my heart because I am your spiritual daddy. I write to you at this time because I do not want you to miss out on the prize given to you through Jesus Christ because of the deception of the Gnostics. You were once sinfilled (not according to the original design of God; not being found in His image or likeness) but Jesus Christ reconciled you with God and to His original design for your life. Now you are one with the Father and perfect in His sight (or right where He wants you to be at this time, "telios"). Jesus has made you innocent (perfect, "telios")by purging you of a nature that was not of Him and replaced it with His. Jesus has put an end to your guilt and labor to gain God's approval. You have peace with God and no one has the right to tell you otherwise. Tell the whole world and all of God's creation, that Jesus can put an end to the guilt and shame of sin once and for all!
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Thanks for stopping by!
Adrian
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
What are we called to next?
The Church's vision and mission does not change. It is set by our CEO Jesus Christ. Our vision is to fulfill His Great Command and our mission is to implement His Great Commission. Our objectives in fulfilling the two can be tweaked from time to time, and we expect our leaders to help us develop an annual strategy to keep us forward moving but let's be clear the CEO sets the vision and mission for the Church. So what's our role?
Our role is to keep our objectives as a Church relevant in all that we do. Whether we are reaching up to God in worship, over to one another for support, out to our world in service or inward for Christlikeness, we must ever be evangelizing, encouraging, equipping, edifying and helping others experience to best, most fulfilling life possible. We must continuously discern God's will and assess the needs of our community and strategize accordingly. We must set annual goals that are "SMART" (Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound) and then follow through.
As a Church we must re-strategize and re-structure at least annually to avoid stagnation. Let me share with you the typical life cycle of a ministry. It goes like this: "Dream, beliefs, goals, structure, ministry, nostalgia, questioning, polarization, dropout" (Pete Stenkie, Implementing Positive Change). In every ministry of the Church we must interrupt the nostalgia stage (and the consequent downward spiral) with our vision and mission each year. A healthy ministry cycle looks something like this: vision + mission + objectives leads to dream, belief, goals, structure ...(assessed through the lens of vision + mission + objectives) leads to re-dream, beliefs, goals, structure, ministry ...(assessed through the lens of vision + mission + objectives) leads to re-dream, beliefs, goals, structure, ministry ....
It is our responsibility as a Church - to follow the vision and mission of our CEO. We must structure our ministry and use our resources in such away that His objectives are met. We appoint leaders and call pastoral staff to assist us in the setting and implementation of our strategy and we need to measure our success accordingly in all areas of our corporation. God help us to keep on dreaming together and may we never grow stagnant in following our CEO - Jesus Christ.
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Our role is to keep our objectives as a Church relevant in all that we do. Whether we are reaching up to God in worship, over to one another for support, out to our world in service or inward for Christlikeness, we must ever be evangelizing, encouraging, equipping, edifying and helping others experience to best, most fulfilling life possible. We must continuously discern God's will and assess the needs of our community and strategize accordingly. We must set annual goals that are "SMART" (Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound) and then follow through.
As a Church we must re-strategize and re-structure at least annually to avoid stagnation. Let me share with you the typical life cycle of a ministry. It goes like this: "Dream, beliefs, goals, structure, ministry, nostalgia, questioning, polarization, dropout" (Pete Stenkie, Implementing Positive Change). In every ministry of the Church we must interrupt the nostalgia stage (and the consequent downward spiral) with our vision and mission each year. A healthy ministry cycle looks something like this: vision + mission + objectives leads to dream, belief, goals, structure ...(assessed through the lens of vision + mission + objectives) leads to re-dream, beliefs, goals, structure, ministry ...(assessed through the lens of vision + mission + objectives) leads to re-dream, beliefs, goals, structure, ministry ....
It is our responsibility as a Church - to follow the vision and mission of our CEO. We must structure our ministry and use our resources in such away that His objectives are met. We appoint leaders and call pastoral staff to assist us in the setting and implementation of our strategy and we need to measure our success accordingly in all areas of our corporation. God help us to keep on dreaming together and may we never grow stagnant in following our CEO - Jesus Christ.
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Monday, November 16, 2009
Right talk
Two Jesuit priests both wanted a cigarette while they prayed. They decided to ask their bishop for permission. The first asked but was told no. A little while later he spotted his friend smoking. "Why did the bishop allow you to smoke and not me?" he asked. "Because you asked if you could smoke while you prayed and I asked if I could pray while I smoked!" the friend replied (taken from "Leading Change in the Congregation", p. 133).
Sometimes it all in how you ask, Eh? After 29 years of marriage I have come to understand the importance of asking the right questions of Lisa. Most of the time I want to be "Mr. Fix it" when listening to her frustrations but one of the smartest things I learned to do when Lisa is opening up to me about her day or a problem she is dealing with is to ask, "Honey, is this something you want me to help you fix or do you just want me to listen?" Now that is sage advise for any man! Men if you have not dropped this phrase into your relational tool belt then I suggest you memorize it and put it into action asap!
Emotions are an important part of the human life and they play a major role in the Church as well. The Church is known as an emotional system which must be dealt with accordingly. If leaders ignore the emotional aspects of the Church then change will be hard to come by. Transition in the Church is like riding a roller coaster. Emotionally there are a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns.
There are two sides to the roller coaster known as "change" in the Church. The right side is logic and the left is emotion. People enter the coaster from both sides. Often times leaders will hang out with those who enter the coaster from the right and have little interaction with the masses who need to be validated emotionally through emoting communication. As emotion escalates in the congregation leaders must do less explaining and more listening. Unless church people have the opportunity to vent their emotion in productive ways to leaders they will not buy into change no matter how logical it my seem.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Sometimes it all in how you ask, Eh? After 29 years of marriage I have come to understand the importance of asking the right questions of Lisa. Most of the time I want to be "Mr. Fix it" when listening to her frustrations but one of the smartest things I learned to do when Lisa is opening up to me about her day or a problem she is dealing with is to ask, "Honey, is this something you want me to help you fix or do you just want me to listen?" Now that is sage advise for any man! Men if you have not dropped this phrase into your relational tool belt then I suggest you memorize it and put it into action asap!
Emotions are an important part of the human life and they play a major role in the Church as well. The Church is known as an emotional system which must be dealt with accordingly. If leaders ignore the emotional aspects of the Church then change will be hard to come by. Transition in the Church is like riding a roller coaster. Emotionally there are a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns.
There are two sides to the roller coaster known as "change" in the Church. The right side is logic and the left is emotion. People enter the coaster from both sides. Often times leaders will hang out with those who enter the coaster from the right and have little interaction with the masses who need to be validated emotionally through emoting communication. As emotion escalates in the congregation leaders must do less explaining and more listening. Unless church people have the opportunity to vent their emotion in productive ways to leaders they will not buy into change no matter how logical it my seem.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Thursday, November 12, 2009
What's God up too?
One of the most important questions a Church leader can ask during times of change is, "what is God up too?" I guess the same would hold true for individuals in times of transition as well. As Romans 8 reminds us, the Divine is using "all things" we experience for "His good and purpose" (28-29), whether we are speaking corporately or not. Either way, we need to pay attention to what God is doing and respond accordingly.
I like Rabbi Lawrence Kushner's take on this subject (as told by Rendle in Leading Change in the Congregation). He says, "I wonder why a God who can split the sea, create pillars of fire and make the sun stand still would resort to a cheap parlor trick like a burning bush to call Moses as a leader for His people? The answer is not that the burning bush that was not consumed by fire was not a miracle, it was a test. God was testing Moses attention span and ability to observe his surroundings.
It takes several minutes for a person to watch a bush burning to discover that it is not being consumed. Those who would simply glance at the bush would soon look away and only see a burning bush. In this case God was wanting to know if Moses could pay attention to something for more than a few minutes and if He could find the Divine in the midst of the common. When Moses did, God spoke."
What an interesting concept to ponder! Could it be the trick to healthy transition is to find and view what God is doing through our circumstances long enough to understand His will and experience His miracle? We need to hold on and not always rush to hasty decisions less we may miss God in the process.
Human nature is to run off and fix the problem. To distance ourselves as far away from the pain as we possibly can. God however, wants us to live in the moment as Jesus describes in the latter verses of Matthew 6. He says, do not fret over your circumstances but rather focus on Me and the need to be transformed into My image. Then eventually the path will be made clear and things will work out for your good and My glory (my paraphrase).
Lasting change requires some time in the wilderness. It is in the wilderness of pain, anxiety and disappointment that God gets our attention and reveals Himself to the keen observer in a life altering way. What extended the journey of the Israelites into year forty? Dwelling on the past and grumbling about the present. They said, "If only we had stayed in Egypt and died it would have been better than this! Here we are in the wilderness... surely we will die from hunger! (Exodus 16:1-2). How short sighted. Why it was only a few days since they witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, and were presently enjoying the warmth of the pillar of fire by night and the reprieve of sun through a cloud by day. Hello?
God help us to be aware of our surrounding and search Him out in the circumstances we face. Good things will be in store if we do! Thanks for stopping by...
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Adrian
I like Rabbi Lawrence Kushner's take on this subject (as told by Rendle in Leading Change in the Congregation). He says, "I wonder why a God who can split the sea, create pillars of fire and make the sun stand still would resort to a cheap parlor trick like a burning bush to call Moses as a leader for His people? The answer is not that the burning bush that was not consumed by fire was not a miracle, it was a test. God was testing Moses attention span and ability to observe his surroundings.
It takes several minutes for a person to watch a bush burning to discover that it is not being consumed. Those who would simply glance at the bush would soon look away and only see a burning bush. In this case God was wanting to know if Moses could pay attention to something for more than a few minutes and if He could find the Divine in the midst of the common. When Moses did, God spoke."
What an interesting concept to ponder! Could it be the trick to healthy transition is to find and view what God is doing through our circumstances long enough to understand His will and experience His miracle? We need to hold on and not always rush to hasty decisions less we may miss God in the process.
Human nature is to run off and fix the problem. To distance ourselves as far away from the pain as we possibly can. God however, wants us to live in the moment as Jesus describes in the latter verses of Matthew 6. He says, do not fret over your circumstances but rather focus on Me and the need to be transformed into My image. Then eventually the path will be made clear and things will work out for your good and My glory (my paraphrase).
Lasting change requires some time in the wilderness. It is in the wilderness of pain, anxiety and disappointment that God gets our attention and reveals Himself to the keen observer in a life altering way. What extended the journey of the Israelites into year forty? Dwelling on the past and grumbling about the present. They said, "If only we had stayed in Egypt and died it would have been better than this! Here we are in the wilderness... surely we will die from hunger! (Exodus 16:1-2). How short sighted. Why it was only a few days since they witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, and were presently enjoying the warmth of the pillar of fire by night and the reprieve of sun through a cloud by day. Hello?
God help us to be aware of our surrounding and search Him out in the circumstances we face. Good things will be in store if we do! Thanks for stopping by...
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Adrian
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
These changing times (part 2)
In his book, Leading change in the Congregation, Rendle asks, "why did it take Moses 40 years to cross the wilderness instead of 40 weeks or less, which would have been possible if a more direct route had been chosen?" Rendle states, the migration must be viewed as an act of transformation by the hand of God. It took the people 40 years to reorganize. Had they made the trip in 40 weeks they would have arrived in the Promised Land unchanged. They would have still had a slave mentality, still thinking and behaving like slave people. But during 40 years of being held in the wilderness, they were transformed into a people who had a new relationship with God in which they learned to trust His sufficiency and to consecrate themselves to His will. In the wilderness they gained a new understanding and identity of self, others, and a new way of organizing their community that went beyond Moses and Aaron. Through the wilderness they were genuinely transformed by God.
When facing change in the Church, leaders must be comfortable with their time in the wilderness and remain there long enough for divinely ordained transformation to take place. To be a leader in times of change does not require the ability to produce an answer or fix a problem; rather the patience and courage to hold people close to the pain and possibility that God can use to transform them. It's time to pay attention to people, hear their hurts and wishes, note what God is doing in people, and hold still long enough for significant change to occur.
The role of a leader is to pay attention long enough to what God is doing and not run off to fix something. Their role is to help people confront their pain, disappointments, and anxieties without diminishing them but also without being overwhelmed by them. It is to help people dream dreams that will provide direction and energy. It is to help people escape the boxes of their assumptions and learned behavior so that deep change can occur and not be subverted by old rules. Most importantly, it is the role of spiritual leaders to help hold people in the wilderness of their experience, the chaos of not knowing what comes next until it comes for the sake of their transformation brought on through the sovereign will of God.
Can you view the "wildernesses of life" as grace extending from God rather than a punitive act? Can you find comfort in the midst of uncertainty or is your obsession to quickly make something happen in order to dismiss the awkwardness and uncomfortableness of the circumstances? Can you enjoy the journey through the wilderness?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
When facing change in the Church, leaders must be comfortable with their time in the wilderness and remain there long enough for divinely ordained transformation to take place. To be a leader in times of change does not require the ability to produce an answer or fix a problem; rather the patience and courage to hold people close to the pain and possibility that God can use to transform them. It's time to pay attention to people, hear their hurts and wishes, note what God is doing in people, and hold still long enough for significant change to occur.
The role of a leader is to pay attention long enough to what God is doing and not run off to fix something. Their role is to help people confront their pain, disappointments, and anxieties without diminishing them but also without being overwhelmed by them. It is to help people dream dreams that will provide direction and energy. It is to help people escape the boxes of their assumptions and learned behavior so that deep change can occur and not be subverted by old rules. Most importantly, it is the role of spiritual leaders to help hold people in the wilderness of their experience, the chaos of not knowing what comes next until it comes for the sake of their transformation brought on through the sovereign will of God.
Can you view the "wildernesses of life" as grace extending from God rather than a punitive act? Can you find comfort in the midst of uncertainty or is your obsession to quickly make something happen in order to dismiss the awkwardness and uncomfortableness of the circumstances? Can you enjoy the journey through the wilderness?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
These changing times ...
It's the time of year when a pastoral staff generally begins searching the heart of God for direction in ministry. Our staff is currently contemplating their call to WHFC and at the same time probing God for next year's ministry goals and objectives in their key areas of responsibility. Even if God should nudge their hearts towards a different opportunity there must be objectives in place to maintain consistency in ministry through the time of transition.
Our church must be comfortable with change. All living organisms (like the local Church for example) must change in order to thrive. I like the words of Michael Crichton in The Lost World, as they relate to the Church. He says, the Church is a complex system with a need to strike a balance between order and the imperative to change to achieve and maintain health. Healthy churches tend to position themselves at the place known as "the edge of chaos." A place where there is enough innovation to keep the Church vibrant and fluid, and enough stability to keep it from collapsing into anarchy. It is a place of unrest and upheaval, where the old and new are constantly at war. Finding the balance is a delicate and spiritually discerning matter ... only at the edge of chaos can healthy churches flourish.
Do you live on the edge of chaos? What say you? Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Our church must be comfortable with change. All living organisms (like the local Church for example) must change in order to thrive. I like the words of Michael Crichton in The Lost World, as they relate to the Church. He says, the Church is a complex system with a need to strike a balance between order and the imperative to change to achieve and maintain health. Healthy churches tend to position themselves at the place known as "the edge of chaos." A place where there is enough innovation to keep the Church vibrant and fluid, and enough stability to keep it from collapsing into anarchy. It is a place of unrest and upheaval, where the old and new are constantly at war. Finding the balance is a delicate and spiritually discerning matter ... only at the edge of chaos can healthy churches flourish.
Do you live on the edge of chaos? What say you? Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Friday, November 6, 2009
Old Fashioned Hymn Sing
I invite you to join me in the foyer of Willoughby Hills Friends Church this Sunday afternoon at 5 pm for an old fashioned hymn sing. My friend Marie will be taking requests from the grand piano. It should be a fun time for all! I hope you will make plans to attend.
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Adrian
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Adrian
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Membership class
This Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm I will be leading a membership class in room 152. Perhaps you are new to Willoughby Hills Friends Church and would like to know more about our rich heritage and contemporary ministry. If so, then I invite you to come and be more informed.
Or, maybe you have been attending for awhile and would like to be more involved and expand your influence and activity through the ministry of WHFC for the glory of God and the good of our community. If so, then becoming a member is your next step! Please call or email me if you have questions or interest at this time in attending this next session. My office number is 440-944-1026 or email at drhalvey@yahoo.com.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Or, maybe you have been attending for awhile and would like to be more involved and expand your influence and activity through the ministry of WHFC for the glory of God and the good of our community. If so, then becoming a member is your next step! Please call or email me if you have questions or interest at this time in attending this next session. My office number is 440-944-1026 or email at drhalvey@yahoo.com.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Saturday Men's Fight Club
Men,
Once again we will gather in the Meeting house on Saturday at 7:30 am for a time of fellowship and Bible study. This week we will continue our exploration of First John. In preparation I encourage you to read over the last few days of First John posts from this blog and write your summary of 1:5-10. Keep in mind that we are looking for the plain meaning of the text. Plain meaning of the text refers to what the original readers would have understood the Letter to mean in their setting.
I hope you can join me this week! We will be meeting in room 152 due to set up for the Image Arts Festival. So grab your cup of Joe from the Cafe and come on in. Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Once again we will gather in the Meeting house on Saturday at 7:30 am for a time of fellowship and Bible study. This week we will continue our exploration of First John. In preparation I encourage you to read over the last few days of First John posts from this blog and write your summary of 1:5-10. Keep in mind that we are looking for the plain meaning of the text. Plain meaning of the text refers to what the original readers would have understood the Letter to mean in their setting.
I hope you can join me this week! We will be meeting in room 152 due to set up for the Image Arts Festival. So grab your cup of Joe from the Cafe and come on in. Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
First John 1:6-10
As I continue with my personal study of First John I must consider the historical meaning of the words the author chose to use in order to find the plain meaning of the text (what John's original readers would have understood the words to mean in their setting or context). Let's view John's words in 1:6-10 verse by verse noting the meaning of some key words. John writes,
6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
Claim - (Epo, Greek), meaning "to tell something through writing or speaking"
Fellowship - (Koinonia, Greek), meaning intimate participation; social intercourse; benefactor.
Walk - (Peripateo, Greek), meaning to be occupied with; the companion of.
Darkness - (Skotos, Greek), meaning shadiness
Lie - (Pseudomai, Greek), meaning utter or proclaim an untruth.
Live - (Poieo, Greek), meaning to be moved within; to make or to do.
Truth - (Aletheia, Greek), meaning "verity - have become" (Strong's)
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Walk - (Peripateo), meaning occupied with.
Light - (Phos, Greek), meaning to be illuminated by an original source.
Fellowship - (Koinonia, Greek), meaning intimate participation; social intercourse; benefactor.
Purifies - (Katharizo, Greek), meaning to be purged and purified.
All Sin - (Pas, Greek), meaning the whole of, or all there is. John uses two words for "sin" in this section which I assume "all" is referencing.
Sin - (Hamartia, used in verses 7 & 9), meaning offense; and filled with sin or sin nature.
Sin - (Hamartano, used in verse 10), meaning to not share in the prize (benefactor) because of condition or action; personal action.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
Claim - (Epo, Greek), meaning "to tell something through writing or speaking"
Sin - (Hamartia, used in verses 7 & 9), meaning offense; filled with sin or sin nature.
Deceive - (Planao, Greek), meaning wander, to be astray, seduced, to be found out of the way or off track.
Truth - (Aletheia, Greek), meaning "verity - have become"
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Confess - (Homologeo, Greek), meaning to acknowledge, make a covenant with gratitude.
Sin - (Hamartia, used in verses 7 & 9), meaning offense; filled with sin or sin nature.
Forgive - (Aphiemi, Greek), meaning to send away.
Sins - (Hamartia, used in verses 7 & 9), meaning offense; filled with sin or sin nature.
Purify - (Katharizo, Greek), meaning to be purged and purified.
All - (Pas, Greek), meaning the whole of, or all there is.
Unrighteousness - (Adikia, Greek), meaning legal injustice; wrongfulness of character, life, act.
10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (I John 1:5-10, NIV)
Claim - (Epo, Greek), meaning "to tell something through writing or speaking"
Sin - (Hamartano, used in verse 10), meaning to not share in the prize (benefactor) because of condition or action; personal action.
Liar - (Pseustes, Greek), meaning falsifier or one who conceals a truth
Word - (Logos, Greek), meaning Divine expression or revelation
Summary:
As John continues to address the false teaching of the Gnostics he comes face to face with something we struggle with today; something the Church has wrestled with in every generation - the mixing in of man's philosophies with the interpretation of the text. The reason we study the Gospel writers and their subsequent Letters is because they witnessed (experienced if you will), the Truth firsthand (note I Jn. 1:1). His words and deeds became their faith, practice and teaching. They no doubt chose their words wisely in order to accurately communicate Jesus to their readers.
As Evangelical Friends we believe that any doctrine that does not keep to the plain meaning of the Bible is less than accurate. Our book of doctrine states that such teachings should be considered delusional in nature and avoided by the Christian. Sadly many today have tainted their understanding of scripture and skewed their theology by adding various philosophies (Greek, etc) to the interpretation of the Bible. Biblical Theologians (like Evangelical Friends) do not.
So what is John saying in these verses through his choice of words? I'll give my summary later but for now, I would like to hear from you! What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
Claim - (Epo, Greek), meaning "to tell something through writing or speaking"
Fellowship - (Koinonia, Greek), meaning intimate participation; social intercourse; benefactor.
Walk - (Peripateo, Greek), meaning to be occupied with; the companion of.
Darkness - (Skotos, Greek), meaning shadiness
Lie - (Pseudomai, Greek), meaning utter or proclaim an untruth.
Live - (Poieo, Greek), meaning to be moved within; to make or to do.
Truth - (Aletheia, Greek), meaning "verity - have become" (Strong's)
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Walk - (Peripateo), meaning occupied with.
Light - (Phos, Greek), meaning to be illuminated by an original source.
Fellowship - (Koinonia, Greek), meaning intimate participation; social intercourse; benefactor.
Purifies - (Katharizo, Greek), meaning to be purged and purified.
All Sin - (Pas, Greek), meaning the whole of, or all there is. John uses two words for "sin" in this section which I assume "all" is referencing.
Sin - (Hamartia, used in verses 7 & 9), meaning offense; and filled with sin or sin nature.
Sin - (Hamartano, used in verse 10), meaning to not share in the prize (benefactor) because of condition or action; personal action.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
Claim - (Epo, Greek), meaning "to tell something through writing or speaking"
Sin - (Hamartia, used in verses 7 & 9), meaning offense; filled with sin or sin nature.
Deceive - (Planao, Greek), meaning wander, to be astray, seduced, to be found out of the way or off track.
Truth - (Aletheia, Greek), meaning "verity - have become"
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Confess - (Homologeo, Greek), meaning to acknowledge, make a covenant with gratitude.
Sin - (Hamartia, used in verses 7 & 9), meaning offense; filled with sin or sin nature.
Forgive - (Aphiemi, Greek), meaning to send away.
Sins - (Hamartia, used in verses 7 & 9), meaning offense; filled with sin or sin nature.
Purify - (Katharizo, Greek), meaning to be purged and purified.
All - (Pas, Greek), meaning the whole of, or all there is.
Unrighteousness - (Adikia, Greek), meaning legal injustice; wrongfulness of character, life, act.
10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (I John 1:5-10, NIV)
Claim - (Epo, Greek), meaning "to tell something through writing or speaking"
Sin - (Hamartano, used in verse 10), meaning to not share in the prize (benefactor) because of condition or action; personal action.
Liar - (Pseustes, Greek), meaning falsifier or one who conceals a truth
Word - (Logos, Greek), meaning Divine expression or revelation
Summary:
As John continues to address the false teaching of the Gnostics he comes face to face with something we struggle with today; something the Church has wrestled with in every generation - the mixing in of man's philosophies with the interpretation of the text. The reason we study the Gospel writers and their subsequent Letters is because they witnessed (experienced if you will), the Truth firsthand (note I Jn. 1:1). His words and deeds became their faith, practice and teaching. They no doubt chose their words wisely in order to accurately communicate Jesus to their readers.
As Evangelical Friends we believe that any doctrine that does not keep to the plain meaning of the Bible is less than accurate. Our book of doctrine states that such teachings should be considered delusional in nature and avoided by the Christian. Sadly many today have tainted their understanding of scripture and skewed their theology by adding various philosophies (Greek, etc) to the interpretation of the Bible. Biblical Theologians (like Evangelical Friends) do not.
So what is John saying in these verses through his choice of words? I'll give my summary later but for now, I would like to hear from you! What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
What do you think?
Your Yearly Dementia Test
It's that time of year any take an annual senior citizen test. Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert. If you don't use it, you lose it! Below is a very private way to gauge your loss or non-loss of intelligence/memory.
Take the test presented here to determine if you're losing it or not. The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until you've made your answer.
OK, relax, clear your mind and begin.
1. What do you put in a toaster?
Answer: 'bread.' If you said 'toast,' give up now and do something else.
Try not to hurt yourself. If you said, bread, go to Question 2.
2. Say 'silk' five times. Now spell 'silk.' What do cows drink?
Answer: Cows drink water. If you said 'milk,' don't attempt the next question Your brain is over-stressed and may even overheat. Content yourself with reading a more appropriate literature such as Auto World. However, if you said 'water', proceed to question 3.
3. If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black brick s, what is a green house made from?
Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said 'green bricks,' why are you still reading these???
If you said 'glass,' go on to Question 4.
4. It's twenty years ago, and a plane is flying at 20,000 feet over Germany (If you will recall, Germany at the time was politically divided into West Germany and East Germany). Anyway, during the flight, two engines fail. The pilot, realizing that the last remaining engine is also failing, decides on a crash landing procedure. Unfortunately the engine fails before he can do so and the plane fatally crashes smack in the middle of 'no man's land' between East Germany and West Germany . Where would you bury the survivors? East Germany, West Germany , or no man's land'?
Answer: You don't bury survivors.
If you said ANYTHING else, you are in serious trouble and should schedule a counseling appointment with your pastor immediately. If you said, 'You don't bury survivors', proceed to the next question.
5. Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales. In London, 17 people get on the bus.
In Reading, 6 people get off the bus and 9 people get on.
In Swindon, 2 people get off and 4 get on.
In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 people get on.
In Swansea, 3 people get off and 5 people get on.
In Carmathen, 6 people get off and 3 get on.
You then arrive at Milford Haven.
Without scrolling back to review, how old is the bus driver?
Answer: Oh, for crying out loud!
Don't you remember your own age? It was YOU driving the bus!!
PS: 95% of people fail most of the questions...
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Thanks Duane for sending this along.
It's that time of year any take an annual senior citizen test. Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert. If you don't use it, you lose it! Below is a very private way to gauge your loss or non-loss of intelligence/memory.
Take the test presented here to determine if you're losing it or not. The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until you've made your answer.
OK, relax, clear your mind and begin.
1. What do you put in a toaster?
Answer: 'bread.' If you said 'toast,' give up now and do something else.
Try not to hurt yourself. If you said, bread, go to Question 2.
2. Say 'silk' five times. Now spell 'silk.' What do cows drink?
Answer: Cows drink water. If you said 'milk,' don't attempt the next question Your brain is over-stressed and may even overheat. Content yourself with reading a more appropriate literature such as Auto World. However, if you said 'water', proceed to question 3.
3. If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black brick s, what is a green house made from?
Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said 'green bricks,' why are you still reading these???
If you said 'glass,' go on to Question 4.
4. It's twenty years ago, and a plane is flying at 20,000 feet over Germany (If you will recall, Germany at the time was politically divided into West Germany and East Germany). Anyway, during the flight, two engines fail. The pilot, realizing that the last remaining engine is also failing, decides on a crash landing procedure. Unfortunately the engine fails before he can do so and the plane fatally crashes smack in the middle of 'no man's land' between East Germany and West Germany . Where would you bury the survivors? East Germany, West Germany , or no man's land'?
Answer: You don't bury survivors.
If you said ANYTHING else, you are in serious trouble and should schedule a counseling appointment with your pastor immediately. If you said, 'You don't bury survivors', proceed to the next question.
5. Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales. In London, 17 people get on the bus.
In Reading, 6 people get off the bus and 9 people get on.
In Swindon, 2 people get off and 4 get on.
In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 people get on.
In Swansea, 3 people get off and 5 people get on.
In Carmathen, 6 people get off and 3 get on.
You then arrive at Milford Haven.
Without scrolling back to review, how old is the bus driver?
Answer: Oh, for crying out loud!
Don't you remember your own age? It was YOU driving the bus!!
PS: 95% of people fail most of the questions...
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Thanks Duane for sending this along.
Monday, November 2, 2009
I John 1:5-10 summary
In verse five of the first chapter of John's First Epistle the author introduces a two-fold test Christians can use to determine if they possess correct doctrine and practice right behavior according to God's standards. The first part of the two-fold test is fellowship (1:5-2:29). In this section of scripture John begins by stating that "walking in the Light is a true sign of fellowship and that true Christians walk in the Light.
First we must ask, what do these key words (Light, darkness, fellowship, walk) mean in the context in which John uses them?
Light - (phos, Greek) meaning is the only source of illumination.
Darkness - (skotia, Greek), meaning dimness or obscurity.
Walk - (peripateo, Greek), meaning to be occupied with; as proof of ability; to deport oneself; to be the companion of.
Fellowship - (koinonia, Greek), meaning intimate participation with; social intercourse (Strong's N. T. Word Dictionary); benefactor.
Summary:
Jesus Christ is "the Word of life" (1:1). He is the Word (Logos, Greek) meaning the full revelation of God and the source of life (zoe, Greek - literally meaning the life of God or eternal life). John is writing these words so his readers can experience the fullness of God's life that comes only through a relationship with Jesus Christ (1:4).
As the Light of the world, Jesus Christ is the only source of God's life. There is nothing more one needs (no darkness remains) to have God's life than to have intimacy with Jesus. Intimacy requires a deporting of self however. Intimate participation with Jesus only occurs through full surrender (consecration) of self. Only then will Christians see and experience Jesus Christ completely without obscurity (fullness of joy). Only when Christ's life is imparted through the full consecration to Jesus will the Christian become the full benefactor (fellowship) of God's life.
My testimony:
I asked Jesus Christ to forgive me of my sins before I entered High School. After doing so, I knew if I died that I would go to heaven and yet I did not have peace and joy in my life. Later on however, I discovered from the Bible a need I had for a deeper working of God that comes only through full surrender to God and a request to be filled with the perfect love of Jesus Christ. At that time Christ imparted His love into my life and I how have peace and joy.
What say you?
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Adrian
First we must ask, what do these key words (Light, darkness, fellowship, walk) mean in the context in which John uses them?
Light - (phos, Greek) meaning is the only source of illumination.
Darkness - (skotia, Greek), meaning dimness or obscurity.
Walk - (peripateo, Greek), meaning to be occupied with; as proof of ability; to deport oneself; to be the companion of.
Fellowship - (koinonia, Greek), meaning intimate participation with; social intercourse (Strong's N. T. Word Dictionary); benefactor.
Summary:
Jesus Christ is "the Word of life" (1:1). He is the Word (Logos, Greek) meaning the full revelation of God and the source of life (zoe, Greek - literally meaning the life of God or eternal life). John is writing these words so his readers can experience the fullness of God's life that comes only through a relationship with Jesus Christ (1:4).
As the Light of the world, Jesus Christ is the only source of God's life. There is nothing more one needs (no darkness remains) to have God's life than to have intimacy with Jesus. Intimacy requires a deporting of self however. Intimate participation with Jesus only occurs through full surrender (consecration) of self. Only then will Christians see and experience Jesus Christ completely without obscurity (fullness of joy). Only when Christ's life is imparted through the full consecration to Jesus will the Christian become the full benefactor (fellowship) of God's life.
My testimony:
I asked Jesus Christ to forgive me of my sins before I entered High School. After doing so, I knew if I died that I would go to heaven and yet I did not have peace and joy in my life. Later on however, I discovered from the Bible a need I had for a deeper working of God that comes only through full surrender to God and a request to be filled with the perfect love of Jesus Christ. At that time Christ imparted His love into my life and I how have peace and joy.
What say you?
------
Adrian
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