Jesus Christ The Only GOD

You Cannot Handle It Alone!

2008-10-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

You Cannot Handle It Alone!

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:2-4)

Widows Go Hungry

In Acts 6 we find the principle of delegation. This is not the first time that delegation had taken place in Scripture. A problem had surfaced. Widows were being neglected. The twelve met together and discussed the issue. The church was growing so rapidly. It became obvious that responsibility would need to be delegated. Seven men would be chosen. They had to be of honest report. They were to be full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. Once this was done the Apostles could give themselves to important tasks. This included prayer and the ministry of the Word. Effective delegation and rearranging priorities led to greater church growth.

The reason why deacons were appointed and the apostles refocused their attention on their priorities was:

To serve people more effectively.
To serve more people effectively.

Another word for “delegate” would be “share.” Warren Wiersbe has said, “You can never achieve great leadership without effective delegation. By delegation, you will increase the job commitment of others by spreading your task effectively over a broader base.”

A good leader will use delegation to achieve goals. Ed Roberts advises that:

Ø Delegation relieves you of the burdens that can be shouldered by others.

Ø It increases the motivational level of people.

Ø It helps you spend more time on important matters like planning the future.

Ø Delegation will always result in an increase of the total amount of work that is being done.

Some other reasons delegation is necessary is because:

Ø A few men can’t do everything.

Ø The task is great.

Ø To share the burden.

Ø To increase commitment from others.

Ø To be better equipped to reach the world.

Ø To create order and organization.

Ø To network as a team to accomplish the vision.

Moses, You’ll Wear Yourself Out!

“Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. But elect capable men from all the people-- men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain-- and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied. Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.” (Exodus 18:17-24) (NIV)

Jethro wanted Moses to delegate the work to other capable men. Moses was trying to do everything himself. He knew that Moses would wear himself out. The needs were so many that one person could not do everything.

Jethro told Moses to select capable men who were trustworthy. He could share the burden of the work with them.

Many times we are like Moses. We are trying to do everything on our own. We have the people but do not develop them to their full potential. The leader should try to help people reach their highest potential. This can be done through giving them a portion of the work to do.

“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them…” (Exodus 18:21)

Jesus, the Team Builder

Jesus equipped leaders to continue the work that He began on earth. He knew what Moses didn’t know (until Jethro told him.) The burden of leadership is far too great for any one person to carry it all alone. Jesus established a team. They could share in the work of the ministry. Because of the way Jesus taught the Apostles. They knew exactly what to do when they had a problem over the neglect of widows in daily ministry.

The Lord also established the five-fold ministry in the church. They would be able to prepare the team (the church) for the work of the ministry.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

The world population mark has now passed six billion people. Every twelve years another billion is added to the world’s population. Every twenty-four hours there are 212,000 people that are born. How will these people be reached? They will be reached through effective delegation of responsibility. It will also require a team effort to be able to reach out. The task of reaching the world with the gospel is too great for just a few to be involved. Jesus Himself said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)

Why Are You Doing Nothing?

In Matthew 20:1-16 a man hired laborers to work in his vineyard. At the eleventh hour he found some men that were not doing anything. He asked them, “Why have you been standing here so long doing nothing.” The answer from these unemployed laborers was, “Because no one has hired us.” No one had delegated them a work to do.

W. E. McCumber has said, “Sometimes people are doing nothing because no one has asked them to do something.”

When we delegate we are asking people to do help us complete the task. Failing to delegate could hinder church growth. Paul was able to establish many churches. This was because he appointed elders to take care of each church. He first got a group of people together.

He then started training a select group of people in leadership. From this group he was able to choose a capable man to lead the group. This man met the qualifications for leadership that Paul later outlined to Titus and Timothy. Paul came back later to encourage and strengthen the group.

“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.” (Acts 14:23-24)

Study Questions

1. Warren Wiersbe claims that we cannot achieve effective leadership without what? __________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

2. What is another word for “delegation”? ___________________

3. Ed Roberts suggests several reasons for delegation. What are three?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What are some other reasons for delegation given in this lesson?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What type(s) of people did Jethro encourage Moses to find? __________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What type(s) of people were to be appointed as deacons in Acts 6?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

6. What did Jesus know that Moses didn’t know (until Jethro told him)?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

7. What is the duty of the five-fold ministry of the church? ____________

__________________________________________________________

8. Why were workers standing around at the eleventh hour doing nothing?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You Can Make It

2008-10-01T04:09:00.000-07:00

You Can Make It

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus...”

Acts 20:24

“...endure afflictions...”

2 Timothy 4:5

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

Life as a Christian can be compared with the story in Mark 4. We hear Jesus say, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” (Verse 35) We often think that the Christian walk is going to be the easy road, free from problems and trials. When we get in the middle of the journey across, we realize that there is a “great storm.” (Verse 37) The winds and the waves begin to beat against our boat. We wonder, like the disciples, “Where is Jesus now? Is He asleep?” When we find Him in prayer, we exclaim, “Master, don’t you care that we are about to perish? Our boat is going down!” Jesus stands up in the midst of our problems and says, “Peace be still!” Once again we are left thinking, “What kind of God is this? Even the winds and the waves of our problems obey Him.”

From the story in Mark 4 we realize a number of things:

Þ Jesus wants us to go over to the other side. (Read John 14:1-4)

Þ He controls the storm.

Þ We won’t drown.

Þ Our boat will not sink.

Þ He is in the boat with us.

“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” (Psalm 107:23-30)

Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life. He did say, “These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We will have problems and trials but the difference is that Jesus is there and He will help us to overcome them.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)

“...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

The Bible encourages us to “...endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 2:3) In fact “...he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22) Do you remember the advice that Winston Churchill gave? “Don’t ever, ever, ever, give up!”

“...No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Paul looked at the Christian life as running a race (Hebrews 12:1-2). He talked of finishing his course (Acts 20:22-24; 2 Timothy 4:7) and compared it to fighting a fight.

When John wrote to the seven churches in Revelation we repeatedly find, “...He that overcometh...” or “...to him that overcometh...” (See Revelation 2-3) In 1 John 2:13-14 we read “...Ye have overcome the wicked one....”

In Acts 27 we find another story about boats. After they had set out, a strong wind and storm arose. The people on the boat started casting the cargo overboard. The crew on the boat were so fearful that they all were fasting. Paul saw an angel who told him, “Fear not!..” (Acts 27:24) Paul promised the others that the boat would be lost but not the crew if they stayed in the boat. “…Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” (Acts 27:31)

You will pass over to the other side (heaven) if you stay in the ship (the church).

Watty Piper wrote an interesting children’s book entitled The Little Engine that Could. This book has been a children’s favorite for more than fifty years. Adults can also learn a valuable lesson from this book. A little train wanted to climb the mountain to take toys to the children on the other side. It needed an engine to pull it over the mountain. First a lovely new engine was asked to help but refused because it only pulled passenger trains full of people. Refusing to give up, the little train petitioned a freight engine. The freight engine refused because it pulled trains full of big machines and was tired. The little train, determined to make the journey over the mountain, inquired of a rusty old engine, “Please, kind engine, won’t you pull us over the mountain?” The rusty old engine was exhausted and said, “I’m too old and very tired. I just cannot. I cannot. I cannot!”

Finally the little train saw a little blue engine. It didn’t have much strength, but the little train asked anyway, “Little engine, can you help us over the mountain?” To this the little engine replied, “I’ve never been over the mountain and I do not have a lot of strength. However, I will try!” As the little engine pulled the little train up the mountain he repeated, “I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!” As he slowly went over the top of the mountain he started saying, “I thought I could! I thought I could! I thought I could!”

Those that think “I can!” and those who think “I can’t!”

are usually both right.

The other engines in the above story had the same disease as ten of the spies in Numbers 13 who said “We cannot!” But other two spies had a different attitude and said, “We can! Let us do it at once!”

The Israelites looked at Goliath and said, “We cannot!” David said, “I cannot, but God can!” (See 1 Samuel 17)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

(Philippians 4:13)

John Maxwell, in his book The Success Journey, relates a story that took place in Mexico City in 1968; the year they had the Olympics there. An Ethiopian won the marathon race. The crowd was thrilled and cheered for him as he ran through the finish line. The crowd lingered, waiting for the last of the runners to come through. It was getting dark and one by one they started leaving the stadium. As they were getting up to leave, they heard the sirens and turned to see one last runner of the twenty six-mile race. This runner, from Tanzania, was wounded and had his leg bandaged. He continued limping, in obvious pain. The crowd was overwhelmed and loudly cheered when he passed over the finish line. Reporters asked him why he didn’t quit, since he knew that he had already lost the race. He said, “My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race, they sent me to finish the race.”

“...The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong...” (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

Max Lucado relates in one of his books, how he was told that in the filming of Ben Hur, the main character had a problem learning how to drive a chariot. This man was expected to drive the chariot in a race. He practiced and practiced but still was concerned. He explained his doubts to his Director, “I think I can drive the chariot, but I’m not sure that I can win the race.”

The Director responded, “You just stay in the race and I will make sure that you win.”

That is much like it is with Jesus. He expects us to stay in the race, and he will make sure that we win, and reach the other side. In Jesus, we are all WINNERS!

God Said, “Go On.”

God said, “Go on! Don’t quit!

Your work is not in vain.

I’ll always go with you

To strengthen and sustain.”

I said, “God, I’m convinced

That I don’t walk alone,

But there are days when I

Lack courage to go on.”

God said, “Go on! Don’t quit!

Remember, I love you;

Victory is just ahead,

AND I WILL SEE YOU THROUGH.”

Perry Tanksley

God Said, “Go On!”

Victory Is Ahead

YOU CAN MAKE IT!!

Study Questions

1. How can the Christian life be compared to the story in Mark 4? _______________________________________________________________________________________

2. What can we learn from this story? _______________________________________________________________________________________

3. In Psalm 107 what did those in the ship do to be delivered out of their troubles? ______________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

4. What does 2 Timothy 2:3 tell us to do? __________________________

__________________________________________________________

5. How did Paul look at the Christian life? _________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

6. When John wrote to the seven churches in Revelation, what did he repeatedly say? _________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

7. In Acts 27, the crew would be saved only if what happened? ____________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. What lesson do we learn from the “Little Engine that Could?” _________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

9. As far as accomplishments are concerned, who is usually correct, those that say “I cannot!” or those that say “I can?”______________________________________________________

10. What did the Olympic runner from Tanzania say when questioned? _______________________________________________________________________________________

11. What did the Director tell the main character of “Ben Hur?” ___________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Working Together On The King’s Team

2008-10-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

Working Together On

The King’s Team

“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.”

Acts 4:32

Teamwork means that many people become one. It is when two or more people come together to work toward a common goal.

David, when he wanted to face the giant proclaimed, “Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29) A team working together will accomplish more than they would if each person was working on his own (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). When a group of people come together to form a team, each person brings his own set of strengths and weaknesses. As we work together our strengths begin to complement someone else’s weaknesses. We each use our skills to compliment the overall effort of the team.

Kwame Gyekye in African Cultural Values gives several proverbs that reinforce the necessity of teamwork. Although these proverbs are West African they will also apply in other parts of the world.

Þ A person is not a palm-tree that he should be self-complete.

Þ One finger alone cannot lift a thing.

Þ The left arm washes the right arm and the right arm washes the left arm.

Þ Life is mutual aid.

Þ The fingers of the hand are not equal in length.

Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose.” (Philippians 2:2, The Living Bible)

In unity our hearts begin to beat in unison with the heartbeat of Jesus. Our minds become set on one purpose. That is to become labourers together in building the church. Each person begins to bring his energy into a common purpose.

Jesus stated that His purpose was to build the church (Matthew 16:18). This is the same purpose and mission that we have.

Paul said, “Apollos and I are working as a TEAM, with the same aim, though each of us will be rewarded for his own hard work, we are only God’s co-labourers.”

(1 Corinthians 3:8-9, The Living Bible)

We are united into one team by:

1. A common expectation: (Each one expects an outpouring of God’s Spirit; people coming into the Church; and Christ coming for His Church.)

2. A common experience: (Each one has received forgiveness and remission of sins, as well as the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.)

3. A common faith: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:5)

4. A common fellowship: (It is the common expectation, experience, and faith that brings us together in true unity and fellowship. Without this there is no genuine basis of fellowship. There is only one Lord. It is a belief in this one Lord that unites us).

Paul asked in 1 Corinthians 1:13, “Is Christ divided?....Were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

The important question here is:

In whose name have you been baptized?

It is only baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that truly brings us together as part of the one team and serves as a qualification for church membership. If anyone is baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit then he is welcome as our brother and fellow team member.

We see teams working together in the following examples:

· Moses-Aaron

· Caleb-Joshua

· Elijah-Elisha

· Paul-Barnabas

· Paul-Silas

· Moses-Aaron-Hur (Exodus 17:12)

· Nehemiah 4:17-19 (“The people had a mind to work.”)

· Tower Of Babel “The people is one!” (Genesis 11: 1-9)

In order to train a good team Carl George and Robert Logan in Leading and Managing Your Church outlines four steps, as follows:

1. I do, you watch.

2. I do, you help.

3. You do, I help.

4. You do, I watch.

Team members are vital to the overall success of the organization and must be appreciated by leadership.

“The Wind Beneath My Wings”

It must have been cold there in my shadow,

To never have the sunlight on your face.

You’ve been content to see me shine

You always walked a step behind.

I was the one with all the glory,

While you were the one with all the strain,

Only a face without a name,

I never once heard you complain.

Did you ever know that you’re my hero?

And everything I’d like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle,

But you are the wind beneath my wings.

Roger Whittaker

Let us work together on the King’s team, building His kingdom, and giving Him all the glory.

Study Questions

1. What are some Akan proverbs that reinforce the necessity of teamwork? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. We are united into one team by what four things? ____________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Give some Biblical examples of teams working together? _______________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

4. What are four steps in training a good team? ____________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What is teamwork? ____________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wanted: Men Of Integrity

2008-10-01T04:05:00.000-07:00

Wanted:

Men Of Integrity

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” (Acts 6:3)

Oxford English Dictionary defines “integrity” as “The state of being honest, upright, sincere.” The Hebrew root word denotes, “whole, sound, unimpaired.” Wouldn’t be great to have leaders like that? These leaders would be honest, upright, sincere, and whole. The Bible abounds with example of men of integrity. We will look at a few of these men in this lesson.

Biblical Examples of Men of Integrity

Ø Paul was a man of integrity. He was able to say that he had “lived in all good conscience before God…” (Acts 23:1) He was rewarded for his integrity with a slap in the mouth. (23:2)

Ø Job was another man of integrity. “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” (Job 2:3)

Even his wife recommended that he forget about his integrity. “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” (Job 2:9)

Job experienced many trials but still decided, “…till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.” (Job 27:5)

Ø The Psalmist David believed that he should be a man of integrity. “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” (Psalms 25:21)

Ø Joseph was another man of integrity. He had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Potiphar’s wife. She found him quite desirable.

“…His master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:7-9)

Integrity – A Must For Leaders

The Apostles decided that seven deacons should be chosen to wait on tables. One of the qualifications was that they would have to be men of “honest report.” Later Paul told Timothy, “And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:10)

Deacons were to be men that had been proved and lived a blameless life. They had to be men of integrity. This does not happen over night. It takes time.

Pastors, elders, and bishops also had to be men of integrity (blameless.) Integrity seems to be a qualification for anyone in leadership.

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” (1 Timothy 3:2)

“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;” (Titus 1:6-7)

“When good people are promoted, everything is great, but when the bad are in charge, watch out!” (Proverbs 28:12 The Message)

Temptations in Christian Service

Temptations in Christian service usually take place in the following areas:

Finance:

Leaders must be careful in matters of finance. There needs to be proper accountability of funds and complete honesty. This will cause others to trust the leader. Leaders need to be faithful in their financial obligations in the community and in the church. Be careful to fulfill the vows and pledges that you make. Make sure that you do not rob God in the paying of your tithes. Judas’ integrity was bought for thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15) Ananias and Sapphira lost their integrity and their lives in Acts 5.

Poverty brings about many temptations but we must be men of integrity.

Relationships With the Opposite Sex:

This is another area of temptation. It is the cause of many leaders falling into sin and ruining their ministry. Paul gives the best advice, “Flee fornication!” (1 Corinthians 6:18) Run from it!

When this temptations sets in we need to be like Joseph. He responded, “…How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)

Every day Potiphar’s wife continued to tempt Joseph. Joseph finally, “…left his garment in her hand, and fled…” (Genesis 39:12)

“But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.” (Proverbs 6:32-33)

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) Be careful who you touch. Be careful who you look at. Do not be alone with a person of the opposite sex (unless it is your wife).

Power:

Leaders have not been called to be Big Men; Lords of God’s heritage.

“Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3)

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

Truth - Honesty:

At times leaders may also be tempted to protect themselves by not telling the truth. It is important to be a man of our word(s). We should always do what we say that we will do. We should always speak the truth and never lie.

“…All liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone…” (Revelation 21:8)

Adversity, Trials, and Problems:

Problems will cause leaders to want to find a comfortable way to escape. We must stand our ground without compromise. Martin Luther said, “Here I stand. I can do no other.”

Daniel is a classic example of integrity. He continued to pray three times a day even when it meant being thrown into a lion’s den.

The three Hebrew children refused to compromise and worship an idol. They knew that the result would be their being thrown into the fiery furnace.

Study Questions

1. What is meant by the word, “integrity”? ____________________

__________________________________________________________

2. What reward did Paul receive (in Acts 23:2) for his life of integrity?

__________________________________________________________

3. Why did Joseph refuse to lie with Potiphar’s wife? _________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

4. Job experienced many trials but still decided? ______________________

__________________________________________________________

5. Show using the Scripture that “integrity” is a qualification for deacons and other church leaders. __________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What are some of the areas of temptation in Christian service?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. How can leaders maintain integrity with finances? __________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. How can leaders deal with the temptations concerning the opposite sex? __________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Unbreakable, Unshakable, Unity

2008-10-01T04:03:00.001-07:00

Unbreakable, Unshakable, Unity

“And all that believed were TOGETHER.”

Acts 2: 44

“Now Peter and John went up TOGETHER....”

Acts 3:1

An old Arab proverb teaching the importance of unity says, “One hand alone does not clap,” No body is a whole chain. Each one of us is a link on the chain. No body is a whole team but each one of us is a player. We all need each other. It has been rightfully said that, “No man is an island unto himself.” We must have each other in order to survive. An Akan proverb says, “Hands go! Hands come!” We must have each other! Another proverb says “It is the right arm that scratches the left arm.” Both of these proverbs expose our need of one another.

Unity has great impact on any organization. Where would the military be without unity? Would the football team win without unity and teamwork? Can a business progress when there is no unity among the partners? Can a marriage be happy if the husband and wife refuse to work together? Unity gets the job done! The Early Church was together and in one accord; their motives were correct. God always brings unity. The devil always wants to bring disunity and strife. God brings love and the devil brings jealousy. God brings faith and the devil brings doubt. God always adds and multiplies. Satan subtracts and divides.

Unity is the mark of a true Christian. This type of unity existed in the Early Church. In fact, the Church came into existence when the people had one mind: “And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, THEY WERE ALL WITH ONE ACCORD IN ONE PLACE.” (Acts 2:1)

The Bible says in Acts 2:42, 44-47 that they broke bread together, with the spirit of love being so strong that they sold all that they had so that the needs of each person would be met. Because of this true unity that prevailed the world took note and the Christians had favor with all of the people. Jesus proclaimed that the world would know that we are His disciples when we have love one for another. (John 13:35) It has been said, “United we stand, divided we fall.” Paul asked the question, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13)

The Scriptures abound with admonitions concerning unity:

Ephesians 2:20-22 “...Building fitly framed together....ye also are builded together.”

Ephesians 4:3 “Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Philippians 1:27 “One mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.”

1 Peter 3:8 “One mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”

Judges 20:11 “...Knit together as one man.”

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how GOOD and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY!”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one....For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow...If one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.”

Mark 3:25 “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

One strand of string can be easily broken by even a weak child. But when many weak strings are tied together to make a rope, together they can withstand much pressure.

Unity prevails in the church when we focus on Jesus Christ. We must be ONE. (One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God, One Salvation Plan, One Gospel, One Spirit, and One Bible.)

A French children’s story emphasizes the point of unity. It is called, “Rock (Stone) Soup”. Some hungry soldiers were coming home from a war. The soldiers were very hungry. One soldier knocked on the door of a house in a small village and asked the women that answered for a pot of water to make the rock (stone) soup. He showed the lady the special stone and she quickly complied.

Soon some of the villagers gathered to watch. “Does anyone have some matches and wood for a fire,” the soldier asked. One of the villagers supplied the wood and matches. The pot of water was placed on the fire and started to boil.

“Will that really make some soup,” some asked.

“Of course,” answered the soldier, “However, it would be better if there was a piece of meat to add.”

One of the onlookers went to her house for some meat.

“Now if we only had some tomatoes,” added the soldier.

The story and the soup expand until all the village people have contributed to a huge soup and they all enjoyed it together.

The church is a lot like that. We bring a stone; if that’s all we have. Romans 12:3-6 tells us that we have “gifts differing according to the measure of grace.” Our brother adds what he has. Our sister adds the ability that she has. Then God brings it all together into something that can be shared with a hungry world.

Study Questions

1. Quote two proverbs that stress the importance of working together and having each other. _______________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

2. How does unity have a great impact on an organization? ______________

__________________________________________________________

3. What are the differences between what God and the devil bring into the church? _______________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Prove by Scripture that the Early Church came into existence in an atmosphere of unity? _____________

_____________________________

5. Give some Scriptures that show the importance of unity? _____________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Unity will prevail when our focus is on whom? _____________________

__________________________________________________________

7. In which way is the church like the story called, “Rock Soup”? _________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Unbreakable, Unshakable, Unity

2008-10-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

Unbreakable, Unshakable, Unity

“And all that believed were TOGETHER.”

Acts 2: 44

“Now Peter and John went up TOGETHER....”

Acts 3:1

The Scriptures abound with admonitions concerning unity:

Ephesians 2:20-22 “...Building fitly framed together....ye also are builded together.”

Ephesians 4:3 “Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Philippians 1:27 “One mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.”

1 Peter 3:8 “One mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”

Judges 20:11 “...Knit together as one man.”

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how GOOD and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY!”

Mark 3:25 “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

One strand of string can be easily broken by even a weak child. But when many weak strings are tied together to make a rope, together they can withstand much pressure.

Unity prevails in the church when we focus on Jesus Christ. We must be ONE. (One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God, One Salvation Plan, One Gospel, One Spirit, and One Bible.)

“Will that really make some soup,” some asked.

“Of course,” answered the soldier, “However, it would be better if there was a piece of meat to add.”

One of the onlookers went to her house for some meat.

“Now if we only had some tomatoes,” added the soldier.

The story and the soup expand until all the village people have contributed to a huge soup and they all enjoyed it together.

Study Questions

1. Quote two proverbs that stress the importance of working together and having each other. _______________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

2. How does unity have a great impact on an organization? ______________

__________________________________________________________

3. What are the differences between what God and the devil bring into the church? _______________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Prove by Scripture that the Early Church came into existence in an atmosphere of unity? _____________

_____________________________

5. Give some Scriptures that show the importance of unity? _____________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Unity will prevail when our focus is on whom? _____________________

__________________________________________________________

7. In which way is the church like the story called, “Rock Soup”? _________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Secret To Success

2008-10-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

The Secret To Success

“For David...served his own generation by the will of God...” (Acts 13:36)

Would you like to be important? Would you like to be a leader in God’s kingdom? There is a secret to success in the kingdom of God. Surprisingly it does not involve people serving you and meeting your every need. It does not involve being treated like a “Big Man” and every one else like “Little People!” In worldly leadership the big question is “Who is number one?” The emphasis is on position, titles, power, and the offices held. In the world leadership involves a quest for power. That was the very reason why Satan was brought down. He wanted to have power. (Isaiah 14:12-15)

It should not be that way in the Church. There it involves picking up a towel and washing the feet of others. Leadership in God’s kingdom involves serving others instead of them serving you.

“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” (Mark 10:44)

Jesus said, “I am among you as he that serveth.” (Luke 22:27)

When looking for the leader; don’t look for the one with all the titles but look for the one with the servant’s heart. When you find him, you have found God’s leader. Look for the one who is willing to be a living sacrifice and not be conformed to the leadership thinking of this world.

“I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

“Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.” (Acts 20:24 LB)

“The people who make the difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern.” Max Lucado

Jesus Christ is the greatest leader of all times. He was successful because He fulfilled His purpose in life. He knew the reason why He was born and accomplished the will of God. He stated His life’s purpose in Matthew 16:18 as “...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” In order for us to be successful we must know the reason why we were born. What is our purpose in life? God has given each of us a unique role in the kingdom of God and we must find out what it is. Everyone in God’s kingdom is saved in order to do something for Him. God has a place for everyone to work in His Church.

Jesus went about doing good for others (Acts 10:38) He did not come to be served but He came to serve. When we serve others we are actually serving the Lord.

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

There are many ways that we can minister to the Lord but each of these ways will involve serving people.

“...And ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5) There is a popular saying around Christian circles presently. It says, “What would Jesus do?” (WWJD) We do not serve others for our own sake but for Jesus’ sake. We try to do what Jesus would do, and to do it the way that Jesus would do it, and give all the credit we receive to Jesus Christ; our Master. We serve Jesus by serving His people. A leader achieves true success by serving others.

The thinking of the world is always to try to get ahead, to get others to serve you, and climb to the top as quickly as possible. This is done even if you have to walk over people to get there.

It has rightly been said, “Be careful who you kick on the way up. You may need that person on the way back down.”

The outstanding leaders in the Bible began their ministries as servants. Moses was tending the flock of Jethro when God called him to bring the Israelites out of the land of bondage. David was a shepherd boy and had to be called from the field when Samuel visited Jesse’s house to anoint the new king of Israel. Joshua began his ministry as a servant and assistant to Moses. Elisha served Elijah way before he received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Timothy was a servant and a son to the Apostle Paul taking care of many of his needs. Philip the evangelist began his ministry waiting on tables in Acts 6.

There are several principles to note here:

1. The people that God calls are already busy doing something. God calls busy people!

Barnabas and Saul were already busy serving others when God called them to be missionaries. They received this call through prayer, fasting and faithful service to God and others.

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

2. If a person is going to be used of God, he must first be a servant.

3. If a person is going to be successful, he must first be faithful with what he is doing.

4. True servant leaders produce others, after their own kind, that become servant leaders.

In a book entitled Primary Purpose the author has an excellent chapter on Becoming a Servant. Leadership is usually viewed from the standpoint of a group of people serving a smaller group of people called “leaders.” People involved themselves in a “power struggle” to get to the top. The author of Primary Purpose presents two different leadership triangles.

The first is the “World’s View of Leadership” and shows the leader at the top of the triangle and the people under the leader’s control at the bottom.

He then present’s the “Biblical view of Leadership” with the top of the triangle pointing downward. The people to be served by the leader are at the top and the leader is at the bottom.

To be great in the kingdom of God you must strive to serve the most people. He shows that the whole basis of what we do is so that we can serve others.

“A man’s heart plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps.”

Proverbs 16:9 (New Living Translation)

God has given each of us talents, abilities, and a ministry. When we faithfully use these blessings from God; then God will give us more. Not only that, but He will put us in a place where they can be of the most benefit and blessings to others. That is the secret to success. Be faithful with what God has given to you and He will give you more.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)

It is not surprising that these words are part of the story of the Parable of the Talents. A man traveling to a far country called his servants and delivered his goods to them. He gave one five talents, another two talents, and the last one talent, according to their different abilities. The man went on his trip and came back again. Calling his servants he began to inspect what they had done with what had been given to them. The one who had five talents had traded and received five other talents. The one with the two talents, did the same, and gained two. However, the man with the one talent hid his in the ground. The master was pleased with the first two men but angry at the third. To the first two he gave the Bible’s definition of success. He said, “...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things...” (Matthew 25:21)

The man who had not invested his talent, lost it. Here is an important principle about the talents that God gives to His people. When we fail to use them, then we tend to lose them. His gifts and callings are without repentance but we can allow them to become dormant and inactive in our lives.

Look at God’s mathematics:

1. The man with one talent lost it.

1 + 0 = 0

2. The man with two talents gained two more.

2 + 2 = 4

3. The man with the five talents gained how many more?

5 + 5 = 11

How did this happen? Because the master took the one talent that the failing man had and gave it to the successful man.

Study Questions

1. In worldly leadership, where is the emphasis placed?

__________________________________________________________

2. Leadership in God’s kingdom involves what?

_____________________________

3. What should we look for in a leader?

_____________________________

4. Why was Jesus a successful leader?

__________________________________________________________

5. How did many of the outstanding leaders in the Bible begin their ministry?

_____________________________

6. What are some of the principles we can learn from this?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Draw two triangles representing the “World View of Leadership” and the “Biblical View of Leadership. (Use your own paper for this assignment.)

8. What is the Bible’s definition of success?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

9. The man with five talents gained how many? ________________________

Mentoring: The Ministry Of Multiplication

2008-10-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

Mentoring:

The Ministry Of Multiplication

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”

Acts 9:26-27

Mentoring is a relationship between two people, the mentor and the one being mentored.

Long ago when the Greek warrior Odysseus went off to battle in the Trojan War, he left his young son in the hands of a man named Mentor. The father was away from his son for twenty years and when he returned home his son had grown into a man. He had been trained by Mentor.

Because of this story we now say that a mentor is someone who operates as a father figure in our lives.

The Bible says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17) People tend to become like those they associate with. One man said, “Show me your friends, and I will tell you what kind of person you are.” A mentor can encourage you to do your best. He sees the potential in you and assists you to be the person that God has called you to be. He is interested in your personal growth and development. Howard Hendricks says that a mentor is committed to two things: “Helping you grow and keeping you growing.”

One great mentor in the Scripture (and there are many) would be the Apostle Paul. He drew Timothy to himself and mentored him. In 2 Timothy 2:1-2 he said, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” What a tremendous definition of not only discipleship, but mentoring.

Another great mentor was Barnabas. Originally he was called Joses (Acts 4:36-37) but when he sold his property in Cyprus and gave the proceeds to the church, the leaders gave him a new name, Barnabas. This means “Son of Encouragement.” After the Damascus experience, he became a mentor to Paul. None of the other leaders wanted to have anything to do with Paul. Later we find him and Paul traveling together as missionaries spreading the gospel. Barnabas was entering the ministry of multiplication when he mentored Paul. Because he mentored Paul he had an extended impact on many cities in the ancient world. It was because of this same ministry of multiplication that Jethro encouraged Moses to appoint other leaders to judge the children of Israel (Exodus 18:14-23). One proverb says, “The person who helps you carry your load does not develop a hump.” (This means that it is good to help someone else but not to completely take over another’s burdens) Another says, “If you get your bundle ready, you will be helped to place it on your head.”

In Africa, as well as other parts of the world the community is regarded as an environment for realizing the potential of every individual. The Akan maxim says, “If you do not allow your neighbor to have [or reach] nine, you will not have [or reach] ten.”

Deuteronomy 6:1-14 allows us to see clearly that the gospel needs to be passed from generation to generation.

Failing to do this could remove Christianity from the family lineage in just one generation. Even David asked God to enable him to “shew thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come.” (Psalm 71:18) We all know that an “old man is like a library.” He has stored so much wisdom in his mind and this needs to be passed on to the future generations.

Howard and William Hendricks in their book, As Iron Sharpens Iron suggests that mentoring was a way of life in Bible times. It was the primary method of handing down skills and wisdom from one generation to another. In their book they provide a list of some of the more prominent mentoring relationships.

Jethro and Moses (Exodus 18)

Moses and Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:1-8; 34:9)

Moses and Caleb (Numbers 13; 14:6-9; 14:16-19; Joshua 14:6-15)

Samuel and Saul (1 Samuel 9:15)

Samuel and David (1 Samuel 16;19:18-24)

Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 20:1-42)

Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:16-21; 2 Kings 2:1-16; 3:11)

Barnabas and Saul (Acts 9:26-30;11:22-30)

Barnabas and John Mark (Acts15:36-39; 2 Timothy 4:11)

Priscilla, Aquilla, and Apollos (Acts 18:1-3; 24-28)

Paul and Timothy (Acts 16:1-3; 1 and 2 Timothy)

Paul and Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6,13-15; Titus)

Study Questions

1. What is “Mentoring”? ___________

__________________________________________________________

2. From which story does the word “mentoring” come from? __________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

3. A “Mentor” is committed to what two things? _______________________

__________________________________________________________

4. Provide a Scripture that Paul used which is a good verse for “mentoring” and “discipleship”._______________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

5. What does the name, “Barnabas” mean? ________________________

__________________________________________________________

6. What type of ministry did Barnabas enter into ? ____________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

7. Provide a proverb that can be used for “Mentoring”. ________________

__________________________________________________________

8. What are two Bible verses that encourage us to pass on the truth to the next generation? ________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

9. In Bible times how was “mentoring” used? ________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

10. Give some examples of mentoring relationships from the Word of God. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. What are some things that you can do to “mentor” others? ____________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________