by R. Herbert | Oct 4, 2015 | Discipleship, Great Commission, Updates
We must never fall into the trap of thinking that Christianity is something that missionaries and ministers do, and that the rest of us are observers to what they do.
The apostle Paul makes this fact clear in many of his writings, but perhaps nowhere clearer than in his epistle to the Philippians. In fact, Paul’s letter to that church might be called “the message of Christian involvement”!
Paul begins his letter: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons” (Philippians 1:1), and although Timothy is not the “coauthor” of the letter, his inclusion sets the tone continued in the mention of all the believers as well as the elders of the congregation. It is important to remember this stress on both members as well as ministers, laity as well as leaders, in reading what Paul continues to say. Throughout the letter we find the apostle makes many statements based on equal involvement in the work of the faith, as we see in the following examples (emphases added) and many others:
In Chapter 1, Paul gives thanks for the church’s (read “everyone’s) “partnership in the gospel“ (Philippians 1:5.), and says that “all of you share in God’s grace with me” (vs. 7). He states that because of his own captivity “most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (vs. 14), and that “through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance” (vs. 19). Paul also says “…I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (vs. 25), and that they should all be “striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (vs. 27) since they were going through “the same struggle you saw I had” (vs. 30).
Chapter 2 continues from exactly the same perspective. Paul speaks of the “…common sharing in the Spirit…” (Philippians 2:1), “having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (vs. 2). And he shows that this unity is expressed in all of the Philippians having the same goals and rejoicing in the same successes of the work: “… I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me” (vs. 17). In this chapter Paul also speaks of the work of Timothy, and of “… Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs” (vs. 26), clearly showing the direct involvement of Epaphroditus and the congregation in Paul’s work.
This ongoing pattern is found throughout the rest of the epistle. Paul mentions other members of the congregation who were deeply involved in his work – members such as certain women who “… have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3). He tells us that the Philippians shared in his troubles (4:14) and sent him help (4:16), and when Paul closes his letter with his blessing on the Philippians, he includes “all God’s people” – both all of them and all of his own group (4:21).
If you ever doubt the importance of every Christian’s involvement in the ongoing work of God as well as the personal acceptance of the gospel, read Philippians. You will see that Paul includes all of God’s people in this work – including you.
by R. Herbert | Aug 6, 2015 | Discipleship
Scripture: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
Something to think about: Modern day search and rescue operations, such as those mounted by Coast Guard, Mountain Rescue, or other hazardous terrain rescue teams, are organized to aid people who are in distress or imminent danger. In all cases, of course, the rescuers have to be committed both to search effectively and then to affect a rescue.
It is a fundamental aspect of Christian belief that God did not just announce a rescue option for those who might wish to respond, but that the Son of God came to actively seek out those needing help (all of us!). The life and death of Christ was the ultimate search and rescue operation as it sought every human being who ever lived or will yet live, and also provided the possibility of rescue from the danger of eternal death.
But the search and rescue story does not end there. Jesus specifically commissioned his disciples to continue his work and we, as Christians, must remember that we are also in the search and rescue business by virtue of our calling. People often ask themselves and others “What are you looking for in life?” But for the Christian the question is not “what,” but whom. We are called to follow in the steps of the One who came to seek and save, and we must all ask ourselves occasionally: “How much prayer, effort, support and involvement are we putting into search and rescue work?”
by Staff | May 15, 2015 | Bible Study, Discipleship, Updates
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by R. Herbert | Mar 18, 2015 | Discipleship
The idea of a fountain of life or rejuvenation has captivated humanity for a long time. Stories of such a fountain are known from around the world and dating across many centuries.
The idea is mentioned in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, and others. It was common in many areas of Europe and Asia, and among the native peoples of the New World when it was discovered in the 16th century of our own era. It was at that time that the legend became particularly prominent in the quest of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who sought the fountain of life or youth in Florida in 1513.
Many other individuals have tirelessly hunted for such a fountain over the centuries –some spending fortunes and lifetimes searching – but the fountain has remained as elusive as it is legendary. Today we may view the stories as quaint relics of bygone ages, but they are also sad testaments to the fact that human beings so often search for their deepest desires in all the wrong directions.
Unlike the many disenchanted explorers who admitted defeat in looking for the elusive fountain, David, king of ancient Israel, felt that he had found it. Speaking of the God of Israel, David wrote: “For with you is the fountain of life” (Psalm 36:9). His son, the wise king Solomon – who spent much of his reign searching for what brought happiness and life – speaks repeatedly of the fountain of life in his proverbs, showing different aspects or ways in which it is experienced:
“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27).
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life …” (Proverbs 10:11).
“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life…” (Proverbs 13:14).
“Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent …” (Proverbs 16:22).
Other biblical verses equate the flowing water of life with wisdom, knowledge, and truth, and these verses all show that the fountain of life can at least be approached by walking in the way of God. But these aspects are all, admittedly, a reflection (or perhaps more accurately a “trickle-down”) of the true fountain of life itself. In his teaching, Jesus showed how that fountain can actually be gained: “… whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14 NKJV).
That fountain which flows from God Himself will not disappear like a myth in the mists of time. The Book of Revelation shows it will be there beyond this age in the new heaven and earth: “.. the Lamb who is in the midst … will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters…” (Revelation 7:17 NKJV). That is the true fountain of life that exists and lasts far beyond humanity’s wildest dreams or hopes.
It is sad indeed that, over the centuries, many have spent great fortunes and much of their lives looking for this world’s imaginary living fountain. But it’s worth asking ourselves – what are we, who have found the only true fountain of life, spending of our time, energy, and resources to hold on to it and to lead others to it?
by R. Herbert | Dec 24, 2014 | Discipleship
The star that appeared to the wise men in the East announcing the birth of Christ and which led them to Him (Matthew 2:1-9) shone brightly till its purpose was fulfilled, then it disappeared from view. In a similar manner, John the Baptist, who was called the “greatest of those born of women” (Matthew 11:11), accomplished a short intense ministry aimed also at announcing and pointing to the Christ, then likewise faded from view.
The star that heralded Jesus’ birth, bright as it appeared, was to be obscured by the One to whom it pointed – the Messiah himself. Here we also see a parallel with John the Baptist. As Christ affirmed, “He was a burning and shining lamp” (John 5:35), but John nevertheless came only as a witness because “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:8-9). Once Jesus’ ministry began, John’s “light”was dimmed by the rising of his successor. As John himself said using this very analogy, “He must wax, but I must wane” (John 3:30). But like the heavenly star that also preceded the Messiah’s birth, John the Baptist’s job was fully accomplished in the short but intense work which God intended for him. Both were powerful witnesses to the coming of the Messiah.
How does this apply to us? Although we may not live in the age which saw a heavenly light or a great prophetic “light” like John the Baptist pointing to Christ, the apostle Peter reminds us that “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). That “morning star” is Christ himself (Revelation 22:16); and the “prophetic message” is not so much all of prophecy as it is the prophetic message regarding the meaning and purpose of the coming of Christ.
The star of the nativity, the “lamp” of John the Baptist, and the “light shining in a dark place” were different announcements made available to different groups of people: the first to only a select few, the second to all who heard John, the third to all who come in contact with the word of God throughout the whole world. The three forms of announcement also increased in the level of understanding they provided those to whom they were given. Bright as the heavenly star may have appeared, and powerful as John’s testimony may have been, we can be thankful that the announcement that has come to us is the fullest, clearest and most profound of all.
by R. Herbert | Nov 23, 2014 | Discipleship, Warriors of the Way
Most of us are used to lights. Bright lights. They are all around most city dwellers to the extent that a candle or small lamp might seem insignificant indeed. Even from space, city and village lights on earth are clearly visible, while at ground level in many areas it’s hard to see the stars anymore because of the brightness of the ambient light.
As Christians we are all aware of Jesus’ instruction to “let our light shine” (Matthew 5:16), but even though we realize our light is “reflected from Christ,” it can still be a little daunting, especially for those new to the faith, to think of ourselves as “lights.” We read the biblical stories of great men and women of faith, we see some of the things accomplished through those of faith in our own age, and it’s pretty clear that we are still at the candle power stage compared to what may seem to be the spiritual floodlights God has used and is using now.
But if we do feel any lack of confidence in this regard, we should perhaps remember just what an effect a single candle can have. For one thing, the light of an average wax candle can be seen at amazing distances – and I’m talking about miles, not yards! Because the earth’s surface curves below the line of sight at 3.1 miles, or 5 kilometers, you can see a candle in clear dark conditions at 3.1 miles at ground level. But from an elevated position you can actually see a candle much further – on a dark night, in fact, the human eye is able to see a single candle flickering up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) away.
The only reason we are not aware of the amazing reach of a tiny light such as a candle is because of the bright lights that are often around us. But that’s the same reason city dwellers often can’t see many stars because of the ambient light, although the stars are, of course, billions of times brighter than the lights around us. Brightness seems relative to surroundings – if you are on a floodlit stage your candle or mine may seem not very bright at all. But where most of us live our daily lives – away from the spiritual floodlights – even a small candle can make a huge difference in the surrounding darkness.
The point of this analogy is just that if we allow Christ to work in our lives and to “shine” in us, we need never be concerned that our light is not bright enough, that we are not knowledgeable enough, good enough, spiritual enough. He supplies the light, not us, and even the smallest amount of light can be seen.
What Jesus said about the fact that a city on a hill can’t be hid (Matthew 5:14) also applies to our lowly candles. We don’t have to shine like a city – we don’t even have to be particularly bright. Physics teaches us that a little light can go a long way, and especially when there is no other light around, a little spiritual light can make a huge difference.
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