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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Introducing the 2010-2011 Pastor's Bible School students
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Today marks the first day of school for our upcoming pastors. Please pray for these men as they spend the next year preparing for the pastorate. We have seen God use our students to continue to advance the gospel in the farthest reaches of Southeast Africa. For more info on the Pastor's Bible School, click HERE |
Friday, November 12, 2010
"Confession or Repentance?" by: Jared Keiffer
Should I confess or repent of my sin?
Sin is such a serious issue, literally life or death, that it is certainly essential to understand how to handle it in relationship with the Savior.
The central message of Christ’s message on earth was “Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17) This is seemingly the summary of all that he preached and taught during His earthly ministry.
Repentance, in terms of man, is a call for him to return to his creaturely dependence on God. It’s not just feeling sorry, or changing one’s mind, but it’s a turning round, a complete alteration of the basic motivation and direction of one’s life. This helps us to understand why John the Baptist was bringing a baptism of repentance to the Jews in the same way as he brought it to the ‘sinners’. They needed an alteration of their base religious motivations.
Before tossing aside confession, let’s look at the usage. We are absolutely instructed to confess our sins to one another and bear with one another (James 5:16). But are we to confess our sins to Christ? I John 1:9 would indicate that we absolutely should. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. The word itself (confess) is from a Greek verb meaning “to say the same thing”. Essentially, confessing is simply agreeing with God with what He has said about your sin. It’s gross, it’s terrible, and it’s an abomination to His holiness.
It seems essential, then, that we take our confession and agreement with God about our sin, and repent of it. We can confess and tell God what he already knows, which is absolutely vital. But then we must take the next step in the process to repent of that sin, turn from that sin.
Many times while driving all around this country I get on the wrong road. I think I’m on the right road, but I’m not. And what I’ve noticed is that it doesn’t matter how long I stay on that road, hoping it’s the right road, it is always still the wrong road. It doesn’t magically turn into the road I wanted it to be. I must realize that it’s the wrong road, confess it (to my wife who told me this 15 miles ago), and turn from the course. I have to alter my direction.
When it comes to sin, confess it! But don’t stop there. Change your motivation and your course, and pursue the path of obedience to the Word of God. Christ died on the cross for this exact purpose, so that he could cleanse you from unrighteousness and deliver you from disobedience.
If you’re surfing for pornography, trapped in deceit or lies, or are damaging others that you are in relationship with, you know where you are headed. Confess your sins to a brother or sister, walk in accountability with them, and change your course. That’s what repentance is. And it’s what Jesus is continuing to call us into.
Link to Author's website (click here)
Sin is such a serious issue, literally life or death, that it is certainly essential to understand how to handle it in relationship with the Savior.
The central message of Christ’s message on earth was “Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17) This is seemingly the summary of all that he preached and taught during His earthly ministry.
Repentance, in terms of man, is a call for him to return to his creaturely dependence on God. It’s not just feeling sorry, or changing one’s mind, but it’s a turning round, a complete alteration of the basic motivation and direction of one’s life. This helps us to understand why John the Baptist was bringing a baptism of repentance to the Jews in the same way as he brought it to the ‘sinners’. They needed an alteration of their base religious motivations.
Before tossing aside confession, let’s look at the usage. We are absolutely instructed to confess our sins to one another and bear with one another (James 5:16). But are we to confess our sins to Christ? I John 1:9 would indicate that we absolutely should. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. The word itself (confess) is from a Greek verb meaning “to say the same thing”. Essentially, confessing is simply agreeing with God with what He has said about your sin. It’s gross, it’s terrible, and it’s an abomination to His holiness.
It seems essential, then, that we take our confession and agreement with God about our sin, and repent of it. We can confess and tell God what he already knows, which is absolutely vital. But then we must take the next step in the process to repent of that sin, turn from that sin.
Many times while driving all around this country I get on the wrong road. I think I’m on the right road, but I’m not. And what I’ve noticed is that it doesn’t matter how long I stay on that road, hoping it’s the right road, it is always still the wrong road. It doesn’t magically turn into the road I wanted it to be. I must realize that it’s the wrong road, confess it (to my wife who told me this 15 miles ago), and turn from the course. I have to alter my direction.
When it comes to sin, confess it! But don’t stop there. Change your motivation and your course, and pursue the path of obedience to the Word of God. Christ died on the cross for this exact purpose, so that he could cleanse you from unrighteousness and deliver you from disobedience.
If you’re surfing for pornography, trapped in deceit or lies, or are damaging others that you are in relationship with, you know where you are headed. Confess your sins to a brother or sister, walk in accountability with them, and change your course. That’s what repentance is. And it’s what Jesus is continuing to call us into.
Link to Author's website (click here)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
"HOW IT ALL STARTED" by: Dave Bogue
It was already getting late one spring night in 1991, as a friend and I started to make our way home from Winona Lake, IN. As we traveled, we discussed an idea I had to begin a revival ministry based out of Columbus, OH. As we talked about how and when we would start this new ministry, I shared with him what God had already been doing over the last few months.
• I believed God was calling me away from my current youth pastorate into this new adventure of ministry.
• I had discussed this idea with the Elders of our church, and they affirmed this effort as from God.
• A Christian attorney and friend was researching the specifics on how to incorporate a non-for profit organization.
• Godly men were responding positively to my invitations to serve as board members of this new ministry.
• People had already begun to donate money to help us get started.
It was all so wonderful and exciting. God was really demonstrating this blessing on all of our hopes.
The four hour drive home was going quickly. Our conversation was good for my heart and stimulating to my mind. What would we call this new ministry? Deciding on a name that would fully describe our ministry was both exciting and challenging. I had a passion for revival in our churches, and to be part of God’s special working in my lifetime among church people. It thrilled me to imagine a great awakening in the church, here in the U.S.A. and around the world.
That’s it! Not just for me, but to encourage others along the way to finish well too. Finish Line, Finish Line Ministries. I yelled, “Bob, open the glove compartment - and get that napkin and pen, and write down ‘Finish Line Ministries’.” My friend scribbled the name down and held our new name safely in his hand, until we reached Columbus.
Once home and several months later, I began to meet with the Finish Line board. This group of nine were all godly men of faith. Throughout our meetings, we had many thought provoking and prayerful discussions. One of the most challenging early decisions was to not charge fees for the preaching of the Word of God. A love offering based ministry simply was not typical to most Christian organizations. Still, these men based their decision on the Word of God (I Cor. 9:17-18), and God provided, and still continues to provide.
Oh yes, there have been times when our funds were depleted, and we did not have any money in our account. I remember once, early on (when I was the only employee) it happened. Our board met to discuss and pray for God’s direction. One board member made the move to cover my pay check through his own personal bank account – I declined. We discussed that the men of the board were not the ministries’ lone provider. Let’s go to God and ask Him for help and provision. We all knelt around the table and prayed for a long time. Through that prayer, we recommitted ourselves to the Lord, and acknowledged that He was the one who had raised up Finish Line. After praying, we made practical housing arrangements for me (if things did not get better). The next day, God provided the funds, abundantly and outside the circle of the board. I have witnessed this kind of miracle by God several times in the last fourteen years.
What a wonderful work God has done. He has been faithful to call us to many churches and organizations. What a miracle it is that pastors are willing to share their pulpit and people with us. Their friendship to this ministry has been God’s affirmation of our existence and of the hope that Christian leaders are still passionate for revival.
Link to Author's Website (click here)
• I believed God was calling me away from my current youth pastorate into this new adventure of ministry.
• I had discussed this idea with the Elders of our church, and they affirmed this effort as from God.
• A Christian attorney and friend was researching the specifics on how to incorporate a non-for profit organization.
• Godly men were responding positively to my invitations to serve as board members of this new ministry.
• People had already begun to donate money to help us get started.
It was all so wonderful and exciting. God was really demonstrating this blessing on all of our hopes.
The four hour drive home was going quickly. Our conversation was good for my heart and stimulating to my mind. What would we call this new ministry? Deciding on a name that would fully describe our ministry was both exciting and challenging. I had a passion for revival in our churches, and to be part of God’s special working in my lifetime among church people. It thrilled me to imagine a great awakening in the church, here in the U.S.A. and around the world.
That’s it! Not just for me, but to encourage others along the way to finish well too. Finish Line, Finish Line Ministries. I yelled, “Bob, open the glove compartment - and get that napkin and pen, and write down ‘Finish Line Ministries’.” My friend scribbled the name down and held our new name safely in his hand, until we reached Columbus.
Once home and several months later, I began to meet with the Finish Line board. This group of nine were all godly men of faith. Throughout our meetings, we had many thought provoking and prayerful discussions. One of the most challenging early decisions was to not charge fees for the preaching of the Word of God. A love offering based ministry simply was not typical to most Christian organizations. Still, these men based their decision on the Word of God (I Cor. 9:17-18), and God provided, and still continues to provide.
Oh yes, there have been times when our funds were depleted, and we did not have any money in our account. I remember once, early on (when I was the only employee) it happened. Our board met to discuss and pray for God’s direction. One board member made the move to cover my pay check through his own personal bank account – I declined. We discussed that the men of the board were not the ministries’ lone provider. Let’s go to God and ask Him for help and provision. We all knelt around the table and prayed for a long time. Through that prayer, we recommitted ourselves to the Lord, and acknowledged that He was the one who had raised up Finish Line. After praying, we made practical housing arrangements for me (if things did not get better). The next day, God provided the funds, abundantly and outside the circle of the board. I have witnessed this kind of miracle by God several times in the last fourteen years.
What a wonderful work God has done. He has been faithful to call us to many churches and organizations. What a miracle it is that pastors are willing to share their pulpit and people with us. Their friendship to this ministry has been God’s affirmation of our existence and of the hope that Christian leaders are still passionate for revival.
Link to Author's Website (click here)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
"THE PLACE FOR PARA-CHURCH MINISTRY" by: Dave Bogue
The word “para” means to “be along side.” Para-church organizations and ministries exist in every form and facet in our country today. It is difficult to imagine life in the United States without para-church ministries like Focus on the Family, Billy Graham, or Youth for Christ. However, some church leaders bristle at the very thought of the presence of para-church organizations in our Christian community.
There are leaders, who first of all feel, that para-church ministries are unbiblical; that they somehow are attempting to thwart the role of the local church. Others claim that para-church ministries are stealing our local church’s resources of people and money, by recruiting church folks and fund-raising for their organization. Of course, theological differences and lack of personal and ministry accountability to local church governance are also major concerns to pastors and church leaders. All of these concerns, protests, and even lack of acceptance have not prevented church members in every congregation from participating in the activities of para-church organizations. In fact, I think, by not placing these ministries on the church’s mission budget or allowing their representatives to share from our local church pulpits, church leaders have actually promoted a lack of accountability, control, and participation in what God’s people are supporting.
In this instance, I fear that we have diminished the doctrine of the Body of Christ. Church leaders have created a dangerous wall of ignorance between the programs and leadership of two different, but Biblical, systems of ministry. And ignorance has fanned into flame a lack of accountability in areas that accountability is most needed, such as theological and financial integrity. We must, as a local church, find a place of fellowship and partnership with the so-called para-church systems of ministry. How? I think that we need to ask and answer a few fundamental questions.
Are para-church ministries biblical?
Yes, I think that they are. I believe that they represent God’s device to minister to the whole global family of God, and provide that family with a means to assist the local church to take the Gospel into the entire world (Matthew 28). I have always believed that the question of the existence of the para-church ministry is a lack of an understanding or acknowledgment by local church leaders to a two-prong approach to ministry.
Why do para-church ministries exist?
(1) With the collapse of traditional denominations, para-church ministries have really become a “link” in connecting local churches together. They can participate in events and activities together as like-minded and theologically compatible congregations - events such as evangelism, education, and social interaction that a single congregation may not have the finances or expertise to accomplish alone; and yet they still need to experience.
(2) They also are a means to pool resources and share personnel to promote global evangelism. Almost from the beginning of the history of the church, there has been sharing and traveling outside of the local church, by persons or a team helping in the work of the Gospel. Money and persons were taken from different congregations to minister to God’s people in churches apart from their own. These teams or visiting preachers were sometimes sent from other churches through the Jerusalem Council. Paul often acknowledges this system and thanks people for giving financially and welcoming different people to the local church – even asking congregations to do more in providing funds and hospitality.
(3) They also exist, unfortunately, due to the lack of obedience by the local church to participate in the Great Commission of Matthew 28: 18-20.
As a local church pastor and a founder of a para-church ministry, I do believe in the sanctity of the local church. I believe in its leadership and mandate to protect the Word and flock of God. However, to not support or acknowledge the larger body of Christ and its global ministry, I think, is unbiblical, and robs many congregations of the help and opportunity that they could access to grow and reach the world for Christ.
Link to Author's Website (Click Here)
There are leaders, who first of all feel, that para-church ministries are unbiblical; that they somehow are attempting to thwart the role of the local church. Others claim that para-church ministries are stealing our local church’s resources of people and money, by recruiting church folks and fund-raising for their organization. Of course, theological differences and lack of personal and ministry accountability to local church governance are also major concerns to pastors and church leaders. All of these concerns, protests, and even lack of acceptance have not prevented church members in every congregation from participating in the activities of para-church organizations. In fact, I think, by not placing these ministries on the church’s mission budget or allowing their representatives to share from our local church pulpits, church leaders have actually promoted a lack of accountability, control, and participation in what God’s people are supporting.
In this instance, I fear that we have diminished the doctrine of the Body of Christ. Church leaders have created a dangerous wall of ignorance between the programs and leadership of two different, but Biblical, systems of ministry. And ignorance has fanned into flame a lack of accountability in areas that accountability is most needed, such as theological and financial integrity. We must, as a local church, find a place of fellowship and partnership with the so-called para-church systems of ministry. How? I think that we need to ask and answer a few fundamental questions.
Are para-church ministries biblical?
Yes, I think that they are. I believe that they represent God’s device to minister to the whole global family of God, and provide that family with a means to assist the local church to take the Gospel into the entire world (Matthew 28). I have always believed that the question of the existence of the para-church ministry is a lack of an understanding or acknowledgment by local church leaders to a two-prong approach to ministry.
Why do para-church ministries exist?
(1) With the collapse of traditional denominations, para-church ministries have really become a “link” in connecting local churches together. They can participate in events and activities together as like-minded and theologically compatible congregations - events such as evangelism, education, and social interaction that a single congregation may not have the finances or expertise to accomplish alone; and yet they still need to experience.
(2) They also are a means to pool resources and share personnel to promote global evangelism. Almost from the beginning of the history of the church, there has been sharing and traveling outside of the local church, by persons or a team helping in the work of the Gospel. Money and persons were taken from different congregations to minister to God’s people in churches apart from their own. These teams or visiting preachers were sometimes sent from other churches through the Jerusalem Council. Paul often acknowledges this system and thanks people for giving financially and welcoming different people to the local church – even asking congregations to do more in providing funds and hospitality.
(3) They also exist, unfortunately, due to the lack of obedience by the local church to participate in the Great Commission of Matthew 28: 18-20.
As a local church pastor and a founder of a para-church ministry, I do believe in the sanctity of the local church. I believe in its leadership and mandate to protect the Word and flock of God. However, to not support or acknowledge the larger body of Christ and its global ministry, I think, is unbiblical, and robs many congregations of the help and opportunity that they could access to grow and reach the world for Christ.
Link to Author's Website (Click Here)
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