Net 4 Articles

Author: Steve Bremner

I’ve noticed, in general, after talking to some Christians over the years of my Christian walk a general attitude that can really discourage me if I let it, and the more I burn for Jesus and read the Word of God, the more this general trend in the Body of Christ annoys me and I refuse to succumb to it like the myriads of other ‘balanced’ Christians out there.
I’m talking about apathy.
Now I am NOT taking the time here to say that you’re not saved unless you’re marching the streets in front of abortion clinics, or getting involved in political activism or anything of the sort, although I lean closer towards doing those kinds of things than not doing anything at all. I’m not saying Christians should be standing on every street corner preaching hellfire and brimstone; nor am I saying to boycott every single thing that upsets us, or picketing and protesting every time something or someone does something anti-Christian–although massive and widespread actions like that amongst the believers of the land have and can effectively make statements that alter the course of our nation or society. There’s all sorts of things we can accomplish when something ignites our hearts, however, I honestly think it’s easier to cool down a fanatic than it is to warm up a corpse. That’s to say, better to be “too extreme” than to be lukewarm.
Do you really think on Judgment Day Jesus will ever rebuke anybody for being “too on fire” for Him? Do you think when we all stand before the Father on Judgment Day, He’s going to say “Well done, good and faithful servant, however, you could have calmed down a little bit. You didn’t need to be so extreme–I could have touched those peoples’ lives myself without your extreme involvement.”
Do you really think Father God will rebuke anybody for going for it, and maybe they had some issues to work out, or lacked maturity or depth of character, but at least they were doing something? If you are waiting until you are perfect enough or knowledgeable enough or whatever enough, then friend, you’ll never do anything because you never will be any of those things in this lifetime!
By listening to the way some people I’ve met pat themselves on the back for their lack of activity for Christ, you’d think that there’s going to be some big fat reward in heaven for the lazier we are!
“Better not share the Gospel with too many people, or people will think I’m a Bible thumper! Better not speak up too loudly (or at all) when someone mocks my Savior, or else they’ll label me intolerant, or a bigot. I don’t want to lose that possible promotion at my job–I know my boss is an atheist. Better not take too many stands that undermine the Bible or marriage or the family–or else people will think I’m a typical Bible thumping intolerant bigot.”
Friends, I’m not impressed with people who are so “balanced” they don’t do anything to ruffle any feathers or rock any boats. Then again, I’m also not impressed with persecution-seekers–the people so obnoxious they make trouble for themselves and then pat themselves on the back for the backlash they receive–when it’s backlash for their pathetic attitudes, not for righteousness’ sake at all!
Friend, lack of resistance in your life is not necessarily a good thing. If you aren’t facing spiritual opposition, it might be because you’re not a threat to any spiritual forces. I’m not saying that if you’re obnoxious, and you stand on street corners with a 20 pound King James Bible condemning everyone you see to hell, then you should be proud that everyone thinks you’re a moron! What I am saying, is if you start taking stands for righteousness, to not be surprised if you start experiencing demonic or spiritual opposition for no other reason than that you are a threat to the kingdom of darkness and are encroaching on its territory. Going the way of least resistance in your life is just a cop-out, and takes no guts.
And don’t be surprised if other Christians whose status quo you are challenging are the ones trying to stop you from making too much fuss, either.
These things have been burning in my heart, and a few conversations have really motivated me to put my thoughts on paper–er, a computer screen. I’ve noticed, too many Christians pat themselves on the back for being “balanced”. When I listen to people talk about how balanced they are, I always ask them “yes, you are balanced, but according to whose scale, yours or God’s?”
Friends, what God calls normal, we call extreme. What we call normal, God calls lukewarm, and in some cases, even an abomination.
Friends, there’s only one temperature for a Christian, and it’s on fire. If you burn for Jesus, then there’s nothing extreme about that, you’re on the right path. And get ready to stick out like a sore thumb in the midst of a lukewarm and backslidden Church. The ones who stick their necks out for Jesus are the ones who are going to have their heads chopped off. I promise you that.
On a closing note, I remember when I first moved to Pensacola, home of the world-renown “Pensacola Outpouring [of the Holy Spirit]” or “Brownsville Revival.” When I first met people there and saw their lifestyles–the people who’d lived through the years of revival, and how their lifestyles were ones of holiness and prayer, I thought they were all insane and legalistic and even weird. But it gradually dawned on me that carnal Christians and apathetic lukewarm believers are NOT the ones seeking God night and day crying out for revival–and certainly not the ones seeing it happen either!The Jesus Revolution comes at a cost, and when revival breaks out, it will require extreme radicalness on the part of the ones who it lives through.
You will seem extreme and radical to others, but it will just barely be normal by the Kingdom of heaven’s standards.
 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/extreme-for-jesus-2732564.html

About the AuthorSteve has been a missionary to Europe for over 2 years, and currently serves in Peru, involved in a church plant and spreading the kingdom of God there. He is a contributing author on the Fire On Your Head Blog, which can be viewed at www.fireonyourhead.org and also co-hosts a bi-weekly podcast with another missionary, Fire On Your Head- The Podcast, at www.fireonyourhead.com Both sites dwell richly in Pentecostal/Charismatic themes within Christianity.

Author: Steve Bremner

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13, ESV)
I want to do everything I can to encourage believers everywhere to not water down the message of the Cross! Don’t soften the blow of the sword of the word of God so as to not offend anybody or hurt their feelings. That’s the whole point of the Word of God–the living sword–it separates soul from spirit. Knives hurt when used to cut! Don’t change the message in order to make it more acceptable to the culture, because they will never accept it, especially if they’re left to determine the terms on which they will accept it. As long as the crowds didn’t understand the Gospel, they loved Jesus, but as soon as they understood the implications of the radical claims, they killed Him. Why do we skirt around the narrow path Jesus took? Why do we think that if they did it to the master, we, the pupils are going to be able to escape it and do a better job with the Gospel? We sometimes act like Jesus had a PR problem and we could help Him with His image.
The passage used at the outset states how when our thoughts and intentions are held to the standard of the Word of God–a living sword, we are as though naked and exposed. We are stripped of any defense we can hide behind when our darkness is exposed by the light of the ultimate standard–God’s standard–His Word. Sadly, most in the Church don’t even realize this aspect of the Gospel, because we’ve worked so hard to make it all into something nice and inoffensive. We don’t want people feeling pressured, pushed away or excluded in some way. After living in a few cultures, I’ve seen the mega-church seeker-sensitive method of church growth (and I’m not implying that large churches are all guilty of watering the Gospel down, for that is not so). I’ve also grown fond of the lives of various revivalists and evangelists throughout church history who preached Christ and Him crucified, and frankly I’d rather take the tried and true method of using the law when showing sinners we are sinners before God. It’s much better to have people offended with me now but have the clear Gospel presented to them, than to have them like me now but be offended when they’re spending eternity in torment, when I could have told them but didn’t out of fear of saving face.
Jesus said things like “I am the way, the truth and the life, NO ONE comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Pretty politically incorrect and exclusive if you ask me! But yet, that’s what the message is. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” (Matthew 7:13)
I was recently sharing the Gospel with someone and using passages like Romans 3:23 stating “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, and 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I was able to persuade the person that by God’s standard, she would not be spending eternity with Her loving Creator unless she repented of sin and accepted His free gift of salvation. She agreed that this was so and was expressing gratitude for the way I made things clear to her, but as of yet, didn’t want to make any kind of commitment to Christ until she could process it some more. Oddly enough, my approach offended theChristian friend who had introduced us! I wasn’t showing “enough love”, and was “pressuring her” to make a decision. I was being “too direct”. Of course I was—you don’t perform heart surgery with a dull blade and certainly don’t want to fail to be direct when it comes to the very thing you’re working on–the person’s heart. When I see someone crossing the street without looking, not realizing a mack truck is fast approaching them, I’m direct then also and don’t use gentleness! The hour is urgent and none of us are given any indication of when our lives could come to an end. If someone is made aware of the condition of their soul, I’m compelled to do whatever I can to persuade them to accept the gift of eternal life Christ purchased for them on the cross. The Bible gives such mandates:
 
I CHARGE [you] in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by (in the light of) His coming and His kingdom:
Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.
For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold,
And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. (1 Timothy 4:1-4, AMP)

Sadly, enough people in the Church spend so much time ‘loving’ they leave out the harsh reality and don’t do any of what the first couple verses state, and fall into the category Paul refers to here as ones providing the Gospel message that soothes those with itchy ears. I am motivated by love for people to do whatever I can to stop them in their tracks and prevent them if possible from continuing in their determined journey towards hell. I’ve heard Dave Roberson say that his definition of an intercessor is someone who gets in the way of people trying to go to hell.
The Holy Spirit isn’t just about goosebumps and “liquid honey glory clouds”. The Word says that He is the agent who draws all men to Christ, but simultaneous to that is His role in convicting the world of sin (John 16:8). Sadly, I think much of the contemporary Church leaves this part out because of how messy it might be. We’ve created such a watered down message, that we’re not used to the convicting presence of God. We want the miracles, but we don’t want the repentance that the fire of His presence brings.
On the one hand I am coming up against the idea of being so pre-occupied with not offending someone or starting an argument over their soul or eternal destiny that we never actually do it. I’m talking about when we fear man’s reaction more than we fear a loving God who deserves to have His Bride in eternity. But I’m also not condoning or endorsing being an obnoxious and insensitive jerk either. There’s two ditches to avoid falling into. I heard a quote by Paul Washer once that a knife in the hands of a fool will kill, but used skillfully in the hands of a trained surgeon it will bring life. But the problem is, many of us have dulled the blade so as to make sure it doesn’t cut or hurt anybody! The knife or sword of the Word cuts so deeply that it divides soul from spirit. You can’t perform ANY surgery with a plastic butter knife! When a dentist is drilling your teeth, he knows he’s hitting the right nerve BECAUSE it gets an uncomfortable reaction out of you, and if he’s skilled at his job, he won’t stop doing what he’s doing just because you’re in a little bit of pain.
As for worrying about our presentation, remember the Apostle Paul said “woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16). Woe to us if we were more concerned with building numbers of people under our roof, but who will perish in eternity because we had tried changing peoples’ hearts using a pillow rather than the blade of the Word of God. What are you building, oh preacher? Your own big church with lots of people and a steady stream of income from offerings, or are you presenting the penetrating heart-convicting Gospel that no matter how few or many people enter eternity because of you, at least they are going to be entering eternity?
Woe to us if we continue to portray Jesus to the world as some limp-wristed effeminate hippie who just wanted to spread love and get everybody to get along, and forget that He’s coming back as Judge and King to rule. I believe that in Revelation 1:16 where it mentions Jesus having out of his mouth a sharp two-edged sword, is not about a literal sword, but the words and pronouncements of truth and justice. In fact, for those who view Jesus as just loving and would never would hurt a fly, I wonder what spectacles they read the book of Revelation in–which depicts His coming back in fury for His Bride (the Church)…what do you see happening for those who are not apart of His Bride? I’ll give you a hint, it ain’t that pretty.
Friends, eternity is a long time, and God is not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9b) So why don’t we obtain His heart and view the lost and dying around us with a renewed sense of urgency, and do everything we can about it?

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/the-recovery-of-sharpened-proclamation-2732536.html

About the AuthorSteve has been a missionary to Europe for over 2 years, and currently serves in Peru, involved in a church plant and spreading the kingdom of God there. He is a contributing author on the Fire On Your Head Blog, which can be viewed at www.fireonyourhead.org and also co-hosts a bi-weekly podcast with another missionary, Fire On Your Head- The Podcast, at www.fireonyourhead.com Both sites dwell richly in Pentecostal/Charismatic themes within Christianity.

Author: Steve Bremner

“On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:1-5)
If we read from Genesis to Revelation, Scripture begins with a wedding, ends with a wedding, and all through out The Bible the Kingdom of heaven is likened to a wedding; God’s desired relationship and covenant with His people Israel in the Old Testament, and The Church included in the New Testament–it’s always likened to a marriage covenant. We see books like Hosea, Ruth, and Song of Solomon really exemplifying this in the OT. In the New Testament, we read Jesus and Paul talking about the mystery of marriage being about Christ and us His Bride–the Church. Parables of Jesus’ point to this as well (check out Matthew 22:1-14 – the wedding feast, and Matthew 25:1-13 the ten virgins, for further mediation on this). Revelation, the final book shows a multitudinous crowd rejoicing because it’s time for the marriage supper, and the Bride has made herself ready–grown in maturity through this process of love, devotion, and obedience (see Rev 19:6-8).
I’m convinced that the Song of Solomon is one of the most fascinating, profound, and beautiful books of the entire Scripture canon, and this short book of eight chapters is relevant to all Christians, everywhere and in every generation. Whether you read it allegorically or not, it’s a key that helps unlock much of the rest of the Word of God and the ‘mysteries’ contained therein only make sense through the lens of the Love of God.
When Jesus was at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12) and they ran out of wine, His mother came to Him and addresses the issue. And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” (v. 4) For years, we have been taught and thought that it refers to it not having been Jesus’ time for public ministry. Others have taught this refers to Jesus’ work on the Cross that He is referring to in some kind of abstract kind of way. Both views and others like it are impossible.
Jesus stated that He only did what He saw his Father doing and whatever the Father does, the Son does (John 5:19). If it was not time for Jesus to have performed a miracle and He did it anyways, He would have been doing something outside the time and will of God. In that very moment, He would have sinned, but we know this was not so of the sinless lamb of God. No, Jesus knew no iniquity. Therefore, He could not have been referring to it not being the time for His public ministry.
What did He really mean? It was the Jewish custom for the groom’s father to have worked out with the family of the bride the details concerning the wedding arrangement, including the date of the actual ceremony. The Bridegroom would go to his father’s house and build a place for himself and his bride to live, usually attached to his father’s house. Remember, Jesus told His disciples–probably when their understanding hadn’t yet been opened to the fact He was viewing them as His collective Bride: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3) The Bridegroom would not know when the day was, but sometime after building the house, the father would then tell him “go, it’s time.” Jesus also told us regarding His return, “concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matt 24:36, Mark 13:32)
At that appointed time, the groom and his friends would leave his home and proceed to the home of the bride, where the marriage ceremony was conducted, often at night. Usually a servant was sent first some time ahead of the bridegroom, to ‘pave the way’ and awaken the bride and the virgins. Since the servant would not know which one was the bride, she would sleep in her wedding dress since the wedding ceremony would customarily be at night, and she more than likely would be awakened from sleep for it. After this the entire wedding party returned to the groom’s home for a celebratory feast. This engagement process could last any number of months, possibly a year or more if the bridegroom was preparing their place in a far distance away to travel to, and return from. As mentioned, many of Jesus’ parables or teachings regarding His return to the earth used wedding and marriage imagery they would be familiar with.
Why does this really matter? It was also the Bridegroom’s responsibility to prepare enough wine for the reception and celebration of His own wedding. When Jesus was stating that His time had not come and what did that have to do with Him, he was saying: “It is not time for me to prepare the wine of my own wedding yet.” Jesus went ahead and did the miracle because it was the Father’s timing for him at that moment to perform that miracle. Why? Because Jesus had to give just one more little glimpse that he is a lovesick Lover looking to prepare and present to Himself a pure and spotless Bride one in whom HE makes pure by washing her with His Word!
Remember Jesus’ disciples for a moment: these guys ran with Jesus, and at one point in Luke’s Gospel after Christ’s resurrection, it says He opened the Scriptures to them and open their eyes to understand, and they ‘recognized Him’. (Ch. 24:31-32) Of course you are gonna have a group of single guys, or gals, adults or married folks who in hearing they actually don’t unless understanding has been opened to who they are as His beloved. Of course they are going to be dull in hearing and totally misinterpret Scripture! We should not be surprised in any way at the reactions of the disciples had to some of the things Jesus told them and the crowds prior to this moment in their lives. Hence the reason we need to be washed with the Word, and have our mind renewed (Rom 12:1-2).
The reason this matters, is because it was and is all a part of The Plan. The Gospel is the ultimate love story. God loved you before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). He didn’t wait to see how you’d turn out before He decided to love you. He, in the form of a man on the cross, died to make a way for you to be included in His Bride, while you were yet dead in your sins (Col 2:13). Not only that, He made Himself vulnerable to your rejecting of His gift of eternal life, and relationship with Him, before you even entered the earth. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.” (Eph 2:4-5) Before you even had a chance to make a commitment to Him or to reject Him, and spend eternity separated from Him, He loved you and desired you. Before you even committed any sin that led to His sacrifice even being necessary. Ultimately, He died before His Bride even knew about it and that that was the plan.
There’s coming a time, a consummation of the ages, where The Wedding Feast will finally take place–and for the joy set before Him who endured the cross, despising its shame (Heb 12:2), Christ who died that you may be able to know Him and spend eternity with him–will finally get to. It’s up to you to decide if you want to be a part of that, since He’s done His part and is waiting…
 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/the-wedding-at-cana-why-did-jesus-really-make-the-wine-2732528.html

About the AuthorSteve has been a missionary to Europe for over 2 years, and currently serves in Peru, involved in a church plant and spreading the kingdom of God there. He is a contributing author on the Fire On Your Head Blog, which can be viewed at www.fireonyourhead.org and also co-hosts a bi-weekly podcast with another missionary, Fire On Your Head- The Podcast, at www.fireonyourhead.com Both sites dwell richly in Pentecostal/Charismatic themes within Christianity.

Author: Dr Simon Harding

 
Here we present a short outline of some of the critical concerns in the Pastoral Ministry. Based on and illustrated by 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus we can see that there are several points to consider. The two initial elements are really holding to sound doctrine and practical outworking but we can examine these in six main points before looking at the practical outworking in Paul’s life.
Paul outlines the main concerns:
1) Staying Power
Timothy 1:3 shows this staying power. This is emphasized famously in 2 Timothy 2:1 with the illustration of a soldier, athlete and a farmer. Also Paul emphasizes stewardship in 1 Timothy 1:18. Spiritual nourishment is also another aspect of staying power 1 Timothy 4:6. The principle of maintaining a heavenly hope is another aspect i.e. living as sojourners here on Earth and finally the principle of maintaining Biblical motives and goals.
2) False Teachers and Their Teaching
This is the second critical concern of pastoral ministry and can be shown by the challenges faced by Timothy by false teachers and their teachings. There were false teachers creeping into the church at Ephesus – this was the challenge as faced by Timothy as shown in 1 Timothy 1:3. Paul divided their doctrine into : a) strange or hetero doctrine e.g. deviating from Biblical standards in content, nature, scope or aim Titus 1:9 b) myths, consisting of endless genealogies – again part of man’s endless philosophical and religious speculations. In the present time we also face versions of the problem that faced Timothy. We see the rise of cults with false, heretical, mythological and fad like teachings. People are mixing these ideas with Scripture. These things happen when we fail to accept and to adhere to the Bible as a guide, as we should if we follow 2 Timothy 1:13. Also the misuse of the Bible through poor study habits, training and exegesis or a failure to relate our teaching to God’s design Titus 1:5, moral failure ot hypocrisy, spiritual carelessness and giving in to external pressure. In fact we can say that this is a very current problem in the church as it absorbs external influences – see the current state of the Church of England in this regard. The cure to the problem is to recognize the Bible as our final authority and submit our lives completely to God’s plan in our everyday life.
3) Understanding and Pursuing Biblical Goals
This is the third critical concern – avoiding futile human speculations for example 2 Timothy 3:7. The importance of love is here apparent with a good conscience and sincere faith with a pure heart
4) Failing to Aim Carefully
This is the fourth critical concern and is based on 1 Timothy 1:6 ‘ some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion’. This is a close relative to point three above and is based on Christ’s words “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you” Matthew 6:33
5) Impure Motives
People should not peddle the Word of God for personal gain 2 Corinthians 2:17. Also we should avoid covetousness 1 Timothy 6:5 and 10. A discussion of impure motives can be based around 1 Timothy 1:7 ‘they desire to be teachers of the law’ – the impure motive of the false teachers are revealed. Desiring (in Greek thelontes) literally means to ‘turn aside from’ showing the problem of ego and impure motives. There is in itself nothing wrong with wanting to be a teacher of the law but it depends on your motivation to do so i.e. do you covet money, position, power, prestige – like Simon the Sorcerer (Acts or Gehazi 2 Kings 5. If we operate in this way it is going directly against God – covetousness for position, possessions, fame etc are all very negative and impure motives. Jesus himself craved none of these things and He is our example. Paul tried to help with the advice set out in 1 Timothy 4:15 where he says ‘ pay close attention to yourself’ and then ‘to your teaching’. This means we should focus on Biblical standards as a guide for our own motivation. We should be aware we are not motivated by appearance, status, performance or gain. Impure motives are also a problem in that they lead to other issues such as a laid out in the critical concerns essay in this series.
6) Little or no understanding of the Word
The sixth critical concern of pastoral ministry is based on 1 Timothy 1:7 ‘ but they do not understand what they are saying or the things that they insist on so confidently’. This is a problem in the church today where some teachings may be shallow. More study is one antidote but we shall return to this in more detail. This occurs basically when people misconstrue Scripture, using it for their own ends, they are both adding to and misrepresenting it. Paul is aware of the problem as 1 Timothy 1:7 shows. The cure is to base teaching very closely on the Biblical text. We must basically hold to the Word and not let outside influences effect the teaching. Effective pastoral ministry means we must accurately study the Bible first with a view to one’s own life and then with a view of ministering the powerful truth to others. As John Stott says in his book ‘ Between Two Worlds’ ‘the best teachers in any filed of knowledge are those who remain students all their lives’ Paul himself emphasizes this is 1 Timothy 4:15 ‘take pains with these things, be absorbed in them so that your progress may be evident to all’.
This brings to a wider debate about why we study theology. The apostle Paul’s emphasis in the pastorals for social doctrine shows his concern for theology. It also matters to Jesus ! John 17:17 ‘Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word in truth’. Also it is a fact as the study notes suggest that we all have an existing theology of life anyway and for that reason it is vital to have the correct Bible based, Christ centered theology. Little or no understanding of the Word means bringing in non Biblical elements, being distracted, false theology, claiming we are too busy to study and not adhering to Scripture and the study of Scripture.
The benefits and dangers of knowledge.
Here are some of the benefits of knowing God’s truth: First Biblical knowledge gives direction in life. Jeremiah 10:23 is a good example of this but in a wider context the Bible is the guidebook for our lives. Secondly Biblical knowledge gives substance to one’s faith. We have to ask ourselves what backs up our faith if NOT the Bible. My favorite passage on faith is Mark 11:22. Thirdly and very importantly in the current chaotic world Biblical knowledge gives stability under pressure – we should know we have a hope that transcends this life. Hope can give stability Romans 5:1, 15:4
Fourthly Biblical knowledge gives us the ability to handle the World accurately and this is closely linked to a fifth point that Biblical knowledge equips us to detect and confront error. Sixth Biblical knowledge gives confidence to one’s daily walk with God – Colossians 2:2 we can find ‘ full assurance which understanding gives’ Finally Biblical knowledge filters out our fears and superstitions and I can personally testify to that!
On the other hand there are also four dangers of knowledge: 1) Knowledge can be dangerous when it lacks intelligent Biblical support. It is easy to quote wrongly for example and this can lead to dogmatism. 2) Also knowledge can be dangerous when it becomes an end in itself or to impress people. 3) Knowledge is also dangerous when not balanced with love and grace – leading to an intolerant spirit. 4) Finally knowledge can be dangerous when it remains theoretical and not mixed with action Colossians 1:9. These then are the principal benefits and dangers of knowledge. Let us now consider aspects of Mission example from the Bible:
Mission and Missionaries
Acts 13:1-4 reveals many essential aspects of mission to us. The first feature is that 1) God’s guidance came to those who were actively engaged in ministry Acts 13:2. I suppose this means that if we wish to know God’s will we could begin by doing what He has commanded in his Word.
2) God’s guidance was revealed, in part, through the ministry in which they were already engaged – it was an extension of what they had been doing Acts 13:2.
3) Thirdly God’s guidance extended the ministry of those who were doing their present ministry well – God promotes those who are already doing well at what HE gave them to do – we can see this in Matthew 25:14-30. Also God’s guidance was not only individual, but it also came about through the church. God’s guidance for Barnabas and Saul came to the church and through the church. This is interesting when we consider our own mission and source of mission.
5) Fifth, God’s guidance was only for the NEXT STEP, not for the entire future. God knows the entire future but may give it to us a piece at a time. God gave guidance in Barnabas and Saul’s mission at key points like their splitting into two teams Acts 15;36-41 and when they reach Mysia Acts 16:6-10. Also we can comment here ion the financial aspects of the mission. Paul did accept support from others but RARELY and only from Philippi. Paul supported himself often by his craft. This makes us think deeply about the financial support for our own missions Acts 20:33-35. Thus many traditional missionaries may be rejected these days but ‘tentmaker’ missionaries with other useful skills may be accepted more.
Before we continue and show further aspects of their actual mission on Cyprus there are a few other lessons we can learn from the setting aside of Barnabas and Saul. It should be noted in Acts 13:1-4 that there was a PLURALITY of gifted teachers in the church at Antioch – the church was not dependent on any one man. This paves the way for real church growth. We should also note the diversity of the leaders in the church at Antioch. They seemed to be a good racial, cultural and socio-economic mixture of people involved in the church. We could apply this to our modern churches. Our unity in the midst of diversity demonstrates the power of the Gospel (Ephesians 2:11-11).
On Cyprus
In the incident with Elymas Paul rises to the occasion. Here we have the change of name Acts 13:9 and Luke’s indication that Paul was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ v.9. Elymas had tried to keep the proconsul Sergius Paulus ignorant of the message of Barnabas and Saul but in the end he actually becomes an instrument by which God brings the proconsul to faith. ‘Then when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, because he was greatly astounded at the teaching about the Lord Acts 13:12. Let us now move on to Acts 13:13. ‘Then Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John left them and returned to Jerusalem’. Paul is now the perceived leader of this team. It may be that we can see that Barnabas did not grasp for the leadership he once had.
John the Baptist saw his pre-eminence come and go John 3:30 and even Jesus did not keep a grasp on this Philippians 2:3-8. This has implications for our own mission. If someone comes along, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we should not seek to stand in their way. It is here also that Barnabas and Paul split up over John Mark. In overall conclusion the sending out of Barnabas and Saul is the start of a new era in carrying out the Great Commission as the Gospel is now headed for ‘ the furthest parts of the earth’ Acts 1:8. We can learn much from looking at the facets of their being sent out by the Holy Spirit via the church.
Perhaps a final important point is that in Acts 13 Luke is deliberate in his avoidance of the spectacular aspects of His role in thrusting forth the missionary movement. Acts 12 was far more spectacular BUT the results of Acts 13 are in the end spectacular as the Gospel goes to the gentiles. We are. therefore, not to gauge the significance of a life or a ministry by its spectacularity. Another example would be Elijah, where God actually completes his work through less spectacular followers. This is very important when we consider our own mission and ministry – it is not the pomp and circumstance and spectacular aspects of our church that are important but the solid, stable long-term and widespread results. The saving of a single soul is of huge importance to the Lord as well as the spread of the Gospel on a world wide basis.
Dr Simon Harding
www.biblon.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/bible-aspects-of-christian-leadership-ministry-and-mission-2733823.html

About the Author

Author: Kathy Vincent

Knowing the order of the different stories in the Bible should not just be for seminary scholars.  Our kids should be getting a handle on God’s amazing Word as well.  Try this fun and free Bible activity to help your kids learn the order of the stories in the Bible.  I call it “Order Up!”
Here’s what you do:
This activity will take some preparation, however, you will find that the time you invest will be well worth it.  I have provided you with a list of 12 sets of different Bible stories within the Old Testament beginning with Creation and ending with Nehemiah calling Israel to rebuild the temple.  This game will be most effective and engaging if you can find actual pictures that portray the essence of each story.  You can actually do this quite easily by going online and googling: bible story pictures or even bible story coloring pages.  You could also use a children’s bible and cut out the different pictures.  Within each set of story pictures, place the ordinal number on the back of each.  For example, in the first set of stories, Creation would be first, Adam and Eve Disobey God would be second, Cain and Abel would be third and Noah’s Ark would be fourth.  Make sure, however, that the numbers do not show through to the other side.  Whatever kinds of pictures you choose, make sure you laminate them for long-term use.  This will be a game that you will want to play many times in order for your kids to learn the order of Bible history.  Once you have all your pictures, now make signs from either index cards or another kind of paper that says: first, second, third and fourth.  Laminate these as well.  Finally, you will need a table or a pocket chart upon which you can display your pictures and the ordinal numbers so that the children can place them in the correct order.
Here’s how to play this free Bible activity:
Tell your children the following:  Bible history is very important.  It helps us know God.  In fact, history is His-Story.  God has a beginning and end to this life on earth and each of us plays a part.  The people in the Bible were just as important as we are and it’s crucial that we know what happened in the Bible and when.  So, let’s play “Order Up!”
First, let’s divide the class into two teams.  I am going to place 4 pictures of different Bible stories down on the table.  They are not going to be in order.  It will be your team’s job to put them in order.  For every story you place in the correct order, your team will earn 100 points.  With each set of stories, I will help you get started by asking you a multiple-choice question.  If you get it right, you will automatically earn 100 points for your team and then you will get to pick one of the other story pictures and put it in its proper order.  It will be up to you to make a good guess at what order the other 3 stories belong in.  However, each guess could be your last.  Once you make an incorrect guess, the player who was guessing will have to sit down.  I will reveal the correct order of the stories.  Then it will be the next team’s turn for a new set of stories.  Remember, for each story that is correct, you earn 100 points for your team.  Let’s play!
Place the first set of 4 pictures on the table along with the ordinal numbers off to the side.  Have a child from the first team come up and ask them question #1 from the list below.  I’ve made the questions easy to answer so that the children are rewarded with some instant success. If the child answers correctly, place the picture from the question in its correct ordinal spot.  He now gets to choose a picture from the remaining 3 and make a guess as to which ordinal spot it should go.  With each success, he earns 100 points.
Below, you will find the 12 sets of Bible stories along with the multiple-choice questions.
Bible Story Sets
1.  1st – Creation, 2nd – Adam and Eve Disobey God, 3rd – Cain and Abel, 4th – Noah’s Ark
2.  1st – Noah’s Ark, 2nd – Tower of Babel, 3rd – God Gives His Promise to Abraham, 4th – Abraham Offers Isaac as a Sacrifice
3.  1st – Isaac Marries Rebekah, 2nd – Jacob Tricks Esau, 3rd – Jacob Dreams of Angels, 4th – Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
4.  1st – Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors, 2nd – Joseph’s Dreams, 3rd – Joseph Sold Into Slavery, 4th – Joseph Helps His Brothers
5.  1st – The Israelites are Made Slaves in Egypt, 2nd – Pharaoh’s Daughter Finds Moses, 3rd – Moses Meets God in the Burning Bush, 4th – 10 Plagues in Egypt
6.  1st – The Israelites Leave Egypt, 2nd – The Israelites Cross the Red Sea, 3rd – The Israelites are Fed Manna and Quail, 4th – The Israelites are Given 10 Commandments
7.  1st – Moses Given the 10 Commandments, 2nd – The Israelites Make a Golden Calf, 3rd – God Brings Water From a Rock, 4th – The Israelites Complain to God
8.  1st – Joshua and Caleb Explore Canaan, 2nd – Jericho’s Walls Come Tumbling Down, 3rd – Gideon Fights the Midianites, 4th – Samson and Delilah
9.  1st – Naomi and Ruth, 2nd – God Calls Samuel, 3rd – Saul is Made King, 4th – Samuel Anoints David as King
10.  1st – David and Goliath, 2nd – David and Jonathan, 3rd – Solomon Asks for Wisdom, 4th– Solomon Builds the Temple
11.  1st – Elijah Fed by Ravens, 2nd – The Widow of Zarephath, 3rd – Elijah on Mount Carmel, 4th – Elijah Taken Up to Heaven
12.  1st – Jonah and the Whale, 2nd – 3 Boys in a Fiery Furnace, 3rd – Esther Becomes Queen, 4th – Nehemiah Rebuilds the Temple
 
12 Questions
1.       If you have a brother or sister you’ve probably fought.  Unfortunately, fighting has been around since the beginning of time and Adam and Eve had two sons who had some problems.  One of the sons became very jealous of his brother and even killed him!
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  David and Jonathan
B.  Cain and Abel
C.  Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee
2.  I know it sound crazy, but this true story actually tells about people who thought they could build a tower all the way up to heaven!  God was not happy about this prideful venture and therefore gave everyone a different language.  There was a lot of babbling going on!
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  The Tower of Babel
B. The Eiffel Tower
C. Solomon’s Temple
3.  What would you do, if after your wedding, you found out you married the wrong person?  Well believe it or not, this happened to Jacob.  He was tricked and therefore ended up marrying 2 women!
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  Jacob Marries Lucy and Ethel
B. Jacob Marries Sarah and Hagar
C. Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
4.  Have you ever received something really special from one of your parents?  The boy in this Bible story did.  It was a beautiful coat made especially for him.  Hmm…I wonder if his brother got jealous?
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  Moses and the 10 Commandments
B. Joseph and His Coat of Many Colors
C. David and His Sling Shot
5.  Cows dying!  Blood soaked water and swarms of grasshoppers!  No, it’s not the newest scary movie.  It’s the plagures God brought to Egypt.  I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I wasn’t there!  How about you?
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  The 10 Plagues of Egypt
B. The 10 Commandments
C. The 10 Little Indians
6.  Slavery is horrible!  The Israelites knew this to be very true.  For years and years they prayed that God would deliver them out of Egypt and finally one day it happened.  Through Moses; obedience the children of God could finally leave Egypt.
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  Abraham Leaves for the Promised Land
B. The Israelites leave Egypt
C. The Animals Leave Noah’s Ark
7.  While Moses was getting the 10 Commandments from God, the Israelites were breaking the first and second laws – you shall have not other gods before me and you shall not make for yourself an idol.  But there they were in the desert making and worshiping a golden calf.  Tsk, tsk, tsk…
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  The Israelites Make Hamburgers
B. The Israelites Complain to God
C. The Israelites Make a Golden Calf
8.  Do you think it’s possible for a really, really small army to have victory over a really big army?  It is if God’s in charge.  And in this story Gideon trusted God as he and his small army of soldiers fought the Midianites.
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  Gideon Fights the Midianites
B. David Fights Goliath
C. Daniel Fights the Lions
9.  The priest Samuel was given a very important job to do.  He was given the honor of anointing the next king of Israel.  But Samuel was surprised that God had chosen the youngest of 12 brothers to be the king.  But God knew what He was doing!
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  Solomon is Anointed King of Israel
B. David is Anointed King of Israel
C. Bugs Bunny is Anointed King of Israel
10.  Have you ever had a best friend?  You know, someone who you trust and can tell all your secrets to.  David had a best friend.  His name was Jonathan and helped David save his life.
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  David Fights Goliath
B. David in the Lion’s Den
C. David and Jonathan are Friends
11.  Did you know that there’s a Bible story about a man who never died?  It’s true!  He went straight to heaven without dying.  In fact, this man was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  Elijah Taken to Heaven
B. Joseph Taken to Prison
C. Elijah Taken to Mount Carmel
12.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve always thought this Bible story was a bit “fishy.”  But then again if you were stuck inside a whale, it would be very fishy and smelly too!
What Bible story am I talking about?
A.  Moby Dick
B. Jonah and the Whale
C. The Little Mermaid

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/order-up-a-free-bible-activity-for-your-elementary-children-2733517.html

About the AuthorNext, if you liked this Sunday School/Homeschooling idea, then sign up to receive Scripture Lady’s Free Email Newsletter packed full with creative ideas and receive 6 FREE Bible Review Games to help get the kids you minister to excited about the Bible! Just click here: http://myfreebiblegames.com/
 
Kathy Vincent is the director of a performing ministry for children called The Scripture Lady and has been traveling around Southern California for the past 15 years ministering to preschoolers and elementary aged children with the Word of God through musical, thematic presentations. She is also a regular seminar speaker, author/creator of over 30 products for the Christian children’s worker and a veteran homeschooling mom of two.