Memorial Day Reflections

As we celebrate this weekend with family and friends join me in remembering our love ones in prayer and all who have sacrificed so much for Democracy and freedom as well as our fellow countryman who are currently away from their love ones serving for the same cause. Let’s celebrate in love, peace and joy in our activities.

Willie B White
Goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com

A Loving Community

Philemon 1:7

Our scripture text is taken from Paul’s personal letter to the man named Philemon during his time of imprisonment at Rome. Philemon was a slave owner and church member of the Colossian church. Philemon’s slave was Onesimus who escaped Rome for his freedom and through divine intervention made contact with Paul and the two became father and son in the ministry as Onesimus was a faithful and loyal servant to Paul and Christ. When the time came for Onesimus to be returned to Philemon Paul made several appeals on Onesimus’ behalf, one of which was to receive him back as a brother in Christ (vv 15-16) and stated that Onesimus was useful/profitable to him and could have the same profitability to Philemon if treated as a brother in Christ.

This story has some appealing love affects in that through Christ love supersedes all boundaries; all humanity owes a debt of gratitude to Christ for his immeasurable love. In regards to the Christian Community it displays immeasurable love for all while recognizing there is no respect of persons in God’s eye sight. Verse 16 solidifies this fact when Paul states that Onesimus is no longer a slave but a beloved brother in Christ.

This question comes to mind, being a loving Christian community how do we receive and treat one who is less in social status? There is a saying that one must be careful how we treat others because we may be entertaining angels unaware?

Author's Contact

wwhite@goodshpeherdwritingandpublishing.com

www.goodshpeherdwritingandpublishing.com

Called Ministerial Leaders of Christ’s Church

Ephesians 4:11


Today’s discussion is the last component of our study on called leaders in Christ’s Church; our focus today will be evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

Let’s begin by asking the question; who are evangelists and what is their ministry? According to the New Testament evangelist were those persons called by God as they were gifted, anointed and commissioned to proclaim the gospel of Christ-the Good News. Evangelist were to carry the message of Christ and His kingdom to cities and all unsaved persons (individuals) to stir up their faith (Acts 8:4-40). There is salvation in the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit by which all men can be saved (Romans 1:16-17). Today, evangelists are to serve the same purpose as they are called by God.

In Acts 21:8, we see the ministry of Philip, the powerhouse evangelist, and his ministry paints a clear picture of the work, ministry and importance of evangelists. From the evangelistic ministry of Philip we have the following (a) he preached the gospel of Christ (Acts 8:4-5.35). (b) Many were saved and baptized with water from Philip’s preaching (Acts 8:6, 12). (c) “Signs, miracles, healing and deliverance from evil spirits accompanied Philips preaching” (Acts 8:6-7, 13). (d) Philips desired that all new converts be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts8:12-17; 2:38; 19:1-6).
If the question were raise, what happens to those churches who fail to support evangelistic ministry? Will they experience church growth by gaining new converts? According to Acts 2:14-41 churches who value the ministerial gifts of evangelists and have a sincere love for saving the lost through proclaiming the gospel message of Christ and its convicting work will witness growth.

From this segment of our discussion, we will segway to pastors and their ministry. Pastors are those persons/individuals whose calling and ministry gifts cause them to devote themselves to shepherding, overseeing and caring for the spiritual need of a local congregation. Acts 20:17 pastors they are called “elders” and in 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7 they are called “bishops”. Regardless of their title they are the overseers of Christ’s Church called by Him. Pastors have two main functions as overseers of Christ’s Church; they are to promote faith and guard the faith. This is accomplished through teaching God’s Word (Ephesians 4:15-16) and exercising spiritual leadership in the church (1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy3:1-5). According to Titus 2:7-8 pastors are to be an example of purity and sound doctrine, and they are to see that all believers remain in God’s grace (Hebrews 12:15; 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2). Also, pastors are to safeguard apostolic truth and they are to watch for false teachers and doctrines within the church as they guard God’s flock (Acts 20-28-31). More importantly, pastors are to function/serve as shepherds as Jesus Christ is their perfect example as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16; 1 Peter 2:5; 5:2-4). With that be said, pastors are essential to Christ’s Church and it behooves every church to call godly and faithful pastors who will govern/oversee the church as God designed through the leading of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Any church that is not being led by godly and faithful pastors is ripe for the destructive forces of Satan and the world (Acts 20:28-31). This is because God’s Word will become distorted and the standards of the gospel will be lost (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Church members and their families will not be cared for according to God’s plan, and then the church ceases to be the light of the community or a spiritual healing station for sinners. While on the other hand churches that are being led by godly and faithful pastors will persevere in the teaching of Christ and the apostles as this ensure salvation for self and all who hear (1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:2).

Now that we have discussed evangelists and pastors; let us look at teachers and their importance in Christ’s Church. Teachers are gifted spiritual leaders alongside apostles, and prophets who has a special gift given by God to clarify, expound and proclaim His Word with effectiveness and power to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:12).

The question now becomes what are some of the tasks/duties of teachers? 2 Timothy 1:11-14 states in part that teachers are to guard the gospel that has been entrusted to them with the help of the Holy Spirit. Teachers are to remain faithful and point the church to Biblical revelation and the original message of Christ and the apostles. Teachers help equip “the saints for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:12).

More importantly, teachers are vital to God’s purpose for His church as their principal purpose is Biblical teaching to preserve truth and produce holiness in God’s people. This is accomplished by leading Christ’s body—the church into an uncompromising commitment to the godly lifestyle set forth in God’s Word. The evidence of Christian learning manifests itself in ones life because ones life shows love, purity, faith and godliness. I Timothy 1:5 describes the attributes of true Christian teachers by what they teach out of the purity of their hearts, genuine love for God and His message, as well as their call to teach, their faith in their ministry and the godliness of their lives.

The question now becomes, what happens to the church that rejects or refuses to hear God’s called teacher and theologians who remain faithful to scripture? The church that rejects and or refuses to hear the “Word” runs the risk of being swept away by any and every new wind of doctrine as these teachings will be uncritically accepted as well as religious experiences and human ideas rather than the revealed truth that God Himself ordained. It is noteworthy to say the “church” that listens to godly teachers and theologians will have its teachings and practices measured by the testimony of the gospel that was handed by Jesus Christ Himself. Lastly, God’s Word is the ultimate measure and authority of all teaching and the church that stands on God’s Word will prevail over other churches and institutions that operate in name only.

Concluding this discussion, the ministerial gifts discussed is essential to Christ’s Church in that He set forth these leaders to carry on His church. Therefore, answer the call when called.

Happy Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY


Mothers you are the epitome of proverbs 31:10-31, a virtuous woman, priceless in your value, having immeasurable strength, and possessing godly character in all that you do in your home, church and community.

Mothers, today is your day of recognition for all that you do daily.




Love,
Willie White
Author, Publisher, Christian Educator
Good Shepherd Writing and Publishing LLC

Apostles and Prophets

We will begin our discussion on the five leadership positions in Christ’s church. Tod day we will discuss Apostles and prophets.

I. Apostle- an apostle referrers to those persons or individuals called, commissioned and given special authority by Jesus Christ to be His representative in proclaiming His gospel and establishing His church (Ephesians 2:20;3:5). In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus refers to Himself as an apostle and the 12 disciples in Matthew 10:2, Paul is a notable apostle (Roman 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; I Corinthians15:9 and there are others, Barnabas and James Jesus’ half brother, Andronicus and Junias (Acts 14:4, 14, Romans 16:7; Galatians 1:19; 2:8-9; 1Thesalonains 2:6-7). Also, the term apostle means being used in a special way to identify those qualified to bear Spirit-inspired witness to Christ. The twelve disciples fit this category. The first century apostles lay in their calling to write Scripture and having the same authority as those in the OT. The apostles who wrote scripture are distinguished from all Christian leaders who followed them. However all apostles and Christians leaders are spirit-filled. What is the apostolic deposit? It is the safeguards the integrity of Christian teaching in all ages. To reject the inspired revelation of NT apostolic truths is to cease being a church according to the Biblical patterns and is essentially rejecting the Lord Himself (John 16:13-15; I Corinthians 14:36-38; Galatians 1;9-11). What are we to do? We are to believe in the NT apostolic message, obey it and guard it against all distortions and remain true to the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28; II Timothy 1;14), as this guaranteed God’s continues blessing and presence within the church (Ephesians 2:20). It is noteworthy to say that certain aspects of the apostolic leadership were intended to continue throughout the church history (Ephesians 4;11-13), but to encourage the recognition of apostolic ministries in the church today it is helpful to use terms like “apostolic” leaders or functions rather than the office of apostle as this point in history. However, to discourage the misuse of the title “apostle” is to place the importance on apostolic functions and Biblical services associated with pioneer ministries.

II. Prophets - in the NT were those gifted spiritual leaders who were uniquely gifted in receiving and communicating direct revelation from God by the Holy Spirit to the people. One of their main concerns or functions of the church was its purity and spiritual life. Under the NT they were raised up and empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring the message from God to His people (Acts 2:17; 4:8; 21:4).
a. The OT prophets are the foundation for understanding the prophetic ministry in the early church. They spoke the Word of God by the Holy Spirit to encourage His people to remain faithful to Him in their covenant relationship. They sometimes predicted the future as the Spirit revealed it. Christ and the apostles serve as examples of the OT ideal (Acts 3: 22-23; 13:1-21).
b. How do prophets function in the NT church? In the NT church they have a five-fold ministry, which are (a) they are Spirit-filled proclaimers, called by God to warn, exhort, comfort and edify (Acts 2:14-36; 3:12-26; I Corinthians 12:10; 14:3). (b) They exercised the gift of prophecy. (c) At times seers who foretold the future (Acts 11:28; 21:10-11). (d) like the OT prophets they were called to expose sin, proclaim righteousness, warn of judgment to come, and combat worldliness and Luke warmness among god’s people (Luke 1:14-17).
c. What are the character, burdens and desires of the Prophets? Prophets’ character, burden, desires and abilities include (a) a zeal for church purity (John 17: 15-17; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:22-25). (b) A deep sensitivity to evil and the capacity to identify unrighteousness (Romans 12; 9; Hebrews 1:9). (c) A keen understanding of the danger of false teachings (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15; Galatians 1:9). (d) An inherent dependence on God’s Word to validate the prophet’s message (Luke 4:17-19; 1 Corinthians 15; 3-4; 2 Timothy 3:16). (e) A concern for the spiritual success of God’s kingdom and a sharing in God’s feelings (Matthew 21; 11-13; 23:37; Luke 13:34; John 2:14-17; Acts 20:27-31).
d. How are the prophets’ message validated? The prophets messages were validated through the church, other prophets, and God’s Words to test whether their witness was from God (1 Corinthians 14:29-33; 1 John 4:1).
e. Prophets remain essential to the church and God’s purpose. The church that rejects God’s prophets will decline in their spiritual discernment and begin to drift toward worldliness and comprise Biblical truth (1 Corinthians 14:3; Matthew 23:31-37; Luke 11:49; Acts 7:51-52). If the church with its leaders hears the voice of the prophets, it will be moved to a renewed life and fellowship with Christ, because sin will be forsaken, and the presence of the Spirit will be evidenced among the faithful believers (1 Corinthian 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; Revelation 3:20-22). Lastly, if prophets are not allowed to rebuke sin, and unrighteousness (John 16:8-11) as well as bring words of encouragement, then the church will become a place where the voice of the Spirit is stifled or muted (II Timothy3:1-9; 4:3-5; II Peter 2:1-3, 12-22). If the voices of the prophets are muted, then Ecclesiastical politics and worldly powers will replace the Spirit III Timothy 3:1-9; 4:3-5; II Peter 2:1-3, 12-22). The question now become, do we want the voices of the prophets silenced?

The Clall of Abraham

Genesis 12:1

Last week we discussed the “call” in general; now let us look at Abraham being called by God. Verse 1 state, “get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.” This separation was necessary for Abraham and all believers as they must be separated from the world. Hebrews 11:13 describes Abraham acting in faith in God and journeying to a foreign land promised by God.

There are six (6) components in Abraham’s call. The first component involved Abraham separating himself from his countrymen and the significance of this separation is that God’s people must separate themselves from all that hinders them from doing His purpose in their lives.

The second component involves three (3) promises God made, and they are: (1) a land, (2) a great nation through his (Abraham’s) descendents, (3) a blessing that would affect all the nations of the earth (Genesis 12:2-3). The last element of this promise is being fulfill in the missionary proclamation of the gospel of Christ (Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:8).

The third component of God’s call to Abraham involved both an earthly and a land where God is the architect and builder—heaven. Abraham desired to live forever in the presence of God--this is the desire of all believers.

The fourth component of God’s call to Abraham contained both promises and obligations which includes obedience and commitment to Him in order to receive the promises. If the question were raised, what is included in God’s obligations and commitment? What’s included is (a) trust in God’s Word, (b) obedience to God’s command to leave his home, and (c) a sincere desire to live a righteous life. All believers must adhere to these obligations and remain committed to God.

The fifth component of God’s call entails the blessings that would extend beyond Abraham’s physical descendents but to all who in faith believe in Jesus Christ, who is the true seed of Abraham, and all who with him (Abraham) will receive the promised blessings. Galatians 3:14 states that all who believe in Jesus Christ shall receive the “promise of the Spirit.”
The sixth component of Abraham’s call is the beginning of the Hebrew nation and because of Abraham’s obedience to God’s call he is looked upon as one with true saving faith.

Allow me to segway to some of the notables who exhibited great faith and they are, (a) Abel’s faith in God cost him is life. (b) Enoch’s faith resulted in him not seeing death and was transported to heaven by God. (c) Noah’s faith cost him his reputation in the community, because he stood on God’s promise of rain. (d) Sarah in faith conceived a son in her old age. (d) Isaac by faith blessed both of his sons, Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. (e) Jacob before his death blessed his son Joseph. (f) The parents of Moses hid him for three months believing that he would be saved from the king’s command to kill all boy babies of a certain age. (g) Moses himself through faith refused the easy life of Pharaoh and his sister to live among his people and became Israel’s leader. (h) Through faith the walls of Jericho fell under the leadership and direction of Joshua. (i) Through faith Rehab, the harlot received the spies with peace and was rewarded.

Hebrews 11:32 records many other heroes of faith who did great things for the Lord. Verses 33-34 provide us with some insight into the greatness of faith in action. Kingdoms were subdued, mouths of lions were shut and fiery furnaces failed to consume God’s faithful. What faith!

If God calls you to special service for Him, answer in faith.

Your comments and thoughts are welcome.
Author’s contact:
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com

A Call to Service

Ephesians 4:4

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.

Today’s discussion is a continuation of March 18, 2010’s discussion titled, Ministerial Leadership Gifts for Christ’s Church: Ephesians 4:11 in preparation for my lecture series on said topic. I felt moved to discuss at length the different ministry leaders as it relate to the body of Christ and spreading His message of the gospel.

There is an on-going discussion taking place regarding women preachers. The question was, If God called you (woman) to preach? This discussion began on one of the Christian social network sites where I am a member. My answer to the question was who am I to say who God calls. For me personally, if God call me to preach that what I will do---God called me to teach. Simply, He is the creator and keeper of my soul, then, why fear man and others when neither have a heaven or hell to put you in. It is better to obey God than man any day! What did God say about pouring out His Spirit on all flesh?

Getting back to our topic of being called, as a believer in Christ each of us have been given a gift of ministry in the body of Christ, it may not be in a leadership position, but each member of His body have the responsibility to tell others about Christ and what He has done in your life---witness.
Let’s answer the question, what is a call? According to Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary (P. 143), the word has over 20 different representation in the Hebrew and Greek text, but it has four different meanings as it relate to our discussion and they are (a) “To speak out in the way of prayer—“Call unto me, and I will answer thee” (Jeremiah 33:3). (b) To name a person or thing—“and God called the light day” (Genesis 1:5). (c) To summon or appoint---“I will call all the families of the kingdom of the earth” (Jeremiah 1:15). (d) To invite men to accept salvation through Christ. Most importantly, a call is by God through the Holy Spirit, and is heavenly (Hebrews 3:1) and holy (II Timothy 1:9). I Corinthians 1:26 and 7:20 use the word in a particular sense, as referring to that condition of life which men (humanity) were when they became Christians.

Before I close today’s discussion, let us compare the definition of “call” as recorded in The Student Bible Dictionary (P. 55) which states that “the noun form of the word is a summons or an appointment from God to serve Him in a specific way for a specific purpose ( I Samuel 3:4; Isaiah 6; 49:1). The verb form of the word is to “invite to become a follower of Christ---a Christian (Matthew 9:13; Philippians 3:14. Depend on God; invite His attention in prayer (Genesis 4:26; Jeremiah 33:3). Also, it means to name or describe, which often includes the beginning of a relationship with a person or thing (Genesis 1:5; 2:19; Matthew 1:21; Mark 10:18). See the similarities in the two definitions?

Allow me to close today’s discussion at this point and we will continue this discussion with the Call of Abraham and other patriarchs and notable women in the Bible as our examples of God’s calling persons to ministry in next week’s discussion. I am laying the ground work for Ministerial Leadership discussion by pointing out the fact God call whomever He please as all believers are called to service.

Closing thought and question, many Christians are called to be ministers. What do you think God is calling you to do or be? Have you answered your call?

As always your comments and thoughts are welcome. Post them to my website or blog site noted below. I am in the process of establishing and implementing the upload and interactive capabilities from my website.

Contact: wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpbulishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com