Wednesday, July 29, 2009
New Videos on Website
I know my website seldom changes, however! I have finally added some video. These are excerpts of longer sermons that we will have available on DVD.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Living above the realm of the enemy
Living above the realm of the enemy
The bible cast our enemy as the “accuser of our brethren”. (Rev. 12:10 KJV) An accuser is someone who charges others with fault. By contrast Jesus is a forgiver who does not hold our faults against us when we trust in Him. In the gospel of John this story is record about Jesus faced with accusers of a woman found in adultery.
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” ...“All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:4,7b,9-11 NLT)
A major focus God has put on my heart for this church has been living with a transformed mind. This is accomplished by allowing the application of the living word to recreate the abundance of your heart. Your thoughts change, motives change, value system changes everything is being made new. This is evident by the words of your mouth. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Mat. 12:34b KJV) What then is the abundance of your heart? Is it dwelling in the camp of the enemy through accusation of fault?
Have you ever claimed to have forgiven someone of a fault, and then went on to share the past wrong with someone else? You are then an accuser of the brethren. You are allowing the enemy a stronghold in your life through never letting go of past wrongs. Once there is a stronghold of the enemy firmly in place your life you are the one who will suffer. The bitterness and resentment eat at you and often people begin to question God, “why did you not defend me?” There are times I have seen this anger and unforgiveness that last years. Still claiming to be innocent and righteous, the accuser plants character destroying seeds of distrust about others at every opportunity.
So what is the way of the transformed mind? How do we live above the realm of our enemy? First, “Have this mind in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:5 KJV) When Jesus hung on the cross He prayed “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34 NLT) If you do not believe that is possible for anyone other then Jesus consider Stephen. While Stephen was being stoned to death, “He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.” (Acts 7:60 NLT) While he was being stoned to death a painful slow process he asked God not to charge it against them! With a transformed mind we know God is the final judge we can trust in Him.
“And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah (Psalm 50:6) God does not need our help in judgment or in accusation. Let go of all wrongs as God forgave you so you forgive others. Hold your tongue of all past wrongs and you will be able to tear down the stronghold of satan.
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt. 6: 14-15 NLT)
The bible cast our enemy as the “accuser of our brethren”. (Rev. 12:10 KJV) An accuser is someone who charges others with fault. By contrast Jesus is a forgiver who does not hold our faults against us when we trust in Him. In the gospel of John this story is record about Jesus faced with accusers of a woman found in adultery.
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” ...“All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:4,7b,9-11 NLT)
A major focus God has put on my heart for this church has been living with a transformed mind. This is accomplished by allowing the application of the living word to recreate the abundance of your heart. Your thoughts change, motives change, value system changes everything is being made new. This is evident by the words of your mouth. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Mat. 12:34b KJV) What then is the abundance of your heart? Is it dwelling in the camp of the enemy through accusation of fault?
Have you ever claimed to have forgiven someone of a fault, and then went on to share the past wrong with someone else? You are then an accuser of the brethren. You are allowing the enemy a stronghold in your life through never letting go of past wrongs. Once there is a stronghold of the enemy firmly in place your life you are the one who will suffer. The bitterness and resentment eat at you and often people begin to question God, “why did you not defend me?” There are times I have seen this anger and unforgiveness that last years. Still claiming to be innocent and righteous, the accuser plants character destroying seeds of distrust about others at every opportunity.
So what is the way of the transformed mind? How do we live above the realm of our enemy? First, “Have this mind in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:5 KJV) When Jesus hung on the cross He prayed “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34 NLT) If you do not believe that is possible for anyone other then Jesus consider Stephen. While Stephen was being stoned to death, “He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.” (Acts 7:60 NLT) While he was being stoned to death a painful slow process he asked God not to charge it against them! With a transformed mind we know God is the final judge we can trust in Him.
“And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah (Psalm 50:6) God does not need our help in judgment or in accusation. Let go of all wrongs as God forgave you so you forgive others. Hold your tongue of all past wrongs and you will be able to tear down the stronghold of satan.
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt. 6: 14-15 NLT)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
New Ministries Here at FCC
There are a few new ministries starting here at FCC. First, the angels prayer ministry which is evolving into an intercessory pray ministry. This is very important part of what God wants to create within this church. The contact person is Betty Benedict, I urge you to contact her to find out more. We also have a group of ladies meeting and creating quilts while getting to know each other better. The contact person is Paula Hartley.
I am encouraged to see so many new ways to connect and strengthen others. I pray that God will bless these efforts.
I am encouraged to see so many new ways to connect and strengthen others. I pray that God will bless these efforts.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Saturday July 11th
This Saturday we are convoying to Ceder Rapids to be in worship at River of Life Church with Darrell Evans. Our group will leave from the church at 4:45 service will start at 6:00. Plan on going this will be a great experience in worship!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
My sympathy and prayers
To all of my family on the Byrns side. Deana, India and I are praying for you at this time. We are praying that with this passing the love of Jesus will be given a time to shine in your hearts. I believe and (I understand this through prayer) while asking God about my grandmother. That she was holding on during this time of physical suffering allowing God to work through past hurts and spiritual needs. Growing up Catholic as she did and most of you have, there is a lot of misinformation that makes death a confusing and always a fearful event. Thankfully the real Jesus is full of grace and mercy and finds us even when we have not been given the most direct path to Him. She was unsure of all the "levels" the requirements the heavy burdens place on her that give no assurance. Had she been good enough? Had she been obedient to the "system" of prayers and penance? In the end Jesus made it clear to her, it was never by works it was always by faith in Him that you are saved. There is no fear when we trust in Jesus, she left her body and by faith entered into heaven. "To be absent from the body is to be present with Christ" not purgatory. It took time to come to this faith, some time with just Jesus, internal healing time. Not because she was so far from God but because sometimes we can be made so confused about God. It is hard to leave behind the legalism that the "church" had wanted to make us a part of. But in the end I have faith and assurance from prayer that He made it all clear. She was able to let go and just trust He is more willing to catch us then we have ever been told.
Have faith in Him that you will see her again. Not just to see her, but because a God this great is worth having faith in and wanting to know.
Be made whole and release the pain of grief. Our love and prayers.
Colton
Have faith in Him that you will see her again. Not just to see her, but because a God this great is worth having faith in and wanting to know.
Be made whole and release the pain of grief. Our love and prayers.
Colton
The Codex Sinaticus Online
This is an interesting site for anyone interested in original language study. The Codex Sinaticus is the oldest biblical text known in the world and it has now been put online. Enjoy
http://www.codex-sinaiticus.net/en/
http://www.codex-sinaiticus.net/en/
Saturday, July 4, 2009
False Christianity
False Christianity has deceived millions with a focuses on a set of rules that are chiefly external. It is a religious spirit that lulls a person into a false sense of security. Deceived by piety they have measured themselves not by the Word of God but by their neighbor. They falsely trust in regular church attendance and a good reputation in the community. They often lean on clean speech and self-control from visible worldly passions. Commendable traits, but not very impressive to God.
A religious spirit is often more concerned with Patriotism then true Christianity. Church is merely a part of being a “good” American to which they show an equal amount of dedication too as their local football team. Their Christian faith is simply a part of their families heritage, a small part of their identity. Willing to adhere to several of the churches “goals” for a person . A strong family structure, high work ethic and maintaining good reputation. They become offended by any call to the biblical view of complete surrender to Jesus. Challenge yourself! What place of honor does Jesus hold in your life? What place has He been given in your family? In your church? Who do you serve?
A religious spirit is often more concerned with Patriotism then true Christianity. Church is merely a part of being a “good” American to which they show an equal amount of dedication too as their local football team. Their Christian faith is simply a part of their families heritage, a small part of their identity. Willing to adhere to several of the churches “goals” for a person . A strong family structure, high work ethic and maintaining good reputation. They become offended by any call to the biblical view of complete surrender to Jesus. Challenge yourself! What place of honor does Jesus hold in your life? What place has He been given in your family? In your church? Who do you serve?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
More on Covering
Covering is a huge subject but keeping love as the main essential of covering and not "man control" keeps the deception out of the subject! I like it that God established the covering and that man walks in that which God has the ultimate control. - Eva Bickhart
That is true we must always be guided by the Holy Spirit who operates in love. I have noticed a dangerous trend of the pendulum of thought. Once it was identified that there had been a misuse of truth. In this case leadership using the covering to have control over others lives to satisfy their own need for power. The pendulum went back so far away from the truth that the focus turned away from Biblical truth. The church was left with leadership only capable of a worldly concept of servant leadership. This happened both in the roles of Pastors and in the role of husband. In the end this lead to a lack of real covering in peoples lives the result was real tragedy, sheep lost for direction and easy pray for the enemy. Consider the average “high church” in America they lack any real leadership. As a result the church is filled with divorce, rebellious teenagers, teen promiscuity and the list goes on. There is no respect for fathers, husbands or Pastors, people only want to hear about the leaders role as servants and not the role of submission. This attitude has created a lot of painful and it is a direct result of the rejection of biblical covering. When we cover one another in love, search the scripture and lend ourselves to prophetic leadership we create clear paths for our lives and those that follow us.
That is true we must always be guided by the Holy Spirit who operates in love. I have noticed a dangerous trend of the pendulum of thought. Once it was identified that there had been a misuse of truth. In this case leadership using the covering to have control over others lives to satisfy their own need for power. The pendulum went back so far away from the truth that the focus turned away from Biblical truth. The church was left with leadership only capable of a worldly concept of servant leadership. This happened both in the roles of Pastors and in the role of husband. In the end this lead to a lack of real covering in peoples lives the result was real tragedy, sheep lost for direction and easy pray for the enemy. Consider the average “high church” in America they lack any real leadership. As a result the church is filled with divorce, rebellious teenagers, teen promiscuity and the list goes on. There is no respect for fathers, husbands or Pastors, people only want to hear about the leaders role as servants and not the role of submission. This attitude has created a lot of painful and it is a direct result of the rejection of biblical covering. When we cover one another in love, search the scripture and lend ourselves to prophetic leadership we create clear paths for our lives and those that follow us.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Notes on Covering
This post are my notes from a class I taught during our midweek meetings. It fits in with what we have been learning lately so I decided to post them. Although it does not have a lot of extra information other then the texts used, by following the scripture you can gain an understanding of covering in the body. Your comments or questions are welcomed.
We are set in the body.
1 Corinthians 12: 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.
Everyone has a place in the body. Every person is important, consider any ecosystem and how each part needs another part to function. The church works the same way.
1 Corinthians 12
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our unsightly parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Ephesians 4:
4: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The body of Christ was created to bring us to the image of Christ.
Ephesians 4:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes an increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
There is a misunderstanding that because Jesus is the head of every believer then there is no covering or line of authority in the church. If that is the case then Paul had no grounds to instruct believers in his day. He did so base on His apostleship.
We are thinking in the carnal mind when we resist people who love us and try to instruct us in the way of Christ.
Consider Hebrews 13:16-18
16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
We are not only spiritually enabled by the body of Christ we are physically emotionally upheld. When we yield to the Holy Spirit who places us in His desired place in the body we find the strength for Christ-like living.
1 Corinthians 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
This is the image of the body working as God intended to bring us closer to Christ.
Acts 2: 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"
41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Revival had come to the Church and you see how the Holy Spirit directed everyone to care for each other.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
NASB 5: 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Emotional support = This depicts a body of trust and desire to see people grow.
Romans 12:3-5 (King James Version)
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
We are not in a competition or should and truly Godly person want to control or exploit.
However, when God calls a person to their office they must serve it as one serving the Lord and not man.
1 Peter 5
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resist the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
This calling to be in subjection to Christ and then each other as a body working under a spiritual “covering” is against the will of our flesh.
But imagine the true image of the Body working as one under the headship of Christ.
Trusted source for spiritual direction, being released to minister and do your part. The body becomes an instrument of healing, physical and emotional.
The term covering has been used a lot in the church lately as a form of control. There is leadership, offices needed to keep organization and allow everyone to work together. Their calling is to keep out the “wolves” and care for the “lambs”. Nurture people, love people, and guide people.
Everyone from apostle to layperson (if there is such a thing) is apart of the body. In Christ we are all subject to each other in love! The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are subject to Christ and to others because Jesus style leadership is serving. Although they make themselves servants to others by God's will they serve them through leadership!
If everyone did their part.
Not if every one did there part on their committee, but if everyone allowed the gifts that God gave them to be used in the Body of Christ.
People who could be evangelists (not the kind that go from church to church exhorting) true evangelists people who go into the field and seeks the lost.
Care givers giving care, people of great faith encouraging, the older women teaching the younger woman and men doing the same.
Teachers teaching not only in Sunday School but in homes.
Elders giving counsel to younger families.
The Pastor guiding the spiritual direction of the Church.
The church functioning in all the gifts of the Spirit for the empowerment of all believers!
This image of the Bride is incredible, my prayer is that we will submit ourselves to the vision of biblical covering.
We are set in the body.
1 Corinthians 12: 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.
Everyone has a place in the body. Every person is important, consider any ecosystem and how each part needs another part to function. The church works the same way.
1 Corinthians 12
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our unsightly parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Ephesians 4:
4: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The body of Christ was created to bring us to the image of Christ.
Ephesians 4:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes an increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
There is a misunderstanding that because Jesus is the head of every believer then there is no covering or line of authority in the church. If that is the case then Paul had no grounds to instruct believers in his day. He did so base on His apostleship.
We are thinking in the carnal mind when we resist people who love us and try to instruct us in the way of Christ.
Consider Hebrews 13:16-18
16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
We are not only spiritually enabled by the body of Christ we are physically emotionally upheld. When we yield to the Holy Spirit who places us in His desired place in the body we find the strength for Christ-like living.
1 Corinthians 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
This is the image of the body working as God intended to bring us closer to Christ.
Acts 2: 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"
41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Revival had come to the Church and you see how the Holy Spirit directed everyone to care for each other.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
NASB 5: 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Emotional support = This depicts a body of trust and desire to see people grow.
Romans 12:3-5 (King James Version)
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
We are not in a competition or should and truly Godly person want to control or exploit.
However, when God calls a person to their office they must serve it as one serving the Lord and not man.
1 Peter 5
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resist the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
This calling to be in subjection to Christ and then each other as a body working under a spiritual “covering” is against the will of our flesh.
But imagine the true image of the Body working as one under the headship of Christ.
Trusted source for spiritual direction, being released to minister and do your part. The body becomes an instrument of healing, physical and emotional.
The term covering has been used a lot in the church lately as a form of control. There is leadership, offices needed to keep organization and allow everyone to work together. Their calling is to keep out the “wolves” and care for the “lambs”. Nurture people, love people, and guide people.
Everyone from apostle to layperson (if there is such a thing) is apart of the body. In Christ we are all subject to each other in love! The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are subject to Christ and to others because Jesus style leadership is serving. Although they make themselves servants to others by God's will they serve them through leadership!
If everyone did their part.
Not if every one did there part on their committee, but if everyone allowed the gifts that God gave them to be used in the Body of Christ.
People who could be evangelists (not the kind that go from church to church exhorting) true evangelists people who go into the field and seeks the lost.
Care givers giving care, people of great faith encouraging, the older women teaching the younger woman and men doing the same.
Teachers teaching not only in Sunday School but in homes.
Elders giving counsel to younger families.
The Pastor guiding the spiritual direction of the Church.
The church functioning in all the gifts of the Spirit for the empowerment of all believers!
This image of the Bride is incredible, my prayer is that we will submit ourselves to the vision of biblical covering.
Eva Bickhart now has a blog site
This is Eva's new blog site, she plans on post a number of studies on the topic of covenant theology. I encourage everyone to be a part of this study.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
