Blog - The Way Church: Recent Episodes
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Note: We have been posting blog articles on the church app. However, we’ve decided to once again add them to our website.
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Our desire to control our circumstances and control our image may very well be one of the greatest threats to our relationship with God. The stronger our desire to control our circumstances and our image, the deeper pride and ego are rooted in our hearts! And it all goes back to the Garden of Eden!
What a high price we pay for this! It brings down everyone from Presidents to Pastors and Everyone in between! Thankfully, God is merciful to all of us!
Why is desiring control such a problem? Because it leads us away from a dependency on God. It leads us to a place where we are our own hope, a place where we become our own source of truth and life. Ultimately, it reflects fear that maybe God doesn’t know best or that He has forgotten us! Where our accomplishments take center stage. We draw glory to ourselves. Pursuing this path of control takes us places we never want to go!
It leads to:
· Loss of integrity- both how we view ourselves and how others see us
· Loss of relationship as we force others to bend to what we think is best
· Damage to our witness of Jesus to the outside world
· Sacrifice of the good God intended- to be a blessing to the people and the world around us
· And most importantly- We fail God by taking His place in our lives!
In the past- when life was easy, we often fell into right into our enemy’s trap! We made our hobbies extreme and our faith sedate! We were bold! …on Face Book ! We were brave! …on Instagram ! Too many times, we were just obnoxious- burning bridges and closing down conversation by forgetting to be kind, gentle, patient, and willing to listen more than we speak- particularly to those who do not know the deep love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even writing this, I’m reminded of the times I’ve fallen so far short of what God intended.
Maybe during this time, God is resetting the church in America. Maybe God is resetting my heart. Is God killing off the American dream? Or is He just making us rethink how we live! The world says “Our hope is in a return to normal!” - That is the hope of those who don’t know Him! Our God says, “Our hope is in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to us and in His Triumphant return”. (Titus 2:11-14) In days like this, where there’s much change and turmoil, we can run, we can fight what we can’t change, or we can rest in Him and watch him work through us.
So how do we live? The answer is found in the book of Romans. Read Romans 12 with me.
Paul wrote this during his third missionary journey in about 57 AD- during the time of Nero. Talk about a tough time to be a follower of Jesus! Rome was an influential city of about a million people from all over the world. Highly diverse, a center of commerce. Known as a place of worshiping multiple gods. It was also a place where the church was growing- where God had work for His people!
Romans 12: “1I I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. “
The great Apostle Paul presents three perspectives of life and these verses: 1- God’s View; 2- The World’s View; and 3- Our View.
God’s View is always the one to hold near and dear. We belong to Him if we claim to be His! The system of Old Testament sacrifices was completed in Jesus at the cross. He wants us first to live for Him before we’d ever die for Him. We’re now walking, breathing, living, offerings to God- set aside for His use, His purposes, and His Glory in the very places He has placed us. Our worship of Him means more than singing, more than knowing about Him and His ways. This means so much more than sin avoidance. This means more than the pursuit of holiness. As important as those are, being a living sacrifice means living a life which focuses on God’s Heart, His plan to reach a lost world instead of turning away from it, a life which sacrifices our own desires in order to be about the work of the Kingdom. Our job is to display His heart of love as well as presenting His truth. It’s a good reminder to look at our neighbors and coworkers as we would look at and treat beloved family members that are not Christ followers… and to be praying for them.
In contrast to God’s view of life, those who don’t know Him have a difference perspective of what life is all about. Those in the world often fight for recognition, honor, titles, and glory, believing only the elite few are wise. They may fight for money, security, dominance, riches, and pleasure.
But most likely, they are just doing the best they can to survive and thrive. Sounds like you and I before we surrendered our lives to Him, doesn’t it?
God says the “wisdom” of the world is foolishness (I Corinthians 1:25), but make no mistake, His heart breaks for those who don’t know Him- and ours should as well. It’s a tricky walk to be in the world but not of it. He warns us in verse 2 of Romans 12, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This warning must have been important. Paul also warned the Colossians and the Ephesians about this very trap. How do we test and discern the will of God? By reading and absorbing The Word and through asking God in prayer, obtaining wise counsel. None of this will ever conflict with the truth found in the Bible but His answer may conflict with our own thoughts and preferences.
Our own view of what life should be may also conflict with God’s heart. The next few verses give us insight into human nature.
“3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
It’s an uncomfortable truth, but in order to think more highly of ourselves, we must think less of others! We can fall into this easily! When we fall into demanding our own way, we’re then just like the world! This view is in contrast to God who gives each person different roles and places in life but the same value! I’m not always successful at thinking more highly of others- But when I realize it in the way I act or talk, I’d rather humble myself instead of being humbled by God! What about you?
Sadly, sometimes we have the opposite problem and believe God has failed in how He has designed us. We think we are without value and without the skills, gifts, and talents we need to make a difference in our world. Yet, the verses that follow , verses 6 through 9, remind us this isn’t so:
“6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,[f] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Our good and loving God would not send us out into the world without giving us what we need and the companionship of others! Yes, His love and commitment to us is that deep.
We’re all gifted differently, and our church is a place where everyone has value and can get involved. Most importantly, we are to go about God’s business with His heart. And Paul ends the chapter with these words of wisdom:
“9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
True to plan, things won’t always go the way we want. When people outside and inside the church hurt us, we’ll have to choose to forgive, choose to bless, choose to pray, and choose to keep going. This may be the biggest test in the Control vs. Faith and Obedience battle we all fight. But it’s a fight worth fighting! God’s name will be glorified throughout all the earth!
Will we take control? Will we choose a lesser path? Or will we consent to God’s plan? I want to be part of that, and I’m sure you do. So, let’s lock arms and hearts as we do the work of His Kingdom in His strength and power and leading to reach those around us.
For this year’s Christmas Family Devotional, please see The Way Church Denver app. Thank you!
We’ve been studying through the book of Isaiah on Sundays. It is a stark reminder for us who follow Jesus to rely on God and not the methods or politics of man. It’s also a great encouragement that God is for us, always paying attention, and always willing to work on our behalf when we call out to Him.
Sunday November 7 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. It’s an important and personal day for our church family because we are deeply invested with brothers and sisters in a region where being a follower of Jesus comes with great risks. We have traveled there many times to serve alongside them, minister to them, and support them in all we can. We laugh, we cry, we pray, and we rejoice together as families do. What a gift!
The work of our friends is very fruitful, and hundreds of people who believe in a different god come to faith in Christ and are discipled. Yet, many times the local people will not even consider hearing a reading from the Bible. This all raises an important question “In this spiritually dry land, how can they minister effectively without the written Word?”
Jesus provides the answer to this question in the Gospel of John: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17)
In Biblical times, the scrolls containing God’s Word were owned by a select few as they were very expensive and not widely available. Most all the people were illiterate. When Jesus sent out The Twelve and the Seventy-Two in His power and authority- the first short-term mission trips- they went out in obedience, and God blessed them. The ministry of the Lord prevailed and the number of believers grew to epic proportions. This is due to the obedience of the believers who went out in their neighborhoods, towns, and all over the world, proclaiming Jesus and doing exactly what God told them to do. Despite their lack of access to the Word, they did not go out unprepared. They carried God Himself, the Holy Spirit, the very Author of the Scriptures, who lived within them and supernaturally empowered them for the work of the ministry. Today, our family in Asia goes out in the same manner- in obedience to God and in the power of His Holy Spirit. God is not limited by man’s need or shortcomings! In fact, He is glorified through them.
“For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.”
(Isaiah 44:3)
The Book of Acts records the Sanhedrin were amazed by the courage of Peter and John because they were unschooled but realized they had been with Jesus. What a testimony where God got the glory! The Apostle Paul states we are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as we await Jesus’ return (1 Corinthians 1:7). The Holy Spirit is a person not a power, so we can ask Him for what we need, and Jesus himself encourages us to ask for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). When we travel overseas, if we don’t know what to do, we seek God and ask, and He gives us wisdom in the moment (James 1:5). This includes God’s Holy Spirit bringing Scripture to mind exactly when we need it. We’ve seen this time and time again, both His direction and His protection. Our God is incredible!
Our friends serve in a spiritually parched world of great risk and under great scrutiny. There are times the authorities step in, and even though this is troubling, they move forward with confidence in God. How many times they must have this Scripture come to mind:
“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12)
Today, I ask you to commit to pray for our overseas family! They need us- and we need them! They help keep our hearts focused on the eternal things of God. In our brave, new world, our thirsty and spiritually dry land, we too minister in difficult times. We need God to give us strength, wisdom, and to work through us as we obey His commands to love our neighbors and share the Gospel message of hope, love, and salvation with them. Just like believers of old and our friends on the other side of the world, He will give us what we need as we step out in faith! Yes, even the Holy Spirit Himself- and Jesus says to ask for Him (Luke 11:13). God’s love stretches to the ends of the earth- and He loves the people of Metro Denver as well!
Imagine being one who follows Jesus Christ and has agreed to live for him and his purposes. Now, imagine being one of these Christ followers in Afghanistan under the wicked and brutal rule of the Taliban. There's a mark on your life, a call to die.
Makes me think a lot about what it really means to be a Christian. God doesn't change his personality or character or commands based on what culture we in live or what the politics of the day proclaim. It has to mean the same thing to follow Jesus everywhere- a call to self-sacrifice and a call to live as He commands. All in exchange for eternal life instead of a life separated from God in a very real Hell.
So what does it mean to be a Christian as God defines it?
Believing that God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sins. Believing Jesus died and was resurrected proving He is God. Not a created being, not a man, but God in the flesh. For our lives, it means to turn away from what God defines as sin and to turn toward Him. This new life means bringing God glory, worshiping Him, and walking away from our old life and choosing His priorities as citizens of a heavenly kingdom. All by the power of His Holy Spirit who lives inside of every true believer.
Say goodbye to the pursuit of endless pleasures, of the love of money, power, position, and sex without boundaries. Still interested in calling yourself by the name His Name?
We Christians are called to be like a grain of wheat. Jesus' own words to His followers are these:
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."
John 12:24
This dying to self means a deep joy however! As we give up worldly pursuits and pleasures and trust in man's ways and thinking and embrace God's thoughts and his laws as defined by a divinely inspired, unchanging Bible, He transforms us continually into Christlikeness. The Bible is His Word given to all. But it gives us direction and hope. And we live with this hope for our future and the joy that comes from the freedom we have and our obedience to God.
Are you ready for the call? Really ready? It means dying to our desires and plans. It means living as He determines and doing the work of His Kingdom: Proclaiming the Truth of Jesus Christ to those who don't know him, living a life of grace, mercy, and purity while we serve others, and choosing to be faithful until the end of our lives.
"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Jesus in Luke 23
What must we give up to follow Jesus? Everything.
December 21 – 31 “…they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child…”
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Read Luke 2:8-20 and Matthew 2:1-12 together. Summarize if needed.
Points for consideration:
· God sent angels to proclaim the birth of Jesus. It was that important! And then He led the three Wise Men to see the newborn child where they gave their treasures to Him.
· Jesus is God made flesh, and He and the Father are One (John 8:58-9; Colossians 2:9).
· Jesus is the only way to eternal life (John 14:6). He was that clear to keep it simple, so that no one would be confused. Jesus came to pay the price for our sin out of His love for us and His obedience to the Father.
Imagine being a shepherd in the field. You saw the angels and heard what they said. What would be your reaction? What would you think? Would you tell the people around you? You don’t have to be rich or famous to give important gifts. What can you give to Jesus?
Stop to praise and thank Him for revealing this “Good News of Great Joy”. Your children might say, “Father, I praise you for the gift of Jesus!” or “Jesus, help me to share about you!”
Time of Prayer
Read John 14:6 together. Then read John 3:16-17. Finally, read Luke 2:19.
Points for consideration:
· Because He loves us so much and wants everyone to know the truth, Jesus makes it very clear He is the only way to Heaven.
· Mary heard the words the shepherds shared about the angels and probably thought of the angel Gabriel who visited her earlier. She treasured these words and thought deeply about them.
Ask your children to define sin. Ask how they have sinned. Check for understanding of Jesus’ words in John 14:6. What does the Way, the Truth, and the Life mean? Discuss Romans 10:9-11.
Pray together. Ask them to confess their sin and turn away from it. If they are ready, have them ask Jesus for forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Pray for them that they would rely on God to know and follow Him. Encourage them to be like Mary and treasure God’s words and think deeply about them. Conclude with another time of praise and celebrate God’s goodness!
December 11 – 20 “He did as the angel of the Lord commanded him”
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
If appropriate, read Matthew 1:18-25 together. Or read Luke 2:1-7 if your children are younger.
Points for consideration:
· God placed Jesus in Joseph’s human family because he was part of David’s family, and this was in line with the prophecies about the Savior.
· God is in control of world events so that they are in line with His Plan.
· World leaders – presidents, kings, and all those in government- are placed in positions of authority by God (See Romans 13).
· Joseph did what was right even if it was difficult. God gave him strength.
Isn’t it amazing that God strategically places people in families and in jobs for His Purposes?
Why has He put you in your family? How have you seen God use your family in a way that shows God to the people around you? Sometimes events around us mean it’s hard to do what is right. When has God asked you to do something difficult? What happened and how did God use it?
Lead the children to praise and thank Him for His power.
An example of their praise might be, “Father, thank you for putting me in my family!”
or “Thank you Father for giving me what I needed when I shared you with my friends!”
Time of Prayer
Read Ephesians 3:14-21. Then read 2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:13, and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
Summarize or clarify these verses for understanding.
Points for consideration:
· Jesus lives in our hearts through faith. It is not our work that earns us a place in God’s family and in heaven. How we live our lives is a result of His love in our hearts.
· God has placed His power in us by giving us His Holy Spirit. This power enables us to know God’s deep love for us and gives us what we need to live a life that pleases Him.
· God’s power allows us to do the work He has called us to do.
Ask your children if they belong to Him and why. Do they understand God’s love? How this is reflected in the way they live? How are they being obedient to Him? How is God being faithful as they step out in obedience?
Pray together. Pray that they would rely on God to know and follow His Ways. Pray for our leaders that they would come to know Him more deeply and to follow His ways in all things.
Dear Parents,
In many ways, this is a Christmas season unlike no other. In spite of the turmoil in the world, our families have much to celebrate! Instead of fear, we have the hope of Jesus Christ! This makes it a wonderful and timely opportunity to share the Gospel message within the context of the holidays.
Our goal as believers is to bring glory to God in the way we live and to be obedient to Him in all things. Our goal as parents is to train our children in the ways of the Lord and to see them own a very personal, life-changing relationship with God. From this relationship comes a desire to share His goodness and His message with those who don’t know Him. We can also encourage those who do know Him. Our children belong to the Lord. We are only the stewards. We want them well-prepared for wherever their journey may take them! They can trust Him and not be afraid.
Our goal with this devotional is to help your children understand that God Himself wishes to write His Story in their hearts. He wants them to invest their lives in a way that pleases Him and brings His glory to the nations. May they see God actively at work in their lives as they encounter Him, are changed by Him, and are used by Him.
Our theme for this year is from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This is a good verse to remind us how the godly people of the time of Jesus’ birth had to be brave during a season God asked them to trust Him. (It's also our key verse for our Children's Ministry, Camp Courageous.)
Each devotional begins with a time of Praise and Thanksgiving followed by Scripture reading, discussion, and then a time of Prayer.
The devotional is broke into three segments, one per week leading up to Christmas. Today, I’ll publish the first week, and then on December 11th and 21st as each previous week’s segment concludes, I will add the following week’s devotional.
May God bless you and your family!
Pastor Mark
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Points to Consider Before You Begin:
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Take time to read through this devotional before you go through it with your children. This will give you a chance to pray for them in preparation of your time together.
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Make this time doable. Try to commit to a family devotional time, perhaps three times per ten days. Decide on a practical time. Avoid setting yourself up for failure. Adjust it as necessary so they enjoy the time, but also expect some “pushback”. If you miss a time, just pick another! Remember, it’s about the relationship not the accomplishment. Guard against discouragement if it doesn’t go well, and be sure to guard against pride if it does.
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If you print it out, keep this devotional on the dinner table. Explain to your kids why the book is there. Someone is bound to remember.
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Talk about the ideas shared as your read God’s Word. Check for understanding by asking good questions and by explaining words that can sound confusing. Next, talk about ways to apply what has been read. Knowledge of the Bible is empty and meaningless unless we do what it says (James 1:22-25). Remember, this isn’t school. It’s a chance to grow in your relationship with your kids as you all grow closer to the Lord.
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Model praying for your kids, speaking simply and using words easy for them to understand. It will be easier for them to pray from their heart if they hear you do this.
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Try a family worship time. Child friendly songs don’t need to be childlike, they just need easy to understand lyrics. Train your child to express love to God and not just sing songs about Him. This is part of them growing in a real relationship with Our Creator. After your worship time, explain phrases they may not understand or interpret differently, i.e. what does “God reigns” mean?
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If you have older children, allow them to share the responsibility of reading the verses. Leading them to Him is the goal. Explain any difficult words.
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Before you move to the next section of the devotional, take a bit of time to talk about what you’ve already covered. Check for understanding in a conversational manner.
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As they grow in understanding and application of God’s Word, expect them to get excited about their relationship with our Living God. This overflow from their heart will lead them to share Him with others.
Week One: December 1 – 10 “I am the servant of the Lord”
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Read Isaiah 9:1-7 together.
Paraphrase or use only verses 6 and 7 if your children are very young.
Next, read Luke 1:26-38 together. Paraphrase the story or use only verses 26-33 if appropriate.
Points for consideration:
· God wants a personal relationship with His kids!
· He desires to involve us in His plans, and He hears the prayers of his children.
· Obedience to Him in key to pleasing Him. The results of being obedient may surprise us!
Lead the children to praise and thank Him for Who He Is and to thank Him for His Love.
An example of their praise might be, “Father, I praise you for sending Jesus to us!”
or “God, thank you that you will rule forever as King! There is no one else like you!”
Time of Prayer
Reread Luke 1:37-38.
Points for consideration:
· If God tells us He will do something, nothing is impossible for Him!
· God’s plan may not have been her plan, but Mary submitted to His Plan and trusted Him with her life. This brought God glory!
Ask your children how they think God could use them. Encourage them to think creatively. What other people do they know who have lives that look very different from most Americans? What do they notice? Are they willing to live their lives as He leads them? How are their lives bringing Him glory now? Discuss what this means.
Pray together. Encourage them to pray from their hearts rather than what they think might please you.
Ours is a country in turmoil. In addition to COVID-19 and our reactions to how it’s being handled, racial injustices and the violent reactions to that threaten to further divide our country. This includes our churches, which sadly are one of the most segregated communities in our nation. As political leaders and other high profile people of all persuasions forge ahead with their plans, we can look deeper and find other agendas behind their stated words and actions. Some are godly, and some are not. Yet, in the midst of all the strife, these struggles come with great opportunity for the church and for individuals who follow Jesus Christ!
How do we begin to be a positive and Biblically focused change agent? The first step is to understand what God’s Word says about His family. Two excellent resources to consider are a book by Pastor Miles McPherson, The Third Option- Hope For A Racially Divided Nation; and John Piper’s excellent Did Moses Marry A Black Woman? (Yes, he did, and God was angry with those who disapproved.) McPherson is multiracial and identifies as Black; Piper is White. Both offer a fully Biblical perspective. There are many more resources that are helpful including Ed Stetzer’s incredible Christians in the Age of Outrage, a work which challenges believers to use social media wisely with a goal of God’s purposes behind our words. Understanding is Step One.
Listening is Step Two. This is not a one way monologue. We must listen to each other, ask honest questions, and offer answers that are rooted in the Scripture. This give and take conversation must include lovingly challenging ideas that are contrary to Biblical truth. We must also keep our anger in check. Nothing will be accomplished if we cannot control our tongues. James 1:19-27 reminds us how we should handle ourselves, ending with “and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This includes adapting to and justifying a philosophy and a use of words and actions that favor a political or social stance contrary to Biblical truth.
Earlier this year before the quarantine, Dr. Michael Henderson, a Converge pastor who was the keynote speaker at the regional conference in March, addressed some of the issues dividing the church along racial lines. (Hosted by a fellowship that is primarily made of Hispanic and African American believers coming together. Our leadership team learned a lot from them!) As first a Christian but also as a Black man, Dr. Henderson shared something powerful that I will paraphrase (and probably butcher). He explained how brothers and sisters of color not only long to be invited to the party, but also to serve there, and then be able to lead and organize the party. Meaning it’s not enough for us as Christians who are White to be inclusive of them in attendance or even church membership. We must also allow our family members of all colors to serve, partner, and lead the church with us. Or even let them lead us. It’s one significant way of showing honor and thinking of others more highly than we think of ourselves. In the context of our missions work both in our country and overseas, many of us from The Way Church have experienced being under the leadership of believers that come from different races, nationalities, and backgrounds. It’s a rich and rewarding opportunity for all of us to learn from each other! Yet how do we bring this mindset into our churches, and in doing so, represent an inclusive and loving God to a world that is conditioned to believe that Christ followers of different colors cannot even worship together, let alone live in unity?
From the beginning of creation, God made it clear that we are all created in his image. Secondly, the Church belongs to God. It’s not ours. We are given stewardship, but it is His Church. We come under His Authority. Thankfully, in the Bible, God gives us a pattern to follow to build a church family that pleases Him.
After Step One of Understanding and Step Two of Listening, we can move forward into action, Step Three. We can be committed and serve others instead of just seeking our own needs to be met. We can proactively draw others in to work alongside us, building relationship, strengthening unity, and advancing God’s Kingdom. Leaders are called to steward His church and help others grow in using their gifts, but they are also called to develop future pastors, elders, and ministry leaders. It can be hard to share leadership when we are so committed to our work and “know” what has to be done and how to do it! But we must. Sharing and developing new leadership is ultimately an expression of our trust in God, our humility before Him and others, and an agreement to advance the kingdom by letting others struggle and strengthen while they grow. What if Jesus hadn’t given the Twelve and then the Seventy-Two real authority and power? What would our world look like if Barnabas had not embraced Paul as a new convert? (See Acts 9.) What if Paul hadn’t developed and entrusted other men such as Timothy and Titus? This model is before us for a reason- and it even began in the garden before the Fall of man when Our Perfect God passed on authority to Adam and Eve.
Just before this well-loved verse, “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.” (Micah 6:8), we find these words, “All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.” (Micah 4:5). This is our call to a Biblical focus instead of our personal preferences. We must remember we are first citizens of His Kingdom. What we look like and where we call home is farther down the list of descriptors. These will be important truths to remember! As we have hard discussions and grow in knowledge and then change how we live, we can grow impatient with each other or impatient with our progress as a church community. We all will make mistakes, and the enemy will work against our unity. All of this is a process of conforming into Christlikeness.
After the events of this year, I believe churches cannot be the same as they were. Jesus’ words in Luke 21 make it pretty clear that we are much closer to the Lord’s return than we were yesterday. We already know our church is committed to Biblical diversity- it’s one of our stated values. We as the Body of Christ are challenged and also comforted by these words in Galatians 3:28- "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Should racial reconciliation be the sole focus of our church? No, we need to be about all aspects of God’s Kingdom, but it is one issue that our nation has now forced to the top of our list. We can turn away from that or we can embrace it as also coming from the hand of the Lord. So, what do we do? Keep pressing in, allowing God to change and form us individually and collectively.
Two months ago, our website was refreshed to better reflect all our values and our mission statement. This was not a knee-jerk reaction to the murder of George Floyd or anyone before him. As a leadership team, we had asked ourselves these questions: How could we at The Way Church share our hearts for unity and diversity- both with believers looking for a church as well as those in need of Jesus? Would those wanting to know more about Jesus find us welcoming while we still maintain our Biblical integrity and a passion for God's Truth? It’s only one way we are being serious about better communicating who we are. It’s at least a start. The proof in our commitment to this- and the blessing from God- is a growing multi-ethnic community serving in various ministry roles and church leadership.
God will continue to make us more like Him as we all go humbly before Him. We all get to be a part of the ongoing process of Christlikeness. I’m excited about our future as God is calling more and more people to Himself! We are all part of God's mission for us- and what a joy that is!
"The Way Church exists to create committed followers of Jesus, to exhibit the power of God’s love to our community, to be a catalyst for spiritual transformation, and to be a center of passionate worship of the one true God."
Today is Pentecost Sunday- The day God empowered the young church at a whole new level to reach a world He loves. (Read all about it in Acts Chapter 2.) It’s the perfect day to talk about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit!
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit always work in harmony with the Word of God. They never contradict the Bible because the Word of God and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit come from the same source. Additionally, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit work together with God’s Word in fighting our enemy and bringing God’s truth.
Why do we need the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? All you have to do is look around our world, and you’ll see we are in a spiritual battle! It’s clear that hatred, unbridled anger, violence, tongues too quick to speak, and failed plans of men are the markers of our day.
As his people, we are called to live differently. But when we respond and wage war as the world does, we only show those that do not know Him that we are just like them. So how can we effectively do battle and still draw them to a God who loves them and sent His Son to die on their behalf? Our good and loving and wise God would not send us into a spiritual battle without spiritual weapons! He never wants us to reply on our own strength. He desires we look to Him for everything. When we do, our love for Him grows, and He gets the glory!
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
This battle did not stop during New Testament times. Your daily life is a mission field! You need not be overseas or in another state to be doing God’s work. Until Satan and his demons are thrown into hell’s pit of fire, we’ll be in the battle against his forces (Revelation 20:10). Nor does the Bible limit demonic activity and spiritual warfare to less advanced societies. The world is under Satan’s temporary control until Jesus returns (I John 3:8), and he is doing everything he can to keep people from hearing God’s redemptive message (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 4:8). The main point is not that demons are everywhere and always involved but instead that we must be aware there’s a battle happening. It’s important we remain prayerful, asking God to show us what we need to do… and then doing it, not just being content with increased understanding.
We desire to reveal God to others, so we must live and act in a way that shows He is in control of us and that our lives are an obedient sacrifice. We cannot live this way without Him! The life of a believer in Jesus without the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation is limited in its effectiveness because it is dependent on the strength and strategies of men versus the power and wisdom of God. Therefore, we bring many gifts to use in His Service- both natural gifts and supernatural gifts are from Him- and we will use all these valuable gifts to bring Him glory. Paul understood this and ministered in this manner (I Corinthians 2:4-5).
Here are some basic Biblical facts to remember about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
1- God Gives the Gifts as He Chooses
The Holy Spirit gives the gifts as He chooses (I Corinthians 12:11). Jesus gives gifts (Ephesians 4:11). God gives “Natural gifts”. They are no less “spiritual”. Not all gifts can be used “at will” (ie. Healing, etc.). God specifically designed us in this way as well. If we are faithful to use what gifts He gives us, we will be fruitful in the Kingdom and have much joy.
2- No One Has All the Gifts
Walking out a life that’s pleasing to God always involves other people. We are designed to need each other. Beginning in Genesis 1, ministry has always been a team effort. “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (I Corinthians 12:27-31)
3- Spiritual Gifts Do Not Equal Spiritual Maturity
The church in Corinth was one in which the gifts were very active. However, they were also one of the most immature bodies of believers. They constantly dealt with division from within, pride, a reliance on human wisdom, and immorality in how they lived (I Corinthians 3-5). Since we represent God, we are to serve humbly at all times but especially when using the gifts He gives us (Romans 12:3). Some people avoid the Gifts of the Holy Spirit because they can be controversial. The Gospel itself is controversial! As with the teaching gifts, any gift can be misused and God’s truth misrepresented, but every gift remains important for effective ministry and living a life that pleases God.
4- The Gifts are Given to Build Up the Church
“Now to each the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) “So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.” (I Corinthians 14:12) “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:11-15) The use of the gifts must reflect the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22).
Where are these gifts in the Scripture? Here are the lists of Spiritual Gifts as found in the Bible:
Romans 12:3-8- For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
I Corinthians 7- In context, Paul addresses the gifts of Marriage and of Celibacy.
I Corinthians 12: 4-11- Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
I Corinthians 12:28- And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (roles in the context of gifts)- And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
I Peter 4:7-11 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
When every believer uses the gifts God gives- and uses them in the love God gives- the kingdom of God is advanced. Those lost come to know Him and those He loves have a life that is pleasing in his sight. When everyone is actively involved in ministry, actively fighting in the battle, the church is no longer a group of spectators where only the paid professionals fully get to be who God made them to be. The great Apostle Paul encourages us that we are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as we await Jesus’ return (I Corinthians 1:7). Our enemy delights when we walk in the flesh. Our God delights when we are reliant on Him as we walk our days on this earth. So go forward in confidence in living out your faith knowing that God’s Holy Spirit is in you and working through you!
Can you go back to that moment you decided to respond to the Lord’s invitation to know and love Him? What was happening in your life? Oh that sweet sense of forgiveness and then deep hope- hope for now and for the future! That weight of sin lifted off your shoulders. That joy. That sense of a fresh beginning and a new God-given purpose.
If you’re like me, it was a whole new world to discover. A world made up of a new family, a beloved community who followed Jesus and chose to make his name known throughout the world. What a time it was! We just couldn’t wait to tell what Jesus had done for us. With fire in our souls and God’s mission in our hearts, we stepped out in faith and watched God work. Jesus was right in the middle of it all! We spoke to each other with words of encouragement, sharing scriptures and stories of God actively at work among us and through us. Do you remember? Sounds just like the book of Acts!
Let’s take a look at a quick summary of the Book of Acts. It’s amazing!
• Jesus Ascends and Matthias is Chosen to Replace Judas (Chapter 1)
• Pentecost Happens and God Empowers the Believers (Chapter 2)
• Peter preaches - 3,000 saved and baptized (Acts 2:41)
- Real Community- Deep teaching and fellowship established with food & prayer
- Wonders and miracles from the hands of the Apostles
- Believers shared what they had
- People added daily (Acts 2:47)
• Persecution comes- (Acts 4) But more believers are added! (Acts 4-6)
• Stephen becomes the first Martyr- (Acts 7) The church spreads
• Saul’s conversion – Ananias, a common believing man- is used by God to heal Saul (Acts 9)
• The church was strengthened, encouraged by the Holy Spirit and continued to grow (Acts 9:31)
• Signs and wonders continue, including Peter raising Dorcas from the dead, and more people come to faith (Acts 9- on)
• The Holy Spirit continues to fall on those who hear the Gospel – (Acts 10:11, 11:15)
• Teaching, conversions, miraculous signs, and persecution continue (Acts 11-Acts 17)
• Paul’s ministry takes off as he travels the world. Many come to faith and churches are established. (Acts 18-28)
What an incredible time to be alive! Thinking about this makes me ask the question: From a practical perspective, what fueled this movement? Of course, it was God Himself! But He uses mere humans to accomplish his work.
There were several distinctives of this movement of God as found in Acts. Here’s a few:
- They Were of One Accord
Just a look at a few verses from Acts reinforces the importance of unity in God’s Kingdom.
Acts 1:14 “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” (Commitment to prayer)
Acts 2:46-47 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Commitment to learning and to hospitality)
Acts 4:24a “And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them” (Commitment to worshiping together)
Acts 5:12 “Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico.” (Commitment to ministry together)
The believers were all of one mind. They had a singular focus, a singular mission. Unified on what God had called them to in order to impact the world. Their success in ministry creates a problem, however, bringing the second distinctive.
- With Success Comes Challenges
When there’s success in the things of God’s Kingdom, Satan takes notice and takes action. Resistance happens. Temptation comes even more so to the lives of believers. Human self-interest and jealousy comes into play. People jockey for power and position, wanting to be noticed, wanting to be important. These human motivations result in division, slander, gossip, infighting, and lack of forgiveness. The unity of believers is always tested when things go well (and when they go poorly!) because we are in a spiritual battle that impacts eternity.
God is not surprised by this! Jesus’ prayer to the Father for all believers in John 17:20-23 reveals He knows full well what will come: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Our Lord is saying something very important. A break in unity stops the powerful witness of the believers and stops growth in the Kingdom. The world watches us! It waits to pounce and declare that we are frauds and that our King is in fact just a powerless myth. When Satan successfully fractures unity, the focus becomes internal and the mission becomes secondary to the structure. This famous quote reminds us, “It has been said that the Jews turned the gospel into a religion, Romans a philosophy, Europeans a tradition, and Americans a business.” Ouch.
The young church was not immune to this happening. How did the church recover from this and gain their footing once again? In fact, the story is recorded for us to learn from it!
- The Recovery of Ministry that Pleases God
God disciplined his church, and it began while Jesus first walked the earth. In Matthew 20, two of Jesus’ disciples are corrected by him when their mother asked Jesus for places of authority. Later when Jesus had returned to Heaven, Ananias and Sapphira are dealt with strongly for their lying and their prideful desire to look good. If you read Acts 5:1-11, it’s important to notice that even more people came to faith after their deaths. The fear of God is a good thing for the church! Pride in all its forms must die. When the Grecian Jews thought their widows were being overlooked in food distribution (Acts 6) resolution brought more people to belief in Jesus. Acts 15-16 reveals a struggle within the young church over the issue of circumcision and its part in the life of a believer. All this reveals the need for wise decisions and shared leadership among those called to lead and serve. Growth also occurs when Biblical freedom is established.
Perhaps one of the most powerful testimonies about how God works is found in Acts chapter 9. Saul converts (becoming Paul), but the disciples are afraid of him. Barnabas steps out in faith and defends him. Paul is eventually accepted and begins to preach. Growth and the recovery of a ministry that pleases God comes when we invest in each other- overcoming our fear- and are not threatened by the gifts God has given to others.
We often see in scripture how persecution brings growth to the church as the Gospel spreads, but here we see that godly discipline, humility, problem resolution, and investing in people and releasing them into ministry is also crucial to growth and advancing the kingdom of God. A break in unity stops the powerful witness of the believers and growth in the kingdom, but once restored, it begins again!
The time of the early church was one talked about 2,000 years afterward! The people were rich in faith, rich in love, and rich in obedience. Doesn’t it sound just like our church? It does to me!
Are we also not in an incredible time? Are the opportunities not just as rich? Absolutely! The world is watching again. The opportunities are all around us as people are afraid and uncertain of the future. We are in a great position to minister to a world much in need of Jesus. We are a family! (1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 1:5; Hebrews 2:11.) The same distinctive found in Acts apply today. When we function like the family God intended, we will bear fruit as a family would- All the fruit of the Spirit will be evident. People will be valued and honored, and most importantly, God will be glorified. Others will want to give their lives to Jesus as they hear the truth, see the love, and experience real community. God’s eternal purposes will be fulfilled all to His Glory!
One more question- Can you picture Heaven? Think how wonderful it will be! Endless worship and fellowship. No more suffering and no more pain. Reunions with family and friends who had left earth before us. Seeing people we have shared the Gospel with and acted toward with the heart of God. These heartwarming scenes await us upon the return of Jesus Christ! Persevere in the work of the kingdom, brothers and sisters!
The call of Jesus to pick up our cross and follow him meant from the beginning there would be a life of hardship and suffering for those who love him. In times like these when we do not understand what He allows, it is easy to ask questions such as “Where is God when I need Him?” Be assured this is nothing new. Our heroes of the faith had times when they asked the same questions. Thankfully, for centuries, our Good God has been showing himself faithful to those who love him.
One of the most dramatic Biblical examples is found in John chapter 11- the story of Jesus and Lazarus.
In the first 16 verses, the story is set up for us. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are Jesus’ friends. He knew them. He loved them. He was only a few hours walk away from them when the messenger came. In spite of being told Lazarus was close to death, Jesus chose to stay away two more days instead of going directly to his friends and healing him. Why would Jesus do that? He boldly explains to the disciples, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” (verses 14-15) You could almost hear their responses: What? How can this be? What does Jesus mean?
Back in John chapter 8, he says, “I am always doing what is pleasing to the Father. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” How could allowing Lazarus to die please the Father? Is God cruel, heartless, indifferent to our pain? You might read this account and ask why Jesus would let Mary and Martha suffer if he knew he was going to bring Lazarus back to life. None of this makes sense. But this is where faith comes in.
The disciples had seen Jesus do other miracles: Feeding the five thousand, casting demons out, walking on water, calming the storm, healing a blind man. They wondered what was happening and may even have questioned Jesus’ character.
We can be no different in our response to God during hardship and confusion. Often, we are so focused on our concerns that we forget the God we love and serve is also in control of all circumstances. We may know Romans 8:28 that in all things God works together for good if we love him and are called to his purposes, but our hearts can reveal we really don’t live that out when it is tested. We can let our prayers turn to fear and our anxiety remove the ability to hear God speak in the Word and in prayer.
Continuing on in John chapter 8, verse 17-37 tells us more about Mary, Martha, and the crowd gathered around them. Just like us at times, Martha reveals she knows her theology, but her pain keeps her from hearing what Jesus is telling her: “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (verses 20-27) In contrast to her sister, Mary just expresses her grief to the Lord. The crowd that followed her, however, acknowledges Jesus has the power to heal because they remember he had just given sight to a blind man.
We know the ending here. After four days in the tomb, our God delivers. Lazarus is raised from the dead at Jesus’ command. His body was decomposing, and according to some Jewish beliefs, his soul had departed three days after his death. Jesus brings Lazarus fully back to life to the amazement of Mary and Mary and the crowd gathered. Verse 45 tells us that many of the Jews now believed in Jesus. God wastes nothing. Yet, this act was not just for the benefit of those who did not earlier believe. For Mary, Martha, the disciples, and others who did believe, by allowing Lazarus to die then be resurrected, Jesus gave them a great gift. They now knew for themselves that Jesus had the power of life and death Looking with 20/20 hindsight, they understood his ways and his goodness. Jesus may have looked cruel and uncaring, but he was not. In his great plan, through Jesus’ obedience to the Father, he gave them something better than what they already had.
In our world today, a dreaded, deadly virus has interrupted the course of our lives. Respecting our government and serving our neighbors well means we must socially distance ourselves and get creative. We miss our friends. We mourn the loss of families gathering together for fun. We lament our freedom to gather together to worship the One True God whenever we please. What could Our Heavenly Father be teaching us through this time?
Challenges and hardship will be a part of our lives while we are in this world. It may not be this virus or that war or that other difficulty, but painful events will come our way. Hardship reveals what is inside of us and who we believe God to be.
Is our God cruel? No. He is loving and wise and his ways are not ours. Use this gift of time to do and to say the things that have gone undone.
- Share your stories of his great faithfulness.
- Play with your children, kiss your spouse, call your friends.
- Remind others of his gift of eternal life for all that would come to him in repentance.
- Take care of each other.
- Celebrate his goodness through worship and prayer.
- Dive anew into His Word with a fresh desire and different perspective.
- Make this time count. God is still in control.
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For an excellent book on how God uses suffering for his purposes, consider Sheldon Vanauken’s A Severe Mercy, a very personal look at the author’s marriage, the couple’s search for faith, and the friendship of C.S. Lewis who extended himself in time of need.