Wednesday, February 10, 2016

The Two-Fold Purpose of God Moving Dynamic Workers

The Antioch church was growing and service was abundant, then God says, "Okay, now those who are doing the majority of the work, I want them to go where I send them, to further My work somewhere else."

"Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away." Acts 13:1-3.

Most churches would hate having their hardest workers leave. Even to disagreeing with God. "After all, God, their ministry is extremely vital! They can't leave, who will do the work!"

Kinda selfish isn't it? And also terribly restricting. It could be God wants to raise up someone else to do another work in that church, It may be these dynamic people leave no room for the new workers, or even a new work. Someone of importance might have to step down, or step away, from their ministry so another person may serve God. Hmmm?


No one would go to the mission field if dynamic workers didn't go. Even if that mission field is another church body, God can bless those who go, the church they leave, and the church they join for their obedience.

If Barnabas and Saul had stayed, would their work have continued to flourish or would it have stagnated and died over time? If they had said, "No, Lord, we are too busy here, we don't want to go," would God have continued to enjoy their service to Him in that place?

What do you think? Can God have a two-fold purpose for moving people out of a flourishing ministry?

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Tuesday, February 9, 2016

None Perfect, No Not One!

Born again Christians are not perfect people.

Born again Christians are imperfect people living on this imperfect earth who know God saves imperfect people and He will change us into perfect people in the next life for all eternity.

  "Now I say this, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--
  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." 1 Corinthians 15:50-53."


Perfect, Holy God knows we're not perfect but by His grace He chooses to accept all believers as perfected in His Son Jesus. Because born again Christians accept Jesus' death on the cross as the substitute for their own punishment, God gives all believers this future of perfection guaranteed in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
  "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"
  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:54-57."


Have you gotten your guarantee of perfection yet?


   "Jesus said, "Unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" John 3:3."

"Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." Hebrews 3:7."

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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Do You View Circumstances Through Scripture Glasses?

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

If we look at all the uses of maximizing Scripture in our daily lives, decision making, the eyes we see through, and the way we discern our circumstances, our lives can be the easiest way to exalt our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And just maybe it will be contrary to what we might have originally thought.

Scripture Glasses for Church Ministry


"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.


If God has given someone a vision and you don't see how it is going to work out, accept that maybe you don't have a part in their ministry but you should do your ministry alongside them and thus build the body of Christ as you exercise your gifts.

The growth their vision brings is going to offer you more opportunities to serve God in your gifting because this person is being faithful in theirs.

As when Peter preached the first sermon; many gifts were used after the church began to grow.

"Then those who gladly received his (Peter's) word were baptized; and that day three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers. Then the fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles" Acts 2:41,42,43.

Scripture Glasses for Personal Witness


"For faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God"
Romans 10:17.



When witnessing, try to speak verses during the opportunities. It doesn't matter if the other person can recite Bible verses. If they don't know God, their recitation is nothing. When you speak the word of God, you are representing Almighty God and His power is in the words you speak.

"And when He (The Holy Spirit) has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement" John 16:8.

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" 1 John 4:4.


Scripture Glasses in Obedience to Serve

Even when you've done everything right in your witness, and the person you have witnessed to doesn't receive what you've told them and maybe even gotten really angry, God's word has done exactly what God intended.

You could be witnessing to someone and think you blew it but it could be God has done something you don't know anything about!

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and shall prosper in that thing for which I sent it" Isaiah 55:10,11.

Scripture Glasses When Things Change

How do you view someone leaving your church for another body of Christ. Is your sorrow for losing a number or a member? Are you upset because they went to a rival congregation? Are you upset because you and they maybe couldn't reconcile a disagreement?


How about this--Are you sorry that maybe your church lost an evangelist, a prophet, a preacher, an administrator, a teacher, an encourager, or an exhorter.

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers"
Ephesians 4:11.

Do you ever consider maybe God has given that person who's leaving a vision so strong God has to move them to a place where He can use them, because traditions or patterns at your church are too restrictive?


"As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" Acts 3:2.


"Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing" Titus 3:13.

If you've been praying for revival, watch for God to do things that are contrary to your comfort zone.


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