Pentecostals are noted for belief in the current relevance of utterance gifts that are distributed by the Holy Spirit. When exercised within the context of the gathering of believers, the object is to allow for their expression without allowing for "wild fire" to take over and hijack the service by being dominated by personalities and personal agendas rather the edification of the body of Christ. Every pastor has struggled with how to encourage the appropriate use of these gifts without encouraging the misuse of these gifts.
The AG leadership has recently published three resources that I highly recommend to you for personal study as well as potential study by the people in the local congregation. All three are short and very readable but direct and helpful. I encourage each of our pastors to consider how one or more of these might assist in the healthy development of the saint's use of the utterance gifts. These can be purchased from GPH or call headquarters in Springfield. They are...
1. When the Spirit Speaks, by Warren Bullock,
2. Living in the Spirit, by George O. Wood, and
3. Divine Order, compiled by Randy Hurst
I trust these will be an asset to you in teaching and training your people in the proper use of the gifts of the Spirit.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Eurasia Experience
We just completed our Ministers Enrichment yesterday morning at the Philip Bongiorno Conference Center in Carlisle, PA. Many expressed the impact the week had upon their lives and their renewed passion of reaching our world for Christ. I would like to invite you to share what was most meaningful to you. Was it...
1. The worship and prayer time,
2. Huldah Buntain,
3. One of Omar Beiler's messages,
4. One of the workshops,
5. The amazing meals,
6. The Eurasia Experience itself on Tuesday evening,
7. Interacting with friends, or
8. Something else you want to reference?
If you were not able to be with us, you missed a good one. (I hope they all are, of course.) Perhaps you would want to comment on something that particularly impacted you heart.
1. The worship and prayer time,
2. Huldah Buntain,
3. One of Omar Beiler's messages,
4. One of the workshops,
5. The amazing meals,
6. The Eurasia Experience itself on Tuesday evening,
7. Interacting with friends, or
8. Something else you want to reference?
If you were not able to be with us, you missed a good one. (I hope they all are, of course.) Perhaps you would want to comment on something that particularly impacted you heart.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
G-20 Summit
All eyes interested and concerned about the current global economic issues will be directed to our own Steel City on September 24-25. Appropriately, leaders of the top twenty economic nations of our world will gather for discussion, planning, and collaboration on next steps in dealing with the financial challenges now being faced.
There are three points I would like to make on this blog.
First, prayer for our leaders is called for in Scripture and this provides an opportunity to exercise the God-given mandate around a specific issue that has very practical implications. If we as believers can't be motivated to pray for our President and other leaders of the world during this event, I doubt much short of a threat of war or terrorist attacks will prompt us to action. Therefore, I encourage us to take some time on these two days to petition the Lord for protection, wisdom, and His favor during these gatherings. These leaders may or may not seek the Lord's guidance, but we can pray for that for them regardless.
Second, a reminder is in order that the kingdom of God is not dependent on the economic conditions of the world. While we all realize that fact, we sometimes allow the news media's reports to give far to much influence on the way we think of our work and service for the Kingdom of God. Nations rise and fall, but the promise of our Lord remains that He will build His Church.
Third, when was the last time your family had an economic summit? Perhaps I could ask it this way: Is your financial house in order? Finances are tough for many in our nation and that is true for those of us in ministry as well as those in secular employment. Do all you can to eliminate debt. Credit card debt is the worst method of financing family needs. We must all take personal responsibility for our finances. If we want God's favor on our finances, we should be Scriptural and give the Lord our best, not our left overs.
May God grant His blessing and favor as we seek first His Kingdom. He will add all these other things to us as well.
There are three points I would like to make on this blog.
First, prayer for our leaders is called for in Scripture and this provides an opportunity to exercise the God-given mandate around a specific issue that has very practical implications. If we as believers can't be motivated to pray for our President and other leaders of the world during this event, I doubt much short of a threat of war or terrorist attacks will prompt us to action. Therefore, I encourage us to take some time on these two days to petition the Lord for protection, wisdom, and His favor during these gatherings. These leaders may or may not seek the Lord's guidance, but we can pray for that for them regardless.
Second, a reminder is in order that the kingdom of God is not dependent on the economic conditions of the world. While we all realize that fact, we sometimes allow the news media's reports to give far to much influence on the way we think of our work and service for the Kingdom of God. Nations rise and fall, but the promise of our Lord remains that He will build His Church.
Third, when was the last time your family had an economic summit? Perhaps I could ask it this way: Is your financial house in order? Finances are tough for many in our nation and that is true for those of us in ministry as well as those in secular employment. Do all you can to eliminate debt. Credit card debt is the worst method of financing family needs. We must all take personal responsibility for our finances. If we want God's favor on our finances, we should be Scriptural and give the Lord our best, not our left overs.
May God grant His blessing and favor as we seek first His Kingdom. He will add all these other things to us as well.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Jesus, Others, You
As a child, we were given the real definition of joy; Jesus, Others, and You. What a wonderful way to spell joy!
It seems the older one gets the more significant those early lessons of life become. Simply put, when life is all about our own issues, concerns, even interests and passions, we easily become focused on self. It doesn't seem that way at first because we are so taken with the important issues close at hand that we loose sight of what is really important. Our goals, ambitions, even calling from God drive us to activity, efforts and they capture our attention. In our maturity, we easily 'grow' past the weightier issues in our walk with Him.
I am not advocating an anti-intellectual approach to our walk with Christ. I do not believe the Lord wants us to put our brain on a shelf and not use it, after all, we are called to love the Lord with alll our heart, soul, mind, and strength. However, over thinking, analyzing, complicating the simplicity of Christ we can forfeit the joy of the Lord that is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Maybe it is time to return to the definition of joy. Rather than trying to find joy in what we do, even what we do for the Lord, it is time to get back to the relationship that really matters. Rather than being so busy for the Lord, take the time to be with the Lord. Let your joy be restored and with it you will find your strength will be restored as well.
It seems the older one gets the more significant those early lessons of life become. Simply put, when life is all about our own issues, concerns, even interests and passions, we easily become focused on self. It doesn't seem that way at first because we are so taken with the important issues close at hand that we loose sight of what is really important. Our goals, ambitions, even calling from God drive us to activity, efforts and they capture our attention. In our maturity, we easily 'grow' past the weightier issues in our walk with Him.
I am not advocating an anti-intellectual approach to our walk with Christ. I do not believe the Lord wants us to put our brain on a shelf and not use it, after all, we are called to love the Lord with alll our heart, soul, mind, and strength. However, over thinking, analyzing, complicating the simplicity of Christ we can forfeit the joy of the Lord that is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Maybe it is time to return to the definition of joy. Rather than trying to find joy in what we do, even what we do for the Lord, it is time to get back to the relationship that really matters. Rather than being so busy for the Lord, take the time to be with the Lord. Let your joy be restored and with it you will find your strength will be restored as well.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
RTB = Reasons to Believe
The Connect Group of which I am a part just finished reading one of Hugh Ross's recent books called Why the Universe Is the Way It Is. You may or may not agree with everything he says (like for example, the debate between young earth and ancient earth theorists), but this volume delivers on giving us reasons to believe from a scientist's point of view.
This apologetic argues for a creator, the uncaused cause, who initiated the singularity we read about in Genesis 1. Those who study the origins of the universe in the scientific community have reached the conclusion that the universe has a beginning. (No surprise to creationists of course.) There was something or someone outside of the cosmos that began this process in what they call the Big Bang.
This has enormous significance to those of us who believe in miracles. If that One initiated the universe in what could easily be called a miracle of creation, why cannot that same One intervene within his creation to perform another miracle by superseding the laws of physics within the time and space continuum. The Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, Ascension, etc. are not difficult for the one who created something out of nothing. Turning water into wine, multiplying bread and fish to feed 4 or 5 thousand people, healing blind eyes, and raising the dead don't seem to far fetched in comparison to the creation of the universe. If he can do all of these, why could He not also accomplish the miraculous among us today?
The next time you have the opportunity on a clear night, take another look at the stars in the sky. Let your mind embrace the wonder of what God has done. Be in awe of the One who said, "Let there be light" and it was done. What an indescribable, incredible God we serve!
This apologetic argues for a creator, the uncaused cause, who initiated the singularity we read about in Genesis 1. Those who study the origins of the universe in the scientific community have reached the conclusion that the universe has a beginning. (No surprise to creationists of course.) There was something or someone outside of the cosmos that began this process in what they call the Big Bang.
This has enormous significance to those of us who believe in miracles. If that One initiated the universe in what could easily be called a miracle of creation, why cannot that same One intervene within his creation to perform another miracle by superseding the laws of physics within the time and space continuum. The Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, Ascension, etc. are not difficult for the one who created something out of nothing. Turning water into wine, multiplying bread and fish to feed 4 or 5 thousand people, healing blind eyes, and raising the dead don't seem to far fetched in comparison to the creation of the universe. If he can do all of these, why could He not also accomplish the miraculous among us today?
The next time you have the opportunity on a clear night, take another look at the stars in the sky. Let your mind embrace the wonder of what God has done. Be in awe of the One who said, "Let there be light" and it was done. What an indescribable, incredible God we serve!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Gratitude-RGE
This weekend was marked with the celebration of Palm Sunday, when believers around the world are reminded of Jesus entry into Jerusalem offering himself as the King of Israel. Knowing this King is the greatest of all blessings and calls for the highest of praise to our King. In the midst of the praise and thanksgiving, I was reminded of three additional blessings. They were unexpected, for my mind was preoccupied by what are more noble reasons to rejoice; salvation, redemption, the atonement, justification, and the Lordship of Christ. Yet, I felt overwhelmed with thanksgiving at three amazing blessings.
1. Rain - The simple fact that rain falls from the sky on the just and the unjust speaks of the incredible grace of God to us all. Normally, blue skies and the warmth of the summer sun are my preferences. But without the rain, too much of a good thing can bring drought and famine. Rain changes that and brings life and vitality to the ground. I am grateful for rain.
2. Grass - I don't like to mow it, but someone must do the job. Grass demands the opportunity of pushing its way up through the earth. Gravel, pavement, just about anything eventually gives way to the buried seed as it reaches toward the sky. Simple yet profound, grass may be pretty as a well manicured lawn, but it serves a greater purpose. In fact, grass is a primary beginning link in the food chain. Without grass, the animal life on this planet would not last long. It provides a basic necessity for the existence of so much of life.
3. Earthworms - These little creatures are usually unseen, but they provide an amazingly indispensable service in softening the earth by tunneling under the surface. Some use worms to catch fish. They are also beneficial for the ground's nutrient value through their digestive processes. Unseen, unnoticed, and usually thought of as unimportant, they simply do what they do.
Gratitude springs from an awareness of God's gifts. Often we are recipients of his grace without our being aware of his gifts to us. These three little items may seem unimportant, but indeed, they are vital to our very existence. Rain, grass, and earthworms may not be at the top of your list of items to appreciate, but they do represent God's grace to us, if we recognize them or not. May God give us hearts to appreciate His bountiful gifts.
1. Rain - The simple fact that rain falls from the sky on the just and the unjust speaks of the incredible grace of God to us all. Normally, blue skies and the warmth of the summer sun are my preferences. But without the rain, too much of a good thing can bring drought and famine. Rain changes that and brings life and vitality to the ground. I am grateful for rain.
2. Grass - I don't like to mow it, but someone must do the job. Grass demands the opportunity of pushing its way up through the earth. Gravel, pavement, just about anything eventually gives way to the buried seed as it reaches toward the sky. Simple yet profound, grass may be pretty as a well manicured lawn, but it serves a greater purpose. In fact, grass is a primary beginning link in the food chain. Without grass, the animal life on this planet would not last long. It provides a basic necessity for the existence of so much of life.
3. Earthworms - These little creatures are usually unseen, but they provide an amazingly indispensable service in softening the earth by tunneling under the surface. Some use worms to catch fish. They are also beneficial for the ground's nutrient value through their digestive processes. Unseen, unnoticed, and usually thought of as unimportant, they simply do what they do.
Gratitude springs from an awareness of God's gifts. Often we are recipients of his grace without our being aware of his gifts to us. These three little items may seem unimportant, but indeed, they are vital to our very existence. Rain, grass, and earthworms may not be at the top of your list of items to appreciate, but they do represent God's grace to us, if we recognize them or not. May God give us hearts to appreciate His bountiful gifts.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Prophetic Warnings
Some have inquired regarding the recent prophetic warning from David Wilkerson. Several thoughts may be appropriate. I will not quote his statements in this blog since they have been distributed widely already. You may Google a search if you want the direct references.
1. I have long held David Wilkerson with high respect. I believe him to be a man of God who conducts himself with integrity and godliness. Yes, I do view him as a modern day prophet.
2. That being said, today's prophets are not to be viewed with the same degree of authority or inerrancy as the prophets or apostles in Scripture. They may be anointed but still fallible. Therefore, their words, including Bro. Wilkerson's, must be weighted in light of Scripture and tested for accuracy.
3. Bro. Wilkerson does not give any dates as to when the coming disaster will occur. Those who have followed his ministry for a long period of time are aware that he has previously given similar words of warning.
4. The prophet calls people to repentance. Action should be directed toward righteous living and turning from sin. The practical word was personal for him; i.e., having a month supply of water, non-perishable foods and toiletries on hand because when this occurs the grocery stores shelves will rapidly empty out. To me that sounds like a wise course of action under most circumstances. Many live from paycheck to paycheck with little room for reserves. (As a child, I remember my mother canning green beans, peaches, corn and many other items for the cold winter months. Not a bad idea.) Notice Bro. Wilkerson does not tell believers to flee to the mountains or any such thing. Panic is not called for, rather trust in the Lord and good common sense.
5. It would be unwise to focus the people of your congregation on the fear of catastrophe and create a panic. The times are uncertain and many are fearful. Believers need not be fearful to be circumspect. How would hoarding food, water and other essentials glorify God? There is no way to collect enough of those essentials to care for everyone in your community. How would you decide who to help and who not to help if the disaster does occur? Also, remember, a day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day.
6. The pastoral role is to encourage people to walk with Christ, knowing the days are evil. There will continue to be wars and rumors of wars, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, etc. and believers need to be reminded of that reality. As Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
7. We believe in the eminent return of our Lord. Let us watch and pray, looking up, for our redemption draws nigh!
1. I have long held David Wilkerson with high respect. I believe him to be a man of God who conducts himself with integrity and godliness. Yes, I do view him as a modern day prophet.
2. That being said, today's prophets are not to be viewed with the same degree of authority or inerrancy as the prophets or apostles in Scripture. They may be anointed but still fallible. Therefore, their words, including Bro. Wilkerson's, must be weighted in light of Scripture and tested for accuracy.
3. Bro. Wilkerson does not give any dates as to when the coming disaster will occur. Those who have followed his ministry for a long period of time are aware that he has previously given similar words of warning.
4. The prophet calls people to repentance. Action should be directed toward righteous living and turning from sin. The practical word was personal for him; i.e., having a month supply of water, non-perishable foods and toiletries on hand because when this occurs the grocery stores shelves will rapidly empty out. To me that sounds like a wise course of action under most circumstances. Many live from paycheck to paycheck with little room for reserves. (As a child, I remember my mother canning green beans, peaches, corn and many other items for the cold winter months. Not a bad idea.) Notice Bro. Wilkerson does not tell believers to flee to the mountains or any such thing. Panic is not called for, rather trust in the Lord and good common sense.
5. It would be unwise to focus the people of your congregation on the fear of catastrophe and create a panic. The times are uncertain and many are fearful. Believers need not be fearful to be circumspect. How would hoarding food, water and other essentials glorify God? There is no way to collect enough of those essentials to care for everyone in your community. How would you decide who to help and who not to help if the disaster does occur? Also, remember, a day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day.
6. The pastoral role is to encourage people to walk with Christ, knowing the days are evil. There will continue to be wars and rumors of wars, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, etc. and believers need to be reminded of that reality. As Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
7. We believe in the eminent return of our Lord. Let us watch and pray, looking up, for our redemption draws nigh!
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