I love the very first passage in the prologue. On page 7 Cymbala writes, “Every advancement in the way people live has come because someone saw what could be and was no longer willing to accept what is.” He goes on to say, “Not all of these people were geniuses, but they all had vision. They refused to yield to the idea that there was no better way to do things…”
Paul wrote something similar to the Thessalonians in chapter 4 of his first letter. He was exhorting and encouraging the church to “abound more.” As men we should accept the challenge to never stop pursuing what “could be” and strive to “abound more” in our lives, families, churches, and careers. However, we must do so in pursuit of the riches of Christ rather than the riches of the world.
Good point Phillip. I was taken back about the part of satans attack on the church. He put in a title that says (Satan, Our Ceaseless Adversary)... WOW, Ceaseless.....I dont think about this enough. I was sitting in church this morning and thought about this as I looked around at everyone. I want to tell you that it brought me to a place of prayer for each person "the church". I thought about this passage.
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version) 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Prayer is so important! What ever happened to prayer meetings? I have never been apart of one before but I have heard about them. Also, I agree with him when he wrote "Today we desperately need not only spiritual revival among our churches but an awakening to the importance that Jesus places on every Christian congregation."
Satan is ceaseless. That is scary isn’t it. He is constantly working against us. Do you think that means that even if things are “still” he is probably out there plotting his next move against us?
On pg. 19 Cymbala says, “Our adversary tries to bury some congregations under an avalanche of traditionalism and lifeless ceremony. Many churches he makes ineffective by stifling and discouraging the spirit of prayer.”
Later in the chapter he talks about having 2,000 people gather on a Tuesday night prayer meeting. Remember this is in the middle of Brooklyn N.Y., at a church that started with a handful being led by an “untrained” pastor and his “untrained” music directing wife. You are correct in asking, “Whatever happened to prayer meetings?” In answering that question, we may be able to answer many of the issues that the modern church battles.
I agree. I think they have the right answer. EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT! We shouldnt wait till Satan attacks we should go to God NOW! When things are silent is when we really need it, in our church and in our lives. I didnt mean to make this discussion about prayer, but this is what struck me the hardest in this first chapter.
I'm enjoying your comments, yet have still not received the book from Amazon. Hopefully it will be in within the next few days, and I can catch up with you guys. "As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another". I need some sharpening!
How about an encouraging word towards the end of this chapter? Pg. 33 “Don’t quit believing today in what God has made real in your heart. No matter how unlikely or even hopeless the situation seems to be, God is able to fulfill his word concerning your life, your ministry, and your church.”
prayer meetings--we have regulated them to bible studies, business meetings, prayer request, and that ceremony and tradition that cymbala talks about. In reading his other books, the prayer meetings that Brooklyn Tab has are nothing more than prayer. what if we made the prayer meeting about prayer and nothing else?
This first chapter is very powerful. I was reminded (as Mike said) of the enemy's ceaseless attacks. I am more aware now to "call a spade a spade." If something is a satanic attack, let's call it that and treat it as such.
Two jewels I am taking from this chapter.
1. pg 17, "...we can all accomplish more for God's Kingdom that we have ever dreamed if we learn the secret of asking the Lord to stretch out his hand and do what only He can do in our midst."
This passage reminds me of Jacob wrestling with the angel. Gen 32:26-29 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." 27 The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. 28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." 29 Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there. (NIV)
When is the last time you or I asked God, wrestled with him, saying, "God, I want you, I need you in my family, my church, my job, and I am going to stay here seeking You and wanting You to do ONLY what You can do best"? Powerful stuff.
2. pg 35, "In the very act of stepping out in faith to obey the clear calling of God, turmoil, opposition, and seeming chaols are the only visible results."
Our current culture is so performance driven, then when we endure the smallest opposition to any new idea or work, we back down...even if we believe that the direction is the correct course. Scripture clearly teaches we need to have advisors(Proverbs 15:22) and be open to being wrong--but, I believe there is a HUGE leadership vaccuum in the world today--men who will stand by their convictions and lead!
Cymbala cites Joseph and Moses, both of whom did not see the fulfillment of God's promises until decades after the dream was birthed into them. WOW. Sometimes God's work takes more than a week or a month or a year.
It brought to mind William Carey, the first Bapt missionary to India. He worked for 7 long years, endured the death of his son and others, survived a fire and personal attacks all before he saw the first person come to Christ. Today, if we had not seen something tangible within the first 6 months, we would have pulled the plug on him. If God be for us, who can be against us?
This is a great text--good choice for the first study.
I have finally received my book from Amazon. I can already tell I'm going to enjoy it, just from the prolog. In the prolog, Cymbala draws on two areas that are destroying churches everywhere: moral decay and evangelistic apathy. It seems far too many christians try to "tippy-toe" around sin, afraid we might offend someone if we mention it. And thus, we have opened the floodgates of immorality into our churches, and then we wonder why God is not blessing us. We no longer approach our brothers, out of love, and confront them with sin. We no longer worry about what happens Monday through Saturday, as long as they have their place in the pew on Sunday. And slowly but surely, the church has likened itself to the world, and we're afraid to do anything about it. Cymbala also touched on the fact that in the past, we were "desperate" for the Kingdom of God to be extended. Latest statistics show that 88% of Christians will die having never told a single person about Jesus. And we wonder why God is not blessing our churches. We've turned a blind eye to sin, and an apathetic heart toward the lost. Let's commit to the Lord that we will be a catalyst of revival among His people!
Men, as I read through chapter one, I feel an overwhelming urgency to pray, for myself and for every one of you. God directed us to read this book together. Thus, He has a purpose and plan behind it that we may not even see quite yet. And with this purpose comes Satan's attacks! Let's buckle our belts a knotch or two tighter, and prepare ourselves for Satan to try to derail us in this Faith Race journey. So Phillip, Mike, Scott, Paul, Robbie, and anyone else that is reading this blog, I commit to praying for each of us, that Satan would be bound, and God will be glorified!
Phillip, You hit on what I highlighted (pg.33)as some incouraging words from Cymbala. On page 35 he wrote,"..the people blessed by God must persevere. They must understand that Satan fights the hardest when the greatest spiritual breakthroughs and blessings are just around the corner." Although the fall of last year was a difficult time for our family, I count it a blessing now for the lessons we learned. I am reminded of the Hebrews when they were in Egypt. They came numbering 70 and God blessed them and they greatly multiplied, as promised. However it was that very blessing that caused them to be put into bondage. From their perspective God's blessing was becoming a prison, but God knew what He was doing. He had a plan back then now we are part of God's plan today. Just as God doesn't change neither does Satan, who still works against those working against him. I don't always like it, but it's truth let's us know we are on the right track if our hearts are pure. (see John 15:20)Our true faith is revealed more through darkness than light. One reason Paul's letters are so inspiring is that many were written when he was in dire situations. He was there because he was making a difference. I have had to draw on that spiritual the past few months as I am sure you all have at times. My question is why I sometimes falter in my attitude or faith from time to time when I know the truth?
Mike, you said you didn't want to make this discussion about pray, but I think that is just the point. We are to often trying to have church without God. We sometimes do this in our lives. We want the blessings of God in our lives but not neccessarily God himself. That just will not work in our lives or in our churches. The real gift of the cross was God. We are seperated from God (Romans 3:23) falling short of His glory. In scripture the glory of God is related to the presence of God. In other words, we are seperated from the presence of God in our lives (by lives in this post I mean church, family & personel). Now at the cross we get God back through faith in Jesus. If we don't want God in our lives (and prayer is a huge part of that) then we in effect are saying we don't want salvation. A life that ignores prayer is saying to God we know what we are doing and we can do it without your help. We don't actually see that's what we are doing but is that not just because we are being decieved. We are instructed to worship God in Spirit and Truth. Spirit comes from prayer, Truth from Scripture. If all we do is worship in spirit we are in danger of decieving ourselves, if we only worship in truth we are in danger of becoming dogmatic legalist. Some churches are all wrapped up in the spirit (i.e. Church of God) others only in truth and become dogmatic and unloving places. Only the church which is solid in both can approach God's standard. I want to see what Cymbala says later about God's Word (truth) as it relates to the church. I going to read chapter two now.
Gentleman, I to have been led to pray for each of you and the upcomming discussions.
On page 8 of the Prologue, the author states that "Every time people really pray, they are believing that God by his divine power can change what is, into something better" Do most people pray believing in God's divine power for change?
I found it to be an unexpected twist in the firt chapter, when the paster and his wife from South Dakota showed up and wanted to work along side the church. I guess it's hard to think of the devil using actual people to penetrate the church. This could explain a few problems in our church. I don't mean people are possessed by a demon, but if we are not following along with true time spent with God, is it possible for us to be misled and become a distraction for God's true will and purpose? All the more reason to seek prayer time and surround ourselves with Godly me to hold us accountable.
Welcome Paul. That was truly shocking about the couple who came to Cymbala. Good point about not necessarily being possessed by a demon but allowing Satan to use us.
I know this is off subject but....I kinda drew a different bead from this chapter. When I got finished with it, I wondered if I have ever been "that pastor" in anyones life or minister. Cymbala mentions the pastor and family that had come into his church claiming that God had led them and they were stepping out on faith. However, it seems in the end that they were stepping on toes and trying to force some ones hand instead of welcoming God's will.
After reading that I began to ask questions of some of the actions I have taken in my life believing God was leading me a certain direction....
In chapter 12 the writer of Hebrews issues Christians a challenge to run the race of faith. In order to do so we must lay aside every encumbrance and sin that so easily entangles us. We have to learn to run with endurance and keep our eyes fixed on our example, Jesus Christ. How do we accomplish this in our society? We lock arms with other men of faith and run the race.
This blog is dedicated to a “technical” approach to locking arms. This blog is dedicated to online book studies for men. We will read certain chapters from chosen books. Then we will post comments to encourage, inspire, and in some cases stir up other men. So, you are invited to join our online discussion. More importantly, will you accept the challenge to run the race of faith?
15 comments:
I love the very first passage in the prologue. On page 7 Cymbala writes, “Every advancement in the way people live has come because someone saw what could be and was no longer willing to accept what is.” He goes on to say, “Not all of these people were geniuses, but they all had vision. They refused to yield to the idea that there was no better way to do things…”
Paul wrote something similar to the Thessalonians in chapter 4 of his first letter. He was exhorting and encouraging the church to “abound more.” As men we should accept the challenge to never stop pursuing what “could be” and strive to “abound more” in our lives, families, churches, and careers. However, we must do so in pursuit of the riches of Christ rather than the riches of the world.
Phillip
Good point Phillip.
I was taken back about the part of satans attack on the church. He put in a title that says (Satan, Our Ceaseless Adversary)... WOW,
Ceaseless.....I dont think about this enough. I was sitting in church this morning and thought about this as I looked around at everyone. I want to tell you that it brought me to a place of prayer for each person "the church". I thought about this passage.
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version)
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Prayer is so important! What ever happened to prayer meetings? I have never been apart of one before but I have heard about them.
Also, I agree with him when he wrote "Today we desperately need not only spiritual revival among our churches but an awakening to the importance that Jesus places on every Christian congregation."
Oh how true.
Mike Uptain
Satan is ceaseless. That is scary isn’t it. He is constantly working against us. Do you think that means that even if things are “still” he is probably out there plotting his next move against us?
On pg. 19 Cymbala says, “Our adversary tries to bury some congregations under an avalanche of traditionalism and lifeless ceremony. Many churches he makes ineffective by stifling and discouraging the spirit of prayer.”
Later in the chapter he talks about having 2,000 people gather on a Tuesday night prayer meeting. Remember this is in the middle of Brooklyn N.Y., at a church that started with a handful being led by an “untrained” pastor and his “untrained” music directing wife. You are correct in asking, “Whatever happened to prayer meetings?” In answering that question, we may be able to answer many of the issues that the modern church battles.
Phillip
I agree. I think they have the right answer. EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT!
We shouldnt wait till Satan attacks we should go to God NOW!
When things are silent is when we really need it, in our church and in our lives. I didnt mean to make this discussion about prayer, but this is what struck me the hardest in this first chapter.
Mike U
I have enjoyed reading your comments. I had to order the book from lifeway as they were out. It should be in today and I will catch up.
I'm enjoying your comments, yet have still not received the book from Amazon. Hopefully it will be in within the next few days, and I can catch up with you guys. "As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another". I need some sharpening!
Brad M.
How about an encouraging word towards the end of this chapter? Pg. 33 “Don’t quit believing today in what God has made real in your heart. No matter how unlikely or even hopeless the situation seems to be, God is able to fulfill his word concerning your life, your ministry, and your church.”
Awesome quote! Stay in the race!
Great thoughts guys.
prayer meetings--we have regulated them to bible studies, business meetings, prayer request, and that ceremony and tradition that cymbala talks about. In reading his other books, the prayer meetings that Brooklyn Tab has are nothing more than prayer. what if we made the prayer meeting about prayer and nothing else?
This first chapter is very powerful. I was reminded (as Mike said) of the enemy's ceaseless attacks. I am more aware now to "call a spade a spade." If something is a satanic attack, let's call it that and treat it as such.
Two jewels I am taking from this chapter.
1. pg 17, "...we can all accomplish more for God's Kingdom that we have ever dreamed if we learn the secret of asking the Lord to stretch out his hand and do what only He can do in our midst."
This passage reminds me of Jacob wrestling with the angel.
Gen 32:26-29
26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
27 The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.
28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
29 Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.
(NIV)
When is the last time you or I asked God, wrestled with him, saying, "God, I want you, I need you in my family, my church, my job, and I am going to stay here seeking You and wanting You to do ONLY what You can do best"? Powerful stuff.
2. pg 35, "In the very act of stepping out in faith to obey the clear calling of God, turmoil, opposition, and seeming chaols are the only visible results."
Our current culture is so performance driven, then when we endure the smallest opposition to any new idea or work, we back down...even if we believe that the direction is the correct course. Scripture clearly teaches we need to have advisors(Proverbs 15:22) and be open to being wrong--but, I believe there is a HUGE leadership vaccuum in the world today--men who will stand by their convictions and lead!
Cymbala cites Joseph and Moses, both of whom did not see the fulfillment of God's promises until decades after the dream was birthed into them. WOW. Sometimes God's work takes more than a week or a month or a year.
It brought to mind William Carey, the first Bapt missionary to India. He worked for 7 long years, endured the death of his son and others, survived a fire and personal attacks all before he saw the first person come to Christ. Today, if we had not seen something tangible within the first 6 months, we would have pulled the plug on him. If God be for us, who can be against us?
This is a great text--good choice for the first study.
I have finally received my book from Amazon. I can already tell I'm going to enjoy it, just from the prolog. In the prolog, Cymbala draws on two areas that are destroying churches everywhere: moral decay and evangelistic apathy. It seems far too many christians try to "tippy-toe" around sin, afraid we might offend someone if we mention it. And thus, we have opened the floodgates of immorality into our churches, and then we wonder why
God is not blessing us. We no longer approach our brothers, out of love, and confront them with sin. We no longer worry about what happens Monday through Saturday, as long as they have their place in the pew on Sunday. And slowly but surely, the church has likened itself to the world, and we're afraid to do anything about it. Cymbala also touched on the fact that in the past, we were "desperate" for the Kingdom of God to be extended. Latest statistics show that 88% of Christians will die having never told a single person about Jesus. And we wonder why God is not blessing our churches. We've turned a blind eye to sin, and an apathetic heart toward the lost. Let's commit to the Lord that we will be a catalyst of revival among His people!
Brad Moseley
Men, as I read through chapter one, I feel an overwhelming urgency to pray, for myself and for every one of you. God directed us to read this book together. Thus, He has a purpose and plan behind it that we may not even see quite yet. And with this purpose comes Satan's attacks! Let's buckle our belts a knotch or two tighter, and prepare ourselves for Satan to try to derail us in this Faith Race journey. So Phillip, Mike, Scott, Paul, Robbie, and anyone else that is reading this blog, I commit to praying for each of us, that Satan would be bound, and God will be glorified!
Brad
Phillip, You hit on what I highlighted (pg.33)as some incouraging words from Cymbala. On page 35 he wrote,"..the people blessed by God must persevere. They must understand that Satan fights the hardest when the greatest spiritual breakthroughs and blessings are just around the corner." Although the fall of last year was a difficult time for our family, I count it a blessing now for the lessons we learned.
I am reminded of the Hebrews when they were in Egypt. They came numbering 70 and God blessed them and they greatly multiplied, as promised. However it was that very blessing that caused them to be put into bondage. From their perspective God's blessing was becoming a prison, but God knew what He was doing. He had a plan back then now we are part of God's plan today. Just as God doesn't change neither does Satan, who still works against those working against him. I don't always like it, but it's truth let's us know we are on the right track if our hearts are pure. (see John 15:20)Our true faith is revealed more through darkness than light. One reason Paul's letters are so inspiring is that many were written when he was in dire situations. He was there because he was making a difference. I have had to draw on that spiritual the past few months as I am sure you all have at times. My question is why I sometimes falter in my attitude or faith from time to time when I know the truth?
Scott
Mike, you said you didn't want to make this discussion about pray, but I think that is just the point. We are to often trying to have church without God. We sometimes do this in our lives. We want the blessings of God in our lives but not neccessarily God himself. That just will not work in our lives or in our churches. The real gift of the cross was God. We are seperated from God (Romans 3:23) falling short of His glory. In scripture the glory of God is related to the presence of God. In other words, we are seperated from the presence of God in our lives (by lives in this post I mean church, family & personel). Now at the cross we get God back through faith in Jesus. If we don't want God in our lives (and prayer is a huge part of that) then we in effect are saying we don't want salvation. A life that ignores prayer is saying to God we know what we are doing and we can do it without your help. We don't actually see that's what we are doing but is that not just because we are being decieved. We are instructed to worship God in Spirit and Truth. Spirit comes from prayer, Truth from Scripture. If all we do is worship in spirit we are in danger of decieving ourselves, if we only worship in truth we are in danger of becoming dogmatic legalist. Some churches are all wrapped up in the spirit (i.e. Church of God) others only in truth and become dogmatic and unloving places. Only the church which is solid in both can approach God's standard. I want to see what Cymbala says later about God's Word (truth) as it relates to the church. I going to read chapter two now.
Gentleman, I to have been led to pray for each of you and the upcomming discussions.
On page 8 of the Prologue, the author states that "Every time people really pray, they are believing that God by his divine power can change what is, into something better" Do most people pray believing in God's divine power for change?
I found it to be an unexpected twist in the firt chapter, when the paster and his wife from South Dakota showed up and wanted to work along side the church. I guess it's hard to think of the devil using actual people to penetrate the church. This could explain a few problems in our church. I don't mean people are possessed by a demon, but if we are not following along with true time spent with God, is it possible for us to be misled and become a distraction for God's true will and purpose? All the more reason to seek prayer time and surround ourselves with Godly me to hold us accountable.
God Bless
Paul J.
Welcome Paul. That was truly shocking about the couple who came to Cymbala. Good point about not necessarily being possessed by a demon but allowing Satan to use us.
I know this is off subject but....I kinda drew a different bead from this chapter. When I got finished with it, I wondered if I have ever been "that pastor" in anyones life or minister. Cymbala mentions the pastor and family that had come into his church claiming that God had led them and they were stepping out on faith. However, it seems in the end that they were stepping on toes and trying to force some ones hand instead of welcoming God's will.
After reading that I began to ask questions of some of the actions I have taken in my life believing God was leading me a certain direction....
Hmmmmmmmm.
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