What an awesome chapter about our testimonies. On page 36, Dr. Hunt wrote: "Your testimony really is the only thing you leave this world, and often it hinges on the doorframe of your choices... The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour!". What a statement! My dad told me along time ago that he had given me his name, and it was up to me what I do with it. His encouragement: do nothing that would bring shame on our family name. In a hotel room in Gatlingburg, Tennessee, many years back, God gave me His Son Jesus Christ, and imputed on me His name. I am a Christian! I bear the name of the One who gave His very life for me. What I do with it, as dad told me, is up to me. And sadly, a lifetime of good testimony can be destroyed by five minutes of moral decay. We see it every day, people losing their lives, their families, and worst of all, their testimony for Christ, all for a few moments of poor moral judgement. I wish I could say that I have always lived a life worthy of the Name for which I bear in Christ, but I have not. I struggled even today, and something tells me that I'm probably going to struggle again tomorrow. But as much as I don't want to hurt my family, how much more do I not want to hurt the Kingdom of God? That's why we need each other! We need this accountability. We need our brothers encouraging us, sharpening us, and yes, even scolding us at times. Because His Name is that important. And if we, as Christians, allow our testimonies to be victims of our own moral decay, then what does that tell a lost world about the body of Christ? Let's strive each day to do nothing that tears down the Kingdom of God.
Pg. 37: “I am amazed at the mentality of those who suppose victory is convenient and comfortable.” As I close in on the big 4-0, athletic victories are far and few. However, I do still compete in an occasional 5K (3.1 mile) race. I no longer consider crossing the finish line first an attainable victory. However, I have “won” my race when I beat my time on a certain course. You know, not one time when I have run a race or course faster did I say, “That was really a comfortable run. It really felt convenient how I attacked that course.” More often I am about to puke because I have usually pushed myself to the limit. Oh God, don’t let me forget the price you paid on the cross for the victory I so enjoy without a second thought. Help me to push myself in my walk today. Convict me Lord.
Pg. 40& 41: “I imagined that Paul preached many a sermon with a black eye. He may have talked slow and deliberate because his lip was swollen. Most of our churches wouldn’t have Paul as their preacher because he was in more fights than an alley cat…I’m not sure a preacher like Paul would be accepted in this day of contemporary church growth movements.”
Here is a thought: Paul meets Joel Osteen. How about Paul meets church growth experts who try to make the Gospel of Christ more appealing to the masses? Tell me, do you think you would have liked being mentored by Paul? Probably would be painful. Probably would have to fight. Good chance you may die. Oh what a story you would have to tell! Oh what growth in Christ!
Quick Question: On page 43, Dr. Hunt says "... the average church member is under-challenged. We have sharp people in our pews desiring to be part of something big, and we give them a job at the Kool-Aid stand". Pastors and church leaders (I included) tend to blame our members for their "lack of spiritual depth", that they are not spending enought time in the Word, etc. If I read Dr. Hunt's quote correctly, sounds like I as a pastor need to "expect" more by "challenging" more. Do you agree that we have a leadership problem in many to most churches? How do we balance the leaders responsibility with our own personal responsibility? Any thoughts?????
Yes, there are huge leadership problems in churches for which I am familiar. First, I think there are some clear cut Biblical principles on leadership that are being violated. Secondly, I think that as long as those principles are being violated God will withhold some of His blessings from that church. Thirdly, give the people meaningful tasks. Fourthly, do what we do in this blog. Don't be afraid to talk about the deep stuff with the "mature" Christians. Obviously discretion will be used. Fifthly, give the people something to buy into. Finally, in our church service this past weekend a "leader" stated that in a different country (she has just returned from a weeklong mission trip) the people didn't worry about the time/length of the service, contrary to "some in this church." Well, those people in that country are being fed the Word at the level for which they hungry. Perhaps average Joe Churchmember wouldn't be so worried about time if the services were filled with passion and they felt a high degree of ownership. Maybe the congregation members would feel like pewsitters if they weren't treated as such. Sharpen the iron!
Phillip, Great points. It's amazing we are talking about all this, and with the questions I posed for everyone to think about, it's something that the Lord has already been dealing with me (more like whooping me) with. At Lister, I have begun a new "mentoring to Spiritual Growth" ministry. It is nothing that I announce from the pulpit, but have invited four men in our church who are good men, and for the most part, godly men, to begin meeting together on Sunday nights during our DT hour. The purpose of our time together is very simple: Taking them to the next level in their walks with the Lord. Not that I'm a very good person to mentor anyone, but I have committed to the Lord, and to them, that together, I'm going to help them grow in their faith, and to become the leaders the body of Christ needs. We're going to spend about 4 to 6 months together, studying God's Word, reading some books, encouraging each other, and drawing on the God given gifts that each of them hold. Then, at the end of our time together, I'm asking each of them to take on or begin a new ministry at the church. To use the gifts and talents that the Lord has given them, and to bring Him glory through them. And the promise that I have made to the Lord is this: I'm not going to look over their shoulders or critique anything they are doing (within reason of course). Basically, the Lord showed me that I was trying to get people to feed in pastures that I, as their pastor, had not led them to yet. Neat thing is, after I'm through with this first group, I already have another group of 4 men ready (two of which are currently deacons) that will begin the same 4 to 6 months of spiritual growth and mentorship. I've learned, the hard way I must add, that the best leaders are those who are constantly developing other leaders. Oh, and after someone has gone through the months of spiritual growth, then I'm asking each of them to find just one person, and begin the process with them, and when they are through with that one, to find another one. As a bi-vocational pastor, I am learning more and more each day, the "togetherness" of ministry, and not the "Im the pastor, and I'll handle it" mentality that, unfortunately, I have seen many times throughout the years, and have even have been guilty of as a leader myself. Now, all I need is for God to send a few more families to the church, to help us stabalize some areas. He's never failed us, and I know He'll not fail us now. Just keep us in your prayers.
Brad: That is awesome. Did you say you are not a very good guy to mentor? I beg to differ. I've sat under your teaching. How hard is it as a leader to take a "hands off" approach? Great work!
I know I've posted several comments on this chapter, but how bout his comment on page 47: "A person can be a great preacher and die and go to hell. But you cannot be a great Christian and die and go to hell". Isn't it incredible how "nice" we can make ourselves look on the outside, when on the inside we are just rotten. I must admit, there are times when what people see is not exactly how I'm feeling on the inside. Yes I'm a Christian, so that is not a mask, but I can smile, and even say a kind word or two, and have incredible bitterness in my heart. I must admit, I have even preached a time or two when my heart was filled with bitterness. Oh, I smiled, and God still spoke through His Word, but my heart did not match with what was coming out of my mouth. How pitiful is that! But even more, how pitiful to spend an eternity separated from that which you had claimed your whole life? You know, evidence of salvation is not a smooth talk, or a great game, it's a relationship with Jesus Christ that has transformed your life. I pray our actions and thought will match that which we claim to have in our hearts. And my first prayer, selfishly I guess, must go up for myself.
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?
9 comments:
What an awesome chapter about our testimonies. On page 36, Dr. Hunt wrote: "Your testimony really is the only thing you leave this world, and often it hinges on the doorframe of your choices... The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour!". What a statement! My dad told me along time ago that he had given me his name, and it was up to me what I do with it. His encouragement: do nothing that would bring shame on our family name. In a hotel room in Gatlingburg, Tennessee, many years back, God gave me His Son Jesus Christ, and imputed on me His name. I am a Christian! I bear the name of the One who gave His very life for me. What I do with it, as dad told me, is up to me. And sadly, a lifetime of good testimony can be destroyed by five minutes of moral decay. We see it every day, people losing their lives, their families, and worst of all, their testimony for Christ, all for a few moments of poor moral judgement. I wish I could say that I have always lived a life worthy of the Name for which I bear in Christ, but I have not. I struggled even today, and something tells me that I'm probably going to struggle again tomorrow. But as much as I don't want to hurt my family, how much more do I not want to hurt the Kingdom of God? That's why we need each other! We need this accountability. We need our brothers encouraging us, sharpening us, and yes, even scolding us at times. Because His Name is that important. And if we, as Christians, allow our testimonies to be victims of our own moral decay, then what does that tell a lost world about the body of Christ? Let's strive each day to do nothing that tears down the Kingdom of God.
Brad
Pg. 37: “I am amazed at the mentality of those who suppose victory is convenient and comfortable.” As I close in on the big 4-0, athletic victories are far and few. However, I do still compete in an occasional 5K (3.1 mile) race. I no longer consider crossing the finish line first an attainable victory. However, I have “won” my race when I beat my time on a certain course. You know, not one time when I have run a race or course faster did I say, “That was really a comfortable run. It really felt convenient how I attacked that course.” More often I am about to puke because I have usually pushed myself to the limit. Oh God, don’t let me forget the price you paid on the cross for the victory I so enjoy without a second thought. Help me to push myself in my walk today. Convict me Lord.
"Why is it that so many people are quitters?" Great question.
Pg. 40& 41: “I imagined that Paul preached many a sermon with a black eye. He may have talked slow and deliberate because his lip was swollen. Most of our churches wouldn’t have Paul as their preacher because he was in more fights than an alley cat…I’m not sure a preacher like Paul would be accepted in this day of contemporary church growth movements.”
Here is a thought: Paul meets Joel Osteen. How about Paul meets church growth experts who try to make the Gospel of Christ more appealing to the masses? Tell me, do you think you would have liked being mentored by Paul? Probably would be painful. Probably would have to fight. Good chance you may die. Oh what a story you would have to tell! Oh what growth in Christ!
Quick Question: On page 43, Dr. Hunt says "... the average church member is under-challenged. We have sharp people in our pews desiring to be part of something big, and we give them a job at the Kool-Aid stand". Pastors and church leaders (I included) tend to blame our members for their "lack of spiritual depth", that they are not spending enought time in the Word, etc. If I read Dr. Hunt's quote correctly, sounds like I as a pastor need to "expect" more by "challenging" more. Do you agree that we have a leadership problem in many to most churches? How do we balance the leaders responsibility with our own personal responsibility? Any thoughts?????
Yes, there are huge leadership problems in churches for which I am familiar. First, I think there are some clear cut Biblical principles on leadership that are being violated. Secondly, I think that as long as those principles are being violated God will withhold some of His blessings from that church. Thirdly, give the people meaningful tasks. Fourthly, do what we do in this blog. Don't be afraid to talk about the deep stuff with the "mature" Christians. Obviously discretion will be used. Fifthly, give the people something to buy into. Finally, in our church service this past weekend a "leader" stated that in a different country (she has just returned from a weeklong mission trip) the people didn't worry about the time/length of the service, contrary to "some in this church." Well, those people in that country are being fed the Word at the level for which they hungry. Perhaps average Joe Churchmember wouldn't be so worried about time if the services were filled with passion and they felt a high degree of ownership. Maybe the congregation members would feel like pewsitters if they weren't treated as such. Sharpen the iron!
Phillip, Great points. It's amazing we are talking about all this, and with the questions I posed for everyone to think about, it's something that the Lord has already been dealing with me (more like whooping me) with. At Lister, I have begun a new "mentoring to Spiritual Growth" ministry. It is nothing that I announce from the pulpit, but have invited four men in our church who are good men, and for the most part, godly men, to begin meeting together on Sunday nights during our DT hour. The purpose of our time together is very simple: Taking them to the next level in their walks with the Lord. Not that I'm a very good person to mentor anyone, but I have committed to the Lord, and to them, that together, I'm going to help them grow in their faith, and to become the leaders the body of Christ needs. We're going to spend about 4 to 6 months together, studying God's Word, reading some books, encouraging each other, and drawing on the God given gifts that each of them hold. Then, at the end of our time together, I'm asking each of them to take on or begin a new ministry at the church. To use the gifts and talents that the Lord has given them, and to bring Him glory through them. And the promise that I have made to the Lord is this: I'm not going to look over their shoulders or critique anything they are doing (within reason of course). Basically, the Lord showed me that I was trying to get people to feed in pastures that I, as their pastor, had not led them to yet. Neat thing is, after I'm through with this first group, I already have another group of 4 men ready (two of which are currently deacons) that will begin the same 4 to 6 months of spiritual growth and mentorship. I've learned, the hard way I must add, that the best leaders are those who are constantly developing other leaders. Oh, and after someone has gone through the months of spiritual growth, then I'm asking each of them to find just one person, and begin the process with them, and when they are through with that one, to find another one. As a bi-vocational pastor, I am learning more and more each day, the "togetherness" of ministry, and not the "Im the pastor, and I'll handle it" mentality that, unfortunately, I have seen many times throughout the years, and have even have been guilty of as a leader myself. Now, all I need is for God to send a few more families to the church, to help us stabalize some areas. He's never failed us, and I know He'll not fail us now. Just keep us in your prayers.
Brad
Brad: That is awesome. Did you say you are not a very good guy to mentor? I beg to differ. I've sat under your teaching. How hard is it as a leader to take a "hands off" approach? Great work!
I know I've posted several comments on this chapter, but how bout his comment on page 47: "A person can be a great preacher and die and go to hell. But you cannot be a great Christian and die and go to hell". Isn't it incredible how "nice" we can make ourselves look on the outside, when on the inside we are just rotten. I must admit, there are times when what people see is not exactly how I'm feeling on the inside. Yes I'm a Christian, so that is not a mask, but I can smile, and even say a kind word or two, and have incredible bitterness in my heart. I must admit, I have even preached a time or two when my heart was filled with bitterness. Oh, I smiled, and God still spoke through His Word, but my heart did not match with what was coming out of my mouth. How pitiful is that! But even more, how pitiful to spend an eternity separated from that which you had claimed your whole life? You know, evidence of salvation is not a smooth talk, or a great game, it's a relationship with Jesus Christ that has transformed your life. I pray our actions and thought will match that which we claim to have in our hearts. And my first prayer, selfishly I guess, must go up for myself.
Brad
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