For nine days some of us had made visits to other churches. As we planned for the Revival Prayer rotation in the city we prayed that the door of opportunity would be open for us to witness our faith. Attending different churches I watched surprise on people’s faces as they learn that the Seventh-day Adventist believers are praying with them. Those of us who attended had every chance to speak, pray and testify in most of the churches.
I have to admit that even I was not ready for the intensity of this event. I pray every morning, I keep my devotional time, I pray in the evening. Yet, to come every day and spend 2 hours straight in prayer, listening to others pray and dialoguing with God, listening to His voice, was a challenge!
As we increase the intensity of our coming together and chasing after God so we increase our opportunities for the Encounter with Him and His Blessings. I write this to encourage you to do the same – go and visit believers in the city, while the doors have been opened by God.
As I read the Spirit of Prophecy I am convicted that “much have been lost by neglecting to do this. It should ever be manifest that we are reformers, but not bigots. [We] should seek to become acquainted with the pastors of the several churches in the place. If our ministers show themselves friendly and sociable, and do not act as if they were ashamed of the message they bear, it will have an excellent effect, and may give these pastors and their congregations favorable impressions of the truth. Our laborers should be very careful not to give the impression that they are wolves stealing in to get the sheep, but should let the ministers understand their position and the object of their mission--to call the attention of the people to the truths of God's Word. There are many of these which are dear to all Christians. Here is common ground, upon which we can meet people of other denominations; and in becoming acquainted with them we should dwell mostly upon topics in which all feel an interest, and which will not lead directly and pointedly to the subjects of disagreement.” Review and Herald, June 13, 1912. (quoted in Evangelism 143).
In an appeal to the church in 1899 Ellen White wrote that “wisest, firmest labor should be given to those ministers who are not of our faith” Letter 72, 1899. (quoted in Evangelism, 562).
I remind you that we all are ministers, we are all priests, and there is no difference between us. We all are the People of God – the LAITY, and we all have been Called by God – the CLERGY.
The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) will show when the Gifts of the Spirit are employed and at work. Live by the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and let the Gifts of the Spirit be manifested in your life.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Priesthood of ALL BELIEVERS
Almost 5 centuries ago a German monk Martin Luther, father of the Reformation movement, challenged the Church of the day to accept Biblical teaching that the priesthood belongs to all believers. He build the reformation on following premises:
- all believers are laity, meaning the People of God;
- all believers are clergy, meaning Called by God.
Clergy and laity are not distinct categories among believers, but rather collective descriptions of who we are when we enter the Kingdom of God: the people of God who are called out for God’s purpose.
Centuries of darkness in the Medieval Church distorted the Biblical mandate for believers and relegated the life of service only to a few professionals, making the rest of believers consumers of service. Today many churches are still struggling in attempts to shed the inherited baggage of ministry consumerism and status quo of few.
Through the long centuries of church history many human errors and traditions had crippled the effectiveness of our collective efforts. One of common misconceptions was, (and still is), that we tell heaven what to do.
Paul had to write to the church in Corinth that it is the Holy Spirit Who decides which gifts to give, to whom, and when, as He alone pleases. (1st Corinthians 12:11) The church in Corinth assumed that they would decide which gifts they need and nominate people to receive such. They assumed that they would appoint the functions of their church according to their planning. And Paul strongly reminded them that God is the one who sets up and appoints, for this Body, the Church – is His Body, with Christ being the Head.
As I think of Spiritual Gifts I remember the parable Jesus told about servants who got talents given to them for use and investment. He told this parable right after telling the conditions of the church that is falling asleep, loosing the Spiritual oil in their lamps and missing the invitation to enter the Wedding Feast (the 10 virgins) (Matthew 25:14-30)
I don’t want my talent be taken away from me. Moreover, I don’t want to be thrown out as a useless, good-for-nothing servant into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. What do you do with your talents? Have you discovered them yet? Are you willing to risk and invest them with your family?
When we say "ministry" we must recognize that it is a general inclusive term meaning all kinds of services. Ministry is not limited only to the pulpit proclamation or public speaking. Ministry is using God given gift for the benefit of others. Think of a lady who has a gift of mercy and encouragement, and as she goes about her job from day to day as a nurse aid at the hospital ward she shares the word of mercy and encouragement with people she looks after – she is a minister. Think of a person who has a gift of helps and combines it with the natural talent of an artist to produce beautiful and insightful artwork that illustrates unseen beauties of life – he is a minister. Think of a person who’s got the gift of love and a talent for decorating and arranging flowers –she is a minister.
When we discover our spiritual gifts and combine them with natural talents we find ourselves doing the ministry not for the sake of reward, or recognition, or receiving praises but from natural outflow of God’s Grace in our lives – freely receive, so freely give. Ministering from giftedness makes even such a menial task as changing the lettering on the church sign a delight - ministry of communication and proclamation.
Spiritual gifts are not an option but a vital necessity in our Church. Your brothers and sisters need your giftedness!!!
- all believers are laity, meaning the People of God;
- all believers are clergy, meaning Called by God.
Clergy and laity are not distinct categories among believers, but rather collective descriptions of who we are when we enter the Kingdom of God: the people of God who are called out for God’s purpose.
Centuries of darkness in the Medieval Church distorted the Biblical mandate for believers and relegated the life of service only to a few professionals, making the rest of believers consumers of service. Today many churches are still struggling in attempts to shed the inherited baggage of ministry consumerism and status quo of few.
Through the long centuries of church history many human errors and traditions had crippled the effectiveness of our collective efforts. One of common misconceptions was, (and still is), that we tell heaven what to do.
Paul had to write to the church in Corinth that it is the Holy Spirit Who decides which gifts to give, to whom, and when, as He alone pleases. (1st Corinthians 12:11) The church in Corinth assumed that they would decide which gifts they need and nominate people to receive such. They assumed that they would appoint the functions of their church according to their planning. And Paul strongly reminded them that God is the one who sets up and appoints, for this Body, the Church – is His Body, with Christ being the Head.
As I think of Spiritual Gifts I remember the parable Jesus told about servants who got talents given to them for use and investment. He told this parable right after telling the conditions of the church that is falling asleep, loosing the Spiritual oil in their lamps and missing the invitation to enter the Wedding Feast (the 10 virgins) (Matthew 25:14-30)
I don’t want my talent be taken away from me. Moreover, I don’t want to be thrown out as a useless, good-for-nothing servant into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. What do you do with your talents? Have you discovered them yet? Are you willing to risk and invest them with your family?
When we say "ministry" we must recognize that it is a general inclusive term meaning all kinds of services. Ministry is not limited only to the pulpit proclamation or public speaking. Ministry is using God given gift for the benefit of others. Think of a lady who has a gift of mercy and encouragement, and as she goes about her job from day to day as a nurse aid at the hospital ward she shares the word of mercy and encouragement with people she looks after – she is a minister. Think of a person who has a gift of helps and combines it with the natural talent of an artist to produce beautiful and insightful artwork that illustrates unseen beauties of life – he is a minister. Think of a person who’s got the gift of love and a talent for decorating and arranging flowers –she is a minister.
When we discover our spiritual gifts and combine them with natural talents we find ourselves doing the ministry not for the sake of reward, or recognition, or receiving praises but from natural outflow of God’s Grace in our lives – freely receive, so freely give. Ministering from giftedness makes even such a menial task as changing the lettering on the church sign a delight - ministry of communication and proclamation.
Spiritual gifts are not an option but a vital necessity in our Church. Your brothers and sisters need your giftedness!!!
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Nominating Committee as Ministry Placement Team
HAVE YOU DISCOVERED THE GIFT YET?
WHAT IS YOUR CALLING?
WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH IT?
HOW ARE YOU USING GOD GIVEN GIFTS?
We do not decide how the Spirit gives, the Holy Spirit is in charge of distributing gifts. And the Holy Spirit reveals gifts to people who receive them. For the past two weeks I have written to you on the Biblical Metaphor of the Church as the Body (taken from 1st Corinthians 12). We need each other’s cooperation for this Body of Faith to function. Our spiritual gifts were given for edification of the Body, for building up the Church family, for benefit of other believers.(1st Corinthians 12:7)
To every servant of the Master and Lord Jesus some gift of the Spirit is promised. There is no one who has not received!!!
At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word. The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God.
If they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe. (Ellen G. White, The Faith I Live By. 292)
From the same inspired pen came these words: “the greatest cause of our spiritual feebleness as a people, is the lack of real faith in Spiritual Gifts.” (Ellen G. White, an Appeal in Review & Herald, January 14, 1868)
The members have depended upon pulpit declamations instead of on the Holy Spirit. Uncalled for and unused, the spiritual gifts bestowed on them have dwindled into feebleness. (Ellen G. White, Selected Messages. Vol.1. 127)
When Christians serve in their area of giftedness, they function less in their own strength and more in the power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are not an option but a vital necessity in our Church. Your brothers and sisters need your giftedness!!!
WHAT IS YOUR CALLING?
WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH IT?
HOW ARE YOU USING GOD GIVEN GIFTS?
We do not decide how the Spirit gives, the Holy Spirit is in charge of distributing gifts. And the Holy Spirit reveals gifts to people who receive them. For the past two weeks I have written to you on the Biblical Metaphor of the Church as the Body (taken from 1st Corinthians 12). We need each other’s cooperation for this Body of Faith to function. Our spiritual gifts were given for edification of the Body, for building up the Church family, for benefit of other believers.(1st Corinthians 12:7)
To every servant of the Master and Lord Jesus some gift of the Spirit is promised. There is no one who has not received!!!
At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word. The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God.
If they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe. (Ellen G. White, The Faith I Live By. 292)
From the same inspired pen came these words: “the greatest cause of our spiritual feebleness as a people, is the lack of real faith in Spiritual Gifts.” (Ellen G. White, an Appeal in Review & Herald, January 14, 1868)
The members have depended upon pulpit declamations instead of on the Holy Spirit. Uncalled for and unused, the spiritual gifts bestowed on them have dwindled into feebleness. (Ellen G. White, Selected Messages. Vol.1. 127)
When Christians serve in their area of giftedness, they function less in their own strength and more in the power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are not an option but a vital necessity in our Church. Your brothers and sisters need your giftedness!!!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Interdependence
We are all diverse and different, right? Yet through the Spirit, through our unique gifts we are made One Body, making us all INTERDEPENDENT. We may not like it, having been inducted in the secular materialistic lifestyle, where every one is expected to be self-made independent persona. Yet, God’s people are to live and operate on a different set of values, and INTERDEPENDENCE is one of them.
Apostle Paul illustrates it as a body having many parts – limbs, organs, cells – no matter how big, or how many parts – still One Body. By the Spirit of Christ we have to say good buy to our partial and divided lives. I know you are used to call your own shots, but when you were baptized you had entered the Body where He, Christ, call the shots. He has final say in everything. The old labels we used to identify ourselves with are no longer valid. He is the Head and it is His Mind in all of us that produces Unity!
A Body is not just a single part blown up into something huge (out of proportion). We are all “different-but-similar” parts ARRANGED TO FUNCTION TOGETHER. If the foot say, “I am not as elegant as the hand, and I guess I don’t belong to the body” would that make so? If an Ear say, “I am not beautiful like an Eye, clear and expressive, I don’t deserve place on the head” – would you remove it from the Body?
God has placed each part where it belongs and where it is functional. Moreover, there are not 100 hands on the body – only two. Not million of noses – only one. Not many hearts – but one. Many cells combined and fit together become an organ.
As you consider your place in the Body, discerning the body part you belong to, who are the constituent parts of the same organ? Who are the people that have same, or similar, ministry drive as you? Who are your team colleagues? Who belong in the same cohort of “cells” that make an organ?
The way God designed our Bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church – every part dependent on every other part, there part we mention and the parts we don’t, there are parts we see, and the parts we don’t. But when one part hurts – all are involved in the healing. If one flourishes – all are enjoying. We are all – Christ’s body. Only as you accept yourself as a “part” that it means anything.
In the Body it’s all about unity, team work, belonging, interaction, cooperation and INTERDEPENDENCE. Discover your place!
Apostle Paul illustrates it as a body having many parts – limbs, organs, cells – no matter how big, or how many parts – still One Body. By the Spirit of Christ we have to say good buy to our partial and divided lives. I know you are used to call your own shots, but when you were baptized you had entered the Body where He, Christ, call the shots. He has final say in everything. The old labels we used to identify ourselves with are no longer valid. He is the Head and it is His Mind in all of us that produces Unity!
A Body is not just a single part blown up into something huge (out of proportion). We are all “different-but-similar” parts ARRANGED TO FUNCTION TOGETHER. If the foot say, “I am not as elegant as the hand, and I guess I don’t belong to the body” would that make so? If an Ear say, “I am not beautiful like an Eye, clear and expressive, I don’t deserve place on the head” – would you remove it from the Body?
God has placed each part where it belongs and where it is functional. Moreover, there are not 100 hands on the body – only two. Not million of noses – only one. Not many hearts – but one. Many cells combined and fit together become an organ.
As you consider your place in the Body, discerning the body part you belong to, who are the constituent parts of the same organ? Who are the people that have same, or similar, ministry drive as you? Who are your team colleagues? Who belong in the same cohort of “cells” that make an organ?
The way God designed our Bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church – every part dependent on every other part, there part we mention and the parts we don’t, there are parts we see, and the parts we don’t. But when one part hurts – all are involved in the healing. If one flourishes – all are enjoying. We are all – Christ’s body. Only as you accept yourself as a “part” that it means anything.
In the Body it’s all about unity, team work, belonging, interaction, cooperation and INTERDEPENDENCE. Discover your place!
Saturday, August 6, 2005
Discovering YOUR Ministry
You’ve heard about the Spiritual Gifts survey that we are conducting to develop a database of giftedness in each local church. It is our objective to reduce number of duties some people are burdened with, and to provide opportunities for others who had never been offered a chance to participate in serving God.
We are not talking about your natural talents. We are talking about Spiritual Gifts that are not your own, but are God Gracious gift for you.
Author of Hebrews writes to the believers that their salvation is announced and given by Christ, and comes with confirmation through Gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit according to His Will. (Hebrews 2:3-4). On another occasion apostle Paul wrote to believers that gifts of the Spirit are distributed not by our demand but by the decision and choice of the Holy Spirit. (1st Corinthians 12:11)
Every believer, every person who is saved in Jesus receives Gifts of the Holy Spirit to do work of ministry. That is the truth of the Bible, the faith passed on from generation to generation. When Jesus commanded a few doubting disciples to go into all the world (Matthew 28:17-20) they knew they were not able, they had no talents, no means. Christ’s promise to be with us is contingent on us receiving the Holy Spirits and gifts that He gives. That is how the Church has grown from a few to conquer the world.
What Body-part are YOU in Christ’s Church?
We are not talking about your natural talents. We are talking about Spiritual Gifts that are not your own, but are God Gracious gift for you.
Author of Hebrews writes to the believers that their salvation is announced and given by Christ, and comes with confirmation through Gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit according to His Will. (Hebrews 2:3-4). On another occasion apostle Paul wrote to believers that gifts of the Spirit are distributed not by our demand but by the decision and choice of the Holy Spirit. (1st Corinthians 12:11)
Every believer, every person who is saved in Jesus receives Gifts of the Holy Spirit to do work of ministry. That is the truth of the Bible, the faith passed on from generation to generation. When Jesus commanded a few doubting disciples to go into all the world (Matthew 28:17-20) they knew they were not able, they had no talents, no means. Christ’s promise to be with us is contingent on us receiving the Holy Spirits and gifts that He gives. That is how the Church has grown from a few to conquer the world.
- What is YOUR ministry?
- What Gift did the Holy Spirit give YOU?
- What confirmation do you have that YOU are saved?
What Body-part are YOU in Christ’s Church?
Saturday, March 12, 2005
United in Communion
Do you want to be happy? Would you take Christ’s recipe for happiness? Gospels offer full range of instructions and guidelines for true happiness. Greek word maka,rioi, [makarioi] which is often translated as “blessed” is the word for “happy.” Reading the beatitudes in Matthew 5 or Luke 6, those who are blessed are the happy ones.
Regularly we are celebrating the Remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for us. This ordinance is a promise for happiness. Jesus assured all those present in the upper room: "If ye know these things," if you know the purpose of His lessons, "happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:17)
Your vision reflects your desire for becoming a happy community, becoming unified as a family of faith. It is through Christ’s ordinance of footwashing that we may attain out dream of becoming one.
The pen of inspiration asserts that “The Holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Savior's humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up, memories of God's great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil-thinking and evil-speaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity.
As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We "behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29.
To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become a mere ceremonial. Its constant lesson will be, "By love serve one another." Gal. 5:13. (Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, 650-651)
Regularly we are celebrating the Remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for us. This ordinance is a promise for happiness. Jesus assured all those present in the upper room: "If ye know these things," if you know the purpose of His lessons, "happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:17)
Your vision reflects your desire for becoming a happy community, becoming unified as a family of faith. It is through Christ’s ordinance of footwashing that we may attain out dream of becoming one.
The pen of inspiration asserts that “The Holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Savior's humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up, memories of God's great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil-thinking and evil-speaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity.
As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We "behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29.
To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become a mere ceremonial. Its constant lesson will be, "By love serve one another." Gal. 5:13. (Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, 650-651)
Saturday, March 5, 2005
Evangelism as our Reason for Being
Defining Our Vision: =
1. Bible Teaching Praying Church.
2. Evangelizing Church.
Just to think that we can actually change the population of heaven!!! Yet it is exactly what Jesus had in mind when He gave the Commission to the doubtful bunch of disciples to go and evangelize nations.
Gospel is always about the Good News. And the greatest news for us today is that even plateaued or declining churches can turn around! Jesus dictated a letter for John to write to his home church in Ephesus: “…remember from where you have fallen, turn back and recover your first love…” (Revelation 2:5)
One of parables Jesus told hints that those who fail to seek the lost will be replaced by others. (Matthew 21:33-46). When a church ceases to be an evangelistic agency, that church ceases to be the true church. God has raised up His people and had chosen His remnant to saved those who are lost. To quit reaching to those seeking after God is to be rejected by God.
The difference between the stream and a swamp is that stream has an outlet. A church that is not reaching out is becoming a swamp. Evangelism is our reason for being!
We have discovered that Jesus’ promise to be with us always depends on us doing His Command. The Great Commission to evangelize is just that – His Last Command. (Matthew 28:18-20). When we obey His command it will be a sign to all the world that we are in love-relationship with Him, our Lord and God. (John 14:21,31).
Listen to what the Spirit of Prophecy says on this: “If we love Jesus…we shall love to labor for Him. For His sake we shall covet pain and toil and sacrifice. We shall sympathize with His longing for the salvation of men. We shall feel the same tender craving for souls that He has felt. This is the religion of Christ. Anything short of it is a deception.” (Ellen G. White, Christ object lessons, 49-50)
Go ye and teach all groups of people you meet in the Good News of Jesus!
1. Bible Teaching Praying Church.
2. Evangelizing Church.
Just to think that we can actually change the population of heaven!!! Yet it is exactly what Jesus had in mind when He gave the Commission to the doubtful bunch of disciples to go and evangelize nations.
Gospel is always about the Good News. And the greatest news for us today is that even plateaued or declining churches can turn around! Jesus dictated a letter for John to write to his home church in Ephesus: “…remember from where you have fallen, turn back and recover your first love…” (Revelation 2:5)
One of parables Jesus told hints that those who fail to seek the lost will be replaced by others. (Matthew 21:33-46). When a church ceases to be an evangelistic agency, that church ceases to be the true church. God has raised up His people and had chosen His remnant to saved those who are lost. To quit reaching to those seeking after God is to be rejected by God.
The difference between the stream and a swamp is that stream has an outlet. A church that is not reaching out is becoming a swamp. Evangelism is our reason for being!
We have discovered that Jesus’ promise to be with us always depends on us doing His Command. The Great Commission to evangelize is just that – His Last Command. (Matthew 28:18-20). When we obey His command it will be a sign to all the world that we are in love-relationship with Him, our Lord and God. (John 14:21,31).
Listen to what the Spirit of Prophecy says on this: “If we love Jesus…we shall love to labor for Him. For His sake we shall covet pain and toil and sacrifice. We shall sympathize with His longing for the salvation of men. We shall feel the same tender craving for souls that He has felt. This is the religion of Christ. Anything short of it is a deception.” (Ellen G. White, Christ object lessons, 49-50)
Go ye and teach all groups of people you meet in the Good News of Jesus!
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