Life In Ministry: A Very Human Perspective

Probably not your typical entry of this sort. That's a cautionary note I suppose. :) This is not a study-snippett, or nugget of teaching, as is the like by which so many of we "bloggers" bombard you with on a daily basis. I'd dare say ....the only thing possibly more wordy than a preacher with a soapbox is a preacher with an internet connection ...eh?

I've been in "the ministry" for a while now; vocationally speaking. I've been in youth ministry, music ministry, teaching ministry, pastoral ministry, I've worked in church establishments with hi-tech demands, and in those low-tech, even no-tech. Counciling has been a piece of the ministry shape, as has proclamation, investigation, and instigation when the shoe fits. I've done it with payment, and done it for free. "The ministry" has been, for me, consisting of ups and downs, and then that again ....over and over. To the degree which ministry is something ya' do ....it has been a most difficult load to carry, a blessing, and pure, real, genuine God-sized "joy" ....and all at the same time, at times. I have matured enough to recognize my immaturity. This is humbling ....if a little frustrating.

I have witnessed men, women, youth-aged, and children surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. I have wondered, silently and prayerfully, how many continued in "the way", to even grow in knowledge and wisdom of the way. I have wept for lost-ness. I have also found myself stiff-hearted. I have seen myself become stretched in my own faith ...at times wondering if I would snap, and lose my own way. I've observed my family "stretched", and tested, in their own walk (individually and corporately). This is where "the ministry" really comes into crystal-clear view ...sorta'. At least, this is where the rubber truly meets the road. My family has seen genuineness from my ministry. It has also seen hypocrisy from it. They know me best. As unintentional as I may defend any hypocrisy to be ....it is what it is. I've repented to the point that I have, at times, wondered if I believe me. I find myself doing what I know I shouldn't. Not doing what I know I should. The biblical letter to the Romans is more "real" to me each day. Give chapter 7 a quick read. You'll see a real Christ-follower struggling to follow Christ.

If you've read this far ....surely you're curious as to why I continue to emphasize "the ministry". Is it something we do, or is it who we are? The answer is ...yes, both. By the Holy Spirit's indwelling ....it is fabric of our DNA. Science could never support that, however, and I'm not asking it to. I already have my right answer. No further query required.

In retrospect, I am in awe that God has used me thus far, not discarding me. I "am" that disposable! That isn't a sob-story. We all are. I've observed many failures in ministry ....a many of them my own. I've counted my struggles all joy, as James (Jesus half-brother) stated it .....except for one area; my own household. It is quite easy to count both successes and failures as "joy", when the results do not live in the same house with you. The "weight" of ministry takes on a nearly crushing degree when the trials of faith hit home. I've wept and prayed, and then some more, for my family ....desperate that they continue in Christ' way. I've pushed so hard that I've pushed away, and prayed so long that I've felt physical exhaustion, and expressed, counter-actively, my own anger and frustration when "I" thought the Christ-following life wasn't progressing as "I" thought it should. This is vain folly. No fruit to be born here.

I've strongly considered throwing in the vocational towel, the corporate "practice", if you will, of "the ministry" many, many times. I will likely consider it again, only to clammer back above the water's depths, gasping for air, and re-positioning myself to never give up. It (the ministry) has ALWAYS been a struggle for me. I'm puzzled as to why at times. I've wondered if I'm making it too hard, or not hard enough. Either is likely too much focus on "me" but remember ....this is a very human perspective. I've wondered if I've made my own version of what "it" is. I LOVED seminary! Oh how I enjoyed the process, the life, the stretching of my mind and testing of my faith. This, too, was a struggle. The financial strains still have me short of a degree. To finish well ....is always present on my mind. This, too, is human thinking ...to a degree.

There is one, constant, undeniable reality ....that I came to the faith a little late in the game of life, and surrendered to being a very serious student of the Word even later. This comes with a cost. But there is yet an undeniable reality beyond the hard facts of worldly life ...the faithfulness of God the Father. Scripture indicates, as does the Holy Spirit's presence, that He is faithful and just to forgive our trespasses against Him. While we were still sinners ...Christ "chose" to die for us. He will never leave, nor forsake us. As real as are the pains of ministry ....more "real" is the unfailing, un-ending, love of Christ.

Every "human" has his / her own burden(s) to bear, so mine may seem trivial to you. That is ok. It is human. But as you feel the weight of your own burdens ....consider that everyone of us has ours. It is what keeps us in-step with one another ....to whatever degree we still are. We are "all" in the same boat ...fallen short. It is, in fact, what keeps us dependent upon God. Do not wait. Do not hesitate to genuinely, fully, wholly, without looking back, surrender yourself to God through the already paid for sacrifice of His Begotten. Leap headlong into "the ministry", but realize that the ministry is not a seminary education. It is not merely academic. It is not dependent upon how you feel. It is not even dependent upon "you". Yet it functions through you one way or another. It is not the denomination with which you align. It is not an agenda you define. It is not a series of good programs, nor thwarted by the bad. "It" is all of these things. Your ministry is revealed upon your choice to live it. Don't start late, but if it's already late for you ...don't hesitate to start. "Live"! Live life in the abundance designed for you. If you lose both arms, both legs, your health, your wealth, and even your family .....NEVER GIVE UP! Do not become harsh, and bitter, when you are stripped down as a result of your choosing. If the choice is to follow Christ ....this may be the effectual stripping away of worldliness. This is difficult. This is to be counted as joy ....though you'll act it out with gritted teeth.

When the world wonders if you've lost your mind .....have the mind of Christ. Knowledge and wisdom of such is in His revealed word. You'll need to ardently, prayerfully, sometimes painfully, often joyfully ....study it for yourself. It will NOT be transferred to you by osmosis. It must be wrestled with. It won't grow within you through blogs, devotional readings, nor preaching and proclamation alone. It will not come to you through church related work, good works. These are "parts", good parts, but without the main element of your own indulgence ....your walk will be shallow, stale, and un-real. You need to know how all of these parts fit together to make the machine, organic as it is, that Christianity is.

Find "your" ministry! Fulfill your ministry! Do the work of an evangelist. Do not merely enjoy or appreciate someone else's. The most acclaimed and admired of Christian leaders cannot do it for you. Start right now. Surrender to "the ministry".

What's In A Name?

The current buzz in Southern Baptist culture is regarding a proposed change of the convention's name. If it isn't obvious to you yet, the current name is at least "regional", at most ...misleading. Beyond that the name carries a certain amount of historical baggage. Is it time for a change?

It would seem appropriate. The name we're all hearing (..I can say, because "I is one"..) is 'Great Commission Baptists'. Catchy!? Definitely more true to our missionary nature. The International Mission Board, a product of Southern Baptists, supported by funding by member congregations through The Cooperative Program, is the largest missionary sending force on the globe.

But what's in a name anyway? I wanted to call it "Bible Baptists", or how about "Grace Baptist Convention"? But they didn't ask me. And if I've ever even had a really good idea, of this sort, I've always been a day late and a dollar short. But I still haven't answered my question! What's in a name? Why does it matter? Why not "World Baptists"?

I had a friend with whom I once argued about putting so much stock in a "name". His perspective.... "If the Southern Baptist" name, or logo, is on the sign then I can know what's being taught inside." My perspective to the argument.... "I wouldn't trust a name on a sign to give me any certain feeling for what doctrine is being taught behind those doors!" In truth, there is likely a middle-ground which supports remaining autonomous, while still "identifying' with a clearly stated, and mutual, doctrine of beliefs.

But does a name make a difference where the proverbial rubber meets the road, in reaching people .....real men, women, children ...for the sake of the gospel, the good news, the truth which leads to a sinner's salvation? Once, I would have thought not ...a bureaucratic waste of time and resources, which may otherwise be sending good, God-called, men and women to the ends of the Earth to reach the lost with the saving truth of Jesus Christ! But that is in a perfect world. Here in the real world ....we are interdependent, cooperative, and constantly leaning on one another for resources and possibilities. No Lone Ranger Christians! Read my previous blog entry.... "Purpose Is Discovered, Not Defined", for more on the topic of community and cooperation.

In a world seething with sooth-sayers of a modern variety, preachers selling their wares at every opportunity, and straight-up false teachers ..there is value in a name, I believe. Value in placing a unified stamp, a statement of beliefs, a bar for the biblical world to model; a distinctive, by which we are set apart. No, this "name" won't save you. Nor will it save us from fault. But it will frame our "standard" of beliefs and practice ....bigger than any one of us, or even any small group of us. Bigger, even, than the next generation of Great Commission Christians. Whatever we choose to call ourselves, may it bring unity, and further unify us to live out Christ' own great commission, be it as Great Commission Baptists, Southern Baptists, World Baptists, or Grace Baptists. For the record... I still like "Bible Baptists".

What do you think?

Purpose Is Discovered, Not Defined

From the first stories in Scripture .....cooperation with God, and mankind's cooperation with one another has been a source of contention and division to be sure. But it "is" His plan, and when executed selflessly, with His will and glory in mind, has been the vehicle by which His will and glory are modeled to a fallen world in need of His gracious salvation.

Christianity without community is reduced to self-centric religion, and community withoutcooperation is defeated before it begins. "Faith without works is dead!" (James 2:26) It is true.... there are no Lone Ranger Christians. At its very essence, the triune God-head is, by definition, community and is cooperative. You and I, as God's creation, are designed to work together, with cooperative purposes otherwise difficult or nearly impossible to accomplish by any one of us. And if we "do" accomplish a goal on our own ....it is often short-lived, likely short-sighted, powerless, and at risk of being purposeless. Andy Worhol's "fifteen minutes of fame" would surely apply to God's people who neglect the power of cooperation.

God's design is communal, certainly not to the neglect of individual time spent alone with God, but a spiritually balanced life should consist of open-ness to God's defining / refining of individuals, and their motivations for doing. Then, doing should be accountable to, sharpened by, and acted in correlation with others like-minded; all that with flexibility in mind, so as to do what the Holy Spirit encourages in a time of need. No plan we make, even corporate, will be perfect. It is true... "no one ever did anything without first doing something." Yet, there is no greater area of responsibility than Kingdom-work! Plan with care, handle with thoughtfulness, then execute with boldness ...trusting that He "equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:21 ESV) Our purpose needs no defining! Purpose needs discovering! God defines our purpose in life, and it is exemplified through Jesus Christ' earthly work, gratified through His sacrifice to secure our salvation, and certified by His resurrection!

In all of wise Solomon's frustration with the uselessness of toil, and the vanity of progressiveness, he recognized the inherent, essential, value of cooperation.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV)

Leaders need followers, and planners need executors. Set out on the adventure of your lifetime! Discover the section of Christ' community body that best fits you, surrender to Him, jump in, go to work, and live out His purpose in your life. There is no human endeavor more satisfying. You'll have reason to get out of bed in the morning. You'll rest well at night.

Joy x Trials + Testing = Steadfastness

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4 ESV)

This math may be simple, but the continuing effects of sin cause us to have a world-view rather hopeless, pointless. James indicates that, with each trial a Believer faces, we should "count it all joy". This message given to the early church, already begun spreading into the world, is the same for us today.

The question is not ....do trials test our faith. Life proves that to be true. Rather, "as" your faith is tested, James says, we can count each, and all, as joy. Why? Why aren't trials merely an end in themselves? Is there a purpose in suffering? Each test produces "steadfastness" and endurance. The writer of Hebrews made the same charge. Upon giving an historic tour through "The Hall of Faith", in Hebrews chapter 11, Christians were charged..... "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1, 2 ESV)

What is a present trial you face? Will you trust God's provision (present & future) and His guidance, jointly, through His communicated word and through the leading of His indwelling Holy Spirit? If you "will" trust God in your trials you can be assured of more to come ...because He "does have a purpose, and a plan, for you; plans for hope and a future. But you may also be assured of a growing contentment, and strengthened commitment, in how His all-knowing, all-powerful hand will guide you. Each of your struggles can become minor opportunities to bring major glory to a faithful, loving, just, and merciful Lord. These same struggles will bring joy, and fulfillment to an, otherwise, empty life.

Steve Terrell

sola gratia

www.reclaimchristianity.com

Life In The Balance

Life is so often spoken of in terms of balance; not too much of any one thing, nor too little of things which provide health for both mind and body.
To exemplify... a "balanced" diet is necessary to maintain a healthy body; in both function and form. An un-balanced diet, on the other hand, affects all systems in a negative way. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:1-4) .....Jesus rebuked Satan when tempted; surely hungering for what the mouth senses that tastes good.

I would submit that life is, indeed, about balance. Not a balancing "act,", mind you, but maybe a journey down a narrow ridge; not controlled merely by such forces as equalibrium and ability of balance, but in full view of God's sovereign authority, infinite wisdom, and certainly His protection.

But if God is our protector ....then why "do" bad things happen? Is it because of imbalance? Aircraft are dependant upon physical forces, the dynamics of "pitch", "yaw", and "roll" are in effect.

Are we varying from our plotted coourse? Is, in fact, our course plotted? It would seem this would assume that "we" are in absolute, decisive, control of our circumstances. Are we protected, by the way, even in our disobedience?

Scripture provides plenty of examples of people whom, while under God's protective hand, certainly faced often imminent, and often terminal, danger.


"Cancer was a blessing." -Dave Dravecky's story
I never imagined hearing those words spoken by a cancer survivor. Dave Dravecky (retired SF Giants lefty pitcher) shares this at his speaking engagements. His career endedabruptly after battling a cancerous tumor in his pitching shoulder. Despite a dramatic comeback, he ultimately lost his arm. He'll tell you, today, of the blessing of wrestling with his true identity ...in Christ.

So why do bad things happen to people, whom God created? Is it because God sees the intrinsic value of His very nature being lived out, or even dying for, His eternal glory, our eternal good?

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV)

Jeremiah wrote a letter to the captives, exiled in Babylon. It carried the idea of recognizing that God, Himself, ordained their captiviity....
"The message to the exiles was very practical. First they should realize that God had sent them into captivity. That being the case, they should make the best of their situation. The normal activities of life should be resumed. Specifically he mentioned building houses, planting gardens, and marrying their children. Jeremiah directed them to pray for the welfare of Babylon, because as Babylon prospered, so also would the captives who were there (29:4–7). Among the captives, as in Judah, nationalistic prophets kept stirring up hope of a quick overthrow of Babylon. They urged the captives to maintain a posture of non-cooperation with the Babylonians. Jeremiah maintain a posture of non-cooperation with the Babylonians. Jeremiah warned that the prophets and diviners7 were prophesying falsely. Only when seventy years had been completed for Babylon would God fulfill his promise to bring them back to the homeland (29:8–10). God’s plans for the captives were positive but not immediate. He was planning for their “welfare, future and hope.” -Old Testament Survey Series: The Major Prophets ....by James E. Smith

Those remaining in Jerusalem, appearing to have freedom, were pending doom. God would chase them out with sword and famine, Jeremiah indicated. We must follow God's leading, even when it doesn't make sense to us. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path." (Proverbs3:5-6)

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:20 ESV)

God used Joseph' seemingly unfair, undeserved circumstance to bring "good" to many. In 50:20, Joseph was specifically reminding his brothers that, though they “meant evil against” him when they sold him into slavery, “God meant it for good in order to … preserve many people alive” through the seven years of famine. Think through the chain of events that Joseph was encapsulating in that verse, and think how they worked out for good:

• Had Joseph not been sold into slavery, he would never have ended up in Egypt.

• Had Joseph not ended up in Egypt, he would never have gained distinction in Potiphar’s house.

• Had he not gained distinction in Potiphar’s house, he would never have been falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife.

• Had he not been falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, he would never have ended up in jail.

So far, things do not seem to be working out for good! But think on …

• Had Joseph not ended up in jail, he would never have interpreted the cupbearer’s dream.

• Had he not interpreted the cupbearer’s dream, he would never have been called upon to interpret Pharaoh’s dream.

• Had he not interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, Egypt would never have been prepared for the coming famine.

• Had Egypt not been prepared for the coming famine, many in Egypt would have died—and so would Joseph and his brothers!

• And had Joseph and his brothers died, there would have been no Israel and, therefore, no Messiah!


Joseph’s whole life is one long trail of evidence that demonstrates how God uses the worst of circumstances to turn our lives into something useful and profitable! And the profit of Joseph’s suffering continues down to this very day! As believers in Jesus, we benefit from the fact that Joseph’s suffering kept the family tree of the Savior alive! “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28)! -Opening Up Genesis by Kurt Strassner

Down to Christ' own acceptance of the cup He must bear, we too have our burdens, or crosses, to bear. Jesus shunned Peter's notion of saving his Lord from arrest, as He knew what He must do. He told Judas to do, quickly, what he must do. I put these thoughts in word form a couple of years ago ...in shape of a poem. Maybe it most clearly communicates the all too, yet very real, human condition of our willingness, or lack thereof, to follow God's will. Truly, as I once heard a preacher say, " The question is not... What is God's will for our lives, but ....what is God's will?"

Ebb & Flow

Life all but handed on a plate
How grateful I can be
Circumstances begin to irritate
How grateful will I be?

For lack of hunger, and abundance of wealth
How grateful I can be
With fading sight, and fleeting health
How grateful will I be?

A desire to grow, and resources plenty
How grateful I can be
Options depleting, closer to empty
How grateful will I be?

Entitled nothing, consumed with all
How grateful I can be
Desiring something, facing a fall
How grateful will I be?


Ever so blessed when all is well
How grateful I can be
Aimed toward a future I cannot tell
How grateful will I be?


Plotting my course down a road I know
Circumstances change.
Ebb & Flow
-Steve Terrell

God has a plan for your life today; not to lead you into harm, but into eternity with Him. Will you trust His plan?

Christianity 101: 1 John

John's (the beloved disciple) first epistle to the churches in Asia Minor appears, at first glance, to be a general "how-to" as such relates to treating one another in Christ' body. God is love ...is an interweaving theme. It is, indeed, that. However, after preaching "through" this epistle recently, I (intentionally) went backwards for the sake of a thematic "review". I was overjoyed to discover the gospel in a nutshell throughout 1 John.

I would encourage you to read through this very short letter. Then, with pen & paper, go back and do a general overview of the topics presented. I believe you'll find an encouraging, challenging, outline of the life of the Christ-follower.

Often, new Believers are encouraged to begin their journey into God's Word starting with the Gospel of John, and that is well. But I would dare say that as an equal portion of that prescribed diet ...a new Believer should read John's own encouragement to the early church of who we are in Christ, how we faithfully serve a "loving" God, how to discern false teachings, the Christian worldview, and basically how to live the Christian life.

By no means "conclusive", I have provided my own recent review, with very brief topical headings below. Also, I have referenced supporting passages along with each theme / idea provided.....


The Gospel In A Nutshell:
We Sin & We Are Sinners:
 (1 John 1:8), (Romans 3:23)

Sinners Can Have Forgiveness:
(1 John 1:9), (Romans 5:8)

Believers Can Have Assurance of Forgiveness:
1 John 2:3), (John 10:22-30)

Believers Cannot Love God & Hate Others:
(1 John 2:11), (Matthew 22:34-40)

Believers Are Changed Creatures:
(1 John 2:15), (2 Cor 5:16, 17)

Believers Have Eternal Hope:
(1 John 2:17), (John 15:18, 19)

Christ is Part of the God Package:
(1 John 2:23), (John 10:30)

Believers Need To Be Consistent, Not Flawless:
(1 John 2:28), (Luke 9:24-26)

God Hates Sin, But Practice, In Righteousness, Makes Perfect:
(1 John 3:8), (Matthew 7:21-23)

All Godly Roads Lead Back To Love:
(1 John 3:11), (Mark 12:30, 31)

Hate = Murder:
(1 John 3:15), (Exodus 20:13)

Love Is Opposite Hate:
(1 John 3:16), (Romans 5:8)

We Can Spot True & False Believers:
(1 John 4:2, 3), (Matthew 7:15-20)

Confession + Consistency = Christ‐likeness:
(1 John 4:15), (Romans 10:9)

Believers Have Mutual Identity In Christ:
(1 John 5:2), (1 Corinthians 13:12, 13)

We Are In A Life Or Death Situation:
(1 John 5:12), (John 14:5, 6)