Last month we spoke of the need to hit the streets as did those first disciples – the early church – after receiving their baptism of fire in the Holy Spirit. They moved out and began to turn their world upside down with the gospel message.
Years ago before my pentecostal days I had the privilege of leading a group of great young Congregationalists. One thing about them has never faded from my memory. On Thursday evenings some of those committed youngsters would gather in the church, pray earnestly for souls and then hit the streets ‘come rain or shine.’ They would seek to introduce Jesus Christ to all who would listen to their testimony. Their motto? Evangelise or fossilise!
Paul grabbed his great opportunity!
The apostle Paul did this, hitting the streets of cities and moving around evangelising and sharing his great insights about Jesus Christ and the church, the body of Christ.
However, in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (Message), he declares very firmly that he is ‘staying right here at Ephesus.’ He deliberately chose to remain in this particular city and give it his best shot. And this was the very city where he had worked resolvedly hard in establishing the church there but had faced much opposition. Why did he hang in there?
Paul had the best of reasons: ‘because a huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here.’ As was his way, he was determined to build that church further not just with talk but with the power of the Spirit.
In the midst of negativity
Ephesus, a Roman Asia capital, wasn’t an easy place to minister! It was filled with immorality and negative influence and was a refuge for murderers and thieves. The city was heavily predisposed to paganism; in particular its trademark was the worship of the Ephesian goddess Diana, involving ceremonial prostitution.
Against this negative, emotional and physical environment, along came Paul, bent on seeing lives changed through the gospel message of freedom, encouragement and a positive Christian lifestyle.
It’s not easy in the midst of negativity and opposition to build a local church for Jesus... for his glory, a place where he can meet with his people to receive their worship, and speak into their lives and encourage them to reach out to others.
But it can be done, as Paul proved, with the help of committed Christians and the Holy Spirit.
Twelve keys behind Paul’s Ephesus’ ministry were…
• Vision (1 Cor.16: 9)
• Determination and stick-to-it-ness (Acts 19:8-10; 1 Cor.16: 9)
• Boldness (Acts 20:20-21)
• The Holy Spirit (Acts 19:6; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim.1: 6)
• The supernatural (Acts 19:11-17)
• Outreaching beyond Ephesus (Acts 19:22)
• Leadership support (Acts 20:28)
• God’s grace (Acts 20:32)
• Humility (Acts 20:19) a
• Personal example (Acts 20:33-35)
• Opposition awareness (1 Cor. 16:9; Acts 20; 31)
• Dying to self (Acts 20:24).
With the Spirit’s enabling and committed, Spirit-filled Christians, Paul ran well his race at Ephesus and accomplished much despite the heavy opposition, occult powers and anti-Paulism. God’s plans were fulfilled.
It’s easy to compare aspects of Ephesus to our own cities!
Can we see the parallels to our own city or town? If so we must have Paul’s determination and vision of a great open door of opportunity to reach the unsaved and the spiritually hurt.
Many churches today are aware that they’re on the verge of moving ahead into something exciting in God’s destiny for them. Pastors have been encouraging their people to really buy into the church’s vision, to pray, to support financially and in every way possible. And above all, to believe for church growth as they effectively touch their community and city for Christ.
Many churches today have already laid the necessary foundations …
• An openness to allow the Holy Spirit to lead, not just boards and committees.
• The church being Spirit driven, not program driven.
• Meaningful, Jesus-centred and deepening worship.
• Living in an expectation for the supernatural to occur.
• Unity and really caring for each other.
• Connecting with each other and the unchurched through Connect groups.
• Willingness to be taught by the word of God and be challenged accordingly.
• Strong prayer and back-up intercessory groups.
• A desire to see solid spiritual growth in church.
• A prayer-based yearning for salvations and new people including youth.
• Opportunities for all to be involved ministry-wise at some level or another
• Missions-minded - reaching beyond themselves (the church without walls)
The opportunities are here for every church and Christian
Like Paul, we too have opposition – occult forces, doubt, denial, negative influence, crime, prostitution and gospel adversaries around and in our city.
We can achieve much for Jesus as we move in faith, expectation and trust!
But maybe our church family presently lacks certain workers for, say, the crèche, kids, youth, worship team or technical equipment operation. Maybe there’s the great need for our own building, more equipment and finance. Earnest prayer requests bring great answers!
Like Paul we too should stay on, hang in there; we have the Holy Spirit, the right message, love, God’s grace and so much more going for us these days.
Today is not a time to merely stand in the doorway of an open door but to go through and see what God can achieve. Let’s renew our commitment and believe that as we support our local church, it can be a great one for Jesus’ glory! And not through any heavy demand of ‘equal financial giving or ministering by all’, but by all taking every equal opportunity!
Let’s be like the early church, like those young Congregationalists I once knew and was so proud of...evangelise or fossilise!
About Us
- Robert and Maureen McQuillan - Life Focus Ministries
- Inspirational speakers Drs Robert and Maureen McQuillan are regular warmly welcomed guest speakers at churches as well as at business gatherings and leadership sessions. Many ministers, especially those younger, inexperienced or struggling,appreciate their ‘pastor’s heart’ to mentor. Willing to travel extensively, blessing, challenging and inspiring churches, pastors and potential leaders, they have a reputation of (if available of course) 'being willing to come along at the drop of a hat.' Their special retreats are 'Moving in the Spirit' and 'Marriage - The Real CSI!'
Showing posts with label hanging in there. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hanging in there. Show all posts
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, October 29, 2009
TIME TO TAKE YOUR MOUNTAIN?
Sometimes we just don’t get what we want when we’d like it! Sometimes we just have to wait. And wait…and wait! Even with a promise from God.
But there comes that moment in life when it is the time for us to boldly claim our inheritance.
No Negatives!
There was a guy called Caleb who claimed his mountain – and got it! You can read about him in the Bible, God’s great book of wisdom, encouragement and challenge to trust him fully as you dare to forge ahead.
Caleb was a real man … one of outstanding character, inner strength and courage. He was also a man of vision and forward thinking, open to new things and very loyal.
And he was quick to do whatever his boss requested or demanded…he would serve faithfully from an amazing trust in God’s word and promises. When others had doubts and couldn’t see the bigger picture and possibilities through giving in to their own fears, short-sightedness and weaknesses - and in doing so held others back from gaining ground - Caleb wouldn’t agree with defeatism, negativism and deceitful reports.
He was an encourager and wouldn’t compromise his beliefs. But because the crowd listened to the deceivers (scared spies) instead of him and his associate Joshua, they never received what had been promised to them or achieved what they could have. In fact they lost out and it would be 40 years until another generation was ready and willing to move into God’s promised land!
No Complaints!
And although he wasn’t at fault - he wouldn’t run with the weaker minded - Caleb also had to wait all that time for that worthier go-ahead generation, plus another five years before he could receive his own personal reward of faithfulness…his promise from God.
Interestingly we don’t hear of him complain in all that time. But, perhaps he did...if so, he must have done it privately to God. That’s a good principle incidentally, especially if you’re in leadership.
Maybe he was like Abraham, who had been given a promise of a son when he and his wife were rather old for kids. But believed and hung in waiting for the miracle and it happened!
Maybe Caleb was like David who groaned through his songs about so much but would end up declaring that God would bring him through because he was convinced that his Lord always could and would.
Maybe he even had a few moments of personal agony such as Jesus had in the garden of destiny when he cried out to God and was strengthened to get on with his mission from God to suffer horribly but to save all humankind in becoming our Saviour.
God’s timing and Caleb’s moment to claim came about!
In any case, there came that moment when Caleb knew the time had arrived to claim God’s promise to give him his ‘mountain’… a good piece of the promised land. You can read about it and Caleb’s character, inner strength and determination in Joshua 14:6-15; 15:13-14, especially 14:12.
‘Give me my mountain now,’ he demands, and is immediately granted the okay to go for his promised future security.
Even then he knows he can’t just move in and take it…he has three major enemies to defeat before it is fully his and peace will come! What’s his attitude? Positive of course!
A big fight is but a mere incident for this ‘old man’ in claiming his promise! He declared, ‘Hey! I’m as strong and bold as I was 45 years ago! God has given me an extended life. I’m as vigorous as ever! I can do it!’ And he does! He boldly claims his promise and swings into action to see it fulfilled. And he took his mountain!
Four Questions…
Q1: What’s the worst thing a parent can do to a child? Make a promise that isn’t kept!
God never makes a promise to any of his spiritual children that he can’t or won’t keep! Whatever God has promised you he will fulfil it. In fact, and of great comfort, when God makes a promise, the word for promise means ‘arranged.’ So as far as he‘s concerned, it’s all already been given, even if it takes a few years to come about.
Q2: What promises are you waiting for?
Perhaps now is your time to boldly claim them! Do so boldly!
Q3: Want your family blessed too?
Caleb’s very children were also blessed. Why were they all so blessed and victorious…what made the difference? Because Caleb had a different spirit (heart) from the others who feared people rather than fearing (respecting) and honouring God and his Word…it says of Caleb that he followed God wholeheartedly. Parents…influence your kids and grandkids! Secure their blessings and covering through yourself!
Q4: How did Caleb succeed?
His name means ’capable’ and in Jos. 14:12 he declares that the Lord would help him. A lot of people aren’t capable of living life because they don’t know the one who is always willing to assist them. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and friend, then you have his very Spirit within.
Live the character of Caleb wholeheartedly and your middle name will be ‘capable!’ You’ll make it! As a spiritual son or daughter of God, you too will be able to boldly claim whatever he has promised you. The waiting is worth it!
Time for you to claim?
What has God promised you? Good health? Victory over rotten circumstances? New job?
A Brownlow medallist was once asked what it took to gain such a medal. He responded, ‘Knowledge, commitment and perseverance.’ He could’ve been talking about Caleb types. For it kind of says it all… doesn’t it?
If you’ve been patiently waiting and you sense that now is your moment to claim from God, then go for it! You may have a battle or two to win as you do so, but remember God’s promise is that he’s already arranged the victory for you. That’s good news!
10/09
But there comes that moment in life when it is the time for us to boldly claim our inheritance.
No Negatives!
There was a guy called Caleb who claimed his mountain – and got it! You can read about him in the Bible, God’s great book of wisdom, encouragement and challenge to trust him fully as you dare to forge ahead.
Caleb was a real man … one of outstanding character, inner strength and courage. He was also a man of vision and forward thinking, open to new things and very loyal.
And he was quick to do whatever his boss requested or demanded…he would serve faithfully from an amazing trust in God’s word and promises. When others had doubts and couldn’t see the bigger picture and possibilities through giving in to their own fears, short-sightedness and weaknesses - and in doing so held others back from gaining ground - Caleb wouldn’t agree with defeatism, negativism and deceitful reports.
He was an encourager and wouldn’t compromise his beliefs. But because the crowd listened to the deceivers (scared spies) instead of him and his associate Joshua, they never received what had been promised to them or achieved what they could have. In fact they lost out and it would be 40 years until another generation was ready and willing to move into God’s promised land!
No Complaints!
And although he wasn’t at fault - he wouldn’t run with the weaker minded - Caleb also had to wait all that time for that worthier go-ahead generation, plus another five years before he could receive his own personal reward of faithfulness…his promise from God.
Interestingly we don’t hear of him complain in all that time. But, perhaps he did...if so, he must have done it privately to God. That’s a good principle incidentally, especially if you’re in leadership.
Maybe he was like Abraham, who had been given a promise of a son when he and his wife were rather old for kids. But believed and hung in waiting for the miracle and it happened!
Maybe Caleb was like David who groaned through his songs about so much but would end up declaring that God would bring him through because he was convinced that his Lord always could and would.
Maybe he even had a few moments of personal agony such as Jesus had in the garden of destiny when he cried out to God and was strengthened to get on with his mission from God to suffer horribly but to save all humankind in becoming our Saviour.
God’s timing and Caleb’s moment to claim came about!
In any case, there came that moment when Caleb knew the time had arrived to claim God’s promise to give him his ‘mountain’… a good piece of the promised land. You can read about it and Caleb’s character, inner strength and determination in Joshua 14:6-15; 15:13-14, especially 14:12.
‘Give me my mountain now,’ he demands, and is immediately granted the okay to go for his promised future security.
Even then he knows he can’t just move in and take it…he has three major enemies to defeat before it is fully his and peace will come! What’s his attitude? Positive of course!
A big fight is but a mere incident for this ‘old man’ in claiming his promise! He declared, ‘Hey! I’m as strong and bold as I was 45 years ago! God has given me an extended life. I’m as vigorous as ever! I can do it!’ And he does! He boldly claims his promise and swings into action to see it fulfilled. And he took his mountain!
Four Questions…
Q1: What’s the worst thing a parent can do to a child? Make a promise that isn’t kept!
God never makes a promise to any of his spiritual children that he can’t or won’t keep! Whatever God has promised you he will fulfil it. In fact, and of great comfort, when God makes a promise, the word for promise means ‘arranged.’ So as far as he‘s concerned, it’s all already been given, even if it takes a few years to come about.
Q2: What promises are you waiting for?
Perhaps now is your time to boldly claim them! Do so boldly!
Q3: Want your family blessed too?
Caleb’s very children were also blessed. Why were they all so blessed and victorious…what made the difference? Because Caleb had a different spirit (heart) from the others who feared people rather than fearing (respecting) and honouring God and his Word…it says of Caleb that he followed God wholeheartedly. Parents…influence your kids and grandkids! Secure their blessings and covering through yourself!
Q4: How did Caleb succeed?
His name means ’capable’ and in Jos. 14:12 he declares that the Lord would help him. A lot of people aren’t capable of living life because they don’t know the one who is always willing to assist them. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and friend, then you have his very Spirit within.
Live the character of Caleb wholeheartedly and your middle name will be ‘capable!’ You’ll make it! As a spiritual son or daughter of God, you too will be able to boldly claim whatever he has promised you. The waiting is worth it!
Time for you to claim?
What has God promised you? Good health? Victory over rotten circumstances? New job?
A Brownlow medallist was once asked what it took to gain such a medal. He responded, ‘Knowledge, commitment and perseverance.’ He could’ve been talking about Caleb types. For it kind of says it all… doesn’t it?
If you’ve been patiently waiting and you sense that now is your moment to claim from God, then go for it! You may have a battle or two to win as you do so, but remember God’s promise is that he’s already arranged the victory for you. That’s good news!
10/09
