The Better Life in Jesus - victors running out the better life

Hebrews 11:39-40  "And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect."

Introduction:
In this post we want to consider what the writer of Hebrews refers to here in Hebrews 11:39 as “something better for us” or what we could call “the better life”. People all the time are interested in having the so-called “good-life” – a life with no problems, plenty of money and endless possibilities. But why have the “good-life” that is a myth when you can have “the better life” from God in Jesus that is described here in Hebrews 12-13 as a reality. The Christian life in Jesus is of course “the better life” of which we speak. In the details of Hebrews 12-13 there may be parts which may not sound appealing or good, let alone “better”. However by the end of this blog series we will discover four truths about the Christian identity that demonstrates it to be “The Better Life in Jesus.” Let’s see a little bit of how it is that God has something better for us in Christ than what this world could ever offer. As Christians, we are first of all....

1. Victors running out the better life. Hebrews 12:1-4
The wonder of the Christian running the race of faith is that in Jesus Christ the victory has already been guaranteed. Romans 8:37 states: “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” The victory of the better life is in realizing that we are not hostages of our past but heirs of a future eternity with Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 3:12-14 reminds us: “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 

As a runner, the number one motivation I have is finding the finish line. Whether running a quick lap around a track or a 5K race, the idea of "pressing on" and "leaving behind to reach forward" speaks volumes to the goals in running any race. The Christian life is not a spring but a marathon. The Christian life is God’s better life because the Christian is deemed a victor running out their victory lap. 

More tomorrow…

A Highly Recommended Resource for Husbands and Fathers: The Shepherd Leader at Home

Ephesians 5:22-25 "Wives, be subject to your own husbands,as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her."

Introduction:                                                            Today's post features a review of a marvelous book written for husbands and fathers by a great friend and mentor, Dr. Timothy Witmer. The book is entitled: "The Shepherd Leader at Home". The below review is also available at the other blogsite: https://biblicalexegete.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/highly-recommended-resource-for-husbands-and-fathers-the-shepherd-leader-at-home/

An Overview of "The Shepherd Leader at Home"

To begin on a personal note, it is rare to read a book that is written by an author that is considered to be a family friend and mentor. If the reader is looking for a well written and accessible book containing illustrations and wisdom for men who desire to be better men of God for their wives and children, then “The Shepherd Leader at Home” comes highly recommended.  Dr. Witmer’s central thesis is that men are called to be “shepherd leaders” in their homes in the capacities of knowing, leading, protecting and providing for their families. The below review aims to briefly summarize Dr. Witmer’s book with the aim of commending it to every man who desires to shepherd his wife and children by God’s design. At the end of the review there will be a link for the reader to go to in wanting to know further information about the book. 

Part One: The Shepherd Knows His Family

The first three chapters explain what is entailed in men knowing their wives and children. Dr. Witmer notes on page 31 that marriage is designed by God to be permanent, meet the needs for companionship, help in the tasks of life, relationship, intimacy, joy and functions to illustrate Christ and His church.  In chapter two we see the following quote that emphasizes the priority of getting to know one’s wife: “This is an important way to express your love for your wife as you show her that being alone with her is a key priority of your life.” Dr. Witmer develops the idea of knowing one’s wife as foundational and thus leading to the important effort in knowing one’s children. The third chapter contains four necessary elements in exercising quality communication with your children:

1. Look at the most effective way to interact with each child
2. Commit yourself to building up your children with your words
3. Remember, quality communication means being a good listener
4. Finally, speak to the heart

Part Two: The Shepherd Leads His Family

Knowing one’s wife and children is crucial to how a man begins to understand their role as a shepherd in the home. The second part of Dr. Witmer’s book challenges men to lead their families. One of the most insightful illustrations on leadership itself appears in chapter four of the book. In the illustration he progressively introduces three boxes labeled from left to right: “followers”,” leader” and “goal”. He then sets a fourth box with the label “God” directly above the other three and has arrows leading from the bottom three boxes to  the “God” box. Dr. Witmer’s point is that all the relationships between followers, leaders and goals must be directed toward and in relationship to God, who is the Creator and supplier of all three. This insight is then used in undergirding chapter five’s emphasis on leading the wife with unconditional love and the children by loving principles in chapter six.

Part Three: The Shepherd Provides for His Family

The third part of the book urges the man of God to shepherd his home by way of providing for his family both materially and spiritual. Dr. Witmer explains the material provision as the man of God exercising the attitudes of child-like dependence, thankfulness, generosity and dependence. Such attitudes are modeled and reinforced by the shepherding father to his children. In the sixth chapter we see the shepherding father and husband encouraged to lead his family by the scriptures. Dr. Witmer uses the four-fold function of scripture described in 2 Timothy 3:16 as the basis for such spiritual provision: teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness.  Dr. Witmer writes on page 116: “As the Lord renewed his covenant with Israel, he reminded parents that their responsibility was to convey their love and commitment to the Lord and His Word everywhere and all the time.”

Part Four: The Shepherd Protects His family

Thus far “The Shepherd Leader at Home” has unfolded three functions of the man of God who aims to shepherd his home as a knower, leader and provider for his wife and children. This final section of the book unfolds the fourth and final area of protecting the family through the drawing forth of boundaries. In chapter nine Dr. Witmer lays out boundaries for husbands to draw that can protect their marriages from unfaithfulness: namely determination to walk in the Lord’s way; rejoicing in one’s wife; immediate rejection of lustful thoughts; reliance upon the Great Shepherd and accountability. The final chapter of the book is devoted to drawing boundaries for the children. Dr. Witmer’s seven-step process for reacting to the inevitable crossing of boundaries by the children is invaluable:

1. Ask the Lord for wisdom
2. Be sure the line has been crossed
3. Confront and clarify
4. Deliver the promised consequences
5. Explain additional consequences of action
6. Forgive completely
7. Graciously restore and move on

As Dr. Witmer closes out his book, he has an “afterword” that reminds men that they have less time than they think to directly impact their children before they become adults. Applying the principles of the “Shepherd Leader” must begin now if results are to bear forth fruit over the lifetime of the children and the duration of the marriage relationship.  A very helpful appendix listing resources for family devotions is included to help men to know where to look in furthering their responsibilities as shepherd leaders.

Final thoughts:

As was noted above, this book is highly recommended and a must have for any husband and father wanting to shepherd their home by God’s design.  It’s size (158 pages plus appendices), cost ($12.99 or $10.71 on Amazon) and readability makes “The Shepherd Leader at Home” a necessary resource for every husband and father. Below is a link that describes the book in further detail.

Timothy Z. Witmer. “The Shepherd Leader at Home” Crossway. 2012. $12.99 ($10.71 on Amazon)                                                                  http://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Leader-Home-Protecting-Providing/dp/1433530074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420145253&sr=8-1&keywords=shepherd+leader+at+home

Envisioning a more awesome church - Life around the cross

Acts 2:36-38 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesuswhom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Introduction & Review

I pray these last several posts have proven insightful to the reader. We have been concerned about envisioning a more awesome church. Acts 2:43 tells us about that inaugural church gathering: "Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles." That word for awe could just as easily rendered "fear, trepedation, anticipation". God's presence saturated that early congregation to such an extent that the people felt like they had crossed a threshold into the extraordinary, unfamiliar, uncommon and sacred. Unfamiliarity spawns dependency. When we fear God, we are depending on Him and hating sin. This church was under the control and power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Jesus Christ. The miracles of the apostles were not the cause of their awe, rather it was people getting saved and the reality of the church coming into focus. The miracles and signs confirmed the apostlic ministry, however it was God's birthing of the church by the sign of the Spirit and the masses getting saved that caused this early church to be in "awe". Thus the early church was "more awesome" than anything else.

We have considered four characteristics of envisioning a "more awesome" church that are found mainly in Acts 2:42-47 and other scriptures in the New Testament:

1). Intercession

2). Word

3). Fellowship

4). Commission

These four practices or traits are what I call a "vision target" for the church. Will that mean that these four things will be in place in equal measure? No. The church, like individual Christians, is ever striving to become in its experience what it is in its calling. (Ephesians 4:11-12) 

Now I hope the reader has grasped why I have labored over these four areas. These four traits or practices are a must for a church to be more awesome. However without the cross, these four practices will drift and quickly become isolated, shrunken or dead. Today's post aims to show the central anchoring point of envisioning the more awesome church: Life around the cross.

Why the Gospel must be heard every day

How often should we be exposed to the Gospel? Is once a month enough? Once a week? How about everyday! Yes everyday! Why? Consider Jesus' words in Luke 9:23-24 "And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it."

The Gospel for the Christian is the source and power of sanctification, just like it is for the sinner the source and power of salvation. Unless I center my life around the cross everyday, I will never put to death the selfish propensisties that wage war against the desire to love and live for God (otherwise known as the flesh).

Notice what Jesus says again in Luke 14:27-28 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?" More awesome church life and more awesome Christian living requires us to daily assess the cost of following Jesus. The cross is the only place in which I can gain the proper perspective. Our problem so often in the church and in the Christian life is that we compare ourselves with other people or other churches. When we keep the cross at the center of our lives, Jesus alone is our standard. 

Consider what Paul writes about the centrality of the cross and the Gospel in Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice,acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Consider these words in Galatians 6:14 "But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." When the cross is at the center of our daily lives, we won't compare ourselves with the world and crave and admire the success of the world above the need and desire to be godly. The cross shows us that we need not conform ourselves to the world's pattern nor give into its whims and desires. We need to hear the Gospel daily. 

We need to hear once more Jesus Christ virgin born, perfect active obedience in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, crucified, buried, risen and ascended. Jesus' entry into humanity by the virgin birth was necessary to provide the foundation of the Christian's new birth in saving faith. Moreover, His perfect life of active obedience was required to provide the righteous life that would be credited to my wretched life in justification. His submissive obedience in crucifixion was foundational to the removal of the penalty of the curse from me at the moment I am justified by faith in salvation. His resurrection and ascension are fundamental to the Spirit's work of empowering the Christian to live the overcoming life day to day, as well as the promise of a physical resurrection at Jesus' physical, bodily return to earth. 

We need to hear how at saving faith a sinner is newly born, crucified, buried with Christ, risen and seated in the heavenly realms in Jesus. The fact that a new convert participates in water baptism as a testimony of what took place in their life asserts that pattern of having been newly born, buried in Christ, risen and seated. When we partake of the Lord's table as a church body, we yet again are telling ourselves and those around us the Gospel story. We are asserting the need of the cross-centered life. The "death-to-self" message is embedded deeply in the Lord's supper so that "life in Christ" may express itself as something that the church has in common. Taking in the life and power of Jesus daily by the Spirit is captured in that physical partaking of the elements which portray such realities. Jesus in me and I in Him. 

Closing thoughts:

As we close out this post and this series on "envisioning a more awesome church", today we have considered the power source behind the traits of such a church - the cross. Only when the cross and the Gospel are central to our individual Christian lives and church lives can we seriously pursue intercession, the word, fellowship and the Great commission. More awesome churches proceed forward by the blood of the lamb and power of the Spirit. 

Envisioning a More Awesome Church - The Great Commission

Acts 2:46-47 "Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Introduction and review

These last several posts have been dedicated to unfolding and envisioning a more awesome church. Whenever we look at the pages of the New Testament with regards to the effectiveness of the local church, we find churches that achieved more for God than the sum of their people or resources. The churches of the New Testament are characterized as "more awesome" because they consistently practiced intercessions, powerful word ministry and Godly, Spirit united fellowship with one another. These were the type of churches people would had wanted to be a part of because the risen Christ were the main draw. The Holy Spirit's liberty to express Himself through the gifts He gave His people was at a premium in those churches. Today's post deals with yet another crucial mark of "more awesome" church life - namely an emphasis on the great commission.

What happens when churches are reaching others for Jesus' sake by way of the Great Commission

Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Acts 1:8 has Jesus echoing similar sentiments to his disciples about the then soon coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost: "but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Notice what makes the great commission so "great": we as the church proceed on the basis of Christ's Sovereign authority and the Spirit's power. Whenever the church is consistently practicing the Great commission, she will be marked by God's favor which is a composed of both Christ's Sovereign authority exercised among God's people through the Spirit's power. This is why in Acts 2:47 we read about how the church enjoyed "favor" with all people. A church that is practicing the Great commission will have God's favor in ever increasing measure. 

A church that is serious about the Great commission must be in tune with these twin realities of Christ's supremacy and the Spirit's empowerment. Think about the spread of Christianity across the entire Roman Empire in the first 30 years of its existence in the Book of Acts. The persecutors of the early church said in Acts 17:6  "When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also."  In practicing the Great Commission, we must be in tune with the greatness behind the great commission - the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

John Piper writes in his ground-breaking work on missions "Let the Nations be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions": "If the pursuit of God's glory is not ordered above the pursuit of man's good in the affections of the heart and the priorities of the church, man will not be well served and God will not be duly honored. I am not pleading for a diminishing of missions but for a magnifying of God. When the flame of worship burns with the heat of God's true worth, the light of missions will shine to the most remote peoples on earth. And I long for that day to come! Where passion for God is weak, zeal for missions will be weak. Churches that are not centered on the exaltation and majesty and beauty of God will scarcely kindle a fervent desire to "declare his glory among the nations" (Psalm 96:3). Even outsiders feel the disparity between the boldness of our claim upon the nations and the blandness of our engagement with God."

Piper's comments certainly sting but they also hit the nail on the head when it comes to the anemic approach so many American churches have towards missions. 

Why being on co-mission with God must be the necessary outlet for intercession, the Word and fellowship

At some point the life of the local church must spill out into the community and the world. These past several days have been dedicated to envisioning a more awesome church. What happens if a church begins to get gripped by God so much that intercession ripples across that fellowship, preaching and teaching become paramount, fellowship becomes sweet and profound and yet no efforts in great commission work are done? stagnancy, complacency and a short-circuit of God's purposes. 

When I read of the Great Revivals that swept across our globe in the past two millennia, I see all of them yield forth fruits of countless souls won to Christ. Without a doubt God's movement among His people is for His people to once again rekindle the flame that was but a flicker. However unless that fervency is matched by missionary endeavor, the revival will be short-sighted and short-lived. If we only aim to draw closer to God without aiming to urge others to do the same, our remoteness of God's conscious presence will only grow. 

I'm reminded of the little pond that was close by my child-hood home. The little pond was home to many fish and sustained wildlife of all kinds. The only outlet for that little pond was a pipe that drained off the water and fed a small creek that ran parallel to our property. My sister and I would frequent that pond to skip stones and view the dragon flies meandering their way among the cat-o-nine tails. Whenever we would walk up to that pond, we at times had to unclog that drain pipe that fed the creek from the pond. In the summer times the pond would begin to get clogged up with green algae and moss. If the pipe got clogged, the smell of stagnancy would set in and soon the stench of death could be smelled. 

A church that ever expects to be vibrant must have an outlet. Church's by their very nature are inward focused and if the Great commission is not being regularly practiced, soon the church becomes more like an overweight cruise ship than an outfitted battleship with Christ at the helm. For the church to be "more awesome", she must be about the co-mission assigned to her by her Lord.  

Envisioning a More Awesome Church - True fellowship

Acts 2:42 "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

In the last few posts we have been considering what it means to envision a more awesome church. Thus far we have looked at envisioning a more awesome church that takes to heart intercessory prayer as not only a personal practice by a church-wide characteristic marking that church. We also saw the equally important emphasis of centering all preaching and teaching on the unfolding, expositional, verse by verse application of God's Word in worship and life application. These tenets may sound basic, however few churches practice them consistently. American pulpits today are not as concerned about explaining God's Word as they are in entertaining an already over entertained audience. Likewise, programs and planning are put ahead of prayer. To plan and program before prayer is putting the cart before the horse. In-as-much as we need to put feet to our prayers, there does need to be prayers first, otherwise our feet and hands will falter. 

Whenever we consider the New testament church as depicted in Acts and described in the New Testament letters, there is no question that intercessory prayer and emphasis on God's Word marked the reasons behind its effectiveness. Today we add a third vital element - the relational element of Biblical fellowship.

The outcomes of true fellowship as intended by God in His Word

One of the clearest descriptions one can find of what true fellowship looks like, talks like and acts like is found in Acts 2:44-46 "And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart." Does this sound like a church you would like to be a part of? Does this description sound like your church or mine? What about other places in the New Testament that describe what fellowship was like in the early church? What happens when a more awesome church is exercising true Biblical fellowship?

1. Cause for celebration 

Colossians 1:3-6  "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth." The church at Colossae had biblical, Spirit-filled fellowship happening and it was cause for celebration. 

2. Clear example to other churches and the community

1 Thessalonians 1:2-8 "We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, 4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything."

3. Christ's favor and blessing

Revelation 3:8-10 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."

The three churches above demonstrate the outcome of what takes place when true Biblical fellowship is occurring. The blessing is not only experienced within the church but more so outside by others. 

8 relational ingredients for building true biblical fellowship

The key to true fellowship in the local church where Christians come together and enjoy the supernatural unity and "God-kind" of love for one another is discovered in the reciprocal or "one another" commands. For every command God gives in His Word there is always at least one provision of grace attending it. The following 8 reciprocal commands must be practiced by churches today to experience and express true Godly fellowship that marks that church as a "more awesome church". 

1. Love one another. John 13:34,35; Gal 5:14; 1 Thess 3:11-12; 1 Pet 1:22

2. Receive One another. Rom 15:7

3. Greet One another. Romans 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Pet 5:14

4. Have the same care for one another 1 Cor 12:24-25

5. Submit to one another. Eph 5:18-21

6. Forbear one another. Eph 4:1-3; Col 3:12-14

7. Confess your faults to one another. James 5:16

8. Forgive one another Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:12-13

Closing thoughts

Imagine what would happen if every church practiced those eight reciprocal commands? Imagine if even half of those were followed how much different our churches would be? A more-awesome church life is around the corner when God's people take to heart the true meaning of Biblical fellowship. I close today from a wonderful description of Biblical fellowship by author Edmund P. Clowney in his book, "Living in Christ's Church": "The communion of the Spirit joins us both to God and to men. The participation of the church in the presence and blessings of the Spirit is a sharing of a common life, not in the sense of shared experiences primarily but of a shared nature: the nature of new creatures in Christ Jesus. Those who share this Spirit are bound together in the same mind, of one accord, united in the love of Christ (Phil. 2:1,2). Those who share a common life will also be ready to share daily bread or clothing."1

Endnotes:

1. Edmund P. Clowney. Living in Christ's Church. Great Commission Publications. 1986. page 98

Envisioning an awesome church: The Word (with a powerful video)

Acts 2:42-43 "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and manywonders and signs were taking place through the apostles."

Introduction and Review:

For the past couple of days we have been trying to envision a more awesome church. I began this blog series by noting what God began to lay on my heart with regards to the necessary ingredients for having a more awesome church. We considered the first of those: intercession. When a church body regularly makes intercessory prayer a priority, the power of God will flow more freely, sermons will become true messages and the gifts of the Spirit will begin to be unlocked. Today we want to consider the second necessary ingredient for having a more awesome church - the Word.

First a powerful video about people who love the scriptures

I will never forget how powerfully I was gripped by a video I saw of Chinese underground church Christians receiving their first Bibles. The excitement and thrill of being able to have their own copy of God's Word challenged and convicted me and made me wonder what is wrong with me in that I as a preacher am not more thrilled? This video is a minute long and I invite the reader to click on the following link before proceeding ahead in this post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvgfCNIKp0A

How much the early church was saturated by the scriptures

When I watch the above video, it demonstrates what it may had been like in the early church. It must be noted that in the first century of the church, early Christians did not own their own complete copy of the Bible. As a matter of fact unless one had been a member of a Jewish synagogue prior to conversion, the likelihood of ever hearing the scriptures read would had been pretty slim. Even for those who were exposed to the scriptures would had only know the Old Testament. In Acts 2 there would had been no book of the New Testament composed, since the church was just starting. 

To see the early Christians so enthused over the Old Testament is magnified even more as one begins to see the New Testament books being composed. We today take for granted the availability of the Bible in our own language and the fact we have a full and complete canon of scripture. It strikes me as odd to hear churches trimming back on immersing their people in the scriptures through sermons, Sunday School classes and Samll group studies. Whenever we look into the pages of the Book of Acts and the New Testament letters, we do not find less emphasis on the scriptures, but rather more emphasis. 

Now before we go any further, it must be established that when I say that "more awesome" church life is to be saturated in the scriptures, I'm not talking about only acquiring head knowledge (even though intellectually knowing more of the Bible is part of it of course). People who are taught to think Biblically will demonstrate they have gotten it by how they act, talk and influence others.

With that said, those same people will be so saturated with scripture that they will not only know the books of the Bible but be in their Bibles daily. If a lack of prayer characterizes much of the modern day church, Biblical illiteracy is an equally growing epidemic. My fear is that the modern day church in America is quickly running into a 21st century version of the Dark Ages. The level of Christianity needed to take on the level of wickedness in our world will not be achieved at the current apathy displayed in our churches. The rally cry of every revival in the past two millennia has been, without exception, a return back to the Book and the Christ of the book. 

The early church was known to be a church that gathered together to hear the scriptures. In the book of Acts alone we see roughly 20 sermons presented. The Apostles made preaching and teaching their first priority, since the exposition of the scriptures was and is the means by which people are converted and Christians are changed. Acts 2:42 states: "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." 

As one gets into the New Testament letters it is very obvious that preaching and teaching of the scriptures are to be priority and central to the life of the church. Romans 1:16 states that Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ since it is the power of God unto salvation. As Paul then aims to unfold the Gospel in its entirety, he uses numerous Old Testament references to unpack the Gospel message. Galatians 1 opens with a rebuke to the Galatians for exchanging the truth of the Gospel for a counterfeit version. 1 Corinthians 1:17-23 explains the purpose and significance of preaching. On and on the Epistles go in highlighting the centrality of the preaching and teaching of the scriptures. We are reminded in 1 Timothy 4:13-16 that at the reading, teaching and exhortation of ther scriptures that listeners are preserved and saved in their faith. The entire Book of Hebrews is believed to be a sermon based off of Psalm 110. All seven of the churches in Revelation 2-3 have some sort of exhortation of Jesus to them, with warnings and urgings to get right or stay right with Him through the scriptures.

Closing thoughts

We need to hitch together this emphasis on the Word of God with the emphasis we noted yesterday on intercessory prayer. Prayer movements without the scriptures lead to unbridled fanaticism and expressions of the flesh. Likewise Word-centered movements without intercessory prayer are efforts that drift quickly into legalism and dead dry formalism. The Spirit in prayer and Christ in the Word must be equally expressed and interconnected to ensure a sustained and vibrant awesome church life.

More tomorrow.... 

Envisioning a more awesome church: Intercession

Acts 2:41-43 "So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles."

Introduction and review

When I think of objects that fit in the category of "awesome", few are more "awesome" than a top fuel "funny car". Such machines can blister a quarter mile in under 4 seconds. The powerplant underneath the body of such a vehicle is truly mind blowing. Each engine produces roughly 8,000 horse power and costs in excess of $70,000 dollars. By the time the four second race is finished, the motor will had spent over 22 gallons of highly flammable nitro-methane and alcohol fuel. When it comes to getting such a high performace work of art down the track, no money is spared in squeezing every bit of horsepower out of the 500 plus cubic inch motor. The car pictured above is but an example of how beauty, technology and power can work together.

Yesterday I began sharing with readers where God has been dealing with me lately on the subject of envisioning an awesome church. Four terms were used yesterday to summarize what is meant when I say - "envision an awesome church": intercession; word; fellowship & co-mission. Whatever vision God has for each local church must include these four necessary elements. All four work together in harmony and not one of them must ever be excluded. 

Much like the drag car illustration, a church can many times be chocked full of beautiful people and have the latest and most sophisticated programs. However without the power of prayer, the church will not be able to get down the track pre-ordained for it by God. The vision for drag racing is simple: get to the finish line in the shortest amount of time. The vision for any local church is to glorify God by having fellowship around the Word, making disciples and doing the great commission. Such a general vision requires interecessory prayer. 

When it comes to the area of intercessory prayer or prioritizing prayer, churches do not consistently practice this vital effort. It is for this reason that I want to focus on this first element in envisioning an awesome church. Without intercession and without regularly dedicating our efforts at word ministry, fellowshipping and co-missioning to reach all peoples for Jesus, our churches will be at best religious and moral institutions that though beautiful and efficient in their programming, yet will have no power and no impact. 

Intercessory Prayer as a vital first step in envisioning an awesome church

In the Book of Acts and the Epistles, it is very obvious how important of a role prayer played in the life of the early Christans. In Acts 2:42 we read: "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

The word translated "prayer" speaks of praying with a purpose. This word is many times used as an umbrella term that covers other sorts of praying. 

The early church was "devoted continuously" to prayer, and the results show. In Acts 4:31 we read the results of a powerful prayer meeting conducted in the church at Jerusalem: "And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness." The actual prayer itself is recorded in Acts 4:26-30, and its very contents demonstrate how seriously the people took the word of God, how much in fellowship they were with one another and how serious they were about the great commission. 

When the early Christians had to make any major decision, whether it was for additional leadership or seeking clarity for ministry, they always prefaced what they did with prayer. (Acts 1:14,24; 3:1; 6:4,6; 13:3; 14:23) Whenever the early church was going through a difficult season of persecution or strife, they interceded and sought the face of God. (Acts 12:12; 16:25; 20:36; 21:5)

This is why the early church could be described in the fashion we see back in Acts 2:42 as being a place were folks "feeling a sense of awe". 

Now did this first major step of intercession only exist in the Book of Acts. Certainly not! When we comb through the New Testament letters (epistles) and Revelation, we see the Apostles urging the churches to pray. I will only mention the references and then expound briefly on one of them as we close out today. Here are the references we see the Apostles teaching and urging the churches to engage in prayer. (Romans 8:26-27; 1 Cor 14:15; 2 Cor 1:11; Ephesians 1:18; Phil 4:6-7; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17; 2 Thess 3:1; 1 Tim 2:1; 2 Tim 1:3; Philemon 1:6; Hebrews 13:18; James 5:13-15; 1 Peter 4:7; 1 John 5:14-15; 3 John 2; Revelation 5:8)

Now in one of these passages we see this simple and plain command in 1 Timothy 2:1 "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men". Later on in the same chapter we then read these words in 1 Timothy 2:8 "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension." Think about how awesome a church can be when these commands are heeded consistently and persistently. The favor of God will be released to move in the church and go ahead of the church. God's favor, or His grace and power in action on behalf of His people, is free to move to allign the things of a given community with His heavenly purposes. Think about what happens when we pray for one another? The well-worn facts of churches experiencing infighting and hard feelings can be changed. Prayer is afterall part of the arsenal in the Christian's spiritual armor. (Ephesians 6:18-20)

Intercession must be consistently practiced and applied to stave off the attacks of the enemy, the temptation of the world and the tendencies to want to operate in the flesh. Busyness is perhaps one of the most common excuses as to why individual Christians and churches in general do not have a serious effort towards intercessory prayer. 

Practically speaking, whenever the church has a dedicated prayer meeting, the church membership ought to do all they can to be a part. Any meeting that is conducted in a church ought to not just have a token opening prayer, but include intercession over whatever is being discussed and if possible, intercession for those involved in the meeting. Praying for unsaved people should occupy a large percentage of our intercessory efforts. When we pray for the unsaved, we will approach reaching them with the heart of God Himself. 

Closing thoughts
As we close out this post regarding what it means to envision an awesome church, the first necessary ingredient is intercessory prayer. Author Gregory Frizell in his book "The Power of Prayer and Fasting", page 3, Broadman & Holman Publisher, notes: "While we continue on our frantic search for the next promise of power, personal fulfillment, and self-gratification, God stands at our side, patiently waiting and holding a connection that will give us one of the greatest sources of power we will ever know. It's a source of power still unknown, underused, misunderstood, and even fear evoking in the minds of some people. Pure and simple, it is the power of God that manifests itself through prayer and fasting." 

Can you and I imagine such an awesome church? If all we do is invest sweat and gritting of teeth alone, then the fruit of the best intentions of the flesh is all we will get. If all I do in preaching is just read the commentaries and jot down a few point without intercession, the sermons will amount to religious "talks" and nothing more. However whenever prayer is coupled with programs, planning and preaching, the outcomes will far exceed the efforts of men. When Jesus says in Matthew 17:20-21 that we can move mountains by prayer, this assumes we have aligned ourselves to God's will through prayer. A mountain cannot be moved by men, but only by God. An awesome church must begin with a serious concerted effort towards mutual and individual intercession.