Are You a Disciple or a Church Member?

Luke 10:1-3

The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. 3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

We must ask ourselves this question as Christians consistently. Are merely on someone’s attendance sheet, or are we holding fast to the commandment made in verse 3.

If the only time that you read your bible is on Sunday, then I’m afraid you fall in the church member category…if the only time you recognize God and praise Him for his mercy in on Sunday, then I’m afraid you fall into this category…if the extent of ministry that you participate in (music, teaching, etc.) within the church takes place within the church (the 4 walls) then you also fall into that category!

Verse 3 says to “Go,” you’re being sent out as lambs among wolves (where do wolves reside? In the church…I think not!)…and don’t get burdened or distracted with your own issues, and don’t allow anyone else to cause you to stray from the path that He’s set.

Which one are you?

The Cross

Why do we glorify the cross? Isn't it as if we are embracing death? Doesn't the bible teach that death is an enemy?

The little faith that could......
No one feels the emptiness but me,
No one else has counted the doubts: 1…….2……..3,
To be full and empty at the same time doesn't seem to mathematically add,
Well this feeling is too deep for math!
My heart wants me to push on,
But my mind tells me CAUTION: POSSIBLE DANGER AHEAD! ,
Who knows what lurks out there……. will I have protection? comfort? and love?
I like to think I know that answer… "all of the above,"
But the twist in the bottom of my gut and the voice in the back of my head says, "Hold on, wait for me… all things come together in its due time,"
A steady voice, whistling to calm the tide in the ocean of my life,
So I guess with all things understood and all emotions made true,
If you wait for direction and wisdom,
He will bless you.

Got a question

One of the last things I want to do is talk politics and religion. Sometimes thats just a hard thing to do unless you and the other person have some sort of mutual understanding between yourselves. But I will ask this question without the focus on any particular political agenda: How does your religious or spiritual values weigh in with a candidate who shares a faith not of your own. Case in point: Mitt Rommey is a republican candidate who is Mormon. Everyone knows the Christian church can make or break a candidate. There is a question as to whether or not this man will be able to get the backing of conservative christians despite the fact that many believe Mormonism runs contrary to the Bible. If he shares the main points of our Chrisitan family values, do you vote him into office, or do you shun him based on his strict Morman faith?

Adversity Yields Blessings

As Christians we often live under the false pretense that we are shielded from issues, pain, drama, and hurt. Due to ignorance we are easily led astray and defeated every time we are faced with adversity. The bible clearly illustrates that we will be persecuted and tempted time and time again. Trials such as these previously mentioned are what will propel us in life. We aren’t instructed to hide or run from issues, but instead we are encouraged to stand firm and persevere because in the end we will be greatly rewarded. Christ is the perfect example; he wasn’t even accepted by his own after living a sinless and perfect life, so what more are we to expect as followers of Christ? My pastor often says, “Whenever issues and drama arise in your life, you can be sure that there is soon to be a promotion!” You’ll never grow unless you pass these frequent “tests” of life. A good example is the public school system, before you can advance to the next grade you’re expected to master certain skills. The same is true in the kingdom of God. Before he can trust you with an overflow of blessings, he has to know that you can endure hard times. Job is the ultimate example in my opinion. He lost nearly everything he had (literally – family, possessions, wealth, etc.) but due to his diligence and perseverance God gave more than he could have ever dreamed of! (Consider reading his life’s story if you haven’t done so)

Acts 14:21-22 (read below) is a perfect example! Paul was just stoned almost to death (3 verses before) and yet he continued to preach the good news! That’s perseverance!!!

Read the scriptures below and share what you think, or maybe an experience or two that you’ve had that may bless someone else.

Acts 14:21-22

They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

2 Corinthians 12:10

That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

A quick word...well maybe not "quick".

I think this is a good project and I think it has potential for much success. I believe one thing that might be helpful is to have a facilitator take the lead and make a posting, say twice a week or even once a week. Depending on each other to post comments is going to last for only a little while without guidance and direction. Clent, start a series on a subject that you think can be of some interest. The contributors will come back regularly to see what you have to say, but it has to be appealing. There has to be a draw. Keep us updated on relevant news illustrating where we brothers in Christ can either be informed of relevant issues or even entertained. This can be mixed in with what you start a series on. You can start with Proverbs 1. I think thats a good beginning. You post a short message on the chapter which will allow the rest of us to have something specific to comment on.

But seeing as how others are chiming in on what's most important, I'd like to offer my two cents. Very simply put....Know Your Bible. That is the best way a man can be a man, which is to be a man of God. Know your Bible and make sure your kids know it. Specifically, I have been a student of eschcatology, which is the study of bliblical prophesy dealing with end times, since my early youth. Its amazing to read the paper on world events and match it with what the Bible says. But it is also amazing for me to talk to other Christians who still don't know what is in that book because they limit themselves to a few frequently quoted scriptures and Bible stories. God inspired the Book of Nahum for a reason. Micah was not just filler material. Habakkuk is actually meant to be read, studied and meditated on. Do you really know about Noah...have you read that part since you have been grown? I submit to you that chances are, most people have never read the whole Bible, but almost any kid you see under 15 has read every Harry Potter book from cover to cover and each one is as thick as Bible. People.....Know Your Bible!

Just a few thoughts...

This sounds like a very promising blog. If I can share just a few thoughts.

In an effort to become successful, reach and realize our potential and the goals we have set for ourselves we must remember the parable in Luke 18:22. This man had done everything he was commanded and expected to do. But God told him he lacketh one thing. This one thing was his ability to shed is his material things and essentially serve God through giving. So in our quest to become and acquire we don't want to lacketh the one thing which is true, authentic salvation and submission to God. Sometime he will ask us to give, serve, share, speak, follow, obey, stand and so on. So lets be mindful to what he would have for us to do.

A good read is No More Excuses: Be the Man God Made You to Be, by Dr. Tony Evans. I am currently teaching my brotherhood class out of this text. Great read. It helps us examine issues that stand between us and God. Those issues that weigh heavily on us even those we don't realize at times.

Suggestions

We're open for suggestions! I'd like to try and get a feel for what issues are most prevalent for Christian men today. So if you would, make a comment about which issues you'd like to see discussed and let's see if we can't hit a few of these topics. Just below each post, there's a link that allows you to make comments. Please do so

ISI - Let's go...lol

Richest Man: Diligence

Food for thought. What is it that can cause you to skyrocket to sucess that a LACK thereof can destroy you completely? Diligence. This one key factor can get a whiny child a candy bar, a beggar a meal and an intern a job. Diligence, however, is much more than simple persistence. Diligence requires work. Not necessarily HARD work, but work nevertheless... Working in a truly diligent manner is working SMART. Delegation, cooperation and simplification are all invention of diligence. Proverbs 20:11 states "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right. "

Pure - absense of flaws and impurities. Remove all impurities from your WORK. Make your work be 100% productive by eliminating rework and doing things right the first time, thinking through your every action and ensuring that no energy is wasted. This can be applied to your life in remaining sexually pure, or even becoming a STAR at work. Diligence in your endeavors is required of a Christian man.

Right - expeditious, efficient, and effective. Maintain high standards in every area of your life. Don't allow one mistake to pass you by and simply make statements that you will do better... created remedies to your downfalls, don't allow yourself a slipup. Slip ups are counterproductive and counterproductive behavior creates bad patterns in behaviors that you are attempting to attain.

Think about these things this week brothers... not just in your job or in your "work" but in your press towards the mark.

God Bless,
Phillip C. Ashley

Scripture: Proverbs 22:29 "See a man diligent is ALL his ways? He shall stand before kings."

Proverbs Daily: Keys to success

I've recently been given a book called The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Stephen K. Scott, and I would recommend it as sort of a motivational book as well as bible study. I have been attempting to read a proverb each day and as I've been doing it, I have been much more conscious of my actions and my words. It may cause you to reflect as well. Thanks Clent.