Tag: ministry

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Luke: God Or Money

Read: Luke 16:1-13

My friend, mentor, and wise sage, Greg Wiens, is consistently reading and learning from shrewd people in the world, something he encourages us to do as well. The parable of the shrewd manager invites us to learn from the world for the Kingdom’s cause. The story is intriguing. The conclusion is a test. The challenge is to read these words from Jesus and do something more than just nod our head. Please remember, past performance doesn’t have to dictate the future. Focus on the present condition and change what needs to be changed without looking back. Learn and grow. Age is not a factor, merely a data point.

The irony of this particular parable is that many people I know are being forced from one job to the next, or live with incredible frustration. Long before factory workers, mechanization, and defined work-week hours, Jesus speaks to our modern day with a completely worldly example of what it means to be shrewd.

Here’s a guy who’s about to lose his job as a manager. To ensure he has some hope of a future, he thinks to himself:

I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses. Luke 16:3-4

He went through his list of those who owed his boss money and wrote off huge portions of their debt. His boss was not completely in the dark. When he discovered the actions by his soon-to-be former employee, he couldn’t help but be impressed:

The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. Luke 16:8

Jesus then goes on to explain that we should use worldly wealth to gain friends, true riches. Several years ago, the church we were part of was going through their annual stewardship campaign. The cool thing about this particular campaign was its focus on stewardship more than money. The emphasis left me with a solid grasp on the reality that I need to be a good steward of what I have AND use it for building the kingdom.

As a business, it’s obvious that the local church needs money to effectively serve the body of Christ in the community. We should be so good at managing money that we can openly ask for contributions without reservation. Come and take a look at my books anytime. Here’s what we pay our staff, here are the utility bills, and how we use money for the upkeep of the facility. These are necessary, but more importantly, here’s how we use money to serve the least, the lost, and the lonely–all of which have little to do with worldly wealth.

It’s not unusual to be challenged to justify costs and expenses. When I owned a private school many years ago, I was frequently challenged to explain the high price of tuition. For those who sincerely wanted to know, I showed them: 1) I had no salary, but four children at the school, and 2) the total salary of our paid staff as something like 80% of the total revenue, and even then, their salaries individually were not above their peers in education. Open and honest. This parable has always guided these principles.

To be completely transparent, I wish I could be better at generating income, but not because I’m concerned about personal wealth–God takes care of us completely. I would really like to learn how to generate income so I could be better at supporting ministries that are positively growing the kingdom of Christ here on earth. I’m terrible about asking for money.

Just in case we misunderstand the story, or the main point, Jesus leaves us with a clear decision:

You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13

Lord, help us to learn from the world without being sucked into worldliness. We cannot do this alone, but with the constant reminder, with brothers and sisters in Christ speaking into our lives, and with the guidance of the Spirit we can and will. Help us to be shrewd for Your kingdom.

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Taking A Break

One of the hazards of any profession is the inability to take significant breaks. This is especially true in ministry. Many churches offer an extended sabbatical for staff after serving seven years–an absolutely wonderful concept! This notion comes from the Old Testament concept of a sabbatical year, but that’s a whole different story for another day. In my particular case, I’m not currently on staff for any one church. Instead, I served several organizations over that past seven years in support of ministry across different domains, and I’m tired.

Based on introspective self-analysis, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m on the verge of ministry burnout. In an effort to avoid tainting the local fellowship of believers, I’ve imposed a break for myself for the month of March. I actually wanted to do this in February, but there were too many events going on and too many gears already in motion to make that happen.

I get tired of hearing what should be done, reading posters and signs that affirm appropriate action, but witnessing the sainthood of believers arrive on Sunday morning as consumers of whatever message they are fed.

Everyone is a minister.

Everyone has a calling.

Everyone is a disciple.

Everyone should be making disciples.

A Christ follower is eligible to baptize a new believer and share communion with a group gathered to celebrate the gospel in a coffee shop or, heaven forbid, a local bar.

Few have a calling to vocational ministry, but some do. If that’s you, do it with everything you’ve got, but understand that those we serve have a better opportunity to reach the lost — it’s our job to train and equip the saints, not merely preach rhetoric!

Let’s join together and change the slogan, This Sunday could be That Sunday for someone to, This Day could be That Day. God made seven days in a week. Each day is an opportunity to be the day for those who are far from Christ.

Here’s the thing: I’m not advocating the destruction of any local church organization. More than anything, I want the local church to be healthy, to be effective, to be the voice of God to a dying world. I’m just becoming more and more convinced that the come-and-see model will not work by itself. We need to be more about go-and-do and have faith that God will fill the pews with those that want to learn more about why we do what we do. And by go-and-do, I mean everyone–staff and non-staff. Lead by example. Please.

If you’ve been inflicted with my rants in the past, you’ve no doubt heard me say that Sunday morning should be a fantastic celebration, a highlight of the week for the warriors out doing battle for Christ. It should be a place where outsiders want to know what the heck is going on in that building. The love of Christ should be so prevalent that people of all ages and origins would be kicking the doors down to get in on the action.

I want Sunday to be that day.

I want to leave the celebration gathering feeling pumped up and preached up so I can tackle my little piece of this dying world with an enthusiasm that’s contagious. I want to be encouraged and challenged. I want to turn to the guy who’s never darkened the steps of a church and tell him this is why we get together on Sunday!

I’m taking a break to understand how to become salt and light again. Recently I posted a reference to John’s revelation and compared John 3:16 to Revelation 3:16. I’m no longer satisfied with being luke warm.

I’m taking a break to figure out how to be a true disciple, to sit and listen, to hear His voice.

I’m taking a break, praying for peace and understanding, for a new song that rises from deep within.

I’m taking a break. Please pray for me as I’m praying for you.

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Luke: Martha and Mary

Read: Luke 10:38-42

Of all the stories Luke has to choose from, and I’m sure there were literally hundreds, he selected a scene were two sisters appeared in conflict. In an age where women were minimalized overtly, we are asked to consider who is doing the most important thing. Martha takes charge while Mary doesn’t say a word, and apparently didn’t do anything to lend a hand in preparation for Jesus’ visit.

Before we get too critical of Martha, we need to consider that she took the initiative and opened her home to Jesus and the disciples.

…he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. Luke 10:38

The event seems much more impromptu than something planned for days. Martha and Mary probably heard they were coming through when Martha decided to make her home available. This is a good thing.

But the point of opening her home was not for the home itself. The point was to meet with Jesus. Mary saw this opportunity and was all in, while Martha was busy trying to “cook the casserole” as Albert Tate embellished.

Martha isn’t the shy one in the story, to say the least, so she confronts Jesus:

She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:40

She “asked” with the expectation that Jesus would send Mary to the kitchen to help. Jesus lovingly rebukes Martha with words I hope I can learn to take to heart:

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Look at how we “do” church these days, perhaps how we do anything. How many times are we so focused on the preparations that we miss the time of gathering?

I definitely have a Martha-complex when it comes to events. I get so focused on preparation that I often miss out on the interaction for which the event was created. It’s necessary, to a point, but this passage convicts me and challenges me to stop worrying about many things and focus on the few, or indeed the one thing that is needed. Guilty.

Albert Tate used this text to open the main session at Exponential 2018 just a ten days ago (time flies). I’d love to just insert his talk here, it will definitely be one to see when we get the Digital Access Pass, but one of his main points is simply this:

Are you living for your resume or are you living for your eulogy?Albert Tate

As we settle into the rhythm of ministry, whatever titles are attached to our names, I hope we focus on the one thing that really matters and let go of the busyness that creeps in to control our lives. We need to learn to think differently, as Albert reminded us, to focus more on being a hero maker than shining the light on ourselves.

Lord, there is much to do each and every day. Help us to help each other to remember the better thing, even the best thing to do at any given moment.

 

Albert Tate is the founder and lead pastor of Fellowship Monrovia. Hearing the call from God, Albert and his wife LaRosa planted Fellowship Monrovia a Gospel-Centered, Multi-Ethnic and Intergenerational church in January 2012.

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Luke: Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

Read: Luke 10:1-24

Luke’s masterful writing and arrangement of the text gives us a narrative that’s quite compelling. I love how the first two words of this chapter sets up the significant story:

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:1

After this…after challenging people to consider the cost of discipleship, after checking all the excuses for not following Jesus, after the dead are buried, the family and friends considered, auto-payment setup, after this — we can get going.

The first nine chapters have been a whirlwind — things are about to start getting very interesting as the perfect ministry of Jesus is handed to a small number of people compared to the masses of those who heard Jesus preach, teach, and heal.

I wonder what it was like to be one of the seventy-two appointed by Jesus himself. Let that sink in for a minute.

Coach Jesus sends out his selected few with great words of encouragement, ending with:

“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16

Boom! When we pray as a worship team before stepping out on stage, we follow the amen with, “ready, break,” and all clap our hands once in unison. When I read these words, I imagine the group in a big circle listening to their coach, eager to get out into the mission field: ready…break!

Giddy with excitement, perhaps, they bolt off to proclaim the great news of salvation for the world.

What is at stake is the destiny of every person who hears the gospel. There is no room for the suggestion that one does not need the forgiveness Jesus offers or that somehow sin is passé. That is why Jesus tells his messengers to make clear that God’s blessing rejection is at stake. NIVAC Reference below

Mission Number One Complete

It’s encouraging and exciting to read the words Luke provides to describe the results of the first mission:

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Luke 10:17

These words are some of the most encouraging words in the entire New Testament. Jesus is filled with joy and the excitement has to be overwhelming!!

Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. Luke 10:23

Be encouraged you ministers of gospel. Amen. Amen. Amen!

 

Reference: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 50041-50043). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Samaritan Opposition

Read: Luke 9:51-56

Luke is already beginning to point to Jesus’ resurrection, though it’s a bit early in the narrative, as His ministry spreads. It’s interesting that Jesus doesn’t hesitate to not only go through Samaria, but made plans to stay in the area much despised by the Jewish leadership.

The messengers sent to prepare a place are rejected, so the disciples have a suggestion:

When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” Luke 9:54

Two of the inner circle have an idea: Blast ‘Em! (thus the featured image).

But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village. Luke 9:55-56

The positional authority that Jesus has over His disciples is truly amazing. They have so much respect for Him, yet they have so much to learn. Jesus picked these guys to ignite the flame of Christianity for the world. I’d like to take time to catalog all the episodes where Jesus has to rebuke His chosen few, something for another day.

The lesson here is seen in many places in the Bible. Hardened hearts will not be turned by forcing the issue. Dust off your sandals and press on. There are those who will listen and those who will not. Let’s focus on those who are truly seeking the kingdom and pray for the Spirit to soften hearts.

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Luke: Tough Lessons Through Healing and Prophecy

Read: Luke 9:37-50

Last week we kicked off the Lenten season for 2018, February 14 through April 1st. Mardi Gras (Feb 13th) is probably celebrated with more enthusiasm than Ash Wednesday, but the timing of this season with reading Luke 9 and following is interesting. As we approach Easter, the pivotal event that ultimately defines Christianity, I pray that Lent will cause us all to stop and consider our faith.

The world is watching, to be sure, and I believe the world would like to see miracles and marvel at amazing works. The Cessationists would argue that God has withdrawn Spiritual gifts of healing (among others), but we still hear miraculous stories, though not very often. I don’t want to open that line of discussion here, at least not today, but it was a challenge when Jesus was walking on earth with His disciples, so let’s wade into that story this morning.

We just left the Transfiguration story, now we read about the inability of the disciples to maintain the healing ministry Jesus began, we see the disciples bickering over who is greatest, and the temptation to talk bad about those who don’t come from our tribe — all in 24 verses! No wonder that the disciples were confused (Luke 9:45)!

Jesus and his disciples are becoming known for their healing miracles, but apparently, the gift of healing is not for those with little faith. Luke begins this section with a report that calls out the disciples (not sure which ones in particular–no speculation):

I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not. “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Luke 9:40-41

By now, the disciples are getting used to hard lessons and tough love that Jesus provides. He’s not holding back here! We might be prone to use language that gets bleeped out on videos!

Jesus casts out the demon and those watching were amazed. The disciples get defensive and start to argue about who is greatest among them. How does this make sense? It doesn’t. Jesus quickly sets them straight, but I greatly appreciate the story captured by Luke. How often do we elevate ourselves in the shadow of Jesus?

Others are casting out demons and the disciples want to squelch that ministry because they’re not part of the selected few. Jesus ends the debate quickly:

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:50

This is a pretty amazing statement. Ministry is not limited to those with special robes or fancy titles. I look forward to the day when everyone recognizes they are a minister of the Gospel — not just the paid staff!

The humanity of those doing daily ministry with Jesus gives me some comfort as I struggle, trip and fall. My prayer is that I constantly look to Jesus for guidance in those moments.

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Luke: Are You Sure You Want to be a Disciple?

Read: Luke 9:23-27

I really have a hard time appreciating the gravity of this assertion:

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

In our modern society we don’t require criminals to bear the instrument of death upon which they will be publicly humiliated, tortured, and ultimately killed. We’re much too civilized for that! For those hearing this command for the first time, this imagery was real. It was visceral. When Jesus spoke these words, I imagine He paused and looked deeply into the eyes of those who were listening to make sure they understood.

Bonhoeffer refers to this as “costly grace,” not some fake, cheap gospel that doesn’t require anything of us. Proclaiming Jesus as Lord means we are marked. In our politically correct world, the concept is watered down, but today I wonder if I will do what the song Devotion reminds me to do:

I will take up my cross and follow Lord where you lead me and I will take up my cross and follow wherever You go. Hillsong United: Devotion, 2007

Seriously, I can’t listen to this song without tearing up. Self-doubt wells up inside me as I look around at the comfort in which I live. Have I really denied myself for sake of the One who gave His life for all? Sure, I know Satan loves it when I doubt myself, when I waste time aimlessly wondering about my salvation, I get that, but that’s where you come in. The fellowship of believers we refer to as church.

The reason we are not a group of individual islands is obvious: divided we have no chance. That’s how the wolf attacks the flock. He picks off one, separates him from the herd, and devours his prey. However, together, united by Christ, we are unstoppable. We become the very force that will change the world. When like-minded, devoted followers of Christ team up, the Spirit moves mountains, lives are changed for eternity. I love to sing this part over and over again:

the sinners seek devotion, lost become chosen, and I fall to my knees.Hillsong United: Devotion, 2007

I hope you hear your call to ministry quite clearly this morning. Honestly, I hope that doesn’t mean working in a church building; rather, I hope you’re called to work around people that don’t think about Jesus at all! That’s where we have the best chance at building relationships with those who need to hear about the Savior who gave His life, who literally took up His cross for the world.

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Luke: Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Read: Luke 9:10-17

Jesus’ ministry is in full motion now. Initially, He went and preached with a few, then appointed the Twelve, now they have just finished their first real world experience in preaching the incredible news: the kingdom of God is available to all! The lesson is as provocative today as it was years ago. The response will be the same as well: people want to gather to learn more.

In this instance, Luke tells us how thousands of people seek out Jesus to hear and learn. The sick are healed as the crowds swell. On a very practical level, the disciples suggest that Jesus disperse the crowd, but Jesus has a more important lesson to teach His disciples:

He replied, “You give them something to eat.” Luke 9:13

This morning, I’d like to focus on the first word of verse 13: You. Jesus didn’t tell them to sit back and watch, He gave them specific instructions.

“Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Luke 9:14-15

The image I have in my mind is one where Jesus is not on display here; rather, He’s talking to the disciples on the side and giving them instructions. The people are interacting with them, not Jesus directly. That’s not a new concept, but it’s important to consider.

Jesus sends us into the world with very specific instructions. He has provided all we need. The Spirit has equipped us with gifts and abilities. When we look in the mirror, we see only a little, but He sees one of His sons and daughters and has no doubt that we will succeed if we would simply follow His directions.

Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. Luke 9:16

God has prepared a table before us. He cares about our every need and He wants a relationship with all who would answer the call.

The crazy thing is this: He wants us to distribute the bread.

Lord, may we see the opportunity right in front of us this morning. Help us to have faith that the little in our hands is exactly what you want us to have at this moment for Your greater purpose. Give us confidence as we go out into the world to make disciples–just as you commanded.

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Luke: Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

Read: Luke 8:40-56

If you read the title to this post and just keep going, perhaps you’ve been in the Christian bubble too long, but don’t be upset with yourself, you’re in good company!

Our Daily Bread devotion this morning prompts us to read John 14:1-14 where Thomas admits he doesn’t understand and Philip is terribly confused. These two men were in the same room with Jesus and they struggled to understand who was talking to them.

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:9

If these guys had difficulty, I think we’re in good company. The point I’m trying to make today is that one way I hope to read these stories is from a perspective of a non-believer, of one who has not been raised in a Christ-centered home or in a church that talks about Jesus all the time. I’m suggesting we should stop patting ourselves on the back for our amazing knowledge and try to appreciate how someone who is not part of our tribe might read these stories.

Luke gives us two people to consider, both lowly females. In our modern world, this probably doesn’t seem odd, but in the ancient world, women were considered second class citizens. Nonetheless, Luke uses the precious daughter of Jairus to show just how ridiculous Jesus can be:

Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Luke 8:52-55

They laughed at him. Thomas and Philip were confused. Dave has no clue. Are you still with me? How about the person pumping gas next to you this morning? Does he or she understand that Jesus came as God in flesh to reconcile the world to Himself?

Peter, James, and John got to go with Jesus to see the little one come back to life. When I read this story, I have to be filled with awe and wonder–I simply must! If I’m not astounded, I’ve been warming the pews for far too long.

Those outside our spiritual family will join many in laughing at the idea that Jesus actually restored life, healed wounds, fed thousands, etc. They view these stories as fantasies, folklore, imagined events. They have to have that perspective, otherwise they would be wrong in their assertion that Jesus was just another cool preacher and therefore, not necessary for their daily lives.

Our individual ministry is to go out into this dark world and make disciples wherever we are. Lord, help me to be astounded at Your amazing love, at the miracles that you choose to enact, for Your crazy desire to reconcile the world to You through us. May I say something to someone today that would help them move one step closer to you.

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Luke: Jesus, the Itinerant Preacher

Read: Luke 8:1-3

Just a short segue between stories, Luke adds some interesting detail about the preaching and teaching tour of Jesus. Back in the old days, even before my time, the idea of circuit-riders or itinerant preachers modeled their ministry based on this idea:

Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Luke 8:1

He traveled with The Twelve, no surprise, but He also traveled with women that supported the ministry:

These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:3

The thought of a band of travelers preaching the Gospel is compelling, challenging, and interesting to imagine. The fact they were supported by women who were able to support themselves is quite intriguing! Apparently, they were not slaves of men, but independent and self-assured adults that they didn’t need to be center stage to be effective.  They enabled the gospel to spread by supporting the men without much fanfare at all. Luke names a few for us to remember, but I’m sure their support was significant–just not the main point. They humbly served behind the scenes. I like that.

It wasn’t, however, a traveling magic show. While Jesus performed miracles all over the place, that was obviously not the crux of His travels. This is significant in my mind because Jesus did not miraculously (or magically) produce shekels, mina, or talents when they needed money to buy food or pay for lodging. He didn’t miraculously make dinner every night. Instead, He and The Twelve relied on the generosity of others, in particular, these women.

I have no doubt He could have chosen a different path, but that would not be reproducible–we could not model His behavior. Jesus leads us by example. He demonstrates how to make disciples, how to invest into people, how to spread the good news even without intervention.

We only get a glimpse, a handful of days and stories to consider, as Luke picks memories that are most helpful for us to consider. Day after day, Jesus and His band traveled about talking to real people about real problems. Just humans loving on humans. He could have come in on a helicopter with loud speakers announcing the end of all time (or else), but He chose to walk from village to village with dusty sandals and dirty hands. Nothing fancy. No private jets or extravagant hotels. Somehow their basic needs were taken care of by friends and relations they created along the way.

Unless I missed something, Jesus never said, “build a 100,000 square foot building here…” or anything that came close to confusing a building with a cause. Not that we don’t need places to meet, I get that, but we must figure out a way to understand the difference between a place of worship and being the church. Please pray that we get a sense of what the Spirit wants us to do in this regard.

Lord, thank you for those who faithfully supported Your earthly ministry and those who support ours. May our faith increase as we attempt to spread the good news, the GREAT news, to those around our towns and villages.

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