Life in 2011 was busy with memorable things going on every month. Susan has chronicled most of them in her Christmas letter so I will highlight a few things from my point of view. For me the loss of dad was a hard way to start the year but a gentle reminder that the responsibilities to consistently live Godly and faithful until my final day. His legacy is wrapped up in his love of the Word of God and his faithful commitment to reading it. (Psalm 61:5; 68:19; 119:37)

This year Mike & Jenni relocated to Alabama and settled into a new job, a new home, a new Church family and the challenges of living so far from family. Luke & Kelly purchased their first home, Kelly took a fun job and Luke got a nice promotion before the end of the year. Nathan & Emily likewise purchased their first home, Nathan completed his first year in ministry and they announced that Charlotte is anticipating a little brother in 2012. Aaron married Catie Hankins in June and he completed his first year of ministry in Western Illinois. Caleb and his 4×800 team won state (One of my most emotional moments of 2011) and has completed his first quarter in college. Kristin solidified her love of music and we all enjoyed her stage work acting and singing and if you need a haircut she is really good at it!

The Hoosier Workshoppe finished the year slow because I lost the motor on my table saw (Still hoping the new one arrives before the new year.) However, I completed a large painted kitchen and a number of odd projects including two different beds.  In October Susan, Kristin and I  journeyed to Mike & Jenni’s to work on a covering for their back patio. I am grateful that Aaron came with Catie to assist.  He was a great help.  However, the most fun was my version of a ‘Stand-up Desk’ that replaced my credenza in the office. I really like it! I do more and more study/reading standing up.

This year I have spent Sunday morning expounding Acts and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I settled on three vital long-term questions that speak to the power of God in a man’s life (Personal Integrity; Passionate Pursuit of God through His Word and Private Purity). I have thoroughly enjoyed discipling one on one and spent part of the summer working with interns at the Baptist Mission. The most important addition to ministry at the Bible Chapel has been a Filipino Pastor who has become a new and precious friend. I had great feedback on my AM messages on ‘Spiritual Discernment’, which came from Acts 13. However, there is still much to understand.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior I would challenge us to take the good news of the angels along with the rest of the message to those who have not yet heard—He lived a sinless life, died for sinners and rose from the dead three days later. This is the good news—announced by angels and left to us to carry to those who have not yet heard.

Glory to God in the Highest!
Mark

Our Commitment: Worship God – Psalm 96:1-9

“Every generation of worshippers is faced with the same difficulty—worshipping in a world that is religious but antagonistic to the truth.”  (Allen P. Ross, Recalling the Hope of Glory, 509)  We worship the God revealed in Scripture who created us for His glory (Isaiah 43).  Worship is the creature giving proper honor to the Creator.  Christian Worship is responding to God as creator, sustainer, savior & indweller.  As a pastor I am committed to worshipping the one true God of Scripture and leading the people of God in that worship.

Worship – Matthew 4:10 – “Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve“; John 4:23; Philippians 3:3 – Worshipping is Responding.  We worship well by doing three things consistently:

• Making Disciples – Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” – Making disciples begins with evangelism – Coming.
• Maturing Disciples – Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” – Maturing disciples involves teaching and disciplining; challenging and guiding believers of all ages – Growing
• Ministering Disciples – 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”.  Ministering disciples are not only ambassadors outside of the Church but also within the Body of Christ living out the gospel in all environments.  Matthew 18 describes the importance of caring for others and practicing forgiveness – Relating

Multiplying Worshippers – Psalm 67; 1 Thessalonians 1:9 – “They themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God”. Once a worshipping community becomes a healthy viable group of disciples they naturally want to export what they have to others across the world.  An active mission program is a collective thank you to God for his grace in our lives – Expanding

Our Message: Grace – Ephesians 1

After God assembled the perfect world for his ultimate creation, mankind, he had to make a decision on what to do with the whole sin problem.  He had 3 options: Destroy everything and start over; abandon it to its own self-destruction or redeem it by divine means.  The decision to redeem it was the first revelation of grace (Genesis 3:15).  The Bible not only reveals a gracious God but also unravels the mystery of Grace.  (Genesis 12:1-4; Deuteronomy 7:6-11; Ephesians 3:6; 1 Peter 2:9-10)

Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14 – “To the praise of his glorious grace” – Ephesians 1 presents us with the Godhead’s role in redeeming the fallen race of man.  The Father chose and predestined us to redemption (1:4-5) by the One he loves (1:6); the Son redeemed us through his blood; forgave us of our sins and made known his will to us (1:7-9); and the Holy Spirit marked us with a seal so that we might receive the future inheritance (1:13).  Heaven is nothing less than the full measure of God’s grace.  The words of the hymn “And Can it Be?” declare it well.

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?

Died he for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love!  How can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me?

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus and all in Him is mine!

Alive in Him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine

Bold I approach th’eternal throne and claim the crown, thro’ Chirst, my own.

The hymn “Amazing Love” revels in the love behind God’s grace:

My Lord, what love is this that pays so dearly

That I, the guilty one, may go free?

Amazing love, O what sacrifice, the Son of God giv’n for me

My debt He pays and my death He dies

That I might live, that I might live.

And now this love of Christ shall flow like rivers;

Come wash your guilt away, live again

Our Challenge: Stewardship – Ephesians 2-3

As the recipients of grace we are called to carry the grace of God well.  We are challenged to ‘steward’ grace by being gracious as we enjoy and show the immeasurable riches of God’s grace.  Ephesians 2:7-8 – “Show the immeasurable riches of his grace”.  My salvation by grace humbles me and makes me gracious—God’s grace defeats any attitude of superiority—it levels us all before the cross of Christ.  Ephesians 3:2, 7, 8 – “The stewardship of God’s grace” – We care for the grace of God by how we live and how we relate to those who do not yet know God’s grace.  There are three basic responses to God’s grace: I can elevate myself and be arrogant towards those who can’t get it together; who struggle where I coast; who battle sin and sinful patterns with little victory – judgmental.  I can enjoy the benefits of grace keeping it to myself anticipating my future with Jesus Christ – neutral or I can live thankfully being gracious and sharing grace with everyone that God puts in my path—giving and sharing the love of Christ – gracious.  This final option is the only real option for a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Our commitment is to Worship God as the Bible instructs.  Our message is “Grace” and our challenge is to be good stewards of God’s grace by sharing the good news and being gracious towards those who do not yet know God’s grace.

A point of interest in Acts 13-14 (Paul’s First Missionary Journey) is how these men discern their next move.  The need for discernment is no less in the 21^st Century.  The day would come when Paul would write Galatians and confront the most devious kind of syncretism: weaving works into our salvation.  All cults and false religions mess with salvation and it takes spiritual discernment to see it and expose it so that unbelievers can hear the truth (Galatians 1:6-9).

- Developing a Discerning Spirit -

1. Follow the Biblical principles for discerning God’s will.  Commit to the process and resist the temptation to manipulate the circumstances for a desired outcome.  Give the outcome to God and choose to accept it as God’s will.
2. See God in the circumstances of life and live content. Suffering can be a temptation to focus on my self and when I turn inward I lose some of my ability to discern (Acts 14:22).
3. Work at witnessing!  Witnessing will challenge you to understand the good news and learn to communicate it effectively (Acts 13:14-41).  When you witness God works on your discernment – it is his gift to you.
4. Spiritual discernment is vital when a believer is in conflict (Spiritual, relational, mental).  If you anticipate conflict seek prayer partners.  Pray that the deception will be exposed and the deceiver will be revealed.  This will take two things: a commitment to knowing God’s Word and faith that God will protect you from the fiery darts of the devil (Ephesians 6:16; 1 Peter 5:8-9).
5. Conflict has three places of origin: without (world & Satan); within (Church & believers); and my heart (sinful nature).  We battle these in the three work environments of the Church.  I battle that which is without with evangelism; I battle that which is within with discipleship and I battle my conflicted heart with reconciliation/restoration (Titus 2:9-10; James 4:1-10).
6. Live to be used by God (Acts 14:27) and he will give you discernment that betrays your age and experience.
7. My spiritual discernment is directly related to my saturation in and obedience to the Word of God; the more saturation and obedience the greater my discernment.  I need spiritual discernment to know God’s will for my life and it is a wonderful gift to the Body of Christ to be spiritually discerning.

Conclusion: There is no guarantee that when I discern things properly that I will have a wonderful life—However, I can be sure that God will take care of me and continue using me for His glory.  The first missionary journey illustrates this truth.

The Gospels relay stories of Jesus and children—in each he is gentile and loving and makes some very strong statements about how they should be treated. (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17) He is certainly addressing the compassion and care that must be used when working with children but he is even more explicit in Matthew 18 about how we conduct ourselves around them.  We are not only called to have simple faith like a child but we are called to work and serve among other believers, spiritual ‘children’ may be present (5-14).    When John writes his three epistles he uses this word (teknon) 15 times to characterize the body of Christ.  He uses it to describe new believers and saints—for we are all children in God’s eyes.  Jesus used the same words in speaking to his disciples in John 13:33.  Paul uses this term once in Galatians 4:19 (“My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!”).

The issues today are quite different from the issues in the First Century nevertheless the principles are the same.  In the First Century an important issue was eating meat sacrificed to idols.  This issue was important because many Jews observed Old Testament dietary laws.  Paul speaks to this in Romans (14:1-15:13) and 1 Corinthians (8, 9:19-23; 10:14-11:1).

• Romans 14:1-15:13 – This text has some terminology that should remind us that there are issues in the Christian life that are not “right or wrong; black or white”.  They are matters of conscience.  14:1 – ‘disputable matters’ (NIV) – The Greek phrase (diakriseis dialogismon) means to ‘have an opinion, to discern or distinguish’ between ‘questions, arguments, thoughts or ways of thinking’. 14:2 – ‘one man’s faith’ and ‘another man whose faith is weak’ (NIV) – The central Greek word (asthenon) means ‘weak, sick, ill, an invalid’.

Definition: A weak(er) believer is someone who, because of weak faith, inadequate understanding, a compromised conscience or a soft will can be influenced to sin against their conscience by the example of a stronger/more mature believer.

•  1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 9:19-23; 10:14-11:1 – If Rome was a blended church family made up of Jews and Gentiles; the Corinthian church would likely have had a majority of Gentiles (Acts 18:6-17) as a result of the controversy Paul had with the synagogue leadership in Corinth.   Therefore Paul’s instructions in 8:1-13; 9:19-23 and 10:14-11:1 speak to the controversies that can arise when Christians have opinions that are Biblically neutral (Not defensible from God’s Word).
• 8:1-13 – In this section we discover the nature of ‘strength’ and ‘weakness’ in verse 7 – what is weak is the conscience of some, it is ‘defiled’ (molunetai) or ‘stained’.  Paul is speaking to believers about relating to each other.
• 9:19-23 – Paul presents us with his attitude/actions when he encounters people who think and act differently; with people who are unbelievers he conducts himself wisely so that the door to present the gospel remains open.  He is willing to engage in things that are not part of his normal routine so that he can share the gospel and summarizes his freedom in verses 22b-23 (“I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings”).
•  10:14-11:1 – Paul argues ‘symbol association’ as he completes his response to the ‘freedom issue’ before the Corinthian believers.  Just as the symbols of the Lord’s Supper are sacred so the symbols of Satan’s kingdom mean something.  As believers we should be careful not to ‘participate’ in the things of this world by indulging in those things that symbolize Satan’s kingdom (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Definition: The New Testament use of ‘stumbling block’ as a figurative expression refers to a person tripping up in a moral sense; stumbling into sin or unbelief. A stumbling block is an action by a believer that is permissible but results in another believer sinning against their own conscience.

- Scriptural Limits on my Christian Freedom -

1.         Romans 14:5-8; 22-23 – Each man should be fully convinced in his own mind as unto the Lord when he acts. This is not me acting from my personal point of view.  Rather, I have thought about this, prayed about it and I believe I am acting as unto the Lord (22-23).  Paul reminds us that we will have to give an account for these kinds of choices (14:12).

2.         Romans 14:13-14 – Stop being judgmental on issues that fall under Christian freedom (13a) rather commit to not being a stumbling block to other believers (13b).  Paul’s point is no different than Jesus’ point in Matthew 7:1-5—as believers we should spend our time living the Christian life well and be careful about judging other believers.

3.         Romans 14:15-21; 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:9-11 – God always appeals to the ‘strong, mature, understanding’ believer to act for the spiritual benefit of the ‘weak, immature, those with less understanding’ believer.  We will be held accountable for how we conduct ourselves around weak, immature and baby Christians.  (“Do not let what you consider good to be spoken of as evil”, 16)  When we act this way it leads to peace and mutual edification (14:19); it is the foundation of ‘acceptance’ (15:7)

4.      1 Corinthians 8:12-13 – Mature believers willingly and happily limit their Christian freedom because they care more about the spiritual growth of ‘weak, immature and young’ believers than they do about their freedom.

5.      1 Corinthians 9:1-12; 19–23 – Mature believers put up with a lot; they give up true freedom because they care deeply about the advance of the gospel (12b, 15, 19-23) and the salvation of those who are lost.  Eternity is at stake (9:24-27; 10:32-33)!

6.      1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 – Mature believers choose what is ‘beneficial’ for others; what is ‘constructive for the body of Christ’ and the ‘good of others’ (23-24).  Mature believers are okay when another person’s conscience restricts their freedom because they know in so doing God is glorified (27-31).

7.         Galatians 5:13 instructs us that mature believers are prepared to limit their freedom because it can be one of the deepest expressions of Christian love.

Challenge: This topic presents us with two challenges: First, we must learn to distinguish the difference between a Biblical command and a matter of Christian freedom.  When the Bible is explicit we must obey the Word of God; but when it is silent we must leave room for freedom.  Second, we must become people who live by Biblical convictions. The examined life is the best life!

Conclusion: Paul summarizes the heart of a mature believer in Romans 15:2 (“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”), 1 Corinthians 11:1 (“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.) 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 (“Put no obstacle in anyone’s way”).  A mature believer makes choices that protect a weak or immature believers’ faith and they live an exemplary life.  The words of Jesus bring us full circle: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!  And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.“ (Matthew 18:5-9).  Outside the Body of Christ we are called to use our best judgment so that others find it easy to come to Christ, but within the Body of Christ care for the young is vital—express your freedom carefully!

As cultures diversified and adapted to their surroundings people lived in cities but most lived in open country as herders and farmers.  They stayed near the rivers unless their flocks could find grazing areas in the open country and families stayed together working in similar professions.

The herding of sheep and other animals takes a primary role in the Old Testament story of Israel with Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Esau, Jacob and their 12 sons all being sheep herders.  When Jacob’s clan arrived in Egypt during a famine they were despised shepherds (Genesis 46:34) but permitted to live in Goshen, Egypt’s most fertile farmland.  In time the Egyptians enslaved them (Exodus 1:8-11).  Moses spent time in a rare calling—the court of a world Monarch but eventually took up shepherding for 40 years and then became the leader of Israel’s exodus from Egypt.

When we get to the wilderness experience we discover some interesting language related to professions and life callings.  Exodus 31:1-11 reveals the names of two men who directed the construction and craftsmanship of the Tabernacle.  (Exodus 31:3 – “and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship”; 35:30-36:2)  They trained others who were willing and they did the work together.  Besides these gifted men the only profession that was predetermined was that of the Priesthood.  The selection process had nothing to do with willingness or natural ability.  They were born to be in the priesthood and their usefulness was determined by how presentable they were (Leviticus 8:5-13; 21:1-16).  We learn that the Levites had special responsibilities divided amongst the three families (Gershon, Merari and Kohath) and the Lord assigned specific jobs around the tabernacle.  The High Priest was passed through Aaron’s family from the oldest son to the next (Exodus 6:23; 28; 29; Leviticus 8; Numbers 3:2; 25:10-13; 35:25).

Joshua followed in Moses’ footsteps; he was selected for his leadership role and led Israel across the Jordan into the land of Canaan.  Once he died Israel was ruled by foreign powers that were ‘cast off’ by Judges that God raised up to rescue His people.

The remainder of Israel’s history provides us with an increasing number of professions but only two more ‘callings’; prophets and monarchs.  Once the Monarchy was established and the three great kings led the nation of Israel for its first 120 years the kingdom divided and God continued to establish the kings that led Judah and Israel.  With there idolatry came God’s prophets—men who spoke for God to Israel as well as an occasional effort to speak to foreign nations (Isaiah 34; Obadiah; Nahum; Jonah) and pagan cities.  Isaiah and Jeremiah both speak of their specific calling as being set apart by God (Isaiah 61:1-2; Jeremiah 1:5).

Nothing really changes in the New Testament—Jesus was a carpenter and John the Baptist a prophet following in the footsteps of their fathers.  Jesus’ disciples came from professions where their fathers taught them the family business (Peter, James & John) and Jesus gave parables about farmers and vinedressers.  Jesus was considered a ‘rabbi—teacher’ and had a following and likely some patrons who provided essential needs.  It appears from the New Testament text that there is little movement from the jobs of the lower class to the jobs associated with the wealthier classes.  Paul legitimizes the efforts necessary to get out of slavery (1 Corinthians 7:21) but there is nothing said of choosing a life work.

There are a couple of Biblical narratives that speak of a calling that ‘is of the Lord’.  The Old Testament prophet was ‘chosen/called by God’ and that idea carries over into the New Testament.  Paul speaks of “desiring the office of a bishop” (1 Timothy 3:1) but then instructs Titus to ‘appoint’ them based upon their character and reputation (Titus 1:5).  James speaks to those who ‘presume to be teachers’ (James 3:1).  The Greek words translated “desire” (oregetai – aspire, strive, eager, desire) and “presume” (ginesthe – accomplish, become, happen, be made) identify attitudes and personal pursuits rather than callings and official appointments.   In Paul’s instructions to Timothy he speaks of the ‘endorsement’ or ‘hastiness in the laying on of hands’ (1 Timothy 5:22) likely in reflection upon his own endorsement from the leadership in Antioch (Acts 13:3).   John admonished his readers to ‘test the spirits’ (1 John 4:1) because there are false prophets.

The Way of Wisdom – There is limited Biblical instruction and comment about our callings and the professions that we pursue.  I would submit the following lessons learned:

• There is much in God’s Word about the quality and honesty of our work and very little if anything about the work/profession that God has chosen for us (Ecclesiastes 9:10 Colossians 3:22-23 2 Thessalonians 3:7-13).  Parents, as you rear your children spend most of your time working on their character so that their work ethic is a good testimony.  My work objective is to assist my employer in reaching his goals by working hard and doing my job to the best of my ability.
• All people have gifts from God that can assist and benefit them in their life work.  (Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 22:6) It is wise to see those gifts as possible areas where you can find meaningful life work.  Parents—help your child(ren) discover these gifts and encourage them to develop them for God’s glory.  Help them discern the difference between their life work and a life hobby.   If we rear our children to be content the likelihood that they will ‘chase a job for the money they can earn’ will decrease.  Parents—you should discern where your child fits: working with people or working with things and work hard to develop them in the area in which they struggle so that when they get into the work world they can bless people.  Parents, observe the natural qualities and tendencies of your children and pray with them about where they can find meaningful work that serves people.  Be careful with the discontentment in your own life and work—it could become a part of your child’s view of things.  Entitlement is not a Biblical idea.
• Scripture challenges us to use our God-given gifts to serve and benefit others—we should resist using them to get wealthy, move up the social ladder or gain power.  Jesus identified his life work as service in Luke 22:24-27 and calls us to aspire to servant hood in Matthew 20:24-28 (John 13:16; 15:15, 20) and Paul celebrates it in Philippians 2:7. All work is where we serve God and people benefit and it is where we serve people as unto the Lord.  If we practice this and teach it to our children we will get along with others better and enjoy life.
•  We should think of our work world as a part of life where we are called to be a missionary; a public testimony to the grace of God in my life.  Solomon identifies a woman in Proverbs 31 and Paul identifies a man in 1 Timothy 3 and where their testimony and character leads their witness in their work world.  My work is where I serve God with the result that people are benefited.   Where we work is the stage from which we proclaim Christ.  This makes the construction site a mission field as much as the youth rally or Vacation Bible School.  Repairing a sane net with a fellow worker can be a divine appointment just as much as a jailor running in after an earthquake asking, ‘what must I do to be saved’ (Acts 16:30).
• There seems to be a specific call or setting apart for ministry that was common for Prophets and specially gifted men for the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13; Romans 1:1, 5; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1, 15; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1).  Their qualifications are centered on character and they must be apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2-7) and faithful to care for the spiritual needs of the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4).  When a young person believes that God is calling them for ministry they would be wise to reveal it soon and wait for the affirmation of spiritual leadership within the Body of Christ who know them and their character.  (Parents: pray with your children about any desire they may have for ministry!) Scripture speaks specifically about God’s call to serve him in some ministry setting (1 Samuel 3; Jeremiah 1; Daniel 7-12; Luke 1:11-17; Acts 9; Ephesians 4:11-13).  The Church leadership confirms the importance of this role in the New Testament Church after a period of careful observation (Acts 13:2b-3).  The qualifications are first character and an aptitude for teaching.  By application we learn that our parents and others who know us well should assist us in discerning where we fit in the world of work and in our service to the Body of Christ.
• Scripture states: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more“ (Luke 12:48).  This should be understood that to whom much has been given much more is required in their service to mankind.  Using ones talents and gifts for personal advancement and self-aggrandizement are counter to the Gospel.  It is more important what we do with our calling than the calling that we pursue.  The call to ministry is a call to sacrificial living.  The fishbowl in which one lives and the spotlight under which one is observed in ministry can be difficult but there is no greater expending of life if this is God’s desire for you.  Any other choice is a step down when this is God’s call.

The Way of Wisdom – Work is ordained by God—sin has made it difficult—nonetheless we are called to work and serve our families but also the Church.  Just as our calling in life is designed to fill our hearts with satisfaction, likewise what we choose to do for God ministering is ordained to fill our hearts with satisfaction and bless the Body of Christ.  The Church is the ‘Family of God, God’s household, the Body of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 12:1-6; Ephesians 2:19-3:6) and it has three essential work environments.  We each have a natural fit in one of these three service areas.  Acts 2:42-47 identifies the three service areas.

1. The Body of Christ is an army (Ephesians 6:10-20).  This is the work of evangelism—engaging the enemy; rescuing the perishing and carrying the good news (Acts 1:8) as witnesses of Jesus Christ.  This work is taught in the Church but done primarily in the world.
2. The Body of Christ is a school (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:1-5).  This is the work of discipleship—teaching and training believers to live like Christ; it is instruction in righteousness and is essential in the work of sanctification.  This work is done in the Church and its success is witnessed by the world.
3. The Body of Christ is a hospital (Acts 2:44; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; 2 Corinthians 1:3-8, 8:13-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:7; James 5:13-16).  This is the work of caring for people who need help—reconciliation and restoration.  It is physical, emotional, relational and social but always restorative.  Jesus heals and the Church is a place where that healing can take place.  This work is done within the family so that the injured and hurting can eventually serve others in and outside of the Body of Christ for the glory of God.

While we seek to discover our work in life it is just as important that we find our place of service in the Body of Christ.  When we find where we naturally fit we should make the effort to grow and mature in the areas in which we do not naturally fit—and become like Christ.  If working to take care of our families is required (1 Timothy 5:8) then working to take care of our spiritual family must be an increasing part of our calling in life as members of the Body of Christ (Galatians 6:7-10).

It should be noted that the early description of the Church at Antioch and Paul’s first missionary journey speak of Godly leaders (13:1), Godly concern (13:2-3); ungodly opposition (13:6-8) and the highs and lows of serving God (13:9-14:28) as the Church engages the world.  It is in this environment that we are called to exercise spiritual discernment and follow the way of wisdom.

How do we apply these principles of Spiritual Discernment to the big decisions in life? Should I marry? Who should I marry? What is my life calling/work?  What are the boundaries for my personal freedom?  These questions expose our ideas about God’s will and our commitment to His Word.  In this blog I will briefly consider the first two questions and deal with the third and fourth in the next blog.

What do we believe about the first two issues?  Is there only one person that is God’s will for me?  If I don’t find them am I out of God’s will if I remain single; or if I marry someone else?  What if the person I am supposed to marry marries someone else am I destined to be single or unhappy?  On the other hand if we believe that God has a certain kind of person that we should marry then these issues diminish dramatically and direct us to understand what kind of person God wants us to marry if we marry.  I believe that God’s will in these matters is not a specific person but a specific kind of person.

Should I marry? – Genesis 1:27-28 tells us that God instructed the first man and woman to be “fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it”.  Mankind carries out those instructions faithfully.  Men and women marry have children and families grow.  The history of mankind is a history of marriage.  Both Jesus and Paul address the issue of whether to marry.

Jesus – Matthew 19:1-12 – In a question about breaking the marriage vow Jesus speaks to the issue of singleness (10-12).   Jesus speaks of three kinds of single people: eunuchs born that way; eunuchs made that way by men; and those who renounce marriage for the kingdom of heaven.

• Choosing not to marry for the sake of God’s kingdom

Paul – 1 Corinthians 7:1-40 – Paul reinforces Jesus’ limited statements and then walks the way of wisdom with his inspired instruction and advice.

• General Principle – 7:1-7 – Singleness increases ministry availability and opportunities; but it is a gift from God
• Unmarried & widowed – 7:8-9 – Singleness is good unless you burn in the flesh – then marry
• Married issues – 7:10-11 – Divorce condemned; reconciliation enjoined
• Married to unbeliever – 7:12-16 – Special efforts by believers who are married to unbelievers (17-24 application of this principle
• Unmarried people – 7:25-38 – Comparing the advantages for ministry as a single person versus a married person
• General Principle – 7:39-40 – Marriage is for life; ministry is easiest when you are single.

Conclusion: Marry if you are sure that God will get more glory from your life as a married person than He would get from your life as a single person.

Who should I marry? – Genesis 2:22-23 – Adam only had a single choice; the rest of us have choices!  Genesis 24:12-14 – Is how I meet my future spouse important?  Can God bring people together in unique ways?  Notice Isaac’s response (62-67).  In this story we see God work to keep his promise to Abraham yet there is no normative teaching on how to find a wife, however, there is direction (acting wisely) that is confirmed by Israel’s history (Deuteronomy 7:1-6; Joshua 23:6-12; 1 Kings 11:1-8; Nehemiah 13:23-27; Malachi 2:15-16) by Paul’s wisdom in 1 Corinthians 7, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and Peter’s instructions in 1 Peter 3.

In selecting a spouse scripture provides the following objective guidelines: they must be a believer (Genesis 24; 2 Corinthians 6) and they must give evidence of maturity in faith and relationships.  (Does he have a high view of God’s word, is he preparing to be a Godly husband and ready to accept the responsibilities of fatherhood?  Does she have a high view of God’s word, is she preparing to be a Godly wife and ready to accept the responsibilities of motherhood?)   Is the man ready for spiritual leadership and is the woman ready to be her husband’s closest Godly influence.

Besides these two objective guidelines there are several subjective guidelines that help in the process of finding the right kind of spouse.  First, you should be attracted to the person; second, there should be intellectual connectedness and third, you should enjoy each other’s company, is there chemistry.

Once we understand the principles of God’s Word we are challenged to walk the way of wisdom as we seek to know God’s will in these two questions.  The following are some of my thoughts in regards to these two questions.

1.  Singleness is standing alone faithfully; marriage is standing beside someone faithfully till death parts you and if God gives children rearing them to stand alone faithfully

2.  The best preparation for marriage is to grow up in a safe loving Christian home with parents who instruct you in the ways of the Lord and serve God in the local Church

3.  Never underestimate cultural differences

4.  Do not cut out or ignore the insights and wisdom of parents

5.  Men pursue women who dress modestly and attractively (1 Peter 3:1-4)

6.  Guys pay attention to the relationship a girl has with her dad; girls pay attention to the relationship a guy has with his mom

7.  Choose someone who loves God more than they love you; choose someone who will care more about you than they do their job, their hobby or their freedom

8.  Choose someone who is more focused on pleasing God than they are on pleasing others (Galatians 1:10)

9.  Women choose to be pursued by men who are self-controlled; self-control is the character of all mature believers in pre-marriage and male/female relationships (Titus 2:1-8)

10.  Where a person has been is not as important as where that person is headed

11.  Women be careful about considering marriage to a man who is spiritually immature (behind you spiritually)

12.  Use your middle teen years to develop the skills of friendship and leave intimate relationships for later

13.  Pass on someone who is insecure; a nominal Christian or has a weak/nonexistent relationship to the Church

14.  When you fall in love you have begun the blind stage; if at all possible save falling in love for after you discover all the important things about the other person

15.  Young men should counsel with their dads and seek the permission of the girls’ father before pursuing the girl

16.  A young man should speak to the girls’ father every time his intentions change

17.  Stay away from men with wandering eyes and girls who are flirtatious – pursue loyal people

18.  Girls, reveal your feelings after he shares his, not before

19.  The first step in a relationship is spiritual; then mental and social; and if an emotional connection starts to take root establish accountability – the physical is not far away

20.  Girls, you are not safe if a young man has lower standards than you have

21.  Young men take responsibility and control the speed of the relationship

22.  Girls avoid guys who are too dependent on their moms; guys – avoid girls who are not ready to leave the spiritual leadership of other men and stand under yours

23.  The most naïve person is the one who has spent their pre-married life violating God’s precepts for single people

24.  A chaste life before marriage enhances the mystery of marriage

25.  Choose someone who understands the Biblical roles in marriage: Loving Male Leadership – John 10:11-18; Ephesians 5:25-33; 1 Peter 5:1-6.  Gracious Female Influence – Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Peter 2:13-3:13

Conclusion: Marry someone who will assist you in bringing glory to God; choose someone who will challenge you to be like Christ

Most fathers do not know how to disciple their children–which is a real problem.  When a father entrusts his child(ren) to someone else he should at least be sure that that person is skilled in discipling children and young people; otherwise he should learn how to do it himself and fulfill his responsibilities before God.  At this point in my life I am grieved that I neglected a good deal of the discipling of my own children and ‘passed the buck’.  A third reason I am troubled about this whole situation is that I never wanted my children to be unduly influenced by people who have never seen revival; by leaders who are more skilled at games and fun than theology and spiritual discernment.

In the documentary one youth pastor says, “you can’t out-influence parents’. I agree – but what do you do when parents turn essential spiritual influence over to leaders who are less than ten years out of high school?  The influence of those parents is disengagement and the result is that they pass the buck of blame when their kids reject the faith.  The whole model of Western culture is wrongheaded when it comes to training children.  At this point in my life I think a central activity for the local church must be Pastors and elders teaching the men (heads of households) how to disciple and lead their children and families.  If we hope to rear the next generation to be Godly we must get on with this task.  What has been going on for the past 50 years has resulted in little spiritual fruit.  We now live in a nation that is the 4th largest mission field in the world.

Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).  If we don’t disciple our own children how can we hope to win the nations?

• Wise Counsel – Exodus 18:17-24; Proverbs 8:13-21; 12:15; 11:14; 13:20; 14:15; 15:22; 20:18; 24:6; Romans 11:34 – The richest people and the wealthiest nations have a rich heritage and presence of elders, counselors and mentors who can teach others how to discern the will of God.

Before we can turn to an elder/counselor/mentor there must be elders, counselors and mentors.  To be elders there must be men who walk faithfully before God; gain an understanding of God’s Word and learn how to apply it to life.  The Hebrew Old Testament word for this man was zaken or seb – ‘being old or becoming old, to be grayed with age and experience’.  (Genesis 15:15; 1 Samuel 12:2)  The Old Testament zaken was deeply involved in the life of the community; a center of influence and always ready to talk; counsel and advise.  At the end of Moses’ life he wrote a song celebrating the glory of zakenim  (Elders) within the camp of Israel (Deuteronomy 32:7).  His point was vital: when a generation is on the verge of denying God’s ability to do something, call in the elders—let them testify (Psalm 37:25).

The goal of every believer is to be zaken-like in the Body of Christ; it is the spiritual goal that God designed for all men.  But Job’s friend Elihu adds to this picture in Job 32:6-9 – “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.  I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.’ But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.  It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.”  Elihu reminds us that age does not naturally end up in wisdom; there must be a consistent pursuit of God’s truth by studying, obeying and applying scripture to ones life.  Psalm 92:12-15 – “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”  (Proverbs 16:31)

We learn from the Old Testament and from history that the poorest cultures and people groups are those who have no zakens in the family line; those who have experienced wars and natural disasters that have killed many of the zakens.  Also there are events that result in the loss of children (disease, abortion).  Zakens need children and young people to guide.  (Elijah & Elisha)  Paul, James and Peter either speak to the selection of elders or assume that the local church is guided by them (1 Timothy 3, 5; Titus 1; James 5; 1 Peter 5; Hebrews 11).

When several preferences stand before us it is important that we counsel with elders and mentors who can give us insight and guidance before we make our choice.  If you are not a zaken you should be working to become one so you can assist others in making wise decisions.

• Pleasure/Personal Desires – Psalm 37:4; Matthew 7:7-12; Luke 22:42; James 4:1-5 – Often the greatest challenge in making the right decision is reigning in wrong desires.  The best way to battle this challenge is to deny our self be generous and order our lives for God’s glory.

Delighting myself in the Lord always involves surrendering something.  Do my delights align with God’s delights?  1 Samuel 15:22-23 reveals an essential delight of God and the Psalmist reinforces this in Psalm 1:1-2.  (Psalm 40:8; 119:16; Isaiah 1:11-17; 58:1-14; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Romans 7:21-22)  God is not a spoilsport; yet he works to align our desires with His.  Aligning our desires will require that we deny ourselves; be generous and order our lives so that God is glorified.

• Glorify God First/Always – John 8:54; 12:27-29; 13:31-32; 17:1-5; 21:15-19; Romans 1:21-23; 8:28-30; 15:6-9; 1 Peter 2:12 – One of the differences between volunteering and surrendering is who gets the glory.  When we volunteer we can be subtly clinging to glory as we offer our talents.  When we truly surrender we give up any claim to glory.  John’s gospel gives us a glimpse into the self-emptying that comes with giving up the glory.  (John 8:54; 12:27-28; 13:31-32; 17:1-5)

My choices must be completely wrapped up in glorifying God—all other glory is weak and fleeting. (Romans 1:21-23)  My lifestyle of choices should cause unbelievers to glorify God – 1 Peter 2:12 – “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

Principle #9 – Process – Resist a predetermined goal and focus on process.  Give the final determination to God and decide to live faithfully before God today (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).  The best way to be in God’s will in the summer is to obey what you know to be God’s will on April 1^st.  The best way to meet your future spouse is to frequent the places where the right kind of life partner hangs out.  Live in God’s will today and when the biggest decisions of life arrive it will be obvious what you must do (Acts 13:1-5).  This means that I give up getting my dream house, my perfect job and just the right girl/guy and spend my efforts becoming an excellent neighbor, helping my boss succeed and being the kind of person that others enjoy being with.

A true zaken is someone who resists telling people what God’s will is and takes up the challenge to walk with them in the decision making process.  This does two things: it teaches them spiritual discernment and it leads them towards becoming a zaken one day. The younger a person is the more they need specific direction from those who know the ways of God; however, the older a person is in Christ the more able they should be in discerning God’s will; they should be zaken-like counseling others to discern the will of God.

When I insist on certain outcomes I am really telling God that I am better at determining my happiness than he is.  When I surrender the final result and commit to the process of spiritual discernment God will give me exactly what I need so that He gets the glory and I become like Christ.  The result will be true joy and peace in the will of God.

We come now to the sensitive balance between the skills and cleverness of an organizer and the “shoot from the hip” person who hears from the Holy Spirit.  How do we bring these two important elements together in discerning God’s will?  Can I be so organized that the Holy Spirit has no room to work?  Can I be so sensitive to the Holy Spirit that I abandon any planning and foolishly run by the ‘seat of my pants’?

Scripture commands us to be ‘controlled by the Holy Spirit’ and Acts 13:2 tells us about the Holy Spirit commanding the Church leadership at Antioch. Yet scripture has important words to say to those whose gifts are in organization and management; because we tend to ‘take matters into our own hands’ and believe we can handle it.   Jesus told those who would follow him to ‘count the cost’ (Luke 14:28-33) because it will be a sacrifice—it will demand that we surrender everything. 

Principle #6 – Humble Planning – What role do I play in working out the details of God’s will in my life?  Does God’s will give me an excuse not to plan (James 4:13-16).  What James confronts is an arrogant attitude about the future.  Jesus presented the same thought in Luke 12:16-21 in the parable of the “Rich Fool”.  We are called to humbly anticipate the future by planning with God’s will/desires in mind and pray for guidance to that end.  This includes short-range (Acts 20:16; 1 Corinthians 4:19) as well as long-range (Acts 18:21; 19:21; 1 Corinthians 16:5-7) plans.  In the end God’s will is determinative (Romans 1:10; 8:28; 15:32; 1 Corinthians 16:7; James 4:15) yet he calls us to wisely set out plans.  The story of Joseph should remind us that planning for the future is wise.  Consider four ideas in this process.

• A.            It is appropriate that we make plans – Romans 1:13 – ‘Where do I see myself in a year, 5 years, 20 years?’
• B.            It is important that our plans be spiritually focused – Romans 1:11-15; 15:20-29 – These two passages remind us that our “plans” should be arranged around spiritual priorities. Idea: Use November for annual planning for spiritual growth in the coming year.

When my primary planning efforts are spiritually directed my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit naturally increases and my insight into other matters grows as a blessing from God. (The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, understanding, wisdom and discernment.)

• C.            It is vital that we pray in/for God’s will – Romans 1:8-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 – In these two passages and others Paul exposes what he constantly prayed concerning God’s will for other believers.

This means that I have a passion to be Christlike, that I passionately proclaim Christ and that I love people.  (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:9)  Paul was never driven by ‘self-fulfillment’ he was always called to serving others.  “The question is, How can I be most useful?, not How can I feel most useful?  The goal is, How can I best glorify God by serving other people?, not, How can I feel most comfortable and appreciated while engaging in some acceptable form of Christian ministry?  The assumption is, How shall the Christian service to which God calls me be enhanced by my daily death, by my principled commitment to take up my cross daily and die?, not How shall the form of service I am considering enhance my career?” (Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation, 83).

• D.            It is essential that we accept God’s sovereign oversight – Romans 1:10-13 – A thorough reading and understanding of scripture reveals a paradox.  Man will be held responsible for his choices, his beliefs, his disobedience and his response to the Gospel.  However, God is absolutely sovereign and ultimately controls everything in the universe.

The connection between humble planning and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is ‘yield-ability’.  If we disobey God’s Word, follow worldly advice, jump the gun, miss a spiritual opportunity, make our decisions based solely on data and put together a perfect plan without God’s leading/guidance we have quenched the Holy Spirit.

Principle #7 – Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit – The Old Testament has much more divine involvement in the life of Israel from the physical/outside (Urim & Thummim; casting of lots – Joshua 7:13-21; 1 Samuel 14:36-37, 41-42; Acts 1:24-26); the New Testament has much more divine involvement in the life of the Church from the spiritual/inside.  Paul defines this in Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”  If you hope to know God’s will in 5 years be working on your heart to hear God’s voice—the Holy Spirit—now.

My sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is directly related to my yield-ability.  God does not want me to volunteer; He wants me to surrender.  This is the essence of serving God and the first step in balancing human planning and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

When I walk by faith and am sensitive to the Holy Spirit I am the most useful planner.  When I walk by sight I quench the Holy Spirit; when I am deaf to the Holy Spirit my journey with God is confusing.  If I am going to be a humble planner I must walk by faith and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit for my planning to be used by God.  (Psalm 37:4 – ‘Delighting in the Lord’ means that I surrender my agenda, my need to control life and I walk by faith and open my ears and heart to the Holy Spirit.)

When I volunteer I give time so that others can benefit from my talents and gifts.  When I surrender I ask the Holy Spirit to use my talents and gifts for God’s purposes.  If I am a gifted organizer I must constantly surrender to the Holy Spirit; if I am sensitive to the Holy Spirit I must give time and effort to developing my organizational skills.  This will make me a useful servant in God’s kingdom and guide me into God’s will.

Step #1 – Obey when God speaks.  (God speaks in various ways: direct contact, angels, dreams, visions, theophany, Bible, others; but what is the most common way God speaks beyond His Word?  1 Samuel 3:8-9; 1 Kings 19:11-12; Proverbs 20:27 tell us that it is the inner still small voice.  The need to hear God’s voice is no longer for general guidance (We have the Bible) but rather for specific direction.) There are three general responses when God speaks and they are well illustrated in the Old Testament.

Abraham – Genesis 12:1-8 – Obey

Gideon – Judges 6:36-40 – Question/Delay

Jonah – Jonah 1:1-17 – Disobey

Step #2 – Be still when God is silent (Genesis 12:10-20).  Abraham’s decision to head into Egypt affects us today.  We rarely understand the significance of our decisions so we need to be careful before we make a move, it could be the undoing and unrest of nations.  God reminded Israel of this principle in Exodus 14:13 as they feared the Egyptians (Psalm 4:4-8; 46:10).

Modern man is addicted to feelings.  When we come back from a ‘powerful encounter with God’ we ride the wave of our feelings and then quickly plunge into a season of sin—we backslide—but not from God. We backslide from the feelings; we did not really have an encounter with God, we enjoyed the gluttony of spiritual feelings rather than a reverent and holy/terrifying moment before God.   When God is silent, be still until you hear God speak; stop searching for feelings and wait for the still small voice of God.

Step #3 – Battle your fears (Genesis 20:1-12).  The opposite of faith is fear and the antidote for fear is love (1 John 4:17-18).  When we are caught up in earthly fear we should quickly realize that faith has been overwhelmed and we need to turn to God for direction and reassurance.

The more history I have with God the less I should fear and the more I should love  (1 John 4:17-18).  Love is self-giving and fear is self-protecting—love moves towards others, fear causes us to shrink from others.  Fear exposes my lack of faith and challenges me to return to the promises of God.

E Stanley Jones wrote: “I am inwardly fashioned for faith, not for fear. Fear is not my native land; faith is. I am so made that worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil. I live better by faith and confidence than by fear, doubt and anxiety. In anxiety and worry, my being is gasping for breath–these are not my native air. But in faith and confidence, I breathe freely–these are my native air.”

Step #4 – Be patient as God develops the circumstances (Genesis 15:2-21). While you wait do what you know God wants you to do: prepare, serve; share; disciple; give; and build relationships.  Patience is the attitude & daily routine of faith.

Step #5 – Defer to others as a means of self-control (Genesis 13:1-13).  Fear stands in the way of faith because fear feeds greed.  When I am worried/anxious about my future I’ve become ‘greedy’ for a lifestyle and that lifestyle can cause me to make decisions that are not healthy.  Lot is a perfect example.  Seek the advice of Godly people when greed is rearing up.

Gary Thomas writes, “Great Christians are rarely produced in isolation” (Seeking the Face of God, 217).  Proverbs 14:12 reminds us that there is a way that seems right but the end is death; the human heart is deceitful and needs to be kept in check.  Thomas a`Kempis advised, “be willing to hear the judgment of others” which is especially good for the “inexperienced”.

As a younger person you may be very perceptive and have wonderful instincts but wisdom takes time to develop—submit/defer to others to keep your greed and grand visions in check.  Be careful not to turn to someone like yourself—look for a person who has learned humility.

Step #6 – Expect God to speak/direct (Genesis 22:8-18; 24:12-27) when more is needed.  When I am obeying God and what is before me is “out of my league” or we are in need of “specific direction” expect that God will step in. Jesus confirms this in John 10:2-4, 14, 27. When God supernaturally speaks (Genesis 12:1-4; Acts 13:2; 16:6-10; 27:21-25) you can be sure he has spoken when the following are true:

1. Clarity – It corresponds with the plain statements and meaning of Scripture (Jeremiah 8:7; John 1:9; Psalm 19:4; 1 John 1:1-3).  No ‘Word from God’ will ever contradict a principle of God’s Word (John 8:12).
2.  Convergence – “God’s impressions within and his word without are always corroborated by his providence around, and we should quietly wait until those three focus into one point” (F.B. Meyer, The Secret of Guidance, 15)
3.  Confidence – When we walk in the light we can have confidence that God has spoken and we can know the deepest meaning of the Aaronic Blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace”.

If we need to hear from God for specific direction He will come through and provide light.  There are numerous examples in God’s Word (Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, Elijah, Hezekiah, Daniel, Nehemiah, Paul).  Walking by Faith means:

Obey when God speaks

Be still when God is silent

Battle your fear

Be patient as God develops the circumstances

Defer to others as a means of self-control

Expect God to speak and confirm