About shepherdbryan

My passion is to disciple and see men discipled in every area of their life to see the multiplication principle actually work in a 100 year generational blessing. As go men in the church, so goes the church. As go men in the nation, so goes the nation. Fortunately, because men have often not taken their spiritual role to the limit, God has raised up many godly women to carry the torch where men have laid it aside. May God rapidly raise up men for the next generation of leaders to the Fourth Generation of spiritual leaders! As men lead in a godly way, women will follow in a godly way and that people will be blessed of the Lord.

Words: Love One Another

Posted on March 15, 2013 by shepherdbryan

Love One Another

When I was a kid, I watched the “Love Boat.” It was a silly show, but I was foolish enough to think going on a cruise would be great. Actually, my wife and I went on a four day cruise for our 20^th Anniversary and when we blinked the cruise was over. It really was a great time. To celebrate an anniversary, a cruise is a great thing. The reality is the cruise was all about us and is not how the church should be.

The church is about loving others. The church does not exist for itself. It exists as the Body of Christ to reach the world around it. The Church is designed to be a hospital as Paul writes, “But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (1 Cor. 12:24-25)

Yet, the Church is also a training ground for equipping believers to do the work of ministry. Paul writes,

¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Eph 4:11-13)

Saints need to be equipped to do the work of ministry.

As the church is equipped, it will disciple people to become disciple-makers for Jesus. Paul gives this mandate in Matthew 28:19-20,

¹⁹ “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matt. 28:19-20)

As we make disciples we will reveal our love for one another as Jesus exhorts,

³⁴ “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

This brings us back to love. We are to love one another. The question is what does that mean?

There are four words for love in the original language of the New Testament times. Two of the words are in the New Testament, one is found as a compound word and one is only found in secular literature.

The first word for love is agapao, which means an unconditional love that depends on the integrity of the subject which loves, not on the object. It is used of God who “loved” the world. There was nothing of divine value in the world to love when it was in its fallen state. Yet, because of the integrity, perfect character of God, He chose to love the world by sending Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world. This is the kind of love that gives when there is no desire or affinity to give. This love gives because it is the godly action, when the human response would be to avoid the object.

The second word for love is phileo, which means there is a reason for acting in love or an affinity to love. It’s the love a young man has toward a young woman when they want to be with each other. The object of the love is attractive, pleasant, intelligent, funny, talented or possesses some other quality that gives reason for expressing the love.

The third word for love is found only in a compound form storge, which is used of a familial type love. It is found as philostorge i n Romans 12:10 and is translated “brotherly love.”

The fourth word, which is not found in the New Testament, is eros and refers to a physical love. It is the physical relationship between a man and a woman in marriage and also used in all the aberrant forms of ungodliness.

The reason why this understanding is so important is because of the “one another” passages. There are 13 passages which contain “love one another.” (John 13:34; 15:12, 17; Rom. 13:8; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 3:11,23; 4:7,11,12; 2 John 1:5) The fact that it is found thirteen times means it must be very important. But the word used is also very important.

We might look at “love one another” as something we know we are supposed to do and so we will be loving toward our family or those we get along with in church. However, that would be the second word, phileo, those whom we have an affinity with or reason to love. That is not the word in any of the “love one another” passages. That would be easier, but it would likely also depend on us rather than on the Lord.

The word used in every “love one another” is agapao. That means the Lord is calling us to love one another, not because we like the person or have reason to love them, but just the opposite. If you do like the person or have reason to love them, by all means keep on loving them! However, because agapao is used, the command to “love one another”means to love those who may not be so lovely (John 3:16). It means to love those you don’t know (Heb. 13:1-2). It means to love those you don’t always hang around with or necessarily get along with (1 John 3:15-23). It means you will even confront at appropriate times (Heb. 12:5-6). It means the world will know that we are His disciples, because loving each other, even in differences, is more important, than being served (John 13:34-35). Can you imagine how this would affect the world?

If we are going to be biblical, we will step out of our comfort zones and love one another in ways that the human race would not be able to explain. Don’t wait. Choose to act by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Counsel: Check your heart (2)

Posted on March 14, 2013 by shepherdbryan

Counsel: Check your heart (2)

On the last “Counsel” article, I addressed how it is easy to “assume” a person might wrongly assess a situation or person’s actions. Hence, that person might fall into the trap of wrongly judging and wrongly correcting. We looked at Jeremiah 17:9-10, which addressed the deceitfulness of our wicked hearts and Matthew 7:1-5, which warns us to deal with our own sin before we judge another and finally Galatians 6:1, which gives the spiritual, mechanical issues to be considered as you approach someone. I concluded with the question, “Why is carefrontation (confronting in a godly way) a fearful step?” Let me address that.

First, we are in a spiritual battle. Paul describes how we are really not fighting against the person we might be having trouble with, but we are fighting with spiritual forces,

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph. 6:10-13)

Why does Paul tell the saints in Ephesus to “be strong”? Paul says, “be strong” because the spiritual battle is strong and raging. The conflicts are going on. It’s not a matter of if they will happen, but when they will happen. Paul makes that clear in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against “flesh and blood, but against principalities…” That is, the real battles are not against human flesh and blood, even though there are conflicts with flesh and blood (people). The real battles are in the spiritual realm. Satan’s demonic forces are doing everything they can to divide Christians, harm relationships and distort the world’s perspective of God’s goodness and God’s word. Because we are in a spiritual battle, it is a fearful thing to carefront others. How do you know if you are a part of assisting the conflict or bringing godly resolve to the conflict?

Secondly, we focus on our own hurts more than the other’s. We know we may hurt someone else, but we cannot understand the heart of another or the damage we may cause, especially when we don’t even understand our own heart (Jer. 17:9-10). We too easily become self-righteous in our thinking and assume too much. Paul says it well in Romans 12:3, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” We think we have others figured out, as well as ourselves, but it’s often just pride.

The other problem is if we have pain from a relationship, it distorts our view of others. We have filters and we don’t know how those filters affect our perspective and judgment in thinking. Paul makes it clear that we tend to think too highly of ourselves.

Thirdly, we become bitter, because we’re trying to do the right thing. Paul writes,

¹² Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do… ¹⁸ Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. (Col. 3:12-13,18-19)

Why does Paul exhort those attitudes and actions in Colossians 3:12-13? He exhorts because they are often missing in relationships, even in the body of Christ. He exhorts because those are the attitudes and actions needed to maintain unity and harmony in the body of Christ, so the world will see love for one another. He exhorts because we who want to be tender, kind, humble and patient often aren’t, so we must forgive and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than our own power.

Then Paul gets down to the attitudes and actions of wives and husbands. I find it very interesting that Paul summarizes into one verse what he says in three verses in Ephesians 5:22-24, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as if fitting in the Lord.” He doesn’t say what is “fitting,” but he does all through the epistle. Every encouragement and exhortation directed toward relationships in the body are to be manifested in marriage. Marriage is often the hardest place to see it fulfilled, so he assumes the wives will 1) be submissive and 2) do what is fitting in the Lord, that is, “just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” (Eph. 5:24) “Fitting”means what is “set aside” or what is holy to the Lord. In other words, everything, except what would be sin. Wives, die to your own desires and be holy set aside in submission to your husband. That is why wives need the Holy Spirit. That is why it is a fearful step to carefront another.

Then Paul addresses the husbands and mentions “do not be bitter toward them.”Most people would say that men aren’t as bitter as women. After all, women have to submit to the authority of or the final decisions of their husbands. There are plenty of reasons for a wife to be bitter. Yet Paul tells the husband not to be bitter. Why? Paul exhorts the husband to not be bitter, because when he is trying to love his wife, when he is dying to himself and trying to lead her spiritually, when he is working to provide, seeking to lead in devotions and on the look out to protect his wife and she doesn’t respond, then the husband is prone to become bitter. Husbands, die to yourself and do not be bitter. Instead, be patient. Husbands put off your bitterness and consider how often you rejected the Lord’s provision, spiritual leading in your life and protection of your soul. Confess your sins of bitterness and depend on the mercy and power of the Holy Spirit. Put on kindness, tender mercies and forgiveness and you’ll not be bitter. That is why it is a fearful step to carefront another.

Fourthly, we don’t approach love God’s way. Most people have heard the “love” chapter (1 Corinthians 13) so many times at weddings and other occasions that they become numb to what it’s really saying. Paul writes,

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:4-8)

What does it mean to you that “love suffers long”? First ask yourself, what is the Great Commandment? “

³⁷ Jesus said to him, “`You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ “This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ “And the second is like it:`You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt. 22:37-39)

Who is your closest neighbor? Your spouse! So God commands us to love our spouse and if I don’t, what is that called? If I know what I’m supposed to do and I don’t do it, what is that called? James writes, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (Jam. 4:17) So, if I don’t love my spouse (or my neighbor) it’s sin. If I don’t do what love does, it is sin for me. In other words, if as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13, I am not patient, I have sinned. If I am not kind in my actions, it is sin. If I am envious of others, it is sin. If I parade myself or act arrogant, it is sin. If I am rude to my neighbor (or my spouse) it is sin.

Too often we think “everyone does those things” and we find them acceptable. God does not! They reveal that we are not dependent on the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit does not do those things. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we cannot do those things. They are not the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). If we sin, then we must follow God’s guideline, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) When we confess our sins and humbly depend on the Holy Spirit, then God the Holy Spirit will bear his fruit through us – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… That is why it is a fearful step to carefront another; we might not do it from God’s love.

Friends, check your heart. Scripture says 1) our hearts are deceitful; 2) we are easily prone to judging others; and 3) we often correct in an ungodly way. When we correct another, or point out their wrongs in an ungodly way, we often don’t realize how fearful a step we are taking. Consequently, we need 1) to recognize we are in a spiritual battle; 2) to focus on the hurt of others more than our own and 3) to not become bitter when we are doing the right thing and 4) to approach love God’s way. If you do these things, you’ll be blessed. (John 13:17) If you do these things, you’ll have good relationships. Go in His peace.

Counsel: Check your heart (1)

Posted on March 13, 2013 by shepherdbryan

Counsel: Check your heart (1)

Scripture always has the answers. However, we are quick to ignore what it says and assume we know best what we should think, say and do. It’s easy to assume we have a clear picture on what we hear and see and can make the right analysis, assessment and judgment. It’s easy especially, when we think we know the other person well as in a family or friend. However, what does Scripture say?

Our hearts are deceitful. That may sound pretty harsh, but what does Scripture say? Jeremiah 17:9-10 says,

⁹ “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? ¹⁰ I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. (Jer. 17:9-10)

Scripture says “the heart,” which refers to each heart in mankind. It is not referring only to the wicked people, the people on death row, or even the enemies of our country. It refers to the heart of all people, even good people. The heart is “deceitful above all things.” That means it will deceive others, but more importantly, our own hearts will deceive us. Paul alludes to that from Romans 7. He says,

¹⁵ For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ¹⁶ If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. ¹⁷ But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. (Rom 7:15-17)

Paul is telling us he doesn’t do what he wants to do and does what he doesn’t want to do. Why? There is a sin nature inside of every person and it is deceitful. The writer to the Hebrews warns about the deceitfulness of sin, “…exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb. 3:13) The deceitfulness comes from the inner being and Jeremiah refers to that inner being as the heart. If my heart is deceitful, then I need to be aware of what comes out of my heart. Scripture also says we often judge.

We are easily prone to judging others. If we think we are right in our analysis, assessment and judgment, but don’t realize we have a deceitful heart, then we are prone to judge others. Jesus warned about this,

“Judge not, that you be not judged. ² “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. ³“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? ⁴“Or how can you say to your brother,`Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? ⁵ “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matt. 7:1-5)

When we are not a part of the solution (not in a discipleship or counseling team or parent or person in authority) we are not to judge others. However, there are times when God will direct that we help another person, but we must first deal with our own sin issue (plank from your own eye), and then be able to help another person. If you do not deal with your own sin issues, you will only compound the problem trying to help another person. You will likely be very self-righteous, judgmental, critical, impatient, unkind and hence ungodly. No Christian ever intends to do that. Fortunately there is hope. God gives us hope and a solution of how to address the problem.

Scripture says we often correct in an ungodly way. When you are ready to carefront (confront in a godly caring way) follow Paul’s exhortation. He writes, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1) Paul is talking to believers, because he calls them “brethren.” The reality is, we will find ourselves in situations where people “cross the line of obvious sin (trespass).” We are to judge ourselves to ensure there is no sin (Matt. 7:1,5) and then carefront them in a specific way.

Paul exhorts that we carefront in a “spirit of gentleness.” The word means “power under control.” It is used of a war horse well-trained to understand the very light and sensitive movements of the rider with the bridle and pressures from his knees and heels to direct the horse on the battlefield. For the Christian, it is the Holy Spirit who directs the Christian in His power, rather than the Christian’s power. It is God’s power under the control of the Holy Spirit. In other words, the carefrontation is for the purpose of godly restoration, not just pointing out sin.

Then Paul exhorts to “consider yourself lest you also be tempted.” It is so easy to carefront someone and do it in a prideful way. Pointing out another’s sin is a fearful thing. Only God knows all the details. Only God knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Only God knows best how to convict of sin. So for a person to put himself in that position is a fearful step, although it must be done. Therefore, Paul says to carefront under the power of the Holy Spirit and keep examining self, lest you be tempted to act independently of the Lord and be in sin.

Why is carefrontation a fearful step? I’ll explain in tomorrow’s post.

SGL: The Small Group Leader (2) – Oversight

Posted on March 12, 2013 by shepherdbryan

Leading a Home Group: The Small Group Leader (2) Oversight

Please refer to the first article on the three qualities of a small group leader. This article focuses on the overview of what a small group leader does in his/her oversight. It is the philosophy of a small group leader (SGL) in his oversight of the Home Group he is leading. Consider these nine principles.

First, the small group leader cares for people. He/she genuinely cares for people as a shepherd, first through listening and then through encouraging and exhorting. He has the attitude of a nursing mother for her infant and the exhorting father for his children (1 Thess. 2:6-12). He realizes the Home Group is not about him, but about each person he is trying to lead in their spiritual journey with Jesus. He cares so much that he doesn’t want people to remain where they are.

Secondly, he plans the group meetings. He is a good steward of the time and relationships, knowing that the end goal is to help people grow spiritually who want to grow (1 Cor. 14:40). He doesn’t just show up and wing it. He prays, studies and plans how best to use the time, so that people have a sense of learning, flow in the meeting, accomplishment and relational interaction. He considers others who can be involved.

Thirdly, he intentionally disciples people. He knows that discipleship doesn’t happen by accident (Matt. 28:19-20). He considers the spiritual walk of others and walks them through the process of how they might be involved in the group process. Living like a spiritual parent, he sees the person as God sees him and has ideas and plans on how to help them grow spiritually.

Fourthly, he leads a dynamic discussion. He facilitates the discussion to enable others to talk and grow. He is going to make comments and ask questions that involve most of the people and causes them to dig deeper in their considerations of passages and topics (Acts 2:37-42). He affirms responses and helps people have fun in discussing Scripture.

Fifthly, he is an active listener. He actively responds to comments made, affirming whenever he can so that people are encouraged to participate in the discussion (John 10:27). Active listening seeks clarification if there is a question or possible misunderstanding. Sometimes active listening demonstrates interest in the person and his comments. The small group leader often does more listening than talking in a home group meeting.

Sixthly, he listens to understand. He is careful about jumping to conclusions about what is said, so that he fully understands the comments and he fully seeks to reach the person’s heart. It’s easy to respond to what we don’t understand. It is a careful, deliberate leader, who is patient and listens to understand the heart of a dear soul trying to grow in their relationship with Jesus (Matt 9:36).

Seventhly, he assumes godliness in conflict. He believes the best about people and when there is conflict, he prepares his thoughts in his head, affirms the relationship with the person, listens to understand the “other” side, seeks possible resolutions and then evaluates the resolutions to see if they are working. He realizes the people in the conflict are far more important than trying to establish “his own truth.” He acts the part of a spiritual parent and is more concerned with the relationship of the “wrong” person. Consequently, he listens to understand and then seek win/win resolutions. He accepts that the process may take an inordinate amount of time, but the resolution that produces unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is more important than a personal victory (Matt. 18:15-17; Eph. 4:1-3).

Eighthly, he is accountable to others. He willingly is accountable to the small group structure and he asks for accountability from coaches and others on how to better communicate and disciple people. Humble people willingly become accountable to others (1 Pet. 5:5).

Finally, he shares leadership. He is more concerned about the continuance of the group than his right to lead the group. Small groups do not have very many people, but no leader should be alone in leading. He always ought to have another leader couple who can stand in the gap and give observations, counsel and suggested resolutions to challenges that arise. He is always looking for opportunities to lead with others or train others to be his/her replacements (Col. 4:7-13).

These principles will provide a fruitful ministry as a Small Group leader. Leadership is not about the leader. Leadership is about the Lord working through the leader to stir up people to love and good works (Heb. 10:24). God the Holy Spirit will empower a leader to be a spiritual parent in the Home Group creating a nest that flourishes with care, concern and commitment.

Men: Men Leading Men (1)

Posted on March 11, 2013 by shepherdbryan

Men: Men Leading Men (1)

There is a scarcity of men in spiritual leadership today. It is really nothing new. The scarcity began back in the Garden of Eden, when Adam stood near the woman (later called Eve) and watched the devil deceive her. He did nothing to prevent the attacks on God’s character and God’s Word. The devil challenged the woman and like most women, she was up for the challenge, but she came up short. Why? She came up short that is, because she failed to depend on the character and will of God, because her protector, Adam, did not lead.

Yes Adam was standing with her, because when she ate of the fruit she gave the fruit to Adam also. Moses records the text in Genesis 3:6, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. (Gen. 3:6, emphasis mine) He was right there, but he stood by and like many men today continue to stand by on the sidelines rather than entering into the battle of life. How do we turn this around? We must reach men and disciple them to godliness.

There are blatantly challenging statistics regarding our current culture. Bruce Einspahr reported recently as a pastor’s conference about the profession of faith in several generations. He cited from the Billy Graham Organization:

· 65% of those in the Builder generation have trusted Christ

· 35% of those in the Boomer generation have trusted Christ

· 15% of those in the Gen-X generation have trusted Christ

· 4% of the kids alive today will make a profession of faith.

Those are significant statistics and may reveal why America is suffering spiritually and we see downward results in many other venues, like morality, social, economic and political arenas. If we don’t reach each generation, the USA will become a second rate country, because it will lose its blessing God granted through the founding fathers. It was the founding fathers who instilled biblical values in their families, but life happens and the values have changed. In fact, the values are spirally down so quickly that only a revival will turn things around.

I’ll address this in the next article of Men Leading Men, especially as it relates to the father of the family influence.

SGL: The Small Group Leader (1) – Leading

Posted on March 10, 2013 by shepherdbryan

Leading a Home Group: The Small Group Leader (1) – Leading

What will be true of a small group leader?

God desires that every Christian become a Disciple-maker. God gave every Christian the Great Commission where He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matt. 28:19-20) It is through the words of the disciples to all people that Jesus said people will believe and be discipled, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word (John 17:20)

Yet there must be “quality control” or some standards by which leaders should be chosen, put into the leadership position and tasked to lead others in a small group. This is the first of several parts describing that leader. There are three truths in this article that must be true of every small group leader. He will be ready to lead, appointed by others and leading like a parent.

First, he will be trained to lead. He will have participated in a small group setting and he understands and can explain the vision and mission of the church. He will have had experience in leading an established small group as an assistant. Through the mentoring/ discipleship of a small group leader, he will become grounded in the basics of leading. He’ll also be willing to continue this mentoring relationship with a small group coach. He will understand how small groups and accountability work. He understands expectations of himself and others. He is winsome in a relational environment, because leadership is not about him, but about helping others learn and grow. And he has proven himself able to oversee and to coordinate the functioning of a group. He lives out Paul’s admonition to Timothy,

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. ¹⁷ And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, ¹⁸ who have strayed concerning the truth…²² Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³ But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. ²⁴ And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, ²⁵ in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, ²⁶ and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (2Tim. 2:15-26)

Secondly, he will be appointed by others to lead. There have been a couple times in ministry, when a person said, “Please get me some people to teach.” I encouraged them to invite others to a study they were going to lead, but I wasn’t going to subject people to one who had not participated in a small group environment. When the time is right the mentoring Small Group Leader will let leadership know when the assistant leader is ready to be launched. Humility is a key. The potential leader will have been observed and proven available and teachable regarding leadership.

Leaders on the church team look for leaders who have proven themselves faithful in attending a small group, who are faithful in spiritual disciplines and who serve in spiritual growth opportunities. Paul writes, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. (1Tim. 5:22) Just because people can give academic answers to Bible questions or they are Bible Trivia champions, they are not qualified as leaders.

Leaders don’t appoint leaders who are brains on a stick. Just because people know biblical truth, theology or trivia, they are not necessarily qualified to be small group leaders. We do want a person to aspire to the position of leadership, but he will be humble enough to wait upon the appointment of others.

Thirdly, he will lead like a parent. He knows he is there for the sake of others. He doesn’t use his position of authority for himself, but for responsibility to assist others in their spiritual growth. He gives others the opportunity to serve in group leadership opportunities and he disciples others to take those steps of opportunity to grow and lead. He will be patient with comments others make and consider how to turn inappropriate comments into good use for the Lord’s work. Paul encourages the young church of Thessalonica,

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. ⁸ So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. ⁹ For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; ¹¹ as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, ¹²that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:7-12)

As the small group leader matures in small group skills, he will identify those who are ready to take opportunities of leadership in the small group and begin the training process with them.

The Small Group Leader is an essential element for connecting, equipping and multiplying in small group growth. He will be ready, because he has been involved in small group ministry. He will be humble enough to wait for the appointment from others on the church team, rather than demanding that he should have the right to lead. And he will be leading like a parent, not a child. The Small Group Leader is there for others and the glory of Jesus Christ, not himself.

Book Review: The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn

Posted on March 9, 2013 by shepherdbryan

Book Review: The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn

“The Harbinger” by Jonathan Cahn is a fascinating narrative regarding current events connected to a prophecy given to Israel through the prophet Isaiah. Cahn insightfully draws parallels from the prophecy of God against Israel and relates that to current day United States of America. The parallels are intriguing, the dialogue is adventurous and the ramifications are significant. The challenge is, “Can such parallels be made?”

What is a harbinger? A dictionary definition would define it as “a person who heralds another” or “something that foreshadows a future event” as in a sign. “The Harbinger” is written to foreshadow an apocalyptic event in the future of the United States of America.

The story line is built around Nouriel who is drawn into a relationship with the prophet related to the events of and following 9/11. Cahn delineates nine harbingers as signs of warning to Israel, who disregarded them to her own demise, of which also parallel to events in the United States. Significant events, down to the “exact days” describe how a potential judgment is coming upon America. Included in the analyses are quotations proclaimed by the US Senate leadership and the President himself related to the defiance of Israel against God’s wrarning. Just as Israel defied God’s warning and was destroyed, so also the US is defying God’s warning and may face coming judgment. Each of the nine seals, or harbingers, unveils a premise that if the US does not return to the Lord, it will face certain judgment. The narrative is put together like a Hollywood thriller movie exploiting the details of contemporary history.

Is it possible that Cahn could be right? The coming judgment of the US seems to be certain based on the rejection of American people toward the Lord and the downward spiral of morality. Much of the story line documentation supports the premise that America will fall to a second rate country in the near future, but I would be very cautious using a prophecy given to the nation Israel. Yet, there are several reasons why the parallels should not be made.

First, Isaiah prophesied to Israel, not America. The many specifics that Cahn sites are fascinating and should cause students of Scripture to continue research into Cahn’s primary sources and to be open to continued parallels. However, you can’t take a prophecy given to Israel and directly apply it to another nation. Could God do that? Yes. In the same way, Matthew quoted from Hosea 11:1 a prophecy that God would call Israel out of Egypt and Matthew uses that in Matthew 2:15 as an interpretation applied to Jesus “called out of Egypt.” I’m very comfortable for Matthew to do that under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, however hermeneutics (laws of interpretation) don’t allow me or anyone else to take prophecies given to Israel and directly apply them to another country. Principles in application can be applied, but caution should be exercised.

Secondly, Cahn uses 2 Chronicles 7:14 as a solution for US defiance toward God. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” This a great verse, but if America does repent, the verse cannot be used for an automatic response from God. God doesn’t promise that America will be restored to world greatness, even if the American people do repent. Second Chronicles was written regarding Isreal and is there for our learning that we might have hope in God (Rom. 15:4). If the people do repent, God in His gracious sovereignty can choose to bless the United States. God is not under obligation to remove any pending divine discipline.

Furthermore, does the Isaiah prophecy apply to other countries that have existed since the time of Jesus? Maybe Cahan would say, they did not have the foundation based on biblical truth as the United States did. That may be true, but the direct comparison of the US to Israel seems stretched.

Thirdly, too many cults have proclaimed doom (Millerites 1844; Harold Camping 1994; Pentecostal William Branham 1977; Edgar Whisenant 1988; David Koresh 1993; Jehovah Witness 1914) and applied prophecy inappropriately. A Christian today does not have authority to make predictions for a specific country, when the prophecy was given to a different country. That violates principles of a literal historico-grammatical approach to interpretation. I in no way want to imply Cahn is a cult leader or not a Christian. I am not able to find a statement of faith regarding his beliefs in Jesus Christ. He seems sincere in website information.

I would also be concerned that Cahn may hold to Replacement Theology, although he never makes an issue of that in the book. Replacement Theology says that the church replaced Israel as the people of God and Israel is no longer a factor in contemporary history. On the contrary, Israel continues to be a factor and the unconditional covenants that God made with Abraham, David and Israel in the New Covenant will be fulfilled at the Second Advent.

On the other hand, I would not blow off what Cahn is saying. The unusually specific quotations parallel to what happened with Israel are most interesting. This is a well-written, captivating and inspiring dialogue. Each chapter is filled with dialogue that reveals attention to detail and exqauisite dialogue.

Book Review: Center Church by Timothy Keller

Posted on March 8, 2013 by shepherdbryan

Book Review: Center Church by Timothy Keller

“Center Church” by Timothy Keller is articulate, serious, thoughtful and challenging. He’s challenged my thinking in many ways regarding gospel ministry in cities. There are three main sections: Gospel; City; and Movement. Each section is sub-divided into parts and each part has several chapters. Keller is brilliant in his perspective. I might not agree with all of his theology, but he has thought through issues that I have not considered. He is extremely well read and he incorporates the summary and thoughts of an abundance of authors throughout his discussions.

His book is on “Center Church,” because he is seeking the center to balance theological, philosophical and practical extremes of world view. He seeks to balance the gospel axis between legalism and relativism; the city balance between challenge and appreciate; and the movement balance between structured organization and fluid organism.

His chapter “The Gospel is not Everything” was bothersome as a title, but it caught my attention. He does not mean the gospel good news of Christ’s sufficiency and blood atonement, but that the gospel influences every part of life and is far more expansive than a simple story to get people into the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Yes, indeed, the gospel affects everything and the church that expounds the gospel in its fullness will look unique.

Keller provides many approaches to his subjects. People are not just saved or rebellious, but it is helpful to classify rebellious in a religious and irreligious mode. Both are unbelievers. In the city context, many will consider themselves religious, who can then be shown they are not of the gospel.

His second section on city was challenging. The city seems to be a gathering place for immorality and the exaltation of sin, which they are. However, Keller exposes the importance of ministering in cities to reach the multitude of people for whom Jesus died. He clearly shows many of the advances brought about by cities, but the balance is that those advances have not drawn people closer in their relationship with God. He emphasizes one day all will be drawn to the “city” of God, so cities are not inherently bad. Yet, he seems to be careful to not offend city-dwellers who depend far too much on human strength and abilities rather than God’s Spirit. I would have hoped he emphasized that as the city attracts multitudes and various peoples, sin multiplies exponentially and apart from the Holy Spirit, it will not be brought under control prior to the Lord’s return. I do appreciate his approach to ministry in cities, because he is building bridges unlike many of us who burn bridges to city-dwellers, much like Jonah in Nineveh.

He notes that the early Christian movement “was largely an urban movement that won the people of the Roman cities to Christ, while most of the rural countryside remained pagan.” (149) he writes, “The city is an intrinsically positive social form with a checkered past and a beautiful future.” (151) Apart from the Holy Spirit cleansing the cities through the gospel, they will continue to spiral down. It’s interesting that immorality, abortion, wickedness and the like begin in the cities and then slowly penetrate into the rural areas. The church, then, must hear the call to the city. (154) He cites some crucial statistics of the declining spirituality in America. (182)

So how should the church respond to culture? Great discernment is needed. Keller presents five approaches in which he delineates strengths and weaknesses of each. Keller sees the grays in between black and white choices of response and that has greatly assisted him in reaching the city culture.

His last section on “Movement” describes the structure of the organized church and the fluidity of the organism of the church. Both are necessary for becoming a missional church. A missional church is going to adjust to the culture where it can in order to reach into and rescue souls seeking God’s solutions. I appreciate his urgency to connect people to the culture, so that the church influences culture, rather than be influenced by culture. His comparison of an “Institution versus Movement” is insightful and thought-provoking.

“Center Church” is not going to be a book everyone will sit down and consume in a few nights. The 382 pages are double-columned, so most people will be put off by the amount of material. It doesn’t have testimonials and stories or pictures, so many will drift away. However, every student should consider studying this as it is likely used in many academic contexts. I’d encourage students of Scripture to study this for expanding your thinking.

Q & A:Overcoming Difficult Relationships for Him

Posted on March 7, 2013 by shepherdbryan

This contains considerations for suggested answers to the questions for the message given March 3 as titled above. The full insert is given first and then the questions are repeated with suggested answers so that you can begin to expand how you might give answers to the questions. Do not be superficial in answering the questions. Think deeply and you will benefit richly.

Overcoming Difficult Relationships for Him

Romans 12:9-21

How do you deal with difficult relationships?

1) Let Jesus replace pain with blessing Rom. 12:14-21

2)      Let Jesus help you to disciple him/her/them to the truth 2 Tim. 2:24-26
3)      Let Jesus bless through you, whom you can   1 Pet. 3:8-12
      ·         Jesus said it best Luke 6:27-28
      ·         Gen. 50:15-21

Jesus will right every wrong,

so you can choose to be a blessing!

· God has called us to be a blessing. Return no evil, give of yourself to bless
· Trust the authority of the Word by faith to forgive and bless. If you are struggling with pain over many months, have you forgiven and asked God to use you to bless the offender?

Message Based Discussion Questions

1) Why does merely talking about Christianity often muster up negative images and angry reactions?

Digging Deeper:

2) What was David’s response to his soldier who told him the Lord had given his enemy into his hand in 1 Sam. 24:1-10? ____________________. How is David’s response different than way the world thinks? What are the circumstances in 1 Sam. 26:7-16?

3) With whom did Moses get counsel in the conflict with Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Num. 16:1-33)? _____________ . How would you classify Moses’ anger (Num. 16:15)? How does this compare with the principles taught in the message?

Making application of the message to life:

4) How does God want you to deal with sins against you in the past?

5) What aspects of forgiveness have you struggled the most in the past?

6) If you have hindered relationships, what does God want you to do based on the message passages?

Good thought, hurt you not, gossip never, friends forever.

Message Based Discussion Questions

1) Why does merely talking about Christianity often muster up negative images and angry reactions?

a) We’ve seen bad things happen from Christians in the past.

b) We’ve seen Christians being judgmental toward others

c) We’ve seen Christians being good at pointing out sin, but doing the same thing – hypocrisy.

d) We’ve seen Christians live one way on Sunday, but another during the week.

e) We’ve grown up under domineering parents that forced Jesus down our throats, and it didn’t seem to make sense.

f) People don’t like the light of God’s truth. People of the darkness would rather run from the light.

g) People don’t want to be convicted of their sins.

h) The hurt or pain caused by people resonates within and our flesh and emotions want to react.

i) People may be hardened in their sin, so they react at anything related to Christianity.

j) Crusades and wars in the name of “God.”

Digging Deeper:

2) What was David’s response to his soldier who told him the Lord had given his enemy into his hand in 1 Sam. 24:1-10?_He wouldn’t kill Saul__. How is David’s response different than way the world thinks? What are the circumstances in 1 Sam. 26:7-16?

a) David told his men he would not kill Saul, but he did cut off the corner of the robe. His conscience bothered him and he repented.

i) David restrained his men from killing Saul in a vulnerable situation.

ii) David chose not to get even or strike out.

iii) David was controlled and trusted in the Lord’s actions.

iv) David recognized the Lord’s will for Saul’s life. The Lord did not direct David to kill Saul, even though he could have.

v) David confronted Saul, but would not take personal vengeance.

vi) David ran from trouble as Saul pursued him. That was a wise move, because Saul was bent on killing him. David didn’t want to confront the Lord’s anointed. If Saul was the Lord’s anointed, then the Lord would deal with Saul. It was not David’s right to touch him. That’s takes discernment! That’s how believers should look at those who offend them. Give a wide berth to let the Lord do His own divine discipline on the offender.

b) David approaches Saul in the night with Abishai. Abishai wanted to kill Saul, David said no. Saul was still God’s anointed.

i) David had an easy opportunity to kill Saul and leave in the night before the other soldiers found out.

ii) David took the spear and jug, to let Saul know he could have caused harm, but didn’t, to show Saul he was not the enemy.

iii) David rebuked Saul’s chief of staff, because Abishai was a leader.

iv) David blessed Saul, so Saul could have the opportunity for repentance, but Saul refused to repent.

3) With whom did Moses get counsel in the conflict with Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Num. 16:1-33)? __God___ . How would you classify Moses’ anger (Num. 16:15)? How does this compare with the principles taught in the message?

a) Moses ‘anger was righteous indignation. He willingly declared his innocence, by not seeking his personal agenda or revenge. Moses’ anger was not how they treated him, but how they treated the one God appointed to lead the people. The rebellion of Dathan and Abiram was really a rebellion against God, so Moses’ anger was appropriate.

b) There is a time when correction must be made. God acts in love to correct a rebellious son (Heb. 12:5-6). Moses went to the Lord, instead of taking matters into his own hand. He let the Lord take revenge if there was going to be vengeance.

i) Blessing from Moses had to include the entire people, because Moses was the leader of the entire people. It would be wrong for Moses to just be nice to Dathan and Abiram. Moses was responsible for what happened to all the people. Dathan and Abiram’s rebellion would bring God’s discipline upon all the people, so Moses, as leader, had to act on behalf of all of them.

ii) Never confuse a biblical stand against evil with being nice. The blessing is from God’s perspective, not what an offender may want or desire. The blessing should be what is best for the person if the person was humble. The blessing should be love according to what is good for the person as much as possible. But if the person acts wickedly the blessing may be to step aside so God can impose divine discipline as He did in this case.

Making application of the message to life:

4) How does God want you to deal with sins against you in the past?

a) He wants me to forgive and send the penalty to Him. He is just and will deal with it in wisdom.

b) He wants me to choose to be ready to bless. I need to let Jesus replace the pain with the action of blessing another.

c) He wants me to be His servant and ready to rebuke in humility is necessary.

d) He wants me to be ready to reach out to the person in spite of their evil actions. Those “reach out” actions are to bless the person, not get even or make miserable in any way.

e) He wants me to not nurture the bad feelings I may have had from the offense.

f) He wants me to continue to consider how to bless, until the pain goes away and divine enablement becomes supreme 2 Pet. 1:3-4.

5) What aspects of forgiveness have you struggled the most in the past?

a) The feelings of past pain, nurtured to become bigger than the problem.

b) Desire to seek revenge, rather than giving it to the Lord.

c) Desire to get even without anyone knowing something was done.

d) Not trusting God to act against the person to make up for the pain the person has caused.

e) Not wanting to be available to bless or disciple to the truth.

f) Not wanting to become united in thinking with one mind.

g) Taking back the pain and thinking about it, rather than letting it go.

h) Keeping track of the hurt in some kind of a list.

i) Comparing the hurt he caused as greater than the hurt I might have caused…..

6) If you have hindered relationships, what does God want you to do based on the message passages?

a) Forgive and then seek to bless.

b) As appropriate, to seek restoration of the relationship.

c) DO actions of blessing, rather than just thinking about it.

d) Taking action to bless by going out of my way, rather than avoiding the person.

e) Not turning my eyes away from the person, but going to the person and greeting them and making appropriate concern.

f) As far as it is possible with me, to be at peace with others Rom. 12:18.

g) If it is the government who abuses its power over years and years, then stand up to it. First help it see the wrong it is doing. Then help it by giving plenty of opportunities to repent, that is, change what it is doing.

PTSD: Tools to disciple another

Posted on March 6, 2013 by shepherdbryan

I’m indebted to Chaplain Ramsey Coutta for serving his country as a Chaplain in the Army National Guard and for taking his experiences to write about them in his good book: “The Veteran’s Toolkit for PTSD.” If you use a summary of the notes, please give him credit.

Tools for PTSD¹

^{(Use this only with God’s Word)}

1) Learn about PTSD symptoms

a) Re-experiencing symptoms: the situation seems very real.

i) Frequently having upsetting thoughts, memories or dreams about a traumatic event.

ii) Acting or feeling as though the traumatic event were happening again, sometimes called a “flashback.”

iii) Having strong feelings of distress when reminded of the traumatic event.

iv) Being physically responsive, such as experiencing a surge in your heart rate or sweating, to reminders of the traumatic event.

b) Avoidance symptoms

i) Making an effort to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event

ii) Making an effort to avoid places or people that remind you of the traumatic event

iii) Having a difficult time remembering important parts of the traumatic event.

iv) A loss of interest in important, once positive, activities.

v) Feeling distant from others or feeling as though your life may be cut short.

vi) Experiencing difficulties of having positive feelings, such as happiness or love.

c) Hyperarousal symptoms

i) Having a difficult time falling or staying asleep.

ii) Feeling more irritable or having outbursts of anger.

iii) Having difficulty concentrating or being jumpy or easily startled.

iv) Feeling constantly “on guard” or like danger is lurking around every corner.

2) Manage flashbacks to control your thoughts and emotions

a) Know what causes you to “remember” or become aware of them. Accept how the body reacts.

b) Identify early warning signs for flashbacks.

c) Journal your emotions when you remember situations to understand trends, events, so you can reread what you have gone through, are going through and can be prepared for what could happen in the future. Just start writing and don’t be concerned about where you start, but write down anything that comes to mind. Once finished, reread and reflect on it for personal understanding.

d) Consider the five senses to regain focus on reality; the event is in the past.

e) Enlist the support of others to help through challenging moments Pro 24:6

f) Identify the thoughts that bring things back to the control of Jesus 2 Cor. 10:4-5 Accept the thoughts are part of the past and press to the future.

g) Help your mind by proactively accepting the reality of the past Phil. 3:1-13

3) Address guilt that you survived and your friend did not

a) You did survive. Everything comes under the sovereignty of God.

b) Meditate on truth and consider what the guilt is coming from and what the 2^ndand 3^rd order effects are. Allow yourself to mourn and accept what your feelings might be. They may be different than anyone else Ecc. 3:4

c) Accept what cannot be changed Matt 5:4

4) Build resiliency

a) Develop problem solving skills – do the previous so that you can calm approach future events.

b) Trust that you can change and learn to control the emotions by 2 Cor. 10:4-5

c) Seek help from the Lord in wise friends Matt. 6:33; Jer. 17:5;

d) Be connected with friends and family Pro 18:24

e) Disclose to friends and family what you can share. Be a survivor rather than a victim.

5) Stop avoiding the problem – it leaves the problem hidden and prowling to engulf

a) Face the reality of the past and share with trusted friends as necessary Pro. 18:24; cf. Jam 5:16

b) Think on what is true and honorable Phil. 4:8

Practical Suggestions

1) Renew Relationships

a) Spend time with family and friends who are supportive

b) Increase your contact with other veterans who can guide you to God’s Word.

c) Join a home group from church

2) Become more active

a) Overcome the feeling of apathy and laziness

b) Engage in a variety of activities – work, hobby, house, family outings.

c) Set goals of what makes sense, but stretches you from where you are.

d) Track your progress. Keep your goals reasonable.

3) Acceptance

a) Account for past experiences

b) Accept that they happened and the events that cannot change.

c) End the war with the past events.

d) Commit yourself to future progress.

4) Develop a daily activity plan

a) Build a calendar for good stewardship of time Eph. 5:15-17

b) Develop goals for the calendar

5) See things for how they really are

a) Discuss with another your thoughts and let them give you feedback for objectivity

b) Make a page for situation/thoughts/put off/ put on/ new plan

6) Train yourself to relax

a) Learn to relax from hyperactivity (workouts, movies, etc.)

b) Get a comfortable chair and think through muscles relaxing

c) Release the tension

7) Prepare to sleep better

a) Do workouts early in the day

b) Eat big meals at least four hours before rest.

c) Stick to a regular sleep schedule

d) Avoid naps after 2pm

e) Lower lighting and noise an hour before sleeping.

8) Take a break from anger

a) Read booklets on dealing with anger.

b) Take a break to gain calm.

c) Restore relationships that have been injured from personal actions.

d) Find enjoyable activities like reading, movies, challenging games.

e) Exercise

f) Prayer

¹Adapted fromThe Veteran’s Toolkit for PTSD by Chaplain (LTC) Ramsey Coutta

Shepherding Truth

Renewing Truth, Rightly Divided

Author Archives: shepherdbryan

About shepherdbryan

Words: Love One Another

Counsel: Check your heart (2)

Counsel: Check your heart (1)

SGL: The Small Group Leader (2) – Oversight

Men: Men Leading Men (1)

SGL: The Small Group Leader (1) – Leading

Book Review: The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn

Book Review: Center Church by Timothy Keller

Q & A:Overcoming Difficult Relationships for Him

PTSD: Tools to disciple another