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.

Armor of God

Posted on June 6, 2012 by shepherdbryan

This is the passage we discussed on Sunday:

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints　

Let me give you a few thoughts on the application of the message. How do you apply the armor of God? It’s great to “know” the armor, but how do you apply it? I barely scratched the surface on what to do. How do you apply the armor of God to marriage? To raising children? To your work environment? To living with neighbors? To being good citizens? Let me just take one area like raising children.

Put on the belt of truth, because you need to know what God says about child rearing. The truth will set you free to raise children to godliness to bless them to the fourth generation. The belt of truth keeps your toga and all other distractions from hindering you from moving in God’s perfect plan. The truth organizes your life so that you can move around the battlefield and ensure your children learn God’s truth and be ready to raise their own children when they launch from home. The belt of truth equips you to deal with the lies, the deceptions, the relativity and compromises of the devil and the world. Only God’s belt of truth equips you to discern righteous thoughts, words and actions. The belt of truth gives you discernment to know when to discipline and how to discipline children. It gives you discernment to know what their real needs and desires are.

Put on the breastplate of righteousness, because it directs your thoughts, words and actions to reflect the holy standards of Jesus Christ. When you put it on, you are affirming that you will run from sin and pursue righteousness, holiness and truth, instead of compromising in the world. The breastplate guards the heart from where all sorts of sinful tendencies arise. The breastplate helps you model holiness for your children and give them something to reflect in their life as they learn about God’s Word.

Put on the sandals of peace, because we need to be ready to share the gospel with children. It’s not the church’s responsibility to evangelize the children, but we will. People who are not ready with the gospel are walking around barefoot on a rocky world. That’s painful. The sandals of peace keep children focused on Kingdom issues rather than pursuing all the worldly desires of life. Sandals of peace keep the family focus on God’s saving grace and reaching neighbors for Christ rather than barring the door from neighbor contact. Children need to see parents and leaders who are going out of their comfort zone with the gospel – sandals of peace.

Put on the shield of faith, because every step is observed by the enemy and he is going to send fiery darts at you to neutralize you in the battle. He doesn’t want you teaching your children truth. He wants you distracted thinking the children will figure it out for themselves. The enemy wants you isolated so you can’t interlock your shield with others in order to work together to raise godly children. Use that shield of faith to ward off every demonic attack to steal the hearts of your children.

Put on the helmet of salvation, because if you aren’t confident of your salvation, you’ll either end up working in human power for salvation or you’ll doubt your salvation and not want to venture out to disciple your children or win them to Christ. The helmet brings your thoughts captive to Christ. The helmet ensures you cast your problems on the Lord. The helmet of salvation gives you confidence as you go into battle each day that you have already gained heaven, so now you can be bold about diligent work being equipped for the kingdom and serving to build the kingdom. You are protected. Do not let your children go unprotected in the world.

Use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, because that is God’s weapon to fight for the sake of your children. Do not let anyone pull your children away from God’s truth. Do not let your children wander off God’s path. You blaze the trail with God’s sword. You ensure the path is clear when you lead your family through the valley of the shadow of death. That sword will protect you and your children need to learn how to use the sword well. They need to learn every book of the Bible, promises to claim when they face trouble and passages of Scripture that will give them comfort and confidence as they launch into life.

Put into effect prayer, because that is your communication to headquarters in heaven. Prayer is your dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is your mark of humility to unleash the ruling power of Christ in your life. Prayer is the dynamic your children need to learn, so they will be effective soldiers for Jesus Christ. Children will learn to pray when parents pray with them.

I’ve only scratched the surface of applying the armor of God to raising children. This is the intention of the Message Based Discussion Questions. We need to discuss how to take the “what” of learning in Scripture and apply it to the “how” and “why” for living. How would you use the armor? How would you use it in marriage? Work? With neighbors?

Stop Complaining, Press Ahead

Posted on June 2, 2012 by shepherdbryan

I love hearing stories of people who have risen out of the ash heaps of life. They suffered terribly and through true grit, and/or miracles of God, they took on great opportunities to serve the Lord. I often get weary of people complaining about how difficult life is. Life is difficult! Normally, it’s from those of us who live in America. I get it. I know even in America where air conditioning is not an option, cell phones are standard equipment that comes with newborns (it seems), and it’s not a question of whether there is a chicken in every pot, but how many televisions every household has. We have stores that are loaded with food and merchandise. We have a medical system that surpasses everywhere on earth. Yet, we grow weary of life. It reminds me of the great passage in Jeremiah.

If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, In which you trusted, they wearied you, Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan? (Jer. 12:5)

Jeremiah was facing tough times. The nation of Judah was turning away from God and Jeremiah was weary preaching to a people who continued to reject God’s message and to disrespect him at every turn. Yet God was not going to console Jeremiah to sit in tears and give up. To the point where Jeremiah was, he was only battling the footmen. Jeremiah prophesied from 626 – 586 B.C. This was likely early in his career.

God’s point was this: if the footmen – the small problems you face now – weary you, what are you going to do when the horses – the big problems of his later ministry – contend with you? If you grow weary in a time of relative peace, what will you do when you are running from trouble – the floodplain of the Jordan? Jeremiah, will you keep your eyes on me and not lose heart?

It’s possible to lose heart. It’s always when we take our eyes off the Lord. When our eyes are on the Lord, we may suffer, lose everything, or even be shut down, but the Lord is always sufficient. Paul said it best.

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ⁸ Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)

Memorial Day Service: May 28, 2012

Posted on May 29, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Yesterday Grandma and Grandpa took granddaughter Sarah to a Memorial Day Service at the Raymond Road Middle School. Appropriately, it was in the Ranger Auditorium (my thought considered the US Army Rangers). The sixty member Indianapolis Municipal Band played beautiful patriotic and spiritual numbers for 30 minutes before the service. We were in the gymnasium, so while it wasn’t air conditioned, it was out of the sun and a stirring remembrance of those who gave their lives for our freedom. It was a little scary for granddaughter Sarah, because the Timpani drummer was enthusiastic and she had not been very used to a live instrumental band. Sarah found great comfort being together with family.

There were probably 250 people there from every age group, but mostly older vets and their families. It was very moving to think of the young men and women who died that will never enjoy being old men and women. They gave up their lives, so that we could grow old and see the freedom the Lord provided.
A special recognition was made for Staff Sergeant Wayne Bucy who earned the Bronze Star for actions during World War II. He had never received his medal, so 68 years late, our nation recognized his heroic actions in the European Theater.

As much as our nation is slipping from the Truth of God’s Word, she is still the most blessed of any nation on earth. May we never take our freedom for granted and pursue the holiness of God, lest God remove that freedom we enjoy!

Pray for Those Who Wrong You

Posted on May 28, 2012 by shepherdbryan

The tongue is a slippery tool of the heart. The humble heart uses the tongue for blessing. The proud heart uses the tongue for cursing. It’s the same tongue, yet controlled by the heart. James does a brilliant job of addressing the tongue in James 3:1-12.

As I was reading through Scripture a couple months ago, my eyes jumped out looking at Job 42. In the last chapter of Job, after Job recognizes his own foolishness and inability to understand God’s inscrutable purposes, God gives instructions to those involved.

⁷ And so it was, after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. ⁸ “Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” ⁹So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job. ¹⁰And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:7-10)

Did you notice Job 42:10? It jumps out! The “Lord restored Job’s losses whenhe prayed for his friends…” His friends that criticized him. His friends that misunderstood him and repeatedly put him down. His friends that refused to listen and seek to understand Job. Most people would walk away from people like that. Most people would say, “Lord, can you send down a cruise missile on their homes?!” WhenJob prayed for them, the Lord blessed him and gave Job twice as much. Are you harboring a grievance toward those who have put you down, criticized you, or have done you wrong? Forgive (Mark 11:25) and pray for them in a godly way. You may miss out on God’s blessing if you don’t.

Sharp Tongues can be Stopped

Posted on May 27, 2012 by shepherdbryan

A friend recently sent me this verse. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD. (Isa 54:17) This is certainly a promise given to Israel. Presently, Israel walks through her own valley, scattered around the world and waiting for the return of Messiah. Yet, there is great application to those who will trust in Jehovah, El – Shaddai (the All powerful One).

The world hates the Jews, because Satan hates the Jews. The existence of one Jew is a sign that God will keep His unconditional covenant to Abraham, David and all of Israel. Satan tried to destroy the line to Christ. If he could have destroyed the line, then the Messiah could not have come to redeem Israel and the world from their sins. Now that Messiah came, died on the cross and has returned to heaven, Satan wants to destroy Jews again. Only now he wants to destroy them, because if he can destroy them, then God cannot fulfill his promises in the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants. That is why anti-Semitism has been a problem in history since the time of Christ. In recent history, the holocaust was a Satanic attack to destroy the Jewish people. But God’s promise of protection continues for the Jewish race as a whole.

Isaiah addresses the attacks of people who have an agenda. They believe their agenda is right and will do what is necessary to put you down. They try to be subtle. They may sound sophisticated. They often don’t even realize how painful their words might be. They often don’t care, because they have a burr under their saddle and you may be the target of their “tongue which rises against you.” They are not acting like God the Father.

I used to be bothered when people criticized me. To be slandered in public is especially painful. But it is all part of God’s plan to grow us up and prove that His will is good, acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:2). When we trust the Lord, the judging tongue, whether from a person who is close or from an al qaeda terrorist, will strengthen your resolve to trust the Lord even more.

There are plenty of hopeful New Testament promises to those who pursue the Lord. As a believer, you are in the Lord’s hands (John 10:28-30). God promises to take every situation, even the slanderous tongue, and work it out for divine good (Rom. 8:28-30). God set believers free from sin, which is the most vicious enemy of the believer (Rom. 6:22-23). Verbal attacks are proof that we are in enemy territory and often those in your own family, blood and spiritual, will be the adversaries that the enemy uses to attack you (1 Cor. 16:9; cf. Matt. 10:34-36). We should not fear, for Jesus became sin for us that we might be made righteous (2 Cor. 5:21). For every attack tests your metal – will you trust in yourself or in Him by faith (Phil. 3:9)?

I Shall Not Lack Anything – Psalm 23

Posted on May 25, 2012 by shepherdbryan

David will always be known as a man after God’s own heart. He was often the measurement for a great man and great king. Yet, he had his own fleshly (sinful) weaknesses. He should have been out leading his army in battle, but he stayed back and committed adultery. He should have taken responsibility for the fruit of his adultery, but instead tried to change the circumstances by murdering Uriah. He failed to raise his boys in godliness and paid for it in the Absalom revolution. But even in fleeing from Jerusalem during the Absalom revolt, we are blessed, because David wrote one of the greatest Psalms ever recorded.

Psalm 23 is only six verses in the English, but contains tremendous words of comfort and hope. Even while David was on the run, out in the wilderness with the refuge of Jerusalem in his rear view mirror, David recalls at least thirteen aspects of the Lord’s sufficiency. His first line is “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” This last phrase could easily be translated, “I shall not lack anything.” Following in the Psalm we see many ways God was still providing for David. David did not want for (did not lack):

1) Spiritual rest – He makes me lie down

2) Spiritual nourishment – In green pastures

3) Spiritual freshness for life – He leads me besides still waters

4)      God’s forgiveness – He restores my soul
5)      Spiritual guidance – He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake
6)      Spiritual courage – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil
7)      Divine companionship – You are with me
8)      Divine protection – Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me
9)      Divine provision – You prepare a table before me
10) Divine calm – In the presence of my enemies
11) Divine blessing – You anoint my head with oil, My cup runs over flows
12) Divine confidence – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
13) Divine destiny – I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

When you seem to be empty, alone and fearful of the unknown, come back to Psalm 23 and find your confidence in the Shepherd. Focus your eyes on Jesus and He’ll provide all that you need in any and every circumstance.

Legalism Fights Against God

Posted on May 24, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Legalists try to do two things: 1) play god and 2) compete with God. Matthew 15:1-9 is a clear example of Jesus dealing with legalistic Pharisees. They had their toga wrapped up in a bunch around “the traditions of the elders,” while Jesus emphasized the Word of God. Then we saw eight principles from Galatians how legalists foist themselves on grace-oriented believers. Paul called a spade a spade and named names. Legalists think they are trying to do something good, but they 1) play god and 2) compete with God. Please review those principles below, because it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others.

· He mixes human effort with grace Gal. 1:6-9; 2:14; 6:13

· He bullies others spiritually Gal. 2:1-3; 4:29

· He secretively spies out liberty Gal. 2:4

· He wants to look good before others Gal. 2:11-16

· He is in bondage to rules Gal. 4:8-10, 25

· He is antagonistic to believers living grace Gal. 4:16; 5:10,12; 6:17

· His motivation is for personal attention Gal. 4:17; 6:13

· He is critical and judgmental Gal. 5:15

We like what “we do” and if someone else doesn’t do “it,” we have a tendency to judge them through comparison. Paul exhorts us to quit comparing ourselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12) and hence through self-righteousness, we can easily become legalistic.

I encouraged you to use the PAUSE method of approaching difficult relationships gained from the “Resolving Everyday Conflict” Peacemaker Series. Here it is again:

P – Prepare for the difficult conversation

A – Affirm relationships – the person and the problem situation

U – Understand interests – What motivates him/her

S – Search for creative solutions

E – Evaluate options objectively and reasonably

We approach Memorial Day weekend with joy to hear Dave Westin on Sunday as our newest supported missionary, but also heaviness as we remember our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price. All of our service men and women gave some; some gave all. I thank God for the blood that was shed on battlegrounds all over the world, so that I might have freedom to share the gospel to open hearts. This is a three day weekend, not just to have an extra day for fun, but an extra day to consider, reflect and ultimately give thanks to God for the price that Jesus paid on the battleground called Golgotha. His blood was shed for you.

Legalism vs. Law

Posted on May 18, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Paul warned that there is one solution to legalism – knowing and living under the rulership of Jesus Christ, because he made us alive with Him having wiped out the requirements against us (Col. 2:11-15). So Paul continues don’t let someone cheat you from your reward by imposing commandments and doctrines of men on you (Col. 2:16-23). Therefore live by dependency on Christ, not man-made legalisms.

As you went over the questions on the back of the insert, did you understand the Laws of Liberty, Love, Sacrifice and Accommodation? Did you understand how they are related to the Law of Christ? And how they are not legalism? These are important to understand, because you can almost get the idea that “law” is a bad word. Context is key to understanding all principles of Scripture.

Legalism is not a word found in Scripture, like “trinity.” Legalism refers to any addition, subtraction, twisting, or distorting of Scripture established by man that focuses a person on the action rather than his relationship with Jesus Christ. We’ll look at this specifically on Sunday when we look at “What does Scripture teach about a legalist?” We’ll also see how any Christian can fall into legalism. Can you?

Sustainable Youth Ministry- Book Review

Posted on May 13, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries When a man sticks with youth ministry for some thirty years, he’s going to get a grip on what is important. DeVries has a grip on youth ministry. He has worked in a few churches and coached many churches through youth ministry crises. He is not like many who are shifted around every three years. He has been successful because he is objective, understands the heart of a young person and knows how to work on a church staff. I was personally taken aback at how well he understood how a youth minister should relate to the senior pastor. Who in their right mind would want to work with youth anyway? A lot of us! It’s going to be someone who loves the Lord Jesus Christ and knows that young people are the key to future leadership. Young people are often easier to get to know, because they don’t have quite as much baggage as adults. Young people are just like adults in that you have to gain their trust in enter their world. Young people are just adults, except most people have lower expectations on them and assume they need to be coddled.

DeVries has many great illustrations regarding youth ministry. The Steeple Chase that says we would spend any amount of money to fix certain facility problems, but we are unwilling to spend what it takes on youth ministry. The Panama Problem that moves the youth ministry to the next level. The Triangle diagram focuses on Climate and Vision before Tasks to change the culture and build a lasting youth ministry.

DeVries has certain key pegs that drive his train in order to develop tasks that will work with the youth who are gathered. He emphasizes that vision alone is not enough; it’s the execution of vision that matters. What makes this book unique is that many of the penetrating principles apply to every ministry to people, not just youth. Because it is written for youth, it provokes grey matter to realize, this needs to be done with parents and adults! He has excellent discernment related to technology and rabbit trails.

DeVries insightfully declares that youth ministry is not about youth doing ministry for themselves, but leaders leading so youth learn how to do ministry with youth. Everyone needs to learn, especially youth. If they aren’t God-focused and other-centered, then they need to learn from those who love youth how to love God and love others. I highly recommend reading this challenging and refreshing volume!

Set Free in Christ to Live for Him

Posted on May 5, 2012 by shepherdbryan

What a great response to our message last Sunday, “You are set free in Christ to live for Him!” I love how God sets us free that we are no longer under law, but under grace (Rom. 6:14), which makes us want to love the Lord with all our heart. It motivates us to want to live for Him rather than for self! It makes us want to press to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, rather than the sinful ways of the world. You are free to please Him, not the requirements of the law. You get to live for Him, not something in the world. And you’ll see that love, by who is getting the attention in your life!

One of the topics in the message was the subject of baptism. Paul wrote that we are “buried with Him in baptism” and we looked briefly at baptisms in Scripture. I mentioned there are real and ritual baptisms. The three ritual baptisms are :
1) the baptism of John (Matt. 3:1-11)
2) the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:13-17)
3) the believer’s baptism (1 Cor. 1:13-17).

A ritual baptism involves immersion and identifies the person with another subject, as in:
1) the kingdom
2) Christ’s public ministry on earth under the Father’s authority
3) identification with Christ’s burial and resurrection unto life, respectively.

By contrast, a real baptism is an actual identification with the object mentioned. For example:
1) the Baptism of Moses (1 Cor. 10:1-2) is Israel’s actual identification with Moses going through the Red Sea
2) the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13) is the actual identification of the believer with the body of Christ
3) the Baptism of Fire (Matt. 3:11) is an actual identification of the unbeliever into Fire at the end of the Tribulation and Great White Throne judgment
4) the Baptism of the Cup (cross) (Mark 10:38-39) is Christ’s actual identification with the cross
5) the Baptism of Noah (1 Pet. 3:18-19) is an actual identification of the seven souls with Noah.

Let’s bring it back to you – you were buried with Christ, so you are free in Christ to live for Him. You are not under the law or requirements, so you are free to pursue with all your life to live in holiness and truth! By the way, Justin’s youth paintball expedition went fantastic! Great charge on the opposing forces! Too bad they nailed you so well! Only minor battle wounds and the old guys still have what it takes to whoop up on the younger soldiers! It was a great day of bonding!

Shepherding Truth

Renewing Truth, Rightly Divided

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