Author Archives: shepherdbryan

Unknown's avatar

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.

Book Review: God Space- Where Spiritual Conversations Happen Naturally by Doug Pollock

Posted on by
Reply

God Space – Where Spiritual Conversations Happen Naturally by Doug Pollock

There is no singular topic more important than the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Yet that is often the subject that is least brought up in conversations for a variety of reasons.  If both or all parties are Christians, the gospel is often not mentioned, because people view each other as having accepted the good news so there is no sense discussing it more.  When non-Christians are present, it is often not discussed because Christians hope their example will be enough, or they often think others have heard it before so they talk about sports and other things, or Christians want to fit in and not be rejected by the world.  That fear of rejection often comes because Christians have not been equipped to create the environment to discuss the good news.  Doug Pollock draws the reader in to consider many factors about how to make that space of conversation an opportunity to share Christ.  Too often Christians go for the jugular and just move through the gospel without creating thirst on the part of the non-Christian.  We get more focused on information, rather than transformation.  He begins by delineating 10 Spiritual Conversation Killers.  Things like using our language rather than theirs, disrespecting their views, having an agenda to get through the message, or controlling the conversation make people feel boxed in. Then he has four great chapters on “Noticing, Serving, Listening and Wondering Your Way into Spiritual Conversations.”  Each of these chapters put the reader at ease resting in an easier, other-focused way of drawing a person into a spiritual conversation.  His chapter six on “Wondering Your Way into Spiritual Conversations” was especially good in turning the hearers comments into “wondering” questions that allow the non-Christian to be drawn into deeper spiritual conversations about God that they may not have considered.  I appreciate his quote from Howard Hendricks, “Show me a man with a bag full of successes, and I’ll show you a man with a bag full of failures.”  We are successful, because we’ve tried so many times to do it right, but failed over and over.  However, because we persist, we find better ways to do things right and then find success.  Concluding his book, Pollock gives 99 wondering questions to help give many ideas how to get the “other” person talking and drawn into the good news of Jesus Christ.  His approach makes me think of Paul’s comment to the Colossians, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Col 4:6)

Celebration of Spring

Posted on by
Reply
Thanks for your participation on Sunday at Pastor Dick’s Celebration of 43 years of ministry.  I know he and Pat were greatly affected by it and it’s seldom we get this kind of opportunity to honor a shepherd and his wife toward the end of their official ministry.
Pastor Gary will lead the next two services for which I’m very grateful as I work with the Website team and the Elders and Deacons on their responsibility profiles.  These will help us tighten up what we do as leadership.  Thanks for your prayers for the leadership team.
This year for Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday we’re going to look at “Divine Eyesight.”  They will be services and messages related to how we can and should look at people like Jesus does.  In between those services, we’re going to have a Good Friday service.  It will be a service of reflection, singing, communion and a devotional message from Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The service will be Good Friday, April 6, at 7pm.
It’s truly amazing the warmth that God has brought to our area.  Our crocus flowers have burst in brilliant colors and our daffodils are dazzling in their magnificent yellow!  I’m not sure what it means for the rest of summer, but I do know for sure Who is in control of summer!  May He be praised!

Book Review: When the Cross Became a Sword by Merrill Bolender

Posted on by
Reply

God chose Abraham to be the first Jew and from him Israel was formed because of God’s covenant with him called the Abrahamic Covenant.  That Covenant will be fulfilled at the Second Advent of Jesus Christ prior to the Millennium and therefore the Jewish people will always exist in spite of Satan’s efforts to destroy the Jew.  Satan tried throughout history from Abraham down to the cross to destroy the line to Christ.  In spite of the stains of sin in the Messianic line, Jesus Christ was born the Messiah and completed His First Advent mission of going to the cross.  Prior to the Second Advent, Satan has tried on several occasions to destroy the Jews.  Why?  Satan has tried to destroy the Jews, because if there are no Jews, then the Abrahamic Covenant could not be fulfilled and God would be proved a liar.  The holocaust is just one example of Satan’s wicked ploys against the Jews.  Merrill Bolender records how the Church has crept over to Replacement Theology and developed an anti-Jewish bias, including the Crusades and the indifference toward Israel by the Church today.  Many of the early church fathers wrote with an anti-Jewish bias.  Today in the 21st Century, the church seems to be moving toward Replacement Theology – The Jews were set aside and no longer have a plan in God’s administration of history, while the church has “replaced” Israel and the only focus of God’s history until the final Great White Throne judgment.  Scripture does not teach this.  You have to spiritualize the Scriptures, changing the hermeneutics from a Literal Historico-grammtical method of interpretation to a litero-spiritual approach, in which Scripture fits a particular theology.  Bolender rightly argues the dangers of such an approach.  He, nor  I, would ever take a position of  “Israel, right or wrong, Israel” approach, but Israel does have and will maintain an important role in God’s divine history.  This is a short easy read, but important to understand regarding the consequences of Replacement Theology.

Our Treasure in Christ

Posted on by
Reply

We had a wonderful outpouring of worship yesterday.  In brief summary of the message: First, all treasure is found in Jesus Christ.  We can search for and acquire many things (and God gives richly for us to enjoy 1 Tim. 6:17), but the greatest riches are found in what you acquire in Jesus Christ.  Nothing else compares.  Secondly, the normal Christian way of life is a struggle to help others experience that treasure.

We should look for opportunities to help people understand and live the treasure of Jesus Christ.  It may often be a struggle, but that’s when you see God’s glory working through you.  You could serve in the Children’s Ministry, for there are still a few opportunities to be assistants (contact Pat Hillebrand). You could serve in the Youth Ministry helping our youth find treasure in Jesus Christ.  There’s usually several opportunities every quarter to be involved without a huge commitment  (contact Justin Williams).  There are eternal rewards for helping others find the treasure.  There’s also opportunity to join us Saturday morning at 8:30 am for the evangelism seminar Pastor Gary will lead.  He’ll be done around noon.  It’ll be a great opportunity to sharpen your sharing skills or learn a new tool.

Many things give temporary happiness, but nothing compares with living out His salvation and helping others find Him as their treasure.  It is God’s blessing as we give away the treasure, because we gain many-fold more in blessing. It’s often a struggle, but what treasure isn’t worth the effort?

Pray for Becky Gluff as she flies out Friday to Ukraine to minister to women and pastors.  She’ll be teaching, training and giving her testimony of God’s grace. 

Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night for Daylight Savings Time.  Spring forward on your clock and you’ll not miss the great tribute service for Pastor Dick!

Book Review: A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent

Posted on by
Reply

The Gospel.  What a remarkable word and truth.  I often forget the Gospel power as I dig into many other theological issues, counsel with practical problems and serve the needs of people.  Yet, the Gospel is the central theme of Christianity and should not be forgotten, set aside or choked out in dealing with the challenges of life.  Milton Vincent has very simply drawn our attention to the beauty of the Gospel message by recalling 31 ways the Gospel must be central to our salvation and life itself.  They remind me to keep things simple and not lose sight of the power of the Gospel to dispel discouragement and frustration.  I appreciate the simplicity of his work “A Gospel Primer” as a breath of fresh air to set aside the concerns of this world to rejoice in the joy of salvation.  His lengthy poem is wisely assembled and built on great principles of Scripture that will move your soul to praise God to His glory.  It is a quick read, but should be enjoyed slowly for reflection and deep meditation.

Book Review: A Study of Dispensationalism

Posted on by
Reply

A Study of Dispensationalism by Arthur Pink

I have several books written by Arthur Pink and enjoy his astute perspectives.  He is a godly man seeking after God’s heart and seeking to please the Lord in all he does.  I normally enjoy his content, although I was disappointed in reading his “Study of Dispensationalism.”  He purportedly was a devout Dispensationalist in his early spiritual life but he had rejected that.  I was disappointed in how he chose one aspect of Dispensationalism – Hyper-Dispensationalism – and grouped all Dispensationalists under that perspective.  I agree with some of the things he writes about “Hyper-Dispensationalism”, but they are not representative of Dispensationalism.  I’ve noticed that Pink and other writers have taken comments and views of Dispensational authors and built straw men to make their point, which either shows a lack of understanding, a lack of scholarship, or a lack of professionalism.  The book is quite short and the straw is so thick that there is little substance for his case.  He alleges that Dispensationalists view the Gospels and General Epistles as Jewish and therefore only Pauline Epistles contain “Church truth.” (p. 9)  That is Hyper-Dispensationalism, not Dispensationalism.  He argues that both Testaments supplement each other (p. 12).  Assuredly, they supplement, but why do we not sacrifice animals today?  Some of his analogies, like saying the two Testaments resemble the dual structure of the human body (two eyes) seem to be very weak.  He accuses Dispensationalists of closing Scripture to people (p. 24), which is Hyper-Dispensationalism, but Dispensationalism adheres to Romans 15:4, “…whatever things were written before were written for our learning…”  I do agree that Pink is right in saying Dispensationalists argue that promises made to Israel should not be applied directly to the church (p. 33).  As a Dispensationalist, I can apply the principle, but not the direct promises.  His categorizations affirm his Replacement Theology, to which I would not agree.  I’m glad I read his book, so that I can be more alert to other writings he has made.  I know we’ll have great conversations in heaven.

Christ in You

Posted on by
Reply
Last Sunday, we looked at “Christ in you, the hope of glory” from Colossians 1 and the privilege each of us has to “warn every man and teach every man that we present every man complete in Christ.”  We just scratched the surface, so let me add a few more comments.
If Christ is in me, if Christ is in you, then He directs our thoughts, our words and our actions.  We will seek the holiness of God for the sake of the Body of Christ – His Bride.  We will see our part in helping each other get to living out God’s glory in our lives.  Let me give you three areas for additional application.  First, our attitude toward morality is sliding.  We Christians, maybe some at Grace, think it’s okay to try out the merchandise before marriage.  At least if someone is over 18 and they’re an adult, we think, “What can we do about it?”  That’s what Eli said about his sons in 1 Samuel.  God rebuked him and took his life.  Eli warned his sons, but he didn’t ensure they lived godly.  God took him (1 Samuel 3:13,14; 4:13-18).  If Christ is in you, you’ll do what is godly to ensure your family and the Bride of Christ is godly.  His glory says, I will not allow immorality to exist in my family.
Secondly, if you’re living “Christ in you” your words will be God-honoring, not earth-tolerated.  I’ve heard Christians talk the same talk as the world talks.  We hear trash so often in the media and around the world that we let our guard down. I used to be in the infantry, I accept how people talk, but I don’t want to use casual talk that I wouldn’t use from the pulpit.  If I wouldn’t there, why do it somewhere else?  If “Christ is in you,’ He rules my tongue to not allow careless or idle words come from my mouth (Matt. 12:36,37). 
And thirdly, care for the Body at Grace.  If Christ is in you, you’ll see the need Justin Williams has for the youth and maybe say, “Justin, I can help.”  There are simple, easy opportunities to serve as chaperones, transportation drivers and discipleship group leaders.  Justin has a great heart to love our young people, but he needs your help.  ‘Christ in you” means you can put aside some desires, time and even hobbies to help Justin reach the hearts of our young people who are in a spiritual battle most of us didn’t face in high school.  ALSO, over seeing our Children’s ministry, Pat Hillebrand needs your help to volunteer to serve in Sunday School and the nursery.  We have a boat load of people already involved and I’m grateful for their ministry to the children and parents of the children.  What we need is for more older people to ensure their name is on the nursery list and helper list for the Sunday School options.  These children are worth it!  “Christ in you,” the hope of glory says, “I can do this several times a quarter” to help my brothers and sisters who have children!  There are just a few ways to apply “Christ in you” the hope of glory!  THANK YOU to all who are helping to present every man complete in Christ!

Book Review: The Church of Irresistible Influence by Robert Lewis

Posted on by
Reply

This is a most refreshing look at the purpose of the church.  What should the church be doing?  No question, take care of the people in the church.  But to slow down to take care of the people and not look outward is a condemnation on the modern church.  Lewis first looks at what it will take to reconnect the church to the culture.  The culture will not cross the threshold, until it can see relevancy on the church’s part.  So how should the church become relevant?  The members need to see the need of their community and be launched to do ministry – to go from being spectators to participants.  The results Lewis notes were phenomenal.  There was healing with people, recognition by public officials of the good work and life decisions by the members to walk from their current jobs to life-time service for Jesus Christ.   Over a short period of time, new partnerships and adventures formed as Lewis saw churches working together, members equipped to become leaders and a whole community strategy formed.  This is something any church can do on its own scale.  The question I have to ask myself, is will I put the gospel to work?

Reconciliation

Posted on by
Reply

Thanks again for your great support and prayer during the loss of my dad and that we could rejoice together about the salvation of my high school buddy, Dale.

I don’t know if you caught my thoughts on 2 Cor. 5:14-19 on Sunday as well as the thoughts from Colossians. We humanly struggle with reconciliation, because we “hope” things will work out, but we’re not absolutely sure.  If the person was forever gone, then we never have to think about it again.  If the person who hurt you dies, then you never have to deal with them physically again (I understand the memories that might exist).  You can have peace and not be suspicious, questioning, or be on guard.  That’s what God did with all the sins of the world in Christ.  God put all the sins of the world on Christ and when Christ died, all the sins of the world were put away – forever.

Now all that has to happen is to accept the gift of salvation by faith.  Paul writes that “If One died for all, then all died,” and then “…that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them,…”  As unbelievers, we are convicted by the Holy Spirit of sin (John 16:8-11), that we haven’t believed in Christ, of righteousness, that Jesus satisfied the righteousness of the Father and a judgment is coming for those who reject.  Sin is no longer the issue for salvation that I have to do something about; we know because that is not the issue for judgment at the Great White Throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).  All the world has to do is accept what the Substitute of the world has done, died for them, thus removing the enmity, the hostility, away eternally.  The Righteousness of God was satisfied and the Love of God welcomes unbelievers who accept the gift of salvation by faith.  Those who do not, reject the pardon and are forever banished from God’s presence.  That exalts God’s character beyond the universe.

I thought I’d also include those five statements that we walked through regarding initiating practical reconciliation.  They were:

  • Expressing regret.  “I’m sorry for what I did.”
  • Accepting responsibility.  “I was wrong.”
  • Making restitution.  “What can I do to make things right?”
  • Genuine repentance.  “I don’t want to ever do that again.”
  • Requesting forgiveness.  “Will you please forgive me?” 

Let me know if you have any questions.  This message was a great way to see the Grace of God for me.

The Preeminent Christ

Posted on by
Reply

Jesus is Preeminent!  He is preeminent as God, Creator, Sustainer and Head of the Body!

I love how Grace is responding to that preeminence by looking for ways to connect to worship Jesus.  Grace has many opportunities to equip growing believers to become more like Jesus Christ and minister in the stature we have in Christ.  We need to multiply ourselves in order to reach the world.  There is little time to waste, because the seeds of darkness look for any crack to root down, sprout up and smother our desire to honor the Lord Jesus!

We had a full day with the commissioning of deacons and elders.  What a joy to see new men rise up and serve at Grace.

I should have mentioned a handout on the information counter on Sunday.  Many religions don’t view Jesus the way we do.  I’ve listed nine different religions and compared what they believe about salvation and about Jesus to what we believe.  Hopefully you can use that list to worship Jesus by your words and life.

Thanks for your great support and prayers as I leave to my dad’s funeral.