Fridays are for Friends & Family 10.02.09

It’s time to make our weekly review of the online highlights of the past week. We start with a series of articles being written by Neil Cole, head of Church Multiplication Associates and author of Organic Church, among other things. Neil has been tackling the topic of multi-site churches in a series of blog posts. This critique has been inspired by the current trend toward seeing multi-site works as “church plants” (or worse, seeing them as replacements for church plants). Cole disagrees, as do I, with that assessment for a variety of reasons. To date, he’s posted five entries on the topic. You can read them here.

In my studies for a message last week on church planting, my new Twitter connection, Art Mealer, chimed in to let me know of an Interactive Map of the Early Church’s Ministry, and especially Paul’s church planting efforts, at his website. I found it very interesting; perhaps you will too. Get to the site by clicking here. While you’re at his site, you may want to check out his other church planting materials also.

This past week I came across a post by Perry Noble, pastor at New Spring Church in South Carolina. This blog post reflects on fourteen things that Jesus did NOT say that have crept into our “Christian” lives and  affect our relationship with God and with others. You can check it out here.

Do you remember THE NINES presentations, sponsored by Leadership Network, and shared via Internet on 09/09/09 starting at 9:09am? These taped “leadership segments” of nines minutes or shorter are now online and available for you to view again or for the first time if you missed them on that day. You can get to the site from here.

My daughter, Sarah, shared on her Twitter account something she discovered recently: LIFE magazine, one of the great photographic masterpieces in periodic literature, is now completely online (all editions). You can browse through the multiple years of pictures and articles by going to the site from here.

This past week many of you who keep up with my Twitter feed or my Facebook account know that my young, 3rd cousin, Gabriella Grace Jackson, down in the metro Tampa, Florida, area is fighting for her life. She has breathing problems and concerns about brain function and movement. I am once again asking for your prayers on her behalf. Would you lift up a prayer to the Heavenly Father, asking for strength and health in her little one-week old body? My undying gratitude is extended to you for helping with this request.

Monday Morning Rewind: A Model for Church Planting

Yesterday’s message focused specifically on the apostle Paul’s ministry in church planting. The focal point in the Scripture came from Acts 9 – 19, as we surveyed his growing understanding and impact in service for the Lord.  Paul grew to realize that the influence of his life and ministry can and should grow to touch and influence more lives all the time, even extending beyond his lifetime.

How can we do that in our lives as the apostle did many years ago?

It starts by being missional (9:19b-22). Paul’s encounter with Jesus and subsequent call are shared in this chapter that begins in earnest the focus on Paul that will continue for the remainder of the book. We learn quickly that Saul (his Hebrew name, as he is still called at this point in the book) is passionate about being “on mission with Jesus” (a very simple definition of “missional”). This lifestyle characteristic is all about IDENTITY. Because its focus is on being AND doing, not simply one or the other, the apostle discovers his purpose here, as he grows vertically in relationship with his God. By living out that purpose, many people in Damascus and Jerusalem are impacted by his focus on Jesus as the Son of God. In fact, his ministry results in churches being strengthened and encouraged, growing in size, because they lived in fear of the Lord (9:31).

Second, we have to be incarnational (11:19-26). Saul (Paul) and Barnabas, along with the entire Antioch church learned to “be flesh among them,” to live as the hands AND feet of Christ. Here in this city, believers were first called “Christians,” and while the term was likely meant to be derisive, it demonstrates that people were seeing evidence of Christ’s own presence and life through them. This “touch” factor is all about MINISTRY, as followers grow horizontally to love and serve their neighbor as themselves. That can only happen when we get out among them and live the Christ-life before their eyes. For the Antioch church, this resulted in more evangelism impact (12:24) and even ushered in the first missionary endeavor of the early church (13:3).

Third, Paul teaches us the value of congregationalizing people (14:21-23). Paul (his Roman name) and Barnabas, now on their first missionary journey through Asia Minor, learn the importance of having the new believers they are reaching with the Gospel begin to “share life together” as a new family of faith. This grouping of people is all about COMMUNITY and enables the churches (plural) to grow stronger, more interdependent and stable, in order to do the work of the Lord. This is important: they did not grow inward (spiritual “navel-gazing”) but internally (strengthening the core, the foundation), for the future work of outreach. In fact, these congregations are both the church gathered AND scattered, as they live for Christ 24/7. As a result, the churches grew qualitatively and quantitatively (16:5).

Finally, we must be exponential (19:8-10). By exponential, I mean “reproducing at an ever-increasing rate.” Paul on his third missionary journey seems to come to the realization that the previous work he did on journeys 1 and 2 enabled reproduction to happen only by addition. On this journey he shifts his strategy, staying in one place–Ephesus–and focused on multiplying disciples AND congregations. This “x” factor realizes the need to be Kingdom-minded and grow beyond where we are in order to reach others who are different geographically, ethnically, socio-economically and even generationally. This characteristic is all about LEGACY and what will outlast and out-reach the extent of our own life or church’s ministry. By becoming a training center for future church planters, Paul and the church at Ephesus was able to start so many churches (see Revelation 2 and 3 for many of these) that the writer of Acts was able to say “ALL the Jews AND Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (19:10b). Now that’s impact that outlasts any one life or ministry!

This RIPPLE EFFECT–from being on mission with God to living lives among the people who need Jesus to congregationalizing new believers to multiplying efforts exponentially to impact those we may never actually meet–is at the heart of the lessons Paul learned though his ministry. History records the results and the countless lives that were changed by Christ as a result.

How about us? Have we learned and applied these truths, too?

Monday Morning Rewind: Eager Witnesses

Yesterday we made it to our final stop in this series of ten characteristics of effective churches found in the early chapters of the book of Acts (chapters 1-8). The focus was on being a witness for Christ, the very thing He mentioned to the disciples in His final words before the Ascension (1.8). This word “witnesses” becomes a focal point in the early declarations of church leaders, typically “we are witnesses of these things,” in chapters 2, 3, 5 and 10. In addition, the disciples show what it means to be a witness for Jesus through their actions, like in this, our focal passage, chapter 8.26-40.

In this passage we see the live of Philip, one of the Seven named in chapter 6.1-7, as a servant leader (deacon?) in the early church. We learn from his example that effective churches–and disciples–eagerly share the Good News of Jesus with everyone they can as they are led by the Holy Spirit.

Philip certainly did! After the subsequent persecution of believers following the death of Stephen, he headed to Samaria, a most-hated and scorned place and people, to share the Gospel with them. God’s Spirit brought tremendous revival to the city as a result of his ministry and proclamation. But even as the work there progressed, God had another assignment for Philip. This assignment required him to travel a long way, cross racial and cultural barriers and to release his success with many (the community of Samaria) for the need of one (the Ethiopian)…would we be so willing?

Note the three stages in his process of sharing the Good News. First, he was willing to go (vv. 26, 29). The Spirit came to him and told Philip to get up and go to the desert road in Gaza. What did Philip do? The Scripture very clearly says he got up and went (just that clearly!). When he got there, the Spirit pointed out to him the chariot he was to approach; Philip in turn RAN to the chariot. Now that’s an eager witness! Throughout the process Philip was Spirit-led and specifically-directed. He was zealous to share the good news with anyone God led to cross his path.

Second, he “stayed near” this man (v. 29b). This is the relational aspect of witnessing. He literally “attached” himself to this man and his entourage. Soon, he was invited into the chariot with this Ethiopian leader and there he had opportunity to “go deeper” and to understand better was he was experiencing. Philip listened to the man as he shared and asked pertinent questions to discover his issues and concerns. The man revealed his heart because Philip “stayed near.”

Third, he shared the Good News (v. 35). I love this verse! It says that Philip started exactly where the man was and told him the good news about Jesus. That’s the key to the process for you and me too. We need to rely on the Spirit’s direction, knew the Scripture and ultimately be willing to verbalize the Gospel message when given the chance. Someone’s eternity may depend upon it! Philip brought the man to a point of decision, a decision in which the man committed his life in becoming a follower of Christ. We need to be ready and willing to do that too.

Today there are billions of people in this world like the Ethiopian who need to know the truth. Some of these people intersect your life regularly. Again, like the Ethiopian, the Holy Spirit has prepared their hearts for a witness: someone who will testify to the Good News and its reality for them, too. Are we Christ-followers eager, like Philip was, to have the opportunity to share with them this life-changing truth?

The world is waiting. Perhaps YOUR world is waiting for you. Jesus said, “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4.35).

How will you be involved in the Harvest?

(This is the final message in a series of ten characteristics of effective churches–and disciples–found in the first eight chapters of Acts. My message notes on the earlier ones are found on previous “Monday Morning Rewind” posts over the past three months, starting in July.)

Monday Morning Rewind: Grounded in the Word

Yesterday we looked at the ninth characteristic of effective churches (and disciples): they are grounded in the Word of God. The early church certainly was, and there is no better example in the beginning chapters of Acts than the speech of Stephen before the Sanhedrin court (Acts 7.1-53).

We were introduced to Stephen last week, as one of The Seven chosen to assist the early church congregation, especially the Hellenistic widows, through service (Acts 6.1-7). Later in the chapter he is shown to take the lead among these seven in (1) the work of miraculous activity pointing people to God and (2) in teaching, as he debated the “synagogue of the Freedmen” and showed wisdom they could not rival. As a result they brought false charges against him, in an attempt to discredit him. These charges focused on blasphemy against Moses and against God (v. 11), by speaking against the “holy place” (Temple) and the law by claiming Jesus would destroy the Temple and change the customs handed down to them.

Stephen’s “defense” is found in chapter seven, where it reads more like a summary of 1,000 years of history or a summary of Scripture, rather than an defense for his actions. It is the longest speech in Acts, which should tell us something of its import and significance. In it, he focused on four periods in Old Testament history, the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Moses and David/Solomon, to make his case. In so doing, he points out that (1) God is a sovereign ruler, (2) He has always had a plan, (3) He is present leading His people wherever–Haran, Egypt, Jerusalem–they may be, and (4) His ultimate resolution to our need is Jesus.

Stephen used the Scriptures exclusively for his defense. Nothing else. As such, he reminds us that effective churches and disciples rely solely on God’s Word for truth and guidance.

What do we learn about the Bible from the way Stephen uses it? First, we learn that the Word of God is authoritative (vv. 2-3). For Stephen, history was not just a story; it was reality. When God spoke and commanded His people to act, it was based on the facts of His revelation. His command “settled” the issue for His people; they were to obey. This is because God’s Word is given primarily for our transformation, not our information. Thus, our heavenly Father’s revelation to us brings change to our lives…we cannot ever remain the same and follow Him. It requires our obedience.

Second, the Word of God is sufficient (vv. 38-39, 42). Stephen cites no other source, poet, philosopher, historian, etc., in order to make his case. The Bible alone (Sola Scriptura!) is all that’s needed to make his case. He says they are “living” words that affect lives. At least nine times in this speech he refers to the Scriptures, recognizing that we have been told all that we need to see how God has worked with His people down through the years. What has been written equates with life! As such, we can be content and secure in knowing that God’s complete revelation has been given to us; we don’t need other books, new visions, etc., to tell us something else from God. His Scripture (what we call the Bible) is complete and sufficient for all our needs, by itself.

Third, the Word of God is applicable (vv. 48-49). Stephen deduces from the history lesson he recites and the prophecy of Isaiah that his teaching about God’s presence is right: He’s not limited to a building made of stone! He has always been with His people, leading them and now indwelling them. He shows that the Scripture bests interprets itself. He demonstrates that the past touches the present, as the experiences of others before us should impact the way we live our lives. Stephen recognizes the practical nature of the Scripture and how it is relevant to all concerns. He helps us see that God’s Word has our every need in mind.

Finally, the Word points to Jesus (vv. 52-53). Stephen culminates his speech with the recognition that the coming of Christ was foretold years before. In fact, even Moses had prophesied Jesus would come (v. 17, from Deuteronomy 18:15). He reminded the Sanhedrin that the work of God through history led to Jesus, “the Righteous One,” whom they had rejected. Here, Stephen gets to the point that all of us must ultimately acknowledge: it’s not enough to know the facts (the Sanhedrin did that); you have to obey it in your own life. Stephen declared that Jesus is the only solution for our heart condition; we need Him–the living Word of God–to save us from our sins.

Electricians tell us that something is grounded when it is “securely bonded to the ground (i.e., that on which the stand) for safety reasons.” The early church knew the importance of God’s Word; they were grounded to it, because it was the foundation on which they stood. Their “safety” depended upon it. Ours does, too.

(The prior eight messages on characteristics of effective churches can be found posted here on my blog, by looking back over the Monday Morning Rewind posts of the past two months.)

Monday Morning Rewind: Willing Service

Yesterday we looked at the eighth characteristic of effective churches found in the early chapters of the book of Acts with an analysis of “willing service” from Acts 6.1-7. Unlike the previous characteristics, this one surfaced as a result of internal conflict, the first such conflict in the history of the church. The response to the conflict–over the (lack of) distribution of food to the Hellenistic Jewish believing widows–showed the character of the early church and resulted in even greater growth.

Effective churches seek out ways to serve the Lord by serving others. Even in the midst of growth and conflict (something that can go hand-in-hand), the early church looked for ways to maximize the lives they could touch for Jesus’ sake. How did they do it?

In Acts 6.1-7, the Scripture records that they first discovered a need (v. 1). Growth had caused a problem to surface; it often will, because our “systems” are not created with future possibilities in mind. With growth came new believers, not Hebraic Jewish believers (like the apostles) from Jerusalem and the surrounding area. Rather, new believers were Hellenistic Jewish believers, having been born and raised in a culture and with a language different from the former group. Quite unintentionally it seems, these latter believers were overlooked and a cross-cultural need was realized. The early church had learned something new: not everyone they could touch would “be like them,” and as a result, they needed to “look” for needs beyond their “box” or framework of thinking. The important point here is that they were willing to do so, for open eyes follow open hearts.

Second, they determined how best they could meet this need (v. 3). They did not ignore the need; they saw it as an opportunity. They then did what was necessary to adjust their structure to meet these new needs and demands. They, to use Blackaby’s verbage, “found where God was at work and sought to join Him in it.” How did they do it? By working with the church to find seven servant-hearted men (some call these the first “deacons” in the church, though the word is not used here), all of whom appear to be Hellenistic Jewish believers (exception: Nicolas, a Jewish proselyte) since their names are Greek. The selection of these particular men seems to send a clear message that the church did not want this oversight to continue, but rather, these needs to be met in the best possible way. The Jethro principle of Exodus 18 had been put into effect within the early church, signaling a desire for maximum impact through maximum involvement.

Finally, everyone did their part (v. 2). The Twelve apostles made the point that it would not be “right” for them to do this work. Thus on moral and spiritual grounds they recognized their calling was to the Word of God and prayer. However, they also acknowledged that this work of service was a calling for others too, specifically characterized by faith, wisdom and the Holy Spirit upon their lives. They differentiated the specificity of roles within the Body of Christ, but recognized the necessity of everybody doing what they were called and gifted to do. They knew that no one–apostle or pastor included–can or should do everything (it’s not biblical or “right”); however everyone can and should do something (this is biblical and right).

The results? Because more people were involved and the church was serving as it should, the Word of God continued to spread and many, many more people were reached with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  They had become the “hands and feet” of Christ, and it had shown His love in ways that ushered more people into the Kingdom.

Today, perhaps more than any time in recent history, the world needs to see the church as servant-hearted, caring, loving, sharing and willingly giving of self for the benefit of others. They need to experience the Gospel through service, which adds authenticity, relevance and integrity to all we say and adds credibility to our witness. After all, “even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10.45). So, find a need and fill it; be the hands and feet of Christ in the world today, so that others may come to know Him, too.

(The previous seven characteristics of effective churches have been placed on this blog on the Monday Morning Rewind posts of the past two months, for any who might be interested in the messages on dynamic community, Holy Spirit leadership, focused purpose, bold faith, daring prayer, faithful stewardship and dangerous obedience.)

Monday Morning Rewind: Dangerous Obedience

The early church lived out its mission with an unswerving, uncompromising,  unhesitant obedience to the Lord. This obedience, which I’ve labeled “dangerous,” is the seventh characteristic of effective churches in the book of Acts. What do I mean by dangerous? I mean that their obedience was extreme, it was radical and it went beyond the simple command of duty. It was lived out with passion and zeal, often at the expense of comfort and concern for self. The message of their life was ALL for JESUS, not one ounce less.

This obedience was dangerous not to the apostles, but to those who dared to oppose it. When the Sanhedrin attempted to squelch the efforts of the early church’s witness to Christ by imprisoning, threatening and later beating the apostles, the response they received from Peter and the others was simply, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5.29) Such obedience becomes dangerous when opponents  are not feared, nor the death or persecution they promise; you see, the only thing the apostles feared was failing to obey their Master, Jesus Christ. What can you do to stop a person like that?

How did the apostles “learn” such radical, extreme obedience? How can we live dangerous lives before the opponents of Christ, too?

It starts first with an attitude of the heart (v. 29). The key word in this verse is “must;” it is the same word Jesus used of Himself when He prophesied of His own suffering, death and resurrection. Scholars have called it a “divine imperative,” indicating the non-negotiable nature of the action mentioned. What this means is that the disciples had come to the place where they realized that the ONLY option for them was obedience. There was no compromise, no alternatives to consider, no plan B; there was only surrender. Peter and the apostles had learned this the hard way, for early in their experiences they resisted mightily. But they had come to understand the call was obedience was simple (just do what you’re asked); we are the ones who complicate it and make it hard. Once they learned obedience they were able to discover harmony, fulfillment and victory. We can, too.

Second, their obedience continued with unswerving loyalty to the Master (v. 21). After the apostles were imprisoned, an angel of the Lord came and released them, telling them to go to the temple courts and share the Good News as they had opportunity with any who they could. The Scripture goes on to tell us that they went “as they had been told,” with no variation, no improvisation or change to what the angel had asked of them. They were exact and specific in their obedience. But here’s where they “dangerous” part comes in again–the Scripture says they went “at daybreak,” even though the angel said nothing to them about the “when” of their obedience. They chose the earliest possible time to make sure they didn’t miss the first people in the temple courts who needed to know about Jesus. They didn’t care about the consequences! They just cared about their testimony, as Peter later reported again “we are witnesses of these things” (v. 32). Wow.

Finally, we learn that obedience brings “open doors of opportunity” (v. 19). They had honored the Lord with their radical obedience; He saw fit to bless them in turn (not by keeping them from opposition or persecution) by providing a way for others to hear of what God had done for them. God continues to do that in the lives of faithful believers, who are willing to risk all in obedience to Him. When we do, He swings open the opportunities for others to see what ONLY GOD CAN DO. But such believers have to be willing and able to trust and follow their God–even if it leads them into the lion’s den! Who would have noticed Daniel’s deliverance if he hasn’t been obedient? Who would have seen the 3 Hebrew children without a hint of smoke upon them, much less fire, if they hadn”t been radically surrendered to their Lord, too? In the same way, the apostles committed all to the Lord Jesus and He provided everything they needed to show what His–and only His–Almighty hand can do.

Oh to God, that we would live such radical, extreme, unflinching obedience for our Lord and Master before the world! Wesley is supposed to have said once, “Give me 100 men who hate nothing but sin and love nothing but God and we will change the world.” I pray that we would be found in that company of 100.

The previous messages on the first six characteristics of effective churches found in the early chapters of the book of Acts are listed on previous “Monday Morning Rewinds” on my blog. Simply check the Monday posts that have been placed here in the past two months.

Monday Morning Rewind: Faithful Stewardship

This week we looked at the sixth characteristic of effective churches—faithful stewardship—illustrated from the life of the early church as recorded in the book of Acts. In chapter four, verses 32 through chapter five, verse 11, the inspired author records the second significant “summary statement” of the church between the specific events of the dramatic prayer meeting we looked at two weeks ago and the contrast of Barnabas with Annanias and Sapphira at the end of this passage. These summary statements are important because they emphasize the on-going lifestyle of the early church during these days.

In this passage the emphasis is on the role of stewardship lived out in the congregation’s life. They clearly and impressively demonstrate the reality of what the apostle Paul talks about when he later writes the Corinthian church, “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4.2). This role of stewardship is EVERYWHERE in the passage, though the word does not appear here at all. It means to manage or administer “the household affairs;” but NOT as the owner, but as someone given responsibility to oversee “the trust” on behalf of the said owner (in this instance, God). The church—and we as believers—need to accept that responsibility to live out that stewardship, in order to honor God and bless others in the process.

In fact, healthy effective churches like the Jerusalem church during these days give generously and sacrificially to meet the needs of the Kingdom of God. In order to do that, they must apply the credo of John D. Rockefeller to their own lives: “Every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity an obligation; every possession a duty.”

What then do we learn about the possessions and stewardship of the early church that can help our church be more effective today? First, stewards recognize that NOTHING belongs to them (v. 32). The text shares with us an important detail here: the believers did not “claim” rights regarding their possessions. The emphasis is on voluntary, willfully relinquishing control or rights to these possessions as their own; they realized they belonged to God. As such, they kept the focus on people and their needs, rather than on possessions and self (one of the devil’s great temptations found in materialism). In fact, the passage suggests clearly that the unity of heart (one love) and mind (one purpose) brought a common lifestyle of stewardship: it was “the norm” because it was the right thing to do.

Second, stewards share EVERYTHING they have with others (v. 32f.). The word used of the early church here is the word from which we get “communion,” or as my colleague likes to point out “common unity.” This spirit of having “in common” led to a lifestyle of sharing, especially with those less fortunate. The world saw them practicing what they preached, putting others first and being a blessing from God to meet needs wherever they could. In other words, their stewardship ENHANCED their testimony, so much so that the Holy Spirit gave great power to the proclamation of Jesus and His resurrection. Their stewardship added to their credibility, and thus to the words their shared. In addition, God blessed their efforts so that much grace fell upon “them all,” a sign of the Father’s pleasure at their eager and willing stewardship for the benefit of others.

Third, stewards SACRIFICE to help meet the needs they see (v. 34f.). This willingness to help others in need inevitably led many to sacrifice possessions and personal “things” for the privilege of being used of God to bless others. Please note that sacrifice is a normal part of the Christian experience, when lived like our Lord who sacrificed even His life for us! This congregation exhibited more than a recognition of this fact, but an eager willingness to demonstrate generosity toward others. The contrast between Joseph of Cyprus (known to us better as “Barnabas”) with Annanias and Sapphira is instructive here. Both willful sold property to help others. Both were willing to allow the apostles’ to direct how it was “distributed to anyone as he had need.” But Barnabas’ gift came from a pure heart: done for others and with honesty and integrity. Annanias and Sapphira’s gift was clouded by deceit, in all likelihood for personal accolades and glory. God judged them to protect the purity of the church and as a witness of the serious nature of our responsibility in being faithful to the truth.

It is said that someone asked Howard Hughes, at that time the richest man in the world, how much money is enough, to which he supposedly relied, “just a little bit more.” The story well illustrates the reality that many of us have fallen prey to what Bill Hybels calls “the myth of more.” In reality, if we don’t develop habits of generosity, stewardship, unselfishness and a desire to help people now, then no amount of money will change that. After Hughes death, someone else asked how much he left behind; he was reminded that he “left it all.”

In stewardship, money is NEVER the issue. Jesus said, “Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also” (Matthew 6.21). The Bible tells me clearly where the heart of the early church in jersualem was. Where is the heart of your church? Where is YOUR heart? Purpose now to live your life as a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you. Use your possessions and opportunities to bless others, for Jesus’ sake.

The notes from the previous five characteristics of effective churches found in the early chapters of the book of Acts are also posted here on my blog. You can find them one a week over the previous six Monday Morning Rewinds.

Monday Morning Rewind: Daring Prayer

When we left Peter and John last week, they had exhibited bold faith in the name of Jesus to heal a lame man…and He did! Two results followed: they were able to preach the good news of Christ to the crowd that gathered so that now the number of believers grew to over 5,000 men, and they were arrested for their witness to Jesus. After keeping them in jail overnight and threatening physical harm in the future if they kept preaching in the name of Jesus (which the disciples made clear they would do regardless of the consequences), the religious leaders released them.

They returned to the “church” and what did they do first? They prayed. It was their top priority and reveals much of their passion and concerns for the days ahead. I would go so far as to say that any church that is going to be effective for Christ will pray passionately and expectantly for God to move in their midst.

The better we know God, the more mature our prayer will be. It will grow in faith, “see” greater needs, delve beneath the surface level issues of life. This is the kind of prayer the early church exhibited in the stories of Acts. In fact, there are 36 references to the church growing in the book; 21 of them are within the context of prayer.

So what do we learn from the early church about such prayer in chapter 4, verses 23-31, that can help us to be more daring in our petitions and intercessions with the Almighty?

First, daring prayer confronts the challenges of Satan with the sovereignty of God (vv. 24, 29). The believers uses a word of God here, translated “sovereign Lord,” found only five times in the entire New Testament. It is the word from which we get our word “despot,” and it is being used in a way that reflects upon His ultimate, unconditional, uncompromised authority. They find great comfort in that authority, because they know their Lord. They also find comfort in the fulfillment of prophecy they see right before their eyes (Psalm 2–a Messianic psalm–is quoted in their prayer). As a result of these realities they ask God to “consider the threats” brought against the apostles. Their request is not for vengeance, but for vindication, that others would see that they are representatives for Him.

Second, daring prayer asks in accord with God’s will (v. 29). Their second request is for continued opportunity to speak God’s word with boldness. Take note of the fact that they don’t ask for removal from persecution or threats, but for God to see and give them the courage they need to continue to speak for Him in the face of it. This request harkens back to Jesus’ words that they will be witnesses for Him when the Spirit of God comes upon them. It’s already aligned with His will for their lives and birthed out of His power. So instead of giving in to their fears, or hesitating to take action, they ask God for more of what they need to address the opposition to Christ. And in the filling of the Spirit which comes at the end of this passage, we learn that they are enabled to speak the word with boldness as they requested. God is indeed pleased with such requests.

Third, daring prayer desires to demonstrate the supernatural presence and power of God (v. 30).   The final request the early church made of God in this prayer is that He would do what only He could do (heal, miraculous signs and wonders). They wanted others to see the hand of God at work in and through them. The word “signs” is instructive here, because it suggests that they were not asking God to do these things so that others would be amazed or enamored with the miraculous; rather, these things would point to the reality behind the miracles themselves.  They would direct people to see the power of Jesus’ name alone.

So I ask you today: what unselfish, GOD-SIZED prayer have we (you) asked of the Sovereign Lord lately? When’s the last time you dared pray something so audacious, so incredible that if God didn’t show up, it wouldn’t get done?

Effective churches–and believers–offer God-honoring, daring prayers. And because they do, the world sees the difference they are making—for Jesus.

(This message is the fifth in a series on characteristics of effective churches, based on the early church’s experience as recorded in the book of Acts. Message one dealt with “dynamic community,”  message two dealt with “Holy Spirit leadership,” message three dealt with “focused purpose,”  and message four dealt with “bold faith.” You can find the notes to all of these messages also on this blog.)

Monday Morning Rewind: Bold Faith

The third chapter of Acts moves the action of the apostles back into the realm of the specific, with the recounting of the crippled man healed at the “gate beautiful.” This story is historically important because it tells us how the Lord used Peter’s resulting message to add thousands more to the church. But it is spiritually important for all of us who are followers of Christ, because of the lessons it teaches us about the power of God, the authority of Jesus’ name and the place of bold faith in the life of the Christ-follower. It is to this that we turn our attention this week in our continuing study of the characteristics of effective churches (and disciples) found in the early chapters of the book of Acts.

in the first ten verses of this passage, Peter and John demonstrated a fundamental element in the lifestyle of all growing disciples: they walked by faith, not by sight. Paul reminded the Corinthians church of this essential truth in his second epistle (5.7). Here, the apostles showed how this reality “works” in the life of God’s people.

Now, let me remind us all that “faith” is not simply intellectual assent to a fact or opinion (“I believe he’s the greatest ever”) nor is it simply an emotional desire (“I trust it will work out”). Biblical faith is a volitional commitment to depend completely and totally on someone else (Jesus), without any visible means of support. It is literally “Forsaking ALL, I Trust Him.”

So, how did the apostles apply this kind of faith to daily living? How can we do that, too?

First, they “saw” the need (vv. 2, 4). They became aware of the world around them. The Scripture says the crippled man was placed here “every day” and perhaps they had seen him often on their way to the Temple to pray. But on this day they noticed him in a new way, acknowledging him  as they entered the temple courts. (How many times do you and I “filter out” those around us who have needs?) The Scripture says that Peter looked into his soul, as it were, to discern his real and genuine need, and in so doing, was ready to respond in a way similar to the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, if he hadn’t been sensitive to the Spirit’s leadership in his life, he might have missed the very thing God wanted him to experience.

Second, they seized the opportunity (vv. 4, 5, 6). Their sensitivity to the Spirit elicited a response akin to the recognition that this was “a divine opportunity,” not mere circumstance. Peter and John saw it as a chance to evidence the grace and power of God and they were unafraid to do so. Perhaps they didn’t have money to give, but they did have something…something far more significant to give to this man. However, in order for him to experience the life and power of God, they had to be willing to risk…risk their reputation (what if we “fail?,”) their health (what if we are hurt by others?), their freedom (what if we get in trouble for doing this?), etc. Friends, there will always be a risk associated with faith; it’s the nature of the characteristic! But their risk was for God’s honor (not their own) and for the wholeness of another (not self-protection). Faith always depends on God to show up!

Finally, they trusted the Lord (vv. 7, 12, 16). These men did what God expected of them: they relied completely on Jesus and they offered their hand of assistance to this now formerly-crippled man. For as he responded to the faith they exhibited and was now challenged to demonstrate in his own life, he found the courage to act boldly–audaciously–just as the apostles had when they insisted he stand and walk. Everyone here relied on God to do what ONLY God could do. And He did. But for all of them, they had come to the crossroads of decision: what Henry Blackaby calls the “crisis of belief.” The apostles put everything on the line when they called upon the crippled man “in the name of Jesus of Narazeth, rise up and walk.” The crippled man put all he had on the line when he willingly attempted to do so. Their response to the “crisis of belief” in that moment made an eternal difference in all their lives, and as we learn from the rest of the story, in the lives of many, many others as well.

What’s it going to take for you and me, and for our churches, to have that kind of bold faith? What’s got to happen for us to acknowledge the needs around us, to seize the divine opportunities and to trust the Lord to show up and do what only He can do? I pray to God that for all of us, we will learn daily how much bigger and greater and stronger and wiser (you get the idea) our God is than ANY problem or circumstance we face. Our Lord is looking for men and women who will trust Him with EVERYTHING and who will “walk by faith, not by sight.”

Will that be you?

Will that be our church?

Don’t ever forget! “Without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.” (Hebrews 11.6)

(This message is the fourth in a series on characteristics of effective churches, based on the early church’s experience as recorded in the book of Acts. Message one dealt with “dynamic community,”  message two dealt with “Holy Spirit leadership,”  and message three dealt with “focused purpose.” You can find the notes to all of these messages also on this blog.)

Monday Morning Rewind: Focused Purpose

Acts 2.42-47 is noted by scholars as the first “summary statement” in the book–in between two specific events (Pentecost and the healing of the lame man at the Gate Beautiful)–and in so doing, gives us a glimpse into the every day, routine life of the early church. But perhaps it wasn’t so routine, at least by our modern-day standards. The church was active and engaged, and making a tremendous difference in their community.

Why you ask? In addition to being led by the Holy Spirit and cultivating dynamic community amongst themselves, they were focused, intentionally and deliberately, on accomplishing the purpose of God…and nothing else. One of the greatest sins in the church today is the sin of distraction…we too often let other things of little consequence capture our mind and steal our time, all at the expense of the significant! The early church didn’t make that mistake, and the results (verse 47, “every day the Lord was adding to them those who were being saved”) speak for themselves.

This purpose of God had been given to them in the Great Commission of Jesus (Matthew 28.18-20) and reiterated in Jesus’ last words on earth (Acts 1.8). So they focused their lives and ministry to accomplish the impossible (“for nothing is impossible with God,” Jesus had told them). And by the end of the book of Acts, this growing group of disciples were indeed well on their way to  accomplishing exactly what God had asked of them.

How did they achieve this? First, they focused their activity (v. 42). They too realized that there are hundreds of good things crying out for their attention! They were wise enough to know, though, that not all of them deserved their focus. Instead they chose to focus on four things mentioned here in this verse: learning/equipping, fellowship, worship and prayer. In addition, this passage indicates they served others and shared Christ as they could. Beyond this, they did not get sidetracked into doing other “stuff.” The key to it all for them was their “devotion” to it. The grammatical construction draws attention to the committed nature of their efforts as they sought to diligently carry out the commission of God. Lives were in the balance and there’s only so much time each person has. They determined to use it wisely, focused on helping “make disciples” while growing as disciples themselves!

Second, they centered their focus on God and others (vv. 43-44). Jesus had taught them this: to love God most and to love others as self.  They saw evidence of God at work in their midst (wonders and signs); in fact, they recognized that the signs done by the apostles were used to point people not to themselves, but to God. In addition, they did what they could do to care for others and share with them what they could to meet their needs. The key to the impact they had on their community was seen in this “anyone before self” attitude. It was evidence of their maturity in the faith and an unselfish, servant-hearted response, learned at the Master’s bidding (John 13). Through their efforts, God authenticated their message and enabled them to be used in powerful, Kingdom ways because of their “bi-focal” work…focused on God and focused on others.

Third, they demonstrated their focus by the love they showed to each other as they fulfilled the purpose of God (vv. 46-47). The Scripture indicates this was another “together” work of God’s people, grown out of loving relationships that were characterized by joy and authenticity. They were united in heart and mind; they were united in hands and feet, too. The amazing part of this is the frequency of it! The passage indicates they were together “every day!” The “continuing” activity of their lives mentioned in verse 46 is literally the same word used in verse 42, where it is translated “devoted.” What Luke is saying is that their continual “togetherness” in big group settings (temple courts) and small group settings (house to house) was a sign of their devotion to each other. Community was really, genuinely happening!

As a result, the Scripture tells us that the early church was blessed by God, enjoyed the favor of all the people and saw people saved every day. Every church should endeavor to experience the same! But to do it, you and I must stay focused on the purpose to which God has called us, and not just on “big event days,” when it’s easy to be motivated and excited about what God’s doing. Our success or failure in the end will actually depend on how we apply these truths to our lives and to God’s church during the “in-between times of life.”

(This message is the third in a series on characteristics of effective churches, based on the early church’s experience as recorded in the book of Acts. Message one dealt with “dynamic community” and message two dealt with “Holy Spirit leadership.” You can find the notes to both also on this blog.)