Every-member ministry

One of the many forgotten truths that we re-learned in the reformation was the fact that every member of the church is a minister and therefore has the charge to be faithful where they are today and right now.  Today was an opportunity for me to view this first hand.

The context was my sitting at a coffee shop (I know that you who know me are surprised), working on my sermon, sending e-mails, etc.  In to the coffee shop walked a business owner of a little boot shop next door. I knew this man because last year I went in to his shop with another Pastor to look at boots. Stop laughing! When we entered the store the owner, named Jaime, received us and asked us what we did for a living and how he might be a blessing to us. Jaime then prayed for us and the ministry and then we, in turn, prayed for him, his business and his ministry to the community.

Well, Jaime was now standing at the coffee bar waiting for three large coffees and next to him stood a young man for which he was buying the coffee. I walked up to Jaime and reintroduced myself and he immediately began to introduce me to the young man, we will call "Andy" who was with him. Jaime then began to talk with Andy about the goodness of God and the fact that though we may have many different "needs" in this world, that these are meant to point to us that the world cannot satisfy our greatest need and that is to receive forgiveness of our sin. Andy was agreeing with him and then the conversation switched to how we can pray for Andy and his family.  Turns out that Andy's mother is very sick and he is working to help support her. When then prayed for Andy that he might walk with Christ and that God would be gracious to his family.

Andy stated that he would like to come to church with me the next day, so we made a plan to get him there. When I asked how Jaime and Andy met each other, here is what I found out. Jaime, the business owner, walked out of his store-front business, saw two people working legitimately on the street. Jaime asked if he could please buy them something to eat or drink and then invited Andy to accompany him. It was then that they entered the coffee shop and the above conversation took place.

Two things.  Please pray for Jaime, Andy, and Andy's mother.

Second thing - here is a beautiful illustration of a boot-shop business owner being faithful here and now and being obedient, using what God has given him to be a blessing to others. You and I can and should be doing this. Whatever position God has put you in, teacher, police officer, soldier, waste-management specialist, secretary, homemaker, photographer, financial analyst, you and I can and should use every opportunity to do the very best you can for the good of all men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in Heaven!

In all things...Christ preeminent!

Aaron

Notes from C-group 02/09/2012

Yesterday started out as "one of those days" and not for any particular reason.  I know that you know what I am talking about here, it happens to everyone.  It is just a reminder once again that there is no wisdom in trusting in our "feelings" or our emotions because it will lead to instability and uncertainty.  All of that said, I knew that I was looking forward to meeting together for community group and was not disappointed in the least with our discussion.

First, a brief introduction as to "what is c-group?"  I have been asked this before and have commented and I think that this would be a good time to explain again.  If you are around our group long enough you will hear us say that we seek to be a "intentionally-intrusive, grace-driven, Christ-centered, redemptive community."  However this name can sound quite intimidating.  Each week we meet together, share our lives with each other, share a meal together, pray together, and discuss the Scriptures.  We do not have a sermon, or a "lesson" as such, but rather we seek to engage everyone.  We certainly welcome and encourage questions and deep discussion.

Last night was specifically engaging as we discussed the topic of "restoration" and "bearing one another's burdens."  I thought I would jot down some basic notes for those who were there and for those perhaps who were not able to make it last night.  Of course it would be silly to think that we could make an exhaustive list of notes, so please keep in mind that these are just some general ideas! Most of the information is taken from "Let's Study Galatians" by Derek Thomas. 

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

(Galatians 6:1-6 ESV)

Here are some observations that we made specifically focused on the first verse - Galatians 6:1:

• Paul uses the term "brothers" nine times in the book and is doing so likely to communicate a warm affection for all of God's people, including those who are wrong in their actions and theology.
• "Sin not only affects the person who commits it; it offends the entire family." (146)
• Those who are "spiritual" should restore those who have been caught in any transgression
• Those who are "spiritual" are not necessarily those with titles or positions within the congregation, but all of those who "walk according to the Spirit" as Paul describes in Galatians 5. Remember - there are no "little" or "big people" in this world. 
• The aim is restoration and the manner is to be gentle.
• The Galatians, just like us today should be engaged in a "Jesus-like ministry."  In this ministry we all play a part.  We must lay aside our notions that there is a "chain of command" in the body of Christ.  We are all called to be instruments of redemption for the good of others.
• We should take note that Paul "is more concerned about addressing the manner and spirit of discipline than he is to say anything about the method." (148).  Paul was aware that it is easy to look down on others and to condemn others from a hypocritical point of view.

Finally, here are some points taken directly from page 148 that warn us about when we must engage int he process of correcting others.

• Addressing particular sins in others can awaken something that has lain dormant within us for some time.
• Recognizing that fellow Christians may sin in a particular way can lead us to excuse similar sins in our own lives, perhaps especially if the brother in question is known as a "mature" and "godly" Christina.  If so-and-so can do this, then so can I!
• The devil will seek to lessen the effectiveness of the restoration by ensuring that those engaging in the process of restoration are themselves guilty of similar transgressions.
• We are at our weakest when addressing the sins of another.  Self-righteousness and hypocrisy are close at hand in situations of this kind.
• We find condemnation easier than restoration and forgiveness.

There was a lot more to our discussion last night.  Perhaps I can follow up with some questions for reflection, but this is all for now! 

In all things...Christ preeminent!

Aaron



How do I prepare for future ministry?

This is an interesting question indeed. I started this post back in January and just now getting around to writing more about it. I have several thoughts on the subject, however for the sake of attention span and time, this post will be brief.

It might be easy to figure out what exactly we are meaning by "ministry." One of the common misconceptions that we have in our day and age is that there is such a great divorce between "ministry" and "daily living." This mindset can be very problematic and have terrible consequences in all areas of our lives. My friends, if you are a banker, you are called to the ministry of doing everything that you can to represent Christ through your integrity, through sacrificial living for the good of others, and being the very best, with Christlike attitude, seizing every moment of every day to live in such a way that Christ is seen as glorious. Another way of saying this is simply, you are called to "live out the Gospel" in every relationship. (I would personally suggest a really good study of the book of Galatians for further assistance with this).

Those things being said, every single believer, whether you are a high school student, doctor, public school teacher, mechanic, waste management specialist, police officer, fireman, computer programer, you are called to the ministry. Every single person who is called by Christ as one of His children, is "called into the ministry." Yes, there are some of those who are going to be "teachers of the Scripture" who are going to make their living by being supported by others, but this group of people in no way are doing anything different than what you and I should be doing. Their gifting and calling is simply different. When you and I realize this, it will free all of us to minister every day in whatever context we find ourselves.

Those items being said, what are some practical ways that you and I can prepare for this ministry for which God has called all of His children? First, God calls all of His children to seek Him first, and His righteousness. Our daily lives should be filled with prayer and radical holiness. Keep in mind what is holiness. Our example - The Lord Jesus Christ. I would suggest a good and complete study of his public ministry. Then ask yourself, questions such as "if I am to live like Christ, how does that work out in my life?" For instance, Christ did not seclude himself to studying the latest Piper book over coffee at Starbucks, going from there to a conference on indigenous world missions, to come home and then to debate others on theological correctness, then from one "fellowship" to another. (Please understand that this is obviously being overstated to paint a picture...I certainly believe that everything just mentioned, in their time and place, are good and profitable efforts). Christ DID spend so much time, not participating in the sin of the world, but he did spend time associating with those whom the world rejected as "lost causes" and "filthy" so much so that the "religious" wanted to kill him and made false accusations against him.

My final comment on this, with hope to follow up soon on other practical steps is this. If you and I want a recommendation on how to "live out the Gospel" then I can offer you and I no better book than the Gospels. I can offer you no greater example than the Lord Jesus Christ himself. There is no greater teacher than to take a long hard look at His life and ministry and then, by God's grace, walk in the reality of your identity as a follower of Christ.

In all things...Christ preeminent!

Aaron

Thoughts on the latest mission trip

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

(Psalm 67:5 ESV)

This past Tuesday a group with Psalm 67 Missions Network returned back to the St. Louis area after spending a week ministering to those along the Rio Grande Valley.  We were so blessed by this opportunity as I believe in many ways the Lord, as always, uses these opportunities to bring challenge, encouragement, and clarification to the lives of His people.

What exactly was done in the Valley? Well, this is always a trick question because we are tempted to think "look for the bottom line", which is impossible to do when we consider this type of work.  However, here are some highlights.

• Six people attended this short-term trip.  We were able to drive the entire way without stopping over on the way there.  (We did stay over on the way back).
• Billy Jackson was able to capture some great pics and take some interview video of the area and has been making these available to all of us.  This will help us continue to tell the story. See his page for more information.
• I was able to preach three different times at two different congregations.  One day Rick ministered through music for a group of Winter Texans.  I preached a message on Matthew 13:44 to the same group on another day.
• Visit Sarah's page to see more from her perspective
• Each night, including adults, we had about 70-75 or so people in attendance!  Our study was over "Things Hidden" an evangelistic study of Kingdom Parables, by Children Desiring God.  We had classes for each age group.
• We were able to use previously stored supplies that we keep in Psalm 67's storage unit.  This provided a monetary savings.
• We were able to get caught near a high-speed chase involving helicopters, and multiple police agencies.  
• Books donated by Desiring God ministries were provided to Pastors in Tamaulipas, Mexico.  Books donated by Iglesia Maranata in Granite City, Illinois, were provided to congregations on the United States side of the border.  Some of the books include a large case of "The Pilgrim's Progress" in Spanish.
• We grew in love and unity with our brothers and sisters at Cristo el Rey, and along the US/Mexico border.
• The Lord used humor by our mistakes to bring about closer relationships with some of the people!  This seems to be a common happening!

There is so much more to share.  I am so thankful to all of you who went and to those of you who held the rope!  I'm so thankful for my dear wife and daughter and the fact that they put up with me and love me!  We couldn't have made it without you! May the Lord be glorified in His church.  May His Kingdom come and His will be done!

In all things...Christ preeminent!

Aaron