Effective Ministry - Part 12: Vain Building

Psalm 127:1 "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it..."

Today's Christendom probably has more ministry going on than at any other time in history; we have more churches, Christian books, papers, studies, even Christian video games... right down to the 'Christian Faith' Master Card. We have mega-churches which make the Vatican seem puny. I am certain that if you asked most folks in America today they would most likely say they do believe in God, and either had a Christian origin or are currently calling themselves Christians.

So, Christendom today has become a kind of mega-global corporation, in which billions of dollars are filtered through the guise of non-profits to the hands of corrupt men; and, there is big money to be made, and many have profited handsomly.

However, at no other point in Amercian history have we seen more lascivious and wicked behavior than at this time. The very fibres of our society have begun to unravel, and the only answer from the churches on this issue is to comfort those in thier sin in some vague hope that they may 'see the moral light', when they themselves live contrary. Consequently, Christendom as a whole, here in America, has become inept, impotent and fat. Yes, modern Christianity has labored and labored much, but the labor has been in vain, instead working for conceited, decadent and perverted ends.

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary." Jer. 51:58

American modern christendom has taken the one talent from the master, and instead of investing it in the Kingdom and earning interest, they have buried it in the things of this Earth, which are perishing. Jesus told the Laodiceans: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revalations 3:17-19

Steven - 5/31/2007

Effective Ministry: Part12 - Wasting Time

One thing we must avoid is wasting time. When we do ministry, it shoud be effective and have Eternal benefits. Today, there are aimless ministries which seem adept at wasting time; they make a great show for all to see, but in reality they just spasmatically beat the air.

Some examples of this are basketball-type 'minstries', where we all get together and slam dunkin' shoot hoops for Christ; in reality it should be called 'bolster-the-ego-ministry'. It merely wastes time building a 'good' veneer. Other examples: karate-type ministries which claim to spread the Gospel, but instead they waste time 'kickin' ass' for Jesus; ministries that specifically concentrate on preaching only to the given-over sodomites; attending a Sunday service in which you spend two hours at, in which you do not fellowship with Brethren, or edify the Brethren nor preach the Gospel. One of my pet peeves is the infamous 'After-church-let's-watch-the-Superbowl-for-Jesus (alcohol and smoke free) Party'. Aren't those lascivious ads great? Let's enjoy them together.

"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." John 15:2

The fact is that if your ministry does not produce fruit, God promises it will be taken away.

Steven - 5/30/2007

Effective Minstry 11: Training

Our walk should be one which encompasses our ministry; it is not just something we do from 9-5, 40 hours a week, but is ingrained in our very fibre from the moment we are Born Again. Paul refers to our walk with Christ as one may run in a race, to win the prize.

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:25-27

The way we train for this race is by beating our flesh into submission. When I played football as a youth, one of the copious ways our coach would prepare us for the inevitable Overtime-trying-to-get-the-three-pointer-play was to run the bleachers; some of us would run so much we'd puke. Another way we'd train was to run a Big 1600 yard warm-up, where we'd sprint a hundred yards, and think "that was a piece of cake"; then we'd run backwards a hundred yards; then we'd crawl a hundred yards, and do up-downs for a hundred yards. Then we'd repeat the process, again and again... until we had acheived the 1600 yard objective. Not to mention an additional hour of weight training, and stretches and other excersizes relatied to our place on the field. All to prepare us for the possible forth-quarter or overtime win.

And yes, as Christians we run to win the prize, not for our salvation (for there is nothing we can do to attian Salvation) but, we run in obedience to our Lord, from whence comes many disciplines and 1600 pre-warm-ups. Depending on our gifts, which God has given us, He has set forth a custom-made rigorous training program to hep us stay the course, lest our work be futile.

Preaching the Gospel at the Jazz Jubilee 2007

For several years now we've been preaching the Gospel at the Jazz Jubilee in Old Sacramento, CA. As always it is a

great honor and privledge to extol the name of Jesus Christ. Approximately 80-100 thousand people show upto the Jazz Jubilee annually, and this year was no exception. Some Brethren from the Gideons came out to pass out some good, strong Gospel literature, as well as Jews for Jesus and the Great News network; the Jesus People made presence and both Wally and Larry were able to get in some open-air preaching. Larry, Tom, Tom's wife & daughter, Wally, Dave and myself handed out thousands of tracts for two days. The Lord seemed to bless some great conversations with Christians and non-Christians alike. One of the brethren we met was Ed whom travels the country preaching the Gospel; he had a multitude of memorized Scriptures at his command.

When we preach the Gospel we carry on the tradition that has been carried out by Brethren of Faith for thousands of years, whom did not see the promise, but were told to obey God by faith, and were justified by faith. When we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ it is in obedience to the great commision, not knowing whether or not people will come to Christ, but that with great boldness we presented the Gospel of Salvation. Some go out but feel ashamed of the Gospel, and are thus persuaded to 'water' it down; however, when we are truely obedient we stick to the message, not watering down the Gospel, whether in tracts or speech, and we speak boldly of the glorious works of Salvation wrought by our Lord and Savior.

Steven - 5/28/2007

Effective Ministry - Idleness: Part Ten (E.)

Ministries that once saw the hand of God upon them begin to lose their effectiveness when experiencing ease and comfort, become slothful... not addressing the decay and dry rot which slowly creeps in. With a little bit of folding of the hand and shutting of the eye towards sinful leaven entering into the camp, poverty of spirit comes upon them. Idleness causes the structure to collapse after a period of neglect. "By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through." Ecc. 10:18

Idleness is a slow killer to any ministry; it does not necessarily mean you are doing nothing, but more that you have become proud and fat. Like gluttons whom overindulge, not knowing the meaning of need, with lavish increase their pleasures are not satisfied, and their eyes are weary of riches. These find themselves continually burnt-out of the things of God because they are focused on indulgence and riches, thus becoming spiritually idle. "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." Proverbs 23:4; "...put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony." Proverbs 23:2

As in the case of Sodom, much idleness leads to lasciviousness and hell-inspired perversions. "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy." Ezekiel 16:49

Ministries infected with idleness become filled with people whom live to gossip and meddle, causing division among brethren and ultimately attempting to undermine the Church from its very foundation by despising Christ, their Lord and Maker. "And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." 2 Timothy 5:13

This is intrinsic to why modern christendom here in America is so anemic and weak: we are fat, happy and idle. The visible church is fast decaying and at the final stages of breakdown, the structure being all but completely compromised. The shepherds, whom were charged to oversee the flocks, have become proud, riddled with lasciviousness and some even caught in the most shameful and vile of sins. It would have been better for most of these pastors to work with their own two hands, rather than to accept the money of corruption from those whom do not have a heart towards Christ, but towards their own pleasures. "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." Titus 1:11-12 (used in the present tense, Paul is speaking directly to the church today)

Idle pastors are like trees which can produce fruit, but do not. "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." 2 Peter 1:8-9

In turn, the idle people of modern christendom have becomes gossips, tearing the true Brethren to shreds, causing evil dissension and going from house to house destroying marriages. Those whom are slothful and idle will not inherit the promise of Faith.

"For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:10-12

Steven - 5/24/2007

Effective Ministry - Seeking Worldly Pleasure: Part Ten (D.)

Seeking the pleasures of this world is not a new phenomenon. Moses knew that the reproach of Christ had greater

riches than all the treasure in Egypt; he did not seek the pleasures of the world, but instead chose to follow God. (Heb. 11:24-26)

Many think that they can have their pleasures and as well as be named as servants of God; in other words, they want the Spirit but not the Cross. They want to experience the power of God, but they refuse to lift a finger to do anything. Worst of all they think that getting pleasure here and now is somehow a sign of their 'godliness', as seen in the modern name-it-and-claim-it type movements.

Jesus gave us a warning: those whom go on with Christ are not those whom seek the pleasures of this world. The seed sown among the thorns grew, but was soon choked out by the deceitfulness of riches and the cares of the world. (Matthew 13:22) Many Christians today have been choked out, all the while claiming they have some form of godliness or a ministry, but these are empty of the Holy Spirit.

"Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed..." (2 Timothy 4:9-10)

Like Demas or John Mark, those whom love this present world will not stick around to preach the Gospel and tend to leave, or even lead people away on various rabbit trails.

Steven - 5/23/2007

Effective Ministry - Family Worship: Part Ten (C.2)

"[As for] my people, children [are] their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead

thee cause [thee] to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people." Isaiah 3:12&13

Feminism (or in other words women ruling over the men) is the 'dry rot' of the church, slowly but surely destroying the structure and foundation, making it weak and anemic. Although the gates of hell will never prevail against the Church, feminism will always take out the phony believers, oppose the Truth and cause undo stress for the saints. It may just be the strongest tool that the Devil is using in modern christianity against those whom are trying to serve Christ, either taking them out through illicit relationships outside of marriage or destroying marriage itself, creating such bitterness among men and women that they are no longer useful for the service of the Lord, having disqualified themselves through disobedience. Worst of all, it causes men to begin to lose their first Love, thus becoming cold and indifferent towards their fellow Brethren.

For this reason, in my opinion, Feminism today is the chief opposition of those whom preach the Gospel; it enslaves women to the pursuit their desires, of which they never satisfied, taking on burdens they were not intended to bear, which they ultimately grow to loathe completely.

As a result of men's authority being removed in 'modern Christendom', there is friction and rebellion in marriages and power struggles of who is going to lead the home; the Scripture clearly put this responsibility on the man, whom is the head of his house, whom is responsible for his wife’s and children’s actions and should be held accountable for any inability to lead with Scriptures.

The modern idea of marital counseling is decidedly unbiblical; nowhere in the Scriptures will you find Jesus, Paul the Apostle or any other apostle, any of the old testament prophets, Moses, or Abraham practicing in the secular art of marriage counseling. The Scriptures speak generally or corporately to or about marriage and of roles of wives and husbands within the Body of Christ. No where do you find marriage counseling/intervention into a marriage, save for one possible example: Ananias and Sapphira, where the Apostle Peter called into question their offering, they lied and were struck dead by the Holy Spirit as a result. This even was not about their marriage, but of their holding back a portion of what they had promised as a couple, and then lying to the Holy Spirit.

The practice of marriage counseling has not led to the success of marriages but has instead led to the further success of feminism, oppressive children and homosexuality. As a result, the tentacles of feminism have all but choked out most 'ministries' today, trading good, Biblical hermeneutics for feeling, emotions and bad doctrine. For this reason, feminism is the chief platform on which the family idol sits.

Steven - 5/22/2007

Preaching at the Pacific Rim Festival 2007

Old Sacramento, CA - Approximately 30,000 people showed up at the Pacific Rim Festival, on May 20th, 2007. We estimate that we passed out between 10-12 thousand tracts over several hours, but we could have used another 100 Brothers out there with us, to preach and share the Gospel. Nevertheless, about one out of three people took a Gospel tract.

It is a great honor and privilege to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to be able to proclaim the name which is above all names to the world. We do this trusting by faith that God will lead those whom he wants to Himself, and that all ministry is by faith. God has instructed us to go throughout the whole world and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ; we know that this is effective and that God's power is revealed when His Gospel is preached, of the power of salvation, of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

For those of us whom have been preaching for many, many years, it is never a burn-out to preach Christ; it is only a burn-out to follow the traditions of men and their ways. Unfortunately, there have been many Brethren whom have been spun off or burned out by various ministries, and have suffered under the weighty traditions of men, and as a result lean more towards the bitter end of the scale and more self-serving. The chief reason this occurs is when we our eyes off Christ and put them onto others.

So, Brethren, be concerned with what is going on in the Church today, but don't let it take you from service to our Lord; keep your eyes on Christ and His Word. Or, in other words, continue in obedience to His Word, despite what others do or say.

Steven - 05/21/2007 - Click Here for Preaching Pictures

Effective Ministry - Family Worship: Part Ten (C.)1

Christendom as of late, seeing the direction of the modern perverse culture and devious hatred of godly principles, or anything to do with morality, has attempted to counter-act such depravity with 'family values'; in principle this is fine, but it did not stop at family values, but began the institution of the Religion of Family. This is evident with ministries like 'Focus on the Family' whose title says it all; instead of focusing on Christ, the focus is consumed with family matters, wrapped in modern psychology. Another example is 'Family Life'; it is only God whom provides and sustains life.

A lot of these so-called ministries have built their focus on platforms which are not based on Biblical principles, evidences by the man-created religious traditions, other that what Christ taught, and the love of such traditions verses the Love of God. "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Mathew 10:34-37

The sin that is committed is that of idolatry, making the family an idol, not looking to the Lord for solutions but instead to man's wisdom, man's theology and man's understanding.

- Steven 05/18/2007

Effective Ministry - Self-Service: Part Ten (B.)

Annanias & Sapphira are classic examples of this; they made an outward show of religious piety, but lied to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 5) They sold a piece of land and kept back part of the profit for themselves and brought the rest to Peter, making a pretence that they brought the whole amount the land sold for.

This is a warning, to those whom are in minsitry; if we are going to boast of giving we better make sure we are giving all we say we are, whether it be of our time, our labor, or our money... our boast must be true and accurate, not distorting the facts for our own benefit, lest we be found lying to the Holy Spirit. By the way, Annanias and Sapphira were struck dead by the Holy Spirit, because they lied.

Steven - 05/17/2007

The Beginning and End of Jerry Falwell

Jerry Laymon Falwell, Sr. (August 11, 1933 – May 15, 2007) was an American fundamentalist Christian pastor and televangelist. He was the founding pastor of the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. He founded Liberty University in 1971 and co-founded the Moral Majority in 1979. He was married, and had two sons and one daughter. For more information on Mr. Falwell look click here for the Wiki.

Since being hospitalized in 2005 for a viral infection, Jerry Falwell was re-hospitalized a few times for respitory and coronary problems; he was found unconscious in his office after breakfast on May 15th, 2007 and was pronounced dead at the Lynchberg General Hospital; in a press release, the hospital announced he had died of "sudden cardiac arrest".

Mr. Falwell consistantly showed that wealth was very important in his life; from his takeover of the PTL network in 1987 where he profited off another man's demise, to when he offered Rush Limbah large amounts of money to come speak at Liberty University, and was turned down. He came back with larger offers and was turned down again, and finally offered upwards of a million dollars to the conservative radio host; to his credit, Rush still said no.

The fact is that most religious men in powerful positions feel themselves to be prima donnas and tend to go off on every wind of doctrine which blows, particular those which are generated by the writers of checks, regardless of the strange and often herectical nature of said doctrines.

But, to his somewhat credit, recently I heard a re-play of Mr. Falwell's comments on Michael Savage's radio show, the Savage Nation; Mr. Falwell preached the Gospel fairly well, but when Savage cornered him with the famous 'Savage All-Paths-Lead-To-God Religious Headlock & Noogie' best summerized by: "are Jews or other religious people lesser in the eyes of God because they don't believe in Jesus Christ?". This was followed by the somehwat famous 'Savage Wheel Spoke & Hubcap Pontification', a point which is not consistant with traditional Judiasm or of Christiany which taught that the Lord our God is one and that Jesus was the thrid person of the tri-une God, the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob {"no one comes to the Father but by me"}).

At this, Mr. Falwell should have piped up and said "all men stand condemned before the Holy and righteous God and are in need of a savior, whom is Jesus Christ the Lord of all." Instead, Mr. Falwell had a hard time being candid... which is often the case when you have a relgious empire like his at stake. Telling the truth sometimes means offending people, losing tithes, weathering scorn, persecutuion and sometimes (citing Foxe's Book of Martyrs) even death.

At the very least, Mr. Falwell stayed true to the traditional Christian and Judeo teaching that homosexuality is an abomination in the sight of God, unlike many 'chirstian' newcomers today whom like to quote satan's book of 'sin tolerance' over the Holy Scriptures. And finally, we will mostly see upcoming 'christian' legal battles, which is against Scripture, seeking to divide Falwell's weath.

Steven - 05/16/2007

Effective Ministry - Worldly Gain: Part Ten (A.)

No minister should live a lavish life or a life of ease; if you are a minister whom has become wealthy off the sheep, then your gain is a shame to you. One of the signs of a false prophet is making gain of the sheep."Dishonest gain" (Titus 1:11), "false prophets...false teachers" (2 Peter 2:1-3), "multitude of merchandise" (Ezekiel 28:16), "prophets for money" (Micah 3:11), "gain the whole world but lose his soul" (Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:36, Luke 9:25). In Jesus' ministry, the two times He became violent were when He saw that His father's house had become a den of thieves (Mark 11:15-17) and a place of merchandise (John 2:14-17).

When faced with a covetous church, Paul went out of his way to refuse money from them, instead worked himself to support his own needs. "And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so." 2 Cornithains 11:9

"Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?" 2 Corinthians 12:17&18

Paul worked with his own two hands to support himself while doing ministry. "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:33-35

As ministers we do have the right to collect for our needs, and I am not negating that... however, when we are being supported by preaching we have no right to live lavishly. In fact, Paul, when it came to the covetous and lavish cornthians, said he would rather die than collect money from them, and righteously boasted about not collecting from them. "If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast."

Because Paul did not collect from the Corinthians, he was able to speak freely and as he stated: "Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!" 2 Corinthians 12:16

In this Day and age I believe we have a visible church which is corrupted by greed and covetousness, and we should nto collect a dime from time, so that we are not sucked into such corruption, instead being able to speek freely. This just may build up our faith, havingt o rely on God to provide our needs,outside the temple.

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:10-12

Steven - 5/15/2007

Many ministries today are self-seeking and self-indulging, often set up to make gain of the sheep and their fruit is evident of such. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24

As Paul, we must not count our lives so dear to ourselves that we may be effective ministers.... but not for: (A.) worldly-gain, (B.) self-service, (C.) making an idol of family, (D.) the pleasures of the world, (E.) hypocrisy & outward appearance, (F.) accusation, (G.) idleness or (H.) self-indulgence.

- Steven 5/14/2007

7. The love for God's word produces faith: "So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

A man whom walks by faith shows evidence of the Love of God in his life, by the fact that he trusts in the Lord for his provisions and that He will fulfill His promises. This man believes God's word, and in it places his hope and trust; he believes by faith, not seeing the promise. "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13

A man whom walks by faith has peace. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:1-5

The man whom walks by faith ultimately believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and ruler over him, even unto the point of death. "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Hebrews 11:37-40

 - Steven  5/07/2007

6. As ministers of Love, ambassadors of the Gospel, guardians of the flock, teachers and preachers, one of the most important jobs is to guard the flock of God. "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:3

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Acts 20: 29&30

A good pastor oversees his flock and its spiritual condition, testing the fruit and keeping away the wolves. "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." 1 Timothy 6:3-5

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." Matthew 7:16&17

When you find open and corrupt fruit you expel it from among you. "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." Eph. 5:11&12; "...having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:5 ; "... Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:" 2 Peter 2:13&14

This is true love to care for God's flock, for as Jesus whipped and scourged the money changers out from His temple, so likewise we must aggressively toss out anyone who'd turn the house of God into a den of thieves or attempt to hurt His little ones. "And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." John 2:15&16

Now, I am not advocating violence, but diligence; when you see grievous or open sin among you, you must act quickly, for as the Scriptures say, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Galations 5:9

"And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name [was] Barjesus... But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand." Acts 13: 6-11

"For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person." 1 Cornthians 5:12&13

As ministers of His Gospel and those whom edify His Body, God has charged us and so this charge should be our continual creed: "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:1-5 "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." 1 Timothy 4:13

Paul instructs Timothy, in what is often referred to as the 'pastors epistles', to endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist and set up men for ministry and to devotedly read the Scriptures publicly.

Steven  5/03/2007

5. Our walk of love demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit within us, our faith, our heart towards God, and ultimately shows that we have been taught sound doctrine. The basic aspect of our walk as Christians, and the beginning of any ministry we perform, is showing love towards our brethren as we serve Christ. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death." 1 John 3:14

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:" 1 Peter 1:22

If the love of the brethren does not exist in your ministry, then your ministry is not led or empowered by the Spirit of God, regardless of what kind of services you produce. "And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2-3

Showing love towards the brethren exhibits not only the work of God in our hearts but also the strength of our ministry in Christ, and sound doctrine, which permeates and unites the Church. "Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:" 1 Peter 3:8

When the love of a body of believers grows cold, that church becomes anemic and self-serving; not that religion will not thrive, but the love for God and His word dwindles to extinction, save for the remnant God keeps to Himself. "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:7-8

- Steven  5/02/2007

Effective Ministry: Recapping the Series

In modern Christendom there are two ministries for every parishioner; there are pastoral/elder ministries, feed-the-hungry-ministries, collect-the-tithe ministries, door-greeter ministries, etc... and there are street-preaching ministries. Though there are copious ministries, in order to be legitimately in the service of Christ they must they share one paradigm: they must be based upon Love.

This love 'agape' is not vague, and there are 8 characteristics which describe it, along with many sub-categories: affection, good will, benevolence, (John 15:13, Romans 13:10, 1John 4:18) brotherly love, especially the love of Christians for other Christians as prompted by their religion, (Matthew 24:12, 1 Co. 13:1-4&8, 1 Co. 14:1, 2 Co. 2:4, Gal. 5:6, Philemon 5,7), of the love of men towards God, (Luke 6:42, John 5:42), of the love of God for men, (Romans 5:8, Romans 8:39), of the love of God for Christ (john 15:10, John 17:26) and of the love of Christ toward men (John 15:9, 2 Co. 5:14, Romans 8:35, Eph. 3:19).

Now this love is not to be mistaken for the love of men for themselves, but the love of God and His Word, nor should we flippantly throw the word 'love' about as if it is some common buzz-phrase, knowing that the blood of our Lord (and God) was shed that we may boast in His abundant Love, not to mention those whom toiled, suffered and died under His banner of love.

Some of the foundational points for being a effective minister of God:

1. Possessing a love for the Holy Spirit: "...for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me;" Romans 15:30

2. And, inspired by the Spirit of God a love for the Truth, through God's word: "...because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." 2 Thessalonians 2:10

3. Being influenced and inspired by love, though some be inspired by envy: "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel." Philippians 1:15-17 (see envy: "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers," Romans 1:29)

4. Testing the fruit of your love: "Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love." 2 Corinthians 8:7-8

5. Walk in Love, doing that which is befitting: "But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died." Romans 14:15

6. Learning to spot the blemishes on your love feasts: "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" Jude 12; "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;" 2 Peter 2:13

7. Keeping love with faith and hope: "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God." 1 Thess. 1:3&4; "Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel" Col. 1:4-5; "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:22-25

1. When we are born again we are given the Holy Spirit as a gift from God. The holy Spirit is the third 'person' of the triune God, in Hebrew is called "ruah haqodesh" and in Greek "pneuma", coequal and coeternal with God. He is a light unto our feet directing us towards holiness and righteousness, peace, patience and joy, mercy, grace and, in fact, works directly with our conscience, sharpening it. The Holy Spirit serves as the great teacher, and patiently speaks to us through God's word, helping us to be transformed more to the image of Christ, and our minds to be renewed. The holy spirit is like the very breath of God falling upon us, empowering us through the Gospel to proclaim good news to them which are lost, and to minister to the saints. The holy Spirit seals us unto the day of redemption.

Part of love for the Holy Spirit is to obey the word of God, being very careful to test our heart by what we are reading in His word as if our heart is on trial in front of the all-knowing, all-seeing God that very moment; by grace and mercy we cry out to God for forgiveness of our sin. By the Holy Spirit we warn the lost of the coming judgment. By the same Holy Spirit we rebuke, exhort and encourage our brethren. By that same holy Sprit, we can be struck dead, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira whom lied to the Holy Spirit and were struck dead. Our ministry therefore should be led and closely directed by the Holy Spirit in order to be effective.

But, the fruit of the Spirit is: "... love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:22-25)

2. The indication of the love that we as believers have for God is the love of Truth, the love of His doctrine, the love of His law and the love of His word, the Bible... that this is so precious to us that is it the closest thing to our heart, by which we are refreshed and made new. Jesus said: "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth."

The true anointing of the Holy Spirit is being empowered by God's word. It is the word of Truth brought by the breath of God from His Word which communicates the magnificent, awesome and glorious Gospel. (Col. 1:5)

The love of God's Truth brings true peace. (Zec. 8:19, 2 John 1:3)

We as believers purify ourselves through obeying the Truth; in other words because of our love of the Truth we have confessed and repented of our sins in concordance with the Gospel, and put our faith in Christ, the Lord. (1 Peter 1:22)

A good evangelist/pastor/teacher loves, admires and feels impassioned about God's Truth, and he does not shrink back from this point: that those whom do not love the Truth perish, and cannot be saved. (2 Thess. 2:10)

3. The greatest influence of love was Christ's demonstration on the cross: "But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath [of God] through him." Romans 5:8&9

Christ's love in his death on the cross, burial & resurrection permeates every aspect of a believer's life, affecting his mind, heart, what he does with his body and his speech. God's very loving-kindness towards us is what leads us unto repentance, and it is that grace, knowing we were once lost and now are found, that continually reminds us of God's great love for us.

With that passion, we see those whom are perishing and we respond by going forth and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which often confirms our gratitude and servitude to our Lord, for His marvelous saving works.

But, others go out and preach for reasons that may be financial gain, or to acquire attention from someone and most often this is out of envy and strife, not because they love Christ. "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel." Philippians 1:15-17

For as David heard the evil Philistine blaspheme the living God, despite everyone's fear he felt stirred from his love of God to respond. (1 Sam. 17:26) His brethren, however, had covetousness on their mind, and seeing David's zeal for God, their anger was kindled against him and they accused him of pride. (1 Samuel 17:28) This is classic envy and strife, aimed at those whom have found the love of the living God whom is Christ and retain it in their hearts and minds.

This is a warning for all of us in ministry, that we strive to retain our first Love, and to not become envious or bitter of our brethren... especially for their zeal and love for God.

Part Six:

4. As Christians we should examine our so-called love. One of the fruits of love is this: longsuffering... meaning slow to avenge wrongs, constant, enduring and perseverant. In other words, we should not be quick to do evil when we are wronged. Another fruit of love is simply showing kindness, not 'uppity' or self-conceited. Love is never envious, boiling with hatred or anger. Love is not covetous, wanting your neighbor's wife or possessions, or even coveting your Brother's walk with the Lord.

Love does not exaggerate of one's self-importance. The fruit of love is not proud and lofty. The fruit of love is not un-sociable, un-becoming, discourteous or improper. The fruit of love is not being self-consumed or having continual self-interest, self-indulgence or self-gratification; the fruit of love is not being consumed with the health and/or well-being of one's physical body.

The fruit of love is not being easily provoked, too easy to burn with anger or scorn. Love thinks no evil; it is not a depraved thing, and does not think of sexual relations, whether physical or emotional, outside of marriage. True, godly love has nothing to do with sexual sin.

Love is not concerned about keeping an account of evil. Love does not rejoice in any iniquity, nor does it take pleasure in any sin, whether fornication, adultery, murder, homosexuality, covetousness or any other depravity. Such are not love, and are absolutely contrary to the Love of God.

The fruit of Love rejoices in the Truth, God's Holy word as spelled out in the Bible; Love opposes the superstitions of pagans and the corruption of false teaching. The fruit of Love is enduring all things patiently. Love believes all things, meaning ‘to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ).

Love hopes all things, (hopes: ‘elpizo’, meaning ‘to expect or confide, hope(-d) (for), trust’); love endures all things. (endures: meaning ‘to stay under (behind), figuratively, to undergo, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere’)