NAMES OF JESUS: Our Wonderful Counselor

Our Wonderful Counselor
Ideas taken from Tom Shepard…

Text: Isaiah 9:6
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (NIV).

This prophecy of the coming Christ that was given hundreds of years before his birth tells us that the child that was to be born would have some very amazing names. Of course the one that Isaiah is speaking of is Jesus. According to Isaiah he would be called:

Wonderful Counselor

The Mighty God

The Everlasting Father

The Prince of Peace

Christ as our Wonderful Counselor.

Two preliminary thoughts –
First, the idea of whether the titles Wonderful and Counselor are separate or intended to be together…
Let me say right up front that in some translations this title is separated with a comma – Wonderful and Counselor. The translators believe that each title should be looked at separately. Some translations put both words together to come up with one title – Wonderful Counselor. It is important to know that in the original Hebrew there were no punctuation marks. I do believe that Jesus is wonderful. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. He is the creator of the universe. His name is above every name – and at his name every knee will bow and every tongue will confess – that Jesus Christ is Lord. I know that he is wonderful, but for today I want to examine Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor.

The second preliminary thought is that the title Counselor – carries with it two meanings to us…one is the legal advocate who gives us counsel in how we are to proceed and then guides us through the legal quandary in helping us through a particular problem from a legal perspective…this would certainly have been the perspective of Scripture…In our culture, people seek counselors to help them through emotional or psychological issues…

As we unfold the thoughts behind the title, Wonderful Counselor, we will blend both perspectives…

In the book of Isaiah we find that the author speaks of Jesus again when he says:“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2, NIV).The Bible places a high premium on wise counsel. Wisdom and counsel are important. Let’s quickly look at two verses that talk about wise counsel.

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel” (Proverbs 1:5, NKJV).“The counsel of the Lord stands forever; the plans of His heart from generation to generation” (Psalms 33:11, HCSB).

Counseling today is at an all time high in our society. From Dr. Phil, to David Ramsey, to Oprah Winfrey, people are seeking advice. There’s certainly nothing wrong with seeking advice and counseling when you have a particular need in your life. In fact, the Bible encourages it. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that we, as believers, have access to most wonderful counselor imaginable – Jesus Christ.What makes him a Wonderful Counselor? I could list characteristics all morning, but let me give you three.

I. He UNDERSTANDS Your Struggles

In Hebrews chapter four we find:“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NIV).Jesus gets it. He understands it. He can relate to you. Sometimes when we are going through a difficult situation and someone says, “I understand what you are going through…” it seems empty because unless they have been through the same situation, how can they possibly understand our problems? But Jesus does understand. He knows exactly what you are going through. When you come to him in need of counsel, he knows your situation. He knows your heart and he knows your mind. Because of this fact, verse sixteen of Hebrews chapter four tells us that we should: “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time” (Hebrews 4:16, HCSB).Have you ever been betrayed? He has. Have you ever been wrongly accused? He has. Have people ever gossiped about you? Have you ever suffered physical pain? Have you ever been in physical need? Have you ever felt lonely? Have you ever suffered loss? Have you ever been afraid? Have you ever felt that you have reached the bottom and there is no way up? He understands.The Bible tells us that: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14, NIV). Jesus was fully human like you and me. He knows how mean people can be. He knows how rough life can get. He understands your struggles.

Another characteristic that makes Jesus a Wonderful Counselor is…

II. He CARES For You

1 Peter 5:7 (CEV) says, “God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.”Some counselors only care as long as you can pay the bill. Not Jesus! He cares about you as a person. He cares about your character. He cares about your spiritual growth and emotional welfare. He cares about the pain you suffer. He considers you of value and of worth. Look at what it says in Matthew 6:26. Jesus is speaking and he says:“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26, HCSB).Aren’t you worth more then the birds that fly around? God thinks so! He thinks you have value. He thinks that you have worth—he thinks that you are worth a lot. He thinks so much of you that he sent his son to die for you – to rescue you from your pain and suffering – to give you new hope, new life and salvation. God cares for YOU!He cares so much that he will help you with your problems. He will help you deal with them. That’s why he is called Wonderful Counselor. He’s not going to leave us to fend for ourselves. You have probably heard it said, "God helps those who help themselves."
The truth of the matter is when you have reached the bottom, "God helps those who can’t help themselves." When you see no way out, God steps in—if you call on him. Here is another of his promises:“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).Folks that is a promise! He will not turn his back on us. He will not abandon us. God cares for us.

Another characteristic of Jesus our Wonderful Counselor is:
III. He COMMITS Himself to You

Jesus wants to have a personal relationship with each of us. Look at what the Bible says in John 10:27:“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27, NIV).This verse tells me that Jesus speaks to us. If we have a personal relationship with Jesus, he is committed to us and he talks to us. How does Jesus speak to us today?

A. Through the BIBLE

Look at what it says in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalms 119:105, NIV).God speaks to us through his written word.

B. Through the HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus says in John, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13, NIV).You say, "Well I have never heard the Holy Spirit talk to me." Let me ask you, have you ever done something wrong and felt guilty about it? Good! That’s the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Part of his job is to keep us on track. He does that sometimes with conviction. Have you ever had a verse of scripture come to you out of the blue? That may be the Holy Spirit trying to teach you something.Have you ever thought about a friend or family member and wondered how they were doing? That may just be the Holy Spirit prompting you to send a card, make a call or write a letter. You see, the Holy Spirit still speaks today.

The third way God speaks today is:

C. Through the CHURCH

The church is the world’s largest support group. Every single person reading this room has problems.

We are all just fellow struggles trying to make it through and give God glory in the process. The church is to be a community where people can be open and honest about their struggles, where we can work together to overcome our problems.You’ve got people in this very room who have indured incredible trials…some of the trials you are facing now AND God has brought them through. Jesus the Wonderful Counselor has helped them and now wants to help you through these people …we are so hungry for help, but so unwilling to take a risk and get some help.

Proverbs has this to say about advice:“Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed” (Proverbs 15:22, MSG).When someone gives you good advice, take it! Seek out good sound advice. Find a fellow Christian who is wise; who is living a life to honor God. Ask them what they think. Ask two or three strong Christians. Seek out wise counsel. The church is here to help you be successful. God can use other believers to speak to you—so listen! I want to return to the thought that God is committed to you. We started reading from John chapter ten a minute ago. Let’s continue on:“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-28, NIV).Did you know that when you commit yourself to God, he commits himself to you? When you give yourself to him, he promises to hold on to you. Look at John 10:28 again, and circle the words: “No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” When God says “no one,” he means “NO ONE!” God will not allow anyone to keep you away from his love.

Paul understood this fact when he wrote in the book of Romans:“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, NIV).

Folks, nothing can separate us from the love of God, because if you have committed yourself to him, he has committed himself to you.Let me give you a challenge this week: make an appointment this week with the Wonderful Counselor. Sit down with him. Open your heart up to him. Tell him what is going on in your life. Believe me—there is no heartache that he can’t mend. There is no problem he can’t solve. Why? Because he is our Wonderful Counselor.

Book Review: Mission of God

Wright, Christopher J. H., 2006. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.

The Rev. Dr. Chris Wright (b. 1947), an ordained Anglican minister, is currently the International Ministries Director of the Langham Partnership International (http://www.langhampartnership.org/) a position held previously by John R.W. Stott. Wright has served as pastor for a local parish church, taught at a top seminary in India, and served as President of a key Christian college. Wright serves as Chair of the Lausanne Committee’s Theological Education Commission and as Honorary President of the TEAR Fund in the UK. He has a passion to bring to life the Old Testament to Christian mission and ethics. He has written several books. He loves preaching and teaching the Bible.

The purpose of Wright’s book, The Mission of God, is that the whole Bible can be read out of a framework of the mission of God (and the participation in it by God’s people). For Wright, Mission is the key that unlocks the whole grand narrative of Scripture. He writes:
“The whole Bible itself is a missional phenomenon. The writings that now comprise our Bible are themselves the product of and witness to the ultimate mission of God. That Bible renders to us the story of God’s mission through God’s people in their engagement with God’s world for the sake of the whole of God’s creation. The Bible is the drama of this God of purpose engaged in the mission of achieving that purpose universally, embracing past, present and future, Israel and the nations, ‘life, the universe and everything,’ and with its center, focus, climax, and completion in Jesus Christ. Mission is not just on of a list of things that Bible happens to talk about, only a bit more urgently than some. Mission is, in that much-abused phrase, ‘what it’s all about’” (Wright, 2006, 22).

The Mission of God is contained in four parts. In part one “The Bible and Mission,” Wright establishes the argument for a “missional hermeneutic.” He begins this section with consideration given to Luke 24:45-47, where the risen Christ Jesus retells the story of the scriptures to two disciples on the road to Emmaus stating: “The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (NIV). Wright makes the case that Jesus set the “hermeneutical orientation and agenda” of his followers who should read their Scriptures “messiancally and missionally” (Wright, 2006, 29). Wright, in this section, deals with important issues that arise in the process of developing a missional hermeneutic. In Part 2, “The God of Mission” Wright presents at length the God who “makes himself known” in Israel, in Jesus Christ, and in confrontation with idolatry. The third section (Part 3), “The People of Mission,” Wright explores God’s elect people, beginning with Abraham, who are chosen for blessing, as well as the themes of particularity and universality that fill the Old Testament and represent the agents of mission. He then explores God’s model of redemption (the Exodus) and God’s model of restoration (the Jubilee) which are God’s comprehensive and holistic vision for all humanity including the political, economic, social, and spiritual spheres. This third portion of the book concludes with a discussion of the span of God’s missional covenant throughout the ages, and the life of God’s missional people. Wright gives particular attention to missional ethics in the Bible and the implications for God’s people today. Part 4, “The Arena of Mission,” begins with sections on “mission and God’s earth” and “mission and God’s image” which focus on the role of a missional people in creation care and the role of missional people in light of multi-faceted dimensions of evil in the environment of human life. Wright spends some time in discussion of the HIV/AIDS pandemic as a paradigm for evil and then the contours of mission in a response to it. Part 4 concludes with an exploration of God and the Nations both in Old Testament and New Testament mission.

Wright’s work is enormous. It is a comprehensive work on mission and larger than any I have ever encountered. Wright highlights the large number of references in the Bible pointing to God’s desire “to be known among the nations.” God’s self revelation is a major force in Scripture providing support for Wright’s thesis. I love the holistic view of God’s mission that Wright captures. His study of the multifaceted nature of redemption and restoration (as found in the Exodus and the Jubilee) and the implications for a missional church are helpful for one seeking to live in partnership with God’s mission in the world today. I was intrigued by Wright’s discussion of the paradigm of evil as seen in the HIV/AIDS pandemic. I appreciated the handling of the “ultimacy of evangelism” (439) as opposed to the normal assumption that death is the ultimate. Thank God for His story of life, hope and “good news.”
In the book’s conclusion, Wright asks, what would happen if the church were to read the Scriptures missiologically? He suggests that this kind of worldview “constituted by putting the mission of God at the very center of all existence” offers
“a very healthy corrective to the egocentric obsession of much Western culture—including, sadly, even Western Christian culture. It forces us to open our eyes to the big picture, rather than shelter in the cosy narcissism of our own small worlds” (533).

As a pastor of a small congregation in a Western context, I know that way I read and preach the Scriptures will be significantly shaped by the “missional hermeneutic” I embrace. Wright has introduced me to new insights. His book will be a valuable resource as I seek to re-tell the Story of God’s mission in a way that reaches the lives of people as partners and participants is this grand narrative.

BOOK REPORT - Devotional review of Thrall, et al's THE ASCENT OF A LEADER

Thrall, Bill, Bruce McNicol, and Ken McElrath, 1999. The Ascent of a Leader: How Ordinary Relationships Develop Extraordinary Character and Influence. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Introduction
The image of “climbing the ladder” of success is commonly mentioned in the world of business. Achievement on the job requires ingenuity and experience that can only be gained through climbing up the ladder one rung at a time. What is success as a follower of Jesus Christ? Is the ladder to success in Christ the same? Thrall and his coauthors say it is not. Rather the successful follower of Jesus Christ is the one who focuses on internal development of the life of the leader, rather than the outward manifestations of achievement and success. It seems to me that there will always be a measure of success in the outcome of a healthy, well-connected inner life – one in close relationship with the Living Christ.

1. A Different Ladder to Success

Developing an interdependent relationship connection with those for whom I am responsible has been helpful to me in ministry. I work at maintaining a system of accountability for my corps (church) leadership, staff and volunteers. I, in turn, am accountable to others in leadership over me, collateral council members and corps leaders. With the success or failure of my ministry, I am ultimately responsible; however my team bears a portion of the honor and the burden. In personal regard, I am responsible before the Lord and therefore need to be well-connected to Him.

2. Big Leaders on Short Ladders

In the early spring of 1998, I encountered a disaster that changed my perspective on ministry and what ministry success was. I was flooded with ministry demands in the wake of a tornado that nearly destroyed my life. I came face-to-face with the reality that I was not a little god, lending help to the big GOD, nor would I ever be. The ladder of my success was propped against a failed image. The ladder fell and the Lord began the healing of my heart and soul.
3. Creating Environments That Uphold and Empower Us

Here the rails of “environments of grace” and “relationships of grace” hold me up. I thank God that I minister in an environment of grace and that there is a level of grace given me for my misjudgments, tardiness and occasional narrow-minded thinking. Not only are we able to see great things that God wants to accomplish, we also have seen some of these dreams become reality. Accomplishing God’s best comes in the environment of grace.

4. Nurturing Relationships That Ground and Sustain Us

It is easier to focus on tasks, financials, statistics and doing, rather than on people and their soul’s well-being. Relationships and spiritual development take time and attention and effort to sustain, let alone grow. The work of ministry and spiritual leadership require a healthy It is the grace-filled, encouraging and even the “speaking the truth in love” relationships that will lead us to success measured and given by God.

5. The First Rung: Stepping Up Through an Act of Trust

Trust brings salvation. My role in my personal salvation is put the full weight of my faith on the Lord. I say, “I don’t understand what I am encountering today, but I trust you, Lord.” How do I translate this to the trust of others? My calling is to humbly live a life of integrity, trusting those around me, my family, friends, collaterals and leaders with the full weight of my faith in them.

6. The Second Rung: Choosing Vulnerability

Following the line of thinking of the previous chapter, integrity and trust pushes me up to a willingness to be vulnerable. I have been vulnerable before and have been hurt. The hurt I have felt in no way destroyed me. It was embarrassing, but this lasted a short period. Soon I was back on track with the Lord’s purposes. Certainly my experience with vulnerability gives me insight in how I might carefully treat those who I see are vulnerable.

7. The Third Rung: Aligning with Truth

My tendency in the past has been to be compliant in more cases than obedient. I am not proud of this and seek to an “alignment with truth” rather than an “alignment to please.” This speaks of the reality of the trust level I sense through the experience of my life. Much of this has changed in recent years, where I have the confidence to speak my disagreement in love and then follow with a passionate obedience those whom the Lord has put over me in authority.

8. The Fourth Rung: Paying the Price

My leadership is hindered on occasion by my desire for my ego-comfort, status quo or some other short route to success instead of seeing the vision of what God desires and what is most fruitful for the benefit of others. I lose my objectivity when I am physically or emotionally drained and spiritually dry. I need the freshness of my connection with the Lord each new day.

9. Chutes and Leaders: Stories from the Fourth Rung

Suffering is often viewed as a distraction – something to be avoided at all costs. Yet, it is clear that biblically, suffering is a tool to maturity in Christ. Suffering is a part of the refining fire of the Holy Spirit to temper and strengthen me. I don’t want it and do not seek it; however, God’s purposes and will are far more important than my temporary comforts. I pray that I will feel and say the same when I am under the fire.

10. The Fifth Rung: Discovering Your Destiny

I seek to keep a right perspective on who I am in Christ Jesus, how the Lord has gifted me and how His grace is experienced in my life. The right balance on this rung of the ladder will take the follower of Jesus higher. A person’s destiny is in the hands of God; yet, He is not completely mysterious about His plan for the lives of children. There are many tools that God uses to help one discover His purposes and will. People, Scripture, circumstances and my own passion has helped me find my destiny in the Lord’s working and planning.

11. Keeping Your Balance: Seven Challenges of the Fifth Rung

Keeping balance requires the development of character traits– servant leadership, wise stewardship, integrated convictions and compassion, teach-ability, humbly knowing and walking with God, sharing the benefits of success, right priorities, and community interdependence. In the right measure, the work of God in my life can be evidenced by these traits.

12. Becoming the Kind of Person Others Want to Follow

An environment of grace and a leadership of trust will lead to selflessness and interdependence that will honor and bless God, accomplish His Kingdom’s work in my life, my corps (church), my relationships with others and in connection with those for whom God has called me to oversee. I want to sow the seeds of that the Lord Jesus selects to bear fruit in the lives of those around me.

Conclusion
It would easier for me to hang on to the “short ladder” and achieve a measure of success that would build my ego, pay the bills and offer me and my family some security and comfort; however, that is not how Christ has called me. I am tempted from time to time to give in to a desire to “make money” or work a “nine-to-five” job, but the passion of my soul to plant within the hearts and lives of men, women, young people and children, the truth of Jesus Christ forces me to move forward, to climb higher and achieve, not the success of ego-pleasure, but of spiritual gold and wealth.

Building a Generous Life

Do you sense it? There is a constant bombardment of the message “never be content…always seek to get more.” We see it in advertisements and hear it in the voices of some of our children. Some of us believe the message and think we need a bigger car or a better home or a newer TV. We need to have the trendy water or coffee or cereal brand. Most of the time, we don’t mind because we have the resources to buy these items.
One of the radical things that Jesus called some to do was to give up their wealth and follow Him. Others He told that following Him would cost them their lives. I cannot say that God is calling you to sell property and possessions and give the money away. BUT, I do know He is calling you to give yourself to Him and then give yourself away for others and the sake of the Gospel! That’s a radical call few really want to embrace.
Once someone knows Jesus; however, he or she views all giving as flowing from the perspective that “freely I have received, freely I give.” Whether you give money, time, service, your gifts and graces – and I hope you give all of these things – you give to honor God with your life! It is a sacrifice, but one given out of gratitude, not obligation.
Sacrificing is giving up something you want for the needs of others. It blesses the Lord in the giving. Sadly, there is a tendency to sacrifice something and ask: “What do I get out of it?” The weight of how much we sacrificed comes from the heart of wealth (how much can I afford to give?) rather than from our want (how much am I willing to sacrifice order to give?).

Sir John Templeton, founder of the Templeton funds with currently over $15 billion under his stewardship and management. His greatest living legacy is the Templeton Prize and progress in religion. He makes the following observation: "I have watched 100,000 families over my years of investment counseling. I always saw greater prosperity and happiness among those families who tithed* than among those who didn’t. Tithing is simply an outward expression of spiritual growth, and spiritual growth leads to material growth."

* The Greek and Hebrew words for "tithe" literally mean "tenth" (according to Strong's Dictionary), so the basic meaning of tithing involves giving 10% of something. Therefore, if I choose to give 10% of my paycheck to my church then I have given a "tithe" according to the most basic definition of that word. The New Testament tells us to give generously, and my 10% offering would certainly qualify as generous giving.

22-Jun-08 Message preached at FHC, GR

Picture left is Kershisnik, Ten Lepers

You are friends with THEM?
Luke 17:11-19
Ten Healed of Leprosy
11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a]met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.
15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."


Who are the untouchables in our world today??

Some suggest those with AIDS or are HIV+. Some might feel this way about a Muslim. Some a homosexual. Others will find a huge discomfort level with people of another race. A democrat or even a republican…an atheist…the drug addict…in some of parts of our culture, even among Christians, there are untouchables…



I love William Booth – “go for souls and go for the worst.” Booth said, “My people are gutter people.” He could see beyond the ugliness of the damage of sin and love the soul of people.

I want you to watch a somewhat controversial video. Please don’t turn-off because of the lyrics are not a part of a normal Sunday morning worship…keep watching and I am sure you will understand. Bear with me, please…

Video “God of the Moon and Stars”

Jesus’ ministry is characterized by a constant awareness of the needs of people – the greatest need, of course, is that spiritual re-connection with their Creator, the Heavenly Father. This was the motivation of the Christ…love for the souls of humanity.
Leprosy (or Hansen’s disease) is a horrible disfiguring disease that effects in some varieties skin cells, others nerves and mucus membranes– the disease kills sensitivity to pain causing a person to not sense when a wound has occurred leading to the deterioration of tissue. Limbs don’t just fall off, like you might think; however, many lose limbs and appendages when the disease is not treated or wounds are left without protection and do not heal properly.

There are treatments today for the disease; however, it is not an easy disease to diagnose because cultures of it cannot be grown in a lab – it can only be detected for certain by molecular genetic testing. Treatments are very expensive and hence the reason leprosy is still seen in third world nations.


At the time of Christ, leprosy was viewed as a curse from God and anyone who had contracted such a disease was under the judgment of God and should be rejected. Amazing, isn’t it that Jesus should encounter so many leprosy cases in His ministry…it makes perfectly good sense that Jesus would go to those who were NOT rejected by God in the sense that the resulting illness of their lives was His judgment on them – personally. How beautiful to recount this incident in Jesus’ ministry to remember how He saw me in pity and had mercy on my soul…to cleanse me from the unrighteousness of my soul’s condition.

Have you ever noticed how misery loves company – even common sin brings people together? The ten lepers in our account of a moment in the ministry of Jesus were apparently a mixed group on this boarder region between Galilee and Samaria. They were both Jews and Samaritans – people who normally stayed away from each other were brought together because of their disease. They forgot who they were and knew only that they were people in need. Suffering brings people together and so does sin. People enjoy the opportunity to wallow together in sin until they are absolutely miserable…but it is not so bad, if you can look at your buddy and see he is just as a rotten and stinking as you are. To be fair to these lepers, we have to realize that they probably “took care” of each other and banded together to survive.

Jesus encounters this band and they are confronted with reality: they are miserable. The Law required that when a leper encountered a well person, the leper needed to stand at least 50 feet from the healthy person. So, when the Scripture says they stood far off, it is clear it was at least 50 feet, no doubt. They had to shout to Jesus…”"Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" How often have one seeking Jesus called out in such a manner – often, right? There is a truth that we want to grab on to here:

Jesus in His ministry was among the people. He didn’t recluse Himself in a sanctuary or citadel of retreat…He certainly took time for retreat and refreshment in prayer and connection with the Heavenly Father, but the purpose was not for personal glory, personal hording of blessing or fear of engaging the world that He might fall in sin HH, but rather so that He might be about the Father’s business of Gathering the lost, the far off children of Israel which naturally led to the gathering of the lost, sinful people of the world throughout time. He went about the country, walking the city streets, engaging with people and pointing them to the connection with the Heavenly Father that they were missing. Sinful, disgusting untouchable people were being confronted with the Love of God and being changed by it!

The significant point is the redemption and change that God wants to bring THROUGH YOU to the people of this community, your family, friends and neighbors AND to those who are the untouchables of our community and world! You are the one to bring blessing, hope and healing to these people. YOU ARE THE ONE, friend. There’s no getting around it. If you are a believer, a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, then you are the one. You have the healing in your hand. I like the chorus, “God’s got an Army, Marching through the land, deliverance is their song and with healing in their hand…everlasting joy and gladness in their hearts and in this Army, I’ve got a part!”

You see, then, when we are in the world, but not of the world…when we connect in relationship of love and caring, creatively looking for ways to care for the souls of people around us and show them the love and healing of God…we might make some of the people we encounter miserable, we might make some run away and hide in their sinfulness…BUT God has given you healing in your hand for the ministry of forgiveness, deliverance and love and He calls you to be using these gifts to share peace for the souls of people around you.

Look what happens in our Scripture…

14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.
Jesus instructed them: He doesn’t say that you will be healed but he told them to go the priest. Obedience leads to the miracle: It may have been hard for them to obey Jesus. Perhaps they would want evidence for healing but they went and were healed. Namaan the Syrian (2Ki 5) did not like Elisha’s command to dip 7 times in the Jordan but in obeying he was healed.
As the Law of Scripture demands, the one with leprosy who is healed should go to the priests and be “verified” or certified that they are “clean.” The ten lepers in faith, you see, responded in obedience and while they were on their way, cleansing, healing, restoration of their physical condition occurred. Amazing and wonderful.
15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
Now, this is a great lesson on thanksgiving, certainly and we want to be people of thanksgiving…it is in the expression of thanks to God that often wholeness comes. We surrender to God’s purposes in our lives when we return to Him and give Him thanks…not just for the pleasantries, but for the challenges, as well.
Revelation of God’s glory leads to humility, recognition of our unworthiness. Not like the Pharisee who saw the repentant and contrite tax collector and thought, “Thank you, God, I am not like that tax collector.” No, that’s the wrong approach and moves you away from what Jesus wants to accomplish…our thanksgiving is the proper response in light of our complete unworthiness to receive even the slightest attention of the Almighty God of Heaven and Earth…moon and stars.
Amazingly, the words that Jesus speaks in verse 19 are words of salvation…the expression of “your faith has made you well…” or in the KJV, “thy faith hath made thee whole.…” or the Message, “Your faith has healed and saved you." This is the wholeness that the phrase expresses – not JUST a physical healing, but one that has spiritual impact!
This is the kind of stuff that Jesus wants to do in YOU and THROUGH YOU! You are His minister in this world, among the people you encounter everyday. You are the salt of preserving godliness and righteousness and salt to bring flavor to dull, sinful, bland life and living that so many people encounter in their evil choices. I say evil, not they would use the word, but I use it because the choices of people to rebel against the God who wants only to love them, heal them, save them and create a future for them that is beyond their wildest dreams of wholeness and peace…they, instead, shake their fists in the face of the one who loves them. We cannot understand it all, but we are called to become like Jesus for whom giving up His place in Heaven’s Throne Room, to lower Himself and become like a worm by comparison and live like you and me, face the impact of sin and sinful people and yet, rely on the holiness of God, His father to keep Him without sin, choosing never to disconnect with God and then, bore the weight of my sin and yours, shed His precious blood and die for likes of us! This is amazing love. In this same love, He calls His children to love the sin-sick world, bear their burden and love them to the Father…help them tenderly find God in Christ Jesus, help them heal from the wounds of their sin, the sins of their parents and the sins of those around them…teach them the ways of God, teach them love and let them become the next generation of people who love others to Christ Jesus.
Where are you in this? Are you still bothered that the video talked about things that you don’t approve of? You might be and I respect that…however, I pray you see the video makes the point that God loves these people who do not live like you do and He actually cares about their souls connection to Him as much as He cares for you. Jesus is our model and our hope of sanctifying love. It is His Spirit that will change us to love the unlovable, untouchables of our world, today.

Let Him burn that love in you …come to Him.

There are people living in the world out thereThey need you, they need me, they need ChristThere are children crying and no one to careThey need you, they need me, they need ChristAnd they’ll go on hurting in the world out thereAnd they’ll go on dying, drowning in despairAnd they’ll go on crying, that’s unless we care!They need you, they need me, they need Christ

_____
There are people living who would rather dieThey need you, they need me, they need ChristAnd their Christian neighbours simply pass them byThey need you, they need me, they need ChristThere are people sitting by a silent phonePeople cold and hungry, people left alone,Suicides for reasons that remain unknownThey need you, they need me, they need Christ



Used by permission. CCLI #: CCLI#345328

Song #691/775
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

2.
Though they are slighting him, still he is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently,
He will forgive if they on him believe.

3.
Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving hand, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.

4.
Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wanderer a Saviour has died.


Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

Used by permission. CCLI #: CCLI#345328

CALL TO WORSHIP
If love flows in
Love will flow out.

And every day the Lord will enlarge
your capacity for love.

You will love God above everything
You will be prepared to face anything.

Love is not only good and great
Love Is active: -
- Kind. long suffering
- Gentle
- Patient.
- Never rude, or selfish,
- Not touchy, haughty or fretful.

Love knows no bounds, no limits..
Love is happy, joyous. free
Love transforms the thing It loves.
Love abides forever!

I Corinthians 13 (L.B.)

BOOK REVIEW: Philip D. Kenneson's "Life on the Vine"

Kenneson, Philip D. 1999. "Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community." Downers Grove, Ill: Inter Varsity Press.

INTRODUCTION

Philip Kenneson has written another work, Selling Out the Church with James Street which appears to offer some of the basis for Kenneson’s perspective for Life on the Vine. Kenneson presents a case that the western church (in general) is locked in step with the climate and culture of its environment: market-driven and self-centered. The writer begins with a basis for his argument with a description and careful argument against the “dominant culture”(25) and the susceptibility of the western church to this pervasive influence. The argument is filled out with a study of the Fruit of the Spirit as presented in Galatians 5:22-23. Each chapter (two through ten) unpacks the particular aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit and offers practical steps to counter the dominant cultural antithesis of each virtue.

PROACTIVE QUESTIONS

My review of this book led me to ask the following questions:

1. Is this just another book that attacks the successful communities of faith?
Rationale for Question: I recently did a study on aspects of evangelism in the western church really seeking some ideas for effective presentation of the gospel and found instead a barrage against the successful churches – those who were winning large numbers to Christ. At first, I bought into this anti-megachurch thinking until I read more of Bill Hybels, Rick Warren and others. Certainly arguments can be made against particular cultural patterns, but the desire of many of these churches is simply to see hearts and lives changed for the honor of God. I wondered about Kenneson’s intention. As I read more, I learn that Kenneson sees danger in feeding the selfish aspects of marketing church and the gospel. I can understand the call he makes for followers of Christ to be loyal to Christ which he says is “a commitment that makes relative all other loyalties and allegiances”(23). I am challenged by the manner with which he opens each virtue of the Fruit of the Spirit and points out the cultural dangers that run opposite to each. I accept his call for discernment of the dominant culture and believe whether we consider the mega-church movement to be swayed by the dominate culture or not, his counsel is wise.

2. How is this work helpful to understanding the cultivation of the Fruit of the Spirit in the believer and in the community?
Rationale for Question: The operative word for each chapter from two to ten is “Cultivating.” Cultivating the specific virtues of the Fruit of the Spirit is interesting in that the call Paul makes here is that the Fruit of the Spirit is what is manifest in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit. God’s Presence changes the heart and life of the follower of Jesus so that the Fruit is obvious. Yet, along with this Presence of God in the life of the believer as witnessed by the evidence of these virtues, the command of Paul is “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Kenneson offers practical counsel for the community of faith, as well as the individual follower on how to “keep step” with the Spirit of God in standing strong against the forces of the dominant culture.

3. Are the metaphors of cultivating fruitfulness and agricultural images forced?
Rationale for Question: As noted above, the Fruit of the Spirit has been taught as the natural overflow of the Spirit of God and His Presence in the life of the believer. Others see the evidence of the Spirit of God. The fact that Kenneson introduces most of his chapters with the idea of cultivating had me perplexed. I see now with a measure of understanding. I appreciate an explanation that Kenneson provides early on where he notes that “horticultural” metaphors are rich for the Christian in that they offer a rich balance of both “work” and “grace”. I see in my own ministry this delicate balance. Certainly, if it weren’t for those moments where I can see with some confidence the Hand of the Lord moving, I would be hard-pressed to continue. The wonderful promise of 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 is that God gives the increase when the faithful ones sow, nurture, water and care for the potential that is beginning to sprout. It is a lot of labor and, thank God, a lot more of His Grace!

SUMMARY OR SYNTHESIS
I bring a mixed reaction to this writing. I will not dismiss Kenneson harshly, although at first I thought perhaps this would be another writing that will bash the church. I have grown cynical toward such writings and need to be careful not to dismiss them out of hand. I discovered instead some great value in the significant truth Kenneson has presented: culture is powerful in shaping life and most often the dominant culture runs contrary to Christ and His Gospel. The call for discernment needs to be heeded. I see this need strongly in my current ministry. The pull of culture is strong and wanting to have the best and the brightest is common among churches. Some of this is all right when the incentive is truly to honor Christ. Most often, I fear, the motive is far short of this and summed up in congregational selfishness.

I am not sold completely on the ability of the believer to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit, although I do see the need to stand contrary to the forces that would attempt to mold the followers of Jesus into the image of the dominant culture. I personally believe being well connected to Jesus Christ and the life-change that He brings is the only true manifestation of His Spirit’s Fruit. Attempts to cultivate the tender virtues really are personal growth issues, learning value in Christian disciplines and matters of spiritual maturity. The cultivation of the virtues are likely to help lead to the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit, but it can never be forced, coerced or duplicated by some behavioral modification.

BOOK REVIEW: Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth"

Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart, 2003. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

INTRODUCTION

Fee and Stuart are two professors who share in the development of a tool, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, with expertise in New Testament and Old Testament studies, respectively. The writers take the perspective that handling the Word of God properly is significant and that the reader of Scriptures needs some understanding of how to interpret what he or she reads in the Bible. This perspective assumes that one in the cultural context in which he or she lives, will often misinterpret was the Scriptures say.

PROACTIVE QUESTIONS

My review of this book led me to ask the following questions:

1. What do the authors present their case in the sequence they use?
Rationale for Question: In viewing the table of contents of Fee and Stuart’s How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, I noted that unlike other materials I have seen that generally present their case for study of the Bible in either a chronologically based sequence of Scripture in the canon or in the time-line of events. Fee and Stuart use neither of these approaches.

I discover that Fee and Stuart are impressing significant points for a proper exegesis of Scripture. They begin with discussion concerning the epistles for a utilitarian reason: the epistles are easiest to gain a clearer interpretation. Fee and Stuart set out also a framework for first thinking contextually and then drawing rules for a good hermeneutical perspective. Thus, it is that each successive chapter deals with an increasingly more difficult portion and writing genre of the Bible, beginning with the epistles through to the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

2. How is this work helpful to understanding the Word of God?
Rationale for Question: My ministry involves both the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. I need materials that will assist me in interpreting and leading others in interpreting the Scripture “for all its worth.”

The Bible is a collection of writings from centuries of human experience and God’s revelation set in a number of genres. The Bible is an ancient book, although clearing the Word of God with powerful truths, yet demands to be handled in a thoughtful and attentive manner. Fee and Stuart are sensitive to this reality and provide insights in particular writing genres and textual challenges we face. Significant to their argument and subsequent discussion is the use of a good translation of Scripture. I find it helpful to look at several translations and determine similarities and differences. In the differences, then, is the need to delve deeper to see if there is reasonable background for the variance. Fee and Stuart actually offer an index of Scripture to review passages, as well, that have some contextual issues.

3. How can we know which aspects of popular culture are not against Scripture and which are?
Rationale for Question: I am confronted often whether a Christian should or can be involved in dance or whether or not a young person should get a tattoo.

There are obvious restrictions laid out in Scripture (both Old Testament and New) that are not fully observed in most mainline Christian people, today. Though, some do take a strict observance to what the Bible says regarding women and ministry, head adornment, hair length and other aspects outline in the Bible. The challenge is for those who follow Jesus to know what is permissible and honoring to God and what is not. Fee and Stuart approach these passages with an call for the reader and interpreter of Scripture to study the historical implications of the passage, reach for an overshadowing principle that would apply to the hearers of the original text and apply in the culture of today, but perhaps with a different outcome in specific actions and then look for uniform teachings with other passages. In other words, does the issue appear in another portion of Scripture when listing commands or sinful behaviors? If not, then perhaps the issue is related to a cultural perspective that may not be related to today. This certainly feels dangerous to me, yet how else can we determine the heart of the Gospel and the life the believe should live?

SUMMARY OR SYNTHESIS
I bring a mixed reaction to this writing. I found How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth to have great significance in the reflections and writings concerning each genre of Scripture. The “meat” of the writing was excellent. I was a little disappointed in portions of the book focused on selecting a good translation. I appreciate knowing the challenges of some of the “old reliable” version(s) of Scripture, yet there are many with whom I encounter in ministry who are endeared to the King James Version of Scripture. In my context, I must gently guide them into seeing the problems of some Scripture translations. I usually read several translations and paraphrased versions of Scripture in my personal study and preparation for my sermons. To help my brothers and sisters in Christ, I am willing to share perspectives from the KJV in my messages and when appropriate open hearts and minds to literal translations and textual variances.