Learning through Lamenting.

LEARNING THROUGH LAMENTING 

By Dr. Marc S. Blackwell Sr.

Our tears and His compassions ...

In the presence of tears and one's inner anguish of soul or when a certain seemingly irresolvable life situation surround us, it is good to look in the Old Testament's book about life in the light of the human condition and its related difficulties. Lamentations, (originally this was a part of the book 'Jeremiah') is just such a book. Have you taken the time to recognize why Jeremiah felt so deeply ... or why he wrote such a prayer of anguish or such a "song of tears."  Real life circumstances and some of life’s responsibilities  (assigned by God) had just overwhelmed him! Jeremiah had been given the prophetic responsibility of declaring (preaching) a warning message of judgment. He had to be the one to give the news to Israel that God was going to judge them as a nation. 

Jeremiah was also faced with the task of having to impress individuals that they needed to face the facts of Israel’s failure and both the personal and collective results of sin. They must not let their grief or sense of loss over their nation's judgment be misused or misunderstood as an 'excuse' to go on in their sin. Often men use the overwhelming distresses of life to excuse their inactivity or irresponsibility. Many attempt to ignore God and His Word or somehow believe they can 'marginalize the Lord,'  feeling their situation provides them with their own 'unique' excuse [1 Corinthians 10:12-13]. Nonetheless, God's Word is consistent and clear that we all are expected to think right and act responsibly by turning to the Lord (3:39-41) - no mater how extreme our situation might seem to be.

At the first, Jeremiah joined those that feel their burden should somehow excuse him. He just found this task ... this burden … "as too much to handle"- after all …he argued that he too was just a normal man.  In fact, he so internalized the pain of the responsibility of having to give Israel this terrible news - that he internalized his feelings of being given an unacceptable task!  Jeremiah even attempted carrying the guilt of others as if it was his own guilt - his own fault. Jeremiah then carried this huge burden and his woeful tears to the Lord! Through the record of this prayer or song of anguish he would share his thoughts with Israel and thus by God's will through the Bible he would also share his in personal prayer. The Lamentations open for us all to see his own inner heart's anguish and confusion. The Prophet Jeremiah, under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit shares these five songs of "lamentation" – songs of inner personal anguish or tears; (or in Afrikaans as his "klagliedere." _

“I am the man that has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath.” The words used in chapter three begin with Jeremiah crying-out that he was the man God had chosen to see (ahead of time) what the Lord was going to do to Israel. Jeremiah felt this news so personally that he carried it deep into his heart as a type of ‘depression’ or anguish of his own soul. “Jeremiah expresses how overwhelmed he is by the destruction of Jerusalem, by the sin of the people that brought it about, and by the suffering that resulted from the destruction.“ He says: 3:2 - "He (the Lord) hath brought me into darkness, but not into light"; 3:7 - "He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy." 3:11 "He hath pulled me in pieces"; 3:15 "He hath filled me with bitterness"; 3:18 "And I said my strength and my hope is perishing from the Lord" ....then,  like any believer must, ...Jeremiah got a 'grip of reality' and overcame his emotions by using his mind to recall (3:20-21) that ... his hope - was in the Lord. “My soul hath them still in rememberance and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.”

In Lamentations (Klagliedere) 3:22, Jeremiah begins to listen to his own mind - as compared to earlier in the chapter when he was expressing his natural or human tendency to just listen to the emotional anguish of his soul. Now Jeremiah exclaims, (maybe he made a long, even languished sigh) - It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not!" With this exclamation Jeremiah reminds himself (and you and I should do the same) that the Lord God may well judge the sin of nations, God is Sovereign and has every right to ‘consume” us in judgment. We are as His creation, His nations, His peoples …His, to do with as He please! Nonetheless, the Lord never forgets compassion! As His own children, we must live in a real world and we will be expected to face the results of Adamic sin. The real influence of sin on our world, on our relationships and on creation itself (Romans 8:22) is a sure influence on our own daily lives, our own health and our own hopes! Even though sin discourages us, the Lord is good and He never leaves us hopeless!  

Jeremiah learns in the midst of his own lamentations that God's compassions fail not - that there is hope in the Lord., Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, further classifies His Father's compassions and He calls us away from listening to our troubled hearts,  away from the noise from of our battle with sin and He offers us forgiveness from sin with all of its negative influences and  frightfully serious effects! Our Savior calls us away from our troubled heart to return to our  sure belief (John 14:1) in Him and His salvation and to an obedient life and walk with Him (John 14:21).  As our truly caring Lord and comforting Savior, He will not leave us comfortless but gives us the comfort of the "Spirit of truth" - the Comforter (The Vertrooster) to abide with us during the times, or life-situations, when comfort seems truly and rationally beyond our ability and beyond our reach (John 14:16-18). In fact, Jeremiah reminds himself and us that - in the midst of the most depressing situations or the most frightening news - HIS COMPASSIONS not only "fail not," but … "They are new every morning...!" (3:23)

Increasingly, Jeremiah  learns to look away from the "bad news" that he was assigned to declare to Israel. He also learns to look away from his own inner feelings of his inner personal sadness or sorrows! Jeremiah, takes a big step, now, right now (!) he determines to deal with his false sense of guilt ... by refusing to feel sorry for himself or get lost in the trauma of his life situation! To take this step of faith Jeremiah determines to speak the truth ... to God ... to actually address God in faith about the matter by refocusing on who and how God really is … now Jeremiah speaks to the Lord, and says: "GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!"

When we speak to the Lord about who and how He is, we will yield our self-pity, our guilt and pain. We "wake-up" to our reality. The reality of faith (Heb. 11:1-6 - see the whole chapter) ... it is a "wake-up call!"  We who have the Lord face nothing like the world faces what they face! "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him." (3:24)  Our task or plight in life might seem unfair, unjust, or just unbelievably difficult but our "portion" being the Lord means that we, unlike the world, respond differently ... He is with us!

Are we accepting God as ...

 in fact ours - our salvation - our portion?

“The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.” 3:25 Jeremiah simply, and clearly points out the obvious that if God is in fact our portion … our blessings amidst troubles, our compassionate and faithful ‘friend’ and our heritage in the end … we have no other choice than to wait for Him to be Who He is and do What He wills! We can do one thing other than anxiously fretting and impatiently waiting (Psalm 37)  for His will and ways to become evident … we can seek Him more truly, or in other words we can approach Him in  worship by serving Him without any fear (Philippians 1:28-29)!  

Waiting for the Lord seems right and logical but when we find ourselves living amidst howling and raging storms  waiting is sometimes not so simple. “It is good that we (a man) should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (3:26). Jeremiah is simply adding too the truth that we should wait for God to have His Own way and will with us by saying we should do this without yielding or give-up our hope! Our belief that the Lord saves and in His own time will act is good, but those that hope do not grumble and complain, as well.  Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:21-23 that Jesus is our example … He did not “revile,” i.e. verbally abuse, nor die He fail to hope or commit Himself to His Father. Peter further points our that godly women provide an example for us in that they have a meek and quiet spirit (3:4); they have trusted in God (3:5)… they are not just accomplishing their goals by outward appearances but they have an inner peace and “are not afraid with any amazement” (3:6) …they are like Christ!  We, too, are to be like Christ! In fact we are to “Sanctify (set aside or dedicate with genuine Hope in Him) the Lord God in our hearts.” (3:15) Beware, of saying you are waiting while – in fact – you are grumbling or feeling like you are a victim of “life’s unfair circumstances” !

But most of us are prepared to admit that such “strong” faith is difficult and it even alludes us much of the time! What can a person do? How can we ignore our difficult experiences, and the anguish of a soul that is deeply troubled? How did Jeremiah know what to do? How did Jeremiah do what he “should have” done? Jeremiah knew that character itself, human or Christian character (“learn of me” Matthew 11:29), both share common ‘building blocks.’  

Learning the lessons of "bearing the yoke" ...

If we are to face difficult situations with a “charactered” response, then we will have to deal with life with four lessons (like most lessons) that are best learned when we are young. Jeremiah specifically pointed to the need that we all have to learn what it means to “bear the yoke”.-- “It is good for a man that he bears the yoke in his youth”. 3:27.

First, When we have learned the realities of life – we will have learned four valuable life-lessons:When bearing the “weight of life’s yoke” … silence is an appropriate response. Silence, without the help or encouraging words of another person can be an act of worship, it can be a special – even wordless - prayer and it can truly be a help to others who watch, a service unto God who sees and such silence can be a ministry to all around resulting totally to His Glory! 3:28 “he sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.

Second, ”When bearing the “weight of life’s yoke” … like an oxen who’s head is bowed, his mouth is near to and eating dust itself – knows, that only is such lowly labour and in the labours of life, that hope depends on accepting God’s own eternal plan to deal with sin and to save the world by doing what God has for us to do! To be what God wants us to be – ethically, morally, and spiritually, just like our Savior (Mt. 11:29) who was – “meek … in heart” is our goal. As He brought us salvation and hope in a way unlike the “way/s of the world” we are to glorify God by lives that reflect His ways versus our ways or our thinking. We learn, then, not to demand our rights, ask about “fairness,”  or wonder why others have or seem to have a better life but we learn to obey Him and accept His Will for us! 3:29 “He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope.” 

Third, When bearing the “weight of life’s yoke” …  the one who handles life well must decide to accept his own need to be  meek, a "meekness" like that exhibited by Jesus Christ, our Lord.   As outlined in Matthew 11:29 we need this – “meekness of … heart”.  Just as Christ  honoured His Father, we are to honour the Lord by submitting to Him and looking to His Grace or to allow His strength to operate and be seen through our voluntary meekness. (2 Cor. 4:7-12; 12:9 / 1:3-11) “He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full (Rom. 15:1-3) with reproach. 3:30”  (Mt. 5:11, 39).

When bearing the “weight of life’s yoke” … the fourth valuable lesson of living life to the glory of God is a lesson that we must learn about God’s own nature and character.  When things go “against us” we are prone to think God has forgotten us or cast off or moved away from us for good! Men, especially unsaved men, are inclined to blame God and think He is even malicious in allowing what it seems He has allowed. But, the believer, like Jeremiah, once he gets his bearings again – once he sees the realities of life … will rethink the matter. Once we use our minds, reject our blind emotions and listen to and obey God’s Word we will decide that (1.) God will return to help us, (2.) He is really not inclined to make us grieve and  (3.) He does not do what He does easily (or just willingly,) but does what He does based on principle, right and righteousness! “(3:31-32)  For the Lord will not cast off forever: But though he cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.”

To summarise, Jeremiah’s Lamentations or “songs of tears” are not shared with us to encourage us to just “bite the bullet” or just to “accept our pain” or to attempt living life through fatalism or stoical resolve. This inspired message from God is provided to each one of us to help us to re-find the “reality of our faith.”  

Regretfully, so many Christians today are "rediscovering" the mindset that hides behind St. Augustines philosophies and the vagaries of the Medieval concept of a sovereign social authority. The Dark Ages' society was one that accepted life's hardships as a fatalistic reality of an indifferent God. Rather, think of an indifferent Catholic church that was busy authorizing their  so-called "Divine Right" or their idea of a 'sovereign control' in human governance. 

This dogma of a Sovereign God, as now re-defined by Medieval Churchmen using Creeds and Traditions reframed fatalism as a divine authority of the privileged class over the 'lesser beings' of Medieval and later societies.  To be a "faithful Christian" the common man was taught to accept the sovereignty of the Church, its Popes, Arch-bishops, Bishops and those they installed to govern in God's name ... i.e. -  to hold sovereign control over the "common man" and over society at large. 

When we determine, as believers, to respond to our life-situations out of our personal faith in God we are also called upon by Scripture i. to be responsible, ii. to make right choices and iii. to obey the revealed (written) Word of God. Faith does not call us to deny reality or to deny our pain, or to falsely assume there is no suffering for the faithful! Nor do we need to found our religion in a life that 'just pretends' that all is well - all of the time or to think that a sin cursed and sin-sick world all of our life choices - good and bad - and the corresponding outcomes are somehow best explained by saying that God "is in control of every circumstance of our lives." 

If we accept that we do reap what we sow - then we can live in a real relationship with God and others. ( 1 John 1:5-9) Only when we take responsibility for our actions -- our sinful mistakes and only as we walk in the light, responding to true Truth -only then can we understand the truth that: (3:31-32)"... the Lord will not cast off forever: But though he cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.”

The obedient believer looks realistically to our God, as a God of COMPASSION, FAITHFULNESS and HOPE. We recover our thoughts and know He will not fail us! Then, we like Jeremiah … “get on with life,”  - by and with God’s Grace.

(First draft: Sept 2004, San Bernardino)

Bringing the significance, relevance and encouragement of the "End Times" message of Jesus Christ!

The Herald of Hope Ministry

HoH ministers in South Africa and Australia. Herald of Hope offers local churches the opportunity of periodically focusing and re-focusing on the significance, relevance and encouragement of the "End Times" message of Jesus Christ: 

(i.) His imminent return to be united with believers in the Rapture, 

(ii.) His completion of the 490 years of Daniel's propecies outlined in chapters 2, 7, 9 etc. The four great world empires! the Tribulation!  Israel's conversion, as well as that of many others. Revelation 6-19

(iii.) His military victory at Armageddon, the binding of Satan, His literal second Coming to Reign over the earth. Revelation 19-20

(iv.) His literal Millennial Kingdom of Peace prophesied by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Zechariah and other prophets, as well. The Kingdom role of glorified believer-priests & the application of the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom. 

(v.) His final resolution to the Military threats of Satan and the blindly emboldened armies of this world, His Great White Throne Judgment with His just and righteous judgment of Satan, the rebellious angels and all unbelievers in Hell, the eternal Lake of Fire. His destruction of the old sin-filled and affected earth and it's heavens.

(vi.) His creation of an eternally New Heaven and a New Earth and the Eternal glories of the New Jerusalem.

Pray for this ministry and it's emphasis on the eternal nature of the genuine Hope found in the Saving, Keeping and Soon Coming of Jesus Christ. 

Prominent Women of God’s Grace

Clothed in Humility: 

Consecrated and Competent New Testament Women.

Foreword: Generally speaking, I have avoided reproducing sermons on this blog. In this case - I am retiring a sermon outline that seems to resonate in the hearts of my students, or so some have said. Many student-pastors, and pastors too, overlook the importance of their marriage relationship as a ministry team to the Lord's glory... Such a mistake has dire consequences for all... May this simple outline challenge stronger spiritual teamwork through increased mutual respect. DrMSBsr

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1 Peter 3:5 “For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. … 8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit…”

—- 5:5b “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (nasv)

MARY, the mother treasuring and pondering God’s grace. Luke 1:38; 2:18-19, 51
From Mary’s first mention until the last mention of her in Acts 1:14, she lived a life that represented the inner strength and dignity found in those women who have demonstrated a humble and unchanged trust in God.

Mary’s commitment to the Word and will of God is clear from her determination to be truly available to God. Her life was as example of a life clothed with simple and honest obedience. Romans 15:2 “Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.”

LYDIA, the responsive and faithful business woman of Philippi. Acts 16:12-15 13 “A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into   my house and stay.' And she prevailed upon us."

Lydia, the first European convert to Christ, was already a Gentile convert to Judaism. She had the business woman's enthusiasm and mental acumen. Lydia responded to Truth by committing her heart and life to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and to immediately begin serving Christ.

PRISCILLA, the spouse who served Truth at her husband’s side. Acts 18:2, 18, 26.
“Apollos, the  Alexandrian by birth, … acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

Priscilla, an Asian Jew, the wife of Aquila served together as a couple and a spiritual-team of life-long co-workers of the Apostle Paul. Her knowledge of New Testament Truth was used of the Lord together with her husband to disciple the famed Apollos in “the way of God more accurately.” [Their service is a beautiful example to the many Christian couples who are serving the Lord together.]

EUNICE, a mother serving as a generational conduit of sincere faith. 2 Timothy 1:5
“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”

A daughter of a Jewess that married a gentile. She accepted Christ as her Savior in Acts 14:6-7 at Lystra. Known for her family ministry as a witness to and discipler of her son, Timothy. She serves history as an example of  a mother’s mission to her children. 1 Cor. 7:14 “The unbelieving husband comes under Christian influence by union with his christian wife, and the unbelieving wife is influenced by her union with her Christian husband. Otherwise their children would be left outside any direct Christian influence or spiritual preparation for faith in God.“ (Free Translation from the Greek- drMSBsr)

The Mission of Motherhood:
 Today’s families live under unprecedented financial pressures, daily stresses and emotional exhaustion! The disintegration of the Christian home , the loss of commitment to the church and the disrespect for authority in society: government and schools is the result. The prayers, consistent example and encouragement of mothers is desperately needed! Husbands that live considerately, respectfully and as co-heirs (1 Peter 3:7) together with godly wives can form a spiritual team with such wives and they together will bless their children and strengthen all those who see their faith in Christ.

NAVIGATING SOME INTERESTING LIFE-SEAS: "UNKNOWN KNOWNS" & BIBLICAL REVELATION

NAVIGATING SOME INTERESTING LIFE-SEAS: "UNKNOWN KNOWNS" & BIBLICAL REVELATION



The secular influences, so dominant, in our time give us little choice than to accept a growing isolation and further estrangement from this world... all to be expected, really. Dr. Francis Schaeffer - of years past - warned - few listened.



Visit: www.TheSchaefferFoundation.com

40 Days, 40 Years or 40 Seasons - the Buffets Unique Journey

THE BUFFET'S 40 SEASONS

 by Dr. Marc S. Blackwell Sr.

Howard, Warren and their Grandson "HWB" tackle the problem of "food insecurity" by setting-out to empower an army of poor farmers to feed the world. The book will give you forty stories to encourage you to focus on taking forty years of your own. The book suggests some new "chances" to rethink your own degree of optimism amidst a world that seems preoccupied with the negative in this troubled world.  (SEE: Buffet, G. Howard, Forty Chances, Finding Hope in a Hungry World, New York, Simon & Schuster, 2013)

Most remember Pastor Rick Warren who dazelled much of Christianity with his "40 days" and now we have another 'Warren' and his Son, Howard G. (The Buffets) who are busy sharing their ideas of facing one of this world's greatest challenges ...  serious  Food Insecurity.

The Book "40 Chances" sets-out to share their motivation and thinking for accomplishing their goal of using 3 Billion Dollars for the good of 3 Billion needy people. Howard Buffet believes a lesson he learned from farming is the path to take.

All farmers, according to him, can plan to have about 40 seasons to grow and improve on their crops and their productivity. The Buffets with Grandson "HWB," in tow, are committed to use the own 40 productive years in a unique journey ... a philanthropic "trek" to discover and include new approaches to ease the

The Buffet plan actually came from a speaker who came to their central Illinois farm town to teach a farming course... The essence of his opening motivational thoughts were that we should not focus on the day to day tasks and the month to month processes or even the year to year cycle of work but rather to look to farming from the first time you climbed into the tractor and the day you hand your acreage over to your son or daughter. Even with good health you can probably only expect about 40 seasons to plant your crop and to adjust to the challenges along the way and "hope for the best.  It is enough time to learn to do well. But it's not forever."

Then, the speaker explained the goal was to help these farmers to use these remaining "chances" or seasons to the best of their ability ...using the best tools, best advice on using them... so you can make the most of the time you have left... 

"Forty doesn't seem like a bunch!" -- Buffett thought: "There is no time to waste. I started thinking a little different about farming, but I also realized that this idea applied to a lot more than farming."

Paul the Apostle, under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote Timothy saying "The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things." (2 Tim. 2:6-7).

Paul also advised the Ephesians church... "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Eph. 5:15-17)

What two primary lessons do you see in Paul's counsel to each one of us? I'd be interested to open some dialogue. I wonder, even if we understand these things, if our children understand? 

How much time (or how many seasons) do you seriously imagine that you might have?  

James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom." 

James 4:13 "Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." nkjv

drMSBsr

ARE YOU PRAYING FOR YOUR CHURCH LEADERSHIP?

PRAYING FOR OUR CHURCH LEADERSHIP? 

Could there be a serious need for congregational and personal prayer for RENEWED leadership that is enabled to set a renewed spiritual pace and to regain our New Testament vision for missionary outreach? 

Allow me to think back a hundred years into the history of the early Evangelical "Fundamentalists" churches. We tend to forget that these churches grew and multiplied around a "missionary based strategy." This missionary strategy, they believed, was founded in (among other texts) those specific Biblical Principles that are found in Philippians 4:14 "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account." 

The key words and central strategic missionary concepts of Philippians 4 follow: 

(1.) One does well to share; 

(2.) Financial dependency or "neediness" of a missionary is a God ordained 'affliction.' This God ordained affliction is meant to be 'healed' (or resolved) by local churches ... through their collective and repetitive financial giving; 

(3.) the focus of giving is not on the gift as much as the opportunity to invest and experience increase to the local church's account. 

In summary, it was believed that churches that supported missionaries would be blessed for first giving themselves to the care of these evangelists or missionary couples. They believed Philippians 4 and 2 Corinthians 8 that their sacrificial giving and their faithful gifts could be used of the Lord like the 'loaves and the fishes' to spread the Gospel.

Seems there is a real need for prayer for our church leaders to 

lead and set the pace and regain the vision. 

Some eighty years ago, worldwide economic depression came , hard times for families resulted and even another World War added to the potential of missionary disruption! Against all these difficulties missionaries continued to be sent forth. After WWII thousands of missionaries - once Allied Soldiers - took up the banner of Worldwide missions in the thousands. Congregations sacrificed for World Missionary Outreach. These Evangelical-Fundamental congregations were convinced that their selflessness along with their personal and collective financial sacrifices were directly linked to their collective spiritual growth and their numerical congregational growth. 

Seems there is a need for prayer for our church leaders to 

lead and set the pace and regain the vision. 

Today, regrettably, financial depression and recession have become the influence to lead many congregations to be fearful. Pastors have often failed to challenge the faithful to greater sacrifice. Pastors have often chosen to sympathise with their brethren by finding logical rationale for cutting back in our giving and many pastors feel they must empathize with those struggling. One wants to understand the situation but more importantly we must stay true to the Word of God not our emotional reactions. The cost is a shrinking church... you would, of course, be understood if you mistook my reference to "shrinking" as a reference to finances and attendance. But forgive me, if I seem arrogant or unfeeling, when I suggest that what is in fact "shrinking" is the spiritual accounts of pastors, local church congregations or in other words their membership.  

It is interesting, that many churches I visit are convinced that they must "cut back" or place their missionary budget in a "holding pattern" (i.e. - or not increasing funding and not adding missionaries). In every one of these churches - where missionary support income is decreasing or where the church budget is losing funds - another parallell reaction is taking place among many church members. 

Church members, (individuals and families), are reacting by independently re-allocating their giving and determinedly supporting missionaries privately. 

Some missionaries simply focus on individuals now that they recognize the church's budget committee and missionary committee are agreed that the only answer is to "cut back" the giving. The collective body of believers - the congregation - looses the blessing promised in Philippians 4:17. Those family units that are replacing the "lost vision" with their own "passion" for supporting those taking the Gospel to the lost world may well experience blessings but it comes at the cost of the congregation. It is clear in the New Testament that the core concept of Christianity is not individuality but congregational unity and cooperation. 

Seems there is a need for prayer for our church leaders to

 lead and set the pace and regain the vision. 

drMSBsr

Gracious Words ... Spiritual communication!

Sharing Grace. 

A Biblical Counselling Course for Every Christian.

by 

Dr. Marc S. Blackwell, Sr.

Learning to craft your faith in such a way that you can respond, communicate and live-out the life-changing truths of God’s Word as a witness to those around you. Transforming others through a testimony of the transforming power of God's grace is an important part of the Christian life! As we encourage or counsel others to look to God's grace we will see that the Word of God is a powerful tool for shaping, remaking and transforming lives.

Introductory Session No. I.  Considering how “Chara” ~  Joy can be used as a means to Outreach or spiritual counsel. “...Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him,  you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressable and full of glory.”1 Peter 1:8 (nasv)

Introductory Session No. II.  Considering how “Chairo” ~  Rejoicing can be used to encourage a more effective witness of Christianity and its claims to those around us... at home, work or play. “But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.” 1 Peter 4:13

Introductory Session No. III. Considering how “Charis ~  Grace can be used to strengthen others lives through the simple truths we share along with our life-testimony. “...Testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” 1 Peter 5:12

INTRODUCTION: Words of Grace
This course is more of a “workshop” for discussion opportunities than a traditional classroom situation.  We seek to learn together!

Our goal is to learn how we may craft our faith in such a way that we can respond, communicate and live-out the life-changing truths of God’s Word as witnesses to those around us!

 There are three Greek words - all three come from the same language-family - that I hope to use to influence or discussions.

The three words are all found in the First General Letter to the churches by Peter: ‘chara, chiro and charis. The last of these three words is known the best since it is the common Greek word used for our, often used, word … ‘grace.’ If I am not seeing too much in these differences or choices, then, our focus on these aspects of grace can encourage a better witness and a stronger framework from which to offer sound spiritual encouragement or Biblical council.

The emphasis I find in each of these words, at least in this specific context, is:

I. "CHARA" - the communication of spiritual joy {1 Peter 1:8] "And though you have not seen Him, you love Him and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."

1.) WORDS OF LIFE. Christ's Words do give life, genuine and eternal life! John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23.
     John 17:13 "But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My JOY made full in themselves." (See also Matthew 4:4)

2.) RELATIONSHIP FORMING. 1 John 1:3-4 with John 15:11 speak clearly and strongly regarding the Lord's message having the power to form New Relationships between us and Him and between or among each believer. These newly created, built and sustained relationships are more than "normal." "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full." John 15:11 (Also see: John 10:10)    

3.) ACTION PLANNING: "SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS" PSALM 100:2
     Consider: Proverbs 22:17-21 with Psalms 17:1-9;  18:17-19  and  James 4:7

4.) WORD: SELECTION EXERCISES

II. CHAIRO - the practice of rejoicing under pressure{1 Peter 4:13]
   
  1.)THE FELLOWSHIP OF SUFFERING.
                  2.)COMMUNICATING HOPE AMIDST PRESSURE.

III. CHARIS - the unwavering commitment to testify of God’s grace
{1 Peter 5:12]

1.) THE UNCOMPLICATED CHARACTER OF GRACE TEACHINGS.

2.) THE EXALTED REQUIREMENTS OF GRACE TEACHINGS.

3.) THE DIVINE ENABLEMENT OF GRACE TEACHINGS.