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I Want My Way!

I Want My Way!

There was once a couple of parents who were concerned about their son. He was well-passed the age of talking, but had never uttered the first word. They took him to specialist after specialist but the tests were always negative. He was perfectly healthy, physically and emotionally, but year after year past and no talking. Finally, one evening at the dinner table, the boy spoke. He pointed at the broccoli on his plate and said, “I hate this.” The parents were obviously overjoyed. “Son,” they cried! “You can speak! Why have you waited so long to say something?” In a strong clear voice, the little boy said, “Well, everything was OK up until now!”

Isn’t that the way many of us are? We only open our mouth to complain. Little Suzie brings home all A’s and one B on her report card. Mom says, “Why couldn’t you make straight A’s.” Your spouse spends all day washing,  Scrubbing, and cleaning house, but the first words out of your mouth are “Where’s my favorite towel? You know I’m particular about my towel.” Your wife prepares you a nice meal, but you say, “You know, this meat is a little tough; how long did you cook it?”

Why do we complain. Why are we not grateful? It’s simple, I want my own way and it really doesn’t matter who I hurt, upset, or criticize. I will stop at nothing to get what I want.

As the first child born on my mom’s side of the family I was doted on by everyone—spoiled rotten. I was the center of their world and it took a lot of spankings to disabuse me of the notion that life was not about me! Every child born into this world comes in screaming for their own way.

However, do we really grow out of this self-centeredness?

Let’s put this in a church setting, Paul deals with this issue at Philippi. Philippians 2:1-5 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any  tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Two ladies could not get along in that church. Philippians 4:2-3 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel. Their actions were ripping the church apart and causing immeasurable harm to the cause of Christ.

Paul begs them to be united to put aside their selfish ambition and self interests. How do we disabuse ourselves of the notion we are not the center of the universe? Paul said we are to treat others better than ourselves. We  should be like Jesus and deliberately put the needs of others ahead of our own. We should put the good of the church ahead of our own wants and desires. We should put the cause of Christ ahead of our own pettiness.

Don’t be like that little boy! Use your words to bless, compliment, and uplift —not complain!

I’ll say more in my lesson!

Joey

By | 2024-03-16T23:23:00-06:00 March 16th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

As Each Part Does Its Work

As Each Part Does its Work

There is an old joke about a county crew observed working along the side of a road. The crew consisted of two men with shovels. As they proceeded along, one would dig a hole and then walk a few feet and begin to dig another hole. Meanwhile the guy behind him would fill up the hole his buddy just dug. When asked about this strange occurrence, they remarked. Well, usually there are three of us, but the guy who plants the tree is off today!

Usually, the joke is told to spotlight government dysfunction and incompetence. Truly, the more you think about it, the more dysfunction can be seen going all the way up the supervisory chain to the higher levels of leadership.

However, I want to use the story to illustrate another principle: one from , Ephesians 4:16, From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

The context is the practical application section of Ephesians. The subject is the mandate for unity in the church. The emphasis is unity in the midst of diversity. Jesus has given leadership gifts to his church Ephesians 4:11-13,

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Notice that each one of these gifts for leadership involve some form of teaching and training as evidenced in the purpose of the gifts, to prepare God’s people for works of service

So what we see here are the preparers (those with a diversity of leadership gifts) and those being prepared (God’s people, the rank and file of the church). Works of service and the building up of the body in unity is the result.

We all should fall into one of these two categories: leadership (preparers) or prepared members (those doing good works). If not, something is amiss with process- “the guy who plants the tree is off today!” That is the reason Paul added this line in Ephesians 4:16, as each part does its work.”

I used the story of the roadside crew as an icebreaker in my life group this week to introduce this very text. I asked everyone to tell some story about a time they worked on a team where everyone’s contribution mattered.  Stories varied, but one factor was common to them all. When people on the team did not do their job, the team suffered along with the project.

Think about this in regard to the church. When leaders don’t prepare God’s people or when God’s people don’t follow their lead, both the church and the cause of Christ suffer –there are no good works, there is no spiritual growth, we don’t become more like Christ, and the unity of the Spirit is not maintained.

Sunday will be our congregational meeting for 2024. The Shepherds will be presenting their plan for the year. Ask yourself, Am I doing my part? Will I do my part?

I’ll say more in my lesson!

 – Joey

By | 2024-03-09T23:34:30-07:00 March 9th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Unity Of The Spirit

The Unity of the Spirit

I usually plan my messages weeks if not months in advance.  It’s better for my stress levels. I don’t have to ask myself every Monday, “What am I preaching about next Sunday?”  However, I do try to be open for special occasions and other relevant issues.

Last Summer the elders had asked me to preach a series on unity which I planned for January/February 2024. Since then we designated January-March 2024 as a time for selection of additional elders and deacons,  Consequently, I changed the schedule to include five lessons on the work and qualifications of these church leaders.

We’ve had a few special days since that time requiring relevant messages of their own. So now it’s time to get back to the lessons on unity.

My text for Sunday in Ephesians 4:1-3:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

This is the beginning of the paraenetic section of Ephesians. Paraenesis refers to the practical or ethical application of theology or teaching. The first three chapters of Ephesians consist of theology. In this case, what God has done for us. The last three chapters are application – how we respond to God. Paul often divides his letters into the what and the so what. Chapters 4-6 comprise the so what of Ephesians.

Paul encourages his audience to live a life worthy of [your] calling.” The first worthy living application is found in verse 3, Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

We can deduce at least four truths from this text.

First, Unity is a Product of the Holy Spirit. We are not responsible for creating unity; God has already done that. Earlier in this epistle Paul makes clear God’s eternal plan for unity (Ephesians 1:7-10; Ephesians 2:11-22; Ephesians 3:1-7).

Second, Our Responsibility is to Keep or Maintain that Unity. If we wish to live worthy of God’s saving work we need to maintain and guard what he created. This is why disunity, division, squabbling, gossip, backbiting, etc. is antithetical to the Christian life.

Third, We Must Make Every Effort to Maintain this Unity. We are to go the second mile; give it 110%. This involves examining our attitudes and behavior (Ephesians 4:2) and focusing on our commonalities in Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). Unity is a major responsibility for every Christian because it is at the heart of God’s plan for humanity.

Fourth, Unity Must be Kept Through the Bond of Peace. Every Christian must examine themselves and ask, “Are my actions and attitudes contributing toward peace?” “Am I a peace-maker or a rabble-rouser?” (cf., Matthew 5:9; James 3:13-18). “Is my life full of self-made drama and conflict or do I seek to exemplify and promote peace to those in my life?”

I’ll say more in my lesson!

– Joey

By | 2024-03-03T01:52:09-07:00 March 3rd, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Don’t Let Anyone Look Down On You…

Don’t Let Anyone Look Down on You…

1 Timothy 4:12-16  Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.  15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

This topic is relevant  for at least two reasons.

  • First, I have heard it used in both AHG and Trail Life meetings to describe the contributions of their youth as they grow to become men and women of God.
  • Second, just last week in our youth rally, 1 Timothy 4:12 was a call for greater service and involvement in our youth and young adults by our own youth and young adults!  Yes, this year all our speakers were from among our own youth.  Let me say, as one who attended Every speech and much of the song service (some of which was also led by our youth), they did an excellent job in preparation, dealing with their individual parables, and in sharing their thoughts.  Below are some quotes from the notes I took.

Zach Miller, commenting on 1 Timothy 4:12, “It’s really time that WE start stepping up.”

Seth Conder, on the differing gifts given to Christians, “Equality (of gifts) is not a part of the Kingdom of God… What are we doing with the gifts God gave us?”

Luke Allegood, on leaving the 99 in search of the one lost sheep, “God pursues the lost… If you’re lost, God will carry you home.”

Damian Kershner, on being salt and light to the world, “There are so many ways to share the life of Christ—art, speaking, writing.… As Christians, we are called to preserve (like salt) the world.”  …“One reason why people hate Christians is because we are fake.  We are not letting our light shine.”

Ryan Bier, “It’s exciting to see the Kingdom at work in young people.”

I’ll share more quotes in a future article.

— Joey

 



Welcome Trail Life & American Heritage Girls!

Sunday, we celebrate two of our ministries—American Heritage Girls and Trail Life.  Welcome!

Both organizations are alternatives to traditional scouting that feature a distinctively Christian worldview.  You can read more about them on their national websites traillifeusa.com and americanheritagegirls.org (hot linked if you are viewing this digitally).

This congregation chartered, oversees, and supports both troops. We will hear a little more about their local work in our service and afterward Michael Kamplain with present them with an award.

 

By | 2024-02-24T23:54:21-07:00 February 24th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Faith Speaks

Faith Speaks

I’ve found that it’s really easy to make excuses about how you are not qualified, able or the best person for the job. Christians often want to rely on paid ministers, missionaries, and well known authors or public speakers to  share the gospel and do kingdom work. It seems like this is due to one of two problems, either being too lazy or too scared to proclaim the message of Christ. Jesus speaks clearly in two consecutive parables on this problem and gives us a clear understanding of how the kingdom works. In Matthew 13:31-33, it only takes a small seed of faith, when planted, to grow into a great mustard tree. The small amount of work that goes into kneading a tiny portion of yeast exponentially changes the quantity of bread. Jesus isn’t asking us to do all of the work, but it is critical for us to know that we are called in Matthew 28:19-20 to go out and make disciples of all nations.  Sometimes all we need is to be faithful and brave enough to realize that our work can be as easy as planting the seed of a story Jesus already told on the heart of a nonbeliever. By letting our faith speak we will see exponential growth for the kingdom.

– Ryan Bier

By | 2024-02-18T00:42:32-07:00 February 18th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Bless Me Too, My Father

Bless Me Too, My Father

Genesis 27:1-41

When our children were young, they participated in the San Diego County Bible Bowl sponsored by area churches of Christ. For a full year, the students would study and be drilled in a book of the Bible. This would culminate in an area-wide competition in Bible knowledge of that book. Trophies were given and the event created a lot of enthusiasm and motivation to study the Bible. Canyon View, where we worked and worshiped, would usually field  several teams in various age categories.

In 2005, the book selected was Genesis and we would listen to Scripture with the kids in the car everywhere we went – school, practice, shopping, etc. We used a recording that was known for its dramatic reading and the  narrator’s vocal interpretation would often make you see the text in a different way. Genesis 27, relating the deception of Isaac by Jacob in receiving the blessing (in the place of Esau) was one of those readings.

Esau is usually depicted in the Bible as a crude, brutish individual. The Hebrew writer goes even farther than that, “See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son(Hebrews 12:16).

However, in Max McLean’s narration, we get a picture of Esau which really reveals the pathos and bitter disappointment he felt over Jacob’s deception. If you are viewing this article digitally, you can click on this link for  McLean’s narration of the entire chapter. Esau’s pitiful outburst begins at the 4:11 timestamp, https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Gen.27.

When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me– me too, my father!” 35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” 36 Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? He has deceived me these two times: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?” 37 Isaac answered Esau, “I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I have sustained him with grain and new wine. So what can I possibly do for you, my son?” 38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then Esau wept aloud(Genesis 27:34-38).

Esau had a right to be upset. Jacob had cheated him here and taken advantage of his brutishness earlier in the birthright trade. They both saw this as a competition. There was only one birthright and one blessing. Jacob won. Esau lost. Zero-sum. The sad thing is that this was never really a competition. In spite of all of Jacob’s plotting and scheming and Esau’s resentment, God had already decided their paths from before birth (Genesis 25:23). Their  competition was a result of misguided parents choosing and grooming their favorite.

My message Sunday involves those who are not in the formal leadership. We’ve been talking about selecting Elders and Deacons and their qualifications. Many names have been submitted, but not all will be chosen. This is not a competition. There are no losers.

In fact, we are all winners when we let God have final say. Selecting leadership is a cooperation with the will and purpose of God. Remember Acts 20:28, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.

Speaking of the gifts of leadership Paul said, in 1 Corinthians 12:18, “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (cf., Ephesians 4:11-13).

There is also a blessing for you – whether in formal leadership or serving in another capacity. We will explore it Sunday.

Joey

By | 2024-02-11T00:36:30-07:00 February 11th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Qualifications Of Deacons

The Qualification of Deacons

Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Introduction

  1. The Boise Church Needs Strong Leadership to Navigate us Through the Days to Come.
  2. The First Quarter of Every Year as a time of (Re)-Confirmation of Elders and Deacons
  3. Messages on the Work and Qualifications of Deacons and Elders.
  4. Today, The Qualifications of Deacons.

I. Positive Qualifications:

  1. Full of the Holy Spirit” (cf., Galatians 5:22-25)
  2. Wisdom” (cf., James 3:13-18)
  3. “Above Reproach
  4. “Worthy of Respect
  5. “Keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience” – They must know, be committed to, and be faithful in obeying/applying the truth of God’s word.
  6. “They Must First be Tested” – tested and proven in the sense of previous experience serving and in character

II. Negative Qualifications:

  1. Sincere“‑ “not double-tongued,” “not a gossip”?
  2. “Not Indulging in too much Wine – “not a heavy drinker”
  3. “Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain”‑ not greedy

III. Special Qualifications:

  1. “Husband of One Wife;” lit., “a one woman man.”
  2. “Must Manage his Children Well”
  3. “Must Manage His Household Well”

III. Qualifications for Women/Wives (1 Timothy 3:11)

  1. “Above Reproach
  2. “Worthy of Respect
  3. “Not Malicious Talkers” (Gossips, Slanderers)
  4. TemperateIn Everything (Sober, Self-controlled)
  5. Trustworthy in Everything” (Faithful, Reliable)

Conclusion

  1. 1 Timothy 3:13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
  2. We Need Strong Leadership to Take us into a Glorious Future.
  3. Please Prayerfully Consider and Participate in this Process of Confirmation and Reconfirmation our Leaders.
By | 2024-02-03T15:44:54-07:00 February 3rd, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Work Of Deacons

The Work of Deacons

Acts 6:1-6

Introduction

  1. The Boise Church Needs Strong Leadership to Navigate us Through the Days to Come.
  2. The First Quarter of Every Year as a time of (Re)-Confirmation of Elders and Deacons
  3. Messages on the Work and Qualifications of Deacons.

I. Contextual Information from Acts 6:1-6

  1. Grecian Jews Complained their Widows were Neglected in the Daily Distribution of Food.
  2. Apostles Objected to having to Divert their Attention from Word Service to Table Service (Serving Tables).
  3. Seven Men were Selected to Distribute Food.

II. Information from the Words Used for the Work & Office

  1. Diakoneo (the action) – to serve, prepare a meal, wait on, care for, provide for, to deacon (serve as a deacon)
  2. Diakonia (the service) – ministry, service, contribution, help, support, mission, distribution of food, preaching/teaching, or office (of a deacon)
  3. Diakonos (the person)
    1. General Word for Waiter, One Who Serves Tables, servant
    2. General Word for any Christian Servant (servant, minister, preacher, helper)
    3. Specific Word for Office (Philippians 1:1, Deacon; Romans 16:1, Deaconess/Servant.

III. Information from the Qualifications

  1. Acts 6:1-6: Full of the Holy Spirit/Wisdom
  2. 1 Timothy 3:8-13: Respectable, Honest in Speech, Not Heavy Drinkers, Not Greedy, Good Managers

IV. Information from Synagogue Precedents

  1. Synagogues had “Keepers.
  2. Synagogues also Selected 7 Men as Alms Collectors.

V. Information from Early Church History

  1. Ignatious – “For they are not deacons of meats and drinks [only] but servants of the church of God.”
  2. Hermas – “They that have spots are the deacons that exercised their office ill and plundered the livelihood of widows and orphans and made gains for themselves from the ministrations they had received to perform.”
  3. Justin, 1st Apology, 65 – “Those who are called by us deacons to give to each of those present to partake of the bread and wine mixed with water over which the thanksgiving was pronounced,  and to those who are absent they carry away a portion.

Conclusion: Contemporary Examples of the Work

  1. Elders Delegate Tasks to Special Servants, Male and Female. Male Servants are Often Called Deacons and Serve as Church Officers.
  2. Deacons are often Selected as Individuals who Oversee Specific Ministries: Benevolence, Worship, Outreach, Building Maintenance, Youth, etc.
  3. Often Deacons Administrate Ministry Teams made up of other Men and Women. Ex., B.O.D.Y.
  4. Here, Deacons form an Administrative Body of their own to Carry out the Delegated Tasks of the Elders. They also Have Specific Ministries given to them Individually.
By | 2024-01-27T17:19:09-07:00 January 27th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Qualifications Of Elders/Shepherds

The Qualifications of Elders/Shepherds

1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4

Introduction

  • A. The Boise Church Needs Strong Leadership to Navigate us Through the Days to Come.
  • B. The First Quarter of Every Year as a time of (Re)-Confirmation of Elders and Deacons
  • C. Messages on the Work and Qualifications
  • D. Today, We will Discuss the Qualifications of Elders.

I. Positive Qualifications:

  • A. “Above Reproach”‑”Blameless
  • B. “Temperate” ‑ (Showing Moderation/Self-Restraint)
  • C. “Self-Controlled” (Sober Minded, Sensible/Prudent)
  • D. “Respectable” (Well-Behaved)
  • E. “Hospitable
  • F. “Gentle” (Not Violent, Yielding/Kind)
  • G. “He Must Manage his own Family Well” (Household)
  • H. “Good Reputation with Outsiders
  • I. “One who Loves What is Good
  • J. “Upright” (Righteous with God. Fair with Others)
  • K. “Holy” (Devout, Pious, Pure in Heart/Life)
  • L. “Disciplined
  • M. “Of a Ready Mind” (Eager to Serve)

II. Negative Qualifications:

  • A. “Not Given to Drunkenness” (Not a Heavy Drinker)
  • B. “Not Violent” (Not Pugnacious/Combative)
  • C. “Not Quarrelsome” (Not Contentious, but Peaceable)
  • D. “Not a Lover of Money” (Not Covetous/Greedy), “Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain”
  • E. “Not Overbearing” (Not Self-Willed/Arrogant)
  • F. “Not Quick-Tempered

III. Special Qualifications:

  • A. “Husband of One Wife” (lit., “A One Woman man;” Faithful to his Wife)
  • B. “A Man Whose Children Believe” (lit., “Having Faithful Children”)
  • C. “Able to Teach;” “They Must Keep Hold of the Deep Truths of the Faith;” “Hold Firmly to the Trustworthy Message so that he can Encourage Others by Sound Doctrine and Refute those who Oppose it.”
  • D. “Not a New Convert” (lit., “A Neophyte;” Novice)

Conclusion (Observations):

  • A. These Men are Appointed, Not Elected.
  • B. This is Not a Popularity Contest; or Referendum on Ideological, or Methodological Views.
  • C. Elders/Shepherds/Bishops are Placed in Leadership by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11). We are to Submit/Obey (Hebrews 13:17).
  • D. Please Prayerfully Consider and Participate in this Process of Confirmation and Reconfirmation our Leaders.
By | 2024-01-21T00:02:46-07:00 January 21st, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Work Of Elders/Shepherds

The Work of Elders/Shepherds

Acts 20:17-31

Introduction

  1. The Boise Church Needs Strong Leadership to Navigate us Through the Days to Come.
  2. Our Shepherds have Designated the First Quarter of Every Year as a time of Confirmation/Reconfirmation of Elders and Deacons in the Church.
  3. During the Next Four Weeks, I will Share Messages on the Work and Qualifications of these Church Leaders.

I. There are Three Primary Designations for Elders that are Used Interchangeably (Acts 20:17, 28).

  1. Presbuteros Elder (Older, Wiser Man; Judgments)
  2. Poimen Shepherd/Pastor (Metaphorical Usage. One who cares for, provides for, and protects sheep).
  3. Episcopos Overseer/Bishop/Superintendent (One who watches over)

II. Church Ecclesiology/Polity in the New Testament

  1. There was No Ecclesiastical Manual Given at Pentecost.
  2. Apostolic Authority (Acts 2:42; Acts 6:2, “ministry of the word”; Acts 15:1-31, Apostles & Elders now at Jerusalem).
  3. Elders were Appointed to Serve in the Place of Apostles/Missionaries/Evangelists (Acts 14:14, 23; 1 Timothy 2; Titus 1; Ephesians 4:11).
  4. Elders filled the Apostolic Void in Leadership and Teaching.

III. Biblical Responsibilities of Elders/Shepherds

  1. General Oversight of the Local Congregation:
  2. They have the Authority to do Whatever is Necessary to Perform their Function (Hebrews 13:17; cf., 1 Peter 5:3).
    • 1. Set and Enforce Policy.
    • 2. Arbitrate Disputes/Discipline Members.
    • 3. Request Assistance from Members.
    • 4. They May Employ any Outside Help Required.
    • 5. They can Select Definite Helpers, such as Deacons, or other Individuals.
    • 6. They Supervise the Work of the Local Ministers.

Conclusion

  1. We Need Strong Leadership to Take us into a Glorious Future.
  2. Please Prayerfully Consider and Participate in this Process of Confirmation and Reconfirmation our Leaders.

— Here is a memo from our shepherds outlining the current confirmation process:  Memo

By | 2024-01-14T00:54:10-07:00 January 13th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments