On Sunday, April 10, 2011, a man and his family came from the Kansas City area to visit Fairfax, MO. To be specific this man came to Fairfax Baptist Church in view of a call as Pastor. We could not imagine a man, his wife, daughter, and son born and raised in the KC area, wanting to come to a small town to shepherd us.
But God –
This man’s name was Andy Braams.
In his message that day, Andy asked the question, “What is our call?” The Scripture he used was John 14.21: “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
Andy asked another question: “Do we have His commands? And if we do, are we obeying them?”
Then he shared a math formula. Have + Obey = Love.
If we have His commands and obey them we are showing God that we love Him. It is a simple formula but very broad. Andy went on to share three thoughts that will show our love to God: Exalt the Savior, Equip the Saint, Evangelize the Sinner. He had borrowed them from a book he had read; also the Missouri Baptist Convention uses these ideas.
With these three ideas in his mind, as he was preparing his message, Andy happened to look at the Fairfax Baptist Church constitution. When he did, he was “blown away.” In the objectives of Article II were these three ideas (not in these exact words, but they were there).
Now, 6 years later, our vision is “To be a large church in a small town.” Not in numbers, but in influence. To be a large church in a small town, our mission is: Exalt the Savior, Equip the Saint, Evangelize the Sinner
Our strategy is where our JOURNEY begins. We are on a journey to be more like Jesus. This acrostic helps us identify the necessary components of living a Kingdom-focused life. Today we look at the middle element: Revere – worshiping God in all aspects of our lives.
Revere:
- to feel in awe of
- to regard with respect and affection mingled with awe
- to regard as worthy of great honor
The English word “worship” comes from two Old English words: weorth, which means “worth,” and scipe which means something like “shape” or “quality.” We can see the Old English word scipe in modern words like friendship and sportsmanship – that’s the quality of being a friend, or the quality of being a good sport. So worth-ship is the quality of having worth or of being worthy.
When we worship, we are saying that God has worth, that He is worthy. Worship means to declare worth, to attribute worth. We speak or sing about how good and powerful God is. We praise God.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” – Revelation 4.11
When we come here on Sunday morning, do we come to worship Him or do we come “to church”? We all know the answer to that one. We should come here on Sunday morning to worship our Lord because He is worthy of our Praise.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2.9
We are not worthy of it but because of His love and setting us apart, we have been called to proclaim and declare God’s worthiness.
We, the Church, come to this building on Sundays to worship God. Does the Church worship God on Thursday? How about Saturday? We should worship God every day, all day, in all aspects of our life.
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his REVEREnce.” – Hebrews 5.7
We must ask ourselves, with the reverence I have for God, does he hear my prayers?
For the past 60 years, American currency has had the motto, “In God We Trust” inscribed on it. The motto was added to the currency to negate the impact of the godlessness of communism during the years when McCarthyism was in full bloom. But the 1950s were not the first time the motto was included. In the 1860s, the US Treasury beginning printing the phrase on both one-cent and two-cent coins because several people appealed to have the national motto include God due to the Civil War. In 1864, the two-cent coin became the first coin to contain the motto, just months before the end of the Civil War and President Lincoln’s assassination.
Over time, more coins, and eventually paper currency, adopted the motto as well becoming official on all currency in the 1950s, although it did not appear on all paper currency until the 1960s. Of course, many have claimed the dollar bill has a great deal of religious imagery on it. Such has been the case on various world currencies for centuries as world powers throughout history have added images of deities to their money. But, for people throughout history, as well as for us, the issue is not the images themselves, but whether or not we worship the images, the money, or even what the money represents (purchasing power, wealth, prestige, etc.).
The reality is that we need money to function. But as the old adage goes, “It is not a matter of whether we have money, it is whether our money has us.” And it is not a matter of whether the motto is “In God We Trust” but whether we believe the words of that motto. For all of us do trust something. More specifically, we do trust in something or someone. Whether we trust in God or ourselves or money or family or material goods or whatever it might be, we all place our trust in something or someone.
For the disciple, that trust should be in Jesus. For the disciple-maker, that trust should be in Jesus. For the disciple-making church, that trust should be in Jesus. Last week, I gave three overarching reasons why people and churches do not make disciples. Without elaborating again, let me remind us of those reasons.
- We don’t understand Jesus.
- We don’t believe God.
- We don’t love Jesus.
I then mentioned seven reasons why churches do not make disciples. We will explore each of those reasons over the next several weeks beginning with the issue of trust this week. Our passage will be from 1 Corinthians 1.10-17. Before we get to that, let me provide a brief overview of the letter. I will do so by showing how the Corinthians placed their trust in many different areas besides God – a challenge we still face some 2000 years later.
Ch 1: In people we trust – Who to follow
Ch 2 & 3: In wisdom we trust – Was Paul not wise enough
Ch 4, 5: In arrogance we trust – Sexual immorality was ok in the church
Ch 6: In the world we trust – Suing one another in court
Ch 8, 10: In knowledge we trust – Idolatry
Ch 11: In favoritism we trust – Abusing the Lord’s Supper
Ch 12-14: In abilities we trust – Misunderstanding of Spiritual Gifts
Ch 15: In God we trust – The Truth! – It is about CHRIST and the GOSPEL
That is a brief overview of this letter to the church at Corinth – a church that obviously had many issues and therefore was not likely focused on making disciples. Rather, the people and groups within the church were protecting their territory rather than realizing that all territory is God’s territory. These words should remind us that what we do is for God’s glory not our own. With that in mind, before we move on, let us take a minute to be reminded of our Vision, Mission, Strategy, and Steps as a reminder of where our focus needs to be as a Kingdom-focused church – a church which follows Jesus and, therefore, is making disciples.
VISION
To be A large church in a small town. (Matthew 5.13-16)
MISSION
Exalt the Savior (John 12.32).
Equip the Saint (Ephesians 4.11-13).
Evangelize the Sinner (Acts 1.8).
STRATEGY
Jesus (Matthew 16.18-19) – The One worth following.
Observe (Colossians 1.28-29) – Following the commands of Jesus.
Unite (1 Corinthians 1.10) – Being one in fellowship with other believers.
Revere (John 12.32) – Worshipping God in all aspects of our lives.
Nurture (Eph 4.12-13) – Building up others for the work of ministry.
Engage (Acts 1.8) – Stirring the hearts of all people with the Gospel.
You (Matt. 15.15-16) – The one who decides to follow.
STEPS
Learn With Each Other (Acts 17.10-12)
Live For Each Other (Rom 15.1-2)
Love God and All Others (Matt 22.37-39)
Lead One Another (to Follow Jesus) (2 Tim 2.2)
(Leave) When Called by the One True Other (Acts 13.1-3)
Click here to read Roger’s look at Unite in the other blog entry for the week. That idea is the fundamental understanding of our passage for today. We had an overview of 1 Corinthians a few moments ago, now, let us look more specifically at chapter 1, beginning in verse 10.
A Disciple-Making Church is United in Christ
Let us note that as we start with verse 10, Paul has already used the title of “Christ” nine times in the first nine verses. Why? Because Paul is writing not only to unite the people in Christ, but to remind them of why they are together in the first place – the work of Christ (notice v. 2).
Verse 10 begins with an appeal. Paul is not just requesting the people of Corinth respond, he is urging them to do so – not just as people but as brothers and sisters brought together by Christ. The church in Corinth had many different groups – wise and foolish, wealthy and poor, immoral and upright, etc. – but Paul has grouped them all together as common in Christ. In chapter 12 alone, He says they are “one body” (1 Cor.12:12) who serve the “same Spirit” (12:4), the “same Lord” (12:5), and the “same God” (12:6).
The challenge for the church at Corinth was a lack of unity. Verse 10 says the church lacked unity of mind and judgment. First, that means they did not think about the same things. Secondly, on whatever they did think about as a church, they disagreed. Like many churches, the church at Corinth was known as one who fought and quarreled rather than loving and serving.
Fairfax Baptist Church: are we united in Christ? How do we see ourselves? Are we a church that is filled with fighting and quarrelling? I don’t think so. But how do others see us? More importantly, how does God see us? It is impractical to think that we all agree on everything. But how do we handle our disagreements? Do we complain and gossip in the community or do we come together and work out the matters before us? I know what Jesus said to do and I hope when issues arise we respond as we are commanded. Thankfully, right now, I believe God has blessed us with good unity.
A Disciple-Making Church Trusts One Another
Notice in verse 12, Paul reveals the true division in the church. People are focusing on a person (probably because of qualifications) rather than keeping a focus on Christ.
Paul founded the church so it is obvious why some would be loyal to him.
Peter spent time in the presence of Jesus.
Apollos is known to be eloquent and competent in Scripture (Acts 18.24-19.1). He also was likely well educated as he was from Alexandria in Egypt which was known for producing many scholars.
Jesus, of course, is who should be followed, but the divisions in the church seem to make Jesus almost an afterthought.
Fairfax Baptist Church: do we follow humans rather than Christ? Within the church, it might be like saying, “I follow Roger” or “I follow Leon.” But it can also be stated as following the past, “Things were better when Clyde was here.” I will admit that things are different than when anyone else was here – if only because all of us are older. Again, as pastor, I will admit I do not see much of this sentiment right now. Certainly, all of us look to leaders for guidance on making decisions, but this church does not have the types of alliances that trouble so many churches. This past Thursday, I counseled a pastor in another state related to this very issue. Church, if we are going to make disciples, we may not all agree on the how, but we must be focused on the who and the what! As Aristotle once said, “In essentials unity, in action freedom, and in all things trust.” That’s what Paul wanted for the church at Corinth, and it is what God wants for us. And that leads us to...
A Disciple-Making Church Emphasizes the Gospel.
Paul concludes this section by speaking of those who were baptized – in Jesus’ name, not his own. But then notice verse 17. His focus was not on baptism, but on proclaiming the gospel. That is, He wanted people to come to Christ, but also to know Christ. Specifically, that is a part of making disciples. First, a person must know about Christ, but then we must desire to know Him better.
Paul says this was done in a way that may not have been appreciated. Corinth was a Greek city and thus considered itself sophisticated. Paul says I may have been an outsider and did things more simply than what you usually expect, but it is not about me, it is about Jesus and His death. In fact, much later in this letter, in what we call Chapter 15, Paul gives the most basic, yet complete, version of the gospel. I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 15.3-4.)
Fairfax Baptist Church: I do things differently sometimes. And I know that my education challenges some of you. But I believe you would say that my intention every time I stand here is to make Jesus better known, to emphasize what He has done and why, and to get us to respond to that. I may use unconventional methods at times, and I may encourage us with our Vision, Mission, Strategy, and Steps, but those are not the gospel. They are a means to help us focus on our responsibility as a church. Additionally, they are based upon the Bible and therefore provide aim toward the gospel.
So, a disciple-making church must be united in Christ, trust one another, and emphasize the gospel. The church at Corinth struggled in each of those areas. In fact, some have said that the real tragedy for the church in Corinth was not that too much of church was in Corinth, but that too much of Corinth was in the church.1 Thus, Paul had to write this letter (in addition to answering some of their questions).
Because of their problems, the church in Corinth was more of a small church in a large town. Ladies and gentleman, how can we avoid the same being said of us? By keeping our focus on Christ. By trusting Him for our purpose and direction. And by trusting each other as we share His message with others. Trust leads to unity and unity fosters love. But a lack of trust and unity can derail the best of plans. As someone once said, “Suspicion enters by the door through which love and trust exit.”
CONCLUSION
In what or whom do you place your trust? Is it yourself? Your job? Your money? Your family? Your house? Your skills? Your retirement savings? Etc. All of these items are important, but they also all have one things in common. They are yours because of God. So, let our trust in God be more than words printed on our currency. Let our trust in God be more than a supposed national motto. Let our trust in God be a way of life that leads us to also trust one another, to be united in Christ, and thus to make disciples by proclaiming the truth of His gospel wherever He may lead.
JOURNEY: U – Unite
NEXT STEP(S): Learn: Seek to understand any issues which prevent you from trusting others within this (or any) church. Ask God to guide you and reveal any issues in order that you might be united to others because you are united with Him.
Koinonia (koy-nohn-eé-ah) is a transliterated form of the Greek word, κοινωνία, which means communion, joint participation; the share which one has in anything, participation, a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, etc.
The early Christians enjoyed a Koinonia fellowship of sharing with one another. This would include prayer and meals together. Pastor Andy mentioned the word “swallowship,” a food in mouth term to indicate a gathering together in the church to enjoy a meal. Baptists and probably most Christians tend to enjoy such fellowships. We tend to gather together with others to eat when we have something in common—with people such as business associates, family, loved ones, neighbors, and friends.
The Bible has much to say about the joining together of believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes,
“I appeal (beseech) to you, brothers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
While it is virtually impossible for everyone to agree on everything, the goal for our church (and Christians in general) is to have a common thread running through all worship activities.
Pastor Andy has been promoting the idea of making disciples; I believe that also includes the notion of growing disciples. Many of us have been followers of Christ for many years but can point to precious few times when we have been diligent in sharing the Word of God with others. To be successful in mentoring disciples, we must be of one mind, of one accord, hence, we must be united with something to share, namely the Love of Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit.
Paul writes in his letter to the church at Philippi,
“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, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)
This scripture points to a oneness in worship towards which we all should subscribe. As we strive to grow in strength with the believers in our church we should strive to copy Paul’s petition for the Philippian Christians. We are to be trustworthy companions on the road to an eternity with Christ.
The Psalmist writes in Psalm 133,
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon where falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.”
Jesus’ prayer for His disciples, and by extension for all believers, is quoted in John 17:20-23:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
This may truly be the Lord’s prayer.
Last week, we began a new series which I have entitled The Disciple-Making Church. A church may have many ministries and be involved in many aspects of a community, but the one calling that distinguishes a church from any other organization is the call to make disciples. Jesus said He would build His church and He has done so, and will continue to do so by having His church make disciples. Last week, we looked at nine reasons why each week some 80-120 churches close their doors for the final time. Let me compare three of those reasons against a disciple-making church. Inward-focus, lack of prayer, lack of purpose. But a disciple-making church by definition knows her purpose (to make disciples) which requires an outward (or at least balanced) focus (on others) which will necessitate prayer. Thus, a disciple-making church is constantly opposed to the issues listed above.
But the truth is that to be a disciple-making church means the church must be filled with disciples who embrace the call to make disciples. That was the first of the objectives I mentioned last week – we must embrace our purpose. And the second objective stems from the first – we must make disciples. So, why don’t we? Let me provide three overarching reasons. I am starting in a negative sense today, but I plan to turn to the positive shortly.
Three Reasons Why We Don’t Make Disciples
1. We don’t understand Jesus. What don’t we understand? That making disciples is our responsibility. We know the Great Commission, but we feel that the words were meant only for the disciples who were with Jesus when He said it. OK. If that is the truth then why should we think any of the Bible applies to us? Can we be saved or was that only for the people of Jesus’ day? Granted some aspects of the Bible are descriptive – they tell us what happened, but much of the Bible is prescriptive – it applies to us today. Being saved is for anyone who believes. John 20.24-29 clearly states that those who have not seen Jesus, yet believe, are indeed blessed.
2. We don’t believe God. Please notice I did NOT say we don’t believe in God…of course, that is a reason not to make disciples. But my comments are to the Church – presumably people who confess a belief in God. The truth is that all of us seek comfort over God at some point. Many of us do this often – self included! And part of that comfort is not being harassed and persecuted. Jesus made it clear that if people sought to harm Him, they will seek to do the same to us. (READ John 15.20-21.) Let’s face it, those are sobering words. But God also said that God’s children “have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater he who is in the world” (1 John 4.4). Do you believe that? If you do it should impact everything we do. If it doesn’t impact you then perhaps it is because you don’t really believe the promises, and truths, of God.
3. We don’t love Jesus. OK, I realize many of you bristle at this statement. No good Christian would admit that they don’t love Jesus. We would likely admit that we don’t love Him as much as we should, but to say we don’t love Him – well, that’s just not true. Or is it? In John 15.13, Jesus says that our obedience to His commands is a testimony of our love to Him. Certainly, I cannot suggest that any of us are perfect in keeping His commands. And Jesus gave several commands, but He qualified loving God as the greatest, loving others as an expression of loving God, then commanded the disciples to love one another. Love, love, love. And then as He said His final words He said we are to make disciples in large part because of that love. So, do you love? Do you make disciples? If not, are you obeying His commandments? If not, then by Jesus words, you (and I) must change our approach to show we truly love Him (and others).
Now, having looked at three major reasons many people, and therefore churches, do not make disciples, let me pick through Paul’s letters to the churches who were to make disciples and show some specific reasons. These reasons will be covered in more detail in the coming weeks. Each of these reasons can be true for an individual with his/her relationship with Jesus, but also true of churches because of their relationship with one another.
- A lack of trust (1 Corinthians)
- A culture of shame and doubt (Philippians)
- A lack of initiative (2 Corinthians)
- A lack of know-how or feelings of inferiority (Ephesians)
- A lack of understanding identity (Galatians)
- A lack of intimacy (Colossians)
- A stagnant culture (Romans)
The result of these issues leads to despair (as opposed to integrity) which is evidences in the church of Sardis (Revelation 3). Over the next eight weeks, I will share the issues faced by these churches, how they may apply to us, and what we can do about it to make sure we are fulfilling our ultimate calling to make disciples for Jesus. (For those familiar with human development theory, you will notice that these eight stages reflect Erik Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development. Comparing Erikson’s theory against the letters Paul wrote to these churches served as the basis for my dissertation.)
Now, before I turn to the positive portion of what a true disciple is, I want to take the time to review the various components of our GPS (God’s Plan for Servants) for the purpose of helping us to better remember them and embrace them.
GPS
VISION
To be A large church in a small town. (Matthew 5.13-16)
MISSION
- Exalt the Savior (John 12.32).
- Equip the Saint (Ephesians 4.11-13).
- Evangelize the Sinner (Acts 1.8).
STRATEGY
- Jesus (Matthew 16.18-19) – The One worth following.
- Observe (Colossians 1.28-29) – Following the commands of Jesus.
- Unite (1 Corinthians 1.10) – Being one in fellowship with other believers.
- Revere (John 12.32) – Worshipping God in all aspects of our lives.
- Nurture (Ephesians 4.12-13) – Building up others for the work of ministry.
- Engage (Acts 1.8) – Stirring the hearts of all people with the Gospel.
- You (Matthew 15.15-16) – The one who decides to follow.
STEPS
- Learn With Each Other (Acts 17.10-12)
- Live For Each Other (Romans 15.1-2)
- Love God and All Others (Matthew 22.37-39)
- Lead One Another (to Follow Jesus) (2 Timothy 2.2)
- (Leave) When Called by the One True Other (Acts 13.1-3)
Note: This week’s teaching moment looks more specifically at the Strategy component of Observe.
The True Disciple
As we transition, let’s look at a few facts about Jesus’ ministry.
- At the beginning of His ministry, He called people to become disciples.
- Before He turned toward Jerusalem the final, time, His disciples proclaimed Him as Messiah.
- During the last week of His life, Jesus revealed which commandment was greatest.
- Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, Jesus told his disciples what they should do.
- One day, all mankind will stand before Jesus. Many will be turned away. His disciples will receive a reward.
Each of these aspects of Jesus ministry contain a common thread – His disciples are nearby. Thus, what is it that we can take from these moments. That is, what can learn from these moments about the nature of a true disciple. Well, first I must remind us that the word disciple means “one who learns.” So, if disciple means someone who learns, then what must a disciple learn?
To Respond to the Call to Follow Jesus.
We must choose this response each day – that is why I say it must be learned. To follow tomorrow will require something different than following today. To follow next year, will require more than it will to follow next month. We must always be seeking Jesus and seeking to be more like Him.
Responding to the Call of Jesus, the true disciple must:
- Learn, following the Savior by making a Great Commitment (Matthew 4.19; Mark 1.17).
- Live, knowing the truth of the Great Confession (Matthew 16.16).
- Love, striving to obey the Great Commandment (Mark 12.29-31).
- Lead, seeking to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28.19-20; Acts 1.8).
- Leave, hearing our Master give the Great Commendation (Matthew 25.21, 23).
The first four items are what a true disciple must do. The fifth item is what awaits those disciples who are faithful in the first four.
Imagine a church filled not with people who come to hear about Jesus, but rather come to serve and lead others to Jesus. As Paul says to his younger protégé – “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2.1-2)
Paul taught Timothy who taught men who would teach others. Making disciples who make disciples – that is what we are called to do.
Please understand, if we choose to make disciples, the enemy will not be pleased. Satan is powerful, and will defeat us, if we do not stand with Christ. Satan wants us to be passive as Christians. In fact, it has been said that Satan won the battle in many churches long ago. Now, he has a demon perched on the steeple of many churches with a simple instruction, “If the church begins to wake up, you let me know.”
Ladies and gentleman, I want this church to put the devil on notice. I cannot do it alone, but together we can do mighty things. The old axiom is to let a sleeping dog lie. Well, if we are to follow Jesus, we cannot do that. Satan will attack. He will throw obstacles at us as individuals, at our families, at our church, at our friends. But again, we must choose to believe God who tells us that the one in us is greater than Satan.
So, will you be a true disciple? Will you learn and live and love and lead? If so, when the time is right and you leave this life, then you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
O is for Observe
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” – Colossians 1:28-29
Paul was writing to the church at Colossae. He was warning the church about false teachers who were urging the people to move away from their Christian roots and to accept other religious ideas. This movement threatened to remove the church from Christ.
Let’s break down these verses:
- “whom we preach” – the message of Jesus Christ.
- “warning every man” or “admonishing” – this is confronting with the intent of changing ones attitudes and actions. It’s calling to mind a correct course of action. It encourages people to do what they already know to do.
- “teaching” – complements admonishing. It is the orderly presentation of the truth, allowing new Christians to know how to grow.
- Paul’s method was to confront and instruct “to present everyone perfect in Christ.” He wants all Christians to live up to what God expects and to mature in the Lord.
- “whereunto I also labor” – Paul was encouraging them by giving himself as an example.
- “striving” or “struggling” – Paul was trying to give the picture of how an athlete painfully pursues after athletic glory.
- “according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” – Paul could only accomplish this through God’s strength, not his own.
Once again, Paul’s goal was to present mature, Gentile Christians to the Lord, during his time and now. He wants to ensure that Christ is the center of their and our lives.
Application
1. We must make sure that we are not just “doing church” but have a personal relationship with God. We must have the right attitude and actions.
2. We must follow through with what is being taught. We must do, not just listen.
3. We must mature.
4. We must be an example for others – encourage, disciple, teach.
5. We must rely on god, knowing that we can’t accomplish this in our own strength.
6. We must be ready for Christ’s return.
The date is Tuesday, February 28, 2034. Winter has been particularly harsh in Fairfax. The power is out and conditions make it treacherous to drive. Signs of life are scarce in Fairfax because of the weather, but just because of life, in general. The town continues to fade and the most recent evidence of that is that Fairfax Baptist Church closed her doors for the final time – just two days earlier. What was meant to be a festive closing, actually ended with a whimper as only four people, including the pastor, his wife, and their two-year-old showed up to the final service of the church. Just a decade before, people were talking about celebrating the church’s 150 years in the community. And the church tried to hang on as long as it could to make that celebration, but now just four months shy of reaching 150 years, the people are gone, the doors have closed, and another church will soon be forgotten.
Estimates show 80-120 churches close their doors for the final time each week. Fairfax Baptist Church will too. Just like a human has a certain lifespan, so do churches. Hear me, this church will cease to exist one day. That day might be in February 2034 or in 2023 or in the year 2280. None of us can truly know, but we can help to make sure that the date is later rather than sooner.
How do I know this church will die? Because all churches die. Some of the world’s great cathedrals still open their doors every day, but for all practical purposes, they are nothing but a place for tourists, major events, and a house of tombs, not worship services. A major reason many churches die is that they have no purpose, and thus they lose all hope. We have defined a purpose, but unless we embrace that purpose, we, too, may lose hope. And without hope, people, and church’s will die.
A few years ago, Thom Rainer wrote a book called Autopsy of a Deceased Church. In the book, Rainer provides a glimpse into the common characteristics which cause churches to die. Please understand, most churches do not die an instant death, rather, over a period of time decline happens. The characteristics of this decline, as noted by Rainer, are:
The Past is the Hero
Typical: Everyone laments not being in the good ol’ days.
Fairfax: This was more true when I came, and is still true now, but I think some have a hope for the future.
Truth: God is the God of the present – I AM, not I was (Exodus 3.6). We need to engage Him now.
Refusing to Look Like the Community
Typical: People do not feel welcome in the church. The church focuses on preservation rather than on serving the community.
Fairfax: Again, I believe this was more true in the past. The attitude persists somewhat, but church members appear to be more accepting than when I came.
Truth: We need to be with people in the community to impact their lives (Acts 2.46-47).
An Inward-Focused Budget
Typical: When budgets cuts are necessary, the cuts are to missions and ministry, not to the buildings and personnel. What makes us comfortable is what we will not cut.
Fairfax: We do well here. Just shy of 20% of our budget is for missions. And that doesn’t count Annie Armstrong, Reuben L South, Lottie Moon, or piki piki, etc.
Truth: We are to be cheerful in our giving and give well knowing we reap what we sow (2 Corinthians 9.6-8).
Omitting the Great Commission
Typical: Most church members know the words of the Great Commission, but do not live by them.
Fairfax: We find it easier to give money so others will do this rather than give of ourselves.
Truth: The verb is to make disciples (the focus of this series). But to make disciples requires us to be going, baptizing, and teaching. These are the words of Jesus (Matthew 28.19-20). Will we ignore them?
Being Driven by Personal Preference
Typical: My worship style. My length of service. My activities. My minister. My, my, my.
Fairfax: You all put up with a lot from me. I know some of this is true sentiment is true here, but nothing like most churches.
Truth: Philippians 2.2-11 – We must consider others and we must have the mind of Christ!
Decrease In Pastoral Tenure
Typical: Every 2-3 years. Pastor is asked to restore hope, lead in a few changes, finds resistance, leaves (asked to)
Fairfax: Every 4 years since Momberg (9) and Hendricks (12). Grimmett (9+, 1920s). With 6 years in Fairfax, I am tied for the 4th longest tenure in the churches 133 years.
Truth: Bible does not provide guidelines here, but modern research shows that a church often has its best years around the 6th-10th years of a pastor’s tenure. I have heard countless stories of 1974-1976 time-frame which was Hendrick’s 6th-8th years.
Not Praying Together
Typical: Church feels like it is praying, but does not really or is a ritual instead of a time of devotion.
Fairfax: Our prayer meetings here are all but dead. On May 3, we had 4. May 17, three. I am not saying people may not pray in homes and such. But let’s face it, we fail to pray corporately.
Truth: Acts 2.42 says they were devoted – including to praying together.
A Lack of Clear Purpose
Typical: Being in a rut. Going through the motions. Fearful to make any effort of change.
Fairfax: I think this was true in the past. I think sometimes it still is true. Although we have a purpose, I am not certain how many really know the purpose. And until we own it together, we will still have further to go than we have already come.
Truth: Exalt the Savior (John 12.32). Equip the Saint (Ephesians 4.11-13). Evangelize the Sinner (Acts 1.8).
A Focus on the Facilities
Typical: Fighting over pulpits, carpet, rooms, the color of paint, etc.
Fairfax: We have purchased property, made decisions about major repairs or updates, and now look to update the sanctuary – all with much discussion, but no real dissension.
Truth: Our focus needs to be on the things of heaven, not of earth (Matthew 6.19-21). As we update our sanctuary, one of the reasons I am strongly advocating we also give to support building churches in Kenya is to maintain a healthy balance in our approach to the use of money – as we build for us, let us build for others as well.
Now that we have looked at the results of the autopsy of other churches, let’s look at the scorecard for our church. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being near death and 10 being vibrant, this would be my thoughts. The parentheses represent what I believe to be our trend.
- The Past is the Hero – 4 (up)
- Refusing to Look Like the Community – 5 (up)
- An Inward-Focused Budget – 9 (up)
- Omitting the Great Commission – 3 (up)
- Being Driven by Personal Preference – 7 (up)
- Decrease In Pastoral Tenure – 3 (up)
- Not Praying Together – 2 (down)
- A Lack of Clear Purpose – 5 (up)
- A Focus on the Facilities – 7 (up)
Scores < 5 = 4
Scores of 5 = 2
Scores > 5 = 3
TOTAL: 45 (90)
So, what can we do to prevent the death rattle from getting louder? Let me spend a few minutes providing two thoughts.
Two Objectives
Embrace Our Purpose
First, we need to embrace our purpose. If we, all of us, begin to embrace the vision, the mission, the strategy, and the steps, it will make a difference across the board. So, one aspect of our service in the next couple of months will include a time when we recite our GPS together. You have heard these statements from me for the last 5 years (and the E-E-E for 6). You have seen them in every bulletin for five years and in the newsletter or hanging in the church for the past several months. So, let’s internal them a bit by saying them aloud – together.
Vision: To be A large church in a small town. (Matthew 5.13-16)
Mission:
- Exalt the Savior (John 12.32)
- Equip the Saint (Ephesians 4.11-13)
- Evangelize the Sinner (Acts 1.8)
Strategy:
- Jesus (Matthew 16.18-19) – The One worth following.
- Observe (Colossians 1.28-29) – Following the commands of Jesus.
- Unite (1 Corinthians 1.10) – Being one in fellowship with other believers.
- Revere (John 12.32) – Worshipping God in all aspects of our lives.
- Nurture (Ephesians 4.12-13) – Building up others for the work of ministry.
- Engage (Acts 1.8) – Stirring the hearts of all people with the Gospel.
- You (Matthew 15.15-16) – The one who decides to follow.
Steps:
- LEARN With Each Other (Acts 17.10-12)
- LIVE For Each Other (Romans 15.1-2)
- LOVE God and All Others (Matthew 22.37-39)
- LEAD One Another (to Follow Jesus) (2 Timothy 2.2)
- (LEAVE) When Called by the One True Other (Acts 13.1-3)
The key is that any purpose we may claim must be biblical. That is true for us as individuals, and it is true for us collectively as a church. That is the reason our God’s Path for Servants (GPS) not only has a statement for us to consider, but a verse or verses to guide us as well.
Make Disciples
Secondly, we need to focus on making disciples. (Make Disciples) The steps we just read are a process for disciple-making. The strategy encompasses all aspects of a kingdom-focused church and therefore embraces discipleship. Our mission will be fulfilled when all of us are living as true disciples, which will impact this town and achieve our vision. So, why doesn’t this happen. Well, over the past many decades many churches have focused more on being a church than on having disciples. Anyone can come to a church and feel like they belong. That is fine, but that is not what Jesus said we should do. First, Jesus said what He would do. He would “build His church” which includes each person within the church and then all of us collectively. Then, He said what we should do – “make disciples.” If we focus on making disciples our churches will grow. If we focus on being a church, the church will eventually die.
Next week we will look at what a true disciple should do. Then, over the next several weeks, we will review what a disciple-making church might look like and explore several reasons why some churches refuse to, or simply are unable to, make disciples.
In short, these reasons relate to trust, autonomy, initiative, ability, identity, intimacy, and purpose which ultimately lead people (and churches) to feel good about their lives or to be in despair. Again, we will review these items as it relates to a disciple individually, and to a church’s focus on making disciples in the coming weeks.
JOURNEY: The JOURNEY letter for this week is: JOURNEY. I chose the full word this week to remind us that we are all on a journey and need to be faithful to complete our journey well.
REMEMBRANCE: Jesus said, “I will build my church.” But that building includes you and I going out to make disciples of all nations beginning in Fairfax.
NEXT STEP(S): Learn Prepare yourself to be a (better) disciple-maker for Jesus.
The following is a pseudo-outline of answers for the various questions. Scripture references are included, but are not all inclusive. The bold questions represent a category of questioning while the italicized are the actual questions being addressed.
What is Salvation?
What is salvation?
- Simply, to be saved – to be delivered from something
- The question we must each ask ourselves is “Do I need to be saved?” If so, “From what?”
- Our answer to the first question is critical and makes the rest of this discussion necessary.
- Romans 5.12-21
What is the plan of salvation?
1. God desires that all will be saved and come to the truth – 1 Timothy 2.4
2. God is patient that all have a chance to be saved – 2 Peter 3.9
- Both of these verses provide evidence that God believes we need to be saved.
In the simplest terms: Creation – Fall – Redemption
Further Explained: God had to make a way to save us because we could not save ourselves.
1. A perfect sacrifice was needed to cover the sins of all who are not perfect.
2. If the sacrifice had remained dead, we would have no reason to believe or have hope, so the sacrifice rose from the dead
3. Jesus came to redeem, died to save, and lives to provide hope for all who trust in Him.
Does Salvation Come in Stages?
Is Salvation a Process?
What is the Doctrine of Salvation?
- Regeneration (Born Again) – John 3.3-8; Ezekiel 36.26-27; 2 Corinthians 5.17
- Conversion (Repentance & Faith) – Mark 1.15; John 1.12; 3.16; Matthew 11.28-30
- Justification – (after faith) – Romans 3.26, 28; 5.1; 10.4,10; Galatians 2.16; 3.24 (Sins are forgiven AND Christ’s righteousness is imputed – Isaiah 61.10; Romans 3.21-22; 4.3; 5.19)
- Adoption (into God’s family) – John 1.12; Gal 3.26; 1 John 3.1-2; (cf Matthew 6.9; Romans 8.15-16)
- Sanctification – “set apart” (holy) but now growth
We Partner with God
- God’s Part – Philippians 2.13; 1 Thessalonians 5.23; Hebrews 12.5-11; 13.20-21
- Our Part – Romans 6.13; 12.1; Ephesians 4.1; Philippians 2.13; Romans 6.18 (free from sin so do not yield to it (12-13), but it is still present (1 John 1.8)
- Grow to perfection – Matthew 5.48 & 2 Corinthians 7.11; Romans 8.29
- Glorification – Romans 8.17, 30; 1 Corinthians 15.51-52
What is Required for Salvation?
What are the Steps to Salvation?
John 3.16; 20.30-31 (Believe=faith)
Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
No, consider the thief on the cross. But if Jesus commands it, why wouldn’t you want to
Does a Person Have to Confess Jesus to Be Saved?
Romans 10.9-10, not, but it is proof (1 John 4.2-3)
Is “Once-Saved, Always-Saved” Correct?
Can a Person Lose Their Salvation?
No, but many who think they are saved are not!
Back to idea of Justification – once the gavel falls, it has fallen
We can not earn our salvation, so we cannot lose it – salvation is dependent on God’s work, not ours
- Jesus promise – John 3.36; John 10.28
- No Condemnation – Romans 8.1
- Sealed with the Spirit – Ephesians 1.13-14
How Can I Have Assurance of Salvation?
- Perseverance – Matthew 10.22; Colossians 1.22-23; Hebrews 3.14; 1 John 2.19
- Don’t believe false signs – 2 Corinthians 11.15 (e.g. Judas)
Challenging Passages:
Galatians 5.4: Fall from Grace – not about losing salvation but how it is secured – back to the false idea of earning it
Hebrews 6.4-6: If a person truly understands the gospel (but does not embrace it, and then turns away, it will not be possible for that person to return (Parable of Soils)
Does a Person Have to Get Saved More Than Once?
No, actually, it is impossible. You are either saved or not. You cannot get saved again, but you might get saved for the first time.
We often need to recommit to God, but that is for our growth – our sanctification.
Sin vs. Salvation
Does a Person Have to Be Sorry for the Sins to Be Saved?
Hebrews 12.17
Does a Person Have to Repent to Be Saved?
Acts 2.37-38; 20.21; Romans 2.4; 2 Corinthians 7.9-10
Succumb or Surrender
Does a Person Have to Forsake Their Sins to Be Saved?
Proverbs 28.13
- Yes, we should. But, no we can’t (fully, at least not in our strength).
- We can’t remember all past sins. We confess our sin (sinful nature) trusting God has covered that.
- As we grow in Christ, we become more sensitive to our sin, so we should confess as we sin (or realize we have). This does not mean all of our past sins necessarily, but our present ones (1 John 1.9).
Does a Person Have to Surrender Their Life to Jesus to Be Saved?
To be saved?
No. BELIEVE – John 20.30-31
To know we are saved?
Yes. Another aspect we should want!
- Paul did. Galatians 2.20; Colossians 1.27 (hope of glory)
- Peter says to set apart Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3.15 (Isaiah 8.13)
The Issue of Faith And Works
Is Salvation by Faith Alone or by Faith Plus Works?
- Paul – Ephesians 2.8-9 (grace through faith alone – to be saved)
- James – James 2.14-26 (faith will have works – because we are saved)
- Paul – Ephesians 2.10 The regenerated will work for Jesus!
I Will Go to Heaven Because...
of Jesus, not because of anything I do.
Misconceptions of Salvation
The Prayer of Salvation / Praying For Salvation
- Jesus says, “Follow Me.” Matthew 4.17 (Mark 1.17)
- The prayer is not a magic formula. Not even the Lord’s Prayer is a magic formula. It is a template given because in that day no one prayed spontaneous prayers. But that must wait for another time.
- Our prayer is simply admitting that we agree with God about our need for a Savior. That is, we cannot do it on our own.
Asking Jesus into Your Heart
- Ephesians 3.17 (cf. John 14.17)
- We do not have to ask Him into our hearts. If we are saved, He dwells within us.
The Unpardonable Sin
- Matthew 12.22-32 (Mark 3.28-30)
- Speaking against the ministry of the Holy Spirit
- I believe in the ultimate sense – we cannot commit this sin – it was for a particular people at a particular time. BUT, in essence, when we reject the Holy Spirit, we commit a sin that does lead to destruction.
Questions from Congregation
What is Predestination?
- Election – God chose some for salvation (reprobation for others).
- Happened before He created the world – so this is not about what we do (or might do).
- Scriptures: Acts 13.48; Romans 8.28-30; 9.11-13; Ephesians 1.12; 1 Thessalonians 1.4-5; 2 Thessalonians 2.13; Revelation 13.7-8; 1 Timothy 5.21 (angels)
Objections
Fatalism – our choices do not matter
- Contrast – we must believe (John 3.16, 17, 18)
- Those who do not believe made their own choices (John 8.43-44; Romans 1.20)
Mechanism – fixed order of events so God is impersonal
- Contrast Ezekiel 33.11 (no pleasure in death of wicked); Matthew 11.28-30 – Come to me (personal invitation); Ephesians 1.5 – “in love” we are “his sons”
Our Response
- If chosen by God, we should want to please Him in all we do.
- We must proclaim the Word – Romans 10.14, 17 (we do not know who the elect are or are not)
Can a Christian experience depression?
Depression is, in part, when one organ of our body is not functioning optimally. No one questions the salvation of someone with heart issues (for instance), so why do many feel that depression, or anxiety, or other mental aspects means someone must not be saved.
Possible Examples from the Bible
- Job – 3.11, 26; 10.1
- David – Psalm 42.11; 2 Samuel 18.33
- Elijah – 1 Kings 19.4
- Jeremiah – Jeremiah 20.14, 18
- Paul – 2 Corinthians 1.8 (God comforted – 2 Corinthians 1.3-7, 10)
- Jesus? – Mark 14.34-36 (Isaiah 53 – man of sorrows)
BUT GOD – Psalm 34.18
God never abandons His children (Deuteronomy 31.6; Hebrews 13.5)
So What?
Now What? Discipleship!!! And that will be the focus of our upcoming series.
