Miguel Labrador's Blog, page 22
January 11, 2013
Leaders, Elders, and Ephesians 4:11
“Leadership Gifts” they’ve been called. ”Offices,” others say. Oh, and let’s not forget “Ministry” gifts for “Ministers.” How we define and apply those gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 will determine how effective their use is within in any local grouping of members in the Body of Christ. Some ideed have limited these gifts to leadership, but without scriptural support, I think. Consider Ephesians 4:7 – “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. “ Who are the “each ones” that Paul was referring to? There is no other possible conclusion but every single believer. Leading will rise out of the development and use of these gifts. Leadership is not thrust upon the gifts.
Some have suggested that Elders be appointed based on their gifting in the Ephesians 4:11 sense rather than the qualifications clearly laid out on scripture. 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, etc. By this critical error, we wedge an unwarranted clergy/laity distinction amongst the members of the church. Ephesians 4:11 is for all believers for all time “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.“ Ephesians 4:13 We do further damage to the cause of Christ when we call non-elders with these gifts “lay leaders.” ”Lay Leaders,” is a Body-Breaking, not Body Building term. Consider a few questions:
1. What does the New Testament say regarding the manner in which the church is to appoint elders?
2. Does the New Testament support any hierarchical structure within the church? Where?
3. Doesn’t giving oneself or others the title of “Prophet,” “Apostle,” “Evangelist,” “Teacher,” or even “Pastor,” contradict the very heart of Christ?
CommentsAren't we ALL ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Every ... by PhilipRelated StoriesWhy Leadership and Effectiveness Are Not Benchmarks of Discipleship.Why Calling me “Pastor” Creeps me out a bit.Flash Mob Evangelism
January 10, 2013
Don’t Be a Missional KLUTZ!
Regardless of what kind of missions or missional work you’re involved in, short-term, long-term, or day-in-day-out, don’t be a KLUTZ! ”Klutz,” in the original Greek means… I’m kidding, relax! 
There’s an old adage that children grow up ↑ first (physically) and then out ↔. To put it another way, they grow upwards and then sideways then upward again, and so on. During the in-between phase, kids are klutzy. Likewise those who are young in missions work. Check out this quote from Duane Elmer:
Many missionaries may be like me: well-intentioned, dedicated and wanting to serve, but also naive and in some denial about what it means to serve in another culture. The reality is that many of us want to serve from our own cultural context. That is, we believe that servanthood everywhere else probably looks like it does in our own culture. In fact, I am inclined to think that there’s a little switch in our head somewhere. When we call ourselves a servant, the switch is triggered and we automatically believe that everything we do from there on will epitomize servanthood. In other words, calling ourselves a servant means we are a servant. If others cannot see it, that is their problem. Many missionaries may be like me in another way: I am often guilty of a superior attitude. Submerged deep within me, it is evasive and hard to identify I quickly rationalize and deny its presence. Usually superiority appears in disguises that pretend to be virtues-virtues such as:
I need to correct their error (meaning I have superior knowledge, a corner on truth).
My education has equipped me to know what is best for you (so let me do most of the talking while you do most of the listening and changing).
I am here to help you (so do as I say).
I can be your spiritual mentor (so I am your role model).
Let me disciple you, equip you, train you (often perceived as “let me make you into a clone of myself”).*
These and other so-called virtues corrupt our attempts to serve others. I would imagine that many of these points hit home as they have done with me. I am not above slipping into some of these anti-servant mind-sets. Neither are you. To these from Duane, I would add the following:
I have more rights than they do because I’m from a free country, but don’t worry, I’m here to liberate them.
I have conquered bitterness, anger, and envy. That’s why I’m always smiling.
I’ve been blessed financially and am a person of means. I’ll be their provider… temporarily that is…
My plan, program and punctuality are more important than them.
I don’t need to consult the established leaders in the cultural context because I’ve had more leadership training than they have.
*Duane Elmer. Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility (p. 17). Kindle Edition.
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January 9, 2013
Flash Mob Evangelism
In a post by Alan Knox, he asks the question, “Was there A Megachurch in Jerusalem?” He also states:
“There is an assumption that the followers of Jesus gathered together as a large group in the temple for “preaching and worship” (think Sunday morning worship service) while they gathered in their homes for fellowship (think Sunday School or Bible study). However, the grammar of this verse does not lend to this kind of distinction.”
I agree with Alan that these passages can not be used to support a regularly scheduled meeting for the purposes of preaching and worship. But, it did get me thinking about something else:
What caused the 3000 and then subsequent 5000 to gather in the first place? Let’s look at the text:
“When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?” Acts 2:6,7
Let’s remember that they were in the upper room. There is no indication that this upper room was near the temple where there might have been numerous people. It was a flash mob! It was spontaneous. A commotion occurred, and people came to see what it was. That must have been some loud sound. It was quite a ruckus. It was after the crowd gathered that Peter began to preach and 3000 souls were added to the Kingdom.
Let’s move on the 5000.
“Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts 3:9,10
This scene depicts the healing of a lame man and his entrance into the temple gate with Apostles Peter and John. Again we see a commotion and a flash mob. Of course this time the mob was comprised of those near the Temple gate. And again, once the crowd was formed Peter preached his infamous “Second Sermon,” which saw 5000 souls added to the Kingdom.
With these things in mind, here are a few questions:
1. Is it ok for Christians to cause a commotion so that mass evangelism can happen? What about evangelistic campaigns?
2. In both cases, miracles brought the crowds. Should we demonstrate the Gospel and the Lord’s power before preaching?
3. In reality, what can we apply concerning preaching to crowds from these two examples?
Bonus Question: Isn’t social media dependent on the flash mob mentality? The bigger the crowd, the larger the commotion, the more of an impact you can make. Right?
CommentsI only would like to comment, if that's okay. It took the ... by KatI've heard this text used to justify a regular worship service ... by Rusty W.And in both cases those who evangelized the crowds were ... by Leah RandallRelated StoriesIf Jesus’ Sheep Hear His Voice, Then Why Is The Church So Preoccupied With Teaching You How To Do It?Do the Old Testament Descriptions of Pastors Apply in the New Testament Era?Why Calling me “Pastor” Creeps me out a bit.
A Tale of Two Evangelistic Campaigns
Same place, same people very different outcomes. All in the name of evangelism (the preaching of the gospel) and the winning of souls. To be clear, and I’ve said it before, I am not in favor of any evangelism definition that equates it with the winning of souls. You can check out the links at the end of this article to see my reasoning.
In a small town nestled in the Andean mountain range of Ecuador there were two evangelistic campaigns. I was at both of them. At one I was a participant, but not involved with the administration and direction of it. In the other, I was deeply involved in the planning and organizing along with many others.
The first campaign was everything that would most likely come to mind when thinking about these sorts of events. There were big speakers, a podium, microphones, productions, preaching, emotional pleas. The sponsor of this event, another church, had gotten permission from the school administrator to put on this campaign. It was centrally located in the town and there’s no doubt that many heard all of the fanfare. It was a good show. But, as evangelistic campaigns go, very unsuccessful. In fact, the whole deal upset quite a few folks in the town.
The second campaign was in the same place. But this time, instead of speakers and podiums there were paint and brushes. We brought a group to the school to give it much-needed paint job. Many people showed up for the event and worked alongside us. Meals were made, small discussions groups formed naturally, people laughed, shared stories, and got to know one another. As we served them in their crucial need, they began to serve us. Of course there was a bit of hesitation in the light of the previous campaign, but our work there was clearly one of love and there were no strings attached. We did not intend, we attended. Let’s just say that now, in that town, there are many who have come to know Christ and are growing in Him.
In comparing these two campaigns, it might be easy to decide which you like better, but perhaps not so easy to determine which was more biblical or “christian.” What I do know, is that there are some evangelism shifts to be considered:
Moving from putting on shows – to – showing people that they’re loved.
Moving from getting people to raise their hands in a service – to – having a hands on approach in service.
Moving from the collection of people – to – compassion for people.
Moving from instructing people – to – investing ourselves in their lives.
Moving from calling people to the altar – to – leaving our gifts at the altar.
Moving from getting people to go to an event – to – going to the people and being eventful.
Moving from Acts 17 – to – Luke 10
1. What is your opinion about evangelistic campaigns?
2. Are one of these approaches more biblical than the other?
3. What other shifts would you recommend?
For related links, see:
Why I’m No Longer the Sort that “Closes the Deal,” in Evangelism… Part I, Part II, and Part III
Would You Sign This Evangelism Accord?
CommentsI'd love to know the results in terms of fruit of each one. ... by felicity daleI'll just sit back and learn from this one. by David WoodsI think the model of Acts 17 is a good one. I also think the ... by wbmooreGreat comparison. When John 13:35 is the core value, people ... by David GrantBeautiful comparison Miguel. Many of us with white hair on ... by Bruce DickeyRelated StoriesThe Dirty Dozen – Top Blog Posts of 2012Why Leadership and Effectiveness Are Not Benchmarks of Discipleship.This 1 Thing Could Change Discipleship Forever!
January 8, 2013
Aren’t You Perfectly Capable of Interpreting the Scriptures All On Your Own?
An important man in a Limo was driving by with the window open. Another person on the street heard that he was reading a Bible very loudly. The person on the street asked the man in the Limo, “do you understand what you’re reading?” The man in the Limo responded, “”How can I, unless someone explains it to me?”
It didn’t quite happen that way, But here’s what really took place…
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” Acts 8:26-31
This passage has been used by many to imply that you are not capable of interpreting or understanding scripture (The Bible) on your own. You need the help of another to get it. This sentiment has been used throughout church history to divide those “in the know” from those “not-yet knowing.” The more of the Bible they know, the higher up they are on the ecclesiastical ladder they climb. Entire hierarchical structures are based on mastery of the scriptures instead of serving the One whom the scriptures point to.
Another passage that’s been abused and misused is this:
“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.” 2 Peter 1:20
I’ve actually heard this spoken, and surely insinuated in this way – “No scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.” Catch the subtle nuance? It’s the prophecy of scripture and not the scripture itself that this passage refers to. Considering the previous, how would you answer these few questions:
1. Are you perfectly capable of interpreting the scriptures (The Bible) on your own?
2. If scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16) doesn’t that suggest that it can be understood or interpreted by the average person? Why or Why Not?
3. Jesus said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Again, wouldn’t that suggest that people (those in Christ) are perfectly capable of interpreting the scriptures and understanding them all on their own?
* These questions are designed to provoke and stimulate conversation and do not necessarily convey the author’s opinion.
Commentsthe true test would be uniform interpretation by people who are ... by MarshallOf course we can. With the Holy Spirit's help of course. ... by David WoodsNo, we're not. But thanks be to God, we are not alone; He has ... by MarshallBy: Aren’t You Perfectly Capable of Interpreting the Scriptures All On Your Own? | Path Of Life Ministries by Aren’t You Perfectly Capable of Interpreting the Scriptures All On Your Own? | Path Of Life MinistriesRelated StoriesDo the Old Testament Descriptions of Pastors Apply in the New Testament Era?The Dirty Dozen – Top Blog Posts of 2012Religious Traditions, BLECH! Where’s my Fake Vomit?
January 7, 2013
Religious Traditions, BLECH! Where’s my Fake Vomit?
It’s a bit disingenuous when folks cry out “Religious Tradition!” about something established by men that offends their non-traditional sensibilities, even if true. It’s like slapping down fake vomit. I can understand why …
Of all the mentions of “traditions” in the Bible, many are unfavorable. But not all of them. For example:
“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15
and
“Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2
In both of those cases, tradition is a good thing. In many others cases, i.e. Mark 7:4, Galatians 1:14, Micah 6:16, Mark 7:9, Colossians 2:8 etc., it’s not so good.
One of my favorite obscure passages regarding tradition is this one:
“Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” Proverbs 22:28 In principle, it, and its related passages… Deuteronomy 19:14, Deuteronomy 27:17, Job 24:2, and Proverbs 23:10 do not speak directly to tradition, but I think they offer some insight on how to treat tradition’s encroachment on truth. With these thoughts in mind, I have a few questions:
1. When, biblically speaking, must we stand against religious traditions?
2. How, biblically speaking, are we to do that?
3. What, biblically speaking, are religious traditions?
Related StoriesThe Dirty Dozen – Top Blog Posts of 2012Why Calling me “Pastor” Creeps me out a bit.If Jesus’ Sheep Hear His Voice, Then Why Is The Church So Preoccupied With Teaching You How To Do It?
If Jesus’ Sheep Hear His Voice, Then Why Is The Church So Preoccupied With Teaching You How To Do It?
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27
Just Google “How to Hear Jesus Voice,” and you’ll be looking at 117,000,000+ results. Whew! If you could read all of those How To’s in just one minute each, it would take you 222.6 years. By then, you’d be hearing or would have heard Jesus voice up close and personal.
But, if Jesus sheep do hear his voice, then why are others in the church so preoccupied with teaching you how to do it? If you follow Jesus, it’s inevitable. Is it not?
Maybe it’s the difference between the words “hear” & “listen.” I’m sure, if you’re like me, you have told someone who has accused you of not listening, “I hear you.” You know, it’s when their voice and words enter your ears but for whatever reason, you choose to dismiss it. The NLT version of Luke 14:35 says. “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” Problem is that Listen and Hear are from the same root word in the original language. If you look for other passages to distinguish listening and hearing, you’re likely not to find any.
So, if hearing Jesus voice is something we learn to do through others, then fine. We’ll need someone to teach us. If, on the other hand, it’s something we just know when we’re given ears to hear (mark 4:23), then why is the church so concerned with making sure you know how to do it?
What are your thoughts?
CommentsBy: If Jesus’ Sheep Hear His Voice, Then Why Is The Church So Preoccupied With Teaching You How To Do It? | Path Of Life Ministries by If Jesus’ Sheep Hear His Voice, Then Why Is The Church So Preoccupied With Teaching You How To Do It? | Path Of Life MinistriesCorrection: “in your face” questioning. by Frank ColemanEXCELLENT question! I've grown to appreciate your style of ... by Frank ColemanHere's a bit of background – ... by Chris JefferiesGreat probing question and one that should shake all people in ... by chosenrebelImmersing ourselves in Christ, fully. Into His life, death, and ... by Kirk StephensRelated StoriesThe Dirty Dozen – Top Blog Posts of 2012Why Calling me “Pastor” Creeps me out a bit.Is Persecution an Essential Requirement for Christian Growth?
January 6, 2013
Was the Curse of The Tower of Babel Ever Reversed?
“God’s judgment of the Tower of Babel was one of the greatest catastrophes in the history of the world. In one moment, a massive, highly complex building project, involving the entire human race, came to an end. Thousands of workers suddenly found themselves incapable of communicating with anyone outside their extended family group. Overwhelmed by fear and frustration, each family group moved away from the others. Mankind has never recovered.” *
Here’s what happened:
Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward,a they found a plain in Shinarb and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth. ”But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other. ”So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth. Genesis 11:1-8
Here’s the curse:
The Lord confused their language.
The Lord scattered them over the earth.
The Lord did not permit mankind to make a name for itself.
The Lord limited the possibilities of human kind.
The Lord thrust disunity upon the unfaithful.
Here are the questions:
Was the curse over the Tower of Babel, the city, and the entire human race ever reversed?
Was any curse over the earth or its people made by God ever reversed?
Does God curse anything or anyone today?
CommentsMankind is redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus ... by Katie MatherYes, mankind found both math and music as universal languages, ... by Kirk StephensI think he is partly lifting the curse, but not full until the ... by Halvard LRelated StoriesThe Dirty Dozen – Top Blog Posts of 2012Did Jesus Teach This Through Paul?Do the Old Testament Descriptions of Pastors Apply in the New Testament Era?
What are your Ekklesia (Church) Expectations Today?
From BibleStudyTools.com, A definition of Church: “an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting.” While many would oppose this definition of church, it captures the most common understanding of the term. We can debate its meaning another time. Given the fact that as many as 118 Million people will be attending church in the U.S. today, and many more millions world-wide will have already done so, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to ask two questions. Regardless of how you gather today today, .i.e. Mega-Mini-Satelite-Campus-House Church-Simple-Organic etc.,
What are your expectations for church today?
Were those expectations met?
For related posts, see:
Returning to 1st Century Church Requires…
Are Christians Bound to the Practices of the Primitive Church?
CommentsSo in other words, it met your expectations….. by David Woodswas in a modern denomination “church” this morning, seeing ... by MarshallRelated StoriesDo the Old Testament Descriptions of Pastors Apply in the New Testament Era?Why Calling me “Pastor” Creeps me out a bit.The Dirty Dozen – Top Blog Posts of 2012
