Reflections on Ministry

On June 1 we completed one year in full-time ministry. Well, how was it?

I wish I knew the answer to that question. Ministry is such a joy but such a burden. As Frodo would say as he carried the ring in the Lord of the Rings, "It is such a burden. I feel its weight." There are so many joys about ministry. A joy to be used of God in such a tremendous way. A joy to see new life in young child's soul. A joy to be a comfort to a family dealing with the physical effects of cancer and watching a loved one being destroyed by it.

Ministry is a burden for many reasons. No matter how great the congregation is, you are dealing with people and sometimes people are just nasty. We have all seen and heard about it. But on a much deeper level, the church in many ways hangs on the shoulders of the pastor. The pastor must examine his church and see where they stand. He must seek God for where they should be. He must patiently wait on God's work in the hearts of the people to get them to that point. The ministry is a spiritual work often being forced by man-made means. How does a pastor convince the church that their ideas are tradition and not biblical? How does a pastor convince a church that there is a specific mission for the church, but how that is accomplished may differ from community to community? I wish I knew the answers but those are my questions.

There have been opportunities for joy over the past year. April 6 2006 will be a day to remember. I am still adjusting to the rural life. I miss my short drives to Wal-Mart, the bookstore, Starbucks, pretty much a short drive to anything! Everything beyond the necessities are at least 30 minutes of driving or more. Richmond is about 1 and 1/2 hrs. away. Back to April 6, Heather had her 8 month check-up for her pregnancy with Brennan. She was already significantly dialated. History of quick delivery with Connor and now we are over an hour from the hospital and she is 4 weeks from full term. I was a nervous wreck the rest of the day. Brennan was born the next day. Less than an hour of labor when her water was broke.
I have had the chance to meet many new friends in ministry. Local pastors, pastors in Illinois. And we have reestablished friendships. The Greenwich family are friends from college at Ouachita Baptist University. A couple who were great encouragers to Heather and me.

All of this to say, pray for your pastor. Pray for his spiritual, emotional and physical strength. Pray that he will be encouraged at the most difficult times and day-to-day. Encourage your pastor by supporting his leadership. We may never see the fruits of our labors and consequently ministry is difficult. Be courageous in your walk with the Lord. Attempt great things for God, Expect great things from God.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done.
So loved He the world, that He gave us His Son.
Who yielded His life, an atonement for sin.


In Christ Alone.

Aaron

Quotes & Jokes Concerning Baptists

Southern Baptists are like alley cats. They scream and holler and fight, but in a few months there are more of them.

-Jonathan Haralson (1830-1912; elected president of the SBC 9 times)



If you have two baptists together you get three opinions.



There was once a man stranded on an island. One day as he was walking the beach he spotted a ship off the coast. He yelled and waved flags and set fires to get attention. After quite some time trying to get attention, he went back to his hut. To his surprise, a small boat from the ship came to shore.

The stranded man, thanked them for coming and began to get what he wanted to keep and hurry to the boat. One of the sailors said, "Before we leave why did you build three buildings?"

The rescued man replied, "Well, you see this is where I live. This one here is the baptist church I go to. And well, this one here is the church I used to go to."

Aren't we cute!?!

Serving Without Fear

Acts 4:1-10

William Carey- the father of what’s called the modern missions movement- encountered great opposition from his Baptist brethren when he wrote An Enquiry into the Obligation of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens. Surprisingly, Baptists known to be people of the Bible, held a view that is not commonly held today. They believed, at least these Baptists, the Great Commission had already been fulfilled. They also believed that there was no need for evangelism and missions because God would save those He wanted in His own time. So for Carey to in 1792 to write his pamphlet and propose through his research and observations of the world that the work was incomplete was a danger to the careful balance of the life of the church. I can imagine some of the arguments and responses he received. Yet through his determination and commitment to what he saw as the command and leading of the Lord, he was used to begin the largest missions movement the world has ever seen. I would say in terms of missionaries sent, this is greater than after Pentecost. As a result of this movement, the American Baptist Convention was formed which later developed into the Northern and Southern Baptist Conventions. The Southern Baptist Convention holding the claim to the largest missions agency in the world. There are estimates that may no longer be true, but currently the SBC IMB employs over 5,000 missionaries. That is International alone.

What if William Carey had abandoned his position and went on with life as usual, the way we’ve always done it? Where would we be today? Well, God would have raised someone else up? What if God had chosen to raise that other person up centuries later? Without the leadership of Carey, there are now millions of souls worshipping in heaven who wouldn’t have had the chance prior to his moving among the church.

William Carey served God without fear. In our passage today we see three truths in our passage that demonstrate serving without fear.

Luke was presenting to the early church what was going on within the church and how the spirit was at work and spreading the gospel concerning Jesus. Peter and John have been used of God to produce one of the most remarkable miracles I am sure many of these people have ever seen. And because of this miracle they are arrested and thrown into prison for the night. Amazing how they were treated. They are less than Christ yet they get their trial during the day as the Jewish law requires, yet Christ had His trial at night against the laws of Jewish society.

In verses 1-3 we see that Peter and John were still speaking to the people and the priests and other religious leaders were disturbed by what was going on. As they were in their place they could see the commotion from Peter and John, they were jealous of the crowd they had gathered and so they sought to end it. They were still upset over this Jesus guy. They wanted His name silenced. The more you attempt to silence it, the louder it becomes. In the middle of their teaching the people, the temple guards come and lay hands on them. They come and physically drag them away. The consequences do not determine whether or not to serve or proclaim. That is the first truth. What is the first or immediate response to our work does not determine the worth of that work. If Peter and John had taken this arrest and thought this was God’s word to them to stop where would we be today? Where would God’s church be today? We can’t allow one setback to stop the work of the church. If we as a church had set an official goal of 100 children for VBS, would we allow our actual totals for VBS to mean that wasn’t God’s activity for us? If you sensed that God had called you into the ministry and then you couldn’t go to college, would you believe that to mean that you were wrong? Obstacles come in our lives to prevent us from doing God’s will, but they are for the growth of our faith and not the ending of God’s work. Peter and John go on to demonstrate a mighty faith in the face of the ones who sought Jesus and His death. This arrest was meant for the destruction of their faith by one and the development of their faith by another. Consequences do not determine the validity of the work.

The text tells us in verse 4 that as a result of their teaching that many believed. While Peter and John were sitting in prison, they probably had no clue that many people came to faith. Verse 4 tells us that the number of the men came to five thousand. The idea is that their households probably were of the faith as well. These were of the church universal but the emphasis is on the fact that they believed that Jesus is Lord. He is their Savior.

Verse 5 tells us who is involved in this trial and opposition. The elders and scribes. Those who are supposed to be the spiritual leaders of the people of Israel. The religious leaders of Israel. The heads of the tribes. The ones who are commanded to teach and lead the coming generations of God and His work, they are the ones who are attempting to stop the work of God. It is as if the deacons of the church today were to go to a pastor and tell him to stop being so evangelistic or go to a Sunday School class that was having great success in bringing in the lost and told them to stop growing. Verse 6 tells us that those who are of high priestly descent were there as well. What I see as so ironic in this verse is that the high priests of Israel are opposing the high priest of the church. Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our High Priest. The high priest was the one who stand before God on behalf of the people, and the earthly high priests are opposing the High Priest. The high priest is the advocate for the people and yet they are the accusers of the people at this time. Verse 7 tells us that Peter and John were brought before the council and asked, “By what name do you do this?” They obviously were not listening to the sermon.

Verse 8 tells us that our second truth which is that the Spirit will guide and lead. The text tells us that Peter responded being filled with the Holy Spirit. What a comfort! When you stand trial for your witness, the Spirit will give you the words to defend yourself. He is actually defending you. When you don’t know what to say other than, I am innocent of any crime but guilty of preaching the gospel, the Spirit will give you the words you need to present your answer. As you look at Peter’s response, he basically shares the gospel with them. The only response to the charges of sharing the gospel of Christ is the gospel. When people tell you or you hear people say, “We don’t need more evangelism. Stop evangelizing, it’s offensive to people.” My question is, “Who is then going to tell them?” If no one tells them, then they have no chance. Someone must tell them. Peter stands before his accusers and gives them the chance. He faithfully continues to proclaim the wondrous gospel of Christ.

As the writers of the Bible were filled with the Spirit so will God’s people when they seek to be the proclaimers of the Good News. If you seek to glorify God through the proclamation of His word to all the nations, you will be filled with the Spirit to proclaim.

Verse 9 tells us more of what Peter said to his accusers. He says, “If we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man.” Basically this is a good work. Which is our third truth. The work of serving God without fear is a good work. The proclamation of the gospel to the ends of the earth, to the sheep who are scattered, the ones who live in darkness. This is a good work. You have heard the old saying, The end justifies the means. Well, the church is not responsible for making the end take place. We are responsible for the means. The process, the doing is to be done by the church. God has called us to His service and to stand and proclaim to the darkness. Are you willing to serve and see a good work take place?

What is more important, our comfort and physical safety or obedience and the possibility of others coming to faith? In September we will have the opportunity to open our doors to the community. We will have many more details next week, but we are planning a picnic that will be advertised in the papers and flyers hanging up around the community inviting anyone and everyone to come. We will have the opportunity to welcome them and hopefully develop some relationships that will open doors to ministering to our community. On that day, for those of us who meet strangers everyday, what is more important, our comfort or seeking to make relationships and minister to needs? This is a good work. May we serve in such a way that we demonstrate that belief.

In Richard Wurmbrand’s book Tortured for Christ he tells the story of a minister in Hungary who was confronted by a Soviet commander. The minister was asked by the commander to meet with him privately. So they entered a conference and closed the door for privacy. The commander looked at the minister and pointed to the cross on the wall and said, “You know that thing is a lie. It’s just a piece of trickery you ministers use to delude the poor people to make it easier for the rich to keep them ignorant. Come now, we are alone. Admit to me that you never really believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God!” The minister responded and said, “But, my poor young mad, of course I believe it. It is true.” The captain loudly resonded, “I won’t have you play these tricks on me! This is serious. Don’t laugh at me!” He pulled out his revolver and pointed it into the body of the minister and said, “Unless you admit to me that it is a lie, I’ll fire!” He responded, “I cannot admit that, for it is not true. Our Lord is really and truly the Son of God.” The captain threw his gun to the floor and embraced the minister. He cried to him, “It is true! It is true! I believe so, too, but I could not be sure men would die for this belief until I found it out for myself. Oh thank you! You have strengthened my faith. Now I too can die for Christ. You have shown me how.”

As we close two points of response.

Serving despite opposition creates a stronger faith.

In the face of opposition, as you see God work, your faith will be strengthened.

The final result is what we seek.

What happens immediately may not be what we are seeking. Make disciples. But the final result is what we seek, the making of disciples. We may have to attempt many different outreach opportunities before we see that take place.

May God grant us strength as we seek to do His will. May the temporary setbacks and earthly opposition merely strengthen our faith rather than tear us down and apart.

Psalm V

Psalm V

1. What is significant about verse 1?

Is this a reference to prayer? Is it the habit of prayer or the spirit of prayer?

Do we take seriously the ability to pray throughout the day?

Are you focused on the fact that God is present with you at all times?

2. When you cannot find the words to say do you continue in prayer or do you give

up and wait for when you have words?

Do you believe God can hear your prayers even when you have no words?

3. Is it best to make a habit of prayer in the morning or the evening? Not asking

about both.

Do you direct your prayers to God? Do you see if they have reached God?

Do you wait expectantly for God’s reply?

4. 5. 6.

This is David’s prayer. His prayer for the removal of his enemies is because they

cannot be in God’s presence.

When does it become permissible to pray for our enemies destruction and stop

seeking their salvation?

How does David go about this prayer? What is the basis for his request?

7. David is sure of his place before God.

Why is David able to enter God’s house?

What will David do when he enters the house of God?

Where was the temple at the time of this Psalm?

8. Where does the direction for our lives come from?

How can we know God’s direction for our lives?

How can we know what God would have His people accomplish?

9. 10.

What is in verses 9 & 10 that should bring humility to our lives?

What would we have people pray for us in our lostness?

What do we see God demonstrating in the lives of people who are lost?

11. What was the significance of a city of refuge?

What is a shelter? Why is shelter considered a necessity for life?

What should be the response to God’s provision of protection?

12. Who receives the blessings of God?

How do we become righteous?

What is the greatest desire in your heart? Do you desire God’s favor?

Psalm IV

On Wednesday nights we are going through the Psalms, and I will be posting my outlines from my preparation for those studies. On the outlines you will see that they are a numbered outline. Each number corresponds to a verse and there are questions for discussion and contemplation for each verse.

Psalm IV

This psalm was written during the same time as Psalm III.

1. What does God of my Righteousness mean?

Why is it so important?

How does God comfort us in distress?

2. This verse contains a contrast.

God’s honor- Reproach/Worthless Deception- Treasured

What are ways or rubbish that we seek and treasure it?

What are ways that we treat honor as trash?

3. The godly man is devoted to God alone.

The godly man is chosen by God and set apart for God’s purposes.

God communes and relates to us.

What purposes does God have for His people?

What does God desire to communicate to His people?

4. Three instructions:

1. Fear God

2. Meditate on the Word

3. Live Righteously/Faith in Salvation

Examine yourself in darkness and secrecy when there are no other distractions.

5. Only God can make us righteous.

What is an important implication of only God making us righteous?

6. What are some specific goods that people desire?

What goods should we desire? Why?

What is the utmost good in this world that can be attained?

7. Gladness/Joy over physical gain.

8. Peace in God.

What is our true enemy in this world?

What will do us lasting harm in this world that will effect us for all eternity?

Cow Needs a Diaper

A couple of weeks ago we were on our way home from Pennsylvania visiting with Heather's parents. We had both cars in PA so we had Heather and Brennan in one car and Aaron and Connor in the other. As we were traveling home, there were several dairy farms. One in particular was rather stinky. The stink just lingered in the car that Aaron and Connor were in. Rolled down the windows to get the smell out but no luck.


I couldn't help myself and finally said, "That cow stinks really bad!"
Connor replied, "Stinky cow. Cow stink bad."
I said, "Yes, sir. Cow stinks really bad."
Connor concluded with, "Cow Needs a Diaper. Cow stink bad."

So next time you smell a stinky cow give him a diaper.


Oh, can't forget this. A day or two after getting home from PA, Connor found one of Brennan's diapers (clean diaper) and took it to the cow on Brennan's farm play gym. Apparently the cow was stinky!

Enjoy! The laughter that comes with the logic of a toddler.

Welcome

I have pondered whether to keep a website or blog for quite some time now. I have asked, How will this benefit me? How much time will it take? Will this be a benefit for other people?

After considering those questions, I am going to do this and at least give it a try. What I hope to do is post manuscripts of my sermons and Wednesday Bible Studies. This will help me think through what I really want to say, and for many of you, hopefully it will be an encouragement in your daily Christian walk. We know many people who are missionaries, church planters here in the US and others who have expressed a desire for deeper teaching. I cannot promise deeper teaching but at least something in addition to what you are currently getting.

I will also use this for periodic family updates to keep our relatives informed of how we are doing and how the boys are growing.

May the Lord bless you in your walk with Him.

In Christ Alone.

Aaron