Church. I just wonder if church is church? I suppose many have wondered if we “do church right” in the twenty-first century. We are the “Called Out.” Yet, we are called to go in. Out of the world to worship, pray, fellowship, and train. We are to go “In” the world around us to share the love, experience, and message of our God. In and out Christians, an interesting idea to teach and it must be difficult to understand.

I preach from the book of Acts and some believe I’m feeding the babes and it’s not enough meat for the mature. Yet, the “Mature” seem not to understand the milk of the Word. Are we doing church right? Shouldn’t more Christians be “In” Christians?

Most of Scripture is simple. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (NIV)

Then we have the response of a Teacher of the Law in Luke 10:25-28. Of course, he had asked Jesus what we must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked the Teacher what he thought. The Teacher said to Love the Lord your God…, and your neighbor as yourself. Jesus commends the Teacher for his answer with these words, “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” (NIV)

It seems aptly clear that we are to exhibit the attitudes of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Also, we are to live in such a way that reveals our faith in God. A casual reading of Ephesians reveals this point. This may lend credence to our “In” mission. Go “In” to the world and make disciples.

How is our “Out” Christianity supposed to compliment our “In” mission? If we aren’t involved in the “In” mission we must be doing something wrong in our “Out” life. We are Called Out (Church). Aren’t we to encourage one another to be involved in the “Out” life (Hebrews 10:25). Well that’s not what it says. We are to use the meeting times to encourage one another to be about love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24). This love and these good deeds can be expressed either Out or In.

“Out” expressions of love and encouragement to serve is what seems so hard, because we have not learned the simple stuff as I have already written about. Maybe we could get along better if we place at least equal importance in our “In” mission. We would be more like-minded about personal mission. We’d probably pray for one another’s success as we went In the world to share Christ. We would have more testimony of God’s power to convict and change lives. Oh, the excitement “In” missions would generate.

How about a 50/50 ministry? 50% Out and 50% In. I’d say we’d have better things to talk about, think about, pray about, and we’d be working on our attitudes and characters more since we would be intentionally carrying Christ to the world around us.

What do you think? “In” and “Out” we would be more like-minded (Philippians 2:1-5). We would be more like Jesus intends his In and Out Church to be.

The United States of America still has a chance to remove itself from communism back to capitalism, but only if corporations, minuscule and mega, organize. American corporations must go to their local, state, and federal elected officials and work at convincing the government to return to the Republic we were created to be. Corporations must withhold any campaign donations, hire their lawyers to represent them, and demand the freedom to earn or lose in this land of the free.

General Motors is the Mega that has been manipulated to fall into the communistic hands of those who threaten to take our liberties away. Canada and the United States both will hold share in the giant corporation. Don’t think an American Union isn’t on the horizon.

The signs are apparent, but the population is dull. This nation needs a few clear minded leaders to stand, lead, and steer us back to being the capitalist republic that won WWII. Stock holders need to sell their stocks and begin to buy legitimately. Companies need to remove themselves from the stock market, commodity markets, and allow the public to purchase bonds through the companies, or by contract become partners. If there must be Federal regulations let them be to protect the partnerships and bond holders as they do real business with real companies.

Yet, capitalism begins and ends with a certain amount of risk. Each person, business, or groups of business speculators must research, make contracts, and profit or fail on their own. The U.S. must strip their law code to the bone and begin as a newborn country when it comes to regulating our people. “We the people” are in control of this nation. We vote, we support, we campaign, we have freedom of speech and press, we should not be afraid of unlawful arrests by the government. Why, when one citizen is unlawfully arrested the nation is raped. The nation then should stand as one voice to secure her citizenship.

We may have a few politicians who are serving us well, but the majority blocks the will of those who are representing us well. It’s time to begin afresh. We must clean the houses of government, both States and National. When that occurs they will get the message they don’t run this nation, but “We the people” do. Afterward, we can elect the well meaning candidates to office to help lead us in State, National and International affairs.

What’s the world going to do? We have always been the market that changes the world, we have always been the government that citizens of other countries have wanted to be a part of. We are the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” People, all people, as they learn of freedom what it. If we take the gold back from the Federal Reserve and place it in Fort Knox (etc.), putting an end to bankers holding us hostage we will leap from a debtor nation to a prosperous one again.

The Federal Reserve is a private industry that will control any debt owed them. In reality, General Motors will be Federal Reserve’s not the Government’s. This will be the case for any corporation that is bailed out by the Government. We need to wake up. Or, we need to be prepared for some huge changes that will affect our freedom, from corporate CEO to part-time employee.

As to National debt, we don’t have one. We should cancel all debt we owe. We have supported this hungry world for decades, supplied foreign armies with implements of war, and become the big stick of the United Nations. It may seem strange, but we can say no to the Federal Reserve, China, the World Bank and any other who believes we owe them. We can tell the world that “We the people” are going to own a majority partnership in any corporation on U.S. land.

We will recover. We will continue. Yet, we must put forth the plan to protect and grow our national defense and the livelihood of our people. Yes, there is much that must be sorted out and organized to restart a government, but we have smart and patriotic people who can lead this nation to greatness again. But, it takes a few exceptional leaders to bridge the gap between the disfranchised and the hope of something better. Who will accept the challenge?

From the time Homeland Security was formed under George W I have been skeptical of the purpose and leery of its impact upon Christianity and conservativism. It seems that our most recent Presidents as well as much of the United States Congress have been moving the U.S. population like sheep from the Republic form of government. It seems that the H.S.A. is just another part of the puzzle.

FEMA, HAS, NSA all have a “Black Operation” agenda that is hidden from the general public. From FEMA camps to spying upon our citizenry, all have gone beyond reasonable methods to maintain security and be of real benefit to disruption in America.

The sheep (citizens) of the U.S.A. have long been herded by discontent. One segment of society is unhappy, or made unhappy by the media, about various issues. Voting moves us to the other side of the isle, but the candidate is on the same general course, one world economy, one world law enforcement, one world centralized backing system, and one world government.

Apparently, those who are in the know and are the movers of the world sheep believe the U.S.A., citizens and government, must become bankrupt to the point that we finally succumb to their socialistic advances. The Stock Market is easily manipulated, the Federal Reserve (not a Federal Gov. entity) is controlled by bankers, AIG insures the Congress pensions, and we wonder why and how things get the way the do? Dah!

“We the People” have been dumbed down and made dependent upon the Government. From Franklin D. Roosevelt we have seen immeasurable amounts of money used to maintain the welfare of society. Generations of people have become dependent and lack the skill or willingness to change their dependency. From government involving itself in farm loans, small business loans, FAFSA grants, and a myriad of other handouts the citizens have become dependents. Americans expect the government to support their basic and privileged needs.

Now, we near the crossroads of America. Do we numbly be shepherded, as George H.W. Bush called it, into the New World Order? Or, do we stand constitutionally and refuse, as people who elect our leaders, and expect them to govern for our best interests.

Now we come to the crux of the subject. What can we do? What should we do? How should Christians face the probable changes?

Every citizen can call, write, visit, and email their local, State and Federal government leaders. We can explain our displeasure with the tendency of government to lead us away form being a Republic that is sustained by hard working capitalists and not a stock market, or central banking system. We can even suggest that our State begin talks with other States about this issue and even secession from the United States, and withdrawing our States Militias from Federal use. Talk alone would get the attention of the sheepherders.

We can have positive public meetings. We can organize local activism. I believe in peaceful meetings and legal demonstrations. Demonstrations like the recent TEA meetings would be good. The more peaceful meetings and demonstrations the more media exposure we may accidentally gain. Remember, we should educate our fellow citizens and solicit their involvement. We are not to make war.

When it comes to a Christian view and method of dealing with the future of our country we need to walk carefully. The mandate of Christ is to love and make disciples. To fight against the established government is against the Holy Scriptures (Romans 13:1-7 & 1 Peter 13-25).

Yet, when oppression arises we may flee and/or seek refuge. We should also be helpful to others seeking the same refuge. As with Nazi Germany many, Christians and non-Christians, helped to save those who were being sought, captured, imprisoned, and executed. Acts chapters three through nine indicate that when local oppression occurs fleeing, hiding, and peaceful protest are acceptable. Yet, when caught Christians were testified as being a peaceful and prayerful martyrs.  Tertullian wrote that “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.”1   Its not recorded that Stephen fought against those who eventually killed him.2    He chose to die with faithfulness, and without fear of the spiritual future. I have heard it was the case with a many of those killed by oppressive leaders and governments in the first three centuries of the church. That would be in line with Christ’s words in Matthew 10:21-33.

Well, I’m sure there will be much more on this topic by other writers far more articulate than me. I hope so, because the American Church needs to be prepared for something we haven’t had to deal with on a large scale. So, begin to discuss this subject, pray to the Lord about how to counsel others, and be ready to live for Christ in a far different social climate. And remember, a Christian isn’t an American first, but a citizen of the Kingdom of God no matter what government we live under on earth. It has been and hopefully will continue to be a great privilege to be a citizen of the United States of America. Lets pray for her and properly seek to keep her a free, prosperous, and benevolent nation.

____________

[1] Christian martyrs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_martyrs

[2] Acts 7:54-60

I recently attended a large convention of missionaries. The main evening messages concerned helping others in need. That in itself was fine, but the means did not conclude at the end. I heard of a man who moved his family to a slum of Bangladesh, of a Doctor remaining in Africa to help the poor, and a director of a mission sending organization speak of benevolence to the poor. All these acts were fine and may have been greatly helpful to the people they served.

My concern is that redemption wasn’t primary. Jesus shed His blood to gain forgiveness of sins for all who place faith in Him. His mission was to enter humanity, reveal His origin, show God’s favor, and die for mankind. He gained a hearing to achieve much of his purpose by showing God’s loving kindness. Jesus healed, feed, and raised the dead. Yet, it was His message that offered life (John 6:68-69).

To be humanitarian (benevolent) without a message of redemption is to be humanitarian. I’m happy people of the world forms clubs and other organizations to met the physical and emotional needs of the poor and hurting. At least those who experience help may enjoy more quality of life on earth.

The real issue is, does the witness/testimony of God’s love lead to the reason Christ came to a world of lost sinners? Benevolence without message is philanthropy. Lovingly Caring for the needs of people to earn an ear for the Gospel is Christian. The former may give temporary quality. The latter offers eternal quality.

Our commission is to Go preach, baptize, and teach. Loving people as we Go is readily seen in Scripture. Paul went, he may have healed, but he always preached, baptized and taught.

The other issue here is missionaries remaining on a mission field for years before preaching. Paul didn’t wait for years before preaching. He trusted the active and living Word of God and the Spirit of God to work. Not to say we shouldn’t make and gain relationships, but we may have some very lazy missionaries who fear rejection and fail to have the courage to speak. Remember, Paul was also persecuted for his preaching.

Lets preach the Gospel. If you are blessed of God to do much benevolence do it. Show God’s love however you can, but mostly by preaching the message of Love (John 3:16).

When asked why they will not vote for a third party candidate, many people will respond by saying something like, “He cannot win.” Or, “I don’t want to waste my vote.” It is true: America has not elected a third party candidate since 1860. Does that automatically mean, however, that every vote cast for one of the two major party candidates is not a wasted vote? I don’t think so.

In the first place, a wasted vote is a vote for someone you know does not represent your own beliefs and principles. A wasted vote is a vote for someone you know will not lead the country in the way it should go. A wasted vote is a vote for the “lesser of two evils.” Or, in the case of John McCain and Barack Obama, what we have is a choice between the “evil of two lessers.”

Albert Einstein is credited with saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. For years now, Republicans and Democrats have been leading the country in the same basic direction: toward bigger and bigger government; more and more socialism, globalism, corporatism, and foreign interventionism; and the dismantling of constitutional liberties. Yet, voters continue to think that they are voting for “change” when they vote for a Republican or Democrat. This is truly insane!

~ Chuck Baldwin

Presidential Candidate

Constitution Party (CST)

http://www.baldwin08.com/

The Deacon is not an Overseer (Elder), but a servant. The responsibilities of Deacons are diverse. Deacons are under the oversight of the Elders and Evangelist, if an Evangelist is part of congregation. Their duties may be by assignment of the Elders and Evangelist and also by faithful motivation.

The word translated Deacon is a word for servant. Many believe, and I would agree, that Acts 6 is the first place we find Deacons. Seven men were chosen to help the widows of the new congregation in Jerusalem. These men were to meet certain qualifications before being chosen to serve. The fledgling congregation apparently had no Eldership, but the Apostles were overseeing the work. The Apostles were made aware of a need and then implemented a method of caring for the need. They instituted the deaconate.

Later, the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy to give several instructions. One of these concerned the selection of Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Paul gave Timothy qualifications for the service position of Deacon. So, as with the Elder, a qualified Christian may be appointed to serve as a Deacon.

I would agree with Alexander Strauch (The New Testament Deacon) that this body of servants were and are to be people helpers. The duties were not defined in Scripture, but the term Deacon alone helps us to define it as a role of service. As Acts 6 reveals a need being met by the servants selected, so the physical needs are to be met by the present day Deaconate.

How they do their service is up to opinion. They may consist of a team of qualified people who have a budget and treasurer so as to handle service related projects for the needy of the congregation, to offer benevolence, and even maintain church property. The team of servants could solicit the help of others of the congregation to assist in projects. Yet, the qualified Deacons would have to assume certain jobs so as to protect the privacy of members. Example, if Grandma Jones lives alone and it is Deacon Smith’s responsibility to periodically check her wellbeing, and while checking he finds she has fallen in the bathtub, it should be handled in a discreet manner. Only a trusted person should be given such assignments. Whether it is the Deacon or their spouse who may help them, they would both need to be discreet and maintain the privacy of Grandma Jones.

It is my opinion that the Eldership should oversee the Deacon team. Yet, give them the flexibility to do their service. The Eldership will benefit if they do so, because they can then do the work of shepherding without being bogged down with other service. This would be similar to the reason seven men were chosen in Acts 6:2.

By virtue of their character and work Deacons become respected and can lead others to serve in genuine Christian attitude. They also would have many opportunities to give Biblical encouragement to those they serve (1 Timothy 3:9 & 13). Paul, in Philippians 1:1, distinguished the Deacons along with the Elders. Without making to much of that, I would opine they were at least significant in service and held by the congregation in great respect.

Hillbilly Theologian

Part two concerns the Evangelist. This servant seems to be what we see in Philip, Timothy, and Titus. Even though we don’t have any reference of Titus being an Evangelist his ministry was so similar to Timothy’s that we can be assume (dah, I know.) him to be an Evangelist in Crete. (Acts 21:8; 2 Timothy 4:5).

Paul reveals the position of Evangelist in Ephesians 4:11 as designated of Christ. Before I go on I need to share an opinion formed by Scripture, but not specifically stated. Any congregation can have a member be a designated preacher for various meetings. They could have an Elder, and even paid to serve full time (1Timothy 5:17-18). They can hire a qualified man to preach to the congregation. Yet, what I’m writing of now is the Evangelist.

By definition the Evangelist is a “Gospel Preacher.” The root of the Greek word euangelistou means to preach. In Acts 8:4 we find persecuted Christian Disciples leaving Jerusalem. As they go they are “preaching.” Yet, the Evangelist Timothy or Philip was either working to make disciples and start a new congregation of Christians, or they were working with a congregation to “set things in order” and appoint Elders (Titus 1:5).

When reading the letters to Timothy and Titus we can gather that the Evangelist was a “Jack of all trades.” He was bringing order to the church, training the members in holiness, recruiting and training men for Eldership and the Deaconate, refuting false teaching, and reading and preaching the Word of God. He did some pastoral work, deacon work, teaching, preaching, and so I say he had a broad responsibility.

Unlike the person from the congregation or a man hired from without, the Evangelist works with the charge to accomplish those things stated in the letters of Timothy and Titus. He is not the Pastor. Pastoring (Shepherding) is the work the Elder does. He’s not just the Preacher. Any qualified man can perform that task.

Now many fine men have taken positions at churches as their “Minister,” or “Preacher.” That is fine. Especially, when the congregation is being lead well by the Eldership and the congregation is structured well. To bring in a man or recruit one from the congregation and expect him to function as an Evangelist or Elder is ignorant and unfair to the “Preacher.” I’m not meaning disrespect by saying ignorant, but I’m saying more study of the Scripture is necessary.

To many times a poor preacher has to take the fall for a poor leadership team. Or, he has to do the work of these other men and he feels the burn out, because the “Preacher” is truly serving outside his Biblical job description. The poorly led congregation can perceive the “Minister” as the congregational leader who is under their and their Elders’ authority. Can you understand the dilemma? It is a no win situation.

Yet, if you hire an Evangelist you have a man who is an equal with the Elders, a team player who is to be respected as the Evangelist.

Hillbilly Theologian

Church leadership has been gravely altered through the years. So much so that today the Church has a difficult time understanding who is a leader, what are leaders responsibilities, and what is the leadership structure in the Church.

Instead of going to the Christian bookstore or the seminary classroom I propose we go to the Scriptures to find how God desires His Church to be organized. We have ample and authoritative material in our Bibles to direct each congregation on leadership structure.

First, we find that God has exalted His Son, Jesus, to be Lord and High Priest of the Church universal (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 4:14; Revelation 19:16). He is the Chief Shepherd of the Church (1 Peter 1:4).

Second, the Lord has established leadership roles of service. Ephesians 4:11 reveals four distinct leader-servant roles, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, and Pastor Teachers. It would seem that two of these leader-servant positions are still actively present in the Church today. My thoughts here are not to explore Apostolic Succession or the role of a Prophet. I am being practical for the Church today.

We see Paul and Barnabas going back through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. As they proceeded to revisit the new congregations they appointed Elders in each Church. We should note that Elders must be an important leadership role or Paul and Barnabas would not have been appointing them. Also, the term Elder means “an older man.” The term was used for leaders of wisdom. Age may not have been as important as personal maturity, given respect, and willingness to serve. The Old Testament and the Gospels can be studied for such information.

An issue came to Paul that he desired to seek the counsel of the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem over (Acts 15:2). The Elders were a decision making group. Also, we always see the term Elder in the plural indicating a team of Elders not just one leading the congregation.

Paul gave Timothy and Titus some detailed qualifications to determine who should be Elders (1 Timothy 3:1-6 & Titus 1:5-9). These are not suggestions, but guidelines to follow for evaluating men for such a position. Yes, men. The term is in the masculine and always refers to men. Again, this post is not a study on the role of women in the Church and I would rather stick to the subject.

God works through the Apostle Paul to warn the Ephesian Elders to watch for false teachers (Acts 20:17-32). He calls the “Elders” to meet with him (vs. 17). He tells them the Holy Spirit has made them “Overseers” (vs. 28). He also reminds them they are to “Shepherd” (vs. 28). We find the prominent responsibilities of an Elder from these terms used of Paul. Peter also used these terms for these particular leaders (1 Peter 5:1-4).

The term Overseer is one that can be translated Bishop or Administrator. It means to watch over and administrate the affairs of. It is a term describing a work. It isn’t a title as such, but a description of an Elders service.

The word Shepherd can be translated Pastor. It means to tend, feed, protect, and care for the flock of God, His people (Acts 20:28). Again, the term is not a title, but a description of service.

The Elders are to be respected men able to teach and refute false teaching. They may be preaching Elders who receive a salary (1Timothy 5:17-18).  They are to be respected, but not revered. We never find in the New Testament Scriptures a senior Elder/Pastor.

Since Paul and Barnabas were appointing Elders in the cities they had started congregations and not leaving an Evangelist at the Churches it would seem that capable Elder teams could oversee, and shepherd the congregations without an Evangelist on site.

The next post will be Church Leadership Structure Part Two. I will write about the Evangelist and the preaching ministry.

Hillbilly Theologian