Coffee With The Lord

MIRACLES MOST OFTEN HAVE A COOPERATIVE ASPECT TO THEM… God’s action and activity and our part… Consider this “sip” from my Bible reading this morning – God’s part and Peter’s part:

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.  Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.  And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.  And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’  And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (Acts 3:1-10 ESV)

Models, prototypes, or patterns are important. When we have one, our challenge is to follow it as closely as we can. What follows are usually not exact replicas, but they are close. When it comes to having A “HEALTHY CHURCH” OR MINISTRY, this description comes as close to a prototype as you can get!

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (From Acts 2:42-47 NLT)

Want your church to be A “HEALTHY CHURCH”? Get as close as you can within your cultural context to that model! It won’t be an exact replica, but it should come close. Pore over this Biblical description, reflect on it, identify each of the key elements and with God’s help try to implement each aspect. I could point them out for you… but that wouldn’t be inductive Bible study now would it? (And it would rob you of the joy of discovery!) Come on, do it! … then with God’s help start the process of making them a reality in your church or ministry! You’ll be glad you did!

HONOR godly spiritual leaders! … BE a godly spiritual leader worthy of honor!

“Remember you leaders who have spoken God’s word to you! Carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith! … Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief! …Have a clear conscience, conduct yourself honorably in everything!” (From Hebrews 13:7, 17-19 CSB)