Episode 21: Oversight through Eldership

The government of God in the church is a critical issue and we must go God’s way to be successful in reaching God’s goal. God’s provision is a plurality of mature brothers under the authority of Christ moving as one man. To maintain Christ as Head of His body is the central issue. The scriptures teach us that we need “overseeing.” We need God’s watchful care in our personal lives and any gathering of God’s people also needs oversight. The care of God extended to us through this ministry is critical to our personal growth and the growth of any expression of the Body of Christ. Today we look at some of the essential elements.

• Maintaining Christ as Head is an essential element
o Only mediator between man and God is Christ Jesus
o God has chosen to work in and through man
o God expresses His mind for a gathering through ministry
• Elders, pastors, bishops, and overseers
o One person, different words expressing function
o Is a function of grace, not an office
o Local in scope of responsibility
o Always in plurality
• Must meet qualifications (I Tim. 3:1-7)
o Mature brothers
o Family in order
o Desire (from God) to care for the testimony
o Willing to lay down their lives for the sheep (not lording over)
• Function (Acts 17:20-35)
o To care for the testimony of God
o To care for each member
o To prepare each member for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12)
o To attach each one to Christ (not themselves)
• Where do we begin?
o Submission to Christ as our Lord
o The love of God in our hearts by the Holy Spirit
o Looking to care for others
o Open for God to express His care to us through any member
o Recognize grace in others and benefit from it
o Recognize elders when needed and guided by the Holy Spirit

http://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Eldership-Urgent-Restore-Leadership/dp/0936083115

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 20: The importance of the Teaching Ministry

The ministry of the teacher in the church is a very essential ministry for the growth of the individual and the body as a whole. The teaching ministry is a building ministry. Without that ministry we will experience weakness in our walk with God. The ministry of the teacher is to take the vision (or principles of God) and expand them (break them into smaller sections) so we can understand and put truth into practice in our lives. In other words, the teacher brings the Word of God to apply in the issues of our daily life. Without that ministry, we listen to or read about the wonderful things of God but we don’t know what to do with them.

• Teaches are a God-given grace to the church (Eph. 4:11)
o Not all are teachers (James 3:1)
o Will be held to a higher standard of judgment
o Must meet certain qualifications (I Tim. 3:8-13)
o Should not be a novice
o Should teach with the authority of God (I Peter 4:11)
• Teachers minister Christ to us
o Not intellectual facts with no bearing on real life
o Building on the foundation (1 Cor. 3:10-11)
o Teaching that is helpful must be alive in the Spirit (John 6:63)
o The ultimate teacher is the Holy Spirit through men (I John 2:27)
• To benefit from teaching we must be listening with “spiritual ears”
o He that has an ear let him hear (Rev. 2 and 3)
o Listening for God to obey Him (John 7:17)
• The teaching ministry of men and women is different
o Men’s ministry is more open, spoken and leading (I Tim 2:12)
o Women’s ministry is more private, hidden, and by example (Titus 2:3)
• There is a teaching that all members do (Col 3:16)
o Example is utmost
o Testimony
o Fellowship
• Where do we begin?
o On our knees
o In the scriptures
o Open to every member of the Body of Christ
o Dependent on the Holy Spirit
o Quick to obey when light comes to our pathway

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 19: The New Testament Prophet (Prophetic Ministry)

The ministry of the prophet in the Old Testament was very prominent. The ministry of the prophet in the New Testament is also very important in the purpose of God. There is often much confusion today in reference to the ministry of a “prophet.” The first thought that comes to the minds of many is someone who is able to “foretell future events.” While foretelling the future is included in the meaning of “prophecy”, it is really is only a small part. The basic meaning of prophecy is really “forth telling” or telling forth the mind of God. It is in this context we want to consider the function of the prophet or prophetic ministry.

• The prophet in the Old Testament
o He was a “seer” (one who saw what God was doing)
o One who spoke for God
• The New Testament Prophet
o One who proclaims the Purpose of God (vision)
o His ministry is based on the Scriptures
o Has a calling and grace from God (Eph. 4:11)
• Prophetic Ministry
o In beginning form this may come from an extra-local source
o May take the form of multiple brothers sharing from the scripture
o May become more focused as God raises up a brother within the assembly
• We need the Prophetic Ministry
o To impart vision of God’s purpose and plan
o As a foundation for other ministry
o As a light to keep us on course
• Some important elements
o Needs to function with other ministry (such as the teacher, elders)
o Must be alive with the anointing of the Spirit
o Must be true to the scriptures
o Must come through a prepared vessel (scriptural qualifications, I Tim. 3:8-13)
o Must be with spiritual authority to be effective (as an oracle of God, I Peter 4:11)

A valuable resource is a book entitled “Prophetic Ministry” by T. Austin Sparks
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/prophetic_ministry.html

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 18: The Pathway to Maturity

 I believe it is the desire of all Christians to “grow up” into mature, stable sons and daughters of God. Not only is this our desire, it is also God’s desire. He has made full provision for this. While I believe it is the desire of every Christian to come to maturity in Christ, this is not an automatic process. We all begin as babes, but to come to full maturity we must avail of all of God’s provision. This is true in the natural family, and it is also true in the spiritual. We need all God has provided, not just part.

• What is maturity?
o Maturity is conformity to the image of Christ in all aspects
o Maturity is a place of stability (not tossed by desires, trials, and ideas)
o Maturity brings us to a place of greater usefulness to God
• Obedience is essential to realize God’s character established in us
o Relationship must be real
o Obedience is to the leading of the Holy Spirit
o The Word of God is the foundation of our faith and obedience
• Ministry is a key provision of God (Eph. 4)
o Public ministry (prophets and teachers)
o Eldership (those who watch out over our souls)
o Ministry of every member
• Humility is essential to be able to receive
o Teachable
o Open to any brother or sister for God to use
o Quick to hear, slow to speak
o Looking unto Jesus in all things (not man)
• Exercise in the Spirit
o Sensitivity
o Not trying to “do something or be something for God”
o Given to prayer (communion with God)
o Learning in every situation of life

Consistency is the price of success.

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/spiritual-maturity/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

  Episode 17: Walking in Truth

Many today would say that “doctrine divides” so let’s just lay aside those areas of disagreement and love Jesus. Is that good direction? On first consideration, that may sound good but is it possible to love Jesus without walking in truth? What truth is important and what is not? It would not be hard to make up a list of basic doctrines that divide Christians today. I think we know that God wants us to be in harmony and have His mind in all things. Why does this seem so hard? Why are there so many different doctrines, Bible Schools, and fundamental issues that divide Christians? Is it possible to have the “same mind and same judgment” in all things (I Cor. 1:10)?

• Truth is defined in Christ (John 14:6)
o The truth that we are concerned with always relates to the person of Christ
o Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:14)
o Jesus embodied truth (who He is, what He said, what He did)
o Truth includes the goal, plan, character, and ways of God in Christ Jesus
• The Holy Spirit has been given to lead us into truth (John 16:13)
o The Holy Spirit must indwell and control (union with God)
o In the New Covenant God writes His word on our hearts and mind (Heb. 8:10)
o The truth cannot be known simply by intellectual study (I Cor. 2:9)
o Truth must always be held in love (Eph. 4:15-16)
• Christ is formed in our lives as we “walk in truth” (3 John 2-4)
o To walk in truth is to walk in Christ (or abide in Him)
o As we live God’s life the character of Christ (truth) is formed in us (Gal. 4:19)
o As we walk in truth our mind is renewed (Rom. 12:1-2)
• Some practical expressions of the character of Christ:
o Love (I Cor. 13)
o Holiness (separation from sin and this world)
o God’s order in creation (man and woman)
o Expression of Christ, not self (John 15:5)
o Humility, submission one to another
• Truth takes expression in us as an individual and in the corporate gathering
o The family of God is the “pillar and ground of the truth” (I Tim. 3:15)
o To see a gathering of God’s people express truth (Christ) takes spiritual work
o All truth is important at the right time and place according to God’s direction
o The importance of a pure testimony for the glory of God must compel us to action

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/walking-in-truth/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 16: Walking above sin by faith

Today a constant prayer that we hear is “Lord I know we are all sinners. Please forgive us.” It often is a general prayer with no specific sin mentioned, just an acknowledgement that we are all “sinners.” Did Christ come to deliver us from sin? Many would say that He forgives us of our past sin, but that we are still sinners by nature and will continue to sin. Is this true? Is it possible to walk above sin?

• What is sin
o Wrong relationship with God (Genesis 3)
o A disposition of sin (Romans 7)
o Sin is lawlessness (I John 3:4)
o Sin is not just making a mistake
o Something that is not sin today may become sin tomorrow (James 4:17)
• When a person comes to Christ, what happens?
o Repentance, forgiveness, and cleansing of sin
o A new nature (Divine Nature) by indwelling of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1)
o A new creation—all things of God ( 2 Cor. 5:17, Gal. 6:15))
• What is the fruit that we can expect of a person who has been born again?
o Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-24 )
o A fountain flowing from within (John 7:38-39)
• Can a Christian sin
o God never takes away our choice
o To sin we must be “draw away” (James 1:14-16)
o If we continue to sin, we do not know Him (I John 3:6 )
• Christ died so that God may live in us
o If we are abiding in Christ (living His life by faith) we do not continue to sin
o If we do stumble and sin, He is faithful to forgive our sin (I John 1:9)
o All of this is by the grace of God (not self-effort, but abiding in Christ)

In summary, Christ died that we may be forgiven of our past sin and be indwelt by the Holy Spirit that we may not continue to sin. We can disobey God and sin, but if we confess our sin He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us. If we are living a life of sin, then something is wrong in our relationship with God and that needs to be dealt with urgently.

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 15: The Meaning of the Cross in our Daily Lives

Every Christian is familiar to some extent with the historical events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ 2000 years ago. In addition, I believe that most of us know that the work Christ did on the cross forms the basis of our salvation today. But my concern is that we not just know these things in an intellectual way, but rather that we experience the reality of what Christ provided for us in our daily walk.

• Some things that happened at the Cross
o Adam’s race was put to death (crucified) in Christ (Gal 2:20, Gal. 6:14, Rom. 6:6)
o The price of blood was paid for our cleansing from sin (Heb. 9:16-28, I John 1:7)
o The law was done away with (Colossians 2:14)
o Satan was defeated (Colossians 2:15)
o The way into the presence of God was opened (Heb. 6:19-20)
o The way was opened for Jesus to give the Holy Spirit (John 7:39)
• Our place is to believe God in what He says was accomplished at Calvary
o God does not accept anything we are according to the natural
o Forgiveness of sin is by repentance and believing in Christ’s atonement
o We now live under a new law, the law of life (Rom. 8:1-4)
o Our power over the enemy is as we resist Him in union with Christ (James 4:7)
o God is pleased as we draw near in full assurance (Heb. 4:16, James 4:8)
o Full fellowship with God is experienced through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
• Defeat comes when we
o Depend on anything natural (personality, self-effort)
o We depend on what we have done instead of what God does in us (Phil. 2:12,13)
o Resort back to keeping the outward commandments for acceptance before God
o Listen to the enemy and his accusations
o Shrink back from God because we do not feel worthy
o When we entertain reservations in yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit

In summary, we enter into the finished work of Christ in experience by believing in Christ and union with Him by the Spirit.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18, NKJV)  “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NKJV)

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 14: The House Church

In past programs we have considered the church as an expression of the Family of God and the Body of Christ. Today there are many who are seeking to work out God’s purpose in the confines of the home rather than a formal “church building.” Do we have a scriptural basis for this? Does the atmosphere of the home provide an advantage in working out God’s purpose? What is a “House Church”? Is that better than a “normal church”? What do we expect in a House Church? What is God looking for? Today we explore this subject in light of God’s eternal purpose.

• What is a “House Church”?
o No basis for a “House Church” but rather a church that meets in a house
o A meeting place does not make a church a church
o The church of Jesus Christ is spiritual
• What makes a church a church?
o Not because a meeting is held on Sunday, has a pastor, program, and so on
o Christ is Head (authority)
o Christ is foundation (what He did at Calvary)
o Christ is the life (by the Holy Spirit)
• The benefits of meeting in a house
o A family atmosphere
o A smaller group where relationships can be closer and every member function
o Minimum financial obligations for meeting purposes
• Challenges of meeting in a home
o Relationships are challenged
o More personal responsibility
o Can easily tend to become just a social time
o Physical problems with parking, neighbors, laws of the land, etc.
• Meeting with God
o Focused time in the presence of God
o The Holy Spirit in charge
o Men available to be used as God directs
o All things unto edification (building up our relationship with God)

The focus of a church gathering should be relationship: Right relationship with God and with one another. Religion replaces relationship with ritual and rules.

A good resource for those who are seeking to work out God’s purpose in a home setting is “The Principles Book.” http://christcenteredchristianity.com/resources/principles-book-gospel-fellowships/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]
 

Episode 13: The Word of God

The phrase “The word of God” is very familiar to many of us. It is used throughout the Bible. However I would like to suggest to us that for the most part, when we read “The word of God” or “The word of the Lord” in the scriptures that the reference is not to the Bible but rather to something else. Do we think of “The word of God” as only applying to the scriptures? I believe it is important to have a clear understanding of this because Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

• In Heb. 4:12 The Word of God is described as living, powerful, dividing soul and spirit, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart
• Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17)
• Jesus is called the Word of God (John 1:1, Rev. 19:13)
• The word that Jesus speaks is spirit and life (John 6:62)
• In the OT, when we read the “word of God” or “the word of the Lord” came to so and so” it was not the prophet reading from some part of the scriptures. Rather it was direct communication by God to a prophet and then the prophet spoke the word to others.
• In the NT we find a different working. “All shall know me” (Heb. 8:11, 10:16) Now God is writing His word on our hearts and minds by the Sprit. It is a “new and living way.”
• Because of Christ we now have direct access to the Father by the Spirit. (Eph. 2:18)
• God chooses how He will communicate to us, but the Spirit is always the One who makes it living to us (I John 2:27). Some of the primary means are:
o The scriptures
o Through other men (fellow believers, ministers, spiritual gifts)
o Directly to our spirit (as we look to God in prayer)
o Circumstances (spiritual insight)
o Through creation
• We are commanded to have “ears to hear” (Rev. 2 and 3)
• Any communication that we say is of God should:
o Result in light to walk in, clarity, and peace. This is the basis of faith. 
o Consistent with what is recorded for us in the scriptures  (2 Tim. 3:16)
o Verified with other believers depending on the content

Christ opened up to us a “new and living way” whereby we can speak directly to God and He can communicate directly to us.

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]
 

Episode 12: Receive the Holy Spirit

The place of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer today is often surrounded by considerable misunderstanding and conflict. I think the enemy can be blamed for much of that, because he knows that when believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and moving under His control he is powerless to stop them. We must not let confusion hinder us from partaking of the full provision of God. Jesus told the disciples just before He departed this earth that “John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5, NKJV). What is this baptism? What does this promise mean to us today? Let me encourage us to take a look at the scriptures with an open mind and believe that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth.

• God’s plan is to indwell man and be their life
o The Holy Spirit is the person of the Godhead that brings God within us
o This first happened on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2)
• This “Pentecost” is to be experienced by each believer
o There are other accounts recorded in Acts of believers receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17,  Acts 9:17, Acts 10:44-48), Acts 19:6)
o The terms baptized, received, filled, came upon, repentance unto life, and fell upon are all used to describe the same event.
o The baptism or receiving the Holy Spirit is always described as an event that you know has happened with outward evidence.
• There is no scriptural basis to say that a believer automatically receives the Holy Spirit upon believing or water baptism.
o John 20:22 is a command but no record of fulfilment until Pentecost
o Acts 2:38 is a promise but does not say how
o Water baptism is a picture of Spirit baptism but in scripture they are always distinct
• When the Holy Spirit comes to indwell:
o Our spirit is united with His Spirit (I Cor. 6:17)
o The Holy Spirit brings us into union with the Father and the Son (John 14)
o The Holy Spirit comes to administer the authority of Christ in each believer (I Cor. 12:3)

Receive the Holy Spirit! Do not be denied of the “gift of promise.” (See Luke 11:13)

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]