Expedition 44

A fascinating look at what will increase spiritual power in your life and ministry.  

 In 48 Laws of Spiritual Power, best-selling author Frank Viola lays out the unchanging principles of tapping into God’s power and releasing it to serve others. These laws (principles) are based on over thirty years of ministry experience—trench-tested in Frank’s life and the lives of others who have spent decades in ministry.  Though these laws may seem counterintuitive and uncommon, they will equip you to look for God’s power in your ministry. In short, digestible chapters packed with secrets of effective and impactful ministry, 48 Laws of Spiritual Power will equip you with what you need for your ministry to thrive. With straight-to-the-point insights, the book provides a unique perspective on God’s work and practical tools for overcoming the inevitable hardships that are part of any ministry.  

As the author says,  “Anyone who has read my work knows that I’m highly allergic to legalism. So when I refer to the ‘laws’ of God’s power, I’m not using the term ‘laws’ to mean ‘rules.’ Instead, I’m using it to refer to unchanging principles, as in the ‘law’ of gravity.  This is not a book that will teach you how to zap demons and do great wonders and eat cucumbers (as my old friend’s mother used to put it).  There are hundreds of books on that subject.  48 Laws of Spiritual Power is quite different. It covers the waterfront on the ‘laws’ (principles) that govern God’s power in all aspects of ministry and service.  The book contains 40 years of lessons I’ve unearthed in serving the Lord in many different contexts – lessons born out of failure, success, highs, lows, blood, sweat, tears, and even laughs (mostly at myself).”  

48 Laws of Spiritual Power will:  Help you access God’s power in your personal life and release it in the lives of others Introduce you to uncommon wisdom that is rarely talked about in seminary or Bible college Give you a fresh look at how to transform your ministry with the power God is ready to grant you The key to effective ministry is God’s power.  “With 48 Laws of Spiritual Power, Viola has released another amazing book. The advice it contains is clear and full of practical insights. An absolutely essential read for anyone who is in ministry, either full-time, part-time, or spare-time. As the author says in the opening, “If you are in Christ, your entire life is a mission trip.” Organized in short digestible chapters and intriguing illustrations, Viola’s arresting conversational style is sure to keep you glued to the end. This is an important book that will navigate all Christians – especially leaders – on how to access God’s power in every aspect of their mission.” – Christian Book Reviews

Check out 48laws.com for more content 

The Worship Space and History of Ecclesial Hierarchy 

It is a historical fact that churches met in houses up and met in circles (or squares) face to face until the Constantinian shift. Following this entanglement and merge we see churches beginning to meet in buildings that were very similar to the pagan temples if not repurposing the pagan temples. A lot of our thoughts of leadership and church rule derives from a stage and positions of prominence based on the basilica format of the church building. Rather than a circle of equal believers we now have a hierarchy which occupies a stage and the location of the pulpit and altar equals power and authority which God never intended. Even today this plays into the elevating of certain people who stand on the stage over other brothers and sisters. 

Words of Positional Authority 

• arche (a rank-and-file leader, head, or ruler) 

• time (an officer or dignitary) 

• telos (the inherent power of a ruler or tribute to a ruler) 

• archisunagogos (a synagogue official) • hazzan (a public leader or worship) 

• taxis (a post, position, or rank) 

• hierateia (a priest’s office) 

• archon (a ruler or chief) 

Yet not even one of these is used of any leader in the NT church in the Bible. The favorite term used of those providing oversight is diakonos from which we get deacon, but it means servant or table-waiter. 

What is an Elder? 1 Tim 3:1-7 Titus 1:5-11 1 Peter 5:1-8 Hebrews 13:7, 17 1 Tim 5:17-22 

“Appointing Elders” One thing lacking when you look at the NT is the appointing of elders at the planting of the church. The apostle might stay for a little while but usually he’d plant the church, train, and return at a later time to “recognize” elders- those who were mature in the Lord. 

Who does Paul address in his Epistles to? If Elder was a position of hierarchy and authority you’d think that Paul would address his epistles to the “leaders”- the pastors and elders or deacons or bishops - but he never does. 

What is a Deacon? Acts 6:1-6 1 Tim 3:8-13 Romans 16:1-2 

Decision making in the Early Church Acts 15:22-26 

All in all, the New Testament knows nothing of an authoritative mode of leadership. Nor does it know a “leaderless” individualism. It rejects both hierarchical structures as well as rugged individualism. Instead, the New Testament envisions leadership as coming from the entire church. The brothers and sisters supply direction and decision-making by consensus. Seasoned brothers and sisters supply oversight. In this way, the early churches were guided democracies. Decision-making was communal. It stood between hierarchical structures on the one hand and individualism on the other. Elders and leaders were called to exercise pastoral oversight in the context of mutual subjection rather than in a hierarchical structure of subordination. 

Elder Conclusions o Elders were simply old and wise person of character o They had the function of teaching and discipling the less mature brothers and sisters in a motherly/fatherly mentoring role and the mature in an iron sharpening iron role o They eldered, shepherded, and oversaw… this was their character, function, and gifting not their office. o They are among the flock not over the flock o All language of positional authority is absent when talking of eldering in the NT 

Deacon Conclusions o Deacon-ing was complete service and servanthood, void of positional power. o They do good works in the public eye that reflect back on the body of Christ and Christ himself so they must be of Christlike character and good reputation. o They are servant ambassadors.

INTRODUCTION – Election day is NOV 8 (less than a month away) 

• “AMERICAN CONVERSATION” Apology to the 25% of our international viewers 

• “Should Christians vote or be involved in politics?” Questions like these evoke very strong opinions from people as some people feel Christian involvement constitutes spiritual harlotry, while others see it as their moral duty to be “salt and light”. 

 • the Bible doesn’t give direct exegetical answers to these questions that are good for every situation over the next several thousand years. Therefore, answering these questions requires us to reason our answers from Biblical wisdom understanding the culture and audience the text was written to and attempting to apply what we learn to our own situations.  

• Scriptures: Romans 13, I Peter 2, 1 Sam 8, Rev 13 

• Lastly, all of us are of the “ALL IN FOR THE KINGDOM” mindset. I would even say that we are stretching to fit Jesus definition of wholly devoted disciples.  • We aren’t just fans or followers we are attaining to be sold out all in disciples.  

QUESTION 1 OVERVIEW: Should Christians vote?  

QUESTION 2 Are you liable or in union with the person you vote for whether they make it or not? If you don’t vote do you still have a right to be upset?   

QUESTION 3 Is voting a spiritual privilege or duty or is it traitorous (A SIN) to Jesus’ kingdom? 

QUESTION 4 At what point do you shake the dust from your sandals or wash your hands of an un-Godly government?

X44 KINGDOM COVENANT PATRIOTISM / NATIONALISM DISCUSSION 

Dr. Will Ryan, Dr. Steve Cassell, and Pastor Matt Mouzakis  

2 masters Remnant vs salvific instruments 

Rival kingdom vs reclaimed kingdom 

Who is fighting the Battle? 

American Govt as pagan or potential Christian 

Churches involvement in government

Revelation 3:14-22    

Background/History  Laodicea was named after Laodice the wife of Antiochus II, the founder of the city.   Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae were the 3 major cities in the Lycus valley and build among the Lycus river.   In the first century Laodicea was the banking capitol of Asia minor (It was the home of the millionaires)  Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in 61 AD and when offered aid to rebuild from Rome it refused because they were so rich that they were self-sufficient to do it on their own. This plays into the attitude of the church in Laodicea as well.  Laodicea was known for 3 things besides it’s wealth: It’s black wool industry, their medical eye salve ointment, and their lukewarm water.    

Description of Jesus (v14) 

The Amen: The Faithful and True Witness We are used to “amen” being what we end our prayers with. In Greek it means “so be it” but in Hebrew it has connections to the covenant and promises.   2 Cor 1:20 says that all God’s promises find their yes and amen in Jesus.    

The “beginning” of the creation of God-  The NASB, which we read from, translates this as the “beginning of God’s creation” but this is probably not the best translation. The Greek word is arche and that is better translated as the ruler of God’s creation. This is a better connection with Amen and faithful/true witness    

Jesus’ correction to Laodicea (v15-18) Jesus gives no praise to this church. They are very entangled to the mindsets of the world- individualism, materialism, and the systems of Babylon.    

Neither hot nor cold Laodicea built aqueducts to bring the hot water to town from Hierapolis but by the time it made it to Laodicea it would be lukewarm.  Laodicea built aqueducts to carry the cold water from Colossae but by the time it reached Laodicea it would have also been lukewarm. Jesus uses this fact about their water to talk about the spiritual life in Laodicea.  To Jesus their pride and arrogance of being independent, individualistic, and having no need for Jesus (self-reliance) is the opposite of being a faithful witness. And it makes Jesus sick. He says he’ll throw them up. The point is that in being this way they are not usable for the kingdom of God. He’s rather them be hot, like the healing waters of Hierapolis, Or cold, like the refreshing waters of Colossae.  But instead, they are so self-absorbed that they are of no use for the kingdom. He wants to spit them out.    

Rich, healthy, no need James 5:1-6; Rev 18:2-3   

Repentance (v18-20) 

Gold refined by fire 

Isaiah 55:1-5 Revelation doesn’t describe what it means to be truly rich but the echo if Isaiah 55:1-5 gives us some clues. Verses 3-5 talk about an everlasting covenant, being a true witness, and the result is the nations coming running into the true Israel because they display the splendor and beauty of the Lord

Today- The job of the church is to make Christ so beautiful the world cannot resist it! Our job is simply to enthrone Christ and meet his needs and evangelism, discipleship, correct doctrine and all else will take care of itself. Let’s just behold him and explore the vastness of who Christ is… THE AMEN!  “Buying” in revelation has to do with worship

Revelation 3:7-13 Background Philadelphia is 25 miles SE of Sardis in the Hermes Valley. It is the youngest of the churches in Revelation. Philadelphia means “brotherly love”. When King Eumenes II of Pergamum founded the city of Philadelphia he named it after his younger brother and successor Attalus Philadelphus. Attalus got the nickname Philadelphus (The one who loves his brother) because Attalus was deeply loyal to his brother to the point when the Romans offered to help Attalus overthrow his brother and give him the throne he refused. Philadelphia sat on top of a fault line and was affected by several major earthquakes in 17 AD. It was a city that was ruined and rebuilt many times Description of Jesus (3:7) Holy and True This is usually translated as “the words of him who is holy and true” but in Greek “holy” and “true” are each proceeded with the definite article. It should read “the words of him who is THE holy and THE true”. By taking these titles Jesus is reminding the church that he is one with God the Father. It’s also important as we look at the interaction of the Jews and Christians in Philadelphia. The claim of the church that Jesus is Lord and God is what is bringing them persecution. Has the Key of David Isaiah 22:15-24 The theme here in Isaiah 22 is that the previous stewards will be removed, and a new “servant” will be set up who will have the keys to the kingdom, the key of David. There are a lot of Echoes of Christ in this passage: a servant, given authority, connection to David, at the seat of honor (right hand), over the father’s household. And the honor of the family hangs on Him (Jesus is the head of the church).   Praise for Philadelphia (3:8-11) Philadelphia, like Smyrna, is a church that Jesus does not call to repent. Both churches are churches that suffer for Jesus’ name. both churches are facing persecution from the religious establishment (The Jews). Synagogue of Satan In Revelation 3:9 Jesus describes this synagogue as not real Jews but liars. Like in Smyrna “Those who say they are Jews but are not”. The true Jew is the one who in part of the family of the Messiah in Christ. Those who claim Jesus as Lord.   NT Wright: “which of these two groups then, Jews or Christians, can claim to be the true Jews, bearing the torch of God’s ancient people? Here Jesus is quite clear; those who follow him, the Davidic messiah, are the true Jews. Those who deny him are forfeiting their right to this noble name.” Isaiah 45:14 The Expectation was that the nations would flow into the Jewish nation, but Jesus reverses it and now at the end of Revelation we see the nations flowing into the New Jerusalem, the Kingdom. But Jesus puts the Jews in Philadelphia in the shoes of the pagan nations. Flips the script! He compares the Jews in Philadelphia to Shebna in Isaiah 22 who is removed from the house, and the keys of David are given to God’s servant Eliakim, a shadow of Jesus. It says the glory of his family will hang on him, it’s offspring and offshoots… His body the church  Kept in the Trial There are exact word parallels with the words “keep” and “from” in Rev. 3:10 and John 17:15, which is the only other NT occurrence of “to keep” with “from” together: there Christ prays, “I ask not that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” Thus, Jesus denies a physical removal from tribulation and affirms a spiritual protection from the devil. Big idea of this section is there is judgement coming on the kingdoms and systems that oppose God but God will keep his family Conquer We conquer the way of the Lamb, not the way of Rome! The conquers will be a pillar in the temple of God and have God’s name, New Jerusalem, and Jesus’ name written on them.

Scot McKnight joins Dr. Will Ryan and Matt to talk about the church. In this episode we discuss Scot’s book “A Church Called Tov” about resisting toxic church culture and forming a goodness (tov) culture that promotes healing in our churches.

Follow Scot McKnight:

A Church Called Tov

https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes/dp/1496446003/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+church+called+tov+scot+mcknight&qid=1661285141&sprefix=a+church+calle%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1

Blog

https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/

Kingdom Roots Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kingdom-roots-with-scot-mcknight/id1078739516

Revelation 3:1-6

Background

Sardis was a fortress city. It was surrounded on 3 sides by extremely steep cliffs. As a result, it was considered to be so impenetrable that “to capture the acropolis of Sardis” became a euphemism for achieving something impossible.

In the 5th century BC Cyrus king of Persia caught Sardis’ army by surprise and besieged the city. Even after this the people of Sardis believed they were safe but on the 14th day of this siege a few Persian troops claimed the cliff where no man was stationed because the cliff was so steep, and they thought it to be impenetrable there. But their lack of vigilance to an area they thought needed no attention was the downfall of Sardis at this time.

In AD 17 an earthquake ripped apart Sardis and brought sudden destruction to the city once again.

Just prior to John’s day Sardis was a city of wealth and security once again but Jesus and John use their history of being overtaken or sudden destruction to talk about spiritual matters in the church

Description of Jesus

Seven Spirits

Isaiah 11:1-2, Enoch 61:11, Psalms of Solomon 17:37

It’s about the fruit the Holy Spirit produces. The idea is that this spiritual fruit is rooted in Jesus and resembles Jesus’ life.

Seven Stars

The big thing about Jesus’ description that is important for Sardis to notice is that It’s spiritual in nature. Sardis is said to have an appearance of being alive on the outside but are actually dead or dying spiritually

Jesus’ Correction

Alive but dead

Sardis had the reputation (a name) to those in the community of being alive, but Jesus says they are actually dead. They are playing church

Col 1:9-10- Bearing fruit, growing in the knowledge of God

Strengthen what remains

Jesus tell the church to “wake up”. Which is better translated as “be watchful”, echoing the story of the defeat of Sardis we mentioned earlier where they were lax in their protection of the city.

Sardis is similar to the Pharisees in Matt 23:25

Consequences

If they do not repent Jesus is coming to them like a thief in the night

Matt 24:36-44

Jesus attributes this coming to being a thief in the night here as well. The message is that is Sardis doesn’t “strengthen what remains” and “be watchful” (of their spiritual state) their lamp-stand will be removed and not be counted as a faithful witness. They will be overtaken like the acropolis of Sardis was in the past.

Soiled garments

Jesus mentions that there are some that are faithful in this church. Not all are spiritually dead. They are the remnant. Soiled garments is usually a way of talking about impurity by being stained by sin or the world (Jude 22)

“they walk with me in white, for they are worthy”- This has echoes of Eden and walking with God in the garden.

Conquerors

Jesus gives 2 rewards to the conquerors- White garments and their name not erased from the book of life