Epaggelia

What was the source of the passion of Christ? (Ac. 1:3) It was his intense love for our relationship to be alive with God. The love of Jesus resulted in his extreme commitment to walk a very narrow path to redeem humanity. For the sake of restoring us to fellowship with God, he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant by being made in human likeness (Php. 2:6-7). His passionate love caused him to leave the glory of heaven and live an obedient life of self-sacrifice required by the holiness of God. Only such a sacrificial life could produce the pure and innocent blood sacrifice, required to cover the sins of those who put their faith in him (Jn. 3:16-17; Eph. 1:7). The passion of Christ was energized by the power of God. Jesus worked many phenomenal miracles through the power of God. Even when he was handed over to the mob led by Judas, he spoke and they fell backwards onto the ground (Jn 18:6). Jesus was always in control of his life. He said that more than twelve legions, or as many as sixty thousand angels, would respond to his commands (Mt. 26:53). Jesus was not just a good man who fell victim to evil circumstances. On the contrary, he predicted the manner of his death, the time and place chosen by the Father (Mt. 26:2). Jesus was not a powerless victim. He grappled & took death on, so that He could accomplish our redemption. Then He rose from the dead in power and majesty!

These are notes from our Congregation’s Bible Discussions.

I. BEGINNING THE NEW LIFE – John 3:1-7

Our Need – Romans 3:23
God’s Holiness ~ Isaiah 6:3
Adam’s Sin ~ Genesis 3:6-7
Our Sin ~ Ecclesiastes 7:20

The WAY – John 14:6
God’s Gift in Christ ~ Romans 6:23 & Colossians 1:22
Our Faith in Christ ~ John 1:12 & Acts 16:31
The Operation of God ~ Colossians 2:11-13 & Romans 6:1-7

The RESULTS – Acts 4:11-12
Everlasting Life ~ John 5:24
Christ’s Righteousness ~ Isaiah 61:10 & 2nd Corinthians 5:21
A New Position in God’s Family ~ 1st John 3:2
Empowered by God ~ Acts 1:8 & 2:38-39, 5:32
Reconciliation Between Enemies ~ Acts 10:14-15

The ASSURANCE – 1st Peter 1:3
The New Creature ~ 1st Corinthians 6:11 & 2nd Corinthians 5:17
The Fruit ~ Galatians 5:22-23
Promises of God ~ Titus 1:2 & 2nd Corinthians 1:20
The Spirit of God ~ 1st John 3:24

II. GROWING IN HIS NEW LIFE ~ 1st Peter 2:2

The WORD ~ Hebrews 4:12
Jesus shows us how to use God’s word, Matthew 4:1-11 & Joshua 1:8

PRAYER ~ Colossians 4:2
The work of God in our prayer is forgiveness, 1st John 1:9 & Mark 1:35

WORSHIP ~ Hebrews 13:15
Loving God is essential, Matthew 22:37 & Hebrews 10:24-25

FELLOWSHIP ~ Galatians 5:13
Sharing our strengths & needs with each other unites our bond in His Spirit
Acts 2:42-47 & Galatians 6:1-5

GIVING ~ 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8
Whether in effort or money, God blesses! Mark 12:41-44 & Acts 20:35

WALKING In The SPIRIT ~ Romans 12:1-2
Obedient small steps turn into big steps, Romans 8:4-5 & Galatians 5:16-25

III. ESTABLISHED IN NEW LIFE ~ Ephesians 4:11-15

Having God’s Strength to Share The Faith
Matthew 28:18-20
1st Corinthians 15:2-4
2nd Timothy 4:1-2

Having A Purpose in Suffering
1st Peter 3:17 & Jeremiah 37:15 ~ God’s will !!!
1st Timothy 5:23 & 2nd Timothy 4:20 & Luke 6:19 ~ God’s will ???
No matter how hopeless or painful our body, soul or mind feels, God claims that it is temporary. There is a victory for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as the God of all comfort. No one can point the finger and accuse the Crucified & Risen Lord of not understanding pain & suffering. 2nd Corinthians 1:3-5

Leadership in God’s Institutions
The Family, Genesis 2:24 & Colossian 3:18-21
Government, Romans 13:1-4 & 1st Peter 2:13
The Church, Acts 7:38 & 1st Timothy 3:1-13

There is a reason why Paul listed “self-control” as the last part of the fruit of God’s Spirit in a Christian’s heart, Galatians 5:23.

Have you begun God’s New Life? Romans 6:7
If you have, are you growing in His New Life?
If you are growing, do you desire to be established and mature?

1. Pray honestly, God knows when we are pretending before we do.
2. We should never give up on prayer, because God never gives up on us.
3. God’s answers to our prayers are always right because his righteousness is eternal.
4. Don’t try to impress God with a college degree vocabulary, He is smarter than that.
5. The love of God is the only reason we should pray for our enemies.
6. If we don’t believe in what we are praying about, How will God trust us with the answer?
7. Don’t argue with God, we can’t fight Him, our arms are too short and our words are too finite in the ears of an infinite God.
8. If we are feeling real pious and try to spend all night in prayer like Jesus, keep it silent so everyone else can sleep, please! The longest recorded prayer in the Bible is a 5 minute reading anyway. (John 17)
9. When we pray for our Nation’s Government, remember, God gave them the power they have before we even voted.
10. If we are hurting & really get angry in prayer, remember even the Psalmist ‘vented’, but be careful before you ‘lose it’, His wrath is bigger than ours and His love is beyond any earthly understanding.

1. The Psalmist had a passion for the word of God, that is a real good place to start (Psalm 119:23-24, 159). The Christian who loves Jesus Christ as The eternal Word is in the best position to really learn the truth from the Scriptures, why? Because Jesus is the Way, the Truth & the Life (Jn. 14:6) Remember, He is the Word of Life (1st Jn. 1:1).

2. Pray for wisdom in the Word, (James 1:5) Please do yourself a favor and read the Bible for more than just knowledge, ask God for wisdom while spending time in the Word, and His Spirit will give it. Jesus taught us to “ask…seek…knock” (Matthew 7:7-11) and it will be given. Really good things from Heaven, come straight out of the Bible, if we pray about what we are reading!

3. Have a spiritual attitude, instead of a physical mindset that says, our IQ is high enough to delve into an ancient manuscript to decipher intrepretations that can be adapted to a modern lifestyle. Yes, we are reading it in a second language written centuries ago, but a spiritual attitude, that says, God’s Spirit relates the point of what I’m reading, better than my own IQ, is going to reveal truth to me. That is better than trying to work it out with my own intellect. Paul taught us to be spiritually minded when reading the Scriptures, Read 2nd Corinthians 2:14 – 3:3 to enjoy this perspective before you dig deep to study God’s word, or else, your time with the Bible can easily turn into nothing but an academic exercise instead of a spiritual one.

4. Have the number one goal in your Bible study to do this: God’s will. When our objective to learn what God wants us to do with His wisdom, is to put it in our behavior, we are really being a disciple of Jesus Christ. This is actually a promise that Jesus makes to all of his disciples in John 7:16-18. If you want to really know the truth, make your goal in learning to obey The Father’s will, not your own desires, but His.

5. Accept it: Some parts of the Bible are deep! So be prepared to read some passages more than twice and compare them with other passages, before you draw a conclusion about what it is really teaching. Peter admits that some things Paul writes are very hard to understand, 2nd Peter 3:15-16. Be thankful that the whole Bible isn’t complicated and realize that the effort you make in comparing Scripture with Scripture in view of what other people say, is a noble-minded approach to learning the truth. When God sees us really persevere with our study, He esteems our mind as beautiful, Acts 17:11.

6. Admit that we all have pre-conceived ideas about Jesus and the Bible. Try to push aside and challenge prior beliefs about The Word, before you make conclusions. Afterall, the biggest mistake the Leaders of Israel made with Jesus, was to ignore the facts of what kind of “King” Jesus was proving to be. John 18:33 – 19:15 is the story of how the preconceived ideas of Jewish Rulers towards the Kingship of Jesus turned Pilate against Jesus, even when he saw Him innocent. We can all be guilty of looking the truth in the face, without realizing the right conclusion, if we do not deny our own pre-conceived ideas.

7. Read & learn from the Bible with complete awareness that the words of Jesus are at the center of God’s eternal good news. Jesus reminded us that if anyone rejects this good news, it will one day be the standard of judgment against people who refuse to accept that His good news can cleanse, empower and enlighten their life. Jesus gives us this warning in John 12:48.

8. Perhaps this last quality is the most important. We must believe that what we are reading is actually God’s word, not of human invention. Paul knew that faith in the divine origin of Scripture, is essential, and if we don’t believe it, we will not grow in true discipleship to the Word of Life, which is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Savior. Read 2nd Thessalonians 2:13.

In 1st Timothy 3:1-12 is a passage with as much authority as any other in the entire Bible. There are two very important words used by the Apostle Paul from God’s Spirit in these lists describing Elders & Deacons. The word “MUST”, in v2, and also the word “LIKEWISE” in v8. They reflect the seriousness of God’s will in these lists. They make the descriptions actual requirements before the office is appointed to any man. Why are these lists to be used as requirements? Because “must” & “likewise” necessitate accountability. When problems arise in any service, no Elder, Deacon or Evangelist should be able to say, “sorry, but I’m not qualified to do the job, so don’t blame me for at least trying”. If a congregation requires men to meet these descriptions, the congregation has the right to get answers when things go wrong.

You might be asking, ‘but where is the willingness to forgive in all this’? Forgiveness is always desired and indeed can be experienced when anything goes wrong with a ministry, but forgiveness does not mean we do not get answers. When a person says sorry, it’s not genuine unless the person gives admission and at least gives reasonable explanation for trying to prevent it from happening again. The whole reason Jesus teaches forgiveness is for all of us to have an equal footing for growth. We are all sinners and should live a life of repentance. Read Matthew 18:15-22 and ask yourself this question, “Would forgiveness be experienced In the binding and loosening of the conversation between the offender & offended?” Yes indeed, because that conversation is where both people realize their battle against sin needs actions based on promises to prevent it from happening again. No matter how many times it happens, we must always try to reach forgiveness. Seventy times seven means we never stop trying to forgive. Without offering forgiveness, no one can learn to grow in righteousness and overcome evil in our life.

With this determined desire to hold the office of a Deacon, let us hold each description as a requirement.

Deacons are to be of good character, and not two-faced – HONESTY

Not addicted to alcohol – SELF-DISCIPLINED

They are not to use shameful ways to make money – JUST

They have clear consciences about possessing the mystery of the faith – DIVINE PURPOSE

They are to be evaluated with a proven good reputation – EXPERIENCED

Their wives should also be of good character, not gossiping – (EXEMPLARY IN LOVE)
Their wives should control their tempers and be trustworthy in every way. (EXEMPLARY IN SUPPORT)
He has only one wife & manages their children well. (EXEMPLARY IN TRAINING)

Perhaps the most peculiar requirement concerns possessing the mystery of the faith. This is a reference to the whole point of the gospel. The mystery is revealed so clearly in Ephesians 3:4-6. Where God proclaims that both Jew & Gentile are co-heirs in Christ, being equal members of the same body. The gospel of Christ’s forgiveness is to be shown in our work, by treating each person as an equal. This is how the ministry of a Deacon started in Acts 6, when the quarrel between Hebrew & Hellenist Christians began. The fair distribution of God’s grace towards all widows was hard work. Herein we need Deacons, so let us appoint men who want to prove the grace of God in meeting people’s needs regardless of who they are. Never let anyone say of any congregation that there is even a hint of prejudice among us. God is love and let us prove it in our leadership that can set a Biblical example for everyone.

As a church, we really must emphasize the need for male spiritual leadership. It is sadly lacking in the world and most families suffer from the absence of a man that will take a stand spiritually for the health and safety of the family God has given him. During the next couple of Sundays our congregation will look at the possibility of asking our Elders to shepherd us with the assistance of appointed Deacons. Our Elders want us to have Deacons that will be fully qualified male spiritual leaders, ably suited to fulfilling responsibilities needed to keep our congregation working and meeting God’s expectations.

The word “Deacon” is a special word and has it’s root in the ancient Greek idea of a servant that follows up on a work. He is a worker that can see a project to the end. Efficiency and accomplishment are his middle name. He is not just a worker, he is an experienced and proven laborer that makes sure a job is done right.

In Acts 6, we have an example of what Deacons are supposed to be, and the word is used as a verb, instead of a noun in verse 1, translated, ministry. It is a little like the word describing what an Evangelist does by doing evangelism. Likewise the word describing what a Deacon does is ministry (Diakonia). These men which the Apostles appointed in verses 3-6, are ready to do a physical job, while holding spiritual qualifications. There is so little told to us about them, so the Apostle Paul elaborates on the qualifications in his letter to Timothy (1st Timothy 3:8-12). The reason these men are holding qualifications, is because they will be held accountable for their work by the Leaders of the church which appoints them.

It is very interesting that the Christian named Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25 is called a minister-leitourgon, brother-adelphon,
co-worker-synergon, messenger-apostolon, and a soldier-systratroten, but he is never referred to as a Deacon! Yet it was obvious that Epaphroditus did the work of a Deacon. It is obvious that he didn’t hold the position because he was never appointed. Perhaps he was missing one of God’s qualifications? Who knows, maybe he wasn’t married? Whatever the case, his example is set for all of us to follow in service for each other. Just because you don’t hold all the qualifications does not mean you should not be busy working for the Lord. Another example is a sister Phoebe, commended by Paul (Romans 16:1). She is called a deacon of the church in Cencherea by Paul, but she was obviously not an appointed Deacon who held the qualifications, because of what Paul wrote to Timothy. One of the qualifications of a Deacon is that he must be a husband, and that was impossible for Phoebe. She was probably the wife of an appointed Deacon and did the work of a Deacon with her husband. The likely reason for Paul describing her as a Deacon is because of her unity with her husband as an appointed Deacon. But obviously she didn’t hold the office, and it was her husband that would be held accountable if anything went wrong with their ministry.

Being a husband, is one of the requirements a man must have proven, before he can be appointed a Deacon. Why? Because a Christian husband is fully aware of how much physical work is involved in executing spiritual leadership in a family. Providing your wife and children spiritual food, worship, teaching and an example, means that a husband must work to get that all accomplished physically. It’s not just about leading a prayer at the dinner table, but rather, the physical work involved in encouraging your wife and children to be a integral part of the church. There is real labor needed in getting this job done so well, that the leaders of the church can see that your wife and children actually want to be a part of the church. That is why Deacons are appointed servants of the church which have proven they can finish a job well, they are personally involved in the details of meeting people’s physical needs for a spiritual purpose.

Let us pray and learn that a Deacon should be exactly what God’s word shares with us. Therein lay a Church that can be working to please God, and not ourselves.

Are we aware of how large a portion of Scripture is occupied with the subject of prayer? Within the first pages of the Bible we read, “At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.” (Genesis 4:26) The closing plea is “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20) Throughout God’s Word are many examples.
Abraham prayed for Sodom & Lot, (Genesis 18:23-32) Jacob wrestled with the Lord and called upon Him (Genesis 32:24-30). Moses begged in prayer for the deliverance of Israel (Exodus 33:12-18) Elijah prayed to prove the power of God in defeating idolatry (1st Kings 18:24-39) Samuel prayed and revealed it is a sin to neglect to intercede in prayer for God’s people, (1st Samuel 12:22-24). Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:6-10). David struggled with sin and strife, his Psalms are full of his expressions in prayer. Jesus prayed always and taught that we should persevere in prayer (Luke 18:1-8) Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God even when persecuted (Acts 16:25). We are certain that whatever God has made prominent in His word, He intended to be emphasized in our lives. Since He has highlighted prayer, He knows we have much to learn about it. So huge are our necessities here, that until we are in Heaven, we must never stop praying. We should continually lift up our requests for strength, wisdom and guidance for our self and this troubled world. To show humility in daily living, and being eager to talk about God’s saving grace. Rejoice in the privilege of God’s presence. Never forget the command of God through Paul, “Be devoted to prayer, be alert in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2)

Some Christians fail to even try to pray like Jesus prayed, they seem to take prayer too casual to their own spiritual detriment. We live in an age, where things are a little too easy and we think prayer should be that way. Point and click! Digital cameras today have made taking a photo as simple as that. And yet sometimes the image returns with the background in perfect clarity and the intended subject fuzzy. The key is to position the camera in such a way that the main point of interest is centered in order to ensure an accurate focus. To stay centered and focus, is important in our spiritual work of prayer. The example of Jesus and the teaching of Paul is related to a constant attempt to pray and stay focused in prayer on God and His grace & wisdom. God teaches us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12) This is a reminder that no matter what the picture, whether one of joy or trial, we can capture it in prayer. The use of the word constant implies a sense of being steadfastly attentive. It’s not an ongoing “snap and go” approach, but one of continuous awareness and purposeful petitions. We must pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. What are your prayers concentrated on? Is the emphasis on the background or the main subject? In all things, prayerfully keep a vertical focus with God as the center point. Spend time today living with the Lord and placing Him at the core of your prayers. Ask that He be glorified through your personal circumstances, and pray for His will to prevail in your daily lifestyle. “ Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)

Praying in the Spirit is a task we must accept as a challenge, especially in view of the order Jesus gives us to pray for our enemies. Hostilities exist. “There is no ignoring the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.” So spoke President Franklin D. Roosevelt on (Dec. 8, 1941) the day following what is marked on my calendar, as Pearl Harbor Day. Jesus did not deny that enemies exist…nor persecutors. It was true then, true on the “day of infamy” and is true today. Nations will rage against nation and people against one another. So does the command to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors sound like mission impossible? Jesus taught clearly, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44) The truth is that only through God’s love and grace shown to me & you in Jesus Christ can each of us recognize that you and I were once His enemy, but He loved us anyway. In our thoughts and actions, He was injured by us. But even Jesus Himself prayed, “Father, forgive.” Today, rise up in the strength of His forgiveness shown to each of us and pray as Jesus instructed. Intercede just as lovingly for who ever our enemy is to find His grace, no matter what we feel they have done against anyone. Read Luke 6:27-36. The effect of this prayer and faith is a reality in our personal lives, and it can be a reality elsewhere. Do you pray like this? God is bigger than us and can forgive in greater ways, but as His children, we can do it too, personally, one day at a time. Try praying like Jesus did, He works!