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Chapter 8. Counselling - General Guidelines
'And seeing the multitudes, he went up on a mountain, and when he was seated his disciples came to him. Then he opened his mouth and taught them,’' (Matt 5:1,2)
The Pastors Personal Ministry.
The personal ministry of the pastor will take up the remaining time of his weekly life after his own personal times of prayer, reading and study, preparation for the public ministry and attendance at the various church meetings. His work, as has already been considered, is to bring men and women into the things of God. The application of God’s own moving on hearts through His Spirit must be undertaken with great care and preparation.
Every Person Different
It is certainly difficult to lay down specific rules in personal counsel, as every person is different and the answers are particular to each need. For the purposes of our considerations however, we must seek to examine these areas.
Leading Men and Women to God
The purpose of the pastor is to lead seeking hearts along a pathway that leads to God. We take them via the Lord Jesus Christ and the cross into the Fathers presence so that they may cry ‘Abba, Father.’ This is the responsibility of every member of the church. ‘And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.’ (John 17:3)
We will need to be in fellowship ourselves: ‘as his divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (2 Peter 1:3-8) We can not take people into a place which we ourselves do not know: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. "(John 15:5)
The purpose of the pastor is to build a relationship of trust, security and friendship so as to allow the seeking heart to feel free should they want to open their hearts in response to the ministry of God. " Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheep-fold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the door-keeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:1-5)
Never assume that you know anything about their heart condition: ‘Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do; for whatever he does, the Son also does in like manner. I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is righteous, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father who sent me.”’ (John 5:19,30) ‘Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father taught me, I speak these things.”’ (John 8:28) You will only ever know what the Lord reveals, if the Lord is to use you to minister.
Natural Barriers
Your relationship will never go beyond the natural barriers instituted by God. You will not come between husband and wife or parents and children. A pastor serves the family of God and always ministers reconciliation. It is advisable for girls to be ministered to either by women or a mature married couple because their hearts may be drawn out in natural things. Boys should be ministered to by men.
The pastor’s work takes priority over every other aspect of his life at that time. If we are being led of God this will not cause disharmony in our own lives or that of our families. He will be available seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day: 'And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty have you ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, my flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.” ' (Eze. 34:1-6)
You may begin to minister and discover such depths that you will feel you may need to continue for perhaps two or three hours more than you had anticipated and possibly have to cancel other engagements or even miss dinner.
All are different, have different needs and need different help. Some need meat, others milk, others may never learn. The counsellor must learn patience and diligence in his task: ‘And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.’ (1 Cor. 3:1) ‘For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.’ (Heb. 5:12)
Personal ministry must be simple enough for the one counselled to understand. Men and women who minister in the Spirit will implant truth in hearts which may not necessarily be understood in the mind: ‘And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ (John 8:32)
Criticism
Needy souls will often criticize the ministry and the person counselling. This may be a cry from the heart to see if that which has been revealed by God is real, or they may be merely seeking the answer they want to hear. It is the pastors duty to humbly bear all suffering for Christ’s sake: ‘For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in his mouth, who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; who himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.’ (1 Peter 2:20-25) ‘Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For he that would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evil-doers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.’ (1 Peter 3:8-18)
Respect
There should be honour and respect between the pastor and those counselled so that his counsel comes with the authority of the Lord. Light hearted banter and joking will undermine any real attempt to deal with serious issues particularly in demonic realms.
The pastor must not be a respecter of persons seeking the fellowship of the easy and not the difficult: ‘My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?’ (James 2:1-4) A pastor should be equally available to any need whether it be spiritual, practical or emotional.
The pastor must always be watchful, particularly when the church gathers, because there may be some who seek to minister or draw away, those with open hearts, unable yet to discern ministry which is not from God. The apostle Paul warns a group of elders: ‘For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.’ (Acts 20:29)
Heredity
Many areas of the needs of many hearts spring from things inherited through parents. Heredity is the transmission from one generation to another of genetic facts that determine individual characteristics. A doctor once said that everybody’s troubles begin in the womb: ‘in sin my mother conceived me.’ (Psa. 51:5)
In the opening of Romans, Paul does not firstly refer to the law but the outworking of sin: ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man - and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves, who changed the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent,, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgement of God, that those who practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practise them.’ (Rom. 1:16-32) When dealing with men and women we must deal with them on the ground in which they have begun: ‘Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.’ (Job 5:7)
Once a young woman visited the church and began to open up her heart and share something of her background. Her father had become a transvestite and on one occasion visited the church. The young woman subsequently married and had her first child. It was on the returning from hospital that I received a call, ‘There is a devil sitting on the end of his cot’ and I went to visit and sure enough the devil was in the baby’s room and we were able to pray together and see the power removed from the young child’s life.
Ministry to souls has to determine the basis of their lives. The Scripture indicates that there are only two men, the old and the new. ‘And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterwards the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly man.’ (1 Cor. 15:45-49)
All sin and therefore death or life is passed on via the birth whether it be natural or spiritual. ‘Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ’You must be born again’. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”’ (John 3:3-8)
The Condition of Hearts
Many of the conditions of men and women spring back to their inherited state, family life, breakdowns in marriage, vegetarianism, eating special foods, worrying about dying of heart attacks or having breakdowns. The relationship between men and women and marriage has been set aside by the world and God’s order violated. Women’s lib began in the garden. Eve should have asked her husband at home rather than to obey the devil’s voice . ‘In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls, or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing good works.. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love and holiness, with self-control’ (1 Tim. 2:9-15).
We enter into this new life by a new birth and God plants in us the seed of His Son by the Holy Spirit that it should grow and undo all the devils work in our lives. ‘Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.’ (John 8:34) The devil will not abide in the house once Jesus comes to take up residence.
God’s New Covenant
God promises under His new covenant to write His laws in our minds and in our hearts. Jesus had the new heart laws, He was the new man. When we are born again of God we receive a new paternity. It is internal, therefore, the new life changes the power that governs our mind. We are saved by grace. Grace does not mean the end of the law only the end of the Mosaic law, we are still under the law of the Spirit: ‘For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death’ (Rom. 8:2) it is in the thought realm and in their bodies men find the greatest problems.
Confession
There will be occasions when the pastor will be required to listen to accounts of those who have entered into deep sin. ‘Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.’ (James 5:16) Many times I have been able to counsel those who cannot really believe that God is able to forgive them their sin. Often men and women believe that they must be more sinful than the apostle Paul who said: "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." (1 Tim. 1:15)
I recall a man who it seemed had accumulated a catalogue of various sins until he felt he could no longer live and sought to take his own life. He knew what his problem was and sought the counsel of a catholic Priest as he was a member of that church. The Priest could offer him no help and was unable to forgive him. I was asked to talk to him. In his isolated hospital room, under constant supervision sat this desperate man. It was my privilege to share with him the extent of the forgiveness and cleansing of the Lord Jesus Christ which he willingly received. ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9) Other times I have sat in my study or in the lounge sharing with those who need the forgiveness of God that He is able to bury their sin in the deepest sea and remember their iniquities no more. I have often been seen digging holes in the floor and burying it away figuratively of course.
Temptation
Paul writing to the Corinthian church comments that temptation is common to man. ‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.’ (1 Cor. 10:13) It is important to note that temptation is not sin, but there are many who believe that if a thought enters their heart, they have already sinned. They feel defeated and think ‘what does it matter now’ and end up doing more things wrong.
There are two persons who bring temptation or testing into our lives. The Father - who wants to deepen and enlarge our faith: ‘Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”’ (Gen. 22:1) -‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.’ (James 1:2-4) -‘Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.’ (1 Peter 1:1-8) This is for our good to prove the life we have received from God is real and works.
And the devil, who wants to destroy our relationship with the Father: ‘Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he himself tempt any man. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin: and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.’ (James 1:12-16)
Whenever a Christian is born again it is the purpose of the devil that he might destroy God’s work. ‘Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labour and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems upon his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she bore a male child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up to God and to his throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.’ (Rev. 12:1-11)
What is Temptation
Temptation is something that attracts, especially with the promise of pleasure or reward, seduction or enticement but in the end is death. ‘For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, and saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding, passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night. And there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious, her feet would not stay at home. At times she was outside, at times in the open square, lurking at every corner. So she caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him: I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows. So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you. I have spread my bed with tapestry, coloured coverings of Egyptian linen. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; he has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home on the appointed day. With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would take his life. Now therefore, listen to me, my children; pay attention to the words of my mouth: do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths; for she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.’ (Prov. 7:6-27)
Jesus’ Temptations
There were four main temptations in Jesus’ life and we can see these worked out in our own lives.
The first is to provide for ourselves practically. ‘Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he was hungry. Now when the tempter came to him, he said, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But he answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” ' (Matt. 4:1-4) Jesus was able to provide these things as we see in his later life. ‘When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom’ (John 2:9) And Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."’ (John 6:11-12) The devil wanted him to obey his voice.
The devil will seek to destroy you through eating and drinking, drugs and all excesses. How many there are that I know who are always defeated because they are unable to either stop eating or dieting.
The second is to provide for ourselves physically and emotionally. ‘Then the devil took him up into the holy city, set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning you, and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” (Matt. 4:5-7) How many people will not trust the Lord for relationships - love - comfort and security. Jesus could have called twelve thousand angels to assist Him. ‘Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he will provide me with more than twelve legions of angels?”’ (Matt. 26:52-53)
We must realise that we cannot change God’s laws and benefit from what He has provided in marriage unless we also obey him. ‘The Pharisees also came to him, testing him, and saying to him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” And he answered and said to them, “Have you not read that he who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” They said to him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”’ (Matt. 19:3-9)
‘Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.’ (1 Cor. 7:1-4)
The third is to provide for ourselves spiritually. ‘Again, the devil took him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only you shall serve.’ Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.’ (Matt. 4:8-11)
The whole secret of spiritual growth is in the picture of physical growth. ‘Then he called the multitude and said to them, “Hear and understand: not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. Then his disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” But he answered and said, “Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch. Then Peter answered and said to him, Explain this parable to us.” So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."’ (Matt. 15:10-20) If we receive of him we shall grow into his likeness.
And the fourth is to move away from the life of the cross. This was probably the greatest temptation that Jesus faced. ‘And those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests, also mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he is the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he will have him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Even the robbers who were crucified with him reviled him in the same way. Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This man is calling for Elijah!” Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. The rest said, “Let him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save him." ' (Matt. 27:39-49).
If the devil could have drawn Jesus away from the cross we would not have been able to be saved. Paul said: " I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:20) "I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." (1 Cor. 15:31)
Laying on of Hands
It is clear when the Spirit of God began to move in the early church, the ministry of new life and the Spirit was imparted by the laying on of hands. ‘Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet he had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity. Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, and preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.’ (Acts 8:14:25) ‘And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”’ (Acts 9:17) ‘Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.’ (Acts 13:3)
‘And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.’ (Acts 19:1-6)
Devils were not cast out by the laying on of hands but by the finger of God. ‘Then one was brought to him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”. But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or else how can one enter a strong man’s house, and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters abroad."’ (Matt. 12:22-30)
Devils should not need to be cast out in padded rooms over long periods of time but by the authority of God. ‘Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when he had come out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could any one tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshipped him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore you by God that you do not torment me.” For he said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” Then he asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly that he would not send them out of the country. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. And all the demons begged him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.’ (Mark 5:1-13)
Guidance and the Will of God
The pastor will be consulted on many occasions to give counsel as to the will of God in the life of his flock. It would be very easy for a confident man to state his views and opinions. He will be required to help as regards jobs, relationships, marriage, moving home or church, the mission field, spending large sums of money. The principles of guidance can be noted as follows:-
The will of God for our lives determines our future as regards our eternal state. ‘Now behold, one came and said to him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So he said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones”? Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honour your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’” The young man said to him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter answered and said to him, “See, we have left all and followed you. Therefore what shall we have?” So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit everlasting life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."’ (Matt. 19:16-30)
To understand the will of God can be a dilemma. Do I choose or does God lead me to do his will. Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones states two aspects (a) the decretive (b) the prescriptive: What He decrees and what He prescribes. The former will always come to pass, the latter is often disobeyed. Louis Berkoff states the two in a different way. The decretive and the preceptive, the rules and principles for action are often contradictory.
Men in the Old Testament illustrate these principles: ‘But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.’ (Gen. 45:5), ‘In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’” Then he turned his face towards the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before you in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then it happened, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of my people, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for my own sake, and for the sake of my servant David.”’ Then Isaiah said, “Take a lump of figs.” So they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.’ (2 Kings 20:1-7)
‘And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is my son, my first-born. So I say to you, let my son go that he may serve me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your first-born.”’ (Exo. 4:21-23)
It is of great importance to maintain both the decretive and the prescriptive with the definite understanding that although they may appear distinct or different they are one in God. By the former God has determined what he will do or what shall come to pass and in the latter, he reveals what we are by duty bound to do. God does as he pleases.
Choice
We can all come to a place of choice. Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden were able to choose between life and death. ‘And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat the fruit of it you shall surely die.”’ (Gen. 2:16-17) The devil possessed man, of whom we have already read, was able to run and worship the Lord Jesus. (Mark 5:1-17)
God’s Will in New Birth
God works out his will in revealing His heart to all those who will receive Him. ‘But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ (John 1:12-13) '...just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he has made us accepted in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace which he made to abound towards us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - even in him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.’ (Eph. 1:4-11)
These two aspects of the will of God, work out in the growing life of Jesus as a babe and then as a man. Firstly the decretive: ‘Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they were no more.” But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”’ (Matt. 2:13-23)
"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. For the Son of man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine, and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." (Matt. 18:10-14)
Secondly, the prescriptive or preceptive: ‘Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Now when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he was hungry. Now when the tempter came to him, he said, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But he answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him up into the holy city, set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning you,’ and, in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God. Again, the devil took him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only you shall serve." Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.’ (Matt. 4:1-11)
‘Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and he began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then he said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.” He went a little further and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Then he came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, “What, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away again the second time and prayed, saying, “O my Father, if this cup cannot pass away from me unless I drink it, your will be done.”’ (Matt. 26:36-42)
God’s Perfect Plan
God has a perfect plan for our lives and the pastors responsibility is to seek to guide the inquirer into an understanding of it. Therefore we must be careful not to influence the decision of those seeking
God’s will.
Ask whether the inquirer has sought God for themselves. Many go immediately for help to mature men. ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.’ (James 1:5)
Open up the Scriptures together to see if the Lord has already clearly revealed truth on the matter or if there are principles to follow.
Pray together so as to allow the Lord to confirm His word and then give time for the Lord to speak, a week, a month. It is essential that each person knows the Lord’s voice themselves.
Avoid giving your own views even though they may be clearly of God but draw out the inquirers mind. Also avoid using the prophetic gift to give creditability to the way a person should move.
There are few occasions when it may be necessary to make a decision. Personally, I have rarely needed too, but there was one particular time when I was convinced that the person concerned was on the edge of a nervous breakdown and needed clear direction.
Up-to-Date
There seem to be a number of areas which are common to many folk in church life that need the direction of the Lord. The most important place is to be up-to-date with every aspect of your life. Everything in its order. Mr. Whitfield said he would not go to bed unless he had put his gloves in their right place. If he should die that night he would not like anyone to say ‘where did he put his gloves.’
People probably get into the most problems when they are not in real fellowship with the Lord. ‘Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Ninevah, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up. Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep. So the captain came to him, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this trouble has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. Then they said to him, “Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.’ (Jonah 1:10)
In church life we can know where the Lord wants us to be: ‘But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as he pleased.’ (1 Cor. 12:18) and what He wants us to do: ‘Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us - see that you abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich. And in this I give my advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you must complete also the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there may be also a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.’ (2 Cor. 8:1-12)
In business and leisure life there are easy principles to follow. ‘Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that”’ (James 4:15) The area of relationships is clearly defined for us in the Scriptures. ‘But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord - how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world - how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world - how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a lease on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. But if any man thinks that he is behaving improperly towards his virgin, if she is past the flower of her youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes; he does not sin; let them marry. Nevertheless, he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better. A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment - and I think I also have the Spirit of God.’ (1 Cor. 7:32-40) ‘Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?’ (2 Cor. 6:14). ‘Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?’ (Amos 3:3)
The Great Secret
The great secret is to give ourselves totally to the Lord. ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’ (Rom. 12:1-2)
Hospital and Sick Visiting
It is the privilege and requirement of every minister to be diligent in visiting the sick and those who grieve, both in hospital and home. ‘When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And he will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right hand, “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me." Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?" And the King will answer and say to them, " Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me." Then he will also say to those on the left hand, "Depart from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave me no food; I was thirsty and you gave me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take me in, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me." Then they also will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?" Then he will answer them, saying, " Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”’ (Matt. 25:31-46)
A minister once told the story of one of his elderly members in hospital dangerously ill due to the continuing condition of gangrene. His wife encouraged him to visit, as the man came nearer and nearer to death, but the minister waited until, after a few days, he felt clear to go. On arrival at the hospital he found the member unconscious, and so the pastor whispered in his ear ‘Jesus’! The patient began to respond, stuttering out ‘Jesus.’! In the end, the ward was filled with cries of ‘Jesus’ ‘Jesus’! There was great rejoicing, for God had healed him completely. Visiting the sick must be part of the programme of the love and care of the shepherd but overseen by the Lord who knows all things.
When Visiting:
Stay only as long as you feel necessary, remembering that really sick folk find it difficult to talk and they may feel obliged to do so.
Always pray for them, it may be God will be gracious to heal them completely.
As they improve, encourage them in thanking God for his ministry in their lives.
Do not allow those who are sick to assume God will heal them. There is no guarantee in Scripture that all will recover. It has been my privilege to see God heal miraculously and yet others have prayed and believed and nothing has happened.
A certain group believing that we should all be in perfect health were concerned when the pastor became sick and faithfully prayed for his healing. Unfortunately he began to deteriorate and eventually died. They, believing this was of the Lord continued to pray that God should raise him from the dead, but he didn’t arise and the publicity destroyed that precious seeking group, many of them became so devastated that they did not go on with the Lord.
The care of Widows and the Elderly
Paul seeks to give instruction on this in Timothy. ‘Honour widows who are really widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. And these things command, that they may be blameless. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and specially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, with a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some have already turned aside after Satan. If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.’ (1 Tim. 5:3-16) Also in James; 'Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.’ (James 1:27) What a great privilege for the church to provide that practical support and care that should be provided by those who are part of a loving family.
Hospitality
All pastors should regularly seek to talk to all the flock personally at least once a week, or month dependant on the size of his flock, either after meetings or in their homes. ‘So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.’ (Acts 2:46) Much profit will come in fellowship by being able to sit and talk over the issues of life. It will be, as the pastor seeks God who to visit, that he will be directed to the home of those who need more urgent help. Let me repeat a previous story. I was planning to visit a young couple and decided to go unannounced. As I walked up the pathway they were obviously in the middle of an enormous row, embarrassed I waited for a while before ringing the doorbell. The door opened and I think they were shocked to see me, but I was invited in and asked how they were. ‘Fine’ was the answer, but the atmosphere was heavy with anger and after a little while we were able to talk and pray for God’s answer in the situation.
Practical Help
The pastor will be called upon as a father would be to assist in all decisions of practical life. For instance, he may be needed to assist in choosing a car, or helping with decorating, for plumbing, or gardening.
Long Term Problems
The pastor may be required to open up his home to those who need to spend a longer time learning the things of God. It is of course very important that these decisions are of the Lord and pastors have encountered enormous problems themselves by living with those who are not genuine in their hearts. It is so important to clearly lay down rules for living in the house before making any decisions for folk to come and live with you. It is so difficult to change things afterwards.
Other Churches
I am sure that it is the purpose of the Lord that all Christians should have opportunity to gather together in a wider context than their own local Fellowship. Conferences and larger rallies, both at home and in other parts of the country, provide the environment for learning and an opportunity to grow in deeper fellowship with others. It has been our privilege as a local church to enjoy such times. These meetings, however, can only be profitable if all gather together in one spirit and we are sure that, in these days, the enemy is actively infiltrating the church with spurious doctrines which are creating division among many Christian groups.
No Compromise
It is impossible for the true Christian to compromise on truth because his heart will be grieved with what he sees and feels. Paul, writing to the Ephesian church says “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to lead a life worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Eph. 4:1-6)
In practice it seems that those who declare God’s new ways are mainly unwilling to be patient with those who, perhaps, have been established in other truth over a period of years, but are unable to come to the same conclusions as quickly, if at all. True revelation must bring with it a power which, in the end, will convince the truly open heart.
I was deeply distressed, as a young man, when a very close friend I had known for many years,and had made a great contribution to my life in the Lord joined with me in a meeting where the beginnings of a new move of God were declared. Many well-known ministering brethren were present and there was much prophetic speaking. My Christian brother received these words instantly as though some new power had taken over his life and, of course, wanted me to join with him in promoting this new revelation, but my heart gave me no liberty.
He was very grieved and angry that I could not see it and assured me that I would eventually come to the same conclusion. That was some sixteen years ago now and, although I have often been an onlooker of this growing movement, have never been able to join myself to it. The saddest thing was that our fellowship had obviously been dependent on our agreement of truth rather than our relationship in the Lord Himself.
I have seen churches drawn into this movement by his preaching. We must accept that there is much that is not truly of the Spirit but is influenced greatly by men who are strong in character and determined to declare what they believe.
Not All is of God
I am convinced that we are living in days when it is considered that all that confess the name of the Lord Jesus are of God. We must, however, always remember the exhortation of Peter: ‘But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.’ (2 Peter 2:1-2)
So many believe that success is an indication that God is at work but this Scripture indicates that many shall follow a wrong exposition of truth. One thing we learn in nature is that weeds grow very quickly without much attention. Flowers need much care and time before they become established. In providing for the quick growth of the church we may introduce many worldly principles that can draw those who may have a desire and love for the Lord but have also much to learn concerning the principles of the cross. We may also draw many who will be outside the saving grace of God and eventually will fall away or will, sadly, be rejected when the Lord returns.
So many congregations of God’s people have been swallowed up, ignorant of the current moving deep under the surface, their leaders seeking to draw as many of the church in as they can. One church known to me began to embrace the principle of apostolic covering. Had the truth been delivered and declared openly from the pulpit, I am sure that many would have rejected it, so it was brought in subtly.
I received a number of visits from certain members who knew in their hearts that something was not quite right but they could not see what was wrong. I spoke to the Pastor concerned and he revealed his strategy - that new things as radical as this can only be introduced slowly. He was going to move them from one position to another by a slow process of carefully planned ministry to make their absorption into this move more acceptable.
At leaders’ meetings the plans were more open and some visiting speakers were rebuked for sharing too openly in our own locality. “Our vision is to take over a town and control all the churches so that those who do not move with us will be outcasts.” A structure system was envisaged that would become exclusive. Anyone who did not fit in with such teachings would be excommunicated from the churches.
My heart could not receive such a violation of the principles that Jesus had revealed regarding the care for the church. I was an early deserter from those who wanted to draw the local churches into this. One young man, hearing that I, as a leader, was not prepared to introduce my church to such teaching, told me I was not in the Kingdom of God! - I was glad, really, that there was in my heart an anointing of the truth.
John says: ‘But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone should teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is truth, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.’ (1 John 2:27) I could not see that any should have power over his people depriving them of their own sweet fellowship with the Lord, probably because I value my own communion with Him too highly to abandon it to a shepherd or apostle who would have the right to order his flock to provide for his own needs. I was told that in one such church leaders could ring up any of their members to come and wash up for them! It seems that, as far as the Apostle Paul was concerned, the opposite was true!
Only One True Spirit
Fellowship with other churches can only be on the basis of the Spirit of life that is in Jesus Christ otherwise we will endanger the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made us overseers. ‘Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.’ (Acts 20:28)
It must be said that the safest place to be is in the church where you have been born into God and know the consistent moving of the Spirit of God, unless you hear clearly the voice of the Lord to move on. There are so many alluring alternatives for those whose lives have not been made new by God and are designed to feed the flesh and appeal to the sinful nature. Some of these can be rock music, drama, and social programmes which can become the drawing basis for men and women looking for something more but can, sadly, keep them from really entering into His Spirit. The Church of Jesus Christ needs a move of the Spirit that will again make it pure and holy.
The Enemy is at Work
The local church functions as a family and at its roots is the ministry of God that has brought us, by birth, into the life of Jesus Christ. There is also a tremendous power wielded by the enemy to draw us away from that family life and sow in us error and keep us from the fullness God has intended for all.
I believe that the casual visiting of other churches often leads to an unsettling effect upon those who have not yet found themselves established in God; not that a Pastor should be afraid of losing members to other congregations, for it is his responsibility to provide good pasture for the sheep. Maybe that is why so many drift from church to church looking for life that will really bring them to God.
So many consider their church life an optional extra, perhaps a place to receive blessing and encouragement rather than a place of commitment. When I married, I committed myself for life; when I had children, my commitment increased, as I needed to give myself to their care. It may be, if you are free to visit from church to church, that you have no children. Single adults can travel more freely than those who are married with families. I am sure that in every heart is the desire to be fruitful.
If we return to the Corinthian letter we read: ‘But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as he pleased.’ (1 Cor. 12:18) Not only are we baptised by one Spirit into one body but we are set in the local expression of church life so we grow up as part of the family and become an effective member contributing out of our own God-given ministry.
Jesus is the Head of the Body
How should we maintain the links in fellowship? I believe we fail to grasp the truth when we arrange for so-called apostles to have a travelling oversight, drawing together leaders under their covering to give direction to the churches and thereby obtaining unity. Jesus is the head of the body. He is the head over all things to the church, and He does not need an organiser but each local church should function autonomously under His headship. The only true basis of unity is the Spirit of God.
In my travels I have proved that the Spirit of God is at work in all the world revealing the same life and, if I were to close my eyes in many overseas meetings, I could imagine that I was at home in Eltham Green. I have also attended other gatherings and felt my heart estranged and my spirit grieved. An illustration of this is of one of our young members who, being invited by some school friends, attended a week’s conference. During the week she responded to the ministry to receive the Spirit of God, which she did and spoke in tongues. She was very excited about this and looked forward to joining with us on her first Sunday at home.
To her total surprise she did not feel at home in the church and certainly had no liberty at all. She was now completely perplexed and bewildered. She had to accept that there was a difference in her home church and the groups that had been together at the conference and had to renounce the spirit she had received to enter into fellowship with us again.
Another Gospel
Paul indicates that there are many gospels. ‘I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach any gospel to you other than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any gospel to you other than what you have received, let him be accursed.’ (Gal. 1:6-9)
The tragedy was that the roots of the lives of these Christians were in the Lord but others had come along and added their own principles and changed the whole Gospel. ‘O foolish Galatians!, Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?’ (Gal. 3:1)
Cunning men had drawn out these early Christians into the flesh and churches had moved off course. There are leaders who lack the real discernment of the Lord and are vulnerable to strong men who seek to draw them and their congregations into a system that has been devised by the human heart.
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