Usefulness - part i - Community

Tucked inside the story of Philemon in the Bible is the character Onesimus.  He was a slave in Philemon's household.  Even though Philemon was a believer, Onesimus ran away.  While he was running, he bumped into Paul in jail in Rome.  His life was transformed and he began discussions with Paul to send him back.   

In the Greek, Onesimus' name means useful and beneficial.  However, during his slavery and escape, he was neither useful or beneficial to Philemon, himself, or God's kingdom.  In the following blogposts, I'd like to consider a few things that contributed to Onesimus' change from prisoner to partner.  

The first key toward usefulness in God's kingdom is being in community with other believers (v.7).  In the short twenty-five verses of Philemon, 11 different people are mentioned.  O.S. Hawkins suggested, "Life itself is made up of relationships."  Solomon reminded his readers, "A chord of three strands is not easily broken." (Eccl. 4:12)  You will not experience the kingdom and presence of God apart from the people of God.  God's plan for kingdom expansion includes cooperation, dependence, and sacrifice on behalf of others.  

Application:  Am I connected to others in Bible study, prayer, and need?

Upcoming Release introduction

Excerpt from upcoming release...

"Things I Learned Over There That Matter Over Here"

Introduction

            I serve as an International Mission Board missionary.  I have lived overseas for eighteen years of my life.  Two of my four children were born in foreign countries, Hungary and Romania.  I have been back to the US for vacations and deputation multiple times.  

Each time I return to America, I feel more detached.  When O.J. Simpson’s trial was taking place, I was on the backside of a Romanian mountainside.  When the 9-11 tragedy took place, I was in a Hungarian shopping mall looking at couches.  When Hurricanes Rita and Katrina devastated the Southern coastlines, I was in the plains of Czech Republic.

The experience parallels my comfort level in churches.  I’ve struggled with idea of choir robes and chandeliers versus giving to missions.  I’ve wondered about the great masses of people who attend on Sundays, but don’t read their Bibles on Monday. I’ve been humbled by the multitudes who give up vacation, bonuses, and free time to work with missionaries and share their story. 

But, my greatest challenge has been the perception that what happens over there, has little relevance to life anywhere else. 

“That’s very nice what you are doing.  I could never do that.  I’m glad people over there are following God.  I remember when things were like that here.  Have a good trip.”  Then they shuffle off to their cars. 

Until one young man in a class asked me, “What have you learned over there that would make a difference for our churches?”  After I picked up my jaw, I thought a little about his question.  “You’re right, if the principles are true, they are true everywhere and not just over there.”  I smiled and said some answers off the cuff.

When the class was over, I was still thinking.  “What translates?”  Beyond language, are there any universals missions and missionaries have to teach all of us?  This work is the result of that internal discussion.  There is much that missionaries and national church planters have to teach us.  

Look for the upcoming release with Borderstone Press...  

For My Good

"For My Good" available today on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/For-My-Good-Boyd-Hatchel/dp/1936670739. Many times we miss God's best when we doubt His love for us. When we follow His ways and His principles, our lives are always better; either in this life or the next. Enjoy. Special thanks to BorderStone Press, LLC for publishing these thoughts.

Missions is a part of Maturity

Mark 9:1-6

            The first time I went on mission, I did not know the people I was going to meet.  I applied through an organization and interviewed with different people.  I walked off the airplane looking for a sign with my name on it.   It was an awkward experience.  Thankfully, the people who were waiting for me knew my name, face, and did not need a sign.  They welcomed me to their city and we stopped to pray.

            When Jesus commissioned his followers, the story was completely different.  First of all, He called them and asked them to follow Him (Luke 6:12-16).  Second, he mentored them and taught them the important truths about God (Luke 6:17-49).  Third, he gave them power and authority to do all that God had called (Luke 9:1-2).  Fourth, he gave them a very specific purpose and task, “to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”  (Luke 9:2) 

            One of the great parts of this sending of the disciples is that they went.  “So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the Gospel, and healing people everywhere.”  (Luke 9:6)  The disciples heard Jesus’ words and they obeyed.  They had seen his miracles, listened to his teaching, and watched him refute his opponents.  Now, he was asking them to share these experiences with others. 

            Mission service is not an additional commandment for the super spiritual.  Serving others is a key component of spiritual growth and maturity.  Jesus still desired to teach his followers some key truths about God and His kingdom.  However, he wanted to emphasize the key place of serving others by focusing upon two aspects – forgiveness and healing.

            Jesus instructed the disciples to, “…preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:2)  The primary aspect of mission service is the verbal proclamation of God’s plan.  Presence among people who do not believe is not enough.  Followers of Jesus must verbalize the components of the Gospel: God’s love, man’s sin, man’s problem, and God’s solution.

            Jesus also included a physical component in his commissioning, “…healing the sick.”  (Luke 9:2b)  Mission sending does not overlook, downplay, or discount the visible repercussions of sin, suffering, and separation from God.  In times of need or crisis, people are often more sensitive to spiritual realities.

            When the disciples returned from their mission, they shared their stories and experiences with Jesus (Luke 9:10).  He listened to their incidents and anecdotes and then asked them to go away with him for a few days.  Jesus was grateful for their service, but still had more lessons to teach and truths to explain.

Each time we hear God's voice and respond, He will use us to reflect His glory and help others more clearly understand the Gospel.  For reflection:

1)  With whom are you sharing the message of God's kingdom?

2) What is the time duration between God's commands and your responses?

Thanks for reading, listening, and responding.

Boyd 

Closer or Further Away from God

Today in my Bible reading time, I started with the book of Revelation.  Symbolism and imagery mark the entirety of John's message due to severe persecution of Christians under the Roman government.  There were a couple of significant Roman leaders whose torture and punishment were noted by contemporary historians - Nero, Domitian, and Diocletian.

Nero, through tradition, started the official state-sponsored persecution of Christians.  The historian, Tacitus, noted that after the fire of Rome in 64 AD, Nero blamed the Christians and started torturing and executing them.  Some early Christians even wondered if Nero was the "Antichrist".

The book of Revelation was written during the Domitian empire (89-96 AD).  Eusebius, a Biblical historian, noted that Domitian directed severe, excessive, and cruel punishments, banishment, and execution.  He did not follow the law, but acted outside the boundaries of even current society.

During the years, 303-11, Diocletian sponsored the largest and bloodiest persecution of Christians throughout the Roman empire.  Despite his efforts to squelch Christianity, the church grew in numbers and strength.

When I read the story of Revelation, I enjoy the comfort of knowing God is in control.  I take great solace in knowing that right and justice will triumph over evil.  I imagine a reunion with family and friends.

What I don't like thinking about was the context - persecution, trouble, and hardship.  The Roman emperors did not like what was happening in their kingdom and attempted to stop God's plans.

As I ponder my role as a leader, am I pushing people toward the Savior or toward their sin?  Do my actions highlight my kingdom or His reign?  Am I making it easier or harder to follow Him?

I hope that as we live our lives today, others will find our example as a light post toward Heaven, forgiveness, and eternity.

Thank you for reading.  Share your comments and thoughts.

Boyd

What Direction am I Leaning?

Acts 14:15 - "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you.  We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God."  

Last Saturday, my son joined a group of other young boys in our city to play baseball.  The spring season always enlivens the dreams of every youngster that one day they might play in the Major Leagues.  They practice catching, throwing, and hitting.

At a higher level of competition, players begin to develop more advanced skills.  One of those skills is stealing bases.  Once a player makes it to a base, they have the option to advance to the next base before a batter hits the ball.  The move is risky, but if the runner is fast enough, he might be able to gain an advantage.

One way the runner seeks to gain an advantage is "Leading Off".  "Leading Off" is when a player moves off the current base and takes a few steps toward the next base.  When the pitcher notices the player off of the base, he makes a decision based on which way the player is leaning.  If he thinks he's leaning toward the next base and about to run, he may choose to throw the ball and make an out.  If he thinks he's leaning back toward the same base, he may choose to pitch the ball to the batter.

Paul and Barnabas pull back the curtains on the mess of our lives and remind us that the perpetual tension, "Is what direction are we leaning?"  After Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra and Derbe, they healed a man crippled from birth.  Those around them were so amazed that they claimed they were gods.  The local religious leaders even brought an animal to sacrifice to them.

Paul wasted no time reacting to their response.  He tore his clothes, rushed into the crowd, got their attention, raised his voice, and started speaking.  He asked the group why they were treating him any different than the others.  He then brought up the age-old dilemma between "worthless things and the living God".

Before we are forgiven and changed by God's grace, the bent, the lean is always toward "worthless things".  There are things which detour us from serving others.  There are habits, thoughts, and actions which not only destroy others, but destroy our soul.

Sadly, becoming a believer does not eradicate the pull toward "worthless things".  But, the great news is that the power of the Gospel provides the ability to serve the living God.  The "good news" is that God provided the means to know Him and serve Him by sending His son.  Paul added that everything we have is a gracious provision from God's hands.

Points to Ponder:

1)  Like a base runner in baseball, which direction are you leaning?  Toward "worthless things" or toward "the Living God"?

2)  Would you be willing to ask God to show you which way you are leaning and to hear His response?

3)  Share your thoughts with a close friend who can encourage you and hold you accountable.

Thank you for sharing the journey.  Please leave a comment to let me know you were here.

Boyd







 

The Three 'As' of a Great Meeting

Our team recently attended a conference.  Upon returning back to our home, someone asked me, "How did it go?"  My response to that question is the principle of the "Three A's".  There are three general ways we monitor conference success.

The first 'A' is attendance.  Who came to the event?  How many people came to the event?  Did the people we want to come to the event attend?  How did our projections compare with reality?

The second 'A' is atmosphere.  How did you feel at the event?  Did the sessions, plenary speaker, and topics relate to your situation?  Did I get adequate time with the people I wanted to interact with?  Did my expectations match with the actual conference?

However, the third 'A' is application.  I think this marker is only monitored at an appropriate distance to the event, at least three months.  Did the participants understand the information and teaching?  Did the participants realize a need for the new information?  Did the information the participants received affect behavior, patterns, or goals?  What concepts and practices were abandoned in favor of new ideas presented?

Each time we host an event, we must remember a critical question, "What if this actually works?"  We must be keenly aware that not only are some listening to what we say, but some may actually follow us and do what we suggest.  Wisdom will suggest discretion and caution before announcing grandiose plans which do nothing for the extension of God's kingdom, but only further our own agendas.

So, in answer to the question - "Yes, all of the presenters were prepared and attendance topped 300.  Yes, the accommodations, speaker, sessions, and discussions were outstanding.  I'll get back to you in a couple of months about the third 'A'.

Time for reflection:

1)  Think back to a recent conference you attended.  Review the notes and do something today as a takeaway from the material presented.

Every time we say 'yes' to God and 'no' to our sin and selfishness, God receives glory and it is for our good.