Tag: god

Kingdom Kernel #1 – God’s All Volunteer Army

Kingdom Kernel Collection

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; in holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. He will drink from the brook by the wayside; therefore He will lift up His head.

(Psalm 110:1-7)

My dear friend Steve Smith, a brilliant missiologist, always began our training sessions with a profound “Kingdom Kernel.” His foundational statement that “if you understand the kingdom, you will understand what Jesus is saying about the Christian life” resonated deeply with me. Unfortunately, Steve passed a few years back but his example and teaching has stuck with me. I’d like to continue his line of kingdom thinking in my writing.

And our church recently decided to dedicate 2025 to studying the kingdom of God. So in light of these two converging inspirations, I’ll be writing a blog series that blends theological reflection with practical discipleship stories from my key take-a-ways. Each post will offer a concise essay paired with a short story of disciple-makers putting these kingdom principles into action. This is the first installment; 

Psalm 110:1-7 – Freely Volunteering: The Messianic Dynamics of Willing Service in Psalm 110

 Introduction: A Prophetic Glimpse of Divine Kingship

Psalm 110 stands as a profound messianic prophecy, rich with imagery of divine kingship and priestly authority. At the heart of this psalm lies a powerful concept: “Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power” (Psalm 110:3). This phrase encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of God’s kingdom and the relationship between the Messiah and His followers.

 Linguistic Roots: Unpacking the Hebrew Terminology

The Hebrew phrase “ned-aw-baw’ ‘am” (Strongs H5071 & H5971) is central to understanding this concept. “ned-aw-baw’ ” comes from the root naw-dab’, which carries the sense of willingness, voluntariness, and free-will offerings. This root is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe generous, unprompted giving to God’s work. The term “’am” means “your people,” emphasizing the personal relationship between the king and his subjects.

 Messianic Context: Christ’s Authoritative Reign

In the context of Psalm 110, this phrase takes on profound messianic significance. The psalm opens with the declaration, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'” (Psalm 110:1). This verse, quoted extensively in the New Testament, establishes the divine authority of the Messiah. Jesus Himself used this passage to assert His identity as both David’s son and David’s Lord, transcending mere human kingship.

 Theological Dimensions of Voluntary Service

The concept of freely volunteering people takes on new depth when viewed through the lens of Christ’s kingship. Unlike earthly rulers who may compel service through force or coercion, the Messiah’s reign is characterized by the willing, joyful submission of His people. This reflects the transformative nature of God’s kingdom, where hearts are changed from within, leading to voluntary service.

 Interpretive Layers: Power, Willingness, and Divine Sovereignty

The phrase “in the day of Your power” (khah’-yil – Strongs 2428) further illuminates this concept. “khah’-yil” can refer to strength, army, or wealth, suggesting a day of the Messiah’s manifest power and authority. This day is not merely a future event but encompasses the entire era of Christ’s reign, from His resurrection and ascension to His final triumph over all enemies.

 Key Theological Implications

Theologically, this concept reveals several key aspects of God’s character and redemptive plan:

1. Divine Sovereignty: God’s power is such that it inspires willing devotion rather than forced compliance.

2. Human Free Will: The emphasis on volunteering highlights the importance of human choice in God’s kingdom.

3. Transformative Grace: The willingness of God’s people points to the inner work of the Holy Spirit, changing hearts to align with God’s will.

4. Eschatological Hope: The “day of Your power” looks forward to the full manifestation of Christ’s reign.

 Contemporary Spiritual Significance

For believers today, this concept carries profound implications. It challenges us to examine the nature of our service to Christ. Are we merely following religious obligations, or are we “volunteering freely” out of love and gratitude? It also offers encouragement, reminding us that Christ’s power is not oppressive but liberating, inspiring joyful, willing service.

The Transformative Power of Willing Devotion

The concept of God’s people volunteering freely in the day of His power beautifully encapsulates the nature of Christ’s kingship. It speaks of a kingdom characterized by willing hearts, transformed by grace, eagerly participating in the Messiah’s reign. This vision of freely given devotion stands as a testament to the compelling love of Christ and the transformative power of His kingdom.

Song – “Free to Serve”

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

“The Plumbing of the Soul”

The old pickup truck rumbled down Main Street, its bed laden with plumbing supplies. Dave, his salt-and-pepper hair ruffled by the breeze from the open window, glanced at Stew in the passenger seat. The younger man’s face was a canvas of conflicting emotions – determination mingled with uncertainty.

“You know, Stew,” Dave began, his voice warm and gravelly, “this plumbing project we’re tackling isn’t just about fixing leaks. It’s about understanding the very essence of what it means to serve like Jesus.”

Stew’s eyebrows knitted together. “How do you figure that, Dave?”

Dave’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “It’s all about the difference between ‘I want to’ and ‘I have to.’ When Jesus served, He didn’t do it out of obligation. He did it because He wanted to, out of love.”

As they pulled into the hardware store parking lot, Dave continued, “Remember Psalm 110? It talks about people volunteering freely in the day of God’s power. That’s the heart of Christ-like service – not duty, but willing devotion.”

Stew nodded slowly, the concept beginning to take root. “So, it’s about changing our attitude?”

“It goes deeper,” Dave replied, turning off the engine. “It’s about aligning our will with God’s, just as Jesus did. He said, ‘I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.’ That’s the model we’re aiming for.”

As they entered the store, they were greeted by the sight of a young employee named Mike, his posture slumped and eyes downcast.

“Can I help you?” Mike mumbled, his voice devoid of enthusiasm.

Dave’s eyes lit up. “Mike, my friend! We’re on a mission to conquer some stubborn pipes, and I believe God’s placed you here to help us. What do you think?”

Mike blinked, taken aback by Dave’s genuine warmth. “Uh, sure. What are you looking for?”

As Dave described their project, he listened intently to Mike’s suggestions, treating the young man’s knowledge with respect. Stew watched in amazement as Mike’s demeanor transformed. His posture straightened, eyes brightened, and soon he was eagerly offering advice.

“You see, Stew?” Dave whispered as Mike led them down an aisle. “We didn’t force him to help. We invited him to be part of something meaningful, just as Jesus invites us into His work.”

Stew nodded, a new understanding dawning. “It’s like… he’s volunteering freely, just like the Psalm says.”

“Exactly,” Dave grinned. “Now, let’s apply this to our project. Instead of thinking ‘I have to fix these pipes,’ try ‘I want to serve my neighbors by ensuring they have clean, flowing water – just as Jesus came to give living water.’ Feel the difference?”

As they gathered their supplies, Stew found himself engaging with other customers, sharing tips and offering encouragement. The ‘chore’ had become an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love.

Leaving the store, arms full of pipes and tools, Stew turned to Dave. “I think I’m starting to get it now. It’s not just about the task, it’s about having the heart of Jesus in everything we do.”

Dave nodded, his eyes misty. “That’s it, Stew. When we align our will with God’s, just as Jesus did, service becomes joy. We’re not just fixing pipes; we’re participating in God’s work of restoration and love.”

As they drove home, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple. Stew gazed out the window, his mind no longer on the upcoming work, but on the transformative power of Christ-like service. He realized that true freedom wasn’t the absence of obligations, but the choice to embrace them with the heart of Jesus – full of love, compassion, and a desire to do the Father’s will.

“Dave,” Stew said softly, “I want to learn to serve like Jesus. Not because I have to, but because I truly want to.”

Dave smiled, placing a hand on Stew’s shoulder. “That, my friend, is the beginning of a beautiful journey. Let’s pray for God to shape our hearts to be more like His Son’s.”

As they pulled into the driveway, both men felt a renewed sense of purpose. The plumbing project ahead was no longer just a task – it was an opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness, one willing act of service at a time.

I’d appreciate your feedback on this new series. Please leave a comment below.

Kingdom Kernel Collection

Committed to God’s Word

From Our Son, Wes

Just finished my 10th Bible today. Here are some things I feel God has shown me about reading the Bible:

1. Keep reading: Daily, no matter how much or how little. God’s Word is alive and active. It’s an opportunity to spend time with God and listen to Him through His inspired words that we can have full faith in. We will understand different passages differently as we read them in various phases of life or in different situations; He has promised to reveal Himself more as we obey.

2. There’s a difference between reading and studying: We can’t get hung up on comprehensive understanding at the expense of growing in our relationship with God. Context will come with time if you maintain a daily volume of reading.

3. Pick a physical and practical Bible: Choose a translation that your non-believing community can easily understand. It should have a soft cover, room for notes, be small enough to fit easily into a carry-on bag, and allow for highlighting/notes with a pen. A physical Bible is important because your kids, family, and friends will see and remember an open Bible rather than scrolling on an app. Often, massive “study” Bibles are more distracting than helpful; spending more time reading someone’s notes on the Bible than the actual Scriptures is a red flag.

4. Have a practical plan: Plan to read through the whole Bible, but not at the expense of building your relationship with the Lord (this is not speed dating). Create a plan that focuses on seeing Jesus in the Scriptures, one that’s easy and free so you can pass it on. Use bookmarks and establish a routine that prevents distractions, putting you in the same place and time to read each day. Don’t make your plan reliant on someone else.

From our Daughter-in-Law, Tina

A little ( but full of gratitude) brag on the hubby for my 2024 timeline- 

Yesterday, according the count on the bookshelf, my husband finished reading the Bible for the 9th time and put it with the others. This morning he opened up the fresh number 10 while I sneakily took this photo.

A discipline that started well before we were married, but has continued year after year, day after day — Wes in his Bible, at the table, in that spot, where the people under our roof know where to find him every morning. Though not all in our home have a hunger for God’s word yet, they’ve seen it and benefited from it.

As I notice and take note, we’re invited into a communion with God. We’re invited and there’s a seat for us at the table. Will we ‘come and see’ for ourselves.. not out of duty, but in pursuit of knowing the One who knows the depths of our hearts, who redeems and rescues? It’s God’s kindness that will move us to Himself.  

Thankful for words spoken out of silence and from a simple obedience of meeting with God every day, an example set and etched deep into our minds that reaches far beyond our dining room table. 

A fragrance that draws us, fills the room, the one that lasts, the Word of God. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”  

(2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14)

New is Good and Old is… – #80

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Matthew to see how Jesus emphasizes that new and old can be good.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

 Matthew 13:51-53

Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” When Jesus had finished these parables, He withdrew from that place.

My Thoughts

Sometimes we pit the new against the old and vice versa. But Jesus didn’t do that here. It wasn’t the age of the matter that made it right or wrong. It was truth. Jesus is principle based. Principles are very driven by truth. They are timeless. Both govern our actions. Truth has to do more with realities, where principles have to do with the application of truth based on these realities.

In modern philosophy we have made truth so subjective, our principles have become shaky as well. But if we were to read the Bible and did what the Pharisees did and equated only the “old” with “good” without considering truth and principle, we would be in just as much trouble with God as they were. Truth and principle have got to be our plumbline for both the old and the new.

The scribe was a very smart and often wise elder who taught the people based on the Scriptures. The Bible was their ultimate base for authority on truth and principle. A scribe that enters the kingdom of heaven is one who embraces the truths and principles of both the Old and New Testaments. And these truths and principles, according to Jesus, are pure gold. 

So how does this apply to us as disciple makers? We are to be ‘Scribe-like.” We are to teach the disciples of Jesus both the old ways and the new ways of following Jesus based on the fundamental truths and principles of the Bible. We should be knee deep in the Book ourselves and instructing others to do the same. And it is not just about gaining and passing on knowledge. It’s just as important that we are actually applying what we learn

My Story

Right now our church is going through a set of Biblical conviction studies on the basics of the faith. Our first step is to find five verses from Jesus (the Gospels) on the topic. Then we find five more passages from the rest of the Bible. We then ask two questions;

  1. WHY is mastering this particular topic so important?
  2. What do the Scriptures say about HOW to practice this topic?

During our gathering we discuss our findings. The homework for the next meeting is to look at these verses and ask two more questions;

  1. What are the principles and truths we find in these passages?
  2. How will we practice (method) the principles and truths we discovered?

This exercise of studying the Bible as a church does several things;

  1. We learn the principles and truths in the Word of God
  2. We actually apply what we are learning
  3. We discover the principles and truths are universal and timeless
  4. We practice various methods to live out the principles and truths
  5. We never put the methods before the principles and truths (Mark 7:1-13)

Here’s an example of my last conviction study on the Word of God

Our Action Plan

Now we’ll look at some ideas on how to help us as disciple-makers help others find principles and truths and distinguish between them and methods or forms.

  • Study Mark 7:1-13 and identify  why Jesus was so upset with the religious leaders
  • Do a Bible study on a topic and identify principles, truths, and methods
  • Make a list of your tools and traditions and identify the principles and truths behind them
  • Ask this question; “Are we married to the method or to the principle?”

As disciple-makers, we need to encourage believers to actively study the Bible while discerning timeless principles from contextual methods. By emphasizing both understanding and application, it fosters a deeper, more practical way to live out our faith and we can adapt to different cultural contexts while remaining faithful to core biblical truths.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

Lo Nuevo es Bueno y lo Viejo es… – #80

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, veremos el Evangelio de Mateo para ver cómo Jesús enfatiza que lo nuevo y lo viejo pueden ser buenos.

Así que comencemos

 Mateo 13:51-53

Jesús les dijo: ¿Habéis entendido todas estas cosas? Ellos respondieron: Sí, Señor.  Él les dijo: Por eso todo escriba docto en el reino de los cielos es semejante a un padre de familia, que saca de su tesoro cosas nuevas y cosas viejas. Aconteció que cuando terminó Jesús estas parábolas, se fue de allí. 

Mis Pensamientos

A veces enfrentamos lo nuevo en contra de lo viejo y viceversa. Pero Jesús no hizo eso aquí. No era la edad del asunto lo que lo hacía correcto o incorrecto. Era la verdad. Jesús se basa en principios. Los principios están muy impulsados por la verdad. Son atemporales. Ambos gobiernan nuestras acciones. La verdad tiene que ver más con las realidades, donde los principios tienen que ver con la aplicación de la verdad basada en estas realidades.

La filosofía moderna ha hecho que la verdad sea tan subjetiva que nuestros principios también se han vuelto inestables. Pero si leyéramos la Biblia e hiciéramos lo que hicieron los fariseos y equipáramos solo lo “viejo” con lo “bueno” sin considerar la verdad y los principios, estaríamos en tantos problemas con Dios como ellos. La verdad y los principios tienen que ser nuestra plomada tanto para lo viejo como para lo nuevo.

El escriba era un anciano muy inteligente y a menudo sabio que enseñaba a la gente basándose en las Escrituras. La Biblia era su base última para la autoridad en la verdad y los principios. Un escriba que entra en el reino de los cielos es aquel que abraza las verdades y principios tanto del Antiguo como del Nuevo Testamento. Y estas verdades y principios, según Jesús, son oro puro.

Entonces, ¿cómo se aplica esto a nosotros como hacedores de discípulos? Debemos ser ‘como escribas’. Debemos enseñar a los discípulos de Jesús tanto las viejas como las nuevas formas de seguir a Jesús basadas en las verdades y principios fundamentales de la Biblia. Nosotros mismos debemos estar metidos hasta las rodillas en el Libro e instruir a otros para que hagan lo mismo. Y no se trata solo de adquirir y transmitir conocimientos. Es igual de importante que realmente apliquemos lo que aprendemos

Mi Historia

En este momento, nuestra iglesia está pasando por un conjunto de estudios de convicción bíblica sobre los fundamentos de la fe. Nuestro primer paso es encontrar cinco versículos de Jesús (los Evangelios) sobre el tema. Luego encontramos cinco pasajes más del resto de la Biblia. Luego hacemos dos preguntas:

  •   ¿POR QUÉ es tan importante dominar este tema en particular?
  • ¿Qué dicen las Escrituras acerca de CÓMO practicar este tema?

Durante nuestra reunión discutimos nuestros hallazgos. La tarea para la próxima reunión es mirar estos versículos y hacer dos preguntas más:

  • ¿Cuáles son los principios y verdades que encontramos en estos pasajes?
  • ¿Cómo practicaremos (métodos) los principios y verdades que descubrimos?

Este ejercicio de estudiar la Biblia como iglesia hace varias cosas;

  •  Aprendemos los principios y las verdades de la Palabra de Dios
  • De hecho, aplicamos lo que estamos aprendiendo
  •  Descubrimos que los principios y las verdades son universales y atemporales
  •  Practicamos varios métodos para vivir los principios y las verdades
  • Nunca anteponemos los métodos a los principios y las verdades (Marcos 7:1-13) 

Aquí hay un ejemplo de mi último estudio de convicción sobre la Palabra de Dios

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora veremos algunas ideas sobre como hacedores de discípulos podemos ayudar a otros a encontrar principios y verdades, y distinguir entre ellos y los métodos o formas.

  •   Estudiar Marcos 7:1-13 y determine por qué Jesús estaba tan molesto con los líderes religiosos
  • Hacer un estudio bíblico sobre un tema e identifique principios, verdades y métodos
  • Hacer una lista de tus herramientas y tradiciones e identifica los principios y verdades detrás de ellas
  • Pregunta esto: “¿Estamos casados con el método o con el principio?”

Como hacedores de discípulos, debemos alentar a los creyentes a estudiar activamente la Biblia mientras disciernen los principios eternos de los métodos contextuales. Al enfatizar tanto la comprensión como la aplicación, ello fomenta una forma más profunda y práctica de vivir nuestra fe, y nos permite adaptarnos a diferentes contextos culturales sin dejar de ser fieles a las verdades bíblicas fundamentales.

Translated by Norma Klingler

Bad Fish – #79

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Matthew to see how Jesus warned people of the coming judgment. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 13:47-50

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

My Thoughts 

Once again, Jesus doesn’t pull any punches, He tells it like it is. There are some who are in the kingdom and some who are not. In this age of inclusivism we hear a lot of rhetoric about God being so loving, He couldn’t send anyone to Hell. The problem is that they fail to recognize the other attribute of God that is as equally strong. And that is justice. God cannot allow sin in His presence. He must either see the sinner through the lens of Christ’s blood which was appropriated by a humble and penitent heart. Or, for those who reject His grace, He will cast away from His loving companionship. And He has given ample warning to everyone.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

Part of our job as disciple-makers is to deliver the message. That message, the gospel, includes both grace and justice. We cannot change the message or the rules because God has two more attributes that will never change; immutability, the unchangeableness of God. And truth, He cannot lie. There will be a judgment for those who do not turn to Him and repent.

My Story

As I’m writing this my alarm set for 10:02 am went off. I set it to remind me daily to obey Jesus’s command to pray for laborers in Luke 10:2;

And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

As I pray this prayer, I work around a map in my head or literally stand in front of a world map in my study. I pray for laborers to be sent to Oceana, all of Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, North America, and our living room. (I also lift up a prayer for the Japanese people who have a special place in my heart). I pray for two reasons. First, because I’m commanded by the Lord Jesus to pray for laborers to be sent into God’s harvest fields. And secondly, I want as few bad fish to be cast into the fiery furnace as possible. If I’m really that concerned about people going to Hell, I’m not going to try and change the message or the rules. I’m going to share the gospel and try to change the hearts of those who are headed to an eternity of destruction. In addition, I’m going to pray, recruit, and train as many disciples of Jesus to join me in this endeavor. 

Our Action Plan

Now we’ll look at some ideas on how to help us as disciple-makers warn those who don’t know God of the coming judgment.

  • Inject Hell and judgment into your gospel presentation. (Jesus did)
  • Share the gospel often and train others to do the same
  • Join me in praying for laborers to be sent into the harvest daily at 10:02

The parable of the fishes serves as a sobering reminder of the final judgment, where the righteous will be separated from the wicked. As disciples, it is our duty to share the gospel truthfully, emphasizing both God’s grace and His justice, while fervently praying for more laborers to join us in this mission.

Pez Malo – #79

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, veremos el Evangelio de Mateo para ver cómo Jesús advirtió a la gente del juicio venidero.

Así que vamos a comenzar

Mateo 13:47-50

“Asimismo el reino de los cielos es semejante a una red, que echada en el mar, recoge de toda clase de peces;  y una vez llena, la sacan a la orilla; y sentados, recogen lo bueno en cestas, y lo malo echan fuera.  Así será al fin del siglo: saldrán los ángeles, y apartarán a los malos de entre los justos, y los echarán en el horno de fuego; allí será el lloro y el crujir de dientes.

Mis Pensamientos

Una vez más, Jesús no anda con rodeos, dice las cosas como son. Hay algunos que están en el reino y otros que no. En esta era de inclusión escuchamos mucha retórica sobre Dios siendo tan amoroso que no podía enviar a nadie al infierno. El problema es que no reconocen el otro atributo de Dios que es igualmente fuerte. Y eso es justicia. Dios no puede permitir el pecado en Su presencia. Debe ver al pecador a través de la lente de la sangre de Cristo que fue apropiada por un corazón humilde y arrepentido. O, para aquellos que rechazan Su gracia, Él alejará Su amorosa compañía de ellos. Y Él lo ha advertido ampliamente a todos.

Porque las cosas invisibles de él, su eterno poder y deidad, se hacen claramente visibles desde la creación del mundo, siendo entendidas por medio de las cosas hechas, de modo que no tienen excusa. (Romanos 1:20)

Parte de nuestro trabajo como hacedores de discípulos es entregar el mensaje. Ese mensaje, el evangelio, incluye tanto la gracia como la justicia. No podemos cambiar el mensaje o las reglas porque Dios tiene dos atributos más que nunca cambiarán; la inmutabilidad, y la justicia de Dios. Y la verdad, Él no puede mentir. Habrá un juicio para aquellos que no se arrepientan y no se vuelvan a Él.

Mi Historia

Mientras escribo esto, sonó mi alarma programada para las 10:02 am. Lo configuré para recordarme diariamente que debo obedecer el mandato de Jesús de orar por los obreros en Lucas 10:2:

 Y les decía: La mies a la verdad es mucha, mas los obreros pocos; por tanto, rogad al Señor de la mies que envíe obreros a su mies.

Mientras hago esta oración, trabajo alrededor de un mapa en mi cabeza o literalmente me paro frente a un mapa del mundo en mi estudio. Oro para que se envíen obreros a Oceanía, a toda Asia, Europa, África, América Latina, América del Norte y a nuestra sala de estar. (También elevo una oración por el pueblo japonés que tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón). Mi oración es por dos razones. Primero, porque el Señor Jesús me ordena orar para que se envíen obreros a los campos de cosecha de Dios. Y en segundo lugar, quiero que se arroje la menor cantidad posible de peces malos al horno de fuego. Si realmente me preocupa que la gente vaya al infierno, no voy a tratar de cambiar el mensaje o las reglas. Voy a compartir el evangelio y tratar de cambiar los corazones de aquellos que se dirigen a una eternidad de destrucción. Además, voy a orar, reclutar y capacitar a tantos discípulos de Jesús para que se unan a mí en este esfuerzo.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora veremos algunas ideas sobre cómo ayudarnos como hacedores de discípulos a dar advertencia del juicio venidero a aquellos que no conocen a Dios.

–       Inyecta el infierno y el juicio en tu presentación del evangelio. (Jesús lo hizo)

–       Comparte el Evangelio con frecuencia y capacita a otros para que hagan lo mismo

–       Únete a mí para orar a las 10:02 para que los obreros sean enviados a la cosecha todos los días 

La parábola de los peces sirve como un recordatorio aleccionador del juicio final, donde los justos serán separados de los malvados. Como discípulos, es nuestro deber compartir el evangelio con sinceridad, enfatizando tanto la gracia de Dios como su justicia, mientras oramos fervientemente para que más obreros se unan a nosotros en esta misión.

Translation by Norma Klingler

Is It Worth It? – #78

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Matthew to see what Jesus says about the value of pursuing the kingdom of God. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 13:44-46

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. 

My Thoughts 

Do we really believe that the kingdom of God is so valuable that we would trade everything we own to possess it? I have to be honest, I don’t think I’m quite there yet. I want to be, but I’m not. And it’s not just about selling everything you have. It’s about trading every thought, every relationship, every motive, and dare I say, every breath for the rule and reign of God in our lives. Yeah, I’m not there yet.

But I don’t think any of us are. We want to be but we are a work in progress on this side of heaven and we’ll keep pressing toward that reality. But isn’t that the point Jesus is making. The kingdom is so valuable it’s worth striving toward the goal of surrendering everything for it. And so I see it as a continuous process rather than an arrived at destination (at least in this life). 

Pursuing the kingdom is very much like the kingdom itself. There are parts of the kingdom we already realize. There are parts in which we are growing. And there are elements of the kingdom we won’t completely see and understand until it comes into its fullness at the end of the age.

For now, as disciples and disciple-makers, we are in the hunt, so to speak. We are looking for and striving to realize the true value and the implications of being completely surrendered and enthralled with the kingdom of God. In the meantime we take Jesus at His word and believe the kingdom of God is so valuable that we will spend the rest of our lives pursuing it. 

My Story

I was reading Acts 1 and grappling with the fact that Jesus taught the disciples about the kingdom of God for forty days after His resurrection. That means that the kingdom was Jesus’s primary curriculum for three years and forty days. It was His main topic of discussion through His ministry. Now you would expect with that amount of time under the greatest Teacher to ever live that His students would have caught on. But their question in verse six reveals their absolute cluelessness. 

 “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

They were still thinking ethnocentric. They hadn’t picked up on the scope of the kingdom being much broader than a people group or a territory. They had missed the grandeur and majesty of the King’s plan to bring everyone and everything under His benevolent rule.

But you know what? I’ve been studying the Bible for over forty years and I can’t say I’m any more illuminated than the small group of disciples seeing Jesus off to the right hand of the Father. Actually, I’m more than a little embarrassed to admit it too.

So I decided to spend the next 18 months studying the kingdom of God in earnest. I will be recording my findings here on my blog and hopefully I will get to take you on this journey with me.

I’d like to invite my readers to a Q&A session on July 27th at 9:30 am CST on Zoom. If you’d like to join in, click this link: Q&A

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas.

  • Take one example of the kingdom of God and do a Bible study with those you are discipling (eg. Who’s In & Out, What does the kingdom look like? What does it mean to “inherit” the kingdom?)
  • Develop a gospel presentation that mirrors Jesus’s “Gospel of the Kingdom”
  • Join me and others once a month to study the kingdom

The kingdom of God was one of Jesus’s most preached topics. He told us to pray daily for the kingdom to come. It would do us well to understand and pursue with all our might one of His most highly prized realities.

¿Vale la pena? – #78

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, veremos el Evangelio de Mateo para ver lo que Jesús dice sobre el valor de buscar el Reino de Dios.

Así que vamos a comenzar

Mateo 13:44-46

Además, el reino de los cielos es semejante a un tesoro escondido en un campo, el cual un hombre halla, y lo esconde de nuevo; y gozoso por ello va y vende todo lo que tiene, y compra aquel campo. También el reino de los cielos es semejante a un mercader que busca buenas perlas,  que habiendo hallado una perla preciosa, fue y vendió todo lo que tenía, y la compró.

Mis Pensamientos

¿Realmente creemos que el Reino de Dios es tan valioso que cambiaríamos todo lo que poseemos para poseerlo? Tengo que ser honesto, creo que no he llegado allí todavía. Quiero ser parte, pero aún no lo soy. Y no se trata solo de vender todo lo que tienes. Se trata de cambiar cada pensamiento, cada relación, cada motivo, y me atrevo a decir, cada aliento por ser regido por el Reino de Dios en nuestras vidas. Sí, todavía no he llegado a ese punto.

Pero no creo que alguno de nosotros lo esté. Queremos serlo, pero somos un trabajo en progreso en este lado del cielo y seguiremos presionando hacia esa realidad. Pero, ¿no es ese el punto que Jesús está haciendo? El reino es tan valioso que vale la pena esforzarse por alcanzar el objetivo de entregarlo todo por él. Y así lo veo como un proceso continuo en lugar de un destino alcanzado (al menos en esta vida).

Perseguir el reino es muy parecido al reino mismo. Hay partes del reino que ya conocemos. Hay partes en las que estamos creciendo. Y hay elementos del reino que no veremos ni entenderemos completamente hasta que llegue a su plenitud al final de la era.

Por ahora, como discípulos y hacedores de discípulos, estamos en la caza, por así decirlo. Estamos buscando y esforzándonos por darnos cuenta del verdadero valor y las implicaciones de estar completamente entregados y cautivados con el Reino de Dios. Mientras tanto, tomamos la palabra de Jesús y creemos que el Reino de Dios es tan valioso que pasaremos el resto de nuestras vidas persiguiéndolo.

Mi Historia

Estaba leyendo Hechos 1 y lidiando con el hecho de que Jesús enseñó a los discípulos sobre el Reino de Dios durante cuarenta días después de Su resurrección. Eso significa que el reino fue el plan de estudios principal de Jesús durante tres años y cuarenta días. Fue su principal tema de discusión a través de su ministerio. Ahora, esperarías que con esa cantidad de tiempo bajo el Maestro más grande que jamás haya vivido, Sus estudiantes se hubieran dado cuenta. Pero su pregunta en el versículo seis revela su absoluta falta de idea.

 “Entonces los que se habían reunido le preguntaron, diciendo: Señor, ¿restaurarás el reino a Israel en este tiempo?” (Hechos 1:6)

Todavía tenían un pensar etnocéntrico. No se habían dado cuenta de que el alcance del Reino era mucho más amplio que para un grupo étnico o un territorio. Habían pasado por alto la grandeza y majestad del plan del Rey para poner a todos y a todo bajo Su gobierno benévolo.

¿Pero sabes qué? He estado estudiando la Biblia durante más de cuarenta años y no puedo decir que esté más iluminado que el pequeño grupo de discípulos que vieron a Jesús subir hacia la diestra del Padre. En realidad, me da un poco de vergüenza admitirlo.

Así que decidí pasar los siguientes 18 meses estudiando el Reino de Dios en serio. Registraré mis hallazgos aquí en mi blog y espero poder llevarlos en este viaje conmigo.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí hay algunas ideas.

–       Toma un ejemplo sobre el Reino de Dios y haz un estudio bíblico con aquellos a quienes está

     discipulando (Por ejemplo ¿Quién está dentro y fuera, cómo se ve el reino? ¿Qué significa 

     “heredar” el reino?).   

–       Desarrolla una presentación del evangelio que refleje el “Evangelio del Reino” de Jesús

–       Únete a mí y a otros una vez al mes para estudiar el reino.

El reino de Dios fue uno de los temas más predicados por Jesús. Nos dijo que oráramos diariamente para que viniera el reino. Nos haría bien comprender y perseguir con todas nuestras fuerzas una de sus realidades más preciadas.

Traducción de Norma Klingler

I Don’t Know – #74

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Mark to discover the attitude we should have as we advance God’s kingdom.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Mark 4:26-29

Jesus also said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how. All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. And as soon as the grain is ripe, he swings the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

My Thoughts 

Jesus continues to teach His disciples about the kingdom of God. He says it’s like a man, a farmer planting seeds in his field. It’s a pretty normal view of agricultural activities except for one aspect. The farmer has no clue how his crop is growing. It’s a mystery to him how a few little seeds can mature into healthy plants and bear fruit.

Now, today with all our advances in science and technology we think we know so much more than a simple Judean farmer in the first century AD or a 30 year old Jewish Rabbi who was a carpenter. And we absolutely do know more today than that farmer (but probably not the Jewish carpenter who is omniscient).  If you do a Google search “Have we solved all the mysteries of how plants grow?” you’ll get a hundred links to mysteries we have solved with modern technology and knowledge over the past few years. But that only proves the parables point, the “farmer,” past or present, is still learning and he doesn’t “really know” how it grows, not completely anyways. There’s still a lot of mystery.

Listen to Sujata Gupta, author of an article entitled “Scientists should report results with intellectual humility” and describes a problem with scientific findings that undermines our assumption that “we know it all.”

“Because scientists’ careers often hinge on publishing research papers in top-tier journals, Hoekstra says, they can feel pressure to exaggerate their findings. Scientists might hype the novelty of a study, tinker with statistics to obscure uncertainties in the data, gloss over failed experiments or imply that theoretical results are closer to real-life application than they actually are. Problematically, Hoekstra says, the publication process rewards this behavior. Journal editors and paper reviewers who green-light studies tend to prioritize clear narratives over more nuanced ones.” 

Now we know honest mistakes are made by even the smartest people. But what she is referring to is when people intentionally stretch the truth to make things look better than they actually are. In this case it’s the scientist looking “smarter” than they are. Before we start dogpiling on scientists we need to admit that the same integrity problems exist in every field of work and study. I’ve known theologians and disciple-makers who do the same thing! And this brings me to my point; We need to acknowledge that we don’t know as much as we think we do about kingdom growth. In other words, with all our theological knowledge, all our methods and traditions, all our tactics and strategies, it’s still a mystery and all the credit goes to God. Listen to how the Apostle Paul echoes the trues of Jesus’s assessment of the farmer;

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.  (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Notice how Paul, even with our human contribution, attributes the growth to God. I think that is the point Jesus is getting at when He says the farmer doesn’t know how the crops grow. The kingdom of God grows because it is a work of God not a result of our intellectual prowess or exceptional skills. We need to stay humble.

My Story

I love to tell the story about two of my friends who went to India to observe a “movement of the gospel.” Hundreds of people were coming to Christ every month. They were blown away by the amazing kingdom growth. They asked the missionary, “What tools are working here?” To which he nonchalantly replied, “All of them.” My friends responded, “No, no, what methods are you using that are leading to so many people receiving the gospel?” Again he replied, “All of them.” 

My friends were dumbfounded and to be honest, so was I. We had to admit that it wasn’t necessarily a method of sharing the gospel or a style, it was God who was doing the work through His servants in the ways He chose to do it. This immediately puts the credit for ministry where it belongs. And we have to acknowledge that we don’t know as much as we thought we did.

As disciple makers we need to embrace several things;

  1.  Avoid getting married to our tools
  2. Teach Biblical principles as the foundation, not methods  
  3. Let those we are discipling adapt their methods to their context and situations
  4. Acknowledge God is really the One doing the work and give Him glory

“God can use crooked sticks to hit straight licks.” Jeff Sundell

Our Action Plan

What are the tools or methods you enjoy using? Here’s some ideas to help you separate the principles from the methods and avoid methodolatry and stay humble.  

  • Spend some time in prayer asking God for wisdom in this area
  • List all your “tools” and categorize them by the Biblical principle they fulfill
  • Teach those you’re discipling the difference between principles and methods

We know a lot and we are learning more everyday. But do we know it all? This reminds us to stay humbly dependent on the One who does and at the end of the day, give Him the credit.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

No Sé – #74

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, veremos el Evangelio de Marcos para descubrir la actitud que debemos tener al avanzar en el reino de Dios.

Así que vamos a comenzar.

Marcos 4:26-29

Decía además: Así es el reino de Dios, como cuando un hombre echa semilla en la tierra;  y duerme y se levanta, de noche y de día, y la semilla brota y crece sin que él sepa cómo.  Porque de suyo lleva fruto la tierra, primero hierba, luego espiga, después grano lleno en la espiga;  y cuando el fruto está maduro, en seguida se mete la hoz, porque la siega ha llegado.

Mis Pensamientos

Jesús continúa enseñando a Sus discípulos sobre el reino de Dios. Dice que es como un hombre, un agricultor que planta semillas en su campo. Es una visión bastante normal de las actividades agrícolas, con una excepción importante. El agricultor no tiene ni idea de cómo está creciendo su cultivo. Es un misterio para él cómo unas pocas semillas pequeñas pueden madurar y convertirse en plantas sanas y dar frutos.

Ahora, hoy, con todos nuestros avances en ciencia y tecnología, creemos que sabemos mucho más que un simple agricultor judío en el siglo I D.C. o un rabino judío de 30 años que era carpintero. Y sabemos absolutamente más hoy que ese agricultor (pero probablemente no el carpintero judío que es omnisciente).  Si haces una búsqueda en Google “¿Hemos resuelto todos los misterios de cómo crecen las plantas?” Obtendrás cien enlaces a misterios que hemos resuelto con tecnología moderna y conocimiento en los últimos años. Pero eso solo prueba el punto de las parábolas, el “agricultor”, pasado o presente, todavía está aprendiendo y no “sabe realmente” cómo crece la semilla, al menos no completamente. Todavía hay mucho misterio en ello.

Escuche a Sujata Gupta, autora de un artículo titulado  “Los científicos deben informar los resultados con humildad intelectual” y describe un problema con los hallazgos científicos que socava nuestra suposición de que “lo sabemos todo.”

“Debido a que las carreras de los científicos a menudo dependen de la publicación de artículos de investigación en revistas de primer nivel, dice Hoekstra, pueden sentirse presionados para exagerar sus hallazgos. Los científicos pueden exagerar la novedad de un estudio, jugar con las estadísticas para ocultar las incertidumbres en los datos, pasar por alto experimentos fallidos o insinuar que los resultados teóricos están más cerca de la aplicación en la vida real de lo que realmente están. Problemáticamente, dice Hoekstra, el proceso de publicación recompensa este comportamiento. Los editores de revistas y los revisores de artículos que dan luz verde a los estudios tienden a priorizar las narrativas claras sobre las que tienen diferencias”.

Ahora sabemos que incluso las personas más inteligentes cometen errores honestos los. Pero a lo que se refiere es a cuando las personas intencionalmente estiran la verdad para hacer que las cosas se vean mejor de lo que realmente son. En este caso, es el científico parece ser “más inteligente” de lo que es. Antes de comenzar a perseguir a los científicos, debemos admitir que existen los mismos problemas de integridad en todos los campos de trabajo y estudio. ¡He conocido teólogos y hacedores de discípulos que hacen lo mismo! Y esto me lleva a mi punto: necesitamos reconocer que no sabemos tanto como creemos que sabemos sobre el crecimiento del reino. En otras palabras, con todo nuestro conocimiento teológico, todos nuestros métodos y tradiciones, todas nuestras tácticas y estrategias, sigue siendo un misterio y todo el crédito es para Dios. Escuche cómo el apóstol Pablo hace eco de las verdades de la evaluación de Jesús sobre el agricultor:

Yo planté, Apolos regó; pero el crecimiento lo ha dado Dios. Así que ni el que planta es algo, ni el que riega, sino Dios, que da el crecimiento.  (1 Corintios 3:6-7).

Observe cómo Pablo, incluso con nuestra contribución humana, atribuye el crecimiento a Dios. Creo que ese es el punto al que Jesús se refiere cuando dice que el agricultor no sabe cómo crecen los cultivos. El reino de Dios crece porque es una obra de Dios, no el resultado de nuestra destreza intelectual o habilidades excepcionales. Necesitamos mantenernos humildes.

Mi Historia

Me encanta contar la historia de dos de mis amigos que fueron a la India para observar un “movimiento del Evangelio”. Cientos de personas venían a Cristo cada mes. Quedaron impresionados por el asombroso crecimiento del reino. Le preguntaron al misionero: “¿Qué herramientas están funcionando aquí?” A lo que él respondió con indiferencia: “Todos”. Mis amigos respondieron: “No, no, ¿qué métodos están usando para que tantas personas reciban el evangelio?”. De nuevo respondió: “Todos”.

Mis amigos estaban estupefactos y, para ser honesto, yo también. Tuvimos que admitir que no era necesariamente un método para compartir el evangelio o un estilo, era Dios quien estaba haciendo el trabajo a través de Sus siervos de la manera que Él eligió hacerlo. Esto inmediatamente pone el crédito por el ministerio donde pertenece. Y tenemos que reconocer que no sabemos tanto como pensábamos.

Como hacedores de discípulos, debemos abrazar varias cosas:

– Evitar “casarse” con nuestras herramientas

-Enseñar principios bíblicos como fundamento, y no como métodos

-Dejar que aquellos a quienes estamos discipulando adapten sus métodos a su contexto y situaciones

-Reconocer que Dios es realmente el que hace el trabajo y darle gloria 

“Dios puede usar palos torcidos para dar golpes rectos”. Jeff Sundell

Nuestro Plan de Acción

¿Cuáles son las herramientas o métodos que te gusta usar? Aquí hay algunas ideas para ayudarte a separar los principios de los métodos, evitar la metodolatría y así mantenerte humilde.

–       Pasa algún tiempo en oración pidiéndole a Dios sabiduría en esta área

–       Haz una lista de todas tus “herramientas” y clasifícalas según el principio bíblico que cumplen

–       Enseña a aquellos a quienes estás discipulando la diferencia entre principios y métodos 

Sabemos mucho y estamos aprendiendo más cada día. Pero, ¿lo sabemos todo? Esto nos recuerda que debemos permanecer humildemente dependientes de Aquel que lo sabe todo y, al final del día, darle el crédito.

Translation by Norma Klingler

Stay Alert, Stay Alive – #69

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to look at the scary reality of our enemy’s tactics. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 12:43-45, Luke 11:23-28

When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.”

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!” But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

My Thoughts 

There are several passages in the Bible that scare the living socks off of me and this is one of them. Can you imagine having a demon taking up residence in you and then having it cast out only to have seven more squatters show up on the front lawn of your brain! No thank you! But is this warning only for unbelievers? I think in this day of “Don’t worry about sin, you’re in!” it’s not popular to talk about Satan’s influence in our lives, let alone someone else’s. I don’t think we should be so quick to sweep Jesus’s teaching under the rug. Some other writers of Scripture had some pretty scary things to say too;

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

“You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:4) 

“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12)

“How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:29)

“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.'” (2 Peter 2:20-22)

Before we get into an argument about whether or not a demon can possess a believer, let’s just let these warnings sink in. Wouldn’t it be a healthy exercise to practice a little sober awareness? I try not to quickly dismiss the things Jesus says just because I think I’m “in.” That was the problem the Pharisees had. I want to think through these warnings with integrity of heart, acknowledge the fact that Satan sneaks in occasionally, and pray what Jesus commanded us to pray; “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” This motivates me to be alert and to;

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

My Story

I remember the first time I engaged someone that I believed had a demon. I was called to the emergency room for one of my soldiers who had been stabbed. When I got there, The Military Police (MPs) were standing outside his room and the soldier was calmly sitting on the edge of a gurney with a massive bandage on his lower back. When I asked him what happened he said he and his wife had gotten into a spat and when he turned to walk away, his wife stabbed him in the back with a butcher knife. WOW! This was definitely some domestic violence at a whole new level for me. After I had prayed for the soldier, the MP came up to me and said his wife was in the other room if I wanted to see her. Naturally, as a chaplain, of course I wanted to pray for her as well, right? Two MPs escorted me into her room where both of her hands had been handcuffed to the gurney. Apparently she had assaulted the MPs as well. She looked at me with a big smile as though she expected me. She said, “Oh, it’s the chaplain! You’re a good looking guy.” And then she started spewing all her sexual exploits with other men! I wish I could say I confidently prayed and cast the demon out of her but actually I was so shocked and terrified, I did an immediate about face and got out of there as fast as I could. I believe in demons and I want nothing to do with them! But I’m also very aware that Satan and his minions are not always so dramatic. I think it’s important to be on the alert for the more subtle tactics he uses on us every day. Failure to do so may be an invitation to several more unwanted guests. 

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas.

  • Teach disciples to actually pray a prayer of protection for themselves and those they disciple. (“and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” – Matthew 6:13)
  • Think through the principle of war – “To know your enemy is to defeat your enemy”
  • Ask the question: “Have I left the door open (even a crack) for the devil to come in?”

The world of evil spirits is very real. Let’s live as faithful warriors being vigilant and alert to their schemes against us and fight back with the spiritual authority Jesus has given us.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

Mantente Alerta, Mantente Vivo – #67

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para ver la aterradora realidad de las tácticas de nuestro enemigo.

Así que comencemos

Mateo 12:43-45, Luke 11:23-28

 Cuando el espíritu inmundo sale del hombre, anda por lugares secos, buscando reposo, y no lo halla. Entonces dice: Volveré a mi casa de donde salí; y cuando llega, la halla desocupada, barrida y adornada.  Entonces va, y toma consigo otros siete espíritus peores que él, y entrados, moran allí; y el postrer estado de aquel hombre viene a ser peor que el primero. Así también acontecerá a esta mala generación.

Mis Pensamientos

Hay varios pasajes en la Biblia que me asustan, y este es uno de ellos. ¿Te imaginas tener un demonio que se instala en ti y luego ser expulsado solo para que siete ocupantes ilegales más aparezcan en el jardín delantero de tu cerebro? ¡No, gracias! Pero, ¿es esta advertencia solo para los incrédulos? Creo que en este día de “¡No te preocupes por el pecado en que te encuentras!” No es popular hablar de la influencia de Satanás en nuestras vidas, y mucho menos en la de otra persona. No creo que debamos apresurarnos a barrer la enseñanza de Jesús debajo de la alfombra. Algunos otros escritores de las Escrituras también tenían algunas cosas bastante aterradoras que decir;

“Pero yo discipliné mi cuerpo y lo mantuve bajo control, no sea que después de predicar a otros, yo mismo sea descalificado”. (1 Corintios 9:27).

“Vosotros estáis separados de Cristo, vosotros que queréis ser justificados por la ley; has caído de la gracia”. (Gálatas 5:4)

“Mirad, hermanos, que no haya en ninguno de vosotros corazón malo de incredulidad para apartarse del Dios vivo;” (Hebreos 3:12).

“¿Cuánto mayor castigo pensáis que merecerá el que pisoteare al Hijo de Dios, y tuviere por inmunda la sangre del pacto en la cual fue santificado, e hiciere afrenta al Espíritu de gracia?” (Hebreos 10:29).

“Ciertamente, si habiéndose ellos escapado de las contaminaciones del mundo por el conocimiento del Señor y Salvador Jesucristo, enredándose otra vez en ellas son vencidos, su postrer estado viene a ser peor que el primero. Porque mejor les hubiera sido no haber conocido el camino de la justicia, que después de haberlo conocido, volverse atrás del santo mandamiento que les fue dado.  Pero les ha acontecido lo del verdadero proverbio: El perro vuelve a su vómito, y la puerca lavada a revolcarse en el cieno.'” (2 Pedro 2:20-22)

Antes de entrar en una discusión sobre si un demonio puede o no poseer a un creyente, dejemos que estas advertencias se hundan. ¿No sería un ejercicio saludable practicar un poco de conciencia sobria? Trato de no descartar rápidamente las cosas que dice Jesús solo porque creo que estoy “dentro del grupo”. Ese era el problema que tenían los fariseos. Quiero pensar en estas advertencias con integridad de corazón, reconocer el hecho de que Satanás se cuela ocasionalmente y orar lo que Jesús nos ordenó orar; “No nos dejes caer en tentación, sino líbranos del mal”. Esto me motiva a permanecer alerta y a:

Vestíos de toda la armadura de Dios, para que podáis estar firmes contra las asechanzas del diablo. (Efesios 6:11)

Mi Historia

Recuerdo la primera vez que me enfrenté a alguien que creí que tenía un demonio. Me llamaron a la sala de emergencias por uno de mis soldados que había sido apuñalado. Cuando llegué allí, la Policía Militar (MP) estaba parada afuera de su habitación y el soldado estaba sentado tranquilamente en el borde de una camilla con un vendaje enorme en su trasero. Cuando le pregunté qué pasó, dijo que él y su esposa se habían peleado y cuando se dio la vuelta para alejarse, su esposa lo apuñaló por la espalda con un cuchillo de carnicero. ¡UAU! Esto fue definitivamente algo de violencia doméstica a un nivel completamente nuevo para mí. Después de orar por el soldado, el MP se acercó a mí y me dijo que la esposa estaba en la otra habitación si quería verla. Naturalmente, como capellán, por supuesto que también quería orar por ella, ¿verdad? Dos policías me escoltaron a su habitación donde sus dos manos habían sido esposadas a la camilla. Aparentemente, ella también había agredido a los policías. Me miró con una gran sonrisa como si me esperara. Ella dijo: “¡Oh, es el capellán! Eres un tipo guapo”. ¡Y luego comenzó a vomitar todas sus hazañas sexuales con otros hombres! Ojalá pudiera decir que oré con confianza y expulsé al demonio de ella, pero en realidad estaba tan conmocionado y aterrorizado, que voltee mi cara de inmediato y salí de allí lo más rápido que pude. ¡Creo en los demonios y no quiero tener nada que ver con ellos! Pero también soy muy consciente de que Satanás y sus secuaces no siempre son tan dramáticos. Creo que es importante estar alerta por las tácticas más sutiles que usa con nosotros todos los días. Si no lo hacemos, puede ser una invitación a varios invitados más, no deseados.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí hay algunas ideas.

  • Enseña a los discípulos a orar una oración de protección por sí mismos y por aquellos a quienes discipulan. (“y no nos dejes caer en tentación, sino líbranos del mal” – Mateo 6:13)
  • Piensa en el principio de la guerra: “Conocer a tu enemigo es derrotar a tu enemigo”
  • Házte la pregunta: “¿He dejado la puerta abierta (aunque sea una rendija) para que entre el diablo?”

El mundo de los espíritus malignos es muy real. Vivamos como guerreros fieles que están vigilantes y alertas a sus planes contra nosotros y luchemos con la autoridad espiritual que Jesús nos ha dado.

You Can’t Push a Rope – #68

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Matthew to see how disciple makers ought to respond to highly resistant people.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

The Gospel – Matthew 12:38-42

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

My Thoughts 

Wait a minute, wait a minute! You’re kidding me right?! That’s how I would have responded if I were Jesus. I mean, they had already witnessed several signs. Even one of their number, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, says;

“Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2).

So what’s the deal with these guys? Why are they asking for another sign and why does Jesus respond this way? 

First, I think those who are resolute unbelievers are not looking for a way to believe. They are leaning toward unbelief and even if you moved heaven and earth, it wouldn’t be good enough for them. Secondly, these guys are spiritually blind. They are not seeking truth. They are in control (as much as the Romans will let them be) and living a very comfortable life. They have wealth, respect, and the “moral high ground.” Who needs the truth? (tongue in cheek). They wouldn’t recognize a sign if it came up and slapped them in the face.

And Jesus’ answer? Jesus is being Jesus. Mysterious and succinct. He definitely lets them know they are way off target. He calls them “a wicked and adulterous generation.” But then He talks about His death and resurrection using the story of Jonah. I got to be honest. I probably would have been looking at Jesus like a dog that just heard a strange whistle with my head cocked to one side. On the other hand, I hope I wouldn’t have missed healing a leper, raising the dead, turning water into wine, feeding 5000, and the list goes on. No. For the person that wants to believe, that would have been plenty. Jesus is really just giving the religious leaders what they want. Nothing.

Now what does this have to do with disciple making? I have a saying; “You can’t push a rope.” In other words, if people don’t want to believe or do something, you can’t make them. I’ve watched pushy evangelists get to the point where they have the recipient in a spiritual head lock with their high pressure sales tactics to get them to make a profession of faith. The weak and polite will play along just to get the guy off their back. The only thing that can stop these persistent apologists is a hard red light. Jesus didn’t do this. He was a “take or leave it” kind of evangelist. He wasn’t going to manipulate or make anyone do anything. Sure He contended for the faith, but it was usually when the religious leaders were attacking Him.

How did Jesus do it? How could He take a “Embrace it or erase it” attitude? Because He knew only those of whom the Father was calling would believe;

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:44)

My Story

This story is so ridiculous that it’s hard to believe but it’s true nonetheless. When I was a chaplain for the US Army Ranger School, I was giving a service in the Mountain Phase at Camp Merrill. After the service a ranger student came up to me and said; “Chaplain, I’m very close to believing in God!” I responded, “Good! What would push you over the edge?” He replied, “Well, when we were on patrol I prayed and told God if He was real, strike me with lightning. And a few minutes later a lightning bolt struck so close, it knocked me and some of my buddies to the ground.” I was dumbfounded! I said; “Number 1 – don’t pray those kinds of prayers around me! Second, Don’t be praying for a piano to fall out of the sky! And third – Hasn’t God shown you enough?” He said, “I’m close chaplain, I’m real close.” I walked away scratching my head.

Our Action Plan

How do we help disciple  makers develop a good strategy for dealing with stubborn and unbelieving people? Here’s some ideas;

  • Look at all the ways Jesus deals with stubborn and unbelieving people
  • Give them ample warning about these kinds of people
  • In your times together, help them focus on how to feed the hungry and not spend much time on how to force feed the spiritually anorexic

It’s so important to teach budding disciple makers where to spend their time. Don’t let them waste too much time on those who really don’t want it or side track them from the mission.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

No Puedes Empujar Una Cuerda – #68 – Mateo 12:38-42

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, veremos el Evangelio de Mateo para ver cómo los hacedores de discípulos deben responder a las personas altamente resistentes.

Así que comencemos

Mateo 12:38-42

Entonces respondieron algunos de los escribas y de los fariseos, diciendo: Maestro, deseamos ver de ti señal.  Él respondió y les dijo: La generación mala y adúltera demanda señal; pero señal no le será dada, sino la señal del profeta Jonás. Porque como estuvo Jonás en el vientre del gran pez tres días y tres noches, así estará el Hijo del Hombre en el corazón de la tierra tres días y tres noches.  Los hombres de Nínive se levantarán en el juicio con esta generación, y la condenarán; porque ellos se arrepintieron a la predicación de Jonás, y he aquí más que Jonás en este lugar.  La reina del Sur se levantará en el juicio con esta generación, y la condenará; porque ella vino de los fines de la tierra para oír la sabiduría de Salomón, y he aquí, Uno mayor que Salomón en este lugar.

Mis Pensamientos

¡Espera un minuto, espera un minuto! Estás bromeando, ¿verdad? Así es como yo habría respondido si fuera Jesús. Quiero decir, ya habían sido testigos de varias señales. Incluso uno de ellos, Nicodemo, un fariseo, dice;

“Rabino, sabemos que has venido de Dios como maestro; porque nadie puede hacer estas señales que Tú haces, si Dios no está con Él”. (Juan 3:2).

Entonces, ¿qué es lo que les pasa a estos tipos? ¿Por qué piden otra señal y por qué Jesús responde de esta manera?

Primero, creo que aquellos que son incrédulos resueltos no están buscando una manera de creer. Se inclinan hacia la incredulidad, e incluso si movieras cielo y tierra, no sería lo suficientemente bueno para ellos. En segundo lugar, estos tipos son espiritualmente ciegos. No están buscando la verdad. Tienen el control (tanto como los romanos les permiten) y viven una vida muy cómoda. Tienen riqueza, respeto y la “autoridad moral”. ¿Quién necesita la verdad? (irónicamente). No reconocerían una señal si apareciera y les diera una bofetada en la cara.

¿Y la respuesta de Jesús? Jesús está siendo Jesús. Misterioso y sucinto. Definitivamente, les hace saber que están muy lejos del objetivo. Él los llama “una generación malvada y adúltera”. Pero luego habla de su muerte y resurrección usando la historia de Jonás. Tengo que ser honesto. Probablemente habría estado mirando a Jesús como un perro que acaba de escuchar un silbido extraño con la cabeza ladeada hacia un lado. Por otro lado, espero no haberme perdido la curación de un leproso, resucitar a los muertos, convertir el agua en vino, alimentar a 5000, y la lista continúa. No. Para la persona que quiere creer, eso habría sido suficiente. Jesús realmente solo les está dando a los líderes religiosos lo que quieren. Nada.

Ahora, ¿qué tiene esto que ver con hacer discípulos? Tengo un dicho: “No puedes empujar una cuerda”. En otras palabras, si la gente no quiere creer o hacer algo, no puedes hacerlo. He visto a evangelistas agresivos llegar al punto en que tienen al destinatario en una llave de cabeza espiritual con sus tácticas de venta de alta presión para que hagan una profesión de fe. Los débiles y educados seguirán el juego solo para quitarse esa tarea de encima. Lo único que puede detener a estos apologistas persistentes es una luz roja dura. Jesús no hizo esto. Era un tipo de evangelista de “tómalo o déjalo”. No iba a manipular ni hacer que nadie hiciera nada. Claro, Él contendió por la fe, pero generalmente era cuando los líderes religiosos lo atacaban.

¿Cómo lo hizo Jesús? ¿Cómo podría adoptar una actitud de “Abrázalo o bórralo”? Porque sabía que solo aquellos a quienes el Padre llamaba creerían;

Ninguno puede venir a mí, si el Padre que me envió no le trajere; y yo le resucitaré en el día postrero (John 6:44).

Mi Historia

Esta historia es tan ridícula que es difícil de creer, pero es cierta. Cuando era capellán de la Escuela de Rangers del Ejército de los EE. UU., estaba oficiando un culto en la Fase de Montaña en Camp Merrill. Después del culto, un estudiante de guardabosques se acercó a mí y me dijo: “¡Capellán, estoy muy cerca de creer en Dios!” Respondí: “¡Bien! ¿Qué te llevaría al límite?” Él respondió: “Bueno, cuando estábamos patrullando, oré y le dije a Dios si Él era real, que me golpeara con un rayo. Y unos minutos más tarde, un rayo cayó tan cerca que nos tiró a mí y a algunos de mis amigos al suelo. ¡Me quedé estupefacto al escucharlo! Y le dije: “Número 1: ¡No hagas ese tipo de oraciones a mi alrededor! Número 2: ¡no ores que un piano del cielo te caiga! Y número 3: ¿Dios no te ha mostrado lo suficiente?” Él dijo: “Capellán, estoy cerca; estoy realmente cerca.” Me alejé de él rascándome la cabeza.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

¿Cómo ayudamos a los hacedores de discípulos a desarrollar una buena estrategia para tratar con personas obstinadas e incrédulas? Aquí hay algunas ideas;

–       Mira todas las formas en que Jesús trata con personas tercas e incrédulas

–       Adviérteles ampliamente sobre este tipo de personas

–       En sus momentos juntos, ayúdelos a concentrarse en cómo alimentar a los hambrientos y no dedicar mucho tiempo a cómo forzar a alimentar a los espiritualmente anoréxicos

Es muy importante enseñar a los hacedores de discípulos en ciernes dónde pasar su tiempo. No dejes que pierdan demasiado tiempo con aquellos que realmente no lo quieren o que se desvíen de la misión.

“That’s of the Devil!” – #66

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke to see how demonizing someone’s ministry has its dangers.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

The Gospel – Matthew 12:22-28, Mark 3:22-26, Luke 11:14-20

Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see. The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees and the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem heard this, they said, He is possessed by Beelzebul and only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.” And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand but will fall. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? If Satan is divided and rises against himself, how can his kingdom stand? He cannot stand; his end has come.

After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, His Spirit, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

My Thoughts

If anyone should have recognized Jesus for His good works, (let alone being the Messiah,) it should have been the religious leaders of His day. How disappointing it must have been for God to show up and not only remain unrecognized but “demonized” for His work. Obviously the Pharisees were in the wrong but as Deb and I got to talking about it, we realized Jesus actually “demonized” people too. 

The first example that comes to mind is when Peter rebukes Jesus for talking about the cross. Jesus says; “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” (Matthew 16:23). 

The second example is when He’s saying to the Jews; “You are of your father the devil.” (John 8:44). 

Before we run off and start demonizing people like Jesus and the Pharisees, let’s hit the pause button and ask some questions;

  • Were the Pharisees accurate in their assessment of Jesus?
  • Was Jesus accurate in His assessment of Peter and the Pharisees?

The Pharisees were way off and their “demonizing” was probably motivated by their jealousy and envy. On the other hand, Jesus was dead-on when He associated Peter and the Pharisees with being in league with the devil. Jesus is right and the Pharisees are wrong.

So what does all this “demonizing” have to do with disciple-making? A lot actually. How many times have we jumped the gun and demonized someone or a church for practicing different methods or different ideas than those we have? Or am I the only one who thinks I have all the right ways to do something and the most effective tools? Uh, yeah, I thought so. You struggle in this area as well. It’s one thing to acknowledge differences and it’s another to see others as inferior. And sometimes, if we are honest, we take it to a whole nother level when we say what they’re doing or saying is “of the devil!”

Jesus’ critique of others was always spot on. Mine? Not so much. So I try to be careful about bringing out the big guns and start demonizing what others are doing.

My Story

I was having lunch with a fellow disciple-maker whose ministry was way different from mine. I like to get with others that don’t use the same tools and even have different ideas about making disciples of Jesus than mine. It keeps me on my toes and I learn a lot. I may not adopt everything that they have to say, but to be honest, I have stolen most of my stuff from other people (and especially Jesus).

But on this particular day I ran into a buzz saw! As I was describing something I was doing in my ministry, he pronounced, “I think that’s of the pit of Hell!” As you can imagine I was shocked and speechless. And then we continued talking about his ministry. (I dare not say any more about mine.) The conversation ended, I was cordial but inside I was kind of ticked off.

As I drove home I realized I was going to have to revisit the “pit of Hell” statement with my brother. So a couple of days later, I gave him a call. When I told him I was offended by his statement, he was quick to apologize. The Holy Spirit had been working on him and he recognized that the statement was harsh and out of bounds. All was forgiven but it was a great lesson for me. Don’t drop the “Satan Card” unless you’re dead sure you are 100% right.

“Different” doesn’t automatically mean “Demons.”

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas.

  • Do a self assessment. Are you quick as a disciple-maker to see other’s ideas and methods inferior?
  • Are you building your ministry on a negative platform? (Everyone else is doing it wrong.)
  • Get some time out of your silo and meet with people who make disciples but are quite a bit different from you. Learn from them.

I’ve seen that very committed spiritually minded people can be quick to demonize others. Let’s push the pause button and make sure the devil doesn’t get all that credit before we drop the “Satan Card.”

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

“¡Eso Es Del Diablo!” – #66

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo, Marcos y Lucas para ver cómo demonizar el ministerio de alguien tiene sus peligros.

Así que comencemos.

Mateo 12:22-28, Marcos 3:22-26, Lucas 11:14-20

Entonces un hombre poseído por un demonio, que era ciego y mudo, fue llevado a Jesús, y Él sanó al hombre para que pudiera hablar y ver. La multitud estaba asombrada y preguntaba: “¿Será este el Hijo de David?” Al oír esto, los fariseos y los escribas que habían bajado de Jerusalén dijeron: “Está poseído por Belcebú, y sólo este hombre expulsa a los demonios por Belcebú, el príncipe de los demonios”. Y otros lo pusieron a prueba exigiendo una señal del cielo.

Conociendo sus pensamientos, Jesús los convocó y comenzó a hablarles en parábolas: “¿Cómo puede Satanás expulsar a Satanás? Todo reino dividido contra sí mismo será desolado, y toda ciudad o casa dividida contra sí misma no permanecerá, sino que caerá. Si Satanás expulsa a Satanás, está dividido contra sí mismo. ¿Cómo, pues, puede permanecer su reino? Si Satanás está dividido y se levanta contra sí mismo, ¿cómo puede permanecer su reino? No puede mantenerse en pie; Su fin ha llegado.

Después de todo, dices que expulso a los demonios por Beelzebú. Y si yo echo fuera a los demonios por Beelzebú, ¿por quién los expulsan vuestros hijos? Así pues, ellos serán vuestros jueces. Pero si yo echo fuera a los demonios por el dedo de Dios, Su Espíritu, entonces el Reino de Dios ha llegado a vosotros.

Mis Pensamientos

Si alguien debiese haber reconocido a Jesús por sus buenas obras (además por ser el Mesías), deberían haber sido los líderes religiosos de su época. Cuán decepcionante debe haber sido que Dios apareciera y no solo permaneciera sin ser reconocido, sino que fuera “demonizado” por Su obra. Obviamente, los fariseos estaban equivocados, pero cuando Deb y yo empezamos a hablar de ello, nos dimos cuenta de que Jesús en realidad también “demonizó” a algunas personas.

El primer ejemplo que me viene a la mente es cuando Pedro reprende a Jesús por hablar de la cruz. Jesús dice; “Jesús se volvió y dijo a Pedro:”¡Aléjate de mí, Satanás! Quieres hacerme tropezar; no piensas en las cosas de Dios, sino en las de los hombres.” (Matthew 16:23). 

El segundo ejemplo es cuando Él les dice a los judíos: “Ustedes son de su padre, el diablo,” (John 8:44). 

Antes de que salgamos corriendo y comencemos a demonizar a personas como Jesús y los fariseos, presionemos el botón de pausa y hagamos algunas preguntas.

–       ¿Eran precisos los fariseos en su evaluación de Jesús?

–       ¿Fue Jesús exacto en su evaluación de Pedro y los fariseos?

Los fariseos estaban muy lejos y su “demonización” probablemente estaban motivados por sus celos y envidia. Por otro lado, Jesús dio en el clavo cuando asoció a Pedro y a los fariseos con estar aliados con el diablo. Jesús tenía la razón y los fariseos estaban equivocados.

Entonces, ¿qué tiene que ver toda esta “demonización” con la formación de discípulos? Mucho, en realidad. ¿Cuántas veces nos hemos precipitado y hemos demonizado a alguien o a una iglesia por practicar métodos diferentes o ideas diferentes a las que tenemos? ¿O soy el único que piensa que tengo todas las formas correctas de hacer algo y las herramientas más efectivas? Uh, sí, eso pensaba. Tú también luchas en esta área. Una cosa es reconocer las diferencias y otra es ver a los demás como inferiores. Y a veces, si somos honestos, lo llevamos a otro nivel cuando decimos que lo que están haciendo o diciendo es “¡del diablo!”

La crítica de Jesús a los demás siempre fue acertada. ¿La mía? No tanto. Así que trato de tener cuidado de no sacar la armas pesadas para empezar a demonizar lo que otros están haciendo.

Mi Historia

Estaba almorzando con un compañero hacedor de discípulos cuyo ministerio era muy diferente al mío. Me gusta juntarme con otras personas que no usan las mismas herramientas e incluso tienen ideas diferentes a las mías sobre cómo hacer discípulos de Jesús. Me mantiene alerta y aprendo mucho. Puede que no acepte todo lo que tienen que decir, pero para ser honesto, he robado la mayoría de mis cosas de otras personas (y especialmente de Jesús).

¡Pero en este día en particular me encontré con un siervo muy particular! Mientras describía algo que estaba haciendo en mi ministerio, él pronunció: “¡Creo que eso es del abismo del infierno!” Como puedes imaginar, me quedé conmocionado y sin palabras. Y luego seguimos hablando de su ministerio. (No me atreví a decir nada más sobre la mía). La conversación terminó, yo estaba cordial pero por dentro estaba un poco molesto.

Mientras conducía a casa, me di cuenta de que iba a tener que volver a examinar la declaración del “pozo del infierno” con mi hermano. Así que un par de días después, lo llamé. Cuando le dije que  su declaración me había ofendido, se apresuró a disculparse. El Espíritu Santo había estado obrando en él y reconoció que la declaración era dura y estaba fuera de los límites. Todo fue perdonado, pero fue una gran lección para mí. No sueltes la “Carta de Satanás” a menos que estés completamente seguro de que tienes razón al 100%.

“Diferente” no significa automáticamente “Demonios”.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí tienes algunas ideas.

1.             Haz una autoevaluación. ¿Eres rápido, como hacedor de discípulos, a ver las ideas y  

          métodos de los demás como inferiores?

2.             ¿Estás construyendo tu ministerio sobre una plataforma negativa? (Que todos los 

          demás están haciendo las cosas mal).

3.             Sale por un tiempo de ti mismo y reúnete con personas que hacen discípulos pero 

          que son bastante diferentes a ti. Aprende de ellos.

He visto que las personas muy comprometidas con la espiritualidad pueden ser rápidas para demonizar a los demás. Apretemos el botón de pausa y asegurémonos de que el diablo no obtenga todo ese crédito antes de que soltemos la “Carta de Satanás”.

Over-Catalyzing Visionaries

Seven Dangers Visionaries Ought to Avoid

Rather Listen?

When a visionary goes beyond the God given message and the recipients start to feel oppressed and manipulated by the constant drumbeat of the dream, people can be over-catalyzed. The weariness of an “overly catalyzed” soul resonates deeply with me. I have stood on both sides of this dynamic. At times I have overstepped my bounds as a visionary. And I’ve also been the recipient of a constant campaign of an ardent champion for the cause. I understand the fatigue and disillusionment that it can cause. While the catalyst plays a vital role in any community, excessive zeal can lead to unintended consequences.

In the ever-evolving landscape of faith communities, visionaries play a crucial role. Their passion, creativity, and ability to inspire change are essential for growth and transformation. However, like any powerful force, visionary leadership can become a double-edged sword. When overused or misdirected, it can lead to unintended consequences. In this blog post, we explore seven dangers that visionaries should be aware of and actively avoid in over-catalyzing their people.

1. Being Presumptuous with the Will of God

Visionaries often walk a fine line between divine inspiration and personal ambition. While it’s essential to seek God’s guidance, presuming that every idea or vision aligns perfectly with His will can be dangerous. Over-catalyzing visionaries may rush ahead without proper discernment, assuming that their plans are unquestionably God-ordained. The result? Missteps, missed opportunities, and potential harm to the community we serve.

The sin of presumption can be clearly seen in 1 Samuel 13. King Saul has rallied the troops to fight against the Philistines. The prophet Samuel had instructed the king to wait seven days and he would make appropriate sacrifices for Saul and his army. On the seventh day, when Samuel delayed and the army started to dissipate, Saul took it upon himself to offer the sacrifices which is strictly forbidden. As soon as he finished, Samuel showed up and rebuked Saul. Saul’s excuse; 

 “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.” (1 Samuel 13:11-12)

In the same way a catalyst can feel compelled and overstep their responsibility and/or authority. They begin to presume God is going to do things that may not be in accordance with His will. This is a very dangerous assumption on the visionary’s part and undermines the confidence of God’s people. 

Solution: Be steeped in the Word of God and pray for discernment. Seek wise counsel and remain open to correction. Humility and a willingness to adjust course are vital.

2. Exaggerating the Results

Visionaries thrive on big dreams and audacious goals. However, when the pursuit of impact overshadows the actual outcomes, problems arise. Over-catalyzing visionaries may inflate their achievements, creating unrealistic expectations. This can lead to disappointment, disillusionment, and a loss of credibility.

When the Apostle Paul was encouraging the newly planted church in Galatia he also added this sobering admonition;  “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). Paul didn’t sugar coat and soft pedal the bad news along with the good news. 

There are two sides to the coin of vision casting. The first is the exciting possibilities of what God can do. The second is the reality that God has a plan and we must obey His will no matter the outcome. The visionary needs to express both possibilities and the need to trust the sovereign hand of God for the results.

Solution: Celebrate progress, but remain grounded. Honesty about both successes and setbacks builds trust and authenticity.

3. Stretching the Word of God

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It holds the blueprints for God’s plan and people. It gives us both direction and hope. However, Over-catalyzing visionaries may twist Scripture to fit their agenda. Whether misinterpreting passages or cherry-picking verses, this approach is misleading and undermines the integrity of the vision. It can also harm those who follow blindly.

While we cast vision for others, we dare not do what the Apostle Peter warns others had done to Paul’s writings and other Scriptures;

… just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.  (2 Peter 3:15-16)

For example, I’ve heard and even used the tactic myself of trying to speed up the return of Christ by completing the Great Commission. In other words, let’s get busy sharing the gospel so that we can reach every people group on the planet and go home to heaven. It sounds noble and we whip the disciples into a frenzy. But the fact is WE never finish the job, an angel does.

And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people. (Revelation 14:6)

The visionary must align him or herself squarely with the Scriptures. We cannot afford to add or subtract in order to make our case stronger. The power rests in the truth and the Word of God is able to stir the heart without embellishment or contrivance. 

Solution: Study the Bible diligently, seek context, and interpret it faithfully. Let the Word shape your vision, not the other way around.

4. Ignoring Some of the Gifts and Contributions of the Body

Visionaries often see the big picture, but we mustn’t overlook the diverse talents and gifts within their community. Over-catalyzing leaders may bulldoze over others’ contributions, inadvertently stifling creativity and collaboration. Unity suffers when individual voices are drowned out.

The catalyst may be tempted to single-out certain gifts or individuals to see the vision through. Certainly, it’s going to take committed disciples of Jesus to see the work of God advance. But they come with all kinds of gifts, talents, and abilities. As Paul outlines in his letter to the Ephesians;

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

The visionary must take into account that the church, in its wholeness, will be God’s approach to fulfilling His vision.

Solution: Cultivate a culture of inclusivity. Recognize and appreciate the unique strengths each member brings.

5. Beating a Dead or Limping Horse

Visionaries are passionate about progress, but relentless pursuit can lead to burnout. Over-catalyzing leaders may push others and themselves beyond healthy limits. Like a rider flogging a tired horse, we risk exhaustion and diminishing returns. And then there are those who could care less about our vision and we relentlessly continue our campaign, thus beating a “dead horse.” But the over-catalyzing visionary’s motto is “No horse is too dead to beat.” We need to learn how to discern that we’ve reached a stopping point and push the pause button. Even Jesus knew when to say when;

“I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” (John 16:12)

In some cases the catalyst has gone too far and pushed too hard with willing participants. And this is where the savvy to know when to stop is essential. We can bend ‘em but not break ‘em.

Solution: Balance ambition with self-care. Rest, recharge, and recognize that sustainable growth requires pacing.

6. All Talk, Little Action

Visionaries excel at casting vision, but implementation matters. Over-catalyzing leaders may become enamored with ideas, neglecting practical steps. Promises of results without personal practice, modeling, and coaching erode trust and credibility. In the Army we wanted to make sure that we would never order anyone to do something we hadn’t done or wouldn’t do ourselves. Although this may be an unrealistic standard in every case, it was expected by leadership and subordinates alike in most situations. 

Jesus chided the religious leaders with this statement; 

“They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.” (Matthew 23:4)

Jesus on the other hand, lived out His vision before the people. He modeled day-in and day-out the practical steps to reach the goal. Like Jesus, the catalyst must be willing to do the hard work we expect others to do to fulfill their vision.

Solution: Pair vision with action. Set achievable goals, create action plans, and execute them diligently with your people.

7. Unrealistic Expectations of God and His People

Visionaries often dream of miraculous breakthroughs. However, expecting constant supernatural interventions beyond what God wills can lead to disappointment. Over-catalyzing leaders may forget that God often works through ordinary means and gradual processes too. Those under the influence of a visionary that always has his head in the clouds can be perceived as chasing rainbows and unicorns instead of the will of God. We can become demanding and frustrated with the people we lead. This can only spell disaster if left unchecked. We must be grounded in the Word and will of God. We could even venture in the realm of the false prophets.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3)

As catalysts, we shouldn’t make promises that are not ours to keep.

Solution: Embrace faith without demanding constant fireworks. Trust God’s timing and appreciate the everyday miracles in the mundane.

There’s an old saying: “It takes one to know one.” You’ll notice that I have implicated myself in this article. I’ve committed all seven of the pitfalls. Deb and I were discussing this one day, and she provided a great illustration. She likened the catalyst to salt. Most recipes call for a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. However, if we use too much salt, it can ruin the dish. I confess to occasionally being a bit too salty. So as you read this, and if you feel any conviction, rest assured that the author is also repenting alongside you.

Visionary leadership is a gift, but it must be wielded with wisdom. By avoiding these pitfalls, visionaries can catalyze positive change without fleecing the flock. Let us honor the role of catalysts while remaining grounded in the Word and will of God.