Theological Articles (from Ph.D. Program & other)
Matthew's Fulfillment View of the Messiah... Mark's dissertation work
| a_fresh_look_at_matthew_fulfillment.pdf |
A school article by Mark
| gnosticism.pdf |
A few thoughts regarding the Visionary Leader
Dear brothers, I want you to know this simple article is a reflection of a number of studies that I have enjoyed over the last year or so, (1 Timothy, Nehemiah, Habakkuk and the life of Paul. All of these men sought to be visionary leaders among their people). And struggles I have had in the ministry.
Some of the following comments were taken from notes in my personal journal, simply from one who is seeking to be a visionary leader living out his calling in a proper biblical manner. My greatest respect is for the Word of God, for in it I discover the God of all eternity who desires to reveal His Son to me, in me and through me. In order that His ways and His will not only be lived out in me, but in those who hear me.
My focus this year has been to allow in a greater way God's joy to be my strength as with Nehemiah, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” And Habakkuk, "I will yet rejoice in the God of my salvation." And Paul, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Before reading on, please meditate on these following verses before continuing your reading.
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV
The one whom God raises up to be the visionary leader for His church is not only a gift to the body of Christ, but has many promising gifts and strengths to contribute to it. Those gifts may involve evangelism, missions, church planting, or in the building up of existing churches. Besides many Satanic attacks which are expected, the visionary will have many personal issues along the way he will have to wrestle with, both within his own heart and affairs outside of himself. The issues within may relate to the internal struggle to understand, discern and at times question God's will for himself, his family and others. The external struggles almost always relate to other people in their lives who may not be visionaries, and do not understand them, nor do they seem to want to. There is little doubt that the Apostle Paul was misunderstood by very many in his day. And who were the ones who understood and appreciated him… the ones who were the happy recipients of his gospel message and ministry in Christ.
As the above verses state, the visionary desires to carry out God's will and live a life worthy of God's call. And yet, with the many struggles along the way, the Apostle Paul gives us some sound advice in these verses; which involves humility, meekness, patience, love, and diligence to maintain a biblical unity in seeking biblical peace.
As common in all of Paul’s teachings, the visionary leader must love others. For love never fails. If our vision becomes greater and supersedes love then it becomes an agenda, or as James notes, possibly becoming a selfish ambition leading to evil works. If we are to lead and share our vision we must love the people we are leading or trying to reach more than simply carrying out the vision itself. Why should someone grasp our God-given vision or follow us if you do not love them? We mustn’t forget that in every ministry reaching people with the truth is our ultimate goal.
The visionary leader must be patient. He must communicate the vision in a gracious, temperate, and wise manner. If not, similar results may happen. It becomes a push/pull self-motivated agenda, gentleness is set aside. When explaining the vision and upon noticing that the hearers are not perceiving the message, one must bring it to the Lord for the present time, and pray and trust God that though the listeners are dull of hearing at the moment, one day they may hear. If God is in it, and your vision is God-given, it will come to pass in His time and His way. Remember, visionaries are the scouts, they are way out in front and far ahead of the crowds, and in patience they must wait for the others to catch up! As the African proverb states, "If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together." When waiting upon the Lord, we have the privilege of praying that God would light the fire of passion in those who have trouble moving forward, or open the eyes of the blind. And if they refuse to move forward in God’s will, we can have a clear conscience that we have loved them and waited for them before we leave them behind.
Remember that Habakkuk was given prophetic insight into the coming events of Babylon's ferocious empire that would destroy his nation and his people Judah, and in faith he had waited for it while many of his people refused to believe it and respond to his God-given vision. I am sure he felt alone! Yet, his heart would continue to rejoice in his God.
For a visionary, love, patience and joy are absolutely necessary! All come from the Spirit of God. If these are lacking and frustration and anger becomes our motivation with those whom we are trying to convince or lead, we have moved outside of God's will. Goals are great and they are very important, for they keep us focused, but we mustn't walk over people in order to reach our goals, and how we treat them along the way reflects upon our own spiritual character and relationship with Christ. It must be remembered, as we move towards our goals, God may use others to alter it. A good leader will listen to other leaders and as a result may better his God-given vision.
(We mustn't forget that sometimes God slows us down, and even stops us from moving forward, so He can speak to us. Remember that some of the greatest writings of the Apostle Paul came when he was sitting in a prison under the evil emperor Nero.)
I have seen pastors leave their church due to frustration with fellow leaders moving too slow or not catching on to their vision. That is sad, for relationships may take years to build. Your fellow leaders must learn to trust you, and that takes time, for they must see your humility and faithfulness in action! Even though they may be part of the problem, possibly they may be part of the solution as well. If anything, we are learning to love when it is difficult.
As I look back, I praise God for my fellow elders when they did question my vision, goals and attitudes. God used them to show me my weaknesses. I am a better leader because of them. Could I have left for another church? Sure I could have, but I would not have learned what I needed to about myself. Also, I don’t want to be a quitter, and I desire to be a faithful shepherd, not a hireling as reflected in John 10.
(In Christianity we sometimes think because we have a Bible degree and are called to be a pastor, we can't be questioned or challenged. That is wrong thinking! A God-given vision stays within the realm of being a tender shepherd. If I am leading my people, I must know them! And again, that takes time!)
But I will say, at the times they questioned and maybe even doubted me, it was hard. In my discouragement I felt like holding a grudge and making excuses for myself, but I knew in my heart that was fleshly and unbiblical. In the scriptures we do see a plurality in church leadership. It's not a kingship like in the days of Israel. That is why mature elders can be a benefit to the visionary leader and not a hindrance.
(Sadly, some visionaries in their drive to carry out their vision have set up immature leaders around themselves to be "yes men" and that is dangerous! "Iron sharpens iron!" The visionary needs mature brothers and fathers to speak into his life.)
Yet, there is the reality that there may come a time to move on to another ministry. That has happened to me three times. The first time was 16 years ago when the Lord led me to Bible school. I left my job and the (tent making) gospel ministry I was involved in. The second was after I had spent 2 years pastoring a church recovery. I had known this ministry was temporary, and after the church was functioning well, it was time to move on. The third time I also knew it would be temporary. That was affirmed once I had completed 2 years with the church. Yet the Lord had me spend 6 more months with them transitioning to the pastorate I have now. I have been with MVBC now a bit over 8 years and detect from the Holy Spirit no sense of moving on from here at this time. Why is that?
The first 3 ministries I was involved in were stepping stones, I learned much from the pastor and people I worked with. I had growing to do before I could be part of my present ministry. Also, the first 3 ministries did not come close to fulfilling the vision the Lord has given me for His church. My present ministry does. Where before I felt I was lacking opportunity to fulfill my God-given vision, now I feel as though I lack the time to fulfill all that needs to be done. For the opportunities now over abound. Also, my fellow elders have only been supportive and reaffirming of the desires God has placed within me.
By God's grace the previous ministries I had been involved in were all positive. I left each place loving the people and being loved by them. There were no hard feelings or hurt people. We left with their blessing and confirmation. Humility goes a long way!
Yet again, I realize that leaders may have very different visions and parting from one another may be God's will in order for there to be unity. Paul and Barnabas's separation from each other is an example of that. Instead of having a team trying to move forward that was not in unity, God ended up with two teams. It does happen, and may be necessary for vision implementation. Just make sure that anger is not the motivator. And also remember, we are to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” but that is not a guarantee that it will happen every time. Teacher Ron Moore gave some simple points regarding unity, and the reality that unity is not always possible.
Notes from Ron Moore, Back to the Bible, aired 11/15/16.
3 key points to living together in unity:
1. There must be a Shared Vision. Are moving the same direction?
2. There must be Shared Values. How are we going to carry out that vision?
3.There must be a Shared Behavior. How are we going to treat one another?
3 key points why unity cannot be achieved:
1. When a person has a negative, sinful influence in the church (1 Cor. 5:9-13).
2. When a person’s teaching & behavior is contrary to scripture (Romans 16:17-18).
3. When there is a difference of ministry philosophy (Acts 15:36-41).
Common unity busters: Selfishness, destructive behavior & words, and lack of humility & honesty.
I do agree with Ron Moore, a shared vision and unity is very possible, and that there are times when it is impossible. The elders and pastors I am now serving with embrace these 3 points of unity and we seek to carry them out. But sadly, in the past I have experienced all 3 of these unity busters at different times in ministry. Was it better to graciously part ways? Sorrowfully, yes it was.
My brothers, let's pray for each other to be meek (strength under control) leaders like Moses. Joy-filled and faith-filled prayer warriors like Nehemiah and Habakkuk, and passionate, faithful visionaries like the apostle Paul and his spiritual son Timothy.
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:1–3 NLT
Grace to all of you in the fullest!
Dear brothers, I want you to know this simple article is a reflection of a number of studies that I have enjoyed over the last year or so, (1 Timothy, Nehemiah, Habakkuk and the life of Paul. All of these men sought to be visionary leaders among their people). And struggles I have had in the ministry.
Some of the following comments were taken from notes in my personal journal, simply from one who is seeking to be a visionary leader living out his calling in a proper biblical manner. My greatest respect is for the Word of God, for in it I discover the God of all eternity who desires to reveal His Son to me, in me and through me. In order that His ways and His will not only be lived out in me, but in those who hear me.
My focus this year has been to allow in a greater way God's joy to be my strength as with Nehemiah, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” And Habakkuk, "I will yet rejoice in the God of my salvation." And Paul, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Before reading on, please meditate on these following verses before continuing your reading.
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV
The one whom God raises up to be the visionary leader for His church is not only a gift to the body of Christ, but has many promising gifts and strengths to contribute to it. Those gifts may involve evangelism, missions, church planting, or in the building up of existing churches. Besides many Satanic attacks which are expected, the visionary will have many personal issues along the way he will have to wrestle with, both within his own heart and affairs outside of himself. The issues within may relate to the internal struggle to understand, discern and at times question God's will for himself, his family and others. The external struggles almost always relate to other people in their lives who may not be visionaries, and do not understand them, nor do they seem to want to. There is little doubt that the Apostle Paul was misunderstood by very many in his day. And who were the ones who understood and appreciated him… the ones who were the happy recipients of his gospel message and ministry in Christ.
As the above verses state, the visionary desires to carry out God's will and live a life worthy of God's call. And yet, with the many struggles along the way, the Apostle Paul gives us some sound advice in these verses; which involves humility, meekness, patience, love, and diligence to maintain a biblical unity in seeking biblical peace.
As common in all of Paul’s teachings, the visionary leader must love others. For love never fails. If our vision becomes greater and supersedes love then it becomes an agenda, or as James notes, possibly becoming a selfish ambition leading to evil works. If we are to lead and share our vision we must love the people we are leading or trying to reach more than simply carrying out the vision itself. Why should someone grasp our God-given vision or follow us if you do not love them? We mustn’t forget that in every ministry reaching people with the truth is our ultimate goal.
The visionary leader must be patient. He must communicate the vision in a gracious, temperate, and wise manner. If not, similar results may happen. It becomes a push/pull self-motivated agenda, gentleness is set aside. When explaining the vision and upon noticing that the hearers are not perceiving the message, one must bring it to the Lord for the present time, and pray and trust God that though the listeners are dull of hearing at the moment, one day they may hear. If God is in it, and your vision is God-given, it will come to pass in His time and His way. Remember, visionaries are the scouts, they are way out in front and far ahead of the crowds, and in patience they must wait for the others to catch up! As the African proverb states, "If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together." When waiting upon the Lord, we have the privilege of praying that God would light the fire of passion in those who have trouble moving forward, or open the eyes of the blind. And if they refuse to move forward in God’s will, we can have a clear conscience that we have loved them and waited for them before we leave them behind.
Remember that Habakkuk was given prophetic insight into the coming events of Babylon's ferocious empire that would destroy his nation and his people Judah, and in faith he had waited for it while many of his people refused to believe it and respond to his God-given vision. I am sure he felt alone! Yet, his heart would continue to rejoice in his God.
For a visionary, love, patience and joy are absolutely necessary! All come from the Spirit of God. If these are lacking and frustration and anger becomes our motivation with those whom we are trying to convince or lead, we have moved outside of God's will. Goals are great and they are very important, for they keep us focused, but we mustn't walk over people in order to reach our goals, and how we treat them along the way reflects upon our own spiritual character and relationship with Christ. It must be remembered, as we move towards our goals, God may use others to alter it. A good leader will listen to other leaders and as a result may better his God-given vision.
(We mustn't forget that sometimes God slows us down, and even stops us from moving forward, so He can speak to us. Remember that some of the greatest writings of the Apostle Paul came when he was sitting in a prison under the evil emperor Nero.)
I have seen pastors leave their church due to frustration with fellow leaders moving too slow or not catching on to their vision. That is sad, for relationships may take years to build. Your fellow leaders must learn to trust you, and that takes time, for they must see your humility and faithfulness in action! Even though they may be part of the problem, possibly they may be part of the solution as well. If anything, we are learning to love when it is difficult.
As I look back, I praise God for my fellow elders when they did question my vision, goals and attitudes. God used them to show me my weaknesses. I am a better leader because of them. Could I have left for another church? Sure I could have, but I would not have learned what I needed to about myself. Also, I don’t want to be a quitter, and I desire to be a faithful shepherd, not a hireling as reflected in John 10.
(In Christianity we sometimes think because we have a Bible degree and are called to be a pastor, we can't be questioned or challenged. That is wrong thinking! A God-given vision stays within the realm of being a tender shepherd. If I am leading my people, I must know them! And again, that takes time!)
But I will say, at the times they questioned and maybe even doubted me, it was hard. In my discouragement I felt like holding a grudge and making excuses for myself, but I knew in my heart that was fleshly and unbiblical. In the scriptures we do see a plurality in church leadership. It's not a kingship like in the days of Israel. That is why mature elders can be a benefit to the visionary leader and not a hindrance.
(Sadly, some visionaries in their drive to carry out their vision have set up immature leaders around themselves to be "yes men" and that is dangerous! "Iron sharpens iron!" The visionary needs mature brothers and fathers to speak into his life.)
Yet, there is the reality that there may come a time to move on to another ministry. That has happened to me three times. The first time was 16 years ago when the Lord led me to Bible school. I left my job and the (tent making) gospel ministry I was involved in. The second was after I had spent 2 years pastoring a church recovery. I had known this ministry was temporary, and after the church was functioning well, it was time to move on. The third time I also knew it would be temporary. That was affirmed once I had completed 2 years with the church. Yet the Lord had me spend 6 more months with them transitioning to the pastorate I have now. I have been with MVBC now a bit over 8 years and detect from the Holy Spirit no sense of moving on from here at this time. Why is that?
The first 3 ministries I was involved in were stepping stones, I learned much from the pastor and people I worked with. I had growing to do before I could be part of my present ministry. Also, the first 3 ministries did not come close to fulfilling the vision the Lord has given me for His church. My present ministry does. Where before I felt I was lacking opportunity to fulfill my God-given vision, now I feel as though I lack the time to fulfill all that needs to be done. For the opportunities now over abound. Also, my fellow elders have only been supportive and reaffirming of the desires God has placed within me.
By God's grace the previous ministries I had been involved in were all positive. I left each place loving the people and being loved by them. There were no hard feelings or hurt people. We left with their blessing and confirmation. Humility goes a long way!
Yet again, I realize that leaders may have very different visions and parting from one another may be God's will in order for there to be unity. Paul and Barnabas's separation from each other is an example of that. Instead of having a team trying to move forward that was not in unity, God ended up with two teams. It does happen, and may be necessary for vision implementation. Just make sure that anger is not the motivator. And also remember, we are to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” but that is not a guarantee that it will happen every time. Teacher Ron Moore gave some simple points regarding unity, and the reality that unity is not always possible.
Notes from Ron Moore, Back to the Bible, aired 11/15/16.
3 key points to living together in unity:
1. There must be a Shared Vision. Are moving the same direction?
2. There must be Shared Values. How are we going to carry out that vision?
3.There must be a Shared Behavior. How are we going to treat one another?
3 key points why unity cannot be achieved:
1. When a person has a negative, sinful influence in the church (1 Cor. 5:9-13).
2. When a person’s teaching & behavior is contrary to scripture (Romans 16:17-18).
3. When there is a difference of ministry philosophy (Acts 15:36-41).
Common unity busters: Selfishness, destructive behavior & words, and lack of humility & honesty.
I do agree with Ron Moore, a shared vision and unity is very possible, and that there are times when it is impossible. The elders and pastors I am now serving with embrace these 3 points of unity and we seek to carry them out. But sadly, in the past I have experienced all 3 of these unity busters at different times in ministry. Was it better to graciously part ways? Sorrowfully, yes it was.
My brothers, let's pray for each other to be meek (strength under control) leaders like Moses. Joy-filled and faith-filled prayer warriors like Nehemiah and Habakkuk, and passionate, faithful visionaries like the apostle Paul and his spiritual son Timothy.
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:1–3 NLT
Grace to all of you in the fullest!
| thoughts_about_the_visionary.pdf |
2/28/2020 The Humble Tenderhearted Leader
In my early years of ministry, I was fortunate to hear a message from an older preacher from 1 Kings 3:5–10. It was a prayer offered to God by the young King Solomon. When you read the following biblical text, notice the tender and humble heart of this young leader.
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.
9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
There are a number of things that stand out to me about Solomon…
Solomon understood God’s grace and mercy to his father David.
He knew that he needed to walk in the truth and in uprightness of heart as his father.
He admitted that his kingship was a gift given to him by God.
He knew that he was a servant, before being gifted with a kingship.
Solomon humbly admitted his childlikeness, insecurity and inability.
He recognized that he was reigning over God’s people, they were not his own.
He asked God for the supernatural ability to lead God’s people biblically and righteously.
Lastly, notice how God was pleased with Solomon. May we desire to please the Lord as the young King Solomon had.
Often, I have prayed this prayer as an under shepherd of the Lord’s people. It is sobering to think that the people I lead and teach belong to Jesus, and He is expecting me to trust Him and follow Him with all of my heart, which will enable me to lead uprightly.
My fellow servants, we are living in a world where many bow down to the idols of money and fame, for that is what they love. Solomon started well, but in later years he fell into great sin as his heart turned towards ungodliness.
My we reject these temptations that many have fallen into, it’s not about seeking fame or fortunes, for these are Satanic traps, it is about being the best godly minded leaders that we can be… Servant Leaders, first at home and then in Christ’s body, the church.
God’s best for you my dear brothers, Pastor Mark
In my early years of ministry, I was fortunate to hear a message from an older preacher from 1 Kings 3:5–10. It was a prayer offered to God by the young King Solomon. When you read the following biblical text, notice the tender and humble heart of this young leader.
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.
9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
There are a number of things that stand out to me about Solomon…
Solomon understood God’s grace and mercy to his father David.
He knew that he needed to walk in the truth and in uprightness of heart as his father.
He admitted that his kingship was a gift given to him by God.
He knew that he was a servant, before being gifted with a kingship.
Solomon humbly admitted his childlikeness, insecurity and inability.
He recognized that he was reigning over God’s people, they were not his own.
He asked God for the supernatural ability to lead God’s people biblically and righteously.
Lastly, notice how God was pleased with Solomon. May we desire to please the Lord as the young King Solomon had.
Often, I have prayed this prayer as an under shepherd of the Lord’s people. It is sobering to think that the people I lead and teach belong to Jesus, and He is expecting me to trust Him and follow Him with all of my heart, which will enable me to lead uprightly.
My fellow servants, we are living in a world where many bow down to the idols of money and fame, for that is what they love. Solomon started well, but in later years he fell into great sin as his heart turned towards ungodliness.
My we reject these temptations that many have fallen into, it’s not about seeking fame or fortunes, for these are Satanic traps, it is about being the best godly minded leaders that we can be… Servant Leaders, first at home and then in Christ’s body, the church.
God’s best for you my dear brothers, Pastor Mark
| the_tenderhearted_leader.pdf |