Global North and South Essay Paper

Global North and South
Global North and South

Global North and South

Introduction

The element of the Global North and South are currently in a phase of change that is considered to be growing further from the loving and real relationship with God. This has seen the North and South turn out to be a religion closer to what Christ had initially intended for the Church.  In the North, there is a rise in individualism, an ideology that is has consequently forgotten the element of sin in religion, thus substituting the grace of God for self-knowledge (Johnson & Sun Young, 2014).

As a result of this, Christ’s mission of global salvation has turned into self-help, thus contrary to the mission of Christ who was to be a Christ of faith and who commended the concretization of cultures in order to transform their destructive tendencies. This clearly denotes that the objective of evangelization was directed towards seeking life-giving aspects in these cultures with the aim of giving flesh to the vision of the gospel of peace, reconciliation, compassion, love and justice.

North and South Growing Together: The Differences It Makes

The establishment of a Christian life and message in relation to the context of cultural living is not considered as clear, thus making its manifestation inappropriate within different cultural contexts. Christian traditions are structured on the traditions of Jesus; however, this is jeopardized by the errors of man in effectively carrying these traditions and teachings without the interference of personal characteristics that soil the word of God (Johnson & Sun Young, 2014). This depicts the fact that man is not in a position to carry out the will of God without the guidance of His Spirit, with this explaining the fact that the global south has failed in recapturing the themes and trends of early Christianity.

The primary themes that the church in the global north and south need to learn are deeply rooted in Pedro Arrupe’s statements that necessitated the need to ensure that faith in Christ is only achieved through concretizing the gospel within the existing cultures in order to transform the destructive tendencies of these cultures (Johnson & Sun Young, 2014).

This requires an exploration of the changing religious aspects, faith identities and cultural aspects of the north and south. This is attributed to the fact that the incarnation of Christian life and the message within different cultural contexts finds a principle that animates, unifies, directs, and transforms cultures with the aim of recapturing the themes and trends from the early history of Christianity.

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The primary themes and trends which the churches of the global South have recovered and that the churches of the north can learn from include the changes experienced in incorporating the Gospel of relationships and love in their ways of life. This is considerably essential in achieving the missionary work that Christ begun, that was significantly centered on the prospects of love and relationships in restoring the relationship between man and God (Johnson & Sun Young, 2014).

Traditionally, the Southern religious aspect depicted as Liberation theology was considered as normative in the manner in which the exercised their religious beliefs. However, the advent of Pentecostalism has seen the southern religious sects resorting to the reading of the Gospel with an application that determines how to live it. As a result of this, a reformation to the lost themes and trends of Christianity are being restored, an aspect that is turning to be a religious trend in the northern Churches.

Conclusion

In consideration of this, it is important to ascertain that the Global North and South are currently experiencing changes that are considered to be growing towards recapturing the themes and trends from the early history of Christianity. This is embedded in the global southern Churches efforts in the body of Christ that is currently being spurred by the Spirit in ensuring that the modern cultures adapt to the Christian ways as established in the history of Christianity. 

References

Johnson, T. M., & Sun Young, C. (2014). Tracking Global Christianity’s Statistical Centre of Gravity, AD 33-AD 2100. International Review Of Mission, 93(369), 166-181. Retrived From: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=13991642&site=ehost-live

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The spiritual assessment tool

The spiritual assessment tool
The spiritual assessment tool

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The spiritual assessment tool

Spiritual Needs Assessment

The spiritual assessment tool is part of a holistic approach to addressing the needs of the patients. Ideally, the personal beliefs of a patient can play a vital role in incorporating coping strategies and limiting the negative implications of depression. Currently, healthcare plans implement psychosocial resources in addressing the needs of patients. Mainly, oncology patients tend to spend an extended time with the nurses and doctors; therefore, there is a need to ensure that their accommodation is as comfortable as possible (McSherry & Ross, 2010).

The spiritual assessment tool can be customized depending on attributes such as age, gender, and ethnicity. Analyzing the implications of the instrument will ultimately enable doctors and nurses to improve care management. The following questions were developed and the conversation between the interviewer and the patient documented. Furthermore, the patient was an adult male cancer patient in the late twenties, of African American ethnicity.

Part I: The Interview

Interviewer: Are there any spiritual beliefs that help you to interpret the role and meaning of life?

Patient: Yes there are. I believe that every man has a part to play in balancing earth’s ecosystem. Some people have minor roles, and others have major ones; however, each is equally important. God’s will is that people share the gifts they have with each other and with their environment.

Interviewer: Does your family have a religious background?

Patient: My father is of the Catholic faith. My mother is a Christian, a Protestant. I never really understood what she is protesting about

Interviewer: Do you have any personal religious convictions?

Patient: Yes I do. I believe the blood of Jesus can save lives and souls. Of course, I don’t mean a literal approach, but I am convinced that my life is spent well if I live reflecting on the teaching of the Bible.

Interviewer: Do you believe that aspects of your spiritual life have physical manifestations on your health?

Patient: Yes. The devil came to steal, kill and destroy. Naturally, that implies harm on my physical body. However, I can face adversity because I know I am not alone. Jesus hears my prayers and will deliver me from this affliction one way or another.

Interviewer: Are there any specific attributes about spirituality that provide an anchor in times of distress?

Patient: Christianity is about submitting to a higher purpose. God has good plans for me, therefore, if harm comes my way it is all part of God’s plan. Maybe the Lord wants to display his strength, and I just have to trust him, or my pain is somehow supposed to be a testimony for someone else who is suffering. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Interviewer: Are there any resources from your spiritual history that you would prefer to be incorporated in your treatment plan?

Patient: Yes. Kindly notify my family to bring my Bible and study book. Also, I would prefer to connect with my local church ministry through social media, television, or radio. There is a prayer and fasting revival that is to begin next week, and I would not want to miss it despite the pain.

Interviewer: Are you concerned about any medical procedures that may assist or interfere with your spiritual convictions regarding your treatment?

Patient: Please do not give me any medicinal marijuana. I am not supposed to consume any hallucinogenic substance. Also, I would have to skip lunch starting from next week since that is when the prayer and fasting revival begins.

Part II: Analysis

The spiritual assessment tool provided crucial insight on the patient’s current mental state. Mainly, the patient’s spirituality seemed to offer effective coping strategies since there were minimal signs of depression. The patient was very cooperative and open about his spiritual preferences and how they manifest in medical perspectives. However, in future, some of the questions will be modified to prevent introducing aspects that interfere with the treatment process.

Especially, the question reflecting on the spiritual resources that can be implemented in the treatment plan tends to invoke a controversial response; therefore, it will be modified as a suggestion as opposed to the indication that the resources can indeed be incorporated despite their negative influence on health dynamics.

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 The patient answered all the questions asked. However, he appeared to have a limited attention span which may be affected by pain associated with his condition. As such, his response was very slow. Interactive communication strategies that sustain active engagement can be used in future in anticipation of challenges when the patients are required to respond (Katz, 2015). Additionally, a more open approach should be applied on a general basis since some patients may not have any spiritual affiliations. For instance, the first question can suggest to the patient that he or she has the right to refuse involvement in the conversation by incorporating terms like ‘May I ask about your religious orientation?’

The spiritual exercise facilitated a healthy interaction between the interviewer and the patient, enabling documentation of attitudes towards the current condition. Therefore, physicians and nurses can anticipate certain reactions from the patient during the treatment program. For instance, suggestions of medicinal marijuana to minimize pain and strain due to chemotherapy should not be made to ensure that the patient does not lose confidence in the treatment.

The illness had a consistent implication on the patient’s spiritual needs. The interviewee believed that Jesus would aid him in his times of need; therefore, more pain or distress required additional religious influence as an anchor. The spiritual assessment tool identifies holistic resources that should improve the patient’s experience. In scenarios whereby the interviewee does not have any religious or spiritual convictions, the physician can focus on whether the patient believes he or she has some purpose in life.

In conclusion, the spiritual assessment tool enables patients, nurses, and doctors to develop effective communication strategies. The nurses can monitor changes in behavior and offer timely intervention to prevent cases of depression (Christ, Messner & Behar, 2015). Ultimately, a patient’s psychological and social orientation should provide a support system that should be applied in the treatment strategy. Additionally, since the placebo effect proves the physiological benefits of belief, the benefits of the spiritual assessment tool should be prioritized.

References

Christ, G. H., Messner, C., & Behar, L. C. (2015). Handbook of oncology social work: Psychosocial care for people with cancer.

Katz, A. (2015). Meeting the need for psychosocial care in young adults with cancer.

McSherry, W., & Ross, L. (2010). Spiritual assessment in healthcare practice. Keswick, England: M & K.

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Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual disciplines

            Spiritual disciplines form a natural component of the Christian life. In fact, nearly nothing of any importance in Christian lives can be achieved without it. Spiritual disciplines can be illustrated as deeds that enhance spiritual growth and allow people to grow to spiritual maturity. Moreover, the course of spiritual growth and development commence the moment an individual meets the risen Christ and draw closer to Him for salvation.

Spiritual disciplines play a significant role in the growth of an individual inner being, which has been altered by Christ at salvation. In addition, redeemed believers have experienced the full regeneration of their entire person from within, concerning variation in notion, feeling, and disposition that might be unhurried to manifest in their external deeds (Daniel, 2015).

            There are several spiritual disciplines that individuals apply and have shown immense capability in changing their lives. The common spiritual disciplines applied by individuals include prayer, fasting, scripture reading, worship, and service. Since I received salvation and decided to devote my life to Christ, I have been applying various spiritual disciplines in my daily life to assist in my personal development.

The first spiritual discipline that I employ involves the Word of God and comprises the reading, study, memorization, and meditation of scripture. These spiritual disciplines have played a noteworthy role in my personal development, and as Daniel notes if these spiritual disciplines are ignored, there is no other effort to control ourselves that will be successful because we merely do not possess the power to prevail over the opposition of the sin nature in which our new natures dwell.

In addition, we do not have the power to triumph over the resistance of demonic pressures whose plan is constantly to disconnect us from the single source of spiritual growth, the Word of God. Scripture memorization has also been an essential component in my spiritual life. I usually do scripture memorization twice a week, especially during the evening before I go to sleep. Daniel argues that individuals have been offered the free will to select what they want to put in their minds, thereby making scripture memorization important in human lives.

Moreover, since Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God they are called upon to memorize it as it facilitates Christians to keep it always in the front of their minds, which makes it possible for them to react to all life situations according to its teachings (Daniel, 2015).    

            The other spiritual disciplines that I have applied in my life include prayer and fasting. Daniel proposes that prayer has the ability to transform people’s viewpoint and further adjust what they look from others. Moreover, prayer changes how people react to predicaments. Prayer is a great source of spiritual growth for me and I usually pray in the morning when I wake up and in the evening before I sleep. Conversely, whenever I want to attain a larger spiritual objective I fast. Since it is possible to fast from pleasures, such as social media or any other activities that convey fulfillment and happiness, I desire to focus my fasting from food, and I fast mostly two or three days (Daniel, 2015).

Common temptations

            The major challenge of being a Christian is the temptations we face each day, but resisting temptation is the essential component of every Christian’s life. Christian temptations differ in various aspects, however they can be tempted, and stand firm. Personally as a Christian, I often face temptations on a regular basis, but refusing to accept the temptation is what allows me to succeed and grow spiritually. In spite of standing firm, I often face temptations that tend to have an influence on my spiritual life.

The temptations that I commonly face include overuse of electronic and social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, video games, and television. This is the temptation I face on regular basis and find it not easy to oppose, but since Christians posses the internal strength to counter temptations if they turn to God, this always constitute part of my appeal when I am praying to God (Presbyterian Mission Agency, 2012).      

Blind spots and weaknesses    

            Everyone has blind spots in their discernment that keep them from seeing the certainty about others and themselves. Since people are at times blinded to truth, they are powerless and crippled by blame and disgrace, rage and bitterness, and fear and worry. Several people live unnecessarily in defeat, powerless to their own faults or the faults of others. Moreover, they stagger around in life with blind spots blocking the work God wants to do in them.

Nevertheless, it should not be this way since regardless of how broken or upset, each person can find out the way to healing, optimism, and a pleasant new way of living. On the other hand, people always feel they have a weakness that affects their capacity to do bigger things. In fact, in the Bible, Paul felt similar way; however, he utilized his weakness to have great impacts on other people (Arterburn, 2015).

            As a devoted Christian I try very hard to live a life that is in line with the Christ teachings, however I have identified some blind spots and weakness that drags me back. The stubborn resistance is the blind spots that have an influence on my spiritual life. Arterburn argues that stubborn resistance is when people develop practices and inhibitions that they do not consider of letting go.

People often hurt themselves and those around them, thus allowing things to worsen in almost every area of their lives. Furthermore, rather than searching for ways to get rid of these blind spots, people refute that they have a problem. Nevertheless, in my case I have discovered that willingness is essential in overcoming stubborn resistance, although it is not very easy to overcome the blind spot in a moment or a day, but the realization that I have a problem is a greater step towards conquering the blind spot.

Conversely, I have recognized that there are weaknesses that have an immense effect on my Christian life. Blame shifting tends to have an influence on how I react when things do not occur as I have anticipated, especially things done in a group. Morally, everyone has a weakness, but it is when we accept where the weaknesses are that we are more likely to prevail over them. Therefore, in my case since I have understood in which circumstances that I am more likely to shift the blame, then I will be more watchful and ask for God’s assistance, when I find myself in that situation (Arterburn, 2015). 


References

Arterburn, S. (2015, January 28). 5 blind spots blocking god’s work in you. Retrieved January      31, 2017, from http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/5-blind-spots-blocking-god-s-work-in-you.html

Daniel, D. (2015, January 9). 5 Spiritual Disciplines that Will Change Your Life. Retrieved January 31, 2017, from http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/5-spiritual-disciplines-that-will-change-your-life.html

Presbyterian Mission Agency. (2012, March 18). Spiritual practices and disciplines — spiritual formation — mission and ministry — Presbyterian mission agency. Retrieved January 31, 2017, from https://pma.pcusa.org/ministries/spiritualformation/disciplines/

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Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to My Students: Book Critique

Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to My Students
Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to My Students

Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to My Students

Book Critique

Bibliographical Entry:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to My Students. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Pub, 2010.

Summary

Spurgeon’s book “Lectures to my Students” is a journal that pastors, ministers, and those pursuing training for ministerial positions use as a reference. Charles Spurgeon has authored several books on the principles that people in ministry should adhere into a bid to be better ministers of the gospel. This book was written to establish the principles that spiritual leaders need to avoid that include unhallowed and the use of endearing words in ministry, thus showing the elements that pastors need to incorporate into their lives to remain consistent in their prayer lives.

Additionally, Spurgeon reiterates on the essence of developing a relationship with Christ, the necessity of prayer, the genuineness of having a call to serve, and a thirst to reach the lost. Speaking to his students on the element of Christian life Spurgeon ululates that, “For a herald of the Gospel of Christ to be spiritually out of context in an individual’s proper person is, both to himself and to the work he is called to do, a most serious catastrophe[1].

Ministers in this care are required to be vigilant in prayer, faithful in their private devotions, and understanding the fact that their souls must be taken care of before they consider taking pastoral ministries on others.

Spurgeon delves into greater detail on the reasons why the call for ministry needs to be authentic, with origins from God. Ministers are therefore advised to have the desire to serve, an aspect that details the need for gentleness even under difficult circumstances, and the inclusion of good judgments in ministry. In his book, Spurgeon provides examples of unfortunate cases of individuals who go into ministry without authentic calls from God. 

In regards to the calamity, Spurgeon alleges that hundreds of ministers have lost their course and stumbled against the pulpit, sorrowful evidence that depicts the fruitlessness of their ministries and decaying churches which currently surround the world[2]. It is prudent to consider that Spurgeon points to the need to understand that God only opens doors for ministers who are faithful[3].

The call to ministry as evidenced by Spurgeon is a call to holiness and godly characters. Individuals striving to minister must be people who are looked up to by the society. They must be examples of what it means to be true followers of Christ. The ministers therefore need to pious and develop high moral standards that are consistent with the principles of the bible.

Spurgeon shows his eloquence in regard to a godly living by alleging that the world finds it challenging to trust people who are two faced, nor will the world believe in those whose practical and verbal testimonies are contradictory[4]. The inclusion of these godly characters resonates from an individual’s faith in the person of Christ. In his teachings about sermons, Spurgeon advices his student’s to preach Christ always[5].

Critique

Surgeon on his book Lectures to my Students is an important edition that offers ministers practical lessons and guidelines that prepare them for ministry especially on what they may encounter and approaches of staying on the right course. One of the greatest strengths of Surgeons works remains in the practical application presented to the ministers in the book. The practical application documented in the book is seen in the author’s presentation of what ministers need to do within their ministerial lives both in public and privately.

On the other hand, Spurgeon speaks more on sermons, hence insisting that sermons need to give teachings that can be applied in everyday life. Additionally, he insists that the truth should never be held back no matter how complex or unpopular it may sound[6]. The author also reminds ministers on the importance of humility, hence denoting the need for ministers to understand that they are called by their creator to serve the Universe. This intrigues the practicality and application of our place within God’s scheme, an approach that gives reverence to God’s priorities.

However, it is imperative to note that there are weaknesses to Spurgeon’s book to the 21st century readers. Spurgeon is considered to have served in England in the 1800’s and ministry has revolutioned since then. One aspect relates to language that has immensely changed over the last 200 years. Additionally, changes are notable in doctrinal beliefs among different Baptist groups in England compared to those that existed during Surgeons time.

Evaluation

Within the larger academic context, Spurgeon’s book Lectures to My Students is viewed as remarkable in standing the test of time by establishing approaches that ministers can enhance their relationship with Christ. Through this, the ministers of the Gospel are in a position to establishing the authenticity of their calling, and the need to fulfill the Great Commission.

The book therefore reminds spiritual leaders that things such as quit time, solitude, prayers and fasting are essential tools required in prospering the ministry of the Lord. In as much as these elements are viewed as popular, they remain essential in supporting the course of ministry. Spurgeon through his work exemplifies the ingredients required by pastors and servants of God in serving the world.


[1] . Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to My Students. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Pub, 2010.

[2] . Ibid. 1pp. 13

[3]. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

[4]. Ibid. 2, pp. 17

[5]. Ibid. 3, pp.79

[6]. Ibid. 4, pp.75

The Holy Spirit: Book Critique

The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit

Book Critique

Bibliography Entry

MacArthur, John F. Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2013.

Summary

            The book by MacArthur is very resourceful to Christians and leaders seeking to be effective in their ministries and in their personal growth in Christ. The book has three chapters, each delving in different topics, addressing the need for Christians to understand the immense power of the Holy Spirit. In the first chapter, the author states how Christians in several parts of the world have been faking their understanding of the working of the Holy Spirit.

Others use their position to swindle and steal from unsuspecting listeners using the language of generosity and faith.[1] He says prosperity is not a gospel but a heresy.[2] The author says that the Holy Spirit is already churning the Church through mighty revivals and it requires Christians to discern the times and workings of the Holy Spirit in their midst.

            In the second chapter, the author states the importance of speaking in tongues as a sign to the Israelites and as a transition to the new covenant from the old.[3] The use of tongues should be orderly and only for edification purposes and not for spiritual ecstasy. The author strongly reinstates the need to have faith in praying for the sick, whose healing should depend on the faith of their intercessors, not theirs.

The author in the third chapter brings several themes into light. First, the author highlights the dangers of counterfeiting the working of the Holy Spirit, stating that it is vital to have a true understanding of the Holy Spirit in worship. The Holy Spirit is God, whose presence in a person should result in a greater spiritual experience.

The Holy Spirit has the ability to secure a person’s salvation, but some charismatic Christians ignore this wonderful ministry of the Holy Spirit. The author states that it is important for believers to be filled continually with the Holy Spirit in order to offer effective worship to God and to be fiery in their ministries.[4]

Critique

            The works of MacArthur highlights several problems encountered in the Christian faith worldwide. The author is concerned with the low level of spirituality in the church; and how some ministers have reduced the message of salvation to personal gain. The author’s arguments on the working of the Holy Spirit resonates the need for the church to awaken and rediscover the power of revival, prayer, worship and evangelism.

I agree with the author’s analyses of several theatrics present in the church such as false tongues, false miracles, prosperity gospel, and use of the pulpit for personal gain. It is imperative for the minister to understand their call and adhere to their master’s command, the Holy Spirit, in their daily activities.

            The author has also stated how important it is to speak in tongues; genuine tongue that leads to edification of the person. This is the most abused practice in the church according to the author, and amounts to mockery of the highest order to the Spirit.

The fact that many Christians do not understand the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives in terms of His plans for their salvation also highlights the need for Christians to seek for a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit.  To sustain the great revival and to keep the Spirit fire burning, Christians will have to safeguard themselves from false doctrines and practices and lean to the pure word of God.

Evaluation

            MacArthur reinstates the perpetual need for revival in the body of Christ in his book. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the church has experienced mighty revivals by the Holy Spirit seeking to change the static nature of the church to a vibrant one. The notion of being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in new tongues is a part of Christian experience that the mainstream churches have ignored for a long time.[5]

The Holy Spirit has immense ability to work in the current church in an even mightier state than the ancient church; something that has been plagued by the inability of the church to recognize His power and the need to yield under His authority. The Holy Spirit is a prerequisite for the successful operation of the church, which Jesus promised to send, without which we cannot be effective in ministry.[6]

            George Smeaton in his book The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit reiterates how this third personality of God has been working with humanity since the time of Enoch. The Holy Spirit is the finisher and effecter of the purposes and plans of God. However, the reason why the church has remained dormant for a long time is due to lack of understanding of the Holy Spirit and yielding to the spirit of confusion.

The church is at the edges of societal centrality due to entertainment of ungodly doctrines by ministers and congregation as well. Christians must learn to test the spirits to know which is from God in order to avoid deception.[7] God gave several people in the Old Testament the Holy Spirit in order to do specific tasks, requiring wisdom, courage, extreme strength, and skills.[8] Therefore, the infilling with the Holy Spirit is a requisite for effective spiritual experience in Christianity and realization of greater purpose. The author’s analogy of the works of the Spirit reflects the works of other authors as an imperative entity.

Works Cited

MacArthur, John F. Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2013.

Smeaton, George. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2016.

Synan, Vinson. The century of the Holy Spirit: 100 years of Pentecostal and charismatic renewal, 1901-2001. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2012.

Thiselton, Anthony C. The Holy Spirit–in biblical teaching, through the centuries, and today. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2013.


[1] MacArthur. Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2013. Pp. 10.

[2] Ibid, pp. 16.

[3] Ibid, pp. 143.

[4] Ibid. pp. 204

[5] Synan. The century of the Holy Spirit. 1901-2001. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2012.pp. 1

[6] Smeaton, George. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2016.pp. 60

[7] MacArthur. Strange fire. Pp. 38.

[8] Thiselton, Anthony C. The Holy Spirit–in biblical teaching, through the centuries, and today.Pp. 04

Miracles Witness Report

Miracles
Miracles

Miracles

Witness Report

            The person I chose to share the gospel with is my friend Allyson Sy and we met at Starbucks Coffee on Feb. 7, 2017 at 4:00 pm because she was feeling down. This is why I shared the gospel to her that has a message about miracles. When I read the gospel to her which is John 2:1-11, she was skeptical of the part when Jesus turned water into wine because, according to her, there is no such thing as a miracle. Hence, she said that it never happened, but after some time, she began to open her mind to the possibility.

I did not allow her doubt to discourage me because I gave examples of little miracles that happen in daily life. For instance, how a person feels relieved after praying if she has been feeling unloved and lost. That miracles do not always happen in big crowds like the wedding in Cana at Galilee. That event had to happen because there were a lot of people and it was a banquet that symbolized the messianic era. There was also the faith of a mother in her son because all she had to do was tell Jesus there is not enough wine and he did the miracle.

            If someone who does not self-identify as a Christian hears about this story, he or she might even laugh at me. Since Allyson is my friend, despite her skepticism, she continued to listen to my explanation. Meanwhile, I was also very careful not to make her feel that I am imposing anything to her. I have had experiences where people have become defensive of their beliefs because someone provoked them to. By making Allyson feel that I do not condemn her for not being a self-identified Christian, her reaction was lighter. And out of curiosity, she started to ask questions.

            She wanted to know why his disciples did not believe Jesus’ ability to perform miracles. What happened at the wedding proved them wrong and they started to believe in him because that was clearly not a coincidence. They had no wine at first and Jesus filled 6 jars that held 30 gallons each. The disciples did not believe Jesus at first because they have never met anyone like that before and blasphemy was very common during that time. In the same way, Allyson thought I was being foolish, but she eventually opened her heart.  

            This is an encounter that I will not forget because it gave me a chance to open someone’s doors to the reality of miracles. Especially because that person is one of my good friends. I also related Jesus’ experience to how people doubt a leader at first until he or she proves them wrong. Jesus and his disciples can be compared to a group of friends who have been through a lot, got lost, and needed a credible leader to clear their path. This is something that can happen to a person, a company, or a peer group. There is always someone who has to take the lead so that everyone is safe.

            After I talked to her about it, she gained more insights about life and why people tend to admire someone they can look up to. Since we still had time, I invited her to pray with me and told her that I will lead the prayer. She agreed because, since the does not self-identify as a Christian, she is not good with spontaneous prayers. I recited a prayer of thanksgiving and related it to the experiences we had. It was a 3-minute prayer that was enough to let her feel the power of prayer. She thanked me for the experience because it is not every day that she will encounter someone like me, and we happily ended our meeting.

Source:

Gospel reading – John 2: 1-11

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Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual discipline
Spiritual discipline

Spiritual discipline

Spiritual Growth Plan 2

            Spiritual discipline is imperative for any Christian with a strong quest to live a fulfilling godly lifestyle and achieve the optimum outcome from his faith. It has been part of my weekly practice to adhere to a spiritual discipline plan for the aim of inculcating a consistent godly lifestyle and avoiding all manner of temptations. This study provides a brief evaluation of the achievements I attained while implementing the plan, how I overcame temptations and the plan I shall use for the next twelve months.

Spiritual Discipline Evaluation 

            In the entire week while implementing the spiritual discipline plan, I came to realize the importance of having a consistent personal relationship with God. Spiritual discipline highlighted to me the beauty of staying attached to the creator of all and learning many things that the Holy Spirit has to offer to all that are thirsty for Him. My spiritual discipline plan entailed two activities, which were journaling and a scripture taking. Each day I allocated an hour of prayer and reading the Word every morning and evening with a quest of making it my personal habit. It was difficult to adhere to the schedule as I was used to the normal routine of waking up and preparing for other activities.

            Putting God first ahead of my daily activities has made me realize that I achieve more because He goes ahead of me. In scripture taking, I came across a verse granting the ownership of day and night to Him;[1] therefore, His importance in leading us every day is unquestionable.

I allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me through scripture taking, which enabled me to have a satisfying devotion every day. Although I managed to accomplish the devotions almost daily, some days I slept late and woke up very late making it difficult to have a conducive session. I was able to achieve covering up to nine chapters of the scriptures per day, only skipping devotion on average twice a week.

I spent a considerable amount of time, sharing the scripture with my neighbors and friends during the weekend and in our cell group, which exposed me to more revelations from other brethren. I would make it clear that it was not smooth sailing as exhaustion sometimes made it difficult to attain these goals but God enabled me to achieve them.

            I also managed to do journaling every day. Journaling is an activity I personally saw as important since it allowed me to quickly capture insights developed whenever I read the scripture or reflected on the doings of the Lord in my life. Personal reflections and meditations especially after my devotions helped me to grow a deep understanding of the purposes of God in my life.

Every day I sought to record at least five things that I consider a blessing in my life. This helped me to identify what I had taken for granted in my life that God was doing. It is surely surprising to know what the Lord has done by counting one’s blessings one by one. Implementing the first plan was difficult because of lack of personal training into being consistent in implementing the plan.

However, it became easier to implement the plan on a daily basis by developing some discipline in avoiding distractions that would rob me time in the evenings and morning. Some of these activities included staying out late, sleeping late, oversleeping, and watching television until late.

Battle Strategy

            The ability to overcome temptations is an important step in achieving long-term goals in life, whether spiritually, academically, economically, or socially.[2] Lack of self-control is a major setback in establishing a thriving spiritual life that is both fulfilling and successful in the pursuit of godliness. The Bible is clear that temptations that come upon people are due to the evil that are accustomed to them.[3]

It is however important to undergo trials as it helps to build perseverance in the life of a Christian. The main temptations I identified before the beginning of my plan was the use of electronics and the social media. I realized I was spending a considerable amount of time watching television and chatting on social media sites. This was detrimental to my spiritual walk and especially being consistent in my devotions and prayer.

            During the implementation of my plan, I learnt how to allocate time for my evening and morning devotions by, reducing the time I was using to watch television and accessing social media sites. I placed a lot of priority on my devotions especially in the evening by deciding to do my devotions early before doing other things. Social media can also provide a lot of temptation to a Christian, so I limited the time taken to use the sites. Additionally, I decided to use the sites to promote spiritual matters by sharing Bible verses and evangelism.

            I developed the need to draw satisfaction from the social media by interacting with friends and catching up with people I have not met for a long time. Using sites like facebook, whatsapp, and twitter provides a window into getting information concerning what is happening in the society and people’s views concerning them.

However, the devotion plan helped in making me understand the importance of allocating time to build a relationship with God. Although there was some great tendency to veer off the quest to remain spiritual, adhering to the spiritual discipline plan made it easier to overcome temptations.

However, I can also say that the Holy Spirit helped me a lot in realizing this goal as it is not by my strength that I was able to accomplish this. I also drew a lesson from the Bible, which states that we should draw closer to God in order to overcome the temptations that the devil throws at us.[4]

Spiritual Discipline Plan

            Reading the scriptures and prayers constitute a very important part of personal devotion. In my devotions, I have learnt to create notes on what I have learnt, and this has helped me in developing personal insight on what the Spirit communicates to me on a daily basis.  In my new plan for the next six-month or so, I would like to share with people more about these insights in order to spread the word of God. I have desired to be active in evangelism so that I may lead other people to Christ and help them change their lives.

            In order to undertake this new plan, I would like to get involved with some brethren in the church who are consistent in evangelism and become part of them. I believe by surrounding myself with people who have the heart for the lost will enable me reach out to more people with the message of truth and helping them in their daily struggle through sharing of a message of hope. I also need to study the Bible more and my plan shall not rely on my daily devotions but by taking part in Bible studies with my church’s cell group members.

            In the next month going forward, I shall aim to lead at least one person to Christ every month, while taking part in church activities that optimally capitalizes on my faith and ability. Having a great intimacy with God can overflow into a personal action and lead to someone reaching out to others as an expression of this intimacy.[5] I believe by putting action into my faith, I shall not only be alive to the working of God in my life but also to hearing from Him even more.

Bibliography

Bible, Holy. “King James Version.” Texas: National Publishing Company(2000).

Campolo, Tony. The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting ancient spiritual practices, evangelism and justice. SPCK, 2013.

Fishbach, Ayelet, and Luxi Shen. “The explicit and implicit ways of overcoming temptation.” Dual process theories in the social mind (2014): 454-467.


[1] Holy Bible. Psalms 74:16

[2] Fishbach, Ayelet, and Luxi Shen. “The explicit and implicit ways of overcoming temptation.” Pp. 02.

[3] Holy Bible. James 1:14.

[4] Holy Bible. James 4:7

[5] Campolo, Tony. The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting ancient spiritual practices, evangelism and justice.pp. 17.

Prayer Exposition

prayer exposition
Prayer Exposition

Prayer Exposition

I choose to offer an exposition to the prayer in the book of Mathew 6, and this is what it says “ when you pray do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray while standing up in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others that they are praying. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. When you pray as a Christian, go into your room, and just close the door, then pray to the heavenly Father who is in heaven, who is unseen.

Then God, who sees what is in secret, will reward you in full. And when you pray, you should not keep on babbling just like the pagans do, for they think that they will be heard with the use of their many words[1].

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you pray

Here Jesus is talking to the gathering about the way they should also pray. The result of the prayer, He says that we should not pray like hypocrites but pray in an orderly manner that does not show off to others. He adds that, prayer should be secretive and brief. Jesus merges the result of the prayers with the resulting subject being the kind of prayer the Father in high heavens rewards[2].

Prayers of nature: they include the exaggerated prayer, as well as the hermeneutic prayer. These are the prayers Jesus said, the Father in heaven listens to a prayer offered in sincerity and not as the hypocrites or pagans do, but one delivered with sincerity and confidence[3].

The Exegetical guideline of passage

1.    The type of prayer that Jesus Christ said, my Father’s rewards are ones that are offered not as the hypocrites do, praying to be recognized, rather Jesus says a prayer that is offered in great sincerity in the solitude of one’s room is the best.

a)    The believers of Jesus Christ were encouraged by him not to be like the pagans, who prefer to pray in front of all humans to show off; they will receive their reward in full.

i.    Also, the followers of Jesus Christ are not to pray just like the pagans.

ii.    Hypocrites will go to rooftops as well as streets to show off that they are praying.

iii.    The heavenly Father has already rewarded the pagans in full

2. The followers of Jesus Christ are supposed to be praying in secrecy, in their room where the omnipresent God will see them. 

I.    Followers of Jesus Christ are to pray in secret to God who is unseen.

ii.    The Father in heaven will reward those who pray to him in secret

The followers of Jesus of Nazareth are not to pray as the pagans do, by babbling on with their many words and asking too much, but are instead just pray with confidence knowing that God knows what they need even before they ask.

1.    The followers of Jesus Christ are not to pray like the pagans pray who babble on with many words endlessly thinking they will not be heard because of their many words.

i.    Jesus Christ followers are not to pray like the pagans.

ii.    The pagans talk a lot when they are praying.

iii.    The pagans always assume that the Holy Mighty God hears them because they use many words

2.    The followers of God are not supposed to pray just like the unbelievers assuming the All Mighty knows what you need even before you pray

i.    Followers of Jesus will not pray as pagans

ii.    The Father knows their needs before they ask

The expository guidelines

What is prayer, it can be defined like a solemn request for the help or expression of thanks, address to God, and it also refers to as the direct line to heaven. It is a communication process which allows us to talk to God[4].

Example of how to pray as demonstrated

Jesus Christ explained to the crowd as well as his disciples on how to pray. He gave an example of the types of prayers and educated his followers on which one is accepted, that which the Father in heaven recognizes and that He blesses all those who pray in that manner. He explained how to pray and what should be avoided when one is talking to the All Mighty in heaven. Here is what Jesus Christ said. “When you pray, avoid being like the pagans and the hypocrites and pagans, for they love to pray standing up on rooftops and in the synagogues and on the street corners and rooftops to be seen by others that they are praying[5].

Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. However, when you pray, go into your room, close the door and then pray to your Father, who is in high heavens. Because your Father always sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Therefore, when you pray, don’t keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like pagans, for your Father knows what you need before you ask”[6].

Those are the words of Christ giving guidelines on how Christians and his followers should pray.

Difference between Christians and pagans prayer

Jesus demonstrated the real difference of the Christian prayer and the pagan prayer. Pagans will always want to be seen praying as they will go to the streets to pray and show off that they are communication with God[7]. But Jesus says that “they have been rewarded in full in heaven” he tells his followers not to be like the pagans who will go to the streets and the rooftops and shout in the name of praying to the Father in heaven.

Jesus says that his followers should pray in their home where others do not see them, but only the unseen God will see them and answer their prayers. The invisible God will bless those who pray in sincerity and confidence, as stated by Jesus Christ[8].

Pagans will babble their mouths with many words when they pray, and they will pray long prayers as well, but God won’t answer their prayers. Followers of Jesus Christ will offer a short prayer in faith and sincerity as it will be solved because the Father in heaven already know what they are planning to pray about even before they pray. The followers of Christ are encouraged not to be like the pagans because;

I.    Followers of Christ are not to pray like the pagans.

ii.    The pagans bubble on endlessly in their prayers

The pagans think that God hears them because of their many words it is when Christ will listen to their prayers which are not true. God has already rewarded the pagans in full, and their prayers will never be answered at all[9].

 A prayer is a powerful tool that God gave to Christians to use it to communicate directly with him. When Christ was on earth, he asked his followers to use prayer as a way to reach the heavenly Father and ask as well as give thanks to him. The prayer of Christ is simple and brief. In the book of Matthew Christ taught his followers the prayer of the Lord. 

The Lord’s Prayer; “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, Give us this day, our daily bread; forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us out of temptation, also deliver us from all evil: for thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.  Amen”[10].

Hermeneutic prayer outline

From the book of Matthew 6 Christ talks about prayer, he shows his followers the correct way to pay as well as how to use the Lord’s Prayer correctly to be able to communicate with the Lord in clear and precise way[11]. Christ said that when one if praying to the Lord he should pray for other as well as himself, prayer is for everyone. When you pray, do not pray like the pagans who will go to the streets.

To the people that they are paying but for the followers of Christ. Should offer a short prayer “The followers of Jesus of Nazareth are not to pray like the pagans do, by babbling on with their many words thinking it is when they will be heard, but are instead to pray with confidence knowing that their Father knows what they need even before they ask.” Jesus told his followers oh how to pray with sincerity and trust.

Jesus goes ahead to explain more in Matthew 6 “ when you pray do not be like the hypocrites, for them they love to pray standing up in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by other that they are praying[12]. Truly I tell you, they gave received their reward in full. But when you pray, just go into your room, then close the door and then pray to your Father, who is in heaven.

Then your Father in high heaven, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when praying, avoid not to keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, as for your Father knows what you need before you ask”[13].

Pagan’s Prayer does not have a mean to the Father in heaven, and they are regarded as the people who pray without sincerity, and they always boast about knowing more about Christ than anyone else, and this is not humility with Christ talks about when talking to God. Here Jesus is talking to his audience about the way one should also pray the result of the prayer. He says that we should not pray like hypocrites but pray in an orderly manner that does not show off to others on the and prayer should be secretive and brief[14]. The result of the prayers is merged.

[15]From the Lord prayer, the sanctifying of God’s name in the clause “hallow be your name” (Matthew 6:9). Is not that major theme in the Gospels, Jesus’ prayer “Father, glorify your name” and the Fathers’ response, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again” (John 12:28).  What the kingdom come is expressed by the petition “your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10) Jesus name is meant to be the central theme of his proclamation.

You will be done the voice of entreaty. “You will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) “your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). For the bread “give us today our daily bread” (Matthew, 6:11). Forgiveness “forgive us our regular debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

List of References

Cornett. Staff Pick – An Exposition on Prayer. New York: SAGE. (2015).

D. A. Carson. A call to religious Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Payers. (2015). Available from http://www.wtsbooks.com/common/pdf_links/9780801025693.pdf

Jim, Rosscup. The Exposition on Prayer: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God. New York: Routledge. (2015).

Oliver & Boy. The Student’s Biblical Assistant; Containing References to Works on Doctrinal and Practical Theology. (2014).

Palmquist & Stephen, R. The Critical Hermeneutic of Prayer. “The Journal of Religion”. (2017).

Rosscup, James. An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible. New York: Routledge. (2016).


[1] Carson.  D. A. A call to religious Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Payers. (2015). Pg. 167-181.

[2] Ibid, pg. 167-181.

[3] Ibid, pg. 19-39, 63-79.

[4] Carson. D. A. A call to religious Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Payers. (2015). pg. 39-51.

[5] Oliver & Boy. The Student’s Biblical Assistant; Containing References to Works on

Doctrinal and Practical Theology. (2014), pg. 55-89.

[6] Carson. D. A. A call to religious Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Payers. (2015), Pg. 39-51.

[7] Ibid, pg. 169-181.

[8] Palmquist & Stephen, R. The Critical Hermeneutic of Prayer. “The Journal of Religion. (2017). Pg.112-140.

[9] Jim, Rosscup. The Exposition on Prayer: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God. New York: Routledge. (2015).

[10] Carson. D. A. A call to religious Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. (2015). Pg. 63-79.

[11] Oliver & Boy. The Student’s Biblical Assistant; Containing References to Works on Doctrinal and Practical Theology. (2014). Pg. 78-89.

[12] Cornett. Staff Pick – An Exposition on Prayer. New York: SAGE. (2015). Pg. 56-68.

[13] Palmquist & Stephen, R. The Critical Hermeneutic of Prayer. “The Journal of Religion. (2017). Pg. 65-80.

[14] D. A. Carson. A call to religious Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. (2015). Pg. 19-39.

[15] Ibid. Pg. 169-181.

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Pastoral Ministry; Book Critique

Pastoral ministry: Book Review
Pastoral ministry: Book Review

Pastoral Ministry; Book Critique

Bibliography Entry

MacArthur, John and The Master’s Seminary Faculty, Pastoral Ministry. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc, 2005.

Summary

            The book is centered on a running theme of character that is above reproach as a pastor in the call to lead the church. Two broad views are expounded on and broken down into four perspectives from which he gives a more detailed discourse. Integrity and leadership are two themes which are interlinked and which of necessity cannot be divorced from each other. Integrity must be above reproach (1 Timothy 3: 2, ESV), implying deadness to self and not moral perfection .He says “anything else is an abomination to God and spells doom for the life of the church”.[1]

Leadership is elevated to giving moral direction and also providing spiritual protection as a shepherd. The pastor has the responsibility to invigorate the church by inspiration and motivation with himself as the role model. Alex D Montoya writes: “It is not enough to be at the front of the pack; the leader must do also inspire the pack and do it with a willing and enthusiastic attitude.”[2]

             The above themes are the foundational themes on which the perspectives are expounded. Biblical, Preparatory, Personal and Pastoral perspectives are discussed and the way they affect leadership in the church. In the preparatory perspective, sexual morality is emphasized as being a cornerstone in benchmarking the character of a pastor.

The ability of a pastor to effectively govern  his household is given prominence in Personal perspectives, as failure to do so would affect the ministry negatively The importance of living by example off the pulpit is highlighted in Pastoral perspectives. Practical Christianity by the pastor brings a good image to the church.[3]

Critique

             I agree with the author’s position of leadership and humility which is a trait frowned upon in the American society today. He emphasizes the need to lead by serving with humility as Christ taught the church. This is lacking in todays so called “mega churches” where pastors are taken as small “gods”.

            Sexual sin which is damaging to the image of the church is another point in which I concur with him. This sin has made many churches to diminish in congregational membership as well as retiring once promising clergy who fell into sin. Impurity of the sexual nature is not only limited to sex, but also watching pornography and “sexting” which all sins are. Public integrity is equally important to private integrity, as one is interlinked with the other. Pastors need to embrace and practice both of them.

            Two points of divergence are on the radical position taken on sexual purity before ministry and children who may reject the truth. The author states that there must be no sexual immorality even before one got saved. Then where is mercy and grace applicable, since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? (Romans 3:23, ESV).The essence of Christianity is based on a fallen humanity which needed a savior.

The call into ministry is followed by a process of justification and perfection. (Romans 8:29, ESV) Impure sexual thoughts would disqualify all pastors if an honest survey was to be undertaken to gauge purity before ministry.

            Another point I differ with the author is if children of a pastor reject the truth, then he is disqualified from serving as a pastor. Many good men would fall short of this bar, yet the same children can reform and embrace Christ down the line. The family is the smallest unit of the wider church and differences in opinion between a pastor and his children will be expected.  Rejection of the truth could be as result of rebellion against authority as a teenager, but later accepts Christ with maturity and introspection.

Evaluation

            MacArthur and his team have contributed to academic discourse which is both practical and pastoral. This book has value in reading by both the church congregants and pastors, but can also be used in Bible Colleges and Seminary in their course work. His book adds value in the preparatory perspective of leadership training with concise and academically and reasoning.

The book is not a long and boring academic presentation of facts and figures, but it challenges the reader to take action. Its approach enriches the academic literature on leadership with a strong emphasis on integrity. His work carries the hallmark of excellence academically, since the author is both a pastor and a tutor in a Seminary and his work-life balance can be practically interrogated.

Many scholars base their work on theory, majoring on the academic treatise only, having value only inside the classroom and nothing else.5This author has balanced academic quality with practical significance.

Bibliography

DISSERTATION NOTICES. The Journal of Applied Christian Leadership, 8(2), (2014).110-115. Retrieved from https://search.prquest.com/docview/1754574556?accountid=45049 MacArthur, John and The Master’s Seminary Faculty, Pastoral Ministry. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc, 2005.  


[1] MacArthur, John and The Master’s Seminary Faculty, Pastoral Ministry. How to Shepherd Biblically. Thomas

Nelson, Inc, 2005. Pp. 68

[2] Ibid, pp. 30.

[3] Ibid. pp. 230-231