The Power of a Church's Vision

Unity comes when the people have a common vision. I was reminded of this years ago when I directed a discussion with the pastors and elders of a church in the Midwest during a two-day retreat. The church was being pulled in several directions. As I spent time with the church leaders before the retreat, five areas of conflict came to the forefront. There were relational, spiritual, doctrinal, philosophical, and organizational conflicts among the people of the congregation. As each problem was brought up, the forty-plus of us would gather together and ask the Spirit of God to guide us. What soon became evident was the lack of a clear vision statement for the body of Christ, they had no answer. I advised them to seek God and His vision of what He wanted to do in their midst. During the actual retreat, we hammered out a vision statement that everyone agreed upon. The mission statement went like this: "This local church exists for the purpose of loving Jesus Christ by magnifying Him through the Word and worship, by loving believers and encouraging them toward maturity and ministry, and by loving the lost through making Jesus Christ known to our neighbors and the world." This mission statement gave the leaders of the church a purpose and a direction. They next evaluated the programs of their church. In the process, some of them were discarded because they did not fit into the mission statement of the church. Others were added. As the leaders moved forward in the process, their hearts were unified. It was not uncommon during that weekend to see them break down in tears of repentance and forgiveness toward each other. The power of their vision made possible not only direction and unity but also greater love and commitment toward each other. God wants us to have His vision. As a congregation walks with the Lord, the members are to walk in the unity of the Spirit, which He has established in His body. Now, several years later, the church is strong, it has grown, there is solid unity among the people, and God is being glorified. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Hand of the Lord

Acts 13:11 "And now behold the hand of the Lord is upon you..." God the Father is a spirit, He has no physical parts, no material organs, such as face, eyes, ears, feet or hands. His hands are spoken of symbolically. The hand of the Father is a sustaining hand (note Job 12:10). "In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind." There is the delivering hand of God (see Acts 7:25). "God granted them deliverance." The governing hand of God. Isa. 40:10. "Behold, the Lord God will come with a strong hand and his arm shall rule for him." The supplying hand of the Lord. Psalm 104:28. "You give to them, they gather it up, you open your hand, they are satisfied with good." We read in Psalm 145:15. "The eyes of all look you You, and You give them food in due time." The prospering hand of the Lord. Nehemiah 2:8 "And the king granted them to me because the hand of God was on me." There is the renewing hand of the Lord. Phil. 2:13 "For it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure." The guiding hand of the Lord. Psalm 73:24 "With Your counsel You will guide me" The chastening hand of the Lord. Job 19:21 "Pity me, pity me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has struck me." We also learn about the hand of the Son. The saving hand of God is put forth in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. His healing hand. Matthew 8:3 "And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing, be cleansed. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." His life giving hand. Matthew 9:25 "He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl arose." His hand of kindness. "Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray." The delivering hand of Jesus. Matthew 14:26-30. "He healed all who were demonized." The ministering hand of Jesus. John 13:4-5 "He arose from supper, and laid aside His garments, and taking a towel, he girded himself about. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples feet." His supplying hand. The loaves and fishes. The preserving hand of Christ. "Rev. 1:16 "And in his right hand he held seven stars (churches)." His crowing hand. Rev. 2:10 "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." We all need the hand of the Lord on our lives. God is reaching out to you today. "His hand is not short that he cannot save." Strongly consider reaching out to Him. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Take off the Old Put on the New

Please read Ephesians 4:17-32. The Bible was written to be obeyed, not simply studied. This is the reason the words "Therefore" and "Wherefore" are repeated so often in the second half of the book of Ephesians. Paul was saying, "Here is what Christ has done for you, now, in the light of this, here is what we ought to do for Him. We are to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.The fact that we have been called in Christ ought to motivate us to walk in unity with one another. And the fact that we have been raised from the dead should motivate us to walk in purity, or, as Paul wrote to the Romans "Walk in newness of life". We are alive in Christ, not dead in sins, therefore "Put off the old man, and put on the new man". We are, as believers, to take off the grave clothes and put on the grace clothes. Please note three aspects concerning this process. First, we are given an admonition. The Christian is not to imitate the life of the unsaved people around him. True Christians think differently from unsaved people. The whole outlook of a person changes when he trusts Christ, including his values, goals, and interpretation of life. The Christian cannot pattern himself after the unsaved person, because the Christian has experienced a miracle of being raised from the dead. His life is no longer futile, but rather purposeful. His mind is filled with the light of God's Word, and his heart with the fullness of God's life. In every way, the believer is different from the unbeliever. Second, the argument. Paul reinforced his admonition with an argument from the spiritual experience of his readers. "But you have not so learned Christ." To learn means to have a personal relationship with Christ so that you get to know Him better each day. I can learn about Charles Haddon Spurgeon because I have several books about his life. However I can never learn him, because he is dead. This fellowship is based on the Word of God. I can be taught the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. The better I understand the Word of God, the better I know the Son of God. The old man has been put away, and we can now walk in newness of life through Christ. Remember the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus said "Unbind him and let him go." We are to take off the grave clothes, we are no longer identified with the old corruption of sin, we are now identified with the new creation in Christ. Because of this we are to take off the grave clothes by being renewed in the spirit of our mind. The Word of God renews the mind as we surrender our all to Him. Physically you are what you eat, spiritually you are what you think. Third, the application. Five different sins are named in this passage and Paul told us to avoid them and he explained why. 1. Lying, a lie is a statement that is contrary to fact, spoken with the intent to deceive. 2. Anger, in itself, anger is not as sin, because even God can be angry. Aristotle wrote "Anyone can become angry, but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, this is not easy." 3. Stealing, even honest labor could become a selfish thing, and this Paul seeks to avoid. 4. Corrupt speech, the mouth and heart are connected. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." We expect a change in speech when a person becomes a Christian. The word "Corrupt" means "That which is worthless, bad, or rotten." 5. Bitterness, refers to a settled hostility that poisons the whole inner man. Somebody does something we do not like, so we harbor ill will against them. Bitterness over trivial things, makes havoc of homes, churches, and friendships. An unforgiving spirit is the devil's playground, and before long it becomes the Christians' battleground. We have been raise from the dead so why wear grave clothes. Jesus says of us as He said of Lazarus: "Unbind him, and let him go." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Need for Personal Holiness

I peter 1:14-16. "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which has called you is hold, so be holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, be holy for I am holy." As the Apostle is writing the Holy Spirit draws his attention to Leviticus 11:44 and he writes on holiness. Yet there is a difference. Guided by the Holy Spirit he changed the imperative command "You shall be holy" into a loving appealing exhortation "Be holy." God is holy and He has made holiness the moral condition necessary to the health of his universe. Whatever is holy is healthy; evil is a moral sickness that must end ultimately in death. Note eight aspects of holiness. First, the dislike of holiness. A man once said "I do not believe in all this teaching abut holiness and Christ conformity. I am quite content to know that I am saved and on my way to Heaven." Dr. Stuart Holden answered the man in the following way "My friend that is hardly the proper criteria of judgment. You are satisfied to know that you are saved and going to Heaven. But is God satisfied? Is that what Christ died for?" The man was silent. Bishop Moule declared "The fully pardoned must long to be fully holy." I Thess. 4:3 "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification." Second. The need of holiness. Owen said "I do not understand how a man can be a true believer unto whom sin is not the greatest burden, sorrow, and trouble." The very fact that we are sinners shows a need for holiness. A Spirit filled believer will desire to be holy because God is holy. This is proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is character, conduct and converts. Third, The definition of holiness. Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God. The holy person will endeavor to shun every known sin and to keep every Biblical commandment. A holy man will strive to be like the Lord Jesus Christ. It is complete conformity in all things great and small to the Holy will of God. Holiness us being one mind with God in all the judgments of the mind, in the feelings of the heart, and in all the outworking of life. Holiness is agreeing with God's estimate of things. Holiness is to have a conscience clean through the blood, and life guided by the Spirit through the Word. It is to have the power of Christ resting upon you, and to experience joy through the freedom He gives. Forth, the condition of holiness. Bishop Ryle said "We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence that we have saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The condition of holiness is found in obedience to all known commands and desires of our Lord and obedience to God always leads to the blood of Christ (see I John 1:7). Fifth, the pattern of holiness. "As He" God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are the true pattern of Holiness. We are in the process of becoming. The Christian seeking holiness will become more and more like Jesus. Sixth, The imperative of holiness. There are many things in life which we can choose to do. God's wisdom leads us to devote ourselves to God in holiness. Without holiness on earth we shall never be prepared to enjoy heaven. Heaven is a holy place. Seventh, the field of holiness. We must be holy in conversation and conduct. Those who do not have a Christianity that sanctifies the small things in life do not have a Christianity that will sanctify the crises of life. Eight, the possibility of holiness. The very fact that God urges us to holiness is sufficient to settle the possibility of holiness. Holiness is wrapped up in Christ. Holiness is a gift and a process. It as a gift from God, in Christ, it is also a process to be worked out in daily life. God is holy with an absolute holiness that knows no degrees, this He cannot impart to His creatures. But there is a relative and contingent holiness which He shares with angels and seraphim in heaven and with redeemed men on earth as their preparation for heaven. This holiness God can and does impart to His children. Above all we must believe that God sees us perfect in His Son while He disciplines and chastens and purges us that we may be partakers of His holiness. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Brazen Serpent

Please read Numbers 21:1-10. In this passage we read an interesting verse. "The souls of the people were greatly discouraged because of the way." Simply put, those who follow the Lord because they know it is right, but don't love the Lord, are going to become weary. Dissatisfaction often leads to rebellion. When our hearts are not satisfied with the Lord they will wander elsewhere. Note three important facts from this passage of Scripture. First, the peoples sin, it was three fold. It was against God Himself. We speak against God when we grumble about His providence. Things like income, health, material things, circumstances. We grumble by refusing to submit to His working in our lives. We grumble when we show more sympathy for the world than for Christ's Kingdom. We grumble when we prefer the satisfaction of the flesh over spiritual growth. We sin when we speak against the servant of God. They spoke against Moses. Those who hate Christ, hate His people. Christ's blessing falls upon us because of our identity with Him, so do his reproaches. We sin when we complain about the provision of God. They didn't like the "Light bread." This refers to the manna the Lord provided for them on a daily basis. Christ is the Bread for the world, however the world despises Him as light bread, only fit for the elderly and children. Many, from a heart of pride, treat Christ as not being sufficient from them, thus they despise the provision of the grace of God. Second, their sorrow. This sorrow works repentance and it is seen in their confession. "We have sinned because we have spoken against the Lord." True sorrow will lead to true confession. The sinner must realize that his sin is against the Lord. King David said "Against you and you alone have I sinned." When we see this fact, confession comes easy and natural. Failure to confess sin, proves that in some way we despise the Lord. This passage of Scriptures says we must repent and then we will make petition unto the Lord. The despised servant now becomes the intercessor. In the evil day they sent for Daniel, because they knew he would pray. Stephen also made intercession for those who stoned him to death. When people are conscious of personal guilt they are aware of the need of a mediator (Note I Timothy 2:5). Third, their salvation was divinely appointed. The Lord said "Make a serpent." This could not have been suggested by man. We have too much man made religion. For man to try to save himself is like a condemned criminal inventing a plan that would set aside the law and justify himself. Those bitten by a serpent are healed through another form of serpent. The plan is Divinely suitable. The brass serpent is set upon a pole so everyone that looks will live. The serpent was raised up for everyone that had been bitten. This brass object was placed within reach of all. The same eyes that could see the tents and hills could see the serpent (note Isaiah 45:22). For us, Christ has been lifted up high above all others, as the Savior of all. The serpent was Divinely effectual, there was no healing power in the serpent. Anyone, who looked, lived. It didn't matter how many serpents had bitten him, or how rich or poor he was, the promise was the same. He was to look and live. Today the time is short and the situation is desperate. Christ is coming and souls are dying. Don't delay in telling others about Christ. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

You Are Unique by Design

"...My dove, my perfect one, is unique." (Song of Solomon 6:8-9). Every person is unique. The Lord in His wisdom created us all special, in physical appearance, abilities, gifting, tallents, intellect and personality. Uniqueness is a reality in the busniss world. Successful companies separate themselves from others to compete in the marketplace. The is especially true for those who compete in a over crowded marketplace where competition and low price is the driving incentive for the customer. However this is not always the case with a successful company. Sometimes a company will violate every rule and still rise to the top. Take a look at Starbucks. They overpriced their product. They changed the language - a small is actually a "tall." A medium is "grande." Wow! They are one of the great 21st century American success stories. Considered as one of the most successful and admired companies today, Starbucks has grown from a single store begun by a Jewish man in Seattle 33 years ago to 12,000 stores, almost 4,000 of which are in 36 countries outside the U.S. In fiscal 2006, the company posted revenues of more than $8 billion. Cup by cup, Starbucks has changed the way people drink coffee. My wife treats herself to a Starbucks every Friday. This is one of the highlights of her week. My youngest son managed a Starbucks for two years. Through this experience he learned much about the business world and sharpened his people skills. More inportant he learned the importance of excellence in the business world and in his personal life. More remarkably, Starbucks successfully transformed a pedestrian commodity into a high-end accessory. It has created a "Starbucks lifestyle" that more people continue to embrace in the United States and abroad. They created community around their product. Jesus came to earth, grew up in a humble home and at age 30 began his earthly ministry. He said to many "Come follow me." The usual response was entailed "What will it cost me?" To which He often replied "everything." Remember when he told the rich, young, ruler "Go sell all that you have and give it to the poor, then come and follow me." Or when the man wanted to bury his father. The problem was his father wasn't dead yet. He was waiting for dad to pass on then he would inherit the estate. Jesus said "Let the dead bury the dead." Some simply dropped what they were doing and followed Jesus. Matthew quit collecting taxes and started "collecting" souls. Peter in turn became a "Fisher of men." Each disciple was unique, each served a special place in the Lord's "Team" that He used to lay the foundation of His church. God created each of us to be unique. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Spiritual Warfare and commitment

Because of an overly pragmatic mentality seen in much of the spiritual conflict literature today, an overview of the scriptural teachings on the engagement of Satan with God's children is necessary. In biblical terms, spiritual conflict essentially encompasses Satan's rebellion against God and the manifestations of the rebellion in the created order. At the heart of this warfare, however, is the fact that God is sovereignty and lovingly in control of His creation, and, as the Sovereign One, He has already decided that Satan's rebellion will fail. The thread of Satan's rebellion and God's loving response is interwoven through the Scriptures as an ongoing drama played out on the stage of human history. The Apostle Paul was more than casually acquainted with spiritual battle. He also knew that to walk in spiritual victory meant to live a life in harmony with the Lord Jesus Christ. Please read Galatians 2:16-21. In this passage Paul gives a brief spiritual autobiography of the life he now lived. First, it was a life justified without the deeds of the Law. Justification by faith was the watch word of the Reformation. If we have offended the Law in one point we have broken the entire law (James 2:10). God justifies sinners, of which we all are. To be justified in God's sight is to be free from guilt and punishment. Our record is wiped away, blotted out, it no longer exists (Psalm 32:1-2). On the basis of this truth Satan has no right to accuse us. If Satan brings up your past, bring up his future. Second, it is a life imparted through faith in Jesus Christ. By faith in Christ the righteousness of God is imputed to the believer. The Law was but a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. The Law can chase us to the Cross but no farther. Beware of teachers who would put you under the Old Testament law. We serve under the law of Christ. Third, it is a life lived unto God. We have been delivered from the terrors of the Law (Romans 7:2-4). We are now free to love, honor and obey God who hath redeemed us by His blood. To go back to Moses is to go back to a grave yard (Romans 6:4). We do not need the "Help" of the Law. We need the filling of the Spirit of God, and the truth of the Word of God. Forth, it is a life crucified with Christ. The old man, with all his fleshly passions and lusts is crucified with Christ. Crucifixion was the painful but effectual remedy. The suffering of the Cross for the sins of the world, satisfied the Father. The Christian life is an interesting paradox, we die (to self) in order that others might live. Fifth, it is a life indwelt by Christ. It is not human effort trying to pull off a superior kind of morality but divine life surging through the individual. We were given a new will, a new purpose and a new power that now rules in our lives. The word "Crucified" is in the Greek perfect tense which means "I have been and remain crucified." Christ's indwelling is manifested by the Holy Spirit's presence and power (John 4:13). Now it's "Christ in me the hope of glory." Sixth, it is a life continued by faith in the Son of God. This life begun by faith in Christ, is to be perpetuated by a continuous act of faith in Christ. We walk by faith, not by sight. Without faith is is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). We live in difficult times, I see the enemy having a heyday in telling God's children that he won't meet their needs. If you're struggling with your faith, then ask God to strengthen you faith. For a believer to return to the Law nullifies the Cross. The Law says do but grace says done. Let's come down on the done side of the Calvary. It's on the done side that Satan was defeated.