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Friday, June 30, 2017

Caring For Those We Work With - The Prophet Elisha

Along The Way: Leaders Who Care –Elisha
(Written By Kevin A. Hall   06.30.17)

Throughout Elisha’s ministry, we see the heart of a man who cares much for the basic needs his ministry partners. We should practice his servant leadership. He prayed to God for the deepest desire of the Shunammite woman – God gave her a son (2 Kings 4:17). When there was a famine in Gilgal, he was instrumental in providing a large pot of stew for the men at the School of the Prophets (2 Kings 4:38-41). When a stranger brought food to the school, he prayed and God miraculously stretched the food to feed everyone with leftovers (2 Kings 4:42-44). When the School outgrew its space, he agreed to supervise the work at a new location by the River Jordan (2 Kings 6:1-3). He was engaged and involved at all levels. How else will a leader get to know his people? We must enter their world. When the axe head fell in the river, Elisha was concerned and through another miracle, retrieved the borrowed axe head (2 Kings 6:5-7). There was no concern too small for him to take to God.

If Only I Could Punish My Enemies! - The Prophet Elijah

Along The Way: Desiring The Ministry Of Elijah?
(Written By Kevin A. Hall   06.20.17)

At first glance we see power on display – Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume two units of 50 soldiers of the Baal influenced King Ahaziah

Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him, and behold, he was sitting on the top of the hill. And he said to him, “O man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’”  Elijah replied to the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.  So he again sent to him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he said to him, “O man of God, thus says the king, ‘Come down quickly.’”  Elijah replied to them, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty (2 Kings 1: 9-12)

Matthew Henry shares a powerful perspective on the confrontation: "Come down quickly, and do not trifle, the king’s business requires haste; come down, or I will fetch thee down.’’ Elijah relents not, but calls for another flash of lightning, which instantly lays this captain and his fifty dead upon the spot. Those that will sin like others must expect to suffer like them; God is inflexibly just”.
  A third commander showed humility to Elijah, bowing before him, asking “Please let my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours be precious in your sight…” (1: 13b).There is no winning when we fight against God and His servants. Effective living begins with a right attitude toward God (Nasb). This third commander was wise enough to respectfully approach the man of God.  In this account we can learn two things: (1) God always protects His name and His people and (2) God responds to those who show humility.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Motivation For Christian Ministry - The Apostle Paul

 Along The Way: The Apostle Paul’s Motivation Project
(Written by Kevin A. Hall 07.25.16)
The Apostle Paul settled his identity in Christ.
Here’s a man who  knew his calling and so developed his Philosophy of Ministry. He considered himself a servant/bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 1: 1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. He spoke often about his calling and commission during his ministry. In his letter to the Galatians he stated that the Gospel for the uncircumcised was committed to him (2:7) and many times in his defense, he repeated his commission from the Lord during his conversion – “He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). In this he was confident.  His use of the titles servant/bondservant depicted a person dedicated to the cause of his master.
Because he was confident of his calling, commission and source, he easily declared the “true Gospel”. He could proudly declare his message without regards of opposers – “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). “He did not act in obedience to men, but to God, who had called him to this work and office. He did not seek to accommodate himself to the humors of persons, either to gain their affection or to avoid their resentment; but his care was to approve himself to God” (Matthew Henry).

A Master Missions Strategy By A Master Missionary

The Apostle Paul’s Discipling Project  
(Written by Kevin A. Hall  07.31.16)
The Apostle Paul often described himself as a bond-servant of the Lord. I would consider him a work-horse. His entire reason for living was consumed with fulfilling his commission:
“But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me [f]from God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:15-16). “Paul, the missionary, undertook three missionary journeys, before he journeyed finally to Rome, and founded churches in key cities of Asia and Europe within a span of about twelve years” (AD 46-57) [Kanagaraj]
Paul was purposed driven. He had a plan of action. He had a definite strategy for accomplishing his goal. He was gifted in working with people and it is through the efforts of his ministry partners, he accomplished much over his lifetime. His purpose driven approach “implies an order or discipline with which his missionary partners were led to accomplish their mission, taking into consideration the cultural context” (Kanagaraj) The strategy was brilliant. “Paul chose prominent cities which provided him such strategic locations as the market places, synagogues, lecture halls and houses to reach out easily both Jews and Gentiles with the gospel of Jesus and to expand his mission to the neighboring towns and regions” (C.M) Weaved into all his plans was guidance from the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-10; 19:21a).

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

A Healthy Church - The Implications of Conversion

Along The Way : Conversion & Membership
(Written by Kevin A. Hall   04.14.17)


In God’s great plan, His will was to achieve His goals through a people separated unto Himself. Israel was given this calling in the Old Testament. The Church now bears this responsibility. The baton has been passed if you will to us with His command “You will be my witnesses”. The promise of a “new heart, new creation, and a new covenant was fulfilled through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ” (Schreiner, T). Tom says the saving work of God promised in the Old Testament is encapsulated in the term “Kingdom of God” in the New Testament” and is therefore the process through which the unbeliever enters the kingdom – Conversion. Membership in God’s kingdom is impossible without Conversion (Mark 10:17-31). 

The Role of Church Membership & Discipline

Along The Way:  IX Marks- Membership and Discipline in the Church
(Written By Kevin A. Hall   04.21.17)

Sound Doctrine saves. The Gospel saves (1 Peter 1:21). These are things we preach. We must preach sound doctrine as it is the requirement for salvation. Jesus called the Apostle Paul’s doctrine “testifying about me” (Acts 23:11). The Great Commission instructs the church to “teach them to obey” -obey what? Doctrine. Sound doctrine distinguishes between those living in darkness and those in the light.


Sound doctrine is the proclamation about God and our need for salvation. It is through sound doctrine that the church can proclaim “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Sound doctrine is the hope for the entire world – “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed” (Romans 10:11). The teaching of sound doctrine conforms a person to Christ. It is therefore essential for evangelism, discipleship, providing the framework for how we move to sanctification.
Church discipline is a tough job that most people would rather stay away from, but it is necessary. It is protecting God’s call to holiness and a righteous witness to the world. “The advantages of discipline are obvious. It reclaims backsliders, detects hypocrites, circulates a salutary awe through the church, adds a further incentive to watchfulness and prayer, proves beyond question the fact and consequences of human frailty, and moreover, publicly testifies against unrighteousness” (John/9Marks). There are many instances of church discipline in the Bible, but two main texts addressing the issue and giving guidance are Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 5, which deals with disorder in the church. Unchecked sin can paralyze the church. We have a moral responsibility to maintain God’s call to righteousness. Allowing public sins affects everyone. Leaders in the church have a responsibility first to God, to themselves and to everyone else not to turn a blind eye to unrepentant sin.

The Relationship Between God, Israel & The Nations

Along The Way – Bible Studies: The Relationship Between God, Israel & The Nations
(Written By Kevin A. Hall   11.06.2016).

God’s business is the Nations

The Nations are fully part of God’s intended plan.  It is given that we are a diverse make up of people much like the diversity found in the animal kingdom. All nations will stand before God in judgment – God deals with us corporately, as individuals and as nations.
Because God is sovereign, He can use any nation as an agent of His judgment and when He uses a nation/person it is not because one is more righteous than the other.
Any nation/person can be a recipient of God’s mercy. Jeremiah’s Theology of the potter is a great example of God’s international sovereignty – God can and will change His mind doing one thing and not another.
All nations’ histories stand under God’s control – He rules in the affairs of men. Nations are controlled by Him and belong to Him. God had been moving the nations around like a chess board even before Israel came on the scene, getting things ready for His chosen people.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

The Preacher Who Faced Burnout And Ran From A Woman

Elijah – A Preacher Facing Burnout
1 Kings 19

(Written By Kevin A. Hall   06.25.17)

You’re not the only One!
I am inclined to think that Elijah was suffering from burnout, as many leaders do. Elijah delivered a major blow to the enemy – He and God against 450 prophets of Baal. Imagine if you will, Elijah watching ungodly men giving useless worship and making appeals to a god who cannot hear for hours.  This was the challenge of the century.  “The God who answers by fire, He is God!” 
The prophets of Baal called upon their god from morning till noon as they cut themselves with swords, blood splattering all over the place (1 Kings 18:28). Elijah mocked them in their vain attempt – “Maybe your god is occupied? On vacation? Asleep?  As expected, Baal did not answer. It was Elijah’s moment to call upon his God.  I encourage you to read the account for yourself in 1 Kings 18. It is a fascinating display of theatrics. Elijah barely prayed, when God consumed his offering - the wood, the stones, the dust and the water. There was no doubting who was God! In response to this display of power, judgment was pronounced upon those who corrupted God’s people – The prophets of the false god Baal would die. Seeing that the king himself was an idol worshiper, the Law of Moses required that the man of God would render the judgment. That day, Elijah, commissioned by God, killed all 450 prophets of Baal. We can expect God to judge those who corrupt His church. Woe to the man or woman of God who is corrupt a shepherd or allows the influence of godless and worthless leaders to guide His people.

Friday, June 23, 2017

I Can Live Above My Challenges!

Along The Way:   King Asa of Judah
1 Kings 15; 1 Chronicles 15

A light in the darkness! This is a good way to describe the reign of King Asa. He was one of eight good kings who sat upon the throne of Judah. There were 19 kings who ruled Judah, plus one queen. He reigned for 41 years. The Lord blessed his efforts, but he was “not perfect” as his forefather King David. He was zealous and a striking example that community does not have to dictate a person’s outcome. His grandfather was Jeroboam (the first king of Judah), who did evil. His father was Abijah, who followed his father’s footstep (Jeroboam), also committing evil in God’s sight. Living with such examples (community), it would be expected that the son would follow the father’s lead; but Asa chose to “do good and right in the sight of the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 14:2). 

Jeroboam – He started strong, finished a failure.

Along The Way - Jeroboam 

1 Kings 13-14

Then Jeroboam said in his heart “Now the kingdom will return to the house of David” (12:26).  This was the beginning of the end for Jeroboam.  This man had a bright future.  He was identified as a leader by King Solomon, and from humble beginnings promoted to a superintendent over the labor force of the tribe of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). His story is the story of many believers who started strong but took a turn when their heart became corrupted.  

Central to faithful Christian living is obedience to the Word of God and an unwavering love for God.
God appointed Jeroboam to be King of the Northern tribes after the death of Solomon. He ran well at the beginning, but became self-centered. In wanting the glory for himself and security of his position, Jeroboam built shrines and symbols of worship (two golden calves), instituted  and sanctioned worship back in high places throughout the land, rendered the Levitical priesthood ineffective by appointing ordinary citizens as priests, ordered worship in Bethel and Dan versus Jerusalem.  He even made himself high priest. Later we see Jeroboam raising his hand at God’s prophet when confronted about his sins. In response, God struck him with temporary paralysis.  Surely, pride leads to a fall.
It is important that God’s leaders lead righteously. The future of nations, cities, churches and homes are at stake. Jeroboam’s actions caused the people to sin. He too had the opportunity for an enduring kingdom, but God’s judgment was sure – His entire family was wiped out (1 Kings 14:10 -11). 
We should guard our hearts to prevent God’s displeasure upon our own lives, our families and our ministries.

References:
The Life Application Study Bible (NASB). The United States of America: Zondervan (2000)
Smith, J. The History of Israel. Joplin, MO: College Press (1995)

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Wednesday, June 21, 2017

King Solomon's Downfall


Along The Way – King Solomon’s Downfall
1 Kings 11   (Written by Kevin A. Hall    06.21.17) 

King Solomon departed from God. He strayed from his relationship and his duty. In his later years, the impact of his small allowances and compromises weighed heavily upon his life. The glory of his kingdom faded away as “his many wives turned his heart away after other gods and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been” (11:4). 

He started humbly, but over time Solomon violated three stipulations for a king of Israel: He multiplied wives (700 wives, princesses and 300 concubines); He multiplied horses (1400 chariots, 12,000 cavalry troops and control of horse trading in the region); and He multiplied wealth (from taxes, tributes, revenues, gifts and the return from naval expeditions). Solomon had become proud and distant from God. His defection from faith was slow but sure.

Monday, June 19, 2017

Small Allowances - King Solomon


Along The Way – Solomon’s Small Allowances?
(Written by Kevin A. Hall   06.20.17)

At the onset of King Solomon’s reign we notice three very important factors that defined the rest of Solomon’s life: (1) Solomon loved the Lord; (2) Solomon marries the daughter of Pharaoh (a proselyte) and (3) Solomon sacrificed and burnt incense on the high places (1 Kings 3:1-3). Yet, we must not overlook items 2 & 3.  Unlike his brother Adonijah or even Absalom, Solomon was peaceful and very religious. He was committed to walking in the footsteps of his father David (1 Kings 3:3), but unlike his father, he allowed and practiced the worship of Yahweh in the high places. Although these high places were “consecrated to the worship of Yahweh” (Logos), they were prohibited by the Law (Lev. 17:3). The temple had not yet been built, but the tent (in which David worshipped) was available.  Smith says “God winked at this imperfection” (420). Solomon participated in this type of worship. David did not.

 While the marriage was not unlawful, would he have been a “stronger man” had he not married a foreign woman? These two acts were not unlawful, but long term, they were not helpful. Not because God is silent on an issue does it mean it is beneficial or right for the believer. One would think God sanctioned worship at the high places as he accepted Solomon’s sacrifices (2 Chron. 1:3), but we still cannot overlook Solomon’s allowances. Small allowances can be damaging to our relationship with God. As believers, we should be mindful of these “simple allowances”.  Looking over own life, the many “simple allowances” I’ve entertained over the years, it begs me to consider how different my own life would be if I had made different choices. Ok, so Solomon made a strategic choice – Peace for the kingdom; make an alliance with Pharaoh. Beneficial, right?  He later married countless foreign wives who led his heart astray from God.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

King David and His Pride

Along The Way – King David’s Pride

David is experiencing rest, having endured the rebellion of his son Absalom. He unnecessarily calls for a census. God allowed him to be tempted by the Devil, to which he yielded (24:1). At this stage in his life (one of relative ease and peace) David was dealing with pride – his pride drove him to call for the numbering of his people. During times of comfort and rest when there is seemingly a limited need of God, we are often drawn away by the lure of Satan. David took the bait. His friend, confidant and army commander Joab questioned his actions, asking “Why does my Lord have need of this thing”? It is a good thing to have people in our lives who can question our motives and possible be the source of escape from painful choices. Unfortunately the king did not listen; his will prevailed over Joab’s objection.

Kings, leaders, government officials, pastors can be caught up in sin and make decisions that affect many. We are encouraged to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Often those in leadership consider themselves accountable to no one. David’s sin caused a pestilence upon the land. Over 70, 000 people died within a few hours because of David’s action (Henry). Yet, this judgment led the king to identify his disconnect from God. He immediately owned up to his sin, blaming himself, pleading for mercy on the innocent “sheep”; “Punish me and my father’s house” (paraphrased 24:17). Once again we see God’s mercy expressed – There was an immediate stay of the death angel’s hand. God will answer the prayers of the broken, contrite and repentant. He is no respecter of status or persons.

References:
Matthew Henry Commentary. II Samuel 24. Retrieved from: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/2-samuel/24.html

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Yes, But How?

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Samson – Who God Appoints Is His Prerogative!

Along The Way - Samson 
 (Written by Kevin Hall   06.13.17)

Samson was blessed by God with super-human strength for the specific purpose of “beginning the deliverance of God’s people from the hands of the Philistines” (Judges 13:15). In the account of Samson we see the mind of God using foolish things, faith-less, even unfaithful people to accomplish his purposes. In our day, Samson would not be first choice for leadership. He was often hot-tempered, impetuous and brawling. He was “often controlled by his sensual desires” (Smith, 182) – This would certainly disqualify him from Christian leadership.

Yet, from birth, God chose Samson and equipped him for His purposes. Samson, despite his foolish gestures, riddles, brawls accomplished God’s will to “deliver the people from Philistine oppression”. Through trial and error, he faithfully executed that task for 20 years (maybe not according to the expectations of many). I believe God would have used him mightily if he was a man of prayer and faith.
Toward the end of his life Samson repented and made peace with God. His hair began to grow back (Judges 16:22). This means God granted him favor. God will forgive and restore anyone who calls upon His name. This prepared him for his final act.  He was summoned by the Philistines to a house where over 3000 men and women gathered. It is here Samson prayed for strength and revenge. God granted his wish and he died with all the Philistines present. It is never too late to ask for forgiveness, and it is never too late to be used by God. Samson was never perfect, but he was faithful to God’s call. This is a valued lesson for all believers.

References:
Smith, J. The History of Israel. Joplin, MO: College Press (1995).

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Sunday, June 11, 2017

King David And His Indulgences

A Daily Walk - Along The Way:  King David
(06.11.17)


King David “grew greater and greater, for the Lord of Host was with Him” (2 Samuel 5:10). The Lord was pleased with David and caused his kingdom to grow. In this I find a God who considers the totality of a person. The Lord loved David. There was nothing in David’s life that was hidden from God – this includes his moral indulgences. David was a womanizer, still “a man after God’s own heart”. This is no excuse for sinful living, but his life serves as an example for every believer in the pursuit of God. Even before David took the throne, he was already adding to his wives. 
One wife is enough! "Believe Me! 
This has been God's plan from the beginning (Genesis 2:20-25). By the time we get to Hebron, when king David assumes the throne, the word of God states “Meanwhile, David took more wives and concubines from Jerusalem…” (5:13). David had a weakness that was never satisfied. He followed the example of many leaders before him. Some of these marriages were for territorial alliances, but regardless of the reason, we cannot ignore God’s guidelines and expect a blessed outcome.
                A King of Israel was encouraged not to “multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away” (Deut. 17:17). David ignored this part of God’s word and it brought him tremendous pain in the latter part of his life. Not because it has been done, does it mean it is profitable. This principle still applies to us today and should be an ecclesiological consideration for ministry and life. Not because things seemingly are blessed, does it mean God agrees with everything I do. David was a godly man, a man after God's own heart; but his life reminds me that none of us are perfect. The journey of life is filled with indulgences and compromises. The question is - Do we continue in sin because we know God is grace-full? The Lord was with king David, so too with all Christians. God loved David, so too all Christians. Hey, He died for us! (John 3:16) But rest assured, He will not turn a blind eye to disregard for holy living. If we are honest, he shows that compromises can lead to great pain. David became a recipient of the seeds he planted - read the last half of his story; a life filled with internal turmoil.
            My encouragement as we Walk Along The Way: Consider our beloved David. His love for God was exemplary. He was one of a few men in the Bible of whom it was written "The Lord was with him". I love that he shows how imperfect we all are. We will be imperfect till the day Jesus returns and gives us a new body (Hebrews 10:9-10). But till then - watch out for those compromises. Watch out for those indulgences. They can become our undoing. It was the Apostle Paul who said "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:7-9).

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