The Christian leader

 

Can the Christian leader’s influence be driven by a biblically aligned worldview? Indeed, he should! As a matter of fact, he/she is compelled to do so (Jn. 17:21). Authoritarian and opportunistic leaders have self-interest as their goal – “personal promotion, recognition, monetary gain, prestige.” These are antithetical to Christian leadership, but the common factor here is human nature. We still struggle with “the self” (Gal. 5:17). A friend of mine told me some time ago how someone close to her was exploring the pastorate as he felt “there was money in it.” Motive!

The Doctrine of Sanctification

                       

Sanctification is an “inside-job,” performed by the Holy Spirit (1 Thes. 5:23; Eph. 5: 25-7; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 13: 20-1; Gal. 5:15-16). It is a subjective work – happening (perennially) within us, transforming the character and condition of the person. It is a supernatural work – performed by God through the Holy Spirit (Phil. 1:6); Col. 3:9-10). Sanctification is “the continuing work of God in the life of the believer making them holy – a process by which one’s moral condition is brought into conformity with one’s legal status before God (Justified! You are the righteousness of God; cf. 2 Cor. 5:21).[1]

This ongoing process of sanctification implies holiness – a separation from; to be set apart for the purposes of God; of dedicated use; to be cut off from (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh).

Wisdom's Vindication - A Background (Matthew 11)

WISDOM’S VINDICATION

Matthew 11: 7 – 19 

Background:  Matthew 11:1 – 19

Unusual and unexpected behavior will most likely be vilified and labeled eccentric, foolish, or wrong. Both Jesus and John faced this predicament. Jesus declared that both His and John’s actions “would be proven wise by their subsequent deeds.” [1]

Opposition to Jesus has taken a turn. His rivals will make it clear in no uncertain terms their dislike for Him, His ministry, and His claims. When does this opposition to Jesus begin to ramp up?

“11:1 Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to         teach and proclaim his message in their cities.”

When He began to teach “in their cities.”   Note – watch out when you begin to proclaim the kingdom of God in what was formerly the devil’s space. Teachers, don’t be surprised when you encounter opposition to teaching the Word.

What we are about to see are varied responses to Jesus’ actions, His sayings, and those of John a little later.

                                                Not Johnny!!!

A Biblical Response on Race | Sermon by Tony Evans

LEADERSHIP MOVIE ANALYSIS: OCTOBER SKY (1999)

The plot of the movie October Sky (1999) exemplifies the definition of change and change-
leadership. Given that leadership is the bringing forth of change, the movie displays a new vision that communicates direction, aligns people toward a common goal, and motivates change despite the challenges. October Sky is based on the true story of “The Rocket Boys,” from a western Virginia town called Coalwood. It was October 4, 1957. The movie begins with an announcement that the Soviet Union launched a man-made satellite into orbit called Sputnik. The Russians beat the Americans in the race to space, deemed a threat to American national security, and diminishing global influence. October Sky (1999) Sputnik becomes an external force demanding change. It opens with an American radio broadcaster calling the rocket launch “a grim new chapter in the Cold War,” and “a wave of national anxiety that is sweeping the country.” One hour and forty-one minutes of rugged coal miners busy about their business, trains, cars (Plymouths, Chevys Chryslers, Fords), railroad tracks, teens, high school football, and Rock n Roll, propels the viewers back to the American ‘50s.

The Great Baptism Formula Debate: Matthew 28:19 or Acts 2:38

Jesus’ final designation to His followers states:

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (NLT)

Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (GNT)

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)

And teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age." (GNT)

GO, BAPTIZE, TEACH, MAKE...YOU ARE AUTHORIZED (AS I AM WITH YOU).

Theological Anthropology versus Anthropology

General anthropology deals with the study of the human experience. Eriksen (2017) describes the discipline as “a comparative study of humans, their societies, and their cultural worlds” (p. 3).  As well, general anthropology seeks to understand who/what is man apart from God and ignores the implications of the Fall of Man (Gen. 3). In contrast, theological anthropology explores the entirety of the human experience, “with all its complexities and ambiguities,” and  “is viewed from the standpoint of the biblical story, which is both the story of sin and the story of glory and the glory of divine salvation” (Cameron, 2005, p. 54). 

Jesus' Final Week: Thursday

 It’s Thursday. Tomorrow, they will kill Jesus. How does Jesus and His followers spend the day?

Well, it was a long day, to say the least. Peter and John are tasked with getting ready for the Passover meal (Mk. 14:13). Would you have liked that job?

Just imagine the pressure of knowing the show is about to start, last-minute details...this is it! Three years of toil. It comes down to this last night before the curtains open. They are gathered for their last meal. Jesus sets the model for servant leadership at the gathering. Remember? 

Preparing & Developing Godly Leaders

Spiritual leadership is intentionally cultivated in the school of life under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit. It is God who prepares this kind of leader.  Graduates of this school of leadership become better versions of themselves. When leaders walk in submission and love for God, they model Jesus’ character (Mk. 1:37-8; Jn. 5:19-20,30). Before making his decisions, Jesus spent time in prayer (Lk. 6:12-13; Jn. 17:6-7). He understood “it was his Father’s activity and not his own that was the impetus behind any breakthrough…”[1] His entire life was spent pursuing the will of his Father (Jn. 5:30). Spiritual leaders should seek to understand the will of God and allow God-given directives to set the agenda. This will increase the leader’s capacity to lead and grow the organization.