Monthly Archive for October, 2010

The Ministry of An Earthworm!

by Jonas Harley | October 23, 2010

Jesus, during His earthly ministry, said in Mark 10:42-45, “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Most of us are familiar with earthworms, those things that pop up from our lawn or show up on the sidewalk after much rain. Did you know earthworms are created with microscopic bristles to help it crawl through the soil? Many times we overlook these creatures as unimportant, but they play a vital role for our soil. They prevent it from compacting, they assist nitrogen and water reach plant roots, they help vegetable matter to decay and increase those good bacteria that further enrich the solid for plant growth. Earthworms are very important! A lot of the wonderful vegetation we see today would not be possible if it was not for those slimy earthworms faithfully performing their role behind the scene.

Being a servant for our Lord Jesus Christ is along the same lines. There is much taking place behind the scenes by faithful brothers and sisters in Christ that yields fruitful ministry at your local church. Have you ever thought about who cleans the restrooms before the Sunday morning worship service? Who prints the bulletins? Who maintains and updates your church’s website? Who puts the juice in those little communion cups? Who locks up the church building after everyone has left? Who changes the air filters throughout the facilities? Who maintains and cleans the church van or bus? Who fills the tract rack? Who takes cares of the landscaping at your church? Who houses the missionaries when they stop for a visit? Who takes time to greet first time visitors? Who runs the sound system? Who organizes the nursery ministry? Who counts the offering? . . . and the list goes on and on.

Have you ever stopped to appreciate the “earthworms” in your church ministry? Those people who faithfully and obediently serve behind the scenes. Did you know they keep things moving forward, they provide health to the ministry, they further enrich the local church ministry to the community, and they are faithfully laboring so that the gospel ministry continues to go forth?

I would like to recommend you do two things:

1. Encourage an earthworm! Take some time and personally thank or encourage someone in your local church for their behind the scene ministry (regardless if they are paid to do it or not!). Write them a note, send them a text or email, or go visit them. Do something that will exhort them to keep pressing on!

2. Become an earthworm! Without a doubt your church ministry has thousands of needs and things to be done. Get involved and start being an earthworm that will enhance the life of your church ministry.

John 13:13-15, “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

Philippians 2:5-8, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

*Photo above taken by: RPT_Andy

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America’s True Hope and Change!

by Jonas Harley | October 16, 2010

Elections are coming up soon in November and it is always a healthy exercise to review our biblical responsibilities as Christian in the world of politics. How can a Christian make a difference in politics? What is a Christian’s role when it comes to government? I would like to submit 5 responsibilities that every Christian must practice.

1. Obey Them – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is not power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” -Romans 13:1-2

We must submit ourselves to all authorities that God places in our lives, even the government. God always blesses obedience to authority. We must be careful to obey every speed limit, not text and drive (if that law applies in your state), and pay our taxes! When we resist obeying our civil authority we actually directly disobey God and place ourselves in a dangerous position that God will not prosper.

2. Pay Them – “For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” – Romans 13:6-7 As hard and unfair as this may seem sometimes we must pay the government not only our money, but our honor and praise. Why do we pay the government?

First, so they can punish evil doers, Romans 13:3a “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?”

Second, so they can praise those who are good, Romans 13:3b “…do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same.” We pay the government so they can honor those who do right. For example, in Washington D.C. there are many WW2 monuments and memorials honoring soldiers of their worthy and sacrificial service to our country that were erected with our tax money. That’s biblical!

Third, so they can protect those who do good, Romans 13:4 “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” A government that is punishing evil doers and honoring good doers will diligently protect the good doers.

3. Pray for Them – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

We as born-again believers must be faithfully praying for our governmental (local, state, and national) officials. In those prayers we must thank God for them. We must pray for their salvation. We must pray for their decision making. Why? Because this is good and acceptable in God’s eyes! A Christian who is faithfully praying for his or her governmental officials will not have time to criticize them.

4. Honor Them – “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” – Romans 13:5

We can go through our life and outwardly obey our civil authorities, but how much do we actually inwardly honor them? Do we value them and appreciate what they do for us? Do we genuinely respect them? Those are hard questions to honestly answer, but demand answers! Think about it, we ought to be thankful for the government we do have, because that is better than having not government at all. Otherwise, there would be chaos and everyone would be doing what is right in their own eyes. Let’s resolve to honor our authorities! God blesses that!

5. Sway Them – No doubt there are some remaining questions that deal with honoring and obeying a government that is progressively wicked and deceitful. What must a Christian do? Sway them! “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16

Instead of doing what most Christians do and resent them, disobey them, and disrespect them let’s spend our time persuading them to do right! Let’s sway them by sending letters and emails, making phone calls, and faithfully voting according to biblical standards. This will take time, but if every Christian does his or her part God will bless our efforts.

One thing I remind myself and others is that true hope and change is not in political reform, but in the gospel! Let’s implement these five biblical responsibilities and watch God work in great and might ways!

*Photo above taken by: Clarinex

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Lessons on a Fishing Pier!

by Jonas Harley | October 6, 2010

This year’s family vacation took us to the coast of Oak Island, NC. We had a great time making many unforgettable family memories! I frequently look for real life illustrations to relate to the Christian life and the first one came on the fishing pier close to where we were staying. I observed the operation of many of the fishermen and many correlations came to mind about witnessing.

Location – These fishermen were in the right spot to find fish, on the pier in the ocean! What a great place to find fish! It made tons of sense for these fishermen to be fishing for fish in water filled with fish! It was painfully obvious that these guys had the right idea! In order to be an effective fisherman we got to be in a location where there are fish. As a Christian, location is very important! I must strive to be in non-compromising places where there are lost people. In order for me to be an effective Christian I must be in “waters” where there are lost people “swimming” around. What locations can you stake out to submerge yourself around unsaved people?

Preparation – As I walked by many of the fishermen I carefully noticed their equipment. They had everything, probably from the closest Bass Pro Shop! Coolers, nets, tackle boxes, live bait, hooks, poles, sinkers, and carts to carry it all around. These guys weren’t professionals, just your normal and average guy looking to make a catch. I got to thinking, am I THAT prepared to win souls? Do I have tracts with me? Where is my pocket Bible? What Bible verses and passages am I memorizing, reviewing, and familiarizing myself with in order to be prepared? I don’t have to be some super Christian or have a PhD in theology to be a soul winner. This is for the average and normal Christian!         

Expectation – Along with all the equipment these men carted around I noticed an expectant demeanor about them. They came to the fishing pier that day expecting to catch fish! They weren’t hoping to catch fish, they were confident and anticipating when the catch would come. One guy even had a cutting board and knife close by for filleting! As a believer in Christ, I was rebuked by my lack of expectation when I’m out soul winning. Many times it just becomes a duty or a guilt relieving task that needs to be checked off the list and not a time of eagerness that someone is coming to Christ today! Am I expecting to lead someone to Christ today?

Diligence – Many of these fishermen had two or three lines casted simultaneously and then patiently, but confidently, waited. During this time they would occasionally check the line to assure its effectiveness, other times it was necessary for them to re-cast with a different technique. They were very diligent in making sure their time and equipment was being used wisely. They didn’t quit. It quickly and clearly came to my attention that I need to be like that in my witnessing. I must be patient, but confident. Also, during those times of waiting I must be making follow up visits to people I’m witnessing to. I must use my time and resources wisely. I must not quit.

Fishing is to fishermen what witnessing is to Christians. In order for one to be an effective witness for Christ they must be properly located, well prepared, confidently expectant, and consistently diligent.

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