Overtaken (Part 3)

Overtaken (Part 3)

Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

There seems to be a different standard used by some when restoring a preacher who has been overtaken in a fault. While it’s true that a preacher’s sins may affect more people, because he has more influence, but there should be no double standard employed when deciding what constitutes sin, or when trying to restore a fallen preacher. Preachers must pay the penalty for, and accept the consequences of their own sins, the same as anyone else. I know of one preacher who was incarcerated now because he violated civil law. I know other ministers who are suffering mental anguish because they brought reproach upon the church, their families, and their own reputation. Atonement can be made for guilt, but often the consequences of sin linger on. These facts should deter those who have not yet sinned, who have not yet been overtaken in a fault.

I believe that there are times when we could salvage a soul, and even a reputation, by being more "spiritual" when apprehending and restoring fallen brethren, including preachers. There are such things as secret sins according to Psalm 90:8, and these should be dealt with as such. There are also personal transgressions, and these should involve no more people than what are necessary to resolve the situation according to Matthew 18:15-17. If a sin becomes public, then proportionate measures need to be taken in order to correct the matter. We cannot do less, nor should we seek to do more than what the Bible says for us to do.

However, there is a mentality in our nation and in the church, which seems to rejoice in pastoral failures, and derive pleasure from the sinful acts of others. Those who thrive on gossip and backbiting may not have committed the same sins as the subjects of their juicy conversations, but the penalty for "and such like" sins are the same as for murder and adultery. This is not to say that false teachers should not be identified and branded, especially when they will not repent. Neither do we condone sweeping a fault or a sinful practice under the rug when it needs to be dealt with forthrightly. But once a matter has been aired and resolved as well as humans can do such things, let it rest. And, if a matter has escaped public detection, and you are the only one capable of turning it into script fit for an afternoon soap opera, resist the temptation to wash someone else's dirty linen.

Judas Iscariot turned out to be a hypocrite, but the eleven disciples found someone to take his place, and the Lords caused survived. The church in Jerusalem survived the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira. Paul rebuked Peter for dissimulation, and Peter had to face the consequences of such an act, whatever they may have been, but Peter still endorsed the writings of the apostle Paul.

The ministry of the Lord has suffered reproach from Eden to David and Bathsheba, and in our time. It will continue to do so as long as the devil tempts people beyond their desire or will to resist. But those of us who consider ourselves to be spiritual will determine to a great extent just how deeply the cause of Christ will be wounded, and how many souls will be lost or saved, including our own, by the way we treat those who have fallen.

Overtaken (Part 2)

Overtaken (Part 2)

Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” 

What a world of difference would be made in the life of the average church if these words of counsel were really put into effect. Too little consideration is shown the weaker Christian leader or member who stumbles. It is much easier to blame, criticize and ridicule than to help them recover no matter how distasteful their sin is.

When a brother falls, those who are spiritual are to help put him on his feet again. If we are living in close fellowship with Jesus we will be more eager to restore than to condemn. These faithful believers are more interested in undergirding with prayer than to overloading with reproach and scorn. In some churches there is more preying on those who have fallen by the wayside then praying for them to be restored.

Our ministry to an erring brother is to be rendered in a spirit of gentleness and humility if it is to be effective. A Pharisaical attitude toward the one who has yielded to temptation can put his spiritual recovery in jeopardy. Carelessness of treatment often results in lasting injury. Prayerfulness makes for carefulness. An estimate of our own attainments is a real asset in nursing back to health and strength those who have been wounded in the battles with sin. Recognizing our own shortcomings leads to a better understanding of the one we are trying to help in a moral and spiritual way.

How ready are we to give one another a lift as we travel together over the hills and valleys of life? Let us be on the alert for such opportunities and let our self-righteousness make us indifferent to the trials destroying our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Overtaken (Part 1)

Overtaken (Part 1)

Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” 

 

You don't have to be one that is overtaken in a fault. You can chose to live a life free of faults and walk circumspectly before the Lord. However if any fault overtakes you, it may take you away from the faith, His fellowship, ministry, or your calling. That’s how powerful a fault can be and the damage it can bring to your life and your loved ones.

 

One thing I find overlooked by many in the church is the ministry of restoration to the faith, to God, and to the ministry those overtaken by a fault or sin. Instead, we in the church often blow it up in our preaching, on social media and other media platforms. We want nothing to do with those overtaken in a fault and treat them like an outcast. We judge and condemn them and treat them as though they were the only ones that had ever fallen. As much as I hate to admit it, I've been guilty of that in the past and let my emotions affect my ministry to a fallen brother because of public opinion or fear of what my fellow ministers would say if I helped the fallen brother.

 

The world likes to rejoice and keep attacking when they see a christian leader or a believer in any denomination that is overtaken in a fault. I now believe this is a sign of lack of love among the brethren for those who have fallen. It is much easier to condemn than it is to forgive. Yet here's what the Bible says:

 

Proverbs 10:12  "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."

Proverbs 17:9  "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends."

Yes, we despise sin and the destruction it can cause to our fellow laborers in the ministry and their families. These two verses remind us how canal many believers and most of of our churches and leaders are when it comes to restoration. Paul taught that those who are spiritual can’t behave in such a way. We are with the spirit of meekness, to restore those fallen as if we were the ones overtaken in a fault. We are to put ourselves in their shoes, knowing fully well that no one is immune to temptation and falling into any manner of sin.

 

You might not be overtaken in a fault of lying but it doesn't mean you don't have one. The fact your fault is not revealed doesn’t mean there is no fault you’re battling to overcome. If you think it can't happen to you, think again. We are all subject to failure and your weakness can grip you when you least expect it if you're not careful.

 

David didn't rejoice when he heard the news on King Saul's fall, but he was broken. He mourned for the anointed of God, the mighty, the beauty of Israel and enjoined folks not to publish the news, even to the hearing of the uncircumcised folks that had not part in the covenant of Jehovah God of Israel.

 

Canal Christians who find the fault of others and segregate against those overtaken in a fault should know that they are exposing themselves to be tempted by so doing.

 

A word to the wise:

-Be a restorer of one overtaken in a fault and not someone who continuously judges and condemns them.

-Don’t send them to hell twice through unhealthy attitudes; but pull them out of it by encouraging them through the word of God to overcome guilt and self condemnation. 

-Pray regularly for them. 

-Visit them and try to take them to fellowships and church meetings. 

-Try and help them understand that God can renew them.

-Don’t try to make yourself a superman or superwoman before them as though you have no sin in your life.  

Always remember what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:12: 

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 

Every Church of God Member Should Read This

British Pentecostal leader and theologian Percy Brewster, in a 1973 Pentecostal Evangel article, identified nine trends facing Pentecostals. While some of these trends were the natural result of the movement’s growth and maturation, others he ascertained as “extremely dangerous” or even Satanic in origin.

When Brewster wrote the article, there were only about 20 to 30 million Pentecostals worldwide. Over the past 44 years, that number has burgeoned to between 350 million and 700 million, depending upon how one defines Pentecostal. Today, Pentecostals would do well to heed Brewster’s advice to carefully reflect about the nine trends, which continue in many Pentecostal circles.

The first trend identified by Brewster is that Pentecostals have become “too sensitive to public opinion.” He encouraged believers to be more like early 20th century Pentecostals, who seemed “immune to criticism.” Rather than adapting to the world’s values, he asserted that Pentecostals should make the Bible their “blueprint for living,” seeking to please God in all they do.

The second trend is that some “accept the heritage of the past without a corresponding personal dedication.” This includes people who were reared in Pentecostal churches and who identify with the Pentecostal tradition, but whose spiritual life is far from where it should be. They have a form of godliness, but not the substance.

The third trend is a weakening in the area of evangelism. Brewster warned that a church which places a low priority on evangelism is committing “spiritual suicide.”

The fourth trend is to spend large amounts of money to build extravagant churches, rather than investing the money in evangelism and missions.

The fifth trend is the tendency to get caught up in the busyness of church work and committees, while neglecting the needs of spiritually hungry souls. Brewster encouraged readers to prioritize evangelism and discipleship.

The sixth trend, according to Brewster, “is an unhealthy move to segregate the young and the old.” In many churches, he witnessed that “the young people are taking over, and sometimes 90 percent of the church energy is expended on the young.” He refuted this as unbiblical, noting that “the older people need the zeal and energy of the young, and the young need the balance of the older people’s wisdom and maturity.”

The seventh trend is an overemphasis on demon power. Brewster cautioned against attributing every problem to demons, which gives undue recognition to the devil, who is “already a defeated foe.”

The eighth trend, and one of the most serious in Brewster’s estimation, is the tendency to tolerate and excuse sin. Pentecostals must clearly and resolutely proclaim truth, rather than shifting their opinions to accommodate human weakness.

The ninth trend, which Brewster also identified as very dangerous, is to think that education can be a substitute for the call of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

How should Pentecostals react to these trends? According to Brewster, theology trumps sociology — Pentecostals should continue to proclaim biblical truth regardless of trends. However, he encouraged them to “contend for the faith without being contentious.”

When Brewster wrote the article in 1973, the charismatic movement was gaining strength in mainline Protestant and Catholic churches. This context helped shape many of the trends that Brewster identified. Many of the new charismatics either stayed in their old denominations or challenged traditional holiness standards if they joined Pentecostal churches. Instead of retreating or compromising in the face of these challenging trends, Brewster encouraged Pentecostals to continue to evangelize at home and abroad, and to fellowship with all who “recognized the Lordship of Jesus Christ” and who sought the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Dealing With Your Past (Part 6)

Dealing With Your Past (Part 6)

Allen Wheelis wrote a book entitled "How People Change". In it he writes about childhood events that continued to affect him well into his sixties. One chapter concerns an episode when he was eight years old, and his father made him spend his summer vacation cutting their yard with a straight razor rather than playing with his friends. He writes of his father and I quote:

"He made his mark on me that summer, and after his death that fall continued to speak on a high-fidelity system within my conscience, speaks to me still, tells me that I have been summoned, that I am standing once again before him on that glass porch giving an account of myself, that I will be found wanting, still after all these years a 'low-down, no-account scoundrel'!"

He is not alone in continuing to react in ways that appear to have developed in childhood or the past. Given all the factors that perpetuate the effects of your early life experiences, perhaps you wonder how people manage to change at all. Wheelis suggests that by pulling your experiences close and examining them, you can recognize in your current reactions the signature of your past, and that recognition allows you a greater choice in how you respond. 

So, a willingness to address the past doesn't mean refusing to take responsibility, wallowing in your misery, blaming your parents, or feeling sorry for yourself. In fact, quite the opposite is true. When you understand that your past is past is about recognizing and taking responsibility for longstanding patterns that may trace back to our childhood, but by God's grace you're determined to change them. To deny the influence of our past means we never learn from it, but to let it dominate us is a curse that can be broken.

You may have grown up in the perfect household without any childhood trauma. Praise God for that! You don't have to have been abused or neglected to have been shaped by early life experiences. Each of you has a history that has written itself on your body and brains, and that you will  carry forward into the rest of your life. Each individual has a particular way of dealing with strong emotions, handling conflict, or dealing with guilt or shame. Each of us has been wounded in our profession, by somebody we loved, or by situations that adversely affected us.

It's painful to revisit the difficult parts of your past and to recognize their lingering effects. Some people may choose to let the past be the past and keep it buried, which each of us is free to do. Sometimes Paul reminded himself that he was at one time "the chief of sinners" and was haunted by the fact that he had persecuted the early church before his conversion.

Friend, God has a purpose for your life, and it's not in the past!

-It does not matter what your past has been.

-It doesn’t matter how big your sins are.

-It doesn’t matter what bad choices you made.

-It doesn’t matter what your parents were like.

a. God wants to bless you.

Matthew 6:33 “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well.” 

b. God wants to use you.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” 

c. God wants to give you a crown of life.

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” 

Dealing With Your Past (Part 5)

Dealing With Your Past (Part 5)

Traumatic life events can so overwhelm our nervous systems with memories of the events that are not fully processed. Our desire to avoid these painful memories further prevents us from facing and ultimately making peace with these haunting thoughts that seek to dominate our minds.  

Despite our best efforts to bury these memories, they pop into our minds out of nowhere:

-They trigger everything from panicked responses to trauma reminders.

-They flood your body with stress hormones.

-They affect how you see yourself, others, and the world.

These dynamics are clearest in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Whether the trauma happened in childhood or later in life, undigested memories can continue to haunt us. I have two good friends who are veterans that still fight the devil due to their combat-related trauma of 40 years ago. Their memories feel as fresh as when they were 22 years old on the battlefield. While I was pastoring, I was once called by  the wife of one of my best members who suffered from PTSD. When I arrived at their home she and her three children were crying because her husband had a dark episode and was hiding behind the couch and refusing to come out. I learned that day how powerful the past can be whether it was in childhood or in life.

After my stroke, my mind kept reminding me of my inabilities, failures, and struggles. I couldn't see any good that I had done and I focused only on things that hurt me or people that did me wrong. It was a long time before I could see the light of day because the part of my brain that was affected by my stroke was the part that dealt with most of my emotions. I couldn't see the future because I was letting my hurts, pains, and frustrations with difficult people cloud my vision. It is still a journey everyday to get back from that place. I have to fight those feelings even today even though I am a Spirit-filled believer.

Only by facing your darkest memories through prayer and praise, do you allow that open wound to heal. You may be left with a scar or some type of PTSD, but the pain will no longer be as difficult as it once was to handle with God's help.

-Remember your cleansing from past mistakes.

2 Peter 1:8, 9 “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."

Don’t dwell on your past mistakes and don't forget your cleansing from sin. A great and awful price was paid; namely the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, for your sins. You must strive towards living a purposeful life in the Lord instead of letting the things of the past defeat you.

-Reflect on God’s goodness towards you in spite of your past mistakes.

Psalm 25:7 “Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.” 

God is good to everyone on the earth including the believer and unbeliever alike. Yet when we come to know Christ, we are completely forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We didn’t deserve His goodness; therefore, we need times to reflect and meditate on His love, grace, and mercy towards us.

-Get Past the Past Mistakes!

Being filled with the Holy Spirit should compel each of us to move forward to completing the mission of His calling. Getting bogged down because of our past makes us ineffective and a hindrance in ministry. Deal with the consequences of past mistakes with grace and wisdom from the Lord. But get past the past mistakes!

Dealing With Your Past (Part 4)

Dealing With Your Past (Part 4)

Over ten years ago Cognitive Neuroscientist Martha Farah demonstrated the effects of poverty on brain development (link is external). Some of the brain differences associated with childhood adversity, including the reduced size of the hippocampus (crucial for learning and memory), the greater reactivity of the amygdala (involved in fear and other emotions), and abnormalities in the parts of the frontal lobes associated with regulating emotion and planning complex behaviors.

These kinds of studies make it clear that your experiences literally shape our brains. Thankfully, your later experiences can continue to shape your brain and stress responses in a positive direction, given the right conditions, and with the help of the Lord in overcoming our past.

Because your experiences affect your brain, it shouldn't be surprising that they also affect your mind. Your core beliefs are defined as your fundamental way of seeing the world and yourselves, which develops through your experiences. They can be constructive and creative or destructive and negative. If you perceive in your mind because of your past that you have no future, then you won't. Why? Because you've already convinced yourself your can't change your core belief of self-annihilation. You did it wrong, you messed up, so you deserve what you're facing now.

Core beliefs in the context of cognitive behavioral therapy are addressed in the book, Retrain Your Brain. The same author wrote another book with an entire chapter devoted to recognizing and changing them, because of their power to influence our automatic thoughts and our resulting feelings and behaviors. Although these were not spiritual books per say, they provided information that helped me retrain areas of my brain that were affected by my stroke.

Core beliefs have a poisonous quality of being self-reinforcing:

-They bias your perception of reality and ability to change.

-Drive your automatic thoughts toward unfulfilled dreams

-Reinforce your core beliefs that because you failed once you will always fail.

It takes a considerable effort to recognize and reshape these beliefs. Let me help you with these words:

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 

2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."