Happy Tuesday Movement Church! Here are 4 things I am dying for you to know!
1. Remember that God has equipped you with EVERYTHING you need to do His will today! Lean on the Spirit. Get in His Word. Pray, asking Him to open doors that only He could open. And praise Him!
2. Realize that this season of life for our church is groundbreaking and amazing to see and be a part of! As the Committed 120 goal continues to grow, pray about joining (if you haven't), and pray about who YOU will ask to join us on Aug. 12th for our next VISION SUNDAY NIGHT (6:00 PM)! I love those real, raw, intimate gatherings! The live worship and refreshments always fires me up!
This Sunday, we will have 10 postcards EACH for you to give to friends and family who might be interesting in joining us that night (Aug. 12th). Please be in prayer for this! I CANNOT stress how vital it is that we reach our goal of 120 Committed Christians as we launch in Coventry!
3. The Naked Truth: Your Questions Answered, was AWESOME, overall. There were plenty of questions that were text(ed)? in that we couldn't get too, and still some I was planning on answering, but could not due to time! Some of the questions unanswered were on topics such as, suicide, cussing and near death experiences.
Because we received such an overwhelming response, we've decided to do Part 2 to The Naked Truth Aug. 12th. So, if you wanted to ask a question, but didn't get a chance, HERE'S your chance! Text your question(s) to 330.687.9284. Plan on inviting friends and family, and give them the opportunity to ask an anonymous question as well. That week, we're also BAPTIZING and celebrating NEW LIFE IN CHRIST, WHICH I AM PUMPED ABOUT!!!
4. If you are curious to see my notes on the questions we discussed Sunday, I have posted them below for your viewing pleasure. They’re my ACTUAL notes, so, if you can't understand them...Umm, neither can I most of the time. If you don't care to read them, Tuesday's Letter to you is completed!
I love my church!
Pastor Jeremy
The Naked Truth: Your Questions Answered (Notes)
1. What does being baptized in the Holy Spirit mean and when exactly does that happen?
It’s the moment you put your faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:13-14). At that moment, you are born again
(Jn. 3:3-5).
God the Father devised the plan of salvation and predestined our salvation. God the Son came to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose to secure our salvation. The moment we believe, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us and ensure our final salvation. This is the work of the Trinity.
2. I’ve heard that until you’re baptized with the Holy Spirit, you cannot talk directly to God, or understand what He is speaking to you. Is this true?
Yes, but being baptized with the Holy Spirit, as Pentecostals understand it, does not come upon speaking in tongues. Rather, it comes as a result of faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:13-14).
3. When God said, “lets us create man in our image,” who is us? (Gen. 1:26-27)
The Trinity: One God who eternally exists as three distinct persons –Father, Son, and Spirit – who are each fully and equally God in eternal relation with each other.
The word Trinity does not appear in the bible, but this ONE-WHO-IS-THREE concept clearly does. The word Trinity was first used by the church father Tertullian (ad 155-220).A clear picture of this is found in Matt. 3:16-17, at Jesus’ baptism.
4. What does speaking in tongues mean?
Guidelines for Tongues: 3 Expressions of the spiritual gift of tongues
1. A private prayer language. Paul speaks of this in 1 Cor. 14:14 saying, “I pray in a tongue.”
2. A missionary gift that enables someone to speak the gospel of Jesus to foreigners in their native language that the speaker does not know. Acts 2:1-13 records just such an occasion when 3,000 people were saved in a day as the gospel was preached through the early Christians.
3. A revelatory language whereby a message of God is spoken in a language unknown to the speaker that must be translated into the native language of the people in the church so that they can understand what is being said. This use of tongues, therefore, also requires the assistance of someone with the gift of interpretation (1 Cor. 12:10, 14:27-28).
In addition, Paul imposes some guidelines on tongue-speakers, including:
· In corporate worship, 2 or 3 people at the most should speak during the meeting.
· The speakers should speak one at a time so that there is not chaos.
· Unless there is an interpreter, no tongue-speaking is supposed to occur because
others are not being edified.
5. Is speaking in tongues a direct line to God where Satan can not interfere?
Not necessarily. Prayer is a direct line to God where Satan cannot interfere.
6. Can Satan stop our prayers when it comes to speaking to God? No. The only prayer he can stop is the one not prayed.
In its’ broadest definition prayer is communicating with God. This can be done audibly as God hears our words, or silently as God knows our thoughts. And, because communication is two way, prayer can include both speaking to God and listening to God speak. Sometimes prayer moves the hand of God, but it often changes the hearts of men and women as in prayer we capture something of God’s heart and are brought into agreement with and trust in him. While, there are times when we pray to God the Son (as Stephen did in Acts) or to the Holy Spirit, generally speaking prayer is Trinitarian. This means that Christian prayer is to Father, through the Son, by the presence and power of the indwelling Spirit. Furthermore, Jesus prayers are a glimpse into the loving communion found in the Trinity. And, our prayers as Christians are our participation in the life of the Trinity.
How should we pray?
Pray in faith
· Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
· Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Pray succinctly
· Matthew 6:6-7 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
· Mark 12:40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
Pray in God’s will
· John 16:23-24 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Pray humbly
· Luke 18:8-14 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Pray fervently
· Luke 18:1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
What should we pray for?
Pray to forgive those who sin against you
· Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Pray for your needs
· Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Pray against temptation
· Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
When did Jesus pray?
Jesus prayed daily
· The Jews prayed the Shema of Deut. 6:4-5 daily and Jesus as a devout Jew would have done the same which explains why he could quote if freely from memory in Mark 12:29-30
Jesus prayed over meals
· Matthew 14:19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
· Mark 14:23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.
· Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Jesus prayed early
· Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Where did Jesus pray?
Jesus prayed publically
· Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened,
· John 11:41-42 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”
Jesus prayed privately
· Mark 6:46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
· Luke 9:18 “… he was praying alone…”
· Luke 5:15-16 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Jesus prayed in a small group
· Luke 9:28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. Who did Jesus pray for?
Jesus prayed for his enemies
· Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
· Luke 23:34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Jesus prayed for his friends
· Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus prayed for children
· Matthew 19:13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
How did Jesus pray?
Jesus prayed Scripture
· Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means [Psalm 22:1], “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus prayed corporately
· Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day…
· Mark 11:17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
Jesus prayed long prayers
· Luke 6:12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
Jesus prayed short prayers
· Mark 6:41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people.
Jesus prayed painful prayers
· John 12:27-28 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
Jesus prayed with his dying breath
· Luke 23:46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
Jesus prayed thankful prayers
· Matthew 11:25-26 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
7. What is baptism and what does it represent? What’s its purpose? Will it change me? It seems baptized people disappear from church. Why?
a. It’s a direct command from Jesus Himself: Matt. 28:18-20
b. The act of baptism is a visible expression of our connection with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus through repentance and faith (Rom. 6:1-10).
c. Water baptism is for those Christians who have already received Spirit baptism, making them a part of the church. Christians are immersed in water, which identifies them with the death and burial of Jesus in their place for their sins. Coming up out of the water identifies them with the resurrection of Jesus for their salvation and new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. In summary, baptism identifies a Christian with Jesus, the universal church, and the local church.
When we speak of baptism, we much remember that we are talking about more than entering into a club. As a sacrament, it’s a symbol of something far bigger. It is a visible declaration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit expresses the believer’s death to sin, burial of the old life, and resurrection to a new kingdom life in Christ Jesus.
Jesus and the apostles commanded that all Chrsitians be baptized as an initial act of discipleship (Matt. 28:19; Acts. 2:38). In the book of Acts and in the early church, baptism is administered upon conversion (Acts 2:38-41; 8:12, 36-38; 9:18; 10:47; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5).
Practically speaking, we think it is best that believers be baptized immediately upon credible profession of faith in Jesus, as with Philip and the Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39).
Why do they leave?
It is true that some have left after baptism. There are many reasons this could be. It could partially be due to our systems of assimilation being broken, but I highly doubt that. When structuring a church, you can either structure for growth or control. We’ve chosen to structure for growth and allow the Spirit of God to deal with hearts on a personal basis. Meaning, it is nearly impossible to know someone’s heart. If they profess Christ, and we don’t see any external denial of His Lordship, we will confirm one saved, and baptize him. But only time will tell.
Matthew 13:24-30 (wheat and weeds)
Visible vs. Invisible church
| VISIBLE | INVISIBLE | |
| Membership: saved and lost | Membership: saved only | |
| Only currently living people | Both dead and living in Christ | |
| Many local churches | Only one universal church | |
| Differing denominations | No single denomination | |
| Part of the body of Christ | The entire body of Christ | |
| Differing types of government | Christ is the only head | |
| Ministering of ordinances (or sacraments) | Ordinances fulfilled |
In local churches there are invariably people who love Jesus out of regenerated hearts (Christians) and people who do not (non-Christians). Therefore, while members of the invisible church do participate in the visible church, the Reformers rightly stressed that not everyone who is a member of the visible church is a member of the invisible church and that many are wrongly assured that they are saved because they are in the church, even though they are not in Christ.
8. How do you overcome the thought you aren’t good enough to belong to a church and be a leader?
1 Cor. 12:12-27; 1 Tim. 3:1-12
9. Is it okay for a Christian to get a divorce and then remarry? The bible seems to clearly say, “No.”
Can I remarry after divorcing an adulterer?
This is the most disputed issue on the topic of divorce and remarriage. On the face of it, Jesus and the apostle Paul made no allowance for remarriage.
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:31– 32)
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9)
He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11–12)
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. (1 Corinthians 7:10–11)
These statements by Jesus and Paul set the parameters for remarriage.
1. Jesus restricts the grounds for divorce to moicheia (adultery) or porneia (a broader net of sexual misconduct). Jesus speaks to the husband directly. If the husband is divorcing his wife, he is to give her a certificate of divorce, so she can remarry, rather than punish her by keeping her in a state of unsupported marriage. Jesus, in Luke 16:18, states that though an adulterous woman is given a certificate of divorce making it possible for her to remarry, the man who marries her commits adultery. The consequence of sexual sin is grave and not resolvable for the offending spouse, outside the mercy, forgiveness, and grace of the other spouse. Hardness of heart will demand punishment. Mercy and grace will work toward authentic repentance and restoration.
2. The innocent party of a divorce due to adultery may remarry. Remarriage after one has been betrayed by an adulterous spouse does not constitute adultery. The person marrying a previously married spouse who was the victim of an adulterous person also does not constitute adultery. This is implied but not specifically proscribed in Matthew 19:9. Scripture is clear: marriage is a covenant relationship that should not be broken even under extreme circumstances of betrayal such as adultery. It should be restored through repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Paul instructed members of the Corinthian church who separated from their spouses to remain unmarried, so reconciliation could occur. Reconciliation is the priority (1 Corinthians 7:10).
3. A believer who remarries after a non-Christian spouse divorces the believing spouse constitutes a legitimate marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15). If divorce occurs before a person has surrendered his or her life to Christ, and an appropriate effort to restore the marriage has been undertaken without favorable results, remarriage is appropriate, so long as the believer marries a Christian.
If the offending spouse remarries, is there any obligation for me to remain single?
This is a matter of conscience as no further option is available to restore the marriage. Remarriage to a former husband or wife who since the divorce has been married to another person is clearly forbidden (Deuteronomy 24:3–4). In this case the innocent party would be free to remarry, provided that resentments and relational issues are resolved so they are not carried forward into the new marriage.
Are there other justifications for remarriage?
Jesus made it clear that marrying an adulterer or adulteress constitutes adultery.
This means the one who is guilty of breaking faith and violating the covenant of marriage is committing himself or herself to a life of singleness. It is implicit that the innocent party may remarry, but the offender may not (Mark 10:10–12; Luke 16:18).
Can I remarry if I divorced my spouse just because we were incompatible?
No. Work toward reconciliation, which means discovering what made you incompatible, and change. There are few legitimate reasons for divorce. Incompatibility is not one of them (1 Corinthians 7:10).
What if I divorced my spouse because of domestic violence, child abuse, or abandonment— can I remarry?
The Bible gives no direct instruction in these cases. However, the Bible is clear in this regard: a husband is responsible to love his wife, which means caring for her and protecting her from any harm. He is also responsible for the care and protection of his children. He must assure that no form of harm or exploitation comes to them (Ephesians 5:21–31).
The elders would expect every effort and sufficient time be allowed for the abusing spouse to repent. If no repentance was demonstrated, and reconciliation was improbable, remarriage would be permitted. Some have used biblical teaching on wives submitting to their husband to force battered women to stay in their marriages. This is not our position. Physical harm to spouses or children is absolutely not acceptable.
What if I was divorced while a non-Christian?
Though marriage is a blessing given to all humanity and is to be honored as a binding covenant even when entered into before being in Christ, it is understood that the non-Christian is ignorant of God’s decrees and expectations. Therefore, a non- Christian cannot be bound by the same expectations governing a Christian. The atonement Jesus achieved by His blood is sufficient to pay the penalty of previous sin. Therefore, that person would be eligible to remarry a Christian, but only after every effort is made to restore the previous marriage through a reconciliation process.
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