We've Come to An Intersection
Some intersections provide multiple options. Others bring you to a stop and force you to make a choice. You have to choose. You have to decide which route you will take. An apostolic epoch, like the Reformation and other significant seismic moments in church history, force a choice. This is not change inside the current paradigm. It requires one to step outside that paradigm.
Pastors have a difficult choice to make. They can retain the model of laity as passive, as non-involved, as inferior in terms of authority and training, as supporters of the pastor and his staff as they do critical ministry. Or they can choose to empower laity as partners, as mutual, and as equippers for mission. Partnership does not mean mutuality of all things. Office distinctions and roles must be observed, but stiff hierarchical and class structures are not the pattern observed in the New Testament. The current model is safer for pastors who retain control, and less demanding of laity who are fine with someone else shouldering the load – but it is not working.
The current model of catch-and-hold, must give way to a catch-and-equip-and-release model. We need a model that empowers believers and releases them for ministry. Missional ministry happens in the context of daily life, in the home, the neighborhood, the marketplace, the web of relationships. It happens with people we most often see and those who we regard as most important to us. An ‘as-you-see-and-touch-them’ ministry model must emerge, not contrived, but natural, an overflow of the inner life. And if that inner life is dry, due to the lack of prayer and a deficient devotional life typical in the modern Christian, there will be no overflow, no natural ‘good news’ moments by members to their friends and family.
This mandates a shift from Sunday religion.
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Global Day of Prayer
Pentecost Sunday
A day of repentance.
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More on Abba
In the last few blogs, I have been arguing that the faultiness of the 'abba' narrative in prayer and worship has put us on a slippery slope that fails to reckon with God as 'utterly other.' But what does the Bible say? In the New Testament, there are three occurrences of the Arabic abba along with the Greek, o pater, meaning 'the father' (Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). The juxtaposition of the two languages, the Arabic followed by the Greek translation, indicates that what is offered is a literal translation of the two terms offered as equivalents, both meaning - "father." Abba is not a diminutive of father in "baby-talk" form. If that were intended, there are Greek diminutives of the term father, but they were not used.[1] There are also distinct terms for 'daddy' in Aramaic - papi, baba, abbi, as opposed to abba. The Greek term in the New Testament for father is always pater and never a diminutive - such as papas, pappas, or pappias, any of which could have been used, but were not in the minds of the Biblical writers, under the inspiration of the Spirit, considered suitable.
Today, the assertions of Jeremias have been completely discounted by scholars, but the idea persists in popular usage. 'Abba' is clearly cognate with the Hebrew word 'ab (pronounced 'ahv), meaning 'Father.' Specifically, it would appear with the definite article, ha'ab - the Father. The ending -a' on the Aramaic makes it a determined or definite noun. So a translation would be 'the Father' or 'my Father' of simply 'Father.' First century folks would not have confused the term with 'daddy.' Nor should we.
The use of the term 'daddy God' has served to promote the idea of an approachable God, one with whom we can find warmth and intimacy, and though such concepts are, on balance, appropriate, they rise here from the wrong premise and they have failed to be appropriately balanced with a call to retain an awe for God. Overall, sadly, we now are too familiar with God. We have lost awe and reverence. We no longer fear Him - and that is a dangerous position.
[1] See - Mary Rose D'Angelo. Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 111, No. 4 (Winter, 1992), pp. 615-616.
A day of repentance.
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Great Day of Prayer
September 18-25
All People's Prayer Assembly
New Zealand
October 14-20
In my last blog, I suggested that, first, intimacy and our sense of God's immanence must not eclipse transcendence. Second, it must not forget holiness. Third, it must not degenerate into lightness.
Fourth, the subjective cannot displace the objective. Overwhelmed with the fruit of grace, we cannot forget the work of grace. Our new life is tied to His death.
August 22-23, 2013
The Church at Liberty Square, Cartersville, GA
The focus of the conference is to serve churches in the Praying Church movement and is open to churches, pastors, prayer leaders and intercessors of all movements.
REdiscover Conference
Dr. David Henderson
20 Different Workshops and Plenary Sessions
Click for more information and to register>
Our national moral and spiritual crisis prompts an emphasis on the theme - Prayer for the Nation.
In addition, Family Research Council is calling all churches to pray for America the Sunday before July 4th - Call 2 Fall - which is Sunday, June 30. Some churches are choosing to move their 'Great Day of Prayer' celebration to this date for that reason.
Download Great Day of Prayer Resources>
Learn more about Call 2 Fall>
Alive Ministries: Project Pray | P.O. Box 1245 | Kannapolis | NC | 28323
See you at the Pole
Middle East Prayer Assembly
Great Day of Prayer
and
October 14-20
EXPOSED 2013
Shining light on global corruption.
October 18-19
National Day of Prayer
Live Broadcast
United Nations Prayer Initiative
Project Pray YouTube Channel
The path to decadence and backsliding is rooted in the loss of reverence; and the gate to revival is a restoration of the fear of God.
Peter reminds us that as we call upon the Father, we should remember that he judges without partiality. He urges us to live in fear or reverence before such a God (I Peter 1:16-18). The psalmist declared, "My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments" (Psalm 119:120).
Jeremiah, knowing that Judah will soon disappear as a nation, due to their sins, asked them the question of God, "'Do you not fear Me?' says the LORD. 'Will you not tremble at My presence ..." The root of the sin that drove the abominations, the rebellion, and their lack of repentance was the absence of the fear of God. Jeremiah presents God as the Creator and manager of nature who "... placed the sand as the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass ... though its waves toss to and fro, Yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it'" (Jeremiah 5:22). The one who controls the force and fury of nature will soon loose wrath on Judah - but they do not tremble at such a prospect.
Tuesday, Oct 8
Praying Church Movement Call
Thursday, Oct 10
Pursuing God for Spiritual Awakening and Global Harvest
October 1-4
October 18-19
October 27
or SundayEvent?
Call 1-855-842-5483
704-996-5092
REGIONAL CONFERENCES BEING PLANNED - 2014
Two regional conferences are now being projected - Randolph County, Asheboro, NC - February; and Monroe, MI - May. There is discussion about doing conferences in Texas and Florida, but the locations and dates are yet to be determined.
WORKSHOP RECORDINGS
www.alivepublications.org.
You city might be interested in such a endeavor. Check it out atwww.pc2ln.org.
Back to Sandy Creek
Sadly, revival fires were doused. Church membership plummeted from hundreds to a paltry fourteen. We live in an era again, when we find ourselves in conflict with government. May God give us the grace to not surrender so quickly. The Revolution would have never occurred and a free government would not have emerged without 'the black coat regiment' - fiery preachers who led the way in forging a government like none other in the world; a government of free people, ruled by conscience that was informed by Scripture.
Pray that God will again visit the nation with a revival, raise up bold preachers!
Each state - almost all the states - have a representative that rallies prayer for the governor of that state, regardless of the political party. Doug will share with the group via a Skype Connection due to heavy travel schedule. If you are interested in whether or not your state has a Governor's Prayer Team leader or being involved in this vital ministry check out their website>
OAKLAND, MARYLAND
Doug and Barbara will be a part of a rare Family Impact Conference on October 6-7. If you are near Oakland, join them for this time of sharing. Pastor Ivan Ackerman is hosting the conference. Topics include: Affair Proofing Your Marriage; The Marriage Life Cycle; Forgiveness -- It's Liberating Power; and Five Divorce Myths.
MINGO COUNTY
Churches across Mingo County, WV will come together for a series of spiritual renewal services on October 18-20. Last spring, hundreds gathered for a School of Prayer and a Prayer Rally. The area will be the home to the new coal-to-liquids processing plant, the first ever; and in time, a new interstate will run through the rugged area. 'Things are happening in Mingo County." Mitch Bias and other area pastors are hosting the event. For information call Alive Ministries; or the Regional Church of God 304-475-3468.
PORT SALERNO CHURCH OF GOD
On October 26, a School of Prayer will be hosted in Stewart, FL. Join us for this all day experience. Call Alive Ministries for more information; or contact the Pastor Glenford and Mrs. Hutchinson at the church, 772-287-9140.
Pray, Michigan, Pray!
National Day of Prayer
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June 8
Pentecost Sunday
Global Day of Prayer
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World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk
What you can do>
July 28
Prayer Ministry Celebration
Special Guest:
John Ashcroft
Former US Attorney General
Learn more>
We shared on WGGS Christian television in Greenville, SC with host Kathy Sandlin and co-guest Peggy Scarborough, who is the Church of God State Prayer Coordinator and part of the SC Governor's Prayer Team. And Doug also appeared on the national broadcast on the WLXI network, out of Greensboro, NC.
It was a joy to be with Pastor Newsome at Crosspoint Church of God in WV and to speak at the SW VA Prayer Conference hosted by Pastor Stephen Sneed.
Join Doug Small in Prayer Coaching from the comfort of your own living room or office. Coaching is coordinated through online technology where you can choose to join the call through video and/or audio.
The next session of calls will begin in May and last for six weeks. The focus of the calls is on the cultivation and expansion of the personal prayer life.
Pastors and prayer leaders from a half-dozen states and several denominations have now completed the coaching calls. Steve Molten, Texas State Prayer Leader for the Church of God has extended the coaching calls to prayer gatherings. Recently, retired pastors and spouses on the Texas campground gathered for prayer. "It was a wonderful time of fellowship and our time of prayer was blessed with God's Holy Spirit presence. I wish you could have heard them as they testified and prayed."
Download this flyer for more information>
Email laura@projectpray.org to sign-up for the next session of coaching calls.
Join Doug Small in Prayer Coaching from the comfort of your own living room or office. Coaching is coordinated through online technology where you can choose to join the call through video and/or audio.
The next session of calls will begin the week of May 6th and last for six weeks. The focus of the calls is on the cultivation and expansion of the personal prayer life.
Pastors and prayer leaders from a half-dozen states and several denominations have now completed the coaching calls. Steve Molten, Texas State Prayer Leader for the Church of God has extended the coaching calls to prayer gatherings. Recently, retired pastors and spouses on the Texas campground gathered for prayer. "It was a wonderful time of fellowship and our time of prayer was blessed with God's Holy Spirit presence. I wish you could have heard them as they testified and prayed."
In New Jersey and Michigan, the Church of God Administrative Bishops, Steve Smith and Dwight Spivey, and the State Councils led the way in the Prayer Coaching calls. Those who have gone through the experience have commented about 'new ideas,' 'new ways of viewing prayer,' 'a whole new perspective on scriptures,' 'a more satisfying prayer life.'
Small says, "Our effort has been three steps forward, and at times, four backwards - but we keep persisting. And slowly, the tide of prayer awareness is growing in the denomination, and the nation. The number of congregations that are offering prayer meetings is on the rise. The number who are using prayer study materials has increased."
Small says, "Our biggest obstacle is a narrow view of prayer. We tend to see it as acquisition. We see prayer leaders as intercessors. But the heart of prayer is neither petition or intercession - it is a love relationship with God. Communion. Entertaining God. It is about His Presence. The breadth of our prayer reach in intercession is determined by the depth of this relational aspect. Until pastors, prayer leaders, and people fall in love with the Lord again, and delight in daily times with God, for the sheer pleasure of His Presence, our prayer ministry efforts are doomed to fail."
Download this flyer for more information>
Email laura@projectpray.org to sign-up for the next session of coaching calls.
National Governors Prayer Team Night Watch More information>
June 8
30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World Find out more>
July 6
Great Day of Prayer Resources>
July 28
Church of God
Pre-Assembly
There has been a recent trend to eliminate kneelers in liturgical churches. Some see the act of kneeling as demeaning. In many Pentecostal churches, the practice of kneeling in prayer has also virtually disappeared, as has the practice of tarrying at an altar, the congregation gathered before God on their knees.
"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God" (Psalm 95:6).
Kneeling is an act of submission and worship, referencing the devotion of a servant and yet offered by the believer freely, not only as an acknowledgement of the dominance of God's power and might, but also of the preeminence of His holiness and majesty. It is a clear indication of our humility and a declaration of God's supremacy.
Americans take pride in bowing to nothing or before no one. Ego-centricity and virtual self-worship have given rise to a level of self-assertion and rights advocacy which now threaten the stability of the whole society. All humans are equal and are to be valued, that is a biblical tenet. But such level social ground is impossible unless the kindness and deference expected by the one is also given to all others.
Continue reading>National Governors Prayer Team Night Watch More information>
30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World Find out more>
July 6
Great Day of Prayer Resources>
July 28
Church of God
Pre-Assembly
Every seven years, Israel was to celebrate a Sabbath. In that year, the land was to rest, to lay fallow. And something else, quite extraordinary, and under-emphasized, was to take place - The Seventh Year National Education Campaign. According to Deuteronomy 31:10-13, Israel was instructed to gather during this Sabbath year, in a national assembly, a special gathering, to again read and hear the Word, the commandments and the covenant. Israel, as far as we know, never once celebrated a Sabbath year or held such an assembly. Increasingly, they even resisted the celebration of the Sabbath day.
The purpose of this Sabbath year was to break the routine of life and give themselves to a season of revisiting the words of the covenant, "...that they may learn to fear the Lord." If they became too detached from Scripture, they would lose their respect for God, and when they ceased to see God as unique and exceptional, they would drift toward idolatry. Sadly, they never tried God's way, and they became like the nations around them.
Continue reading>
January 5-6
Encounter 2015
United Prayer
Read NEWSWIRE
11/14/14
Repent doesn't mean to "be sorry" or ashamed or regretful that we got caught. It does involve sorry. It should entail profound and behavior altering regret. Repentance means "a change of thought/action, to correct a wrong and achieve reconciliation." It assumes the violation of some value, standard, the breaking of some law, and the desire to minimize the consequences - and not just for self.
Repentance acknowledges that something - something God regards as offensive - has created distance in the relationship with him, and the only way to heal the separation is to acknowledge the wrong.
In Hebrew, repentance is represented by two verbs: שוב shuv (to return) and נחם nicham (to feel sorrow). A reorientation is in view, one with pathos, emotion and feeling. And that is an indication of something living - alive inside of me!
January 5-6
Encounter 2015
United Prayer
Read NEWSWIRE
11/21/14
The Scripture, Old and New Testament, call the people of God, to reflect the holiness of the God they serve, "Be holy, for I am holy!"(Lev. 20:7; I Pet. 1:16)
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
1 Peter 2:12 - Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Our speech is to be gracious (Col. 4:6). We are to "turn the other cheek" (Mt. 5:39). We are to forgive, seventy-times-seven (Mt.18:22). We are to have mercy (Lk. 10:38). And on-and-on the list could go.
Most Christians, genuine Christians, have a list of what they consider major sins - the "No, no's" for them - murder, theft, blatant lying, adultery, flirting with paganism or idolatry, wrath. And yet, sadly, even these things are now growing in the church! What we do clearly struggle with and fail to see as sin, in fact, we dismiss these things as sin calling them character flaws or genetic traits that run our families. Such things, however, are sin.-
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