GOSPEL FOUNDATIONS

Adults

Students

Gospel Foundations is a brand new Bible study resource that tells the story of God’s plan to redeem sinners through Jesus—the gospel. From the creators of The Gospel Project, this six-volume resource is comprehensive in scope yet concise enough to be completed in just one year. Each seven-session volume is video-enhanced to help your group engage in discussion with a clear understanding of how each text fits into the storyline of Scripture.

It is a perfect resource for discipleship groups or small groups that are flexible in their meeting sequence.  There is a version for adults and one for students.  

Here are some of its features

• One-year, video-enhanced overview of the gospel storyline of Scripture
• Separate age-appropriate editions for adults and students
• Six volumes of study that clearly separate the thematic elements of the gospel story
• Seven small-group sessions per volume with accompanying videos that enable participants to engage with the story of Scripture
• Individual study opportunities for ongoing spiritual growth
• Promotional content and video
• Leader tools to help facilitate the group experience

Here are the themes of each volume:

• Volume 1: THE GOD WHO CREATES (Genesis) Explore what happened “in the beginning” as God laid the foundation of the earth and then established a path for the redemption of His people through His covenant with Abraham.
• Volume 2: A WANDERING PEOPLE (Exodus - Judges) See how God rescued His people and revealed to them their need for a greater redemption still—the redemption of their hearts from sin.
• Volume 3: LONGING FOR A KING (1 Samuel - 1 Kings)Learn how God was faithful to provide Kings who would lead His people faithfully, but they could not overthrow their greatest oppressor—the sinfulness of their hearts.
• Volume 4: THE COMING RESCUE (Hosea - Malachi)Witness how God pursued His people with a promise—the rescue from their captivity to sin and the coming of the Redeemer.
• Volume 5: GOD WITH US (The Gospels)See how God’s plan of redemption culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Rescuer, God Himself.
• Volume 6: THE KINGDOM ON EARTH (Acts-Revelation)Realize that God’s plan of redemption culminates not in an ending, but a new beginning, - a new creation where God will live forever with His People.

For more information and to order, go to: https://www.gospelproject.com/gospel-foundations/

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Resources to help develop your church’s stewardship generosity - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/generosity

Become a Welcoming Church by using Dr. Rainer’s newest books - http://thomrainer.com/welcomingchurch/

Check out the new smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Ministry Grid - https://buff.ly/2IoJuER

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Go Georgia, August 17 & 18, Mabel White Baptist Church/Macon - https://gabaptist.org/event/gogeorgia/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/balanced-discipleship

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: James by Matt Chandler – https://buff.ly/2yiJmGs

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and to Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Job by Lisa Harper – https://buff.ly/2yrLknE

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  What Matters Most by Karen Ehman - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/what-matters-most-leader-kit-P005802633

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  Making Space by Jeff Vanderstelt -  https://buff.ly/2MCJjrR

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Act Like Men by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2sUeHwr

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference, Nashville, TN, October -

https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Levels of Biblical Learning from birth to preteens - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/levels-of-biblical-learning?intcmp=SRDR-biblical-levels-of-learning

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY:  Foundations for Kids – a 260 Day Bible Reading Plan for Kids - https://buff.ly/2toFI8j

The Silence of God

Karen and I with Jacob on Easter 2009

I rarely use this forum to share glimpses from my personal life. I try to 'keep it professional.' Many of you may not know that my wife, Karen, and I lost our son, Jacob, nine years ago this June 14. If you are interested in how that tragedy has changed us you are invited to view our blog, Embracing Grief, at http://embracinggrief.blogspot.com/.  But let me warn you, sometimes we get pretty transparent, raw, and messy with our journey.

In light of this upcoming anniversary, I wanted to share one of my entries and insights.

I readily admit that I am not an intellectual giant (and I’m sure I can find plenty of people who would be quick to step forward and testify on my behalf on this).  I have tried to read C.S. Lewis on several occasions and after a paragraph or two, I would have to pause and say to myself, “wait, what did he just say?” and felt the need to break it down one word at a time.  And with that much mental overexertion, I would quickly lay aside the book.

However, since I have experienced the death of my son, Jacob, there have been times when I have had an insatiable need to read in order to find some sense in the pain experienced in the loss of a loved one and to find answers to questions such as:

Why did God allow this to happen?

Where was God in all of this?

Why were my prayers unanswered, as well as the prayers of many others on his behalf?

How can this be part of God’s plan?

Does prayer really accomplish anything?

I have read many good books that have   Being a minister actually made things worse because I had spent my career teaching and telling people to ‘have faith’; that ‘God is in control’; to ‘just pray about it’; and on and on my words of ‘comfort and counsel’ had gone.  But now, I was the one that was feeling empty and those ‘comforting words’ were only hands full of thorns that had caused additional pain.

helped me cope with these questions but doubts still remained.

That is until I read C.S Lewis’ “A Grief Observed” … and came across this quote:

 But go to Him when your need is desperate, when all other help is vain, and what do you find? A door slammed in your face and a sound of bolting and double bolting on the inside. After that, silence. You may as well turn away. The longer you wait, the more emphatic the silence will become. There are no lights in the windows. It might be an empty house. Was it ever inhabited? It seemed so once. And that seeming was as strong as this. What can this mean? Why is He so present a commander in our time of prosperity and so very absent a help in time of trouble?

Wow, he described that same deafening silence I was hearing from God!

As I continued reading on this subject I began to find other people who are well known and well thought of in spiritual circles who described their times of ‘spiritual darkness’ or ‘spiritual dryness’.  And as a result, I quit persecuting myself and came to realize that this is only a part (though a very painful part) of the spiritual maturation process.

I have found myself on a part of the spiritual path I was never aware of before the death of Jacob and one I was not prepared to journey … no, not one iota.

For a period of time I felt I had been abandoned.  Lewis’ description of the doorway was all too real to me.  But now I’m realizing, in the midst of the silence, a very different type of closeness to God - one that is difficult to describe.

In recent years, my mantra has become “expect nothing and you won’t be disappointed”.  As cynical and skeptical as that sounds it has really helped me to cope with a lot of things. And in a really strange way, it has simplified and deepened my faith and relationship with God.

Let me explain before you say (if you haven’t already been saying it), “Poor, poor, Richard.  He has really slipped down the steps and gone off the deep end.”

In expecting nothing, it has caused a shift of focus from the gifts desired and now onto gratitude for the giver.  Before, prayer and my entire relationship with God hinged on what I hoped to receive out of it. I always came with great expectations.  And those expectations would sometimes end with disappointment.

Now I come with no expectations. I only strive to be aware of His presence.  I have slowly come to appreciate the small things that come my way now.  I have lowered my expectations of great things and big answers.  Now whatever good comes my way, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, I try to celebrate on the gift given and, to a greater extent, the giver giving it.

I now find joy and express thanksgiving in things like:

- a car starting (and stopping)

- the wag of a dog’s tail

- the quietness of early morning

- a night sky full of stars

- the sound of rain

- sunrises and sunsets

- the wonder of hummingbirds

- the comfort experienced in the company of friends

- another day with loved ones

- a comfortable home on a cold, rainy night

- knowledge that my children are well for the moment (and that Jacob is well forever)

- the loving presence of my wife

- acknowledging the worth of a person with a smile and cheerful word

- hearing from a childhood friend through Facebook

- walks in the woods

- watching squirrels quibble over a piece of birdseed

- the babbling of our backyard brook

And yes, even in a death of a loved one. Though, I must say, this one brings no joy and, often, very little verbal thanksgiving.  It does result in a quiet sense of His comforting presence.

I could go on listing things and, I hope, you could too.

All of these ‘insignificant’ encounters assure me that God is present.  He has not forsaken me.  This list of things is evidence of his love and concern for me.  Though I may repel from His love at times, though I may even question His love at times … these items are often used to remind me that He is there and always will be.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Resources to help develop your church’s stewardship generosity - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/generosity

Become a Welcoming Church by using Dr. Rainer’s newest books - http://thomrainer.com/welcomingchurch/

Check out the new smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

Check out the new Ministry Grid - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/ministry-grid

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Go Georgia, August 17 & 18, Mabel White Baptist Church/Macon - https://gabaptist.org/event/gogeorgia/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gospel Foundations, a one year journey through the Bible - https://www.gospelproject.com/gospel-foundations/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and to Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  Finding I Am by Lysa Terheurst - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/finding-i-am-leader-kit-P005784579

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: What Matters Most by Karen Ehman - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/what-matters-most-leader-kit-P005802633

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Act Like Men by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2sUeHwr

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Gospel Foundations; a one year chronological study of the Bible - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/gospel-foundations-volume-1-bible-study-book-P005803632

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference - https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Levels of Biblical Learning from birth to preteens - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/levels-of-biblical-learning?intcmp=SRDR-biblical-levels-of-learning

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

My First Sunday at Your Church

By Jennifer Smith-Morris

Today I visited your church.  I found out about your church and the service times on your website, and got myself and my three children ready on time.

We’re new in town, and this is the fourth church we’ve visited.  We stepped inside, hopeful.  Perhaps here I’ll find help teaching the Word to our children.  Perhaps here we’ll grow spiritually.  Or maybe we’ll receive the same welcome we got at the other churches.

“Good morning!  And isn’t it a fantastic day!”  says the greeter, handing us programs.

“Yes.  I’m so glad it’s cooling off.”

“Are you visiting?” he asks.

“Yes.  We just moved here.”

“Isn’t that grand!”  He says, stepping back and looking over our shoulders.  “Mr. Charlie!  And how are you today?”

Evidently everyone has taken the same greeter class.  At the ‘welcome center’ someone offers a limp hand and say, “I’m so glad you came,” with a bland smile, handing me some material and quickly moving on, job finished.  I am itching to ask about the women’s Bible study, choir practice, and Sunday school.  But then they’re gone, chatting with a good friend nearby.

After wandering around the church, trying to find a door to the sanctuary that doesn’t open into the choir loft, we’re late.  The sanctuary is nearly full, but there’s one empty row – at the very front.  So we walk past hundreds of eyes, “new people” on parade.

As we settle the kids, a lady on the end whispers to someone behind her, “I just don’t know where John and Steve are going to sit now.”  I chose the deacon’s row.  I cringe and turn, searching for another pew to move my family to, but the place is packed and the music is starting.

After the service, I buckle my children into the car, pile the take-home papers and Bible on the dash, and I start to cry.

This is a true story.  I have been an active church member, serving in a number of capacities before we had to move to a new state.  I have visited four churches over the last three months, and I am frustrated and disheartened enough to quit church altogether.  Why has it been so difficult to find a new church home?

 After our experience, I’ve come up with four things pastors, Sunday School teachers, and folks in the pews can do to help visitors feel at home.

1. Develop a greeting ministry with the visitor, not the greeter, in mind.  This goes beyond shaking hands and handing out programs.  This extends to escorting me to my children’s classes, answering questions about the different ministries of the church, and seeing to any obvious needs I may have.

2.  Choose hospitality over visitation.  I’d rather have someone from the church invite me to their house, so I can get to know them a little better and so I don’t feel I am and my house (which wasn’t unpacked yet) is on inspection.

3.   Recognize Sunday School as an initial contact point.  Often a visitor’s first experience with a new church is dropping a child off at Sunday School.  Greeting new students and their parents warmly, with interest, is encouraging.  Adult Sunday School teachers also serve as important first contacts.  We attended one Sunday School class for a few weeks.  In those weeks, only one couple learned our names.  The rest smiled that little smile that told us, “I’m so glad you came, but I’m not really interested in you.”

4.  Become visitors for a day.  Those who have belonged to the same church for several years may not remember what being a visitor is like.  A simple exercise can resensitize you; visit a church where no one knows you.  Go outside your community, outside your denomination.  Go without knowing what to wear or what ministries are available.  Pay attention to how you’re received.

ADDENDUM:  

Dr. Thom Rainer has authored two books that deal with this important issue.  One book, titled Becoming a Welcoming Church, is intended to be studied by the church.  There are teaching plans and sermon outlines available that allow this to be a church wide emphasis.  The other book, We Want You Here, is designed to be a gift to be given to church guests.  Use the link below for more details.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Become a Welcoming Church by using Dr. Rainer’s newest books - http://thomrainer.com/welcomingchurch/

Check out the new smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

Check out the new Ministry Grid - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/ministry-grid

FOR CHURCH CULTURE: The Gospel at the Center webcast, May 21 - http://live.gospelproject.com/

FOR WORSHIP MINISTRY: WorshipLife Conference 2018 in Gatlinburg, TN, June 25-29 - https://buff.ly/2GUGMXL

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Go Georgia, August 17 & 18, Mabel White Baptist Church/Macon - https://gabaptist.org/event/gogeorgia/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gospel Foundations, a one year journey through the Bible - https://www.gospelproject.com/gospel-foundations/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and to Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINI STRY:  God of Creation by Jen Wilkin - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/god-of-creation

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  No Other Gods by Kelly Minter - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/living-room-series/no-other-gods?emid=BSI-NOG-01302018&ecid=167601647&bid=1331683113

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer - https://buff.ly/2EmRkwK

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Act Like Men by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2sUeHwr

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-teen-bible-study-leader-kit-P005802017

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference - https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Christ-Centered Parenting by Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/christ-centered-parenting-leader-kit-P005790852

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

Lessons From a Sheep Dog

I can count on one hand the books, outside of the Bible, that have dramatically changed my view of my relationship with God. That is probably an indictment on my lack of reading as much as anything but, nonetheless, these books have helped shaped my practical theology. Here they are:

1.                  Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby

2.                  The Mind of Christ by T.W. Hunt

3.                  Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey

4.                  Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey

I would go on to say that anything by Philip Yancey would be near the top of my list. I love his transparency in writing. But just as impactful on my life is a book written by another Philip.

The fifth book that has helped shaped me is written by Phillip Keller who was a prolific devotional writer back in the 1970’s and 80’s. The one book of his that I refer to is Lessons from a Sheepdog.

For years I understood Jesus being the Good Shepherd and we being his sheep. I assumed I was to enjoy grazing and enjoying life while keeping one ear attuned to the calls of the shepherd. But through this book, I came to realize that I am much more to God than a person that spent his day frolicking in his pasture without a care in the world unless I decided to wander off for ‘greener pastures’ and ended up in some thicket. Whenever that would happen, I would quickly call for help and await a quick rescue. Such was the life of a Christian, I thought.

But through Keller’s book I came to discover that I am called to be an under-shepherd for God; a co-worker in his pasture in caring for his sheep. And just like the beautiful symbiotic relationship between a sheepdog and his master shepherd, it should be my desire to serve Him and my acts of devotion for him.  It is this relationship between a creature that has had its spirit freed to be all he had been created to be and thus blesses the spirit of the other - our Creator, Master and, now, our Friend.

Here are seven lessons we can learn from dogs:

Lesson #1 - We were created for a purpose

There are different species of dogs that have been bred to carry out specific duties - retrievers, trackers, terriers, sheep dogs, etc. All of them are bred to assist their master in carrying out important tasks.

Likewise we have been created by God for a purpose.  Ephesians 2:10 says,

 

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do

Many of us have used some type of discovery tool that takes into account the many facets God has designed into us. Whether you used SHAPE or SERVE or some other acrostic, we can see how God are created for a purpose through:

Spiritual gifts  Heart passions  Abilities & skills  Personality type  Experiences in life

or

Spiritual gifts  Enthusiastic sources Relational style  Vocational Skills  Experiences in life

All of these things have been mixed into the core our being in order to serve God in a special way. Just like a terrier is designed to dive into holes in the ground or how a Labrador is best equipped to retrieve ducks in the water, each of us have been created in a unique way to serve God.

Lesson #2 - We experience the abundant life when we serve God

I feel we can experience our greatest pleasure in life when we carry out our master’s wishes in His kingdom’s work. Then we will enjoy the blessings of His words of love and approval as we carry these tasks out in His name.

Sadly, there are many people who don’t experience this abundant life because, like a talented dog that is not trained, we are only out to please ourselves and often become unhappy or burdensome to others around us. We have all seen beautiful specimens of dogs that are a nuisance to be around because they have had no training. The purpose for which they were bred to do is not being utilized and they won’t experience that fulfillment until they receive the proper training.

We have watched dog agility contests and can see a dog’s delight in his craft as carries out his commands successfully. That is the delight we can experience and the joy we can bring to God when we are willing to carry out His commands.

Lesson #3 - We receive our instructions from God’s Word and through the Spirit in prayer

Work dogs are taught to respond to hand signals, whistles, and verbal commands in order to carry out their important tasks. We, as Christians, must remain attuned to God’s voice and his instructions that He gives through the Bible and what we receive from the Spirit through times of prayer and meditation. If we ignore those times of instructions, we will miss out on those times of delight in service and worship to our Master.

Lesson #4 – God desires an intimate relationship with us

The relationship between a working dog is a multi-faceted one.  It is part owner/servant; part equal working partner; and part close friend.  After all, we say that ‘dogs are a man’s best friend.’

In our relationship with God we have elements of a master/slave relationship. Paul often addressed himself as a servant of Jesus in his letters.  But Jesus, in his relationship with his disciples, added a new dimension to his relationship with them when he said to his disciples,

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:14-17)

Jesus now considers us “friend” and a partner in serving God since we know what He wants us to do.

Lesson #5 - Times of silence can test our resolve

One of the hardest commands a dog has difficulty in obeying is the ‘stay’ command. He is told to stay put to watch the herd or in a place of safety while his master goes out of sight, sometimes for an extended amount of time.

Those times when we don’t hear our Master’s voice or see His hand at work, we get very antsy in carrying out the “stay” command. There are times in our life when we don’t understand what’s going on, why nothing’s happening, or why we don’t see God at work and hear his voice. We want to be doing something; we want to be in the spotlight, we want to be where ‘it’s happening’. 

But we need to remember that to God, a “stay” command that is obeyed is as important as a “go” command that is given. The important thing is the obedience of the command. There will be times when we won’t understand why things are happening or not happening and we are tempted to ‘break faith’ with God.  It is important that we stay faithful to the task he gives, regardless of the seemingly insignificance it may seem to us. If we can stay faithful, then we will hear his voice say,

'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'  - Matthew 25:21

Lesson #6 - God always initiates reconciliation after times of disobedience

Whenever a working dog ‘breaks faith’ and doesn’t carry out a command, it results in some type of discipline being enforced.

A dog knows when he has done wrong because he will bow his head and slink to the floor. He senses he has disappointed his master and is expecting some discipline and a sense of withdrawal from his master.

Often the severest form of discipline is the discipline of silence and distance. There are times in our lives when our sin separates us from God. Like Adam and Eve in the garden we try to hide in our sense of shame. And God must separate himself from us because of His holiness.

However, there is always the time when God sees our remorse and hears our confession of sin and He always initiates the reconciliation process.

It is so endearing when after a period of discipline when a dog will slowly approach his master and lay nearby waiting for that sign that the discipline is concluded.  When the master demonstrates forgiveness is given by the call of his voice and the soft stroking of his hand, the dog can no longer restrain his love and demonstrates the room clearing wag of his the tail.

It is a sweet moment of reconciliation and renewed love when the master offers his forgiveness.

Lesson #7 - God will meet every need of ours for now and for eternity

Every master of a dog has some expectations for his dog. But, in kind, every dog depends on the expectation that his master will meet his every need - he feeds him, houses him, exercises him, trains him for service, meets every medical need that arises, shows affection toward him, and has committed to continue to care for him throughout his life.

 God has done the same for us:

·                     He has promised to never leave or forsake us

·                     He has promised to meet our physical needs

·                     He has promised to help us overcome temptations

·                     He has promised to guide us and protect us

·                     He has promised to love us eternally

·                     And, through Jesus, he has promised an eternal home in his presence.

  

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Become a Welcoming Church by using Dr. Rainer’s newest books - http://thomrainer.com/welcomingchurch/

Check out the new smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

Check out the new Ministry Grid - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/ministry-grid

FOR WORSHIP MINISTRY: WorshipLife Conference 2018 in Gatlinburg, TN, June 25-29 - https://buff.ly/2GUGMXL

FOR CHURCH SECURITY MINISTRY: FREE Church Security training - https://buff.ly/2piO6EV

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Seven Myths About Small Groups - https://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2018/01/29/seven-myths-about-small-groups/?ecid=PDM95662&bid=1380214038

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-leader-kit-p005801715

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and To Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  God of Creation by Jen Wilkin - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/god-of-creation

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  No Other Gods by Kelly Minter - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/living-room-series/no-other-gods?emid=BSI-NOG-01302018&ecid=167601647&bid=1331683113

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer - https://buff.ly/2EmRkwK

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Act Like Men by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2sUeHwr

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-teen-bible-study-leader-kit-P005802017

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference - https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS Jump Start Kit - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/vbs-2018-jump-start-kit-P005793042

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Christ-Centered Parenting by Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/christ-centered-parenting-leader-kit-P005790852

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001