GROWTH STAGES OF THE DISCIPLE #4

(The Personal Evangelist)

For our past three articles, we have been discussing the growth process of the believer.  We have done so by illustrating what might appear to be the opposite of growth. That is, we are talking about losing weight, or reducing.  We are using the analogy of one who will be running in an important race and is preparing to lose a lot of extra pounds. For our purpose this weight loss is the equivalent of spiritual growth. In this process we are using a series of five circles decreasing in size. At the last writing our new disciple finds himself blossoming in the third ring. 

Going all the way back to the first writing, you may remember that the first circle means one has taken the leap of faith to receive Christ as his personal savior and has accepted the challenge to pray and read the Word.  Having taken that leap, he has started the growth process.  In that first circle, he loses a lot of weight, and follows through in the reduction process by ridding himself of sin.  

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily ensnare us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”  Heb. 12:1b

The new believer continues to reduce by moving into the second circle, where he becomes the bridge builder evangelist.  In that sphere, he begins to understand what evangelism is all about by building relationships.  Because he has been praying and reading the Word, he continues to follow the example of the blind man of John Chapter nine.

By living out the example of the man who was blind from birth, he now sees many people following Christ.  He discovers that witnessing and sharing his life story are getting easier.

He may have already taken, or is about to take the step of faith in baptism. He may be beginning to understand the importance of tithing and giving back to the Lord.  He may be committed to practicing faithful attendance in Worship services.  As important as all of these things may be, that is not what brings about salvation.  At this point some will begin to feel that this whole spiritual walk is about a life of being good and following a set of rules.  Another reaction is that sometimes at this point in the process, some become tired, or discouraged and they turn back on their commitment.

But we are going to assume that one has kept on running, and is reaping spiritual blessings by keeping in the race.

With the understanding of bridge-building skills, he may be seeing his friends and loved ones being introduced to Christ.  That good feeling of seeing souls won begins to work on him.  He becomes burdened for the lost and wants to share his faith in a greater way.

He continues praying, reading and studying the word and has been putting a cadre of verses into his mental bank.  These verses begin to come alive.  He places in his arsenal a group of verses that have become known as the Roman Road, because each verse is taken from the book of Romans.  He remembered these were the same ones he used when he took that leap of faith to begin this pilgrimage.  So once again he studies through those same scriptures and all of a sudden a light comes on.  He realizes how easy it is to put this plan into action.  He knows by memory, Romans 3:23; 6:23 and 10:9-13.  He finds opportunity to share these verses any time he can with friends and acquaintances, and before long, he no longer needs to be a bridge builder.   He is now capable of doing the work of an evangelist for himself.  He no longer needs anyone to help him build that bridge, because he has been successful in leading someone to Christ on His own. 

This makes him ready to move into the third circle; that of the Personal Evangelist. This is a circle of about 34 to 38 inches in circumference, perhaps the size of belt the well-trained runner might wear. 

He now appears to be growing and advancing very quickly, and feels confident in his growth.  But often it is about this time that some begin to falter and sometimes there is no explanation.  Suffice it to say that because he is doing everything he can to grow and prosper spiritually, he has caused pain and misery to his adversary, the great deceiver.

Satan is not a happy camper when he sees spiritual growth.  He will do all in his power to hinder ones progress.  He works overtime at trying to stir up doubt and confusion, sickness, deaths, divorces, lawsuits; and on and on it goes.

He sticks his ugly face right in the middle of everything one tries to do to help advance the kingdom.  This is real spiritual warfare, and it is where the rubber meets the road in ones spiritual life and growth.  Because the believer is now living in victory, Satan is so angry that he can’t sit still. He pulls out all the plugs to keep one from following in the Master’s steps.   To be continued. 

Dock Caton 12/28/12

GROWTH STAGES OF THE DISCIPLE # 3

(The Bridge Builder Evangelist )

Having made the leap of faith into that big circle of salvation, and using your gifts of praying and reading the word you are beginning to grow in the faith.  There are so many aspects of Christian growth, that one is probably not going to be able to take them all in immediately.  You may be hearing people say things like, “you must be baptized” or “you have to take communion”.  Perhaps you will hear someone say you must start tithing.  These things will come in time as you grow in the faith, but each believer will grow at a different rate of speed, and much of it will depend on what type of Church culture he has been around.  One must be careful not to be misled in thinking the Christian walk is a bunch of legalistic do’s and don’ts.  Some may be baptized and start tithing immediately at the salvation experience.  This does not mean they have arrived at spiritual maturity.  Some may feel pressure to dive right into various doctrines they have heard about from friends or family, especially if they have come from a legalistic background.   There are ordinances and doctrines the new believer will grow into, but since sanctification is a process it takes time, and that can be difficult for some new Christians to understand.  Sometimes the new believer because of emotionalism and excitement from the joy he feels at the new birth experience thinks those feelings will be there forever.  He is sure what he has found will protect him from all the evil forces of life that may fall in his path. What he has received at the new birth truly is enough to carry him through life and any potential setbacks.   But how this all fits together will probably not be understood in the beginning stages of his Christian walk.  The new believer has been equipped with the Holy Spirit, and every thing he needs to carry him through life, but this does not mean he is going to understand all this at the inception of new birth.

Sanctification is a process that continues until God in His timing calls us home.   Some church cultures teach there are separate actions one must go through to receive the Holy Spirit.  But when we make that leap of faith into the salvation experience, we receive the Holy Spirit, and are equipped with everything necessary to give us a peaceful victorious life in this world, and the gift of eternal life in the world to come. 

Since you are now praying and reading the Word, one of the passages you will want to study in depth is John Chapter 9.  Familiarize yourself with this chapter, and begin to think on the disciplines that you believe Christ would have you follow.  By now you are familiar with making commitments that only come, as you are found faithful in daily reading and praying.  You may want to start thinking about following the Lord in baptism or other ordinances.  But one thing that will stand out as you focus on John 9 is what happened to the blind man.  A clear understanding of this passage will help you begin to understand what sharing your faith is all about.  Let us look to this story and see what happens.

Just as you are obedient in praying and reading the Word, the blind man too, was obedient. One day as Jesus was walking along the road he saw a man who was blind from birth.  He simply spit on the ground and made some mud with the saliva and put it on the man’s eyes.  He told him to go to the pool of Siloam and wash his eyes.  The blind man did not put up any kind of defense.  He just did what he was told.  He was obedient.  He washed his eyes and came seeing. This is equivalent of what happens to us when our spiritual blindness is healed and we can see.  But there is more to the story.  What followed caused an uproar as the Jews and Pharisees and the neighbors in the community began to question this man.  Some asked,  “is this really the man who was born blind that we led to the gate every day?”  Some said. “No, this is not the same man.  It can’t be, even though it looks like him, this is not the man.”  Others called him a phony or a fake.  The Pharisees are becoming a little agitated and they go to the parents of the blind man.   His parents could see the stir that was caused and they may even have been a little fearful.  “Is this really the man that was born blind?” they asked.  “Is this really your son?”  Of course the answer was yes, but they did not answer when asked how it all took place.  They were fearful that they to may be thrown out, or maybe they even feared for their lives.  So their final response was, look, “we don’t know what happened we can’t tell you how he was healed, or who healed him.”  “We can only tell you that this is our son, and that he was born blind, and that now he sees.” “He is of age, go and ask him yourself.” 

So the Jews sought the man a second time and began to question him.  Maybe he too is now a little fearful because he is being greatly pressured.  The Jews told him they thought this man named Jesus was a sinner, because he had supposedly healed on the Sabbath.  The blind man stopped them hoping to cut off the subject, and replied in this fashion.  “I have told you already.”  “I am the man who was born blind and laid down by the gate.” “I don’t know if the man called Jesus is a sinner or not.” “But I do know this.” “I am the man.”  “I once was blind, and this man named Jesus walked by.  He told me what I could do to be able to see.  I believed him, I followed his directions and now I see.”  Again they asked how he was healed, and he became vexed with annoyance and possibly growing angry said.  “I have told you already and you would not listen.”  At this, the Jews threw him out of the city.

Later that day, Jesus came by to talk with him.  He explained the whole story to Jesus and now he tells Jesus that he truly believes in Him.  He can see.  And now being able to see he is able to point others to Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Let us create a scenario in which this newly healed man can point others to Jesus.  It goes like this.  The man who was born blind, now being able to see, is walking among friends and new acquaintances near the entrance of the city. He is telling his story of how he was born blind.  

They look at him in interest, yet in doubt, and cannot understand what happened.  But he leads them through the same story.  At the end, his new followers and those listening begin to question and badger him about how all that has happened.  He stops them and looks them in the eye and says look, I am not a physician, I cannot explain this to you.  I do not know how it all happened.  But I do want to tell you.  I was born blind, and now I see.  And now that I can see, I want you to look out there on the side of the mountain.  Do you see that man up there teaching all those around him?  His name is Jesus.  He healed me and gave me sight.  I don’t know how he did it, but if you will go with me, I will take you to this man and introduce him to you.  He then can tell you what happened if you really want to know.  He is the healer of blinded sight, and the healer of broken hearts.  He can give you what you need to be healed spiritually.  At that point, the blind man became what we call a bridge builder evangelist.  He is the bridge from the lost or blind man, to the healer of men. 

This same thing can happen to you.  And you too, can be able to lead others to Jesus simply by telling them what happened to you.  By giving your story, or your testimony, you can be a bridge builder evangelist.  You may not know how to lead someone to Christ, but you can certainly take him or her to the Pastor, the elder, the teacher or evangelist in the Church who can give them sound guidance in becoming a new believer.  You can lead someone to Christ by being that bridge builder. 

By praying and reading the word you have opened your eyes.  You have been healed by new birth.  You are so happy that you have new life in you that your desire is for the whole world to have what you have.  So you begin talking to your friends and neighbors.  You tell them what happened in your life, and they start asking you questions.  They will then ask you, “Is that really you John Doe?” “Yes”, you will say, it’s really me.  And they will want to know what has happened to you.  What is it that has changed you?  When and how did it all happen?  And your response may be.  I don’t know, I can’t explain it all, I only know that once I was blind, and now I see.  I was on a dark road all alone and without hope.  And this friend came by and told me a story about a blind man.  It didn’t take long for me to discover that I was that blind man.  I was born blind, but now I see.

Since you can clearly see now, you too are able to go look for that person who led you to Christ, and bring them back to help someone else.  Although you may not know exactly what took place in your life and probably are not able to explain all the theological implications, you know a change has been made. And now, as a BRIDGE BUILDER EVANGELIST, you can lead someone to Christ.  You can lead them to the pastor, an elder, evangelist, soul-winner or leader in the Church.  This bridge building effort too will heal them of their blindness.   At that point, you have just stepped into the next circle.  Using the analogy of reducing, this circle is about the size of a hula-hoop, one that you could pick up and place easily over your body.  Praying, reading the word, and witnessing by sharing your life story are getting easier for you.  But spiritual growth continues as you follow in his footsteps.    To be continued. 

Dock Caton 12/08/12

11/02/12

 

Norma and I returned Monday night from Managua after an impactful and productive series of medical day clinics in Guadalupe and Pochocuape.  Following are a few highlights that Norma jotted down after our return.

PICI usually has their annual October clinic in India, but earlier this year an organization dispensed some experimental drugs in poverty-stricken areas (without permission). Sadly, there were deaths and illnesses with the drugs. As a result, the Indian government and police started cracking down on outside groups. PICI director Nick Beezhold knew Ginger Creek has been partnering in Nicaragua so he asked Dock and me if Maria and Jorge might be interested in accepting the medical team and using these clinics as an outreach ministry to be offered by their churches to their communities, along with the plan that they follow-up with the patients to hopefully draw them into the church body. Both pastors were excited to accept the offer and up for the challenge of working their communities. 

Dock and I traveled ahead of the rest of the team to prep for the clinics, purchase medications and meet with pastors in a planning session. Other than some general guidelines that PICI has about their procedure for diagnosing and dispensing meds, Maria's people and Jorge's people handled all of the local prep, set-up, registration, paper-trail, lunches for the medical team and crowd control, not to mention the initiative to bathe everything in prayer. Imagine what a massive undertaking.. with a possible 2,000 people in Pochocuape and 14,000 in La Chureca, Guadalupe and neighboring barrios. They each canvassed their neighborhoods ahead of time to invite the community. There was much prayer before, during and now after the clinics. Pastor Maria now has names and addresses of 400 patients that came to the the Nueva Jerusalen church. Pastor Jorge has 200. Wednesday evening after 8 hours of clinic, 50+ pastors and church leaders stayed on to hear visiting Mexican PICI Director Jorge Huacuz give a 2-hour workshop on biblical worldview and how to mobilize the church to reach outside themselves and into their communities. The two pastors have already begun follow-up work. Maria reported that the four New Jerusalem churches chose to dismiss their Sunday services following the clinics and workshop to go family-to-family in the community. One of the four pastors, Pastor David, traveled 47 kilometers to help with the canvassing. As a result, 20 people came to faith Sunday morning, October 28. They did this on their own initiative. We are blown away at what our Nica brothers and sisters can accomplish when working together in community. Our director said it was one of the best organized clinics they've done and that he "was pleased to see how much time, effort, and work the local pastors and volunteers from their churches put into these clinics, and that is a good sign of things to come.."  Just a quick Maria story...Dock and I had searched all week for the best prices on medications. We even had three World Relief guys helping search pharmacies and labs all over Managua. Who found us the best prices? You guessed! Maria took us to a pharmacy close to her where they gave the best prices of all. The name was Farmacia Espiritu Santo....The Holy Spirit Pharmacy. :)

We were blessed to see the interchange between the two churches too. On the days the clinics operated in Nueva Jerusalen, three church leaders from Pochocuape came to help. On the Pochocuape clinic days, three pastors from Nueva Jerusalen came to pray all day over the clinic and to pray with patients who were waiting their turn to be seen. Pastor Jorge thanked the Lord for bringing the team to the community and possibly avoiding an epidemic of coughs, flu and virus starting because of the change of weather..rainy to dry.

All in all, it was an exciting privilege to be part of a God-event like this. He brought it together at the last hour, as he also tossed this 8-person team together and we just seemed to "click." We could not have done that ourselves..God's hand was all over it. God's is good...all the time!

Norma and Dock Caton

Partners in Christ, International - PICI

GROWTH STAGES OF THE DISCIPLE #2

(Reducing in the Spirit)

At the last writing, we explained how an individual comes to faith in Jesus Christ.  Just as a kernel of corn, must die before it can spring into life, and begin to produce fruit, so must every man die out completely to sin before he can be brought to new life and produce fruit. 

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24

He must be brought to new life through the power of the Holy Spirit in order to begin a growth process, which we call “sanctification.” It must be clearly understood that at new birth, one receives the Holy Spirit, which is available to guide him to a vibrant, fruitful and victorious life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.  But still, he has choices to make, and one of those choices will be the desire to grow in grace. 

We want to use a diagram of circles to help understand this growth process.   In some cases, a Christian at new birth may begin to move rapidly in his journey, moving swiftly through the circles   He may be given an extra special measure of grace, and experience growth quickly. But others may not grow as fast and have to spend more time at the first or second circle than his fellow sojourner. Still others may think they have hit a home run, and then discover they missed first or second base.  That may be the equivalent of falling into sin or perhaps not clearly understanding the steps as they pass through them. If you find yourself not really understanding the plan of salvation, you may want to slow down.  If you have fallen into sin, or feel insecure in your decision, it may be worth your while to read carefully Luke chapter 8 verses 5-15 about the parable of the sower and the types of soil in which the seed falls.   At this level one needs strong leadership.  He may want to look for a mentor, coach, or spiritual advisor to help him along the way.  

So let’s take a look at these circles.  The circle reference used in this study is only a tool to help us try to determine where we are in our spiritual walk.  Ideally everyone who takes a look at the circles will be able to determine where he is at any given time in the journey.  Hopefully he will then be motivated to move on to a different circle or level.

So once an individual has made that leap of faith, and has received Christ as his Savior, he moves into the first big circle.  We are calling these “growth circles” or “growth rings.”  We also call this process, “reducing in the Spirit”.  Reduction begins by moving into the first large circle, then each step taken thereafter, moves us  into a smaller circle by reducing.  Just as one has to keep the physical body in shape by exercise, likewise, the spiritual body has to exercise faith in order to reduce and stay healthy spiritually.  This reducing process is letting go of all the heavy objects and sins that have weighted us down spiritually, so that we can be healthy and grow in the faith. 

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.

To understand this sanctification process, or spiritual growth, close your eyes and visualize with me a huge circle or ring standing at your right side.  This circle is only a couple of inches taller than you but it will be easy for you to step right into it.  That circle represents your new birth.  It represents your first gift, the gift of salvation

As we look at the first circle, we find that apart from the Holy Spirit, there are two other gifts we receive when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These two gifts are the ability to PRAY and the ability to READ THE WORD.  Just as we are born in the natural world and have received some sort of talent, likewise we receive gifts or talents when we are born the second time.  For example, at natural birth, some people are naturally gifted to pick up a guitar and play it easily, or sit down at a piano and play with little or no study.  Some are natural singers, artists, athletes etc. and on we could go.  But assuming that you are not handicapped physically, there are at least two things you can do once you have achieved spiritual birth.  You can pray and read the word.  But our Lord teaches us that if we are faithful in using these two gifts, He will give us more.  We will grow in the faith.  So we begin putting into practice, a new life of reading and prayer.  If we are faithful in just those two areas, not only will we grow, but we will grow much faster than we ever believed possible.  What does the word say about these two gifts? 

Be joyful always, pray continually.  Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  I Thess. 5:18.

Notice, we are to pray continually, and we are given the grace to do so. 

If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2^nd Chron. 7:14. 

We have already prayed the prayer of forgiveness for salvation, and now He exhorts us to pray for deliverance from our sinful ways. 

In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  Romans 8:26

We say prayer is a gift because the gift of the Holy Spirit intercedes when we do not even know how to pray.  When we are new in the faith, a new believer, the Holy Spirit not only teaches us to pray but also teaches us how to pray.  The Lords prayer or the model prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 teaches us how to pray.  Christ through the Holy Spirit will take over and intercede for us once we have a contrite heart, even if we do not know how to say what we think are the right words. 

Along with our prayers comes the reading of the word. 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:105

Not only are we expected to begin a lifetime of prayer, likewise we are expected to begin a life of reading the Word. 

For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.  It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

Praying and reading the word on a daily basis will start a flame from the spark that has already been set off in your life.  You will desire to grow.  But if your heart, thoughts, and attitudes are in sync, as well as your motives, you will grow spiritually in spite of yourself.  You will stand amazed at the speed in which you will grow, just by praying and reading the word.  This then will prepare you to move into the next circle, which we will see in the following chapter.                    Dock Caton   11/01/12