Focusing on the Mark Ministries: Discipleship

Discipleship.

The Lord did not tell us to go get everyone saved, but to disciple the nations (Matt. 28:18-20). We believe that it is commanded for us to disciple and not merely get people saved and abandon them. Therefore, we place great importance upon mentorship, teaching, and Scriptural study.

 

A Thought on Modern Colleges

College is A Business

 

 

     Colleges are businesses today. They want you to come to their school largely because they have bills to pay. Your tuition funds a lot of what they do. Yes, some schools pride themselves on strict requirements, but, I ask you, why do so many colleges try to market themselves? Simply put, college is a business. They are trying to sell you on their product: the education that they offer.

       In light of this understanding, getting accepted does not mean as much. Yes, perhaps a big name school like Harvard or Yale may mean something simply because of what our culture equates them with. However, there is much more than meets the eye. But even schools like Harvard and Yale are not that glamorous—because the product they are selling is largely liberal and unbiblical.

The Lineage of Christ Part 4

10 And Ezekias begat Manasses;

Manasseh was likely the most wicked king of all of Israel’s kings. He became king at 12 and spread abomination and idolatry throughout all of Israel. At the end of his life, Manasseh realizes his wrong and that the Lord is God; however, nothing changes in Israel.

and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

  Then we see Josiah who became king at 8 and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord throughout his life. He was the last godly king.

 11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

     We then see Mary. She was the husband of Joseph and the mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Mary was known as a virtuous young woman and it is important to note that the Lord chose her, a virtuous woman, as the vessel to carry his son.

 

 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

       In short, Christ’s lineage is one of redemption. Sexual sin is in the family history, yet so is repentance and wholehearted seeking of the Lord.

Matt 1:1-17 (KJV)

The Lineage of Christ Part 3

 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram;

     Solomon, however, sadly turns his heart away from the Lord because of his many wives. Ecclesiastes is his sad account of his futile pursuits in life. Although Solomon was the one of the richest and the wisest king in all of history, God told him that because of his transgression, the Kingdom of Israel would be split. That occurred with Solomon’s foolish son Rehoboam who trusted in his young buddies counsel as opposed to the counsel of his father’s wise advisors.

      Down the line we get to Asa, who served God for a season but at the end of his life “sought Physicians and not the Lord.” His son, Jehoshaphat, went on to serve the Lord although he compromised the kingdom in wedding his son to wicked King Ahab’s daughter.

 

and Joram begat Ozias;

    Uzziah (Ozias) served the Lord like his grandfather (Jehoshaphat) and even became king at 16! However, in his old age, he offered incense that was against the law for him to do since he was not a priest and he received leprosy from the Lord as punishment.

 

9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

    Hezekiah (Ezekias) was a man who served God throughout his life. We only have one record of his pride which was that he foolishly showed Babylonian ambassadors the vast wealth of the Temple and thus whetted their appetite for conquest and war with Israel. But we again see redemption as Hezekiah repents and the Lord promises that he will spare Israel during Hezekiah’s lifetime.

The Lineage of Christ Part 2

3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar;

     There are few women mentioned in genealogies so it is very significant which ones are included in the lineage of Jesus. The first we see is Tamar. She was the Judah’s daughter in law whom he slept with (not knowing she was but thinking she was a prostitute, either way it shed’s doubt on his integrity) and she bare a son by him who then went on to get married and have his own son. Judah, however, made things right once he discovered his wrong and never came into Tamar again.

 

and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab;

         The next woman we see is Rehab. Now get this, the prostitute Rehab marries into Israel! And she becomes the mother of Boaz!

 

and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king;

      Boaz then marries the Ruth, a Moabite! Ruth is a Canaanite, whom God forbid the Israelites to marry; however, Ruth converts herself to Judaism as she devotes herself to Naomi. Ruth then bares the privilege of becoming the mother of Obed, who begat Jesse—the father of King David!

 

and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7 

       Then we see David. Even King David, the man who God himself said was a man after His own heart, committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. It is interesting to me that Bathsheba’s name, at least in the English language identifies how David saw her (taking a bath). But even though David committed a grievous sin, in Psalm 51 we have the record of David’s repentance. And we see God’s forgiveness yet again in that Bathsheba goes on to have a son named Solomon who is also named Jedidiah (2 Samuel 12:25, “Beloved of the Lord”—Hitchcock’s) by Nathan the Prophet.

The Lineage of Christ Part 1

Matthew was written primarily to a Jewish audience. Therefore, Matthew has the most references to the Old Testament in all of the Gospels. He also goes deep into how Jesus fulfilled prophecy and presents Jesus as the Messiah the Jews were looking for. Matthew was Jesus Disciple who was a tax collector (dishonest IRS agent of the day) prior to following Christ. As you read, note the heart that our Lord Jesus Christ had for the Jewish nation.

Matthew              

Chapter 1

The Lineage of Christ

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

    Jesus is the son of David, thus He has royal lineage. And He is mentioned as the son of Abraham signifying His Jewish descent. Aside from Christ’s divine conception, it is significant to study the 2 lineages recorded in the Gospels (in Matthew and Luke; it is believed the lineage in Matthew is Joseph’s and in Luke is Mary’s).

 

2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

    The characters mentioned here represent quite a bit of history. Abraham is the Father of Faith and Isaac’s life represents God’s hand in bringing a man and woman together in marriage (Genesis 24). Jacob was known as a deceptive individual who beguiled his father and cleverly took the wealth of his father-in-law, Laban. However, Jacob’s name was changed by God to Israel which means “one who prevails with God” (Hitchcock’s). And then Judas (Judah) is mentioned. Judah was a blessed son of Jacob, and God calls Judah’s descendents, the Tribe of Judah, a Lion. But we also see an error in the life of Judah. He was one who early on in life, slept with his daughter-in-law thinking that she was a prostitute. But Judah’s life pictures redemption from his wrong as repented (turned direction); and he is honored by God in the Scriptures.

Introduction to the Commands, Teachings, and Life of Jesus Christ

The Reason Why we Study and Teach

Christ’s Commands and Teachings

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Matt 28:16-20 (KJV)

 

    As we begin this study of the Commands and Teachings of Jesus, we need to bear in mind that Jesus said, not only to Go (evangelism) but to stay long enough to teach (disciple) those who come to Christ through our witness of the Gospel. This took as little as a year or less with Paul at times in his missionary journeys. However, we must also remember that obedience to the Lord’s commands is evidence of our love or lack of love for Him. Jesus said,

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 (KJV)

 

Is is Right to Obey to the Last Letter, It is Wrong to Neglect Love and Justice

The Following comes from FMM's Advice for Young Ministers Website at: https://sites.google.com/site/adviceforyoungministers/articles/gaurd-your-heart-against-what-jesus-taught-about-pariseeism

Gaurd your Heart against what Jesus taught about Pariseeism

LESSON 1 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Luke 11:41-42 (KJV) It is Right to Obey to the Last Letter, It is Wrong to Neglect Love and Justice        The Pharisees’ error was not that they obeyed to the letter in tithing their smallest garden herbs. No, there error was that they neglected God’s judgment and love. They were hypocrites who loved themselves and created rules and followed teachers who said what their own itching ears wanted to hear. They followed the traditions of rabbis (of men) rather than God. In short, they justified their disobedience by creating a “way” that justified their actions, decisions, and lifestyle. They claimed holiness, but were far from holy.       Little is said anymore about holiness and obeying even the least of the commands of the Word of God, yet Jesus said: Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:19 (KJV)       But right after Jesus says that, the next verse in fact, he addresses the issue of phariseeism:  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:20 (KJV)         Earlier on Jesus said:  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matt 5:17-18 (KJV)       Jesus is not saying to not obey the Word of God because he brought us grace through His death. No, Jesus is saying be faithful to the very last detail, but don’t neglect justice and the love of God. Keep your heart from phariseeism. Be attentive to the Lord and discerning by the Holy Spirit of God which raised Christ from the dead and lives within Christ’s disciples to see the love of God in people. Don’t discount the passionate heart of the new Christian who loves Christ and yet does not yet know His commands. Love the person and take time to teach them what Jesus taught (that = discipleship, Matt 28:19-20). Yet, also do not neglect justice. Paul taught very clearly that disorderly believers (2 Thess 3:6, 1 Cor 5) should be put out from the church if they did not repent after following Christ’s three time teaching (Matthew 18:15-35). Now, we are to forgive all men as Christ did; however, we are to hate the deeds of evil and to act justly as far as depends on us (Ex 18:21-23). Love God and do justice as well as being faithfully obedient in the littlest details.   LIVE UP TO WHAT THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD THAT YOU HAVE ATTAINED Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Phil 3:15-16 (KJV)

Titus 2:6-8--How to mentor young men

Titus 2:6-8--How to mentor young men

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Titus 2:6-8 (KJV)

    What the Scripture says is not appealing to most ears’ today and is completely in opposition to the plan of just being shallow and avoiding offending someone with the truth. Scripture’s pattern is to teach the truth in love, yet nonetheless speak the truth boldly and live it.

TRYING TO GET THE WORD IN EDGEWISE

TRYING TO GET THE WORD IN EDGEWISE

By Vincent M. Newfield

 

     Life seems to be so busy. There are so many things to do and not enough time to do them. Most of us are moving at breakneck speed Monday through Friday—juggling our job, relationships, bill paying, housekeeping, grocery shopping, car maintenance and everything else. In the midst of this vortex of activity, it seems we can’t get THE WORD in edgewise.

     In other words, it’s hard for us to find time to feed our spirits the life-changing truth of Scripture. In an effort to combat this widespread dilemma, here are some proven practices that may be just what you need to get THE WORD in edgewise.

     Turn Your Car into a University on Wheels. For many of us, our commute to and from work each day takes up a large chunk of time. We can catch up on the news, listen to some tunes or take advantage of the time by feeding our spirits. One Bible “food group” we can choose from is the Scripture on CD. This is an excellent way to saturate our soul and renew our mind with truth. Another option is to listen to audio teaching from an anointed Bible teacher, such as Joyce Meyer, John Bevere, Chuck Swindoll, or Charles Stanley. It is estimated that listening to a recording five times enables us to retain up to 80 percent of what has been said. Imagine the difference this could make in your life.

“God’s Word is…Supernatural in origin… Eternal in duration… Inexpressible in valor… Infinite in scope… Regenerative in power… In fallible in authority… Universal in application…  Inspired in totality. Read it through; write it down pray it in; work it out; pass it on. The Word of God changes a man until he becomes an Epistle of God.” –Smith Wigglesworth

“Pocket-Size Mine, Please.” Another wonderful way to get the Word in is by carrying a small, pocket-size Bible that fits either in your purse or your pocket. You can get just a New Testament or the entire Bible for about $10 to $20. This is a tremendous investment that will allow you to make the most of every moment you have. How many times do we find ourselves having to sit and wait five, ten or fifteen miniutes with nothing to do? I’m not saying we have to have our nose in the Bible every free moment of the day, but having a pocket-size Bible gives us another option to get THE WORD in. It also prepares us for opportunities to share our faith when God opens the door.

    Have Notebook, Will Travel. You could also carry a small notebook or a “sticky” notepad with you wherever you go—especially at church during your time of study. We need to write down the verses that come alive and stand out to us. If you’re at church, in your car or in conversation with a friend and you hear a scripture that hits you right between the eyes, write it down. If you can’t write down the whole verse, write down the “address”—the book, chapter and verse where it’s found. Later on, write the entire scripture down in a notebook or type it out on the computer so that you can meditate on and memorize it. I suggest developing a notebook or binder (or data base you can print out) that has your “power passages” written out and grouped by topic. This can be a tremendous resource for you and others in time of need.

  Make It a “Family Affair.” Want some cool ways to hide the Word in your kids’ hearts? There are numerous DVDs and CDs for children that take God’s Word and put it into song. Kids latcho n to catchy tunes and before you know it, they are singing the Scripture. Another fun way to learn the Word is to write out a scripture on a dry erase board and prop it up in full view during dinner time. Let each child take a turn reading it out loud (even little ones who can’t read yet can learn the scripture by repeating it sentence by sentence). Don’t rush through. Spend a week or two on the same verse, erasing words along the way. You’ll be amazed at what you all remember!

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. –Hebrews 4:12 NLT

   Be Creative! There are so many different ways to get the Word into our hearts. These are just a few examples. God is the Great Creator, and His creative nature lives in YOU! Take time to ask Him how these or other ideas will help you get THE WORD in your spirit. You will be glad you did!

EXAMINE YOUR COURSE

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURELF

 

1.      On a regular basis, what is the best time and place for you to connect with God in fellowship?

 

2.      What specific ways help you get God’s Word deep within your heart, making it a permanent of you?

 

3.      Has your time with God become dry and boring? If so, pray and ask God to show you why and what you can do to see it change.

 

Vincent M. Newfield is a skilled writer, author and second-generation minister. The selection that has been featured today is from his book Real Life Answers. He is also is the owner of Newfields Creative Services which offers

·         Ghostwriting

• Editing
• Proofreading
• Manuscript Review
• Writing Workshops for aspiring authors

 Specializing In

• Christian Living
• Personal Growth
• Health and Nutrition
• Autobiographies
• Biblical Studies