Shepherding God's way

12. True shepherding of the flock: vision, visitation, discipleship, counseling, correction, etc. When these things are not practiced, a body will suffer and struggle. This is to be modeled by those specifically gifted (shepherds/elders), but practiced by all the body.

[1 Pet 5:1-3; Eph 4:11-12; 2 Tim 2:2; Titus 2; John 21:15-17; Jam 1:22-25; Ezek 34:2-6]

Considering the last post, I felt it was timely to tie these together. A very short description of what  we need to see modeled by those elders and deacons. Men that are faithful in these roles will be noticed, because they will be impacting lives everywhere they go. Men that love people, invest in their lives for eternity. These attributes are part of the qualities that we look for in elders, and serve to show us the way we should walk, according to God's ways. I hear from many brothers in Christ that their church is lacking in these areas, and we need to understand the serious consequences that come when we disregard the roles and responsibilities we are given as men especially. 

Priesthood of all believers, no clergy

11. (a) No official positions that draw lines between 'professional' ministry and everyone else – just the exercise of different gifts within the body. (b) Some gifts require much time to exercise, so I believe the Word gives license for supporting such laborers, although not in the sense of an expected or negotiated salary. (c) A local church is led and shepherded by elders, not a single professional trained religious figure.

[(a) 3 John 1:9-10; Mat 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:25-26; 2 Cor 1:24; (b) 1 Tim 5:17-18; Gal 6:6; 1 Cor 9:1-19 (c) 1 Pet 5:1-3; Acts 14:23, 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5-11; Jam 5:14]

I know this is a controversial topic, and encourage dissenters to read the passages noted here. Please reply with scriptural evidence if we have made error here. We want God's Word to speak louder than tradition.

Understand that we are not denying the idea of spiritual gifts, but rather the common modern practice of putting certain men and women on a pedestal. We are all equal in worth to God, and leaders are to lead by example, not by "lording it over" the "lay people" . This distinction between clergy and laity has often ended in giving glory to men, rather than Jesus Christ, the true Head of the church. 

We don't see the term "undershepherd" in the Bible. Rather, we find elders that lead by example, serving and protecting from doctrinal errors and such. You will also find deacons, men of godly character, that desire to serve people and take care of the day to day needs of the church. Any other positions, job titles, and such have been added to Biblical standard, yet are often regarded as holy writ. 

The Bible holds no standards for ordination in the New Testament, the church age, except those denoted for elders and deacons. Even then, these are not ordination qualifications, but given that believers will recognize and respect those among them that lead exemplary lives so that they can counsel, teach, and disciple others in these godly character traits. See Stephen's example of what a deacon should look like. 

Some have argued that the hierarchical system is one of the last leftovers from the Catholic system, others assume a desire for power among "professional clergy". We will make no such arguments, but rather desire to seek out the true Biblical pattern that was used in the early church. We want simply pure doctrine from God's Word, nothing added, nothing taken away. 

Teaching and study of God's Word

Scriptures considered: Heb 5:12-14; 1 Cor 14:24-26, 29-32

10. All the men involved in teaching and contributing to the study of the Word, and every member of the body a student of the Word.

This point was addressing the need for every Christian to be not just a casual browser or familiar with God's Word, but that we ought to let the Bible be our guide in all things. This point will be addressed further later.

Looking at the Scriptures mentioned above, you will see that only men are called to teach in the body of Christ corporately. We also see that each man that is married is to be head of his home, teaching and loving his family, as he has the responsibility before God for his household. Not all men may be gifted as teachers in the body of Christ, but each must take up the job with the Lord's help, to guide his family into God's truth. 

In many churches, the corporate teaching has been given to a single man. This is not the way we see in God's Word. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 14, we see multiple prophets speaking, others discerning or judging the validity of the teaching. How often I have seen that one man is exalted as leader in the church, with no one else daring to question him, or even ask for better explanation. This heirarchical system is not healthy, and has stunted the growth of many a church. If one looks at the Biblical system of elders, they all must be apt(able and willing) to teach. 

The following portion of our discussion seems to be a controversial subject, yet the Bible is clear in the matter. Though culture has changed over the last 2000 years, God has not changed. The passages discussed here are not to be twisted or disregarded, especially as the standard is set out in 1 Corinthians 11 as to the reason for men leading. 

There has never been a Biblical issue of inequality between the genders, but of headship. Man is head of the wife, Christ is head of the church, and God is the head of Christ. It speaks of the responsibility and order, not of abuse or inability of women to teach, but rather that women should not usurp authority over men in any situation, even if the man is unwilling to take the headship role. He is still responsible for his job, and will be accountable to God if he does a poor job. This is a much larger topic, but for the sake of brevity, I will end for now. Feel free to pick up this discussion via comments section, Facebook, or email.

Mark

Spiritual gifts- for God's glory and edifying the body

Scriptures  considered: 1 Cor 12:4-31; 1 Pet 4:10; Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11-12

9. Everyone in the body exercising their spiritual gift(s) – encouraged to and given opportunity, understanding that every Christian has been gifted for the common good of the body.

Though some gifts seem to be more public or viewed often as more important, we are told in Ephesians 4 that "what every joint supplies" is important, even crucial to the work of the Holy Spirit in accomplishing the building up and unity of faith in the body of Christ. Now, this goes beyond just the local church to the universal church. We must work hand in hand with other Christians, and be willing to submit ourselves in humility at times. 

Often, people take "spiritual gift tests" and these often just speak to personality and talent. Spiritual gifts are given at the point of salvation, and are spiritually used, so don't be content to just use your natural talents, but seek God's will and what He will have you  to do for His glory. Prayerfully consider these things, ask a close friend, as often others see our gifts when we are blindly wondering what God has given us to do. All spiritual gifts are from God, and for the body, not for our own glory. I welcome discussion on this point, and urge everyone to seek God's Word, and start our discussion there rather than what we have always known, or thought to be true. We are looking for God's pattern here, I look forward to hearing from you all. 

Modesty- a necessary discussion

Please visit our family blog for a very important message concerning modesty. I know this is outside the normal discussion, but I received a call today that confirmed my desire to speak on the subject.
Mark's blog post on modesty

Thank  you for reading this very important post.

Mark Cowperthwaite

Holy living from a heart of love for God

Scriptures to consider:

1 Peter 1:13-19; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:20-26; James 4:4-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 2:14; John 14:15, 21; John 15:8, 14; 1 John 2:3-4; 1 John 5:3; Luke 6:46; Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 12:1-4

8. Worship and obedience go hand-in-hand. Righteousness and holy living should be taken seriously – not as legalistic rules to be followed, but in love challenging one another to be holy for the love of Him who died to free us from bondage to sin. Remember: sin grieves God and His Spirit dwelling in us. Let us never grow lax in our striving against sin, or grow lax in our acceptance of sin in our lives. Instead, let us encourage one another to live holy, set apart for the work He has called us to.

If we look at the these passages, written by those who walked with Christ, or Paul who had a life changing run-in with the glorified Jesus, we cannot think that we are free to sin, but rather have chosen to become slaves of righteousness, according to Romans 6. Do we strive each day to seek God's will in all we do and say? Do we see sin as "exceedingly sinful" as Paul sees it in Romans 7? We are not to go around in pride and arrogance judging others, that would be wrong. Still, we are called on, as Timothy was, "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning"-1 Timothy 5:20

We must not be prideful or hypocritical, but speak the truth in love for the purpose of reconciliation to God. Paul writes in Titus 2:11-15, "denying ungodliness and worldly lust, to live soberly, righteously, and godly" and "these things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority, let no one disregard you" 

Issues of preference are a different matter altogether, and grace should be applied liberally in matters of conscience. However, we must never disregard God's Word and His direct commands, excusing our sins under the banner of tolerance, relevance, or culture. God's Word is eternal and He gave it knowing that trends and cultures change. We must be careful to obey rather than make excuses for our disregarding of clear Scriptural teaching. Culture may change, but God's Word never changes or becomes irrelevant.

Evangelism- Sharing the message of life

Scripture to consider: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:11, 17-21; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Luke 6:45; Psalm 145:4-12

7. An emphasis on proclaiming the gospel to the lost – and equipping all the saints to do so boldly and effectively. There is room for creativity in the use of each one's gifts, personalities, connections, resources, etc. for the continual work of spreading the gospel locally, as well as regionally and around the world. (note: continual, not sporadic – but truly a core goal of daily/weekly life of the saints) Evangelism should be an expression of who we are as Christians, not just something we do.

Too often, evangelistic outreach is seen as a once a year push to get the Gospel out. We must be faithful to seek out and faithfully speak of the Savior when we meet those who do not yet know Christ. If our hearts are filled with love for the Savior, if He is truly preeminent (having first place) in our lives, our hearts, then we will find opportunity to share that love with people at work, school, etc. Going to the park, volunteering at a food pantry, the venues for sharing Christ are limited only to where we are willing to go. As a local church, we must be faithful in this work if we are to truly be disciples of Christ. 

Prayer- a foundation often neglected

Scriptures to consider: Matthew 21:22; Luke 6:12; Acts 1:14, 2:42, 6:4, 12:5; Romans 12:12, 15:30; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 5:16

6. Dedication to prayer, both individual and corporate. We have a God who listens to and answers prayer, and desires for us to bring to Him all of our needs and concerns, as well as our thanks and praise. Times of prayer should be scheduled as well as impromptu, fervent, interceding, persevering, in all things, and in faith, expecting God to answer.

Yet again we find a topic that seems to be implied, but  one that is too often disregarded in the church. We want to be sure that we follow the Biblical example. You will not see a "prayer  meeting" anywhere in the Bible, but times of prayer sprinkled throughout God's Word. This does not mean we should not come together for a meeting of prayer, in fact we ought always to be praying.  We see commands to pray for those in authority over us, prayers of intercession on other's behalf, and many other prayers. Interestingly, in the passages concerning the Lord's Supper, we don't see the model for prayer. This is not to say that we should not pray at these times, but rather it is part of the daily life of a Christian to communicate with the Father. 

So, what does the prayer example look like in the church meetings when we are assembled? Continue to search God's Word and see. The epistles are full of mention of praying for others, praying for God to provide for needs, prayer and fasting together for casting out certain demons. Look around the Bible for yourself, and see that prayer is not a ritualistic practice, but communication with headquarters and a sweet time of focus where we engage the Father through the Son, the Mediator between God and man. 

Input is always welcome and encouraged. Consider what prayer means to you and if you are spending time in communication with God in prayer. Thank you for the input so far via email and such. If you comment on this blog post, others can see and continue to talk things through. Hope to hear from you all soon. May God richly bless you as you serve Him. 

God's Word, the Bible is our authority

Scripture to read and consider: Acts 17:10-11; 1 John 4:1; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Mark 7:7-8

"5. Let every practice be carefully searched out in the Scripture. Let us never be afraid of what might be found if we honestly look together at what the Scriptures teach on a subject, no matter what we've previously believed or been taught. Let us have full confidence that searching the Scriptures afresh will always lead to the truth. "

Often, we may know what a certain author, preacher, or denomination has to say on a subject. The insight of others is valuable, but only when in agreement with the Scripture. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and every Christian has the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in them, the very same Holy Spirit that inspired the writing of God's Word. As we read God's Word and are led by the Holy Spirit, we will find the truth. All of our teaching is not to add to Scripture nor are men beyond error. Our aim is to see what God desires for His church, and to follow His commands and examples in His Word.

As we continue our look at the practices of the Biblically patterned church, this may seem to be redundant. Sadly, there are many churches today that have strayed from the authority of God's Word and been caught up in traditions of men.Some have even publicly professed (Catholic and Mormon) that their extra-biblical writings supersede the authority of God's Word or that only special classes of clergy are capable of reading or understanding what God has give to us. Though these false religions claim to have new inspiration given to clarify or explain God's Word, these writings often conflict with what God has already said, thus proving that they are not simply unprofitable, but intentionally leading people astray. We know that God does not change, nor does He contradict Himself. In light of this thought, we must reject any explanation or new revelation that stands in opposition to God's Word

Mark 7:9 ESV " And he(Jesus) said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!"

True worship

Scripture to consider: 1 Corinthians 11:20-34; 1 Corinthians 14:26-40; Luke 22:14-20; Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Peter 2:5; John 4:23-24

3. We were created to worship, and Jesus Christ is the one who is truly worthy of all our worship. Part of our worship is remembering the Lord together regularly, as He commanded. The example from Scripture seems to be each week, not as part of a ritual, but as a part of real worship.

Worship is proclaiming the worth of the Lord Jesus Christ, remembering what He has done for us, thanking God and praising Him for His love, grace and mercy. Worship comes through self-examination and partaking in the symbols of the bread and wine, through prayer, singing, testimony, thanks and praise, and the reading of Scripture.

True worship involves a life that reflects the things  we say and sing. Can we truly sing, "How great thou art" if our lives are caught up in ourselves, what we desire, and do not follow the principles of God's Word? The Bible puts worship and service hand in hand. If we love the Lord, we will serve Him not just with our lips, but with our hands, our hearts, every day showing evidence of what God is worth to us. Is this what we call worship, or have we stuck it in a bulletin and relegated worship to congregational singing? 


A brother writes concerning  "true  worship":

There are many men who draw a distinct line between thanksgiving and worship, but God’s Word says that His attributes are understood by what He has made (Rom 1:20) and the heavens declare His glory (Ps 19:1). We know the love of God because He tells us, yes, but primarily because He has demonstrated it to us through His Son (Rom 5:8).

God is certainly worthy to be praised for who He is, but it is by looking at all He has done for me that I am overwhelmed by my unworthiness and thus drawn to worship Him - because of His grace and mercy. I do not need to wax eloquent in my words to worship God. Worship is not some fuzzy feeling I get when a big crowd of Christians gathers to sing praise choruses.

For me, worship is simply looking at who God is and all He has done, and saying that He is worthy of all my thanks and praise. Even more than that, He is worthy of my whole life handed over to serve and follow Him. My words of worship are hypocrisy if they do not match my actions of worship, laying my life on the altar for Him, placing His will above mine in everything I do.

To paraphrase James (2:18), “show me your worship without works, and I will show you my worship by my works.” Presenting my body a living sacrifice is my reasonable, spiritual service of worship (Rom 12:1). My words should then serve only as a recounting of my life of worship.

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, the very place of worship; so we offer up our bodies to His glory, because we are not our own, we have been bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20). Let our words and the songs we sing not ring hollow when held up to our lives for comparison. God seeks for those who worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23), and our words are empty without the evidence of true worship in our lives.

Are we not trampling God’s courts by bringing empty sacrifices of praise on Sunday mornings (Isa 1:11-12)? Far better is worship expressed by obedience in our lives, and then expressed by our words (1 Sam 15:22).

A church is a family in Christ

Our next point in considering the Biblical pattern for churches is "One anothering"

2. A church body is a family united in Christ for His glory.

Scripture to consider: John 13:35, 15:12, 17; Galatians 6:10; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:10, 13; Ephesians 4:15-16; Philippians 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

The local church is described as a body and as a family – loving one another, caring for each other's needs, working together, encouraging and exhorting one another, accountable to one another. The term "one another" is used dozens of times in instructing the church. Some of the references are positive "love one another" and others are negative, "Do not bite and devour one another". Christians should be known for their love for one another, the expression of a family not formed by physical birth, but spiritual birth.

As we look into some of the references of "one anothering" in the body of Christ, we must all examine ourselves to see if we are following the example  and instruction of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only will we get along with each other better, but our testimony to those who do not yet know Jesus personally will give glory to God. Too often, we hear that Christians are hypocritical, just putting on a show, making ourselves feel better. Let us all be honest with ourselves in considering this point of the church pattern from God's Word. If we were to follow all these "one another" passages each and every day of our lives, I believe it would change the world!

Do you consider everyone in your church as family? Does this carry out beyond the  walls of whatever home or building you meet in, to every man, woman, and child that is called by the name of Christ? Do you think that most Christians accept others as all part of one family of God?

Jesus Christ- The Head of the church

Please join us as we seek to live out the Scriptural example of the ideal church, the Biblical church. We are not looking to bash any tradition or routine, reinvent the church, concoct new ideas, or find a better way, but to look back at what God's original intention was, and if/how we need to change so that we are living out what God intended.

Our first item to consider is the founder and focus of the church. We are to be the body of Christ, and so we will first consider what role Jesus Christ, our resurrected Savior, the author and finisher of our faith, has in the day to day work of the New Testament church.

1. Jesus Christ- the Head of the church

Please read the following passages, considering context as we consider Jesus Christ as Head of the church. Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Peter 1:7, 2:6; Ephesians 3:21, 5:23; Luke 14:26-33; 1 John 1:3

Jesus Christ is preeminent(having first place) in all things in the church. We should be seeking His glory first in everything we do – corporately and individually. Considering 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and the image of the old man's death and a new creation in Christ, there should be total commitment to our Lord and Savior. 

This is not a mandated, legalistic subservience, but rather a loving obedience to the One that first loved us. We ought to be making the conscious decision to place Him as our first and highest priority in life. Our use of time and resources will reflect this. The church is not a social club or 12-step group, but the very body of our Savior, and exists to serve Him, for His glory. He is the only reason we have fellowship, and as such is the center of it.

In considering  this point, please add your thoughts and insights in the comment section. Feel free to share other relevant Scriptures, and try to refrain from negative remarks about other people. This study is intended to build up the body of Christ, and help us grow closer to the Lord together.  

"The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen"- 2 Timothy 4:22 KJV

Encouraging one another- by Grace Harmon

Thanks to Grace Harmon for this post. Grace is a lovely young lady that we met through the GNOM surge in Richmond, Kentucky. Grace has been an encouragement and a blessing to our family. Thanks also to Grace's parents, John and Lisa Harmon, for encouraging their children to serve the Lord, and to live each day in worship of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you have something you would like to contribute to "One anothering", please send to cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com. We welcome comments also, and the Facebook Group gives people the opportunity for open discussion on the discussion boards. Enough of me talking, I hope you enjoy these thoughts on encouraging one another by Grace.

As a child I grew up listening to a song by Steve Green.  "Encourage One Another" was a delightful tune that my sisters and I would sing over and over again.  However, at that time I did not realize that a kids song could apply so well to our daily lives.   


There seems to be much negative talk about other people in the world around us.  We seem to find excitement in laughing at others behind their back, talking people down, and picking at their faults.  Why is this so easy?  Why do I often catch myself laughing at a story that pokes fun at someone else? 


Encouragement in the body of Christ is something that is often lacking, but is vital for a thriving assembly.  2 Thessalonians 5:11  "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." 


Perhaps we could remove the focus off of what makes us feel good, and think of what the Lord Jesus would do.  Romans 15:5 "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus."    


Maybe there is more to this than words.  Perhaps we should "speak" encouragement with our actions.  Looking at Jesus we find Him unselfish with His time.  He reached down and lifted people up out of their sad state.  He spoke truth to the pharisees, but never with the wrong motives or heart. 


If we spent more time finding ways to best help, love, and encourage others, there would be little time to tear them down.  Let's continue to keep our eyes open for ways to build each other up.


- Grace Harmon

Division and conflict- what does the Bible say about how to handle it?

Sadly, there are, at times, struggles among Christians. I wish it were not so, and I believe it grieves the heart of God to see His church fighting among themselves. In considering a recent reading of James 3 and 4, I was led to write this as a means to promote love for one another. Sometimes, to see how we ought to act towards each other, we have to look at the down side of human nature, and how it hinders the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. I pray that we all learn to practice these Biblical principles should conflicts come our way. 


In the matter of division and conflict among believers, we must be careful how we handle ourselves. We ought not to make rush judgments, and not knowing the whole story, we ought to make no judgment at all. If all believers held to the Biblical principles on this matter, we would see much less disunity in the body of Christ. Seeing the example of our Savior, we ought to offer mercy to a weaker brother or sister. Often, misunderstandings are the source of such conflict. Communication is one key to keeping unity, one that is not a strong point in many 21st century churches.

Considering the following passage in Matthew, I would ask if there has been a sin/trespass, or just a misunderstanding that is causing the conflict. Only those involved can discern the truth of their own motives, so let us see what Scripture says on the subject. The Bible standard here should govern our way as believers whose primary goal is to glorify God in all we do and say.

Matthew 18:15 "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. "

Note in this passage that Peter did not say that the brother even repented. He asks how often should he forgive a brother that sins against him. We can forgive a brother, even when he is not repentant. This works wonders in our hearts, and is the example Jesus lived out in His own times of trials and conflict. In the matter of salvation, God offers forgiveness, but one does not gain the personal benefit of forgiveness until we ask for it.  Romans 5 tells us that Christ died for the ungodly, while we were dead in our sins, and forgiveness was offered long before repentance was made.

James 3:13 "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." 

If we can not honestly look at our own lives and actions, and see purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, then even if we feel ourselves to be right, we are still wrong in our motivations. God's wisdom is just what it says here in verse 17, and verse 18 promises us that peace will be the result as we walk in righteousness.

The following verses in James 4 tell us where conflicts and quarrels among us start. Simply from God's Word, we find the root causes. We can not be interested in our own glory, or taking power for ourselves. We must submit one to another in love, serving one another, and especially not to drag private sins out for the world to see. 

There is a place, after certain steps are taken, to bring sin that is unrepented of before the local church, only for the purpose of reconciliation, but never for the world to see. The names of Jesus Christ and God the Father are taken in vain too often, let us not give the unsaved world any reason to bad mouth His people. Truly, even in conflict, are we not brothers? Will we not share eternity in God's presence together? There will be no conflict there, so let us learn how to treat each other.

1Peter 2:19 "For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls"

So, what if you are right before God, and still suffer wrongfully? God gives us the answer in this passage. We have our example in Christ Jesus, who did not sin, did not revile in return, did not threaten, and committed His ways to the Father, who is the ultimate Judge. We tend to go astray, and find our own way to deal with persecution, even for righteousness sake. Still, we are commanded to follow in His steps, something not accomplished by man's strength, but only as we walk in the spirit. James 1:19-20 remind us that our anger and wrath accomplishes nothing for the Lord. 

In a recent conversation during jail ministry, I was told that gaining revenge felt good at the time, but the lasting consequences were not pleasurable. It is the same way in the body of Christ. We might, by our own efforts, be able to convince others to be on our side, speaking ill of a brother or sister. We may assault their character, question their motives, and bring them down. But, what does this accomplish, but to divide the body of Christ? Surely, this is not the Christian way.

If we have our eyes on getting revenge and making ourselves look good, we miss the fact that the testimony of an entire local church can be destroyed by our desire to be seen as on the right side, not considering that another blood bought son of God is being dragged through the mud for our benefit. We must be careful how we treat those around us, and how in turn we treat the Lord Jesus Himself.

1Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 

At times, it is better to take the hit, to be wronged, and keep the name of Jesus Christ out from among the courts and especially the court of public opinion. The world is watching. One of Satan's best tools is to cause strife among Christians, showing their error to the world, and hardening a soul that may be softened to the Spirit's call to come to Christ. If we were to take the time to look at all the past sins in our own lives, we would be reminded that much grace and mercy has been extended toward us by brothers and sisters, and more than that, by a holy, righteous, and just God that has taken our sin-stained rags and given us robes of pure white. Jesus says in Matthew 6 that if we will not forgive others, we will not be forgiven. Let us be careful not to harbor bitterness in our hearts or to have a critical spirit.

1Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 

We, as Christians, are not our own, but each members of the universal body of Christ. Let us act like it, remembering how much we hurt our Creator God by our own sin. In Christ, we are a temple of God's Holy Spirit, and should reflect the glory of God in all we do and say.  

If we were to look at the situation through God's eyes, could we honestly say that we are not at fault in any way. If there is fault in our lives concerning this, let us reconcile ourselves to the Lord, and seek His face in how to deal with the problems that come our way. 

When we see these Scriptural guidelines, and examine ourselves, I think we will learn more and more to give grace, as none of us are not perfect. I know I am far from perfect, and have learned some of the lessons here the hard way. Some times I have had to repent privately, sometimes publicly. At other times I have had a brother come to me, broken before the Lord and asking forgiveness of me, and at those times we should do nothing less than rejoice that the name of Jesus Christ is exalted, because His children are learning more and more to bear with one another. 

The body is built up in this way, and in time, all wounds can be healed. You do not have to wait for the other party to do the right thing, and we must not harbor bitterness. You can be the one to step up to the plate, and follow the example of Christ. As much as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Even those who treat you wrong. After all, we are the body of Christ.

Used up for Jesus- a call to all believers

To listen to the message, just click on the blog title.
I just listened to this message by a brother in Richmond, Kentucky. I was challenged to continue to give more and more (more than all?) for the Lord Jesus and His kingdom. Just a short message, but a great discussion starter for us all.

Josiah Morrison is just 21 years old and a former Good News On the Move team member. This brother has a heart for reaching the lost for the Savior and encouraging believers in their service to the Lord. He is in charge of follow-up for the work of the Lord in Richmond, Kentucky, a good friend, and a blessing to my heart. I pray that we continue to meet young men and women dedicated completely to God.

I hope this message encourages you to start each day with an eye on eternity. I would also recommend the book he mentions "The Disciples Manual" by William MacDonald. I am reading this book right now, and feel it is a must read for all believers, especially new Christians and young adults.

I have received many emails asking for some of the materials I have produced over the years. This blog is searchable and contains much of what I have written, and I have recently started using tags on the articles here to make them more accessible and easier to find.


We also use Google Docs and are working on publishing materials such as gospel tracts, training materials, song visuals, and other items that we (Mark and Nathaniel) have put together to help and equip the body of Christ. We want to continue to connect with Christians worldwide, and have found the medium of the internet to be a valuable tool.


Feel free to email me at cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.


Some articles can also be found on Google Knols and I will be putting more articles up as they are written.


Thank you for taking time to read these items, I pray that they will be encouraging, challenging, and mostly that God is glorified in all things.