The Vicar's Valley of Vision

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Sunday Bethel: 1.13.2013

Title: Tough talk to the "Choir" about harmony

Big Idea: Its really tough to get along in a world where you know you’re really gifted…

Introduction
Getting along is not a solo event. It requires the right people and the right attitudes to make it hum on all cylinders. Truth be told, we are often our own worst enemies. I have been somewhat surprised at the lack of attention this passage has drawn from many commentators. I might understand that from those of another generation because "relationships" were not the stuff of their concern. But even amongst more modern commentators on the text… a sort of silence. For any organization, the greatest threat to the long-range viability may be its ability to foster harmony amongst the members of the organization. And oftentimes, success is not determined by the abilities of the best and the brightest, but the mix of personalities that must get along during the week. But how about a swim in the dangerous waters just off the coast of relationship, maybe just dip our toe in the shark infested waters of women’s relationships. It’s here where I am reminded again just how relevant Scripture is to my life and that of our congregation… offering guidance and principles to the big stuff our our day.
Reaching deep within the darkness that was her own experience, author Kelly Valen published an article in the NY Times about the difficulties women face from other women. While critically "thumped" by many, she received many other positive comments from other women such as:

This put into words the things I’ve been feeling for decades
I never knew there were others out there like me.
Girl on girl crime is the worst– you never foreget that brand of ugliness.
And again, I’m 46 and still licking my wounds from Junior High.
Finally, I’m always cautious. Except for my closest friends, I keep women at arm’s length.

To be sure, conflict happens to both genders; but for a church with such a prominent number of women involved, Paul, writing from jail in Rome knew all too well what we often fail to admit; that the biblical approach is the only real answer to our needs; whether that be dealing with the issues of doctrinal error and sluggishness, or the relationships that either drive a local church forward or into the ground. And it shouldn’t be blamed merely on our personalities. Nor more strident a mix could be observed than the two disciples, Peter and John (whom we looked at in some detail the other night); as different as they were in their approach and demeanor, they developed a bond of friendship that lasted throughout their apostolic career.

Transition: Not to be dismissed here then is the admonition that Paul had left already with this church about the necessity of self-effacing leadership and respect for the authority of the organization. ( See: 1:27-30; 2:1-4, 5-8; 2:19-30). Here the counsel comes out of a genuine love for the members of this church; recognizing the history that they had already enjoyed and the value they had proved to the apostle. By the way, unlike the situation faced in Greek cities and Hebrew culture, Macedonia was filled with prominent women in places like Philippi and Thessolonica with people like Lydia and others who were part of husband-wife teams of small business owners and also part of the churches’ early backers. Whatever the prevalence of such businesses, it is no doubt that women played a very prominent role in the activity of the Philippian church

A model prayer

He loved these people. They represented the work of his hands and the prayer of his heart. He calls them:

His beloved brethren
His joy
His crown: significant when considering that he viewed these people like seasoned athletes pursue the winner’s wreath woven especially for them after they had given everything they had to win the coveted prize of "first" in the race.
And so, he begs them..

Who are these women?
With names like Euodia and Syntyche

These are women who had found, prominence.

Euodia: prosperous journey: One who has arrived; gifted, capable, and strong.
Syntyche: Pleasant acquaintance: Here we have a
good mixer; the first to greet strangers and
a person who could make everyone feel welcome.

An urgent plea
His plea, just that; strong word– I beg you

Writing from his prison cell in Rome, he could have ordered , but instead, he asked… Laying principle upon foundation, (earlier scripture), he proceeded to challenge these two women to higher ground.
The "And" of verse 3 suggests that the women in question had already started the work of reconciliation.

An Ardent Request
A change in tone…

When approaching two beloved saints who were out of fellowship with each other because of some difference and subsequently out of fellowship with the Lord– Tender word: ( Gal. 6:1)
This is work that should not be blundered through but purposely pursued and suggest a real giftedness in knowing how to lead people forward.
But when he makes request of (Syzgus: English spelling for Greek word meaning yoke-fellow).
Paul uses his authority for true yokefellow who would understand these instructions as orders from the Lord himself.

This true Yoke-fellow:
The real deal

He is the real deal: (true). This yoke-fellow meant the yoke, or crossbar tied to the end of a pole and having collars or loops at each end by which the two oxen were put to the trough. This word had become his "name"

The 1st century practice– discard the pagan name in favor of a name descriptive of his character. This is one who "pulled well in a double harness."

Here was a model that two strong, very capable, personable women needed. Someone who could model well the practice of pulling well in a harness with someone else.
Two sources of encouragement here:
The Word, "And" suggests that they had already come to see the problem and were doing "something" to honor Paul’s request.
The word, "help" suggests that they had already come to see the light; laying aside some differences for the good of the ministry. To "help" means to take hold with another in a task. Used of Martha when asking Mary to lend a hand ( Luke10:40). Its just that important in a church where women had been so influential in getting this church off the ground.

Real Work for the church

This is the work that should not be blundered through but patiently, yet purposefully pursued. Real giftedness here in seeing people move through difficulty and get to ministry. Real leadership, to see the challenge of a problem and yet engage it head on.
This is the "labor" that athletes understand all to well. Anyone who plays on a team, together, cooperating with one another in harmony to get to the goal, w/o the agonizing effort of all. That’s how it used to be. But somewhere, they had gone from being part of the solution to part of the problem.

An urgent plea
Paul says, I h.ave such a high view of you that I know you are going to get it right.

Real Work for the church
Principles that drive a church forward, even in rough seas.

A Willingness to confess vulnerability: The vulnerability to open ourselves to examination; the vulnerability to admit wrong.
The proximity of a godly associate: (Gal 6): What we’re preciously short of in this culture is the kind of yokefellows who understand the enormity of their commitment to Christ; can stand back from their own prominence long enough to advance the cause of the Gospel and others (maturity, I’ve had names like that move across the pages of my life at every turn.
The perspective of a bigger picture
The incentive to do the right thing. Plenty of incentive out there to grab for the easiest out, or the thing most agreeable to the masses, but precious little incentive to elevate our character and just do the right thing.

I commend that to you here… for Paul’s time… and ours.

Pastor Mark

616.546.0292

Final sentence

Mike G: What the world wants of kindness

STAY CONNECTED

Forward this email

mjvicarc52 by mjvicarc52 |
Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.

Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce | 9560 Jack Pine Drive | West Olive | MI | 49460

THIS IS A TEST EMAIL ONLY.
This email was sent by the author for the sole purpose of testing a draft message. If you believe you have received the message in error, please contact the author by replying to this message. Constant Contact takes reports of abuse very seriously. If you wish to report abuse, please forward this message to abuse.

Mark J. CongrovePastor, Bethel Baptist church
616.546.0292

Check out markinthemorning.wordpress.com for regular encouragement and inspiration or follow vicarc1 on twitter.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

January 9, 2013 · 6:27 pm

Men at Work in conflict with Greed

Hi men,
It’s Wednesday… I’m thinking about getting you ready for Friday as I plan for tonight’s Wednesday supper.

Text: Mediocrity: chapter 9:
Subject: Greed

Intro: Did you enjoy the story about Junior? Amazing stuff just beyond our grasp!

THE FOUR FACES OF GREED!
1. Greed is the excessive motivation to have more money.

2. Greed is the excessive determination to own more things

3. Greed is the excessive desire to become more famous; to make a name for ourselves.

4. Greed is the excessive desire to gain more control.

What do you think? Is he right? Do we feel the pressure in our own life?

Leave a Comment

Filed under discipleship

Tagged as Greed

December 23, 2012 · 12:22 pm

Christmas 2012 vol 3

Bible School opening: Two installments: Hymn shorts/ December 16/23: Angels from the realm of glory; What child is this.
Bethel Christmas sermon vol 3: 12.23.12
Title: What were the hopeful thinking?
Big Idea: Great anticipation produces single-minded service for Christ.
Intro: what longing looks like? Think about the major events you have waited for. I anticipated the onset if shaving with a combination if passion and practice– trying out my hand with a blade less razor of my dad’s and enough shaving cream to cover my body.
If I were to ask our younger members what they were greatly anticipating, the top two might be driving and dating, maybe followed by being out on their own.
But what was the Jewish world waiting for as the world clocks shifted from BC to AD?
Since the day that Adam and Eve stepped back from God’s plan and into their own way, the believing community had waited for an answer to Eve’s plight…” Have I gotten a (real) man from The Lord?” What was the Jewish world thinking?
Certainly, hope was part of their vocabulary, but for many in Israel, hope was spelled “MASTER”– In other words, Master of the world, and Lords of all the nations… William Barclay helps us here…
“To bring in that day some believed that some great, celestial champion would descend upon the earth…. Another king from David’s line and all the glories would revive; some believed that God Himself would break directly into history by supernatural means. But in contrast to all that, there were some few people who were known as the quiet in the land. They had no dreams of violence and of power and of armies with banners; they believed in a life of constant prayer and quiet watchfulness until God should come. All their lives they waited quietly and patiently upon God. (Barclay, pg. 26)
Read more…

Christmas 2012 vol 3.pdf

Sent from my iPad

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

December 20, 2012 · 10:17 pm

Christmas memories

Hi men,
I thought rather than spending time in our book I might inquire about the book that is your life.

What is it about the Christmas of your childhood that most lingers in your mind as an adult?

As you have grown, what memories have you made with your family?

What us the most important aspect of Christmas for you?

Be honest now; Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear…

For example, I have great memories of being allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve.

Another memory is attending a mid-night Christmas Eve service at a church in our hometown and being captivated by the beauty and circumstances surrounding this service.

And finally, great memories of the other mindedness of my parents and the extravagance that they lavished on me… And always, they would say…”Well, we had to cut down this year…”

Ok, those are some of mine. What’s yours?

See you tomorrow… Weather allowing!

Leave a Comment

Filed under discipleship

December 12, 2012 · 2:47 pm

Cafe Bethel 12.12.12

Bethel Church: 12.12.12
Cafe Bethel:
Learning lessons– living life

The Tag: The benefit of being regenerated is only improved by the benefit of being illuminated by the Spirit of God as to see Jesus in a wonderful and improved light. Behold we now see through a glass darkly, but then, face to face.

Review: John 16:12-15
The importance of the Spirit’s work in the future for the progress of their faith and growth in service for the King. Th unfolding of the revelation:
Teaching what is historically relevant. Unpacking the narrative of God’s work. The truth about Jesus: John 16:13; 14:26 Teaching what is doctrinally sound: John 14:26
Teaching what is prophetically sure: 16:13

Clearly, the disciples have “not arrived” yet, but when they do arrive, certain traits will be evident and true of their lives… Read more…
Cafe Bethel 12.12.12.pdf
Sent from my iPad

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

December 9, 2012 · 12:45 pm