daddy4ms

Introduction: As I was thinking and praying about what to share during my final sermon on staff, I began to think of the transition that I am making as well as the church.   We as pastors have been consistently focused on three priorities over the last several years: prayer, worship and equip.   So, even though I may no longer be on staff in a few weeks at this church, as a member of this church I believe just as strongly that Hesston MB needs to continue to be about these priorities in the days ahead.   However, the more I prayed about it, the more I realized that to get to these priorities, we as a church also had to make some transitions so that is why I am entitling this message “Transitional Thoughts”.   Transition is defined as “the process or an instance of changing from one form, state, activity, or place to another.” Educate to Equip- Ephesians 4:11-16 ·          What is the difference?   o    To e...

For 2017, the phrase I am focusing on is "in Christ."  Each week, I will post 1 verse that includes the phrase "in Christ". I look forward to growing in understanding of what it means to be "in Christ." 25  Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26  Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27  and give no opportunity to the devil. 28  Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be pu...

For 2017, the phrase I am focusing on is "in Christ."  Each week, I will post 1 verse that includes the phrase "in Christ". I look forward to growing in understanding of what it means to be "in Christ." 11  So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12  to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16  From him the whole body, joined and hel...

Vin diagram of Discipleship, Gospel, Apest APEST (Apostles, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher) Ephesians 4:7-11 "Each one of us" has been given grace in Greek actually means "each one of us." All of us are gifted. What causes decline? When you separate the leaders from the people Ephesians 4 is significant because we are called to use our gift and equip others to use that gift too.  Vs. 1-7-Focus on "ones" for all Vs. 8-11-Focus on diversity of gifts Vs. 12-16-Outcome is maturity Apostle-"apo-stello"-to separate, to send Prophet-"pro-phetes"-before (space, time), to bring something (speak) into the light Evangelist-"ev-angelos"-one who tells & invites Shepherd-carries rod and staff, protecting & providing are functions Teacher-primarily concerned with explaining or training (topics & tasks) Who we bring to the table when discussing discipleship matters? Is APEST involved? All five need to be involved.