daddy4ms

Currently, I have several books I am reading.  Here are a few quotes from recent chapters: Miracles are associated in the Bible with the prophetic office far more frequently than they are with priests or with kings. The miracles that God worked through prophets were not merely acts of raw power to compel awe. The form of the miracle reinforced the message delivered in the words that the Lord gave his prophets. The message that the Lord conveyed through prophets can be summed up in the contrasting terms prosecution and promise. Contentment trusts God to be God. We don't find our strength in the stuff of the world; we find it in the work of the Spirit. But to be filled with the Spirit and learn this supernatural contentment, we must often be emptied by the Spirit of all else that might satisfy. Fasting from anything is a sign that we are denying "more" and saying "enough." Prayer and fasting are expressions (and embracings) of our weakness and,...

Here are some quotes from books I am currently reading: We daily face the temptation of self-worship. the Holy Spirit's purpose is to point our attention continually to Jesus. Regardless of whether you're conscious of the Spirit's work in your life, he is still working. He doesn't need you to help him. He is who he is and he does what he does. The preaching is the steering wheel of the church. Is it enough simply to get sheep in the pasture while leaving them thereafter unfed? Gospel-driven preaching that proclaims and exults in the revealing of God's glory in Christ. The point is to point them to he living God in the content and through your passion so that that they might respond to God's good news in worship. for the sermon cannot do any good unless there is a savor of Christ in it. The worship gathering ought to seek to orchestrate an encounter with God, not an experience of him. The worship service is primarily about helping people...

In Chapter 6 of Creature of the Word by Chandler, Patterson, & Geiger, they discuss this question in great length.  It begins the second part of the book where they explain in more detail how the church and its leaders need to keep the gospel central as they seek to be prophet, priest, and king following Jesus' example.  We will not do it perfectly, but all of these need to be present. Here are a few quotes from the chapter: "The healthier the culture, the more likely the church will impact the community around her." "Spiritual growth is the working out of what God has worked and is working in us and church ministry consists of intentionally forming culture while realizing He is the One who ultimately does the transforming." "For a church culture to be centered on the gospel, there must be harmony between theology, philosophy, and practice." "All three types of leaders (prophet, priest, king) are necessary and essential, and all thr...