What's God's Will for My Life?

Let me assure you that God is pleased with your desire to obey him no matter the cost. After all, he’s put that desire there! Permit me to explain for you how the Scriptures say we should answer that question.
But before we start - why the Scriptures? Because they – by their nature the only source identified as bearing the very words from God’s mouth – are there to make you fully equipped for every good work. Let that sink in. Fully equipped. Every good work.
So first – note that Jesus is the one building his kingdom – and the gates of Hell won’t prevail against it. Nothing you do is going to mess up God’s plan. Jesus’ building of the Church – his beloved Bride – is not going to get messed up by your picking the ‘wrong’ career.
So don’t worry. God’s got this whole world – governments, wars, births, deaths, the placement of landmines, the budding of flowers – his Church – and your life – under control. And he loves you.
I brought up ‘career’ choices. They often bear the connotation of ‘life’ choices. Thing is, those aren’t a reality. What you’re doing next year is by no means necessarily what you’ll be doing in five or ten! The more important thing to realize about those ‘big’ decisions is that they’re no bigger than the choices you make when buying things at the grocery store. Now, that’s not to say that they’re not important. It is to say that ‘small’ choices are important. You’re to be holy in all you do. God’s will – revealed in the Bible – is much more about your character than about your activity. And when it is about your activity, it’s very specifically about your activity as an overflow of your character. You’re to be holy.
Now let me tell you what the Bible doesn’t talk about. It doesn’t talk about ‘feeling led.’ It doesn’t talk about making choices based on emotional impression. God doesn’t say that those are a valid way of discerning his will. God in no way promises to reveal to you how you’re to make choices about particular circumstances. When the Bible talks about the Spirit – it speaks of him changing our characters – not ‘telling’ us (via emotional impression!) to do some particular thing.
That may come as a shock to you, but I encourage you to search the Scriptures. It’s true. And I beg you – review those first few paragraphs. GOD is in control. GOD is always loving you, actively. GOD has called you – first and foremost – to be… holy. He cares more for your character than about your activity.
So what’s the Holy Spirit doing? He is the one doing the glorious, amazing work of changing our characters – causing us to love more – to rejoice in the Lord more – to give up ourselves more – to trust him more. He’s changing our wills – our desires! He’s conforming us to be more like Jesus. He’s moving us to prayer! He’s convicting us of sin.
If you know Jesus, the Holy Spirit IS making you more like him. Trust him to do that and praise him for doing it!
More than that, flee sin. You have sinful desires. Run from fulfilling them. If those desires are causing you to desire comfort – run. Pick up your cross and follow Jesus. If there is an inkling of sin – run.
And run towards Jesus! He’s given you his word and is producing desires for holy things in your heart. Run after those things – no matter the cost.
Yes, pray for wisdom. Yes, ask wise people for their input – including about where you might be sinning and about what you might be best at in this great work of building Christ’s kingdom.
But the basis for those things – and for everything in the Christian life – is the Holy Spirit convicting you of sin – flee it – and in producing in you a love for those things God loves – chase his will, revealed to you through the Spirit by the Scriptures, relentlessly and tirelessly – no matter the cost.
The Lord bless your life. May it be to his glory, by his grace!

How to Do Campus Ministry

or, "A Campus Ministry Catechism."

Perhaps it's a bit arrogant to say 'how to,' but I didn't want to assume everyone knew what a catechism was.

And incidentally, it's a series of questions and answers used as a teaching tool. Here it is.

-what’s our mission as Christians?
The expansion of the Kingdom of God to the whole world

-what does that mean on campus?
That everyone would have a chance to respond to the gospel and the discipleship of those who trust Jesus

-what are the four things that must happen to accomplish this?
Personal obedience to God, evangelism, discipleship, and the involvement of freshmen

-what is the fuel for personal obedience?
The Scriptures heard and read, prayer, fellowship, communion, and being under the caring authority of those God has established in such positions

-what is evangelism?
Giving others an opportunity to respond to the gospel

-what is the Gospel?
The good news that Jesus substitutionary obedience, substitutionary death, and resurrection restore all who believe in him to God

-what are the three components of discipleship?
Scriptural doctrine, godly character, and ministry skill

-why are freshmen so vital to the Kingdom here?
God will raise them up to be those who lead others to the Kingdom after we’re gone.

-what is our ultimate goal in all this?
The glory of God.

Notes from 'How to Study and Teach the Bible'

They're sketchy - sorry about that.

Interpretation
-What’d God mean?
-What’s he getting across to the original audience?
-What’s the sin problem the original audience is facing?
-How do you participate in the original audience’s sin condition?
-How does the text point to Christ – since all Scripture does.

Drench this in prayer - The Holy Spirit makes Scripture effective (see the HS notes)

-Most important question of interpretation – before application – what did God mean to the original audience?

Steps

-read the book over and over and over again – what’s the flow of the whole book?
-There is a flow to Exodus, Nehemiah, Romans
-Some books not – some of the poetry, prophets
-reading is GOOD with God’s word!
-fits individual passages into the context of the book (Rom. 7:14-25 ex)
-often gives historical context – example, Colossians, Galatians 2 ex

-read the passage – over and over again

-make observations
-paraphrase!
-look for logical connecting words (Rom 8:9-13 ex.)
-repeated words or themes/concepts (have people read matt. 8)
-what’s the point of the section – how’d you boil it down to a sentence?

-ask questions of the stuff you don’t understand – and seek to answer them using
-logical context (those connecting words!!)
-book context – thematic stuff – where is it in the book?
-analogy of Scripture!!!!!!
-Vine’s – commentaries - Calvin on ccel.org

-given the point – what’s the sin being pointed to in the original audience? (Ex. 6:1-9)

-how do you sin that way? (PRAY PRAY PRAY)

-How does Jesus fix it? Remember X Training notes re: Scripture – it’s all about Jesus
-Look for where OT things are mentioned in the NT
-search online bibles!!!!

-What are some ways that the NT talks about Jesus that fulfill OT stuff?
-Adam 2
-Noah rescued by unity with Christ/baptism – 1 Peter 3
-Babel – nations created – nations redeemed rev. 7
-God promises the ‘land’ to Abraham – but it’s really to Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel – so God in fulfilling promises to Israel is bringing about Jesus’ Kingdom
-The temple – Jesus – us, by incorporation
-The priesthood
-Purity – purity needed to enter God’s presence – purity Christ has to do so for us
-Moral laws -> we can’t obey, Christ did in our place
-ceremonial laws – purity symbolizing purity in God’s presence, accomplished by Christ for us
-Kings -> Jesus’ future Kingship (2 Sam 7)
-Jerusalem – place of kingdom/meeting with God (Nehemiah example)
-Look at context in NT!!!! Eph 4:15-17 – stands on 11-13 – and ch’s 1-3
-obedience in NT NOT about Lawkeeping
-affects memorizations

-Learn redemptive history – read “God’s Big Picture”
-Expand and earn the Kingdom – Adam
-Future kingdom lost (fall)
-Kingdom Promised (Abraham)
-Kingdom prefigured (Israel)
-must be earned to be kept -> Christ by pointing out sin
-still by faith/grace -> remnant, ultimately Christ
-Kingdom began by Christ
-Law(!) – live this way, but mostly, you need grace
-miracles – physical Kingdom evidence
-death-resurrection – Kingdom secured
-Kingdom spiritual (Church)
-Obeying Kingdom Law from Jesus’ ruling the heart
-Spreading it through evangelism, conversion
-Kingdom finished (Jesus returns)

How to Study and Teach the Bible

http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Discipleship_Lesson_3.wma

Cross Training MP3's

http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Discipleship_Lesson_1.wma
http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Discipleship_Lesson_2.wma
http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Evangelism_Training_Lesson_2.wma
http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Evangelism_Training_Lesson_3.wma
http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Evangelism_Training_Lesson_4.wma
http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Theology_Lesson_1.wma
http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Theology_Lesson_2.wma
http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Theology_Lesson_3.wma
http://www.niucru.com/member/derek/Theology_Lesson_4.wma

MP3 from the 'How to Disciple' Cross Training Time

Click here.

How to Disciple Someone

Cross Training IX – Make Disciples


I. What is discipleship? (Matthew 28:18-20)
A. conversion - baptism
B. being taught to obey, including doctrine – Titus 1:9, 16; 2:1
C. with the ultimate authority being Jesus (for teaching/obedience)

II. Different types
A. general
1. public teaching – 2 tim 4:1, 2
2. personal instruction/shepherding – Titus 2:3, 4; 1 Peter 5:1, 2; Jesus’ example
B. for church leadership – 2 tim 2:2

III. Selection
A. Jesus selected certain people – John 15:16
B. Have to be available
C. Must realize they’re submitting to authority/teaching
D. Have to be responsible (if they’re going to take on responsibility!)
E. Of good character (see elder requirements in titus, 1 tim)
F. FAT –faithful, available, teachable
G. given 2 tim 2:2 – demonstrate ability to understand/explain Scripture

IV. What’s involved – relationship, duh!
A. A challenge – let them know what they’re getting into
1. Disciples in Jesus’ day understood that culturally
2. Understanding that elders have authority (1 tim 5:17)
B. Doctrine – 2 Tim. 2:2
C. Ministry skill
1. governing (ruling, administrating, responsibility)
2. evangelism (Matt 10:5-7)
3. study/teaching of the word
D. Model ministry (as Jesus did)
E. Delegate things to them to grow (like evangelism, etc.)
F. Character (elder requirement lists)

V. Tools of the trade
A. The Bible – not your advice or wisdom – you’re making disciples of Jesus – not you
B. www.centerfieldproductions.com (niucru - pass: huskies)
C. Westminster Larger Catechism (10 Commandments)
D. What Jesus Demands from the World (Piper)
E. http://derekjoseph.blogspot.com

Who's the Holy Spirit - and Why Should I Care?

Cross Training VIII – The Holy Spirit

I. Introductory factoids
A. He’s God (Acts 5:1-4)
B. He’s a distinct person (Rom. 8:27)
C. Looking at him through history

II. Before the fall
A. Comfort/peace (Gen. 1:1, 2)
B. Ruler (Gen. 1:1, 2)
C. Giver of life (Gen. 2:7)

III. In the Old Covenant
A. Death (Gen. 6:3)
B. Prophecy (2 Sam. 23:2)
C. Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21)
D. Miracles (Judges 14:6)
E. Improving of natural faculties (Ex. 31:1-5)

IV. Promised
A. Restoring the way things are supposed to be (Is. 32:14-16)
B. Blessing (Is. 44:3)
C. Life, blessing, relationship with God for God’s people (Ez. 36:25-28)

V. In the person of Jesus
A. Conception (Matthew 1:18)
B. Ministry (Matthew 12:14-22, 28)
C. Resurrection/glorification (Rom. 8:11; Phil. 3:20, 21)
D. Significance = New Creation/Kingdom of God!
E. The apostles (signs, Scripture) (2 Cor. 12:2; John 14:25, 26; Titus 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13; 2 Peter 3:16)

VI. The Spirit in the world now
A. Testifies about Jesus (John 15:26)
B. Convicts the world of sin, righteousness, judgment (John 16:7-11)
C. Founded the Church (Acts 2:33)
D. Regeneration (Titus 3:5, 6; John 3:3-8, 19-21)
E. Illumination (1 Cor. 2:12-16)
F. Obedience (Romans 8:9-14)
G. Functioning in the whole Church in glorifying Jesus (1 Peter 4:10, 11)

VII. The future of our relationship with the Spirit
A. Now - Firstfruits/Seal (Rom. 8:20-23; Eph 1:13-14)
B. Fullness (Revelation – seven ‘spirits’ or sevenfold Spirit – and the River of Life flowing from the throne)

How Could a Just God Work for the Happiness of People Who Rebel Against Him?

Cross Training VII

I. God judges by works
A. Covenant of works (Cov = contract with blessings/curses from God) (Gen. 1:27, 28; 2:17) (they weren’t perfect!)
B. Law (Deut. 30:15-18)
C. Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:20-22)
D. Universal reality for people (Rom. 2:6-10)
E. Explains the existence of morality
F. Explains why we try to justify ourselves before God, compare to the sins of others – we know God will judge according to works!
G. We can agree with unbelievers! Good people DO go to heaven!

II. Adam’s sin enslaved the whole world
A. We are all considered guilty (Rom. 5:12-14)
B. We see this in the existence of universal suffering and death(!) (Rom. 5:12-14)
C. We are all by nature rebellious (Eph. 2:1-3)
D. We see this in our inability to really live for God (Rom. 8:7, 8)
E. Why we try to self-justify by saying ‘God is loving’ or ‘forgiving’ – because we know we have at least SOME things to be forgiven for!
F. Thus, the question about God’s love and suffering is moot – we are all worth eternal punishment

III. Judgment day was promised
A. God promised to right every wrong (Isaiah 11:1-9)
B. It means the destruction of the wicked (Is 34:1-8a)
C. That means the vindication of the righteous (Is 34:8b; 51:7, 8)
D. Problem – no one is righteous (Rom. 3:10-12)
E. This answers the question about God’s justice – every wrong WILL be righted
F. However, we are part of that wrong – do we really want everything fixed now? That’d mean our damnation! This is where unregenerate people have trouble – they don’t believe God is worth it(!) To believe it, they must be exposed to the gospel and the Spirit must act.

IV. A new representative (JESUS!)
A. Jesus obeyed God and was considered obedient (Heb 5:7-8)
B. God the Father punished Jesus for sin (Is. 53:5-6; 2 Cor. 5:21a; 1 Peter 3:18a)

V. What is true of believers
A. God does not credit, or count, our disobedience – he counted it to Jesus!
(1 Peter 3:18; 2 Cor. 5:19b, 21a)
B. God credits righteousness – or considers us as if we had obeyed – by considering Jesus in our place (2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:8, 9)

Conclusion – the end time judgment has begun in the person of Jesus. The vengeance of God against sin has been poured out on him completely for all believers – past, present, future. They are now, through faith, considered righteous, and one day will be vindicated and rewarded for Jesus’ righteousness – on the same day in which the rest of the world will be judged for its rebellion.

Who's Jesus?

Cross Training VI

I. Did Jesus claim to be God?
-note on the Son of God – Adam, Israel -> Jesus in a unique way
-Matt 10:32, 33 (awknowledge, deny)
-Matt 11:27 (HIS Father, exclusive relationship)
-Matt 12:6, 8 (better than the temple, the Sabbath)
-Matt. 13:41 (send his angels into HIS kingdom…)
-Matt. 22:42-45
-Matt. 24:29, 30
-Matt 26:64, 65 – Jesus seated at the right hand of God and coming on clouds
-Matt. 28:18 – all authority
-John 8:58
-John 14:9 – seen Jesus = seen the Father
-John 20:27, 28 – Thomas’ confession
-same activities: Creator, Judge, King, Light, Rock, Savior, Shepherd

II. Do the Scriptural writers claim that Jesus is God?
-Matt. 3:3 – prepare the way of the Lord
-John 1:1 –
-Col. 1:15-16
-Heb. 1:3, 8
-sidenote – the early post-apostolic writers are universal in their assent of Christ’s deity

III. What difference does it make?
-relationship – John 14:9
-revelation – Heb. 1:1-3; John 14
-authority of Scripture – Heb. 1:1-3; john 16:13-15
-finality of the NT – Heb. 1:1-3
-exercises God’s authority (though this is a change) – Heb. 1:3; Rom. 1:1-4; Matt. 28:18
-will judge the world in holiness – john 5:21-23

IV. The Bible emphasizes Jesus’ humanity
-1 John 4:2, 3

V. The Bible emphasizes Jesus’ humanity for these reasons
-salvation is by Jesus’ obedience to the Father as a perfect man – Rom. 5:19; Matt 3:17
-Jesus can identify with our suffering – heb 4:15
-Jesus can serve as the NC mediator(!) – heb 8:6-13
-Jesus secures our glorification -1 cor 15:12-22; Rom. 6:5

VI. What difference does our Christology make?
-salvation - -Col. 2:8-13; 1 John 4:2, 3; Rom. 4:22-25; Gal. 2:16
-how we read the Bible – John 14, Heb. 1 again

Five Facts about the Bible

Cross Training V

I Inspired
A. 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21 – it has its source from the mouth of God
B. Luke 16:17; Mark 12:24-27; Acts 1:16 - every word is God’s
C. Implications
1. How we read it – not for feeling – but every word matters
2. Inerrant/True – Rom. 3:3, 4; Num. 23:19

II Authoritative
A. 1 Thess 2:13; 1 John 5:9– Supreme source of truth
B. Deut. 6:13-15; Eph 1:11 – it – uh – matters. Pay attention.
C. Implications
1. Evangeslism – you don’t evaluate it – it’s more authoritative than your interpretations of data
2. We are to submit to it in thought, word, deed, etc. – know it!
3. It interprets itself, ultimately – not you interpreting it

III Necessary
A. God does communicate his glory through nature – Psalm 19:1-3, Romans 2:14-15
B. But it only does enough to condemn us – Rom. 1:18-21
C. Rom. 10:13-15; John 3:36 – Gospel must be heard
D. Implications
1. ‘Preach the gospel and when necessary use words’ – ridiculous
2. Not relying on other things to save people! (community, etc.)

IV Sufficient
A. For salvation – 2 Tim. 3:15
B. For holy living – 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Mark 7:1-9
C. Implications
1. Do not take anything else as authoritative
2. Know it – and you’ll know how to live
3. Surround yourself with people that point you to it – including preachers/preaching

V Christocentric
A. Luke 24:27
B. John 5:39
C. Heb. 1:1-3
D. John 10:9-11

Natural Mode Evangelism

Cross Training IV –Natural Mode Evangelism

Natural mode – Taking the initiative in already established relationships to tell people the gospel.
Successful Evangelism is…
1) Presenting the gospel
2) in the Spirit
3) leaving the results to God
Implications – you won’t screw up their salvation; you need to be ok with them not being saved, you don’t have to answer all their objections – sin’s their problem
Tips
1. Be excited about Jesus/the gospel
by being in the means of grace
2. Be bold about your activities
3. Let invitations lead to conversations
4. Ask about their backgrounds , experiences , and current beliefs
5. If they ask a why question, say something like well, it’s kind of involved with what I believe – so to explain why, I have to explain what I believe. Is that okay?
6. Ask for their permission
7. Tell them that spiritual things are important to you and ask if you can have a conversation about those things
8. Use the Kennedy Questions (1 - If you were to die today, and God said, "Why should I let you into heaven?" What would you say? 2 - Based on your answer, how sure are you, 0-100%, that he'd let you in?)
9. Learn to draw the Two Ways to Live and memorize the verses
10. Learn to share your testimony

Body Mode Evangelism

Successful Evangelism is
1) Presenting the gospel
2) in the Spirit
3) and leaving the results to God


The body of Christ (the Church) works to rescue people from sin.
-The body does work (John 10 – Jesus bringing in his flock)
-spiritual gifts (Eph. 4) – evangelists and equipping all the saints
-speech (col 4:6, eph 5:16)
-love for each other (john 17:20, 21)
-being enjoyable and culturally sensitive to outsiders so that the doctrine looks good (Tit. 2:1-10)
-grace present in the Church through the Spirit’s working (Heb. 6)
-suffering (1 peter 4:13-; Col. 1:24-)
-the word spoken! (eph 4:15, 2 tim 4:1-4)

Practical Application
-parties(!)
-invitiation (including in ministry mode!)
-bible studies/cru/church
-how we lead and teach bible studies(!)

Answers to Objections to Christianity

Cross Training II – Objections

The foundation of objections is that we’re by nature rebels against God
(Romans 3:10-12; Romans 1:18, 19; John 3:19, 20)
The roots of answers should be worship and compassion
(1 Peter 3:14, 15; Isaiah 65:2)

Objection 1 – What about people who haven’t heard?
-The first question is always Why do you ask?
-All people know enough to know that God is worthy of all worship
-And they give their devotion to other things
-They will not be condemned for ignorance about Christ but for not honoring God
-What is the right thing for God to do with rebels?
-Matthew 24:14

Objection 2 - What about all these other religions?
-Again, why do you ask?
-So your question is can I know that Christianity is true?
-What sort of evidence would you accept?
-Would you accept it, or would you evaluate and dismiss it?
-What if you were confronted by historical evidence, miracles, the unity of Scripture, etc? Would you be willing to examine them?
-It seems like you’re evaluating Christianity 1) unlike you’d evaluate any other historical claim and 2) assuming that you have a basis for assuming the validity of your own evaluations – disregarding what God has said.

Objection 3 – How could there only be one way?
-Why wouldn’t there be?
-Is that not just?
-What’s the significance of Christ’s death?
-The answers to Question 1 answer this objection as well

Objection 4 – If God is loving, why is there suffering?
-Why do you think there’s suffering?
-Why would a just God do any good to rebellious creations?
-What are some good things in your life?
-Have you done anything to earn these good things?
-So it seems like God is showing love to people now, including giving them an opportunity to respond to Jesus

Objection 5 – Apathy
-What part/parts of this presentation do you not believe?
-Go from there!