TEEN CRISIS INTERVENTION (pt. 1)

 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" And he said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"   Genesis 4:9 (NASB)

(note: For the purposes of this series of posts, the terms parent and step-parent are interchangeable)

    I am convinced the correct answer to Cane’s question is a resounding “YES!”  If we take time to reason out the complete meaning of “Loving God and Loving People” then we conclude that loving God means caring for (Gen. 2:15) God’s creation and loving the things HE loves.  Loving people, means we take an active role in helping and protecting each other.  This brings us to Cane’s question and my response to that question.  When people are in crisis, either physical, spiritual, or emotional, the loving response is to intervene. 

The age group at greatest risk today is that group between the ages of 11 to 25.  The key ingredient in crisis intervention for this age group is loving parents.

Intervention (or in Cane’s words, “becoming my brother’s keeper”) cannot be left up to parents alone.  There are too many angles of attack for parents to handle the battle alone.  A battle that often overwhelms single parents.  The battle against self destruction requires other adults to work along side of parents toward protecting students from the messages of self-destruction that appear to be bombarding teens daily.  In short, crisis intervention involves Christian adults battling the cultural forces that make destructive solutions attractive to troubled teens.

Teens in crisis will only get the intervention they need when adults acknowledge that a crisis exists.

H.A.B.I.T.S. (part 2)

This is part 2 of  "Six HABITS that will build a great life."  Part one contained the letters H. A. B. part two has I. T. S.

I.  = Involvement in a ministry of the Church
There are a multitude of ways to be involved in the church. One of the most important ways is to be involved in a small group Bible study.  A person will never connect with the church by attending Sunday services alone.  Small group Bible studies (some call this Sunday School or home groups) is the place where people connect, it is the place where true community happens.

Additionally, we need to become involved in the things of the church.  Things like being a hall monitor for children's or student ministry. Watching the parking lot during and following the mid-week services.  Spending one Sunday a month as a greeter or at the welcome center.  Volunteering to help put up decorations for a church member or at the church once a year.  Showing up for one or more of the "work days"  at the church.  These are only a few of the simple ways that every church has to be involved.  There are way too many to name them all here.

T. = Tithing to the church
Why is money the second biggest reason people give for not attending a worship service (the biggest reason is hypocrites in the church)?  It takes money to pay the electric, water, insurance, building repairs, paper, Bible study materials, copy machines, office supplies, cleaning supplies, building maintenance supplies, alarm system and monitoring, various licenses for audio and video, wages for nursery workers, maintenance/custodial staff, office staff, and pastors.  In addition to that a % of each offering goes to support missionaries all over the world.  The main reason to tithe is BECAUSE GOD COMMANDS IT!

A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)

Before someone says, “That’s an Old Testament idea.” check this out...

“Well then,” he [Jesus] said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Luke 20:25 (NLT)


S. = Serve others through God’s Love
Jesus was in the HABIT of S-serving.  Since we are called to be imitators of Jesus we too should serve.  We serve God by serving His creation, people.

Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28 (HCSB)

Why is serving so important? Because, it demonstrates our love for God.

So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:14-15 (HCSB)    

When we start developing the first five parts of HABITS, the S. naturally begins to happen.  After all God wants EVERYONE to know HIM and love HIM.

This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6 (HCSB)

Developing these H.A.B.I.T.S doesn’t happen over night or even in the course of a year.  It takes a lifetime.  So get started right-a-way.  The sooner we commit ourselves to developing good H.A.B.I.T.S. the sooner we will begin GROW-ing in Christ!

H.A.B.I.T.S. (part 1)

There are six habits that produce a GREAT life! Today I'm posting the first three of those habits (some have suggested that my posts are too long) and I'll post the other three later this week (so keep checking back, or just join and follow for automatic updates).

 Some time back Stephen R. Covey wrote a book titled, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The book identifies 7 habits that will make the reader more effective in his personal and public life. Additionally, Covey claims that “this is powerful advice that will help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.”
    These six HABITS will produce perseverance, joy, and fulfillment in life no matter how good or bad things get!  The only cost is the time to read this post and the effort to implement the habits. WHAT A GREAT DEAL!

Here are the first three HABITS!
H. =  Hang Out with God
The most important habit we can develop is to spend time with God daily. The more the better, but remember God values quality above quantity.  Choose a place and a time where there is the least chance of being interrupted. I have a place on my porch that I use.  Praying or singing is allowed, but also listening.  It may feel awkward at first but stay with it!  It takes a little time to learn to “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 49:10)

A. = Accountability with another believer(s)
Last year we emphasized every attendee being a part of an accountability group.  Here is the problem, many people have stopped their accountability groups.  Just because the banner is down, doesn’t mean the practice of accountability should end.  Strong Christians have trustworthy accountability partners (note more than one).  Begin today to gather a group of 3-5 devoted believers as accountability partners. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

B. = Bible Study regularly
To love God, we must first know God.  We get to know God through reading the Bible.  There are two ways we need to study the Bible. Alone (during our “hang time”) and together in a small group (accountability thing).  The Bible describes God’s personality, it helps us to experience Him, it describes His attributes, most importantly is repeatedly affirms His love for us.  There are more than 7,000 promises God makes to us in the Bible.  How many of them can you name? But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 (NIV)

Take time this week to begin to develop these first three HABITS!  They will serve you well in working on the next three.  If you need some help with H & B I suggest "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers.  It's a 366 day devotional book that only takes about 8-10 minutes per day to do, but it is rich enough that you can also spend 30 or more minutes in deep study.  In short, it's very adaptable.

A SIMPLE BIBLE STUDY METHOD

( THE SCIENCE OF INTERPRETATION)

There are many strategies or methods for studying the Scriptures. 

Here is one method that I like to recommend for personal study.  It is easy to use and simple to understand.  Dr. Rick Warren suggests using the S-P-A-C-E-P-E-T-S Pattern.  This involves asking ourselves the question, “After reading this passage, do I have a..., or is there a...”

I taught this Bible study method while on mission to Haiti and even though the term “space pets” didn’t translate well, the people embrace it and began to use this method while we were still there.

1.         Before you begin, PRAY for insight.  Remember without the involvement of the Holy Spirit, we will never be able to fully understand or apply the Scriptures.

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV)

2.         Look for AN APPLICATION to your life.  Every story, statement, example, or directive is specifically put there by God for our benefit.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 (HCSB)

3.   As you read a passage ask yourself, “Is there a . . .”

S - SIN to confess

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Psalm 51:4 (NIV)

P - PROMISE to claim

Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:7-9 (HCSB)

A - ATTITUDE to change

Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Philippians 3:15-16 (NASB)

C - COMMAND to obey

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

E - EXAMPLE to follow

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

P - PRAYER to pray

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)

E - ERROR to avoid

I told him that I am going to judge his family forever because of the iniquity he knows about: his sons are defiling the sanctuary, and he has not stopped them. Therefore, I have sworn to Eli’s family: The iniquity of Eli’s family will never be wiped out by either sacrifice or offering.”

1 Samuel 3:12-14 (HCSB)

T - TRUTH to believe

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20 (NLT)

S - SOMETHING to praise God for.

For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us! Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath. Romans 5:6-9 (HCSB)

It is not enough to know what God through the Bible tells us to do, we must do what it says needs to be done?  Then get specific, ask "What is one thing I should do today and what is one thing I should work on this week as a result of this Scripture?"   

 Remember, it took years for us to get this messed up, becoming “Jesus imitators” will take time. 

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 (HCSB)

THE “SCIENCE OF INTERPRETATION”

A proper understanding of Scripture is not a daunting task!

Previously in “Growing in Christ” I posted about the critical importance of curriculum as a means of monitoring what is being taught in Bible studies. While only one comment is visible, several others have questioned the phrase “science of interpretation.”  I totally understand how this phrase has created some confusion.  Allow me to kindly clarify what I was trying to express. 

To begin, we need working definitions of the word “science” and “hermeneutics.”  According to Webster’s Dictionary science may be defined as: “a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study (i.e. the science of theology).”  Additionally, Webster’s defines hermeneutics as “the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible).” The question was raised regarding where is this supported in the Bible.  The Scriptures are filled with commands and declarations of the benefits of Bible study.  Here are just a few: Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:13; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 111:2; 2 Timothy 2:15. 

The Holy Spirit has to be involved if we are to understand and apply God’s Word.  However, believers must participate in the Work of the Holy Spirit.  We do that by spending time in the word, asking questions and searching the Scriptures for answers. 

A specific example of this can be found in Acts 17:10-11. Paul and Silas traveled to Berea where the people “welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (HCSB) The Jews at Berea tested the truth of Paul's message by the standard of Scripture rather than judging it by political and cultural considerations. So they examined the Scriptures daily to see whether what Paul proclaimed was really true, and many believed. In short the Bereans demonstrated the “science of interpretation.”

Bible study leaders have an obligation to rightly understand the Scriptures.  Incorrect doctrine, theology, and inappropriate usage of Scripture often occurs when a person does not devote himself to the Bible as “an object of study.”  Specifically, what happens is misquotes of scriptures, but most often misapplications. When repeated these misquotes and misapplications become accepted resulting in the spread of false doctrine. 

I plan to post a couple of recommended study methods to this blog in the upcoming weeks.  If there is one in particular you would like to see please post. 

THE CASE FOR CURRICULUM

One of the more difficult tasks for a pastor is monitoring what is being taught within each of the church’s Bible study groups.  When Bible study groups go unmonitored, the door is opened for dissension within the church.  Unrestricted study group leaders can allow false doctrine to be taught, groups to degenerate into gossip sessions, and bad theologies to become accepted within the group.

To write a good Bible study lesson takes a lot of time and study.  Biblical interpretation is a science and writing a good lesson requires careful and correct hermeneutics. Without the proper preparation, a Bible study leader can easily twist and contort Scripture into a false doctrine or bad theology (even unintentionally) in an effort to respond to a question or comment.

Good Bible study curriculum, can limit misinformation being presented in the study.  Curriculum should be evaluated prior to being allowed to be used in a Bible study group.  Basic criteria for evaluation includes, but is not limited to, publisher, author, ease of use, doctrine(s) presented, and key theological points.

Equally important is good judgement on the study leader’s part. Leaders need to be free to  respond with “I don’t know” when faced with a question or comment not covered in the lesson material. More importantly, to ask “Where is that in the Bible?” when anyone makes a statement with the words, “I think . . .” (or anything similar to that phrase).

At Deltona Lakes, we use several key checkpoints to monitor our groups:
1.    Interview small group leaders who desire to write their own lessons.
2.    Require lesson notes from those who write their own lessons.
3.    Limit, review, and approve all Bible study materials that are used.
4.    Once a year for 8 weeks the church goes into “lock-step.” Every small group is studying the same Scripture text and every sermon is preached from that same text.  This is a great opportunity for us to present correct theology and doctrine to the entire church body.

These checkpoints may sound legalistic or over controlling, but they are not when they are applied through reason. What these checkpoints tend to do is to eliminate divisive personalities before they get into a position to do harm to the body.

In addition to the four checkpoints, we require our leaders and co-leaders to attend one of  two small group leader workshops held each year.  At these workshops we not only present the rules but also explain the reason for the rules.  Additionally, we spend about 90% of our time at the workshops providing training to enhance their small group leadership skills.

Since implementing curriculum standards and leader workshops, we have noticed a positive outlook and spiritual growth within Deltona Lakes Baptist Church.  There is a growing passion for ministry and a growing desire to know God!

Knowing God Intimately

“For millions of Christians, God is no more real than He is to the non-Christian.  They go through life trying to love an ideal and be loyal to a mere principle.” A.W. Tozer

    Tozer’s statement is worth spending time reflecting on the degree to which it applies to each of us.  PAUSE, and ask yourself this question, “How real is God to me?”  Perhaps you might be thinking, “Well, whatever do you mean?”  But the question is clear and simple, “How real is God to you?”  It is one of the most important questions in our spiritual journey. 

    How real God is to a person is directly proportional to how well that person knows God.  Not how much we know about God, but how well we know God.  Another way of looking at all of this would be to define the relationship we have with God.  In particular, how intimate are you with God? 

    To the best of my understanding, God’s primary message to us is He loves us and desires our love in return.  To understand and receive that message, we must first accept the fact that God is knowable and desires to be known.  He is not a God who is “watching us from a distance” but rather a God who is so close to us that HE is essentially within us.

    Closeness with God is not a goal that is accomplished, or a check mark on our “bucket list.”   Rather it is a process, a never ending, always changing relationship, much like any other relationship.  Unfortunately, we don’t always protect our “God-me” relationships with the same determination as we do our “other people-me” relationships.  Some of us will go for days without even telling God, “hello” (one reason given for a pastor’s dismissal years ago was he didn’t say, “hello” to a church member).  We tell God how much we love Him on Sundays, then “cheat” on Him by loving other things more than HIM.  We’ll ask God to give us wisdom, then complain when we get into a position where we must use that wisdom (same thing with faith, health, influence, etc.). 

    Much of our problem is we don’t want to know God as much as we want to figure Him out.  We are constantly trying to “out guess” Him.  To figure out how to get the most from God through the least effort from ourselves.

    This is why most people (esp. unbelievers) want to read and study Revelation, they are trying to decode it in hopes of cheating judgement. Our sin-self wants to out guess God in hopes of  “working the system.”  An example of what I’m trying to say in when Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”  (Matthew 18:21 NASB) He was trying to figure out the minimum effort to building his relationship with people and with God.  The rich ruler in Luke 18:18 had the same problem, he was trying to be sure he had God figured out.

    We need to realize that as people we don’t have each other figured out, therefore how can we even imagine having God figured out.  When we stop trying to manipulate God, we will start down the path of knowing Him.  As we get to know God more and more then we will develop the understanding that I don’t need to manipulate Him.  Knowing God will cause us to see that He has promised to always do what is best for His Kingdom and for us.  Also, that He never breaks a promise. 

    Hopefully by this point there is an interest in how to get to know God better.  It begins with spending time with God.  This involves two activities.  One is spending time with other believers as they corporately spend time with God.  Also begin spending time alone with God.  Start doing things like praying, reading Scriptures, singing Christian songs, reading Christian authors (The Attributes of God by A.W. Tozer, is a good start), etc.

    Secondly, we begin to participate with God in things HE is already doing around us. Look for a place to volunteer in service to God.  Volunteer to be a greeter or to help with parking at the church you are attending.  Be willing to serve at the welcome table/center or help in some other ministry in the church. The opportunities are there if we will submit to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.  By doing these things we will learn to love God more and experience more of the love He has already given.