Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 18
Theme- Precious Fellowship
Verses Col 4:7-18
Precious Fellowship
My Aunt and Uncle, who have now passed away, visited with me some time ago about churches. They traveled a great deal and visited churches all over this country and the world of various denominations. Their observations were interesting. It seemed that the churches that refused to associate with any fellowship or conference had a very prideful, separatistic attitude that often bordered on conflict.
Many churches are independent churches without any denominational or fellowship associations. Each Baptist church has the right to chose to associate or not with other churches. Most members of Stanchfield Baptist really don’t know much or care much about the larger fellowship to which we belong, The Baptist General Conference. More recently they have changed their nickname to Converge World Wide. But like any organization we can agree and disagree about lots of details, but what it is that unites us with other churches of similar doctrine?
The connection of Stanchfield began well over 100 years ago when our identity was with Swedish speaking Baptist churches. They met together for planting churches, sharing pastors, and later starting Bethel College to train Swedish speaking pastors and students.
Being part of this fellowship through the years in our state meant working together to do things that we could not do as a single congregation. We helped contribute to starting newer churches. We helped start a camp. We sent missionaries overseas. WE came up with Sunday School material and the Standard became the magazine that communicating what was happening in the country and the world that we had some ministry involvement in the larger sense.
Long since ethnic identity subsided we now reached out to other ethic groups for ministry, the first being Hispanics. We developed a Spanish speaking Bible school in Chicago. We branched out to African American churches, and now have several sub groups under our umbrella that find a place of fellowship.
Likewise, I am concerned about the Christian individual who becomes so narrow minded in his or her belief which eliminates associations with other believers in a church fellowship. It is not true to Biblical teaching. Not many Christians grow in their faith without fellowship and cooperation with other Christians. I feel that a church or person that refuses to recognize the larger body of Christ not only misses out on some of God's blessings but is in fact hindering the larger work of Christ.
I have enjoyed learning from this little book of Colossians which we've been studying since last fall. We are now at the conclusion of Paul's letter to this church. Paul wanted them to make Christ central in all things, to remain faithful to the revealed Word of God. He wanted their witness to show at home, at work and in the world. Now we see this witness of love is to be in cooperation with other believers.
Paul had his support team, which is the church. He surrounded himself with other congregations and other fellow workers. He was dependent not only on God for his support, but the people of God. For you see God is not just interested in our own welfare and ministry, but designed the church in such a way as to plan His outreach in cooperative design. I would like to suggest some ways in which Christian fellowship is so important this week from this passage.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 19
Verses- Col4:7-9
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
There is Practical Support
There are people of God who gave practical help to the ministry. Paul couldn’t have done it without them. They helped carry out the tasks that needed to be done. Paul was given the vision of carrying the good news to the Gentile community. He was not alone in that job. God would raise up congregations to support his missionary endeavors as well as workers to go along with him on his journeys. Also be reminded he was not the only one being sent by God as a missionary. Churches were being planted in the East, traditionally by Thomas and other helpers.
Barnabas had left Paul and went with another team to other areas. Appollos was one place, Peter another and host of unnamed missionaries known only to God who spread the good news to people all over.
When I became part of the Ralph Bell Crusade in Cambridge and then in a minor way up in Mora, I was both surprised and impressed as to how many people were involved in the practical tasks to put on a crusade. There were people who were to lead Bible studies; others asked to serve on prayer teams; those who were called upon to raise money; some who providing transportation and setting up lodging; a host of people needed to physically take up and remove the chairs the stage, the sound system and extra lighting; Counselors were trained, people manned the book tables, and food contributions. It is a great experience to work with neighboring Christians and churches for Christ. It was rewarding to see people come to salvation.
Paul was appreciative of all the fellow workers, those who worked behind the scenes as well as those who get the public credit.
He took no pride in accomplishing those tasks alone. The Lord used lots of men and women to carry out the job of evangelism.
There was Tychicus. He was a postman. He was sent to carry letters, packages, back and forth among the churches and individuals. He was in charge of the communication systems. He would tell others about the work, share the needs, and inform the team what was going on in the churches. It was through Tychicus that they found out about the Revivals, about the false teachers. Tychicus was part of the delegation chosen by the churches of Macedonia to accompany Paul when he took to Jerusalem the special offering for the poor and needy saints. Paul sent him to Ephesus to take Timothy's place in that city.
Three words are used to describe him- A dear brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant. Paul found him faithful and reliable. If you gave him a job, he'd get it done. You didn't have to worry about it. There are people who if they have a responsibility sometimes don't show up, or do a half baked job, or need consistent supervision. How great it is to have faithful workers you can trust and know they will do a great job.
He was also a fellow servant in the Lord. All those who do what they do to the glory of God are his servants. Many do things for personal recognition, for money or some personal benefit. A servant of God does what he does because he loves Jesus Christ. It is that type of person who can be counted on.
Secondly there was Onesimus: He was the runaway slave belonging to Philemon. Paul wrote Philemon a letter returning to you your slave Onesimus, but explaining now he is a brother in Christ. There had been a big change in his life since he ran away. He has been a big help to me personally, How? Carrying for Paul's personal needs.
In the jail there was minimum security. Paul doing some of this time was in the section where he could have friend and visitors. Onesimus came to know Christ through Paul and served him. Some how the story got out of his background. Paul realized he needed to have restitution for his sin. Philemon needed to learn forgiveness. Paul used his position not only teaching Onesimus responsibility but reconciliation for the larger body of Christ.
Paul knew he could not do ministry solo. It is a partnership under the direction of God. Share you appreciation of those who are a help and friend to you especially in the practical things of life.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Wed Jan 20
Verses- Col 4:10-11
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
There is Emotional Support
Looking at Paul’s friends he also mentioned Aristarcus. We find out more about him from Acts 19.He came from the Macedonia church. There was an uprising in the city. A riot developed. They grabbed Aristarcus and another disciple. He was beaten almost to death, because they couldn't find Paul.
Aristarcus also went with Paul to Jerusalem and traveled with Him to Rome. That means he was also subjected to the shipwreck, the hardship on the Island of Maltus, and He was referred to as a fellow prisoner. He also was put into chains because of his faithful and forceful witness. Paul was not the only Christian prisoner, just the one we hear most about.
John Mark has a story all of his own. During that first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas they took along Mark who was a cousin of Barnabas. But Mark left the team shortly after they began. Maybe it was fear, maybe home sickness, Maybe it was divided attentions, Maybe it was sin. The only thing Acts 15 tells us was when Paul and Barnabas were getting ready to go on their second journey Barbabas wanted to bring Mark along again and Paul said, "No way." He left once he was not willing to give him a second chance. They got into a heated argument over that. They split company over the issue of Mark.
You know something Paul as wrong. Barnabas was right. Now maybe this was God working out their personal problems so His ultimate plan could be better served. He allowed their dissension to result in two missionary teams and the further on the job training of Silas with Paul. But Paul later learned that Mark was very valuable help. He welcomed him and was willing finally to forgive and forget.
What a reminder of the God of the Second Chance! Some may have muffed things badly in a ministry, or failed area of their life. But God is gracious and offers a second, third, and fourth chance.
Jesus the Justis has little said about him. I would like to think he represented the hundreds and thousands of Christians who get little or no recognition. They are known to God for their faithful labors.
We have people in this church that I accidently catch doing something, fixing something, giving something that no body knows about. We got an anonymous gift recently that will enable us to get a project done, but I don't know where that money came from. It was given to the Lord not to me. Recognition isn't important, but being faithful to God is important. All these folks will be reward.
They have proved to be a comfort to him. That is emotional support, to feel comforted. To know there are people willing to work hard with you and join in your suffering. There are people who are with you during thick and thin. Friends who spend time with you and understand you, pray with you and support you in your Christian walk are of great emotional support.
Never underestimate the importance of a friend. A friend is one that is with you, encourages you, one to talk to, to listen to you. I learned early when I was a Chaplain student that the greatest help a chaplain could do was listen. We are called upon to bear with other in their emotional and spiritual struggles, through their anxieties and sorrows. We could pray; we could read the Bible; but to be their during major surgery, to get an update by the staff for the family how things were going, to sit with folks while someone was in ER or stabilization room fighting for their life was primarily emotional support during crises. There were tragedies and when there is nothing one can say at a death. A chaplain was one to hear their anger, hold the sobbing, and weep with those who weep. People often found strength in knowing someone cared.
When I was studying in the Emergency room the chief of staff at Hennipen County General hospital told us when things got hectic it was good to know that chaplains were are around willing to be with people as well as for the staff.
Along with other pastors, I am still a chaplain volunteer at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Both nurses and doctors as staff have affirmed how helpful it is to have someone there especially during the traumatic times. Even for some who aren't Christians they received emotional support.
Emotional support isn't just for emergencies. I thank God for you people who are encouragers. I got a simple note of appreciation last week from someone. That is emotional support. When I hear of some churches where there is fighting and tensions criticism and consistent complaint about every little thing. I am so grateful to be at Stanchfield Baptist. I want to affirm you in your gift of emotional support.
In an article by Dianne Hales in the Reader's Digest, she mentions some important ways to make friendships part of your life. 1) Just do it. Even if it’s been years since you've contact an old friend, take that initiative. 2) Stay in touch. If you don't have a lot of time, a quick e-mail, or simple note will suffice. 3) Double up- Do a project together. Ask a friend to join you in an activity. Talk on the phone while your folding laundry. 4) Cultivate friends of different ages. I think it is great to have friendship with someone older, youth and your age. Now maybe you are older, then develop a friendship with different generations and initiate it. Maybe you are younger. Do the same. 5) Reveal yourself. Closeness comes with sharing.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 21
Verse- Col 4:12-14 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
There is Spiritual Support
Fellowship isn't just for physical support and emotional support, but fellowship is essential for Spiritual encouragement as well. Paul is encouraging the church to grow in the Lord.
Then there are the Gentiles: Epaphras was probably the pastor of Colossae. He was concerned about his people but now having this missionary experience himself. When I was doing missionary work in Russia and talked to Judi on the telephone, I wanted all the news that was happening at Stanchfield. I discovered news of who was sick and how some special meetings went and so forth. A pastor has ongoing interests in his people and church matters, so did Epaphras.
We encourage one another spiritually by praying for them. vs. 23 shows that Epaphras was wrestling in prayer for them. He was not an example of snapping "bless my family and friends" prayer, but rather he was fervently and seriously raising up their concerns and challenges before God. He prayed for them to withstand the false doctrine. He prayed for the young converts not be deceived, that marriages be Godly and strong, that families demonstrate Christ like love. He prayed that they may stand firm in the will of God.
Luke is another team member. We know him to be a doctor, an historian. He wrote not only the gospel of Luke, but also the book of Acts. He was the only Gentile God used to produce Scripture. He also helped as a physician. He was an eye witness to authenticate the miracles and healings that happened. He is an example of a professional man, using his education and skill in Gods services. Not only was he a practical help but providing us all with the spiritual service designed by God to become Scripture. These trips were God ordained and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit lays down information for the church and added truths on the life and ministry of Jesus, especially some of the healings and wonderful parables. That is spiritual support to us all.
Sometimes the spiritual encouragement is reminding one another what is really the priorities of life. It is not making money and having fun. Joy comes in knowing God and living for him. Respond to the needs around you. I think Dr. Luke fell into that category.
Prov 28:24 says "The man of many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother". God has designed the church and Christian fellowship that we might work together and fellowship in ways to stretch our barriers and boundaries.
Lastly Demas is mentioned in v 14. Paul said almost nothing about Demas. We have other information about him in 2 Tim 4:10 Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world." That bothered Paul a great deal. A friend is one who rejoices when you rejoice, but is saddened when one is tempted by Satan and is overcome in sin. Demas worked with Paul but temptations became too great, or the pressures revealed a true heart. You cannot serve two masters, you must choose between the things or the world, or Jesus Christ. It will be a struggle.
Can one be an encouragement and then a disappointment? Absolutely. As a pastor I delight in seeing people grow in the Lord and something happens where they are sidelined. Often it is sin. Sometimes it is false doctrine or a trail that puts people in a controversial extreme that really is not of God.
FB Meyer, a legendary preacher who was marvelously used of God, was beginning to take pride in himself and his gift, but soon realized that his successes were due primarily because a poor widow in his congregation never ceased to pray for him.
We need to pray for one another, for our missionaries, our church members, those in need, our families, our pastors, officers, our SS teachers, our children workers, students.- We need spiritual support.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 22
Col 4:15-18 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
There is Church Support
Paul was a church planter. The design of Jesus was not just to get converts, but disciples. The Biblical method for disciple making is to infuse people with in the fellowship of believers, the church. This is a local organization that according to Acts 2 was established to corporate worship the Lord, teach the Word of God, evangelize, but also for fellowship and help meet the needs of one another in and out of the fellowship.
Paul mentions Nympha and the church in his house. Some older versions have the ending as male instead of female. Recent studies show that it was probably a lady, a business woman or wealthy widow. She is part of God's team and giving what she has to the Lord.
Loved ones we are all gifted and needed for the building up the church. When we read these words before us we see heartfelt concern for brothers and sisters in the Lord. Paul was people oriented, not program oriented. He wasn't concerned about the latest church program, but he did affirm people and recognized his emotional need for friendships. There was no place for competition, nor pride, nor struggle for authority or power over one another. They were equally submissive to Christ sharing the joy and sorrows of each other. They all want to share their greetings to their friends at Colossae Laodicia & Ephesus.
Notice also this dynamic of emotional encouragement. The basis of their relationship was as workers together for Christ. Luke was a doctor, a professional. Onesimus was a slave, probably illiterate. Economic position means nothing, nor did race. There were Jews as part of the team as well as Gentiles. There was no social status.
Prejudice has no place in Christian fellowship. If one knows and loves Jesus it doesn't make any difference how rich or poor or what color their skin is, or what nationality they are, or how popular they are or what their occupation is, they are brothers and sister in Jesus.
Also in v. 16 we understand that Colossians were to read this letter their congregation and pass it on to the church at Laodicea. Likewise they received a letter form Paul, we never know what is was, but it was to be read at Colossae. God inspired these writings. So they were reading aloud the Bible.
I wonder if this is why he says of Archippus to complete the work. He had a ministry he was neglecting. He had a ministry just like we all have a ministry. Ministers are not those of us who stand up front and preach and teach. We are coaches, the players are in the pew. The impact of this church is not going to be made by what I say in the pulpit so much as it is by what you do when you leave here. You are ministers for Christ. You are the ones responsible to carry on the work. We seek to prepare each believer for his or her ministry. That is what Paul is doing here.
The book of Colossians teaches us our most precious fellowship must begin with Jesus Christ who is all and above all. We are complete in Him. But then we need each other. We need each other for physical support, emotional support and spiritual support.
Paul concludes his letter "Remember my chains". He is in prison because of his commitment to Jesus, but he is able to share the ministry because of the precious fellowship.
Ray Stedman prayed for his church, "Thank you Father for this church to which I belong, for those who help me, intercede for me, support me, love me, inspire me. Lord I cannot life as a Christian without them, for I need that part of Yourself that You have placed within them. And they cannot live without me, because they need the gifts that you have deposited in me. Lord free us of the selfishness, the self-centeredness, the ego-tips, the independence of spirit that keeps us from binding ourselves into one. Lord, help us to think first of those things which will benefit others before we begin listing our own needs Give us grace to live in such a way that we draw attention to You Amen.”
Pastor Dale
