Posted on Jul 21, 2008 under This Weeks Article |
Guest editorial excerpt from City of Angels International Christian Church
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Through constant hardships, persecutions and difficulties, Paul’s “take” on his life and the first Christian movement was a “triumphal procession in Christ!” Likewise in recent weeks, we in the City of Angels Church are experiencing hardships in a deepening, nationwide recession of escalating gas prices and decreasing home values; in vicious, slanderous attacks from our critics; and in family woes, such as the passing of the fathers of Lu Jack Martinez and Ken Zindler. Yet, this past weekend as “always,” we continued to be led in triumph by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sunday June 29th was our Missions Contribution for the New York City planting (to be sent off in less than a month at the Jubilee) and for the support of Matt and Helen Sullivan in Santiago, Chile. Even in the midst of all the difficulties our church family is facing, our visionary leadership group set before the City of Angels Church a goal of $120,000, which is approximately 15X our weekly contribution. Well, our God blessed us with over $125,000! Also amazing to see — especially after sending out the Honolulu Mission Team earlier this month — our attendance on Sunday was 333! Moreover, the Lord again graciously added to our number three more souls through the waters of baptism — Alan Austin, Daniel Berg and LéMons Johnson! Witnessing all these miracles, we echo Paul’s words of joy, “Thanks be to God!”
After Paul admonishes the Corinthian Church to remember they are “always triumphant” in Christ, he writes, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other the fragrance of life.” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) On Sunday, few realized this truth as much as our new brother, Alan. Up until recently, Alan served as the “Associate Pastor” at a local denominational church of 150 members. The “Senior Pastor,” Alan’s mentor and close friend, had promised Alan he would very soon have his own congregation! Yet after studying the Bible with Ken Zindler, Nick Bordieri and Sal Velasco about God’s plan of salvation — faith, repentance, discipleship and baptism for the remission of sin — Alan became convicted and convinced and even studied these same Scriptures with the Senior Pastor! Though afterwards labeled a false teacher by his own mentor, Alan was unwavering in his new convictions from God’s Word and was baptized Sunday! Through his obedience to God’s Word, Alan has become “the smell of death” to his former congregation. However, “to God … [Alan is] the fragrance of life,” because he chose truth and his relationship with God over false doctrine and his relationships with those who teach such errors. Elena and I empathize with our new brother, for the principle of “truth over relationship” gave birth to the Sold-out Discipling Movement.
Sunday afternoon continued the “triumphal procession” as fragrant news from everywhere spread to us! Orlando, beginning in March with just two disciples — Anthony and Elizabeth Eckels — had 54 in attendance! With two restorations and two placed memberships that Sunday morning, the Orlando International Christian Church now numbers nine sold-out disciples! George Grima, leader of the New York City Remnant Group, reported they had over $10,000 donated for the future church planting! Andrew and Patrique Smellie informed me that they have now officially moved from Syracuse to DC and are beginning to collect the team, which will also be sent out at the Jubilee! Chris Broom of the Chicago Church shared that 80 of their 90 members are signed-up for the Jubilee! In speaking with Chris Chloupek, I learned that in the four weeks after the Sullivans’ departure, three campus students have been baptized and a fallen away disciple restored. Then Michael and Michele Williamson called. Thrilled, they shared that they finally rented their house in Portland, and will move to LA this week to begin co-leading the Hollywood Region! Finally, Matt reported from the 50 member Santiago Church that this past week their studies increased from five to 19!
Equally as exciting as any of this news, have been my phone calls with Michael Orieny in Nairobi, Kenya. Michael — a paid denominational preacher — first read about our movement of churches on the internet. Intrigued by the phrase “Sold-out,” the concept of discipling, and our efforts expanding into so many countries, he contacted me last November. By God’s grace, I have guided and challenged him with the First Principle Studies on our website. Recently, Michael came to a saving “knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) He was baptized for the remission of sins and, in his excitement, sent me several pictures of the occasion! In the last month, he has baptized four others thus adding to our young movement a congregation in Kenya! Presently, Michael is in Tanzania, a neighboring country, studying with a friend and his household. This “triumphal procession” has led to Michael and his family losing their financial support from their former congregation, as well as their home, which was the parsonage. Hebrews 10 echoes in my mind, “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution … and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” (Hebrews 10: 32-34)
City of Angels Church, I am so moved by your incredible sacrifice for the Missions Contribution! Also to be thanked for their sacrificial offerings are Mike DeVault and Glen Sullivan. Let us continue to be steadfast in prayer, as many among us remain in situations that are both financially and emotionally challenging. Remember, no matter the circumstances, we are “always triumphant!” Our God is leading our entire movement in a “triumphal procession”, so we should be confident our labor and sacrifices are not in vain. Truly, God is multiplying our meager “fishes and loaves” and “through us spreading … the fragrance of the knowledge of Him” throughout the United States — LA, Honolulu, Orlando, New York City, Syracuse, DC, Chicago, Phoenix, Portland — and, in time, according to His promise, into all the nations in this generation! And to God be the glory!
Kip McKean
“We will not neglect the house of our God”
— Nehemiah 10:39
Thank you to all the disciples of the Phoenix International Christian Church for sacrificing to raise the budget of God’s church to $2000.00 per week. Please know that, for us to do God’s work in this hurting world, your sacrifice counts. This budget will allow us to pay for the support of our Lead Evangelist, Chris Chloupek, our Campus Minister, Mike Patterson, and the church operation expenses. Let’s be praying that Sonja Chloupek, our Women’s Ministry leader, who is now serving without taking a paycheck, can be supported part time by the end of the year. 2 Corinthians 8:7 says, “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” As God’s church, let us continue to grow and mature in the Lord. Before God, please be consistent with your pledge. And to God be all the glory!
Life is short, then we get to go to Heaven!
Love, your brother in Christ,
Chris Chloupek
Posted on Jul 14, 2008 under This Weeks Article |
“The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.” Matthew 13:11
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13
If there was anything that Jesus preached more than any other topic in the gospels, it was the message of God’s coming Kingdom! Genesis 12:1-3 prophesied that a coming King (Jesus) would come and bless the nations through His kingdom. Isaiah and Daniel depict it as a mountain that fills the whole earth for all nations. In Matthew 4:17, Jesus warns people to repent and get ready for the kingdom of God. All of the parables give us insights into this coming kingdom, how to get into it, how to stay in it, the nature of it, and much more. Even after Jesus’ resurrection the Holy Spirit records in Acts 1:3, “He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” The message of the kingdom was of crucial importance to Jesus. Acts 2 records the coming of God’s kingdom in a powerful way, as the Holy Spirit sparks the first century movement of God. The kingdom of God on earth is the church Jesus built and began on that day of Pentecost in 33 A.D. (Matthew 16:17-19). From here, 3000 are baptized and the rapid movement continues to grow until we read in Colossians 1:23b, “This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”
The church’s mission was clear (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:4-5), and when lived out becomes that mountain that fills the earth; kingdom of God. Jesus tells us to pray in Matthew 6:10, “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus knew that God’s kingdom was to be here on earth, yet men in their sin can pervert the gospel and cease to be a part of God’s kingdom on earth thus ceasing to be the movement of God and a true church. Let us, continue to pray for the kingdom to come all over Phoenix, and to the ends of the earth. This year alone we have seen eleven baptized into Christ in the campus ministry not to mention the remnant, baptisms, and placed memberships in other ministries! In Matthew 13:11, Jesus lends us secrets that disciples need to understand to forcefully advance His kingdom. (It should be noted here, that Matthew uses the term “kingdom of heaven” instead of “kingdom of God” since it is written to a Jewish audience to not use God’s name out of reverence, though both terms can be used interchangeably.)
Read: Matthew 13:11-15.
Secrets in the time period of Jesus were for the elite class only, and it was a huge deal to be let in on a secret. Gnosticism was a false teaching of the time that was very popular. It taught that those who were really spiritual and high up in rank had a secret knowledge in regards to life and spirituality. Jesus takes a play off this idea showing us that disciples are the elite, chosen, people of God, let in on the secrets of the kingdom revealed in these parables. Verses 12-13, show that those who accept Jesus as king will have more, meaning the Jews who already had the law will now even have more since they understand the mystery the law points too. Those who reject Jesus will not understand the kingdom, and in fact even what they do understand (the law) becomes meaningless now, or in a sense is taken away. It becomes a man-made religion now. Their hearts are hard and ears are dull. Let’s look at the secrets of the kingdom (NOTE: Read the passages with the point to understand):
I. Wild Scattering Everywhere, Anywhere, All the Time (Matthew 13:1-9)
A lot of times we read this parable and focus on the different hearts, but forget the nature of the farmer sowing the seed. The seed is the word of God. What farmer in their right mind just throws seed all over these different type of terrains? A crazy one does! Are rocky places, thorns, paths, and fields/soil even close to each other? This farmer had to be insane to just be scattering seed carelessly all over the place! Yet, Jesus is letting us in on a secret, you have to be wild in your scattering of God’s word for the kingdom to move! This farmer just shares everywhere he goes, he doesn’t even think about it. Everywhere, anywhere, and all the time he is sharing his faith. Mark 16:16-20 & Acts 8:4 show the first century disciples imitated this crazy farmer preaching the word everywhere they went, and God added to their number. Do you only share with people you are comfortable with or with everyone? Do you only share in certain places or is it a lifestyle of evangelism? The first secret is being the wild farmer who throws the seed everywhere!
II. Open/Closed Hearts: Reading Men and Women (Matthew 13:18-23)
Jesus now breaks down the parable showing us that all men and women fall in one of four places. All four I believe even became disciples since the seed is in the heart. The seed along the path hears the message but does not understand it so Satan takes away what was sown in his heart. The seed along the rocky places has no root and persecution takes them out. The seed among the thorns allows the worries of life, and the deceitfulness of wealth to choke it out. The good soil understands the seed/message and multiplies by producing fruit. Which heart do you lean more towards? A secret of the kingdom is reading the hearts of men and women. Do you know where the people you study with and the disciples in your ministry fall so as to help them? If disciples aren’t being fruitful, it may be wealth, worries or persecution that is taking them out. Understanding this secret will help us water each other’s hearts with the word of God to produce good soil and multiply.
III. Ready, Alert, and Awake! (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43)
Many get confused when reading this parable and even shocked that there can be bad seed in God’s kingdom, the church. Yet, we know from the word of God that Jesus calls all people to be sold out with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength as we build a church of only disciples (John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42). So how could this happen, that weeds planted by the devil grow up in the church? The key is in verse 25, “But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.” As disciples, we must be ready, alert, and awake so the enemy doesn’t enter our fellowship to weaken the church. We are to keep preaching the standard and calling others to repent and allow God to deal with the weeds. Just because you attend the church doesn’t mean you are right with God. It is easy to get comfortable being part of the movement of God, yet we can’t forget although the church is the plan of God, He judges individuals, not churches. What about the bad seed then; who are these “disciples”? John 8:31-32 is interesting because the audience is the Jews who had believed in him … meaning Jews that believed intellectually in Jesus. They weren’t disciples because they didn’t hold on to His word. Yet in verses 42-47, Jesus talking to the same audience says they don’t really believe in Him although above it says to the Jews who believe! Is there a contradiction? Of course not, the issue is they only believed some parts about Jesus, but refused to accept all of His teachings, thus were sons of the devil (v.44) and not real believers. As a church, lets pay heed to the secret Jesus lends us to stay awake, so that we never allow the standard to be lowered causing weeds, instead let’s build a church glorifying to God. Are you ready, alert, and awake?
IV. Know Fine Pearls (Matthew 13:44-46)
There are two types of people in the kingdom: those who stumble upon it and find it, and those who seek for it and find it. Interestingly in both cases, the man and the merchant sold all they had in order to have the treasure that is the kingdom. The kingdom is such a special place. How much do you love God’s church? Will you give up everything to be a part of it? Some interpret the merchant as Jesus seeking fine pearls and when He finds a soul, he was willing to give up his life to save it. Both interpretations have the same secret, Jesus is looking for fine pearls! Are you looking for treasure and fine pearls? Jesus built his Kingdom from hard working fishermen and tax collectors. These were men of character. Even Paul was an educated man, well-versed in the law. Many of the conversions in Acts were of people of influence that propelled the movement of God. Jesus showed no favoritism and a soul is a soul, yet he knew a secret to building the kingdom is searching for fine pearls and being grateful for your salvation. Challenge yourself to share with someone of influence this week. Know the people of impact, who will in turn impact God’s kingdom.
Many more secrets of the kingdom are revealed through His parables, that were intended only for disciples to understand. Ultimately if you take the first letter of all four secrets, you get the ultimate secret: WORK. It takes hard work to move God’s church. Jesus calls us workers in Matthew 9:37. Will you decide this week to work hard to scatter the seed of God’s word, reading hearts, being alert against the devil, while searching for fine pearls? Now you know, the secret.
Campus Minister,
Mike Patterson
Posted on Jul 10, 2008 under Archives |
Is it possible to live stress free in today’s world? That’s a good question we should all ask ourselves, because stress is one of the prevailing characteristics in today’s world. We live in a tension-charged, fast-paced world full of demands and complexities that have caused the stress level of our society to reach epidemic proportions.
A couple of questions we must ask ourselves are, “Does Jesus offer us a stress-free life?” and “Does the Bible offer us opportunities to living a stress-free life?” I believe the answer to both of these questions is yes.
1. A Biblical Picture of Stress-Free Living
Matthew 6:25-33 “… Do not worry about your life … Look at the birds of the air … why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow … If that is how God clothes the grass of the field … will he not much more clothe you? … but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness … do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
The key to having God’s divine perspective about worry is “to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” This must be obeyed and lived out in your life. Our minds will deceive us and lead us to think we are seeking God and His kingdom first when we may not be. We should ask other disciples in our life for honest answers to help us.
2. Defining Stress
Stress is simply defined as “a factor that creates a mental, emotional, or physical strain.” It is “a state of unresolved tension arising from the pressures, irritations, and demands of life”. In biblical terms, the word “affliction” is the closest equivalent. Affliction can also be defined as “the pressure which affects a person’s life”. It is a broad term encompassing many factors that contribute to stress. Affliction in the Greek means anguish, burden, persecution, tribulation and trouble.
Keep in mind that God did not promise us we would be exempt from the things that cause stress and anxiety, but rather He promises to enable us to live in such a way that these things will not affect us.
John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Stress is a universal problem which periodically troubles Christians and non-Christians alike. Even Paul referred to the stress he experienced when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:8, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.”
Common Symptoms of Stress
• the tempo of life, the strain of demands and responsibilities
• a failure to seek adequate rest and relaxation • a poor use of time
• a poor diet • vitamin deficiencies
• wrong priorities • spiritual conflicts
• a tendency to overextend ourselves • lack of exercise
• insufficient communion with God • unresolved inter-personal conflicts
• emotional problems • procrastination
• unresolved sins
3. We Must See Things From God’s Perspective
Life is filled with a wide variety of circumstances. Some situations are positive, some are negative. However, the circumstances we encounter, regardless of the nature, often produce feelings of stress. This is especially true of the adverse situations which suddenly affect or alter the course of our lives. A great deal of stress can be alleviated or minimized by viewing our circumstances from a godly perspective. If we fail to perceive our life situations, at any point, as God perceives them, then we become susceptible to stress.
Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
In one of Germany’s famous art galleries, a painting called “Cloud Lane” hangs at the end of a long dark hall. It appears at first to be a huge, ugly mass of confused color — unattractive and foreboding. Upon closer examination, however, you see an innumerable company of angels. Theodore Cuyler writes, “How often the soul that is frightened by a trial sees nothing but a conglomeration of broken expectations. But if he analyzes the situation from a position of faith — he will soon discover that the cloud is God’s wonderful chariot of providence, full of angels of mercy.”
4. Deal With Unresolved Sins and Conflicts
Hebrews 12:1-2 … “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Sin generates inner tensions and conflicts, and if it stays unresolved, whether public or private, we must sincerely seek Christ’s cleansing power and forgiveness. Whatever your conflicts may be, learn to deal with them as they come up. The more you put them off, the more they pile on top of one another, the more stress you will experience. If you are experiencing irritations in your marriage life, at work, with friends, or whatever, deal with them.
Matthew 5:23-24 … “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
5. Give Everything to God in Prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 … “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
A great deal of stress is the direct result of shouldering the burdens of life without turning to The Lord in prayer. We have access to “peace of God” when we release our burdens to The Lord.
1 Peter 5:7 … “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Trust in God’s Word!
Romans 15:4 … “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Life is short, then we get to go to heaven!
Love, your brother in Christ,
Chris Chloupek