It is too early to assess the fallout of the current movement in Lakeland, Fla. I began watching GOD TV nightly after receiving two e-mails from England: "Revival has broken out in Lakeland."
I can never forget that my first reaction to the Toronto Blessing in 1994 was negative. I didn't believe it was of God. I didn't want it to be of God; I found the idea of falling on the floor and laughing hysterically rather offensive. Furthermore, if it really was of God, it would have come to Westminster Chapel first! I later affirmed it as being a genuine work of the Holy Spirit.
A surgeon gives expert advice to pastors counseling families on the thorny issues of vegetative states, life support and blood transfusions.
Terri Schiavo's story became a touchstone for pro-life activists, bioethicists and a host of self-proclaimed experts on end-of-life issues. Technical terms such as “persistent vegetative state” and “life support” were bandied about with a vengeance. But what of the spiritual leaders that are placed in the uncomfortable position of providing counsel to families making life-and-death decisions at the hospital beds of family members?
Pastors cannot be expected to understand the latest advances in medical technology, but a working knowledge of some of the terminology and issues surrounding end-of-life care is in order. Physicians may provide medical counsel, but often it rests in the hands of church leaders to help families make bioethical decisions that they must live with for the rest of their lives. In the end, we must help families decide whether everything we could do is everything we should do.
Spiritual parenting requires deliberate, intentional implementation in a local church. Some call "spiritual parenting" having spiritual fathers, mentoring or discipling. Paul said it this way: "For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me" (1 Cor. 4:15-16, NKJV, emphasis added).
Too many are seeking to be elders, deacons, presbyters or bishops before they first bear the fruit of spiritual offspring. Church offices are empty positions unless they are occupied by experienced, mature, spiritual parents in Christ.
Craig Groeschel has no secrets ... well, maybe a few. Groeschel founded LifeChurch.tv in Edmond, Oklahoma in 1996 as one of the nation's first multi-campus churches. Today the ministry offers 40 weekly worship experiences at nine different locations. But, whereas many pastors of large churches become more secretive and inaccessible with success, Groeschel decided to reverse this trend (at least for himself) with his jarringly transparent Confessions of a Pastor.
A gifted and creative communicator, Groeschel bares his soul about personal and professional challenges. A mixture of Groeschel's confessions serve as the chapter headings of his book. Among his confessions: "I can't stand a lot of Christians," "I hate prayer meetings," "I worry almost all the time," and "Sometimes I doubt God."
To develop maturity, character, self-discipline and integrity, everyone must pass three tests that are common to all mankind. Because God wants us to be controlled internally, He calls us to pass these three responsibility tests. The testing is not forever. Jesus spent 40 days, and when He was finished, He had passed all three tests perfectly to serve as our example. These three tests include the areas of physical discipline, motivation and greed. These are the areas God tests in the wilderness to prepare you to cross the Jordan. Once you pass all three, you are ready to get your feet wet.
The categories of these tests fall under three headings: appetite; motive, pride and fame; greed and power. These tests are necessary because people who aren't used to power are dangerous. The same is true of people who are full of pride or can't possess their own bodies through bringing their appetites under control. These are irresponsible and dangerous people who cannot be trusted. Let us take a look at each of the tests given to Jesus
