In chapter 6 the church finds itself in a problem. It is really a small problem, but be sure that if problems and irritations are not dealt with, it will escalate and eventually cause a rift and unnecessary bitterness. This is not what God wants.
The specific problem does not concern me that much, but I know that in every church and every move of God sooner or later problems arise. At first the leaders take it upon themselves to do the work - that is working the problem. Unfortunately leaders are busy people and it will happen that they can not attend to the problem at all times. Then the problem escalates….and obviously now there is opportunity for misunderstandings and so on because it might seem that not even the leaders care!
What is the responsibility of leadership?
Firstly get a good understanding of the problem. Do not be too quickly to find a solution by yourself. There is a community of believers now and you cannot afford to do it by yourself. But understand the problem fully before going on.
Secondly find the reason (if there is any) why it is your duty or not your duty to do that work (that is now the leader). To assign responsibility we have to start at the top. Is it your duty or not? In the case of the book of Acts chapter 6 the apostles reasoned that it is not their duty. Their duty at this time was the word of God (study), continual prayer and the ministry of the word (verse 2 and verse 4). Isn't it interesting that the apostles' main responsibility is spiritual? I love this! Don't think little of this for it is work and it will cost you your life!
The third thing is to get "buy in" from your church community. The apostles involved the church by saying that they must select the helpers or deacons to assist in the task of solving the problem. Too often the only decision maker in the church is the leader! This should not be like that!
The fourth thing is to give guidance to the process - the right quantity of people allocated to do this work is very important and is mentioned first. There is nothing so frustrating as to have too many or too few people to help in a specific task. The apostles also give guidance to ensure that the persons chosen must be the right people; they must be moral, spiritual and wise. I quote: - "honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom". These three qualities are cardinal - honest simply means I can trust the person (he will not steal for example); full of the Holy Ghost is exactly what it means - don't choose a carnal person! Lastly a wise person means to me somebody that is wise, yes, but also able because what can you do if somebody is not able to innovate and constantly worry you to make decisions and so on. I like to make a parallel to the work environment:- the reason for managers is exactly they must manage the work so that the leaders don't have to - they must make the decisions or innovate and they must solve the problem. This is where wisdom comes in! Wisdom is ability to do things wisely and with innovation. It is frustration to have somebody that can not do the task in a team and this person now must now be "carried" - this person is unable and not wise to the task. Meditate upon this.
The last thing that the apostles did was to give official sanctioning to the process. This is important because it informs the whole church as well as the apostles and there is also an impartation from the apostles - a spiritual act (seeking God's favor) which helps those who were chosen in the team. The Bible says that the apostles prayed and they laid their hands on them.
In my heart I believe that initially there might have been small problems in the organization of the work by these new chosen people, but they were able to sort it out. I believe they did and they also prospered at it for God blessed the church when they did this.
Spiritual leadership rightly applied cause church growth for in Acts 6:7 it says - "And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."
Leadership in the early church was very effective and the right roles were allocated to the right people. Whenever there are irritations or problems in your personal life, family, work or church (the work of God), it calls for leadership. Wisdom is needed and it is good to desire to do the things that God has intended for us to do, and not to be tied down in things that we should not do.
Remember that everything stands or fails (falls) by leadership
Sunday, September 9, 2012
LEADERSHIP IN ACTS CHAPTER 6
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TOWARDS ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE
I am a Christian by rebirth because of my faith in Jesus Christ the Lord - the Son of God and His redemptive blood sacrifice and resurrection a complete atonement for our sin and regeneration. Right from the outset the Christian must lay semantics aside - with this I mean that for the Christian the words Christ is equal to Messiah and Jesus is equal to Jeshuah - semantics makes no difference - it is the very same person we are talking about. The same can be said for the other names of God but we can learn from our Jewish heritage what the different names of God means - in fact it is our duty. It is our duty to study the scriptures diligently for the following reasons:
-To see if these things are so - prophetic relevance
-Jewish perspective - historical, cultural and linguistic perspective
-To get revelation from the Spirit (Ruach) of God
-We should study the Bible from a Jewish perspective because Christianity in origin is Jewish!
Why should Christians have a pro-Israel/pro-Jewish attitude?
1. One of the reasons for respect towards Israel and the Jewish people is that the scriptures came from them.
2. Salvation is through/from them.
3. The church came through them.
4. Salvation of the Jewish people will be a greater blessing to gentile nations.
5. Christian people are grafted into the commonwealth of Israel.
6. Jesus and Paul sought and prayed for their salvation - we should pray and seek their salvation - testify to them.
7. Because Christians seek the blessings of Abraham.
8. Because we are shown in scripture to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
9. Jerusalem is the place of Jesus Christ's return and future reign.
10. Mighty end-time prophets will come from Israel.
11. Christians support Jewish possession of the land of Israel and Jerusalem as it was given to them by God (in Abraham).
12. Because of God's love for them - but we must know that God's love extends to all other people/nations as well.
13. There will be a remnant of Jewish people who will be saved - but also there are reference(s) that all Israel will be saved.
14. Because it is in God's agenda and somehow features central in God’s unfinished business with human beings and planet earth.
The only logical and spiritual conclusion is therefore that we should have a pro-Israel attitude, that we should pray for them as well as Jerusalem.
May God bless Israel, keep her, make His face shine upon her and give her peace(Shalom peace)!
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WESSEL VAN DER MERWE
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
POSSIBLE PROPHETIC CALENDAR FROM 2012 ONWARDS
1. United Muslim/Islamic Front/Block under one super leader who is at present striving for peace.
2. Re-emergence of the Catholic Faith as a dominant world religion under a new and younger pope.
3. Re-emergence of the new Europe economically and politically.
4. Demise of the USA.
5. Emergence and establishing of a world government - politically into greater regions - economically under one currency - end of money as we know it.
6. Startling event in Israel launches the rebuilding of the Temple
7. Wars and rumors of wars, climactic changes and signs in the heavens announces the end times - changes in the geography of the world….
8. The falling away of some from the true faith - yet miracles and salvation of others so that the House of God be filled.
9. A global thinking and a global consciousness are increasing.
10. Wars against Israel - world evangelism take on a new dimension.
11. Rebellion against all righteousness - the end of religion(s).
12. The triumph of Christ - His return and the establishing of His Kingdom the 1000 years commencing.
Christians should not fear! Fear God! Serve the Lord with gladness of heart - nothing can befall you for our God reigns on high and He is in control of all things! Christ will reign! Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ the Lord!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
PROPHETIC WORD FOR 2012
In my heart I feel that 2012 will be a year of great evangelism. It is a year of proclaiming the gospel freely wherever we can and wherever the Lord will send us. Do the work of an evangelist is certainly an instruction to every servant of God.
Reap wherever you can, for time is coming that people will no longer believe the true doctrine - already there are many who mock the gospel of God and the Holy Spirit. Preach the gospel by all means - use the social gospel, the gospel of salvation and the gospel of the Kingdom of God, but by all means introduce people to the Savior Jesus Christ.
Within the church create practical Kingdom strategies to accommodate the preaching of the gospel. Preach and teach the Kingdom - preach and teach the gospel of God.
Persevere for the whole year with this strategy and seek the favor of God on your efforts. Do not give up. Suddenly things will be easier although in the world it might seem as if things are really changing from bad to worse - hold on and keep on doing the right things. God honors His word, preach the Gospel Word and He will save souls - did He not say "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me"? He certainly will!
We yet have an opportunity to preach the gospel - so do this in this year and see what God will do for you!
Be not afraid what "they" say - trust in God and He will supply that what is needed for you to do the work of God. Many will rise up against the gospel but stay with the truth and that which is right even the gospel of Christ and He will defend you. Do not occupy yourself against so many things but rather be for the one thing needed - that is Christ Jesus and the gospel of God! Share His love and His truth! Many will engage in all kinds of "fights" for and against issues, but beware of entanglements for you are called to be a clear witness of the love of God for a sinful world. Preach Christ - preach the gospel - testify! God is good and He loves us very much. He will see us through!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
"I came to occupy!" - ADVANCEMENT OF THE KINGDOM
God reigns by His Holy Spirit and by His Living Word in our hearts. This He does by speaking to us or working through the sanctified mind and conscience. That is by His Living Word! Without the sanctified mind and conscience there remains an evil mind and conscience! SO WE HAVE TO CHANGE! Obey! We change by good sound teaching and by obedience to His instructions!
When God reigns by His Spirit and His Living Word it generates purity in us and it translates into good works by faith! When Paul wrote to Titus in Titus 1 verse 15 and 16 he said - "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. "
From this we can clearly see it is not good enough to be a good speaker or to profess to know God! We can still be impure. To be pure would mean to be born-again and show iniative to grow in the Word and in Spirit! Then all things indeed become pure!
Isn't it a wonderful thought to imagine the content of God's Kingdom as a volume of Spirit or a distance covered in establishing God's Kingdom on earth - the sum of God's true reign in our hearts! It could be ten percent in this person over here, twenty over there ninety over there and so on and so on. So we have reached a movement of x total percent of establishing God's Kingdom! NOW THINK! If you positively respond to God's Spirit and Living Word then He reigns more in your heart and the result - His TOTAL Kingdom advances! You can influence His Total Kingdom! Awesome! He came to occupy! It advances even more when by faith this translates into good works - the manifestation of the Kingdom! He came to occupy!
Yes friend He came to occupy! God's Kingdom will occupy the world and the Kingdoms of this world. All influences (a kingdom is an area of influence) will become subject (give in to the reign) to the Kingdom of God!
His Kingdom values are easy to discern - true concern and interest and care - that is love, the truth - the nature of truth and honesty and justice, faithfulness in relating all things to God and knowing Him in true devotion enquiry and to search Him out - this is our worship, a good pure motive in what we say and do and other values of faithfulness etc. etc. the fruit of the Spirit which is the character of Jesus! Character and personality are different things. Personality is a given. Character is constantly being formed.
The Kingdom of God advances as our characters are transformed more and more into the image of God's Son Jesus Christ. And God's Kingdom advances! You have an impact on His Kingdom!
Now the question - when last did the Kingdom of God advance in your heart and flowing out into good words and good works? It is one thing to be convinced of our righteousness and our sense of being renewed into the new man - I am a new creation, that is in conviction and understanding. But you also must manifest this in character and works! Change – let His Kingdom advance!
May His Kingdom come! Know this that the more you agree and change in agreement with His word and Spirit knowing that He reigns, then you are showing God's Kingdome and showing that His Kingdom advances! Just a little yes in your Heart can move His Kingdom and He occupies!
What awesome responsibility - make His Kingdom come! Let Thy Kingdom come oh Lord! “I came to occupy! And I am coming to occupy!” - Jesus.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
PROPHETIC WORD 2011
I submit the following as prophetic insights to be evaluated and considered for 2011. As I meditated and prayed and ask God about the following:-
1. Praise and Worship - a clear distinction will be made between worshippers and performers and the people of God will start to know the difference. We are tired about superstar performances we want to Worship God.
2. Apostolic transformation falling in disrepute because some leaders like titles and finances and the praise of people. With every move their is a counter action by the devil so there are even now false apostles claiming to do the works of God! However the true will be shown clearly against these false ones in doctrine, lifestyle, joy and in power. The coming together of the fivefold ministries and the apostolic company etc. being orchestrated by the apostolic and the prophetic. Roving ministries making inroads changing church and other Christian systems into Kingdom systems and influences. A new kind of apostle emerging - those that have the crowning glory and wisdom and the heart and gentle authority. Prophetic and evangelistic ministry again finds a firm footing among Christians - "In Favor".
3. There is a brooding, a waiting on the face of the world for someone or something to happen - certainly how long will things be delayed? Is it not even now that greater territorial spirits and actions infiltrate small and bigger areas, towns, districts, states and provinces and countries as well as business and organizations etc. And these spirits will work through all available human channel(s) - the influential and the poor. Mainly because of a prevailing lethargic spirit and desperate situation. Is the time not drawing near that we will see also how God again will do a sign in the world by accepting His ancient people into the gospel? More and more Jewish people will return to the true faith that is in the true Messiah! How much more will their acceptance in the gospel be a blessing to us and the world? But the hatred of the world will increase and especially against the Jews and Judaism and the Christians and their faith. But the children and sons of God will emerge with their faith and love intact with pure worship of the only living God. No longer will Christians and the Jewish people be confused on the issues of semantics in the names of God and other issues of pure linguistics of the Word but the time is at hand for revelation...AND THEY WILL KNOW
4. Regions in the world become more Islamic. South Africa being infiltrated more and more by new groups - this time not from Africa but from India, Pakistan, Indian, China, the Far East as well as Middle East. South Africa will not go untouched by Islamic fundamentalists propaganda and methods of operation. South Africa in the same way becomes a safe haven for many Europeans and the new breeding ground for cross race and cross nation and cross cultural relationships. The biggest threat to social stability in South Africa will remain crime and corruption.
5. The words "SHATTER STRUCTURE" stays haunting in my mind and I don't know yet what it means.
6. Financial gradual recovery all over the world is over a longer period if there remains time for it. Small Pockets of recovery.
7. A new rebellious - I don't care - whatever - but anti Christian and "anti the right thing" to take hold of people and especially the youth. Rebellion for no other reason but rebellion or being different. Some will become famous for their open rebellious stance. Those youth that turn fully to God will become very good "strategic" Christians with influence.
8. The hope of the world will remain Christ and Christ alone - many will overcome by His grace and the power of the gospel will shine very bright at this hour. Expect the miracle, the sign and the wonder for you shall see it. Glory to God!
I believe that in these words there are truths and images in my heart before me and I pray that God gives you a discerning heart to know the truth even the Word of this hour.
Friday, December 17, 2010
APOSCO FINANCE POLICY DD 16 DECEMBER 2010
NB - THIS ARTICLE FOR APOSCO TEAM
1. Giving/Tithing is absolute voluntary.
2. Should any ministry give/tithe it should be from pesonal income and NOT ministry income. Ministry income is regarded as income for the church in the form of tithes and offerings. Personal income is that portion that is regarded as income for the personal use of the minister. Since this is not a denomination, there is no head office and no tithing/giving expected from the church(es) to Aposco, and tithing/giving from personal income to Apsoco is completely voluntary.
3. A financial partnership with Aposco can also be made where Aposco hand the other ministry each have their own resposibility. Feel free to enquire.
4. Such giving/tithes/partnership can be banked into the following bank account :-
JW van der Merwe
First National Bank
Account No:- 62057620281
Branch No:- 250845
Type of Account:- Savings
For non South African ministries-SWIFT NO: FIRNZAJJ
Or use my PayPal Account wessel@jwvdm.co.za account is email address.
5. Finances are for the personal and ministerial use of APOSCO Ministries. 6. There are no anual renewal fees or entrance fees.
6. This ministry is not a general route for ministries to be financed and members are discouraged from soliciting funds from one another.
7. Each conference or invitation will be negotiated on its own terms. Ordinarily if there is no budget available to Aposco Ministries, the ministry inviting Aposco must carry the traveling costs, accommodation costs as well as initiating a love offering.
NB APOSCO Ministries is not a denomination and members keep their own legal/denominational identity.