Wasted Preaching and Fat Church Members

Should all the labor that has been expended on the churches during the past twenty years be again expended upon them, it would fail, as it has failed in the past, of making the members self-denying, cross-bearing followers of Christ. Many have been overfed with spiritual food, while in the world thousands are perishing for the bread of life. Church members must work; they must educate themselves, striving to reach the high standard set before them. This the Lord will help them to reach if they will co-operate with Him. If they keep their own souls in the love of the truth they will not hold the ministers back from presenting the truth in new fields. – {9T 140.2}

What a crazy passage.  Twenty years worth of inward-focused ministry for churches was a failure.  A truly self-denying religion must work for others outside of the immediate congregation.  We must have a missionary mindset.  All the energy spent on preaching, without setting up the audience for application, is wasted.

The outcome of spiritual overfeeding is fat church members.  Too much of a good thing leads to bad outcomes.  Church members experience heartburn with each other, spiritual apathy, and a decreasing ability to work effectively for the Master.

As always, a healthy lifestyle combines correct eating habits with exercise.  Right from at the beginning of the ministry effort.

This makes me wonder at the effectiveness of pastors who do not set up outreach opportunities or felt needs ministries for their members.  I also wonder about the effectiveness about youth ministries that do not provide outreach components and training opportunities.  We need to learn to work.

Devotions are Worth Your Time

Devotions are worth your time. How can we live a spiritual life without eating spiritual food? I know that Christ is so much closer to me when I’m consistent in devotions and studying the Bible. Make time!

Christians should … cultivate a love for meditation, and cherish a spirit of devotion. Many seem to begrudge moments spent in meditation, and the searching of the Scriptures, and prayer, as though the time thus occupied was lost. I wish you could all view these things in the light God would have you; for you would then make the kingdom of Heaven of the first importance. To keep your heart in Heaven, will give vigor to all your graces, and put life into all your duties. To discipline the mind to dwell upon heavenly things, will put life and earnestness into all our endeavors. – {OFC 23.2}

Devotions Idea: Read Through Overview Twist

A standard thing to do for devotions is to read through the Bible.  It’s a great way to become and stay familiarized with Scripture, and to discover lots of great verses and promises.

However, reading through the Bible can lose its spiritual punch easily and become a checklist item.  There are a couple of ways to prevent that.  One way to make sure you process the information that you read is to look for a highlight in each chapter.  In each chapter look for the most important, or the most interesting verse, and write it down.  This system will make sure that you examine the information in each chapter and make a connection with it.  It turns the reading from a passive activity into an active one.  It is more work than simply reading through the Bible, but it is more rewarding.  Think of this method as another tool at your disposal.

Here are the verses that I highlighted during my reading this morning.  I’m reading through the NIV currently.  Also note that it is better to read in several places in the Bible rather than straight through.

Matthew 21:41 -  “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

Matthew 22:40 -  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Genesis 29:20 -  So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

Genesis 30:30 -  The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I have been. But now, when may I do something for my own household?”

Nehemiah 5:16 -  Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any land.

Psalms 16:8 -  I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Promises Collection 5

This set of verses were memorized when I was Bible working in St. Augustine, FL.

Psalms 16:8 – I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

1 Corinthians 8:2 – And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

2 Corinthians 10:12 – For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

John 15:5 – I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Psalms 34:7 – The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Colossians 2:9,10 – For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Mark 11:24 – Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

2 Corinthians 6:16 – And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Isaiah 41:13 – For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Psalms 17:4 – Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

Promises Collection 4

I memorized this set of verses while working at Mission College’s Youth for Jesus in 2006.

Psalms 34:17,18 – The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. (18) The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Jeremiah 33:3 – Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Psalms 37:23,24 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (24) Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Hosea 14:4 – I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

Isaiah 26:3,4 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Micah 7:18,19 – Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. (19) He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Proverbs 20:13 – Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

Psalms 16:11 – Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Proverbs 18:24 – A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Promises Collection 3

I memorized these 10 passages while I was Bible working in Portland, OR back in 2006.  There are some classics and some novel promises.  The verses on God’s guidance are always meaningful.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Psalms 145:18 – The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Isaiah 1:18 – Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

John 14:1-3 – Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Psalms 32:8 – I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

John 14:26 – But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Exodus 33:14,15 – And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (15) And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Jeremiah 31:3 – The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Promises Collection 2

Here are 11 passages of Scripture promises that I’ve memorized. I hope you enjoy them as well.

Isaiah 30:21 – And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (12) Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (13) And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Matthew 11:28 – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29)Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Revelation 3:20 – Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Job 6:24 – Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

Job 5:17 – Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

2 Chronicles 16:9 – For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Job 23:12 – Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Psalms 119:18 – Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Psalms 17:5 – Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.

Ellen White on Memorizing

Several times each day precious, golden moments should be consecrated to prayer and the study of the Scriptures, if it is only to commit a text to memory, that spiritual life may exist in the soul.–4T 459 (1880). {LDE 66.6}

God’s precious Word is the standard for youth who would be loyal to the King of heaven. Let them study the Scriptures. Let them commit text after text to memory and acquire a knowledge of what the Lord has said.–ML 315 (1887). {LDE 67.1}

Build a wall of scriptures around you, and you will see that the world cannot break it down. Commit the Scriptures to memory, and then throw right back upon Satan when he comes with his temptations, “It is written.” This is the way that our Lord met the temptations of Satan, and resisted them.–RH April 10, 1888. {LDE 67.2}

Hang in memory’s hall the precious words of Christ. They are to be valued far above silver or gold.–6T 81 (1900). {LDE 67.3}

Keep a pocket Bible with you as you work, and improve every opportunity to commit to memory its precious promises.–RH April 27, 1905. {LDE 67.4}

The time will come when many will be deprived of the written Word. But if this Word is printed in the memory, no one can take it from us.–20MR 64 (1906). {LDE 67.5}

Study the Word of God. Commit its precious promises to memory so that, when we shall be deprived of our Bibles, we may still be in possession of the Word of God.–10MR 298 (1909). {LDE 67.6}

Parents should set apart a little time each day for the study of the Sabbath-school lesson with their children. They should give up the social visit if need be, rather than sacrifice the hour devoted to the precious lessons in sacred history. Parents as well as children will receive benefit from this study. Let the more important passages of Scripture connected with the lesson be committed to memory, not as a task, but as a privilege. Though at first the memory may be defective, it will gain strength by exercise, so that after a time you will delight in thus treasuring up the precious words of truth; and the habit will prove a most valuable aid to religious growth. {ST, May 19, 1887 par. 9}

It is of but little profit to read a certain number of chapters daily, or to commit to memory a stipulated amount, without careful thought as to the meaning of the sacred text. Earnest attention and prayerful study are required. Some portions of Scripture are, indeed, too plain to be misunderstood; but there are others whose meaning does not lie upon the surface, to be seen at a glance. Scripture must be compared with scripture; there must be careful research and patient reflection. And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who searches the word of God as for hid treasure find truths which are concealed from careless seekers. {ST, May 19, 1887 par. 2}

Put away the foolish reading matter and study the Word of God. Commit its precious promises to memory so that when we shall be deprived of our Bibles we may still be in possession of the Word of God.–Ms 85, 1909, p. 10. (Lessons of Self-denial, Trust and Cooperation,” Sermon preached in Nevada, Iowa, August 21, 1909.)

We must be better acquainted with our Bibles. We might close the door to many temptations, if we would commit to memory passages of Scripture. Let us hedge up the way to Satan’s temptations with “It is written.” We shall meet with conflicts to test our faith and courage, but they will make us strong if we conquer through the grace Jesus is willing to give. But we must believe; we must grasp the promises without a doubt. {FLB 8.5}

My dear child, keep your mind stayed upon your Saviour, whose property you are. Tell Him all about your trials, and arm yourself with His promises. Commit His words to memory. {3MR 133.4}

Promises Collection 1

Here are 10 passages of Scripture that are promises that I’ve memorized and want to share.

2 Peter 1:4-8 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Proverbs 3:5,6 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalm 27:13,14 – I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (14) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 37:4-6 – Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (6) And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Psalm 119:9 – Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

James 1:5 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Luke 11:13 – If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Isaiah 44:22 – I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Bible Worker Verses

If you know of any other verses, leave me a comment.

Psalm 126:6 –
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Proverbs 11:30 –
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Isaiah 51:16 –
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

Isaiah 55:11 –
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

John 15:16 –
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Acts 5:32 –
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Acts 8:1,4 –
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles. (4) Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Romans 10:14,15 –
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
(15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

1 Corinthians 15:58 –
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:20 –
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Galatians 6:9 –
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Revelation 22:17 –
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.