I have been reading through the book of Genesis and I noticed a few things that I've known in time past but really excited me again. It is in respect to Abraham, Isaac, the unknown servant and Rebekah.
In Genesis 22:1 we see Abraham who was willing to offer up his son Isaac as a living sacrifice. Abraham is a type of the Father who was willing to do the same with His own Son, Jesus Christ.
In Genesis 22:19 we notice that when coming back down the mountain from which Abraham fully intended to offer Isaac, that Isaac is not mentioned as coming back down with Abraham. I'm sure that he did, but the point is that Isaac is a perfect type of Christ in that once he was sacrificed and was taken up into heaven, He will not appear again until He meets His bride.
In Genesis 24:2 we notice that no name is given for the servant who went to get Isaac's bride. We can assume from Genesis 15:2 that it was Eliezer. However, the lack of a name completes the type of the Holy Spirit. Like the servant, the ministry of the Spirit today is to seek out a bride for Christ. Also, notice that the servant, like the Holy Spirit, does not speak of Himself (John 16:13-14).
Finally, in Genesis 24:64 we see the bride of Isaac, Rebekah. She is a type of the Church in that she was presented to Isaac as a virgin (2 Corinthians 22:2). I couldn't help but also notice that the Scripture says that when she saw Isaac that she "took a veil and covered herself." That is where we get the practice today in our modern wedding ceremonies of the bride covering her face before being presented to the bridegroom. Actually, the wedding ceremony is simply a type of the Church (the bride) being presented to her husband (Jesus - the Bridegroom). What a beautiful picture!
Building Lives International
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Spirit and Flesh
Today, let’s pick up our study in Galatians 6:8 which says, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” If we sow to the flesh, we reap flesh. If we sow to the Spirit, we reap Spirit. In other words, what you put in comes out. If you put in spiritual things, spiritual things will come out. If you put in fleshly things, fleshly things will come out.
Notice v.9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” God desires for us to be faithful. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” It’s easy to be faithful when times are good; quite another when times are bad.
Notice v.10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” We need to take care of each other in the church first and in the Body of Christ second. This is not only physically, but spiritually by doing all that has been mentioned in this chapter.
Notice v.11, “Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.” This verse is proof of two things. First, Paul used a scribe to help pen his letters. Secondly, Paul apparently had some kind of infirmity with his eyes that made a scribe necessary. Paul’s desire to write this letter with his own hand is an indicator of the seriousness of the message.
Notice v.12, “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” Back to the legalists that want to make themselves look good by putting the rest of us back under the Law.
Notice v.13, “For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” He is referring to those legalist who were prompting them be circumcised to keep the Jewish Law as a road to salvation. Again, Galatians 5:2-4 says that those who trust in the law to save them will perish.
Notice v.9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” God desires for us to be faithful. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” It’s easy to be faithful when times are good; quite another when times are bad.
Notice v.10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” We need to take care of each other in the church first and in the Body of Christ second. This is not only physically, but spiritually by doing all that has been mentioned in this chapter.
Notice v.11, “Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.” This verse is proof of two things. First, Paul used a scribe to help pen his letters. Secondly, Paul apparently had some kind of infirmity with his eyes that made a scribe necessary. Paul’s desire to write this letter with his own hand is an indicator of the seriousness of the message.
Notice v.12, “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” Back to the legalists that want to make themselves look good by putting the rest of us back under the Law.
Notice v.13, “For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” He is referring to those legalist who were prompting them be circumcised to keep the Jewish Law as a road to salvation. Again, Galatians 5:2-4 says that those who trust in the law to save them will perish.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Word of Thanks
I just want to take a moment to thank the ministries and who have thus far partnered with us in our ministry in Lima, Peru. They include: Calvary Chapel, Dallas, TX; Calvary Christian Fellowship, Midland, TX, Calvary Baptist Church, Andrews, TX; Northshore Bible Chapel, Ingleside, TX; Borderland Calvary Chapel, San Benito, TX; Calvary Chapel, Mount Pleasant, TX and Donna Spearman, Houston, TX. Again, a sincere thank you for supporting our ministry. Please pray with us that the Lord will bring more. - Dwayne
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Support Update
We just returned from a couple of weeks in West Texas sharing our future ministry in Lima, Peru at the Calvary Chapel Bible College. It was a very good visit. Both Calvary Christian Fellowship in Midland and Calvary Baptist Church in Andrews have come along side of us with one-time offerings and monthly support. We really do appreciate both of those churches and their willingness to partner with us. A special word of thanks to Pastor Steve Westfall (Midland) and Pastor Bill Melton (Andrews) for letting me share with their congregations.
By way of financial update, in one-time offerings, we stand at 6000.00. At least 5000.00 of that will be used for flights and shipping to Peru. The other 1000.00 will go toward truck rental and gas to get out of our current rental home and to take our things to Andrews, Texas where a family has graciously agreed to store them. We are still in need of funds for housing, furnishings, and the boy’s home-schooling curriculum for the upcoming year.
We have already resigned our teaching positions and expect to be in Lima around the second week of August. This will allow us a little time to settle in and prepare for the incoming students and the start of the Fall Semester on the 24th. Please continue to pray about how you and/or your fellowship can be a part of this ministry.
In conclusion, I’ve heard from several who have expressed that they would like to help. All I ask is that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can move forward in the confidence that the Lord has provided for us. I’m sure that all of you know what it feels like to be “hanging out on the limb” like this. Also, I must admit that I’m a whole lot more comfortable teaching than fund raising.
By way of financial update, in one-time offerings, we stand at 6000.00. At least 5000.00 of that will be used for flights and shipping to Peru. The other 1000.00 will go toward truck rental and gas to get out of our current rental home and to take our things to Andrews, Texas where a family has graciously agreed to store them. We are still in need of funds for housing, furnishings, and the boy’s home-schooling curriculum for the upcoming year.
We have already resigned our teaching positions and expect to be in Lima around the second week of August. This will allow us a little time to settle in and prepare for the incoming students and the start of the Fall Semester on the 24th. Please continue to pray about how you and/or your fellowship can be a part of this ministry.
In conclusion, I’ve heard from several who have expressed that they would like to help. All I ask is that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can move forward in the confidence that the Lord has provided for us. I’m sure that all of you know what it feels like to be “hanging out on the limb” like this. Also, I must admit that I’m a whole lot more comfortable teaching than fund raising.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Passing the Blame
Today, we pick up our study in Galatians 6:5 which says,“For every man shall bear his own burden.” Ultimately, God holds us responsible and no one else for our burdens. Unfortunately, we live in a society today in which it’s everybody else’s fault. We, as a society, take no personal responsibility for anything anymore. Well, it’s nothing new. When God confronted Adam for his sin in the Garden of Eden after taking the “forbidden fruit”, Adam responded, “It was the woman that you gave me.” In other words, it’s either her fault or yours, but not mine.
Changing subjects here, v.6 says, “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” In other words, the minister should be compensated. It’s amazing how we’ll pay the mechanic to fix our car, the doctor to fix our ills, the school teacher to educate our children, and not want to pay the preacher who ministers to us in the Word. 1 Timothy 5:18 says, “For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
I’ve known so many pastors who are virtually on the edge of starvation because their churches simply will not pay them a decent salary. How sad that is. I don’t think that a pastor should necessarily make more than the average member of the congregation, but nothing says that he should make less either. A man should be worth his salt. If he works hard and serves the congregation well, he should be rewarded accordingly. If he is a lazy sluggard that simply shows up on Sunday morning and delivers a half-hearted message to the people, he should also be rewarded accordingly. In the case of the former, honor and cherish that man of God for being faithful and count yourselves blessed. In the case of the latter, find yourselves a new pastor.
Notice v.7, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” God’s laws will stand regardless of how one feels about them. Here we also see the law of spiritual investment. The way you invest is the way you’re going to reap. In other words, you get back what you put into it. Put much, get much – put little, get little. That’s life my friend.
Changing subjects here, v.6 says, “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” In other words, the minister should be compensated. It’s amazing how we’ll pay the mechanic to fix our car, the doctor to fix our ills, the school teacher to educate our children, and not want to pay the preacher who ministers to us in the Word. 1 Timothy 5:18 says, “For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
I’ve known so many pastors who are virtually on the edge of starvation because their churches simply will not pay them a decent salary. How sad that is. I don’t think that a pastor should necessarily make more than the average member of the congregation, but nothing says that he should make less either. A man should be worth his salt. If he works hard and serves the congregation well, he should be rewarded accordingly. If he is a lazy sluggard that simply shows up on Sunday morning and delivers a half-hearted message to the people, he should also be rewarded accordingly. In the case of the former, honor and cherish that man of God for being faithful and count yourselves blessed. In the case of the latter, find yourselves a new pastor.
Notice v.7, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” God’s laws will stand regardless of how one feels about them. Here we also see the law of spiritual investment. The way you invest is the way you’re going to reap. In other words, you get back what you put into it. Put much, get much – put little, get little. That’s life my friend.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Self Examination
Today, we pick up our study through Galatians in 6:2 where it says, “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” In order to properly understand this verse, we must remember v.1 of the same chapter which said, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” What Paul is saying here is that each of us has areas of weakness and we should be willing to help each other with them. Thus, in doing, we fulfill the law of Christ. What is the “law of Christ”? It’s found in John 13:34 where it says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
Notice v. 3, “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” We are all vulnerable to falling. None of us are above it. I read in a book the other day this quote: “Be careful my brother, for what is in me lies dormant in you also.” That is so true. Truthfully, every one of us is usually only one bad decision from ruin. That is why we must totally depend upon God for every decision. Yes, even the ones that some to be “no-brainers” for us. I’ve found that what I perceive to be my greatest strengths many times end up being my greatest weaknesses? Why? – self-reliance!
Notice v. 4, “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” Here Paul goes on to say that we better look deep within ourselves as well. He also said in 1 Corinthians 11:28, “But let a man examine himself…”, and in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” Each of us has an obligation to ourselves, others and God to examine our own lives to see where it aligns with Christ and to make adjustments as necessary before we start looking into other people’s lives. In this way, we avoid hypocrisy. Jesus said in Matthew 7:3, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”
Notice v. 3, “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” We are all vulnerable to falling. None of us are above it. I read in a book the other day this quote: “Be careful my brother, for what is in me lies dormant in you also.” That is so true. Truthfully, every one of us is usually only one bad decision from ruin. That is why we must totally depend upon God for every decision. Yes, even the ones that some to be “no-brainers” for us. I’ve found that what I perceive to be my greatest strengths many times end up being my greatest weaknesses? Why? – self-reliance!
Notice v. 4, “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” Here Paul goes on to say that we better look deep within ourselves as well. He also said in 1 Corinthians 11:28, “But let a man examine himself…”, and in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” Each of us has an obligation to ourselves, others and God to examine our own lives to see where it aligns with Christ and to make adjustments as necessary before we start looking into other people’s lives. In this way, we avoid hypocrisy. Jesus said in Matthew 7:3, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”
Monday, May 25, 2009
Restoring Brothers, Part 2
Last week we left off talking about Galatians 6:1 which says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” As Christians, we have a divine mandate to help others in the faith who are struggling with sin. There is no doubt that it can be very difficult to confront a brother or sister who has obviously erred from the faith, but the writer of Proverbs 27:6 reminds us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
Think about it for a moment, who loves you more? Is it the one who simply allows you to walk the wrong way or the one who has the guts to tell you you’re going the wrong way? It reminds me of a time when I worked as a manager of a warehouse in my younger days. I had a competition with the forklift drivers as to who could come up with the best safety slogan. The winner was, “Stop Stupid!” There is a lot of wisdom in those words.
We also see in 1 Corinthians 5 where the Apostle Paul dealt with a problem of one of the younger men in the church who was having a sexual relationship with his stepmother. The church simply would not address the issue and was actually kind of proud of themselves for not dealing with it. Paul rebuked them pretty strongly and told them to throw the young man out of the church. Later, we see in 2 Corinthians that he repented and Paul once again had to intercede and ask them to restore him. Even the early church had a problem with church discipline. Of course, today it is virtually unheard of. To even try to discipline someone today makes you the bad guy. They would probably even try to sue you!
Jesus also dealt with the issue of restoration and the proper steps required in Luke 17:3-4 when he said, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” The key to forgiveness and restoration is repentance.
Think about it for a moment, who loves you more? Is it the one who simply allows you to walk the wrong way or the one who has the guts to tell you you’re going the wrong way? It reminds me of a time when I worked as a manager of a warehouse in my younger days. I had a competition with the forklift drivers as to who could come up with the best safety slogan. The winner was, “Stop Stupid!” There is a lot of wisdom in those words.
We also see in 1 Corinthians 5 where the Apostle Paul dealt with a problem of one of the younger men in the church who was having a sexual relationship with his stepmother. The church simply would not address the issue and was actually kind of proud of themselves for not dealing with it. Paul rebuked them pretty strongly and told them to throw the young man out of the church. Later, we see in 2 Corinthians that he repented and Paul once again had to intercede and ask them to restore him. Even the early church had a problem with church discipline. Of course, today it is virtually unheard of. To even try to discipline someone today makes you the bad guy. They would probably even try to sue you!
Jesus also dealt with the issue of restoration and the proper steps required in Luke 17:3-4 when he said, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” The key to forgiveness and restoration is repentance.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Our Greatest Need
Dear Friends and Family,
As most of you already know, we have committed to come along side of pastor John Bonner and the ministry of Calvary Chapel Bible College in Lima, Peru. This decision has not been reached lightly. We have spent months confirming this call from the Lord. It is a huge step, but one we feel totally convinced as ours for this time.
Once there, I will assume teaching responsibilities at the Bible College and will be directly involved in the lives, ministries and spiritual formation of the students. I will also be involved in the six-week Youth Summer of Missions Program where we will lead teens to serve in evangelism throughout Peru.
We are asking that you prayerfully consider how you might be a part of this ministry. At this point our greatest need is to establish a solid monthly support base that will enable us to remain on the field. Our projected budget need will be $2000.00 per month which includes housing, utilities, ministry expenses, taxes, visas and Shepherd’s Staff administration fees.
We will also need to raise a one time offering of $5000.00 to cover the cost of moving, airfare and shipping costs. We need to be fully supported by July 2009 so that we can proceed with plans to be on the field in time for the start of the Fall semester in August.
To support us, please go to "Support Information". If you feel led to commit to monthly support, please fill out the "Pledge Form" and return to Shepherd's Staff so that we can include you in our monthly budget. Our account number is 4507. God bless you!
Thank you for the many ways you have already been a blessing in our lives. We look forward to partnering with you!
As most of you already know, we have committed to come along side of pastor John Bonner and the ministry of Calvary Chapel Bible College in Lima, Peru. This decision has not been reached lightly. We have spent months confirming this call from the Lord. It is a huge step, but one we feel totally convinced as ours for this time.
Once there, I will assume teaching responsibilities at the Bible College and will be directly involved in the lives, ministries and spiritual formation of the students. I will also be involved in the six-week Youth Summer of Missions Program where we will lead teens to serve in evangelism throughout Peru.
We are asking that you prayerfully consider how you might be a part of this ministry. At this point our greatest need is to establish a solid monthly support base that will enable us to remain on the field. Our projected budget need will be $2000.00 per month which includes housing, utilities, ministry expenses, taxes, visas and Shepherd’s Staff administration fees.
We will also need to raise a one time offering of $5000.00 to cover the cost of moving, airfare and shipping costs. We need to be fully supported by July 2009 so that we can proceed with plans to be on the field in time for the start of the Fall semester in August.
To support us, please go to "Support Information". If you feel led to commit to monthly support, please fill out the "Pledge Form" and return to Shepherd's Staff so that we can include you in our monthly budget. Our account number is 4507. God bless you!
Thank you for the many ways you have already been a blessing in our lives. We look forward to partnering with you!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Departure Date
Many have asked about our departure date for Peru. The answer is, Lord willing, the first of August. We have told our current ministry that we will give them a final decision on June 7th. Why June 7th? On that date, our mission board, Shepherd's Staff, will release our donation numbers to us as they do the 7th of every month. If we see that those numbers are reasonably close to what we need for monthly support and "one-time" offerings for flights, moving costs, etc..., we will make the move. If you would like more information, please visit our blog at thespearmanfamily.blogspot.com.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Restoring Brothers, Part 1
Let’s conclude our study of Galatians 5 with the last two verses which say, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Paul’s concluding remarks in this chapter are simple. If you are a Christian, walk like one. Of course the only way for that to happen is by living and walking in the Spirit instead of the flesh.
Now, let’s move on to Galatians 6:1 which says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” We have a mandate to try to restore and not to destroy brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling in their Christian walks. After all, we’ve all struggled at times.
I heard an expression years ago that said that Christians are the only ones who shot their wounded. I’ve seen it enough times to know that it can be true at times. Restoring a struggling brother has been compared to resetting a broken bone. There is no doubt that it must be reset and that it will not be without pain. However, it should be done.
Barnes, in his commentary, says that the mandate here is for the church to “set him right, bring him back and recover him from his errors and his faults.” It is to be done by affectionate admonition, by faithful instruction, and by prayer. Discipline or punishment should not be resorted to until the other methods are tried in vain.
We see the design or model for how these things should be handled when problems arise in Matthew 18:15-17 where it says, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” More on this subject next week.
Now, let’s move on to Galatians 6:1 which says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” We have a mandate to try to restore and not to destroy brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling in their Christian walks. After all, we’ve all struggled at times.
I heard an expression years ago that said that Christians are the only ones who shot their wounded. I’ve seen it enough times to know that it can be true at times. Restoring a struggling brother has been compared to resetting a broken bone. There is no doubt that it must be reset and that it will not be without pain. However, it should be done.
Barnes, in his commentary, says that the mandate here is for the church to “set him right, bring him back and recover him from his errors and his faults.” It is to be done by affectionate admonition, by faithful instruction, and by prayer. Discipline or punishment should not be resorted to until the other methods are tried in vain.
We see the design or model for how these things should be handled when problems arise in Matthew 18:15-17 where it says, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” More on this subject next week.
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