Tag: faith

Core Values: Pursuing Maturity by Making Disciples

Have you ever wondered what truly drives a church? What keeps it alive and thriving? At Sonrise Christian Church, we believe the answer lies in our core values, and at the heart of these values is our Vision: pursuing maturity by making disciples. This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a call to action for each of us to grow in our faith and help others do the same. You might be asking, “Why should this matter to me?” Well, because it’s about finding purpose and direction in your life, and ultimately, it’s about experiencing the hope and joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus.

Our church is more than just a building; it’s a community of people committed to living out the Gospel. We believe that the Gospel is true and that Jesus is the hope of glory. This belief fuels everything we do, from our worship services to our outreach programs. It’s what motivates us to gather together, to learn, and to grow. And it’s what drives us to share the love of Christ with those around us.

In the next several posts I will outline our recent Sermon Series: “Core Values,” where we are introducing seven unique values that embody who we are as a church. This past Sunday we took some time to outline our Vision Statement and explained the meaning behind it.

Why Pursuing Maturity Matters

The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 1:28, gives us a clear picture of what our mission should be:

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

This verse is the heartbeat of our church. It reminds us that our goal is to help each other grow in our faith, to become more like Jesus every day.

But why is this important? Because maturity in Christ leads to a life filled with purpose and joy. It means living a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. It means being equipped to face the challenges of life with hope and confidence. And it means being able to share that hope with others.

How We Pursue Maturity

So, how do we pursue maturity? It starts with making disciples. Jesus gave us a clear mission in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This is our blueprint for action.

  1. Go: We are called to step out of our comfort zones and share the Gospel with those around us. This might mean having a conversation with a neighbor, inviting a friend to church, or serving in a local outreach program.
  2. Baptize: Baptism is the accumulation of ones genuine faith repentance, and confession, in one obedient act to have God wash away ones sins.  in this phrase from Matthew 28. we have a reference to what happens in conversion; it’s a salvation event. Notice that he says, baptizing them into the name, that is, into all the benefits that carry that name. You’re baptized into the benefits of Christ and all that God is. And when you go into that water, you die. You come up a new person raised to walk in the newness of life.
  3. Teach: Discipleship is about learning and growing together. It’s about studying the Bible, praying, and encouraging one another in our faith. It’s about being part of a community that supports and challenges us to become more like Jesus.

Taking the Next Step

As we embark on this journey of pursuing maturity, I want to challenge you to take a concrete next step. What can you do this week to grow in your faith and help others do the same? Maybe it’s joining a Discipleship group, volunteering in a ministry, or simply spending more time in prayer and Bible study. Whatever it is, take that step and see how God can use you to make a difference.

Proper Prosperity in 2025

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to prosper? As we step into a new year, many of us are setting goals and dreaming of success. But what if prosperity is more than just financial gain or personal achievements? In the letter of 3 John, we find a heartfelt prayer that offers a deeper understanding of prosperity—one that encompasses our entire being, including our spiritual health. This prayer, written by the Apostle John to his beloved friend Gaius, is a reminder that true prosperity is about experiencing and enjoying favorable circumstances while walking in the truth of Christ. I want to focus on the phrase “all may go well…” and “as it goes well with…” The phrase “go well,” comes from a Greek word that means –“to experience and enjoy favorable circumstances—‘to get along well, to succeed.” 1

In 3 John 2, John writes,

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

This prayer highlights three key areas of prosperity: general well-being, physical health, and spiritual growth. It’s a holistic approach that encourages us to seek balance in our lives.

Avoiding Extremes

It’s crucial to avoid two extremes when considering prosperity. On the one hand, prosperity theology suggests that God guarantees health, wealth, and success to all believers. Those who maintain “the prosperity Gospel” or “Name it claim it Theology,” take a passage like this and extrapolate a ton of meaning that the text simply doesn’t intend to add. This teaching suggest that It is God’s will that every Christian prosper physically, and that each Christian should claim by faith their material blessing of health and wealth. This view can lead to disappointment and a misunderstanding of God’s purposes.

This is exemplified by someone like Joel Osteen:

“When you speak [blessings] out you give life to what you say. It’s not enough to just think this. You don’t bless yourself by just dwelling on positive thoughts. Nothing happens unless you speak. When you say I am blessed blessings come looking for you; When you say I am prosperous good brakes start heading your way; When you say I am healthy health starts tracking you down.” (Joel Osteen, Sermon: Bless Yourself).).

“All of us are born for earthly greatness. You were born to win.” “God wants you to live in abundance, you were born to be a champion. He wants to give you the desires of your heart.” “Before we were formed, He prepared us to live abundant lives, to be happy, healthy and whole. But when our thinking becomes contaminated, it’s no longer in line with God’s Word,” (Joel Osteen quoted by John Macarthur)

But is this what the Bible Teaches? No! The Bible actually warns against seeking material riches and says that suffering and persecution are realities for the Christian

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.(Acts 14:21-22)

On the other hand, asceticism rejects all forms of pleasure and material blessings, which can result in a joyless and legalistic faith. Asceticism is severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. This extreme goes in the other direction and teaches that Christians shouldn’t pray or seek any kind of pleasures in this world. But this isn’t what the Bible teaches either! The Bible teaches that God desires to bless us! And not just spiritually but even physically.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.(1 Timothy 6:17)

Understanding True Prosperity

So what is the proper perspective? In a word, contentment!

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.(Philippians 4:10-12)

give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God (Proverbs 30:8-9)

Now with all of the qualifications in place we can properly understand and apply our text. John’s simple prayer can be divided into three parts; each of which can serve as a proper prayer for 2025!

  1. General Prosperity: First, notice what John writes: “I Pray that all may go well with you…, or as the NASB puts it: “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper…” What a delightful prayer! John prays that in every aspect of Gaius’ life it go well. Man, that is my prayer for you! I pray all aspects of your life goes well this year!
  2. Physical Health: Good health is a blessing that allows us to serve God and others more effectively. While we can’t control every aspect of our health, we can take steps to care for our bodies, recognizing them as temples of the Holy Spirit. This includes making wise choices about diet, exercise, and rest. We don’t often speak of this area of the Christian life, but we should pray for one another’s health and physical bodies.

    bodily training is of some value (1 Timothy 4:8)

    No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) (1 Timothy 5:23)
  3. Spiritual Prosperity: The most important aspect of prosperity is our spiritual health. John rejoices in knowing that Gaius is “walking in the truth (see verses 3-4)” Our relationship with God should be our top priority, as it influences every other area of our lives. Spiritual growth involves regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

    Notice what John says about Gaius…John prays his physical health matches his spiritual health! Why? Because his spiritual health was prospering (same word!) What if that prayer was answered for you? What would your physical health be like If someone prayed: “lord, let their physical health match their present spiritual health!? Now, as much as we should pray for the physical prosperity of each other’s lives—nothing can compare to the prayer for spiritual prosperity!

Taking the Next Step

As you reflect on this prayer for proper prosperity, consider how you can apply it to your life. Are there areas where you need to seek balance or make changes? Perhaps it’s time to focus on your spiritual growth, prioritize your health, or find contentment in your current circumstances. Remember, prosperity is not about what you have but about who you are becoming in Christ.

Conclusion

The point is, Jesus wants your whole heart. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Will you commit to growing spiritually, caring for your health, and finding contentment in all circumstances? Without taking these steps, you might miss out on the abundant life Jesus desires for you. So, let’s embrace this prayer for proper prosperity and trust God to lead us into a year of true success and blessing.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and the promise of true prosperity in our lives. Help us to seek balance in all areas, prioritizing our spiritual growth and trusting You with our needs. May we find contentment in Your provision and use our blessings to serve others. Guide us as we walk in Your truth, and may this year be one of growth and joy in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 247.

A Case for Spontaneous Baptisms

This past Sunday our church experienced 4 spontaneous baptisms. At the end of my message, taken from Acts 8 about Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, I gave a call for anyone in the room who had never obeyed the command to repent and be baptized to do so…right then… and right there. In fact, I got into the baptismal with the clothes I was wearing and invited those who felt compelled to do so, to do the same–and they did! Four individuals walked into the baptistry, with their street clothes on, confessed Christ as Lord and Savior, and had their sins washed away in Christian baptism! It was awesome!

The situation, while remarkable, also provokes a lot of discussion, and questions. It does for me as well. On the one hand, I am so humbled that the Lord would use feeble, broken vessels like me as an instrument for people responding to the Gospel. On the other hand, I baptized these individuals with fear and trembling, wondering who would follow up with them once they came out of the water, and how can I REALLY know that they genuinely placed their faith in Christ and repented of their sins. I just met some of these people just minutes before their baptism. I can hear some critics raise the concern—Aren’t spontaneous baptisms running the risk of building false converts? I suppose that is a risk. Honestly, only God knows the heart of an individual, and I can only base one’s decision to be baptize on what thy communicate vocally. Only time will tell if a person REALLY was converted.

That said, I still stand by our church’ decision to baptize immediately upon one’s repentant-faith. And there are biblical reasons, I believe, this is so.

In the book of Acts baptism was ALWAYS done immediately after one believed in Christ for their salvation.

In Acts 2 after Peter preached the very first Gospel message, the audience, pricked to the heart, asked Peter, “what must we do?” His response? “Repent and be baptized…” That day 3,000 were added to the church THAT DAY!

In Acts 8 Philip evangelized the Ethiopian Eunuch and after sharing the gospel with him came upon some water, IN THE DESERT! The Eunuch responded appropriately— “Here’s water, what prevents me from being baptized?” Now, Philip didn’t say: ”well, Mr. Ethiopian…we will need to wait until we get you established in a local church, get you into the baptism class that lasts 3 months, and then we can schedule your baptism!” No, the text is clear, they stopped the chariot right there, got into the water and Philip baptized the Man!

One more example: Saul of Tarsus upon meeting the risen Lord on the Damascus Road, met up with a man named Ananias (see Acts 22). After Saul’s blindness previously inflicted upon him by Jesus, was removed, the very next matter to attend to was Saul’s baptism. Ananias makes it clearer that baptism was to be done immediately. In Acts 22:16 he admonishes Saul, “What are you waiting for, arise, be baptized, washing aways your sins, calling on his name.”

Other examples could be given, but suffice it to say, baptism in the early church was done immediately and spontaneously.

Baptism should be done immediately and spontaneously because baptism is in connection to the gospel invitation.

There has been a shift in evangelicalism regarding baptism that I don’t think the scriptures agree. The popular view sees baptism as simply “an outward sign of an inward change.” But while this sounds right the New Testament never explains baptism as merely an outward (or for that matter public) symbol. When I read the New Testament (especially Acts) I see baptism connected to one’s response to receive Christ as Lord. As I understand it, baptism is a conditioned response to the gospel message. In other words, a proper response to the gospel involves belief, repentance AND Baptism.  

For example, in Acts 2 Peter instructs the crowd to “repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This seems much more than some public symbol. Or take the Philip and Ethiopian narrative again. An observable reading of the story reveals clearly that the content of the Gospel message includes the call to be baptized. Note the following:

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”(Acts 8:35-36)

 It seems reasonable to deduce that whatever substance is included in the phrase “the good news about Jesus” it must have included the call to respond with baptism. This is not only clear in this immediate passage but is the normative pattern throughout the book of Acts. Therefore, baptism should be done immediately because it is the proper response to obeying the gospel. Baptism is not a first step of Christian obedience; it is the last step of Gospel response.

I am not sure what the Lord has in store for our four recent baptism responders. My confident hope is that they will begin walking in the newness of life (see Romans 6:5). My prayer is that several mature Christians in our congregation will begin discipling and mentoring them. But if any of them do find themselves struggling with sin, or discovering spiritual challenges, what I know for sure is that they can look back on their baptism, be reminded that in the act of baptism they died to sin…and were raised to life. That in and of itself should make us all get into the water sooner!