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CCS December 2005 Newsletter |
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At this time of the year we’re thinking of God’s great gift in His son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We’re also looking forward to 2006. |
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In that lecture, I highlight the numerous occasions that the Greek word spoudé is used in the Bible (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 3:12-14, Hebrews 4: 10,11, etc.). |
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Why is this session on spoudé so well-received? Because it encourages leaders to focus not on those areas beyond their control (e.g., talent, giftedness, education, or personality) but to focus instead on hard work, which anyone can do. Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Seminar participants are reminded that persistence and diligence will eventually bring results. Spoudé! |
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As we all know, ministry is often disappointing. Strategies backfire. People say they’ll come to the cell and celebration and don’t. Just last week my family and I went down the street to invite our neighbor to a meal and to our special celebration service. Roland, originally from Texas, looked tired. “I’ve been on the freeway for four hours today. I’m certainly not going to spend time at church on Sunday. Sunday is my time.” We dejectedly remembered how many Rolands live in Moreno Valley. But Paul’s advice also came to mind, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9) Spoudé. In my last newsletter, I highlighted rapidly growing cell churches around the world. Many of you reading this newsletter find yourself in just the opposite state. Ministry in western secular culture is hard. |
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The church is not growing and ministry is tough. Remember spoudé. |
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Although God is sovereign in heaven and earth, he expects us to sow, plant, and do it again. He will give the increase in unexpected ways according to His marvelous power. |
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previous year, however, was dry. In the January newsletter I’ll share what they did differently. |
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