Fellow Labourers-
This is another interesting subject worth going over and over. On my job and because of associations I have met people from all walks of life. Do you know that the ones that I have met who often are filled with a lot of self-importance are the ones in church? I wonder why! Is it because we do not understand our purpose? How would you finish this question? If I want to be a good Christian, I must…..
Have you noticed these days the length of time we take to introduce preachers? By the time we are through one would wonder if they are not more qualified than Jesus because we spend so little time bigging up Jesus. I strongly believe in honour and respect but the church in my eyes have gone overboard. We have caught up with the world and have surpassed it.
Since we are dealing with communication it is apt that I quote from Malcolm Muggeridge's Christ and the Media. Lecture one of the book deals with "The Fourth Temptation."
"It is a truism to say that the media in general, and TV in particular, and BBC television especially, are incomparably the greatest single influence in our society today, exerted at all social, econimic and cultural levels. This influence, I should add, is, in my opinion, largely exerted irresponsibly, arbitrarily, and without reference to any moral or intellectual, still less spiritual guidelines whatsoever. Furthermore, if it is the case, as I believe, that what we still call Western Civilization is fast disintegrating, then the media are playing a major role in the process by carrying out, albeit for the most part unconsciously, a mighty brainwashing operation, whereby all traditional standards and values are denigrated to the point of disappearing, leaving a moral vacuum in which the very concepts of good and evil have ceased to have validity. Like a building site, which has been cleared, but with nothing erected on it; just a great, empty space, where rubbish is thrown, where children play and quarrel and fight, and layabouts sleep, and the rain collects in puddles. Future historians will surely see us as having created in the media a Frankenstein monster which no one knows how to control or direct, and marvel that we should have so meekly subjected ourselves to its destructive and often maligned influence."
Pax Vobiscum
Suggested Readings: Christ and the media, The third testament, Something Beautiful for God, Conversion-Malcolm Muggeridge.
Robert A. Stewart
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Cantus Firmus
Fellow Labourers-
I lift this sentence from the article for our consideration. "God's presence is the cantus firmus, set in the deepest center of a life, discovered and embraced over a lifetime. God's love is the enduring melody that puts our stories to song." What would you consider to be your Cantus Firmus? In my tinkering with the sciences and in particular chemistry it sometimes seems that as a chemist the electrons far removed from the influence of the nucleus -the centre of the atom - is the most important part of the atom. Then as far as the nuclear physicist is concerned the neutron which forms part of the nucleus is the most important part. And so in life we tend to create our own centers of gravity around which our life revolves.
Today's article though reminds us that we all need to share a common cantus firmus which is God's presence and indeed is love. The WICB says we are rally around the West Indies Cricket Team. The JAAA says we are to rally around our athletes. The JNA says we are to rally around our net ballers.The JFF says we are to rally around the Reggae Boyz. That's a whole lot of rallying to do. But of this I am sure it is better for us to rally around the presence of God. What is so nice and good about this is that there needs be no competition. This is all made possible through love.
Here are some quotes on love we may want to ponder.
"Whether a man truly loves God can be determined by his love for his fellow man."
"To obey out of love is better than to obey out of fear."
"A woman prefers poverty with love to wealth without love."
"Love makes one blind and deaf."
"Love is the voice of God."
"A woman that is loved always have success."
All the above are Jewish wisdom.
Robert A. Stewart
I lift this sentence from the article for our consideration. "God's presence is the cantus firmus, set in the deepest center of a life, discovered and embraced over a lifetime. God's love is the enduring melody that puts our stories to song." What would you consider to be your Cantus Firmus? In my tinkering with the sciences and in particular chemistry it sometimes seems that as a chemist the electrons far removed from the influence of the nucleus -the centre of the atom - is the most important part of the atom. Then as far as the nuclear physicist is concerned the neutron which forms part of the nucleus is the most important part. And so in life we tend to create our own centers of gravity around which our life revolves.
Today's article though reminds us that we all need to share a common cantus firmus which is God's presence and indeed is love. The WICB says we are rally around the West Indies Cricket Team. The JAAA says we are to rally around our athletes. The JNA says we are to rally around our net ballers.The JFF says we are to rally around the Reggae Boyz. That's a whole lot of rallying to do. But of this I am sure it is better for us to rally around the presence of God. What is so nice and good about this is that there needs be no competition. This is all made possible through love.
Here are some quotes on love we may want to ponder.
"Whether a man truly loves God can be determined by his love for his fellow man."
"To obey out of love is better than to obey out of fear."
"A woman prefers poverty with love to wealth without love."
"Love makes one blind and deaf."
"Love is the voice of God."
"A woman that is loved always have success."
All the above are Jewish wisdom.
Robert A. Stewart
The Great, False Dichotomy
Fellow Labourers-
As I try to absorb the depth of this article my mind went all over the place as I think back on some of the folks who have helped to shape our thoughts. There is an interesting course of study in contemporary theology called From Hegel to the death of God Theologies. In this study one looks at the key philosophic issues in modern philosophy that impact theology. Note the word modern because there were philosophers prior to Rene Descartes,Hegel,Immanuel Kant, Soren kierkegaard,et al who saw God as the centre of the universe and the one by whom all things existed.
The Enlightenment that began in Italy and spread throughout Europe changed the face of religion and resulted in the spiritual deadness of Europe. In their book Literary terms and criticism, John Peck and Martin Coyle states the following." Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the literature of this period (medieval) is that it is markedly Christian. It is also often very sophisticated. A familiar pattern is the gap between the Christian ideal and the reality of life in this imperfect world." It is in this period that we get Chaucer's Canterbury Tales which depicts the greatness and authority of God.
I want us to note carefully that in a false dichotomy the two alternatives are proposed as if they are the only two possible options. If we are not careful we can be sucked into arguments where we argue within the confines of the smallest circle of a set of concentric circles. I believe this is where thinking outside of the box has arisen. This now leads me to syllogism. Here is where we make two truthful propositions and can end up with a false conclusion. For example;
Proposition 1-All chicken have two feet
Proposition 2-Socrates has two feet
Conclusion-Therefore Socrates is a chicken
Suggested Reading: The case for a Creator, The case for Faith, The case for Christ-Lee Strobel);(God in The Dock-C.S.Lewis).
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
As I try to absorb the depth of this article my mind went all over the place as I think back on some of the folks who have helped to shape our thoughts. There is an interesting course of study in contemporary theology called From Hegel to the death of God Theologies. In this study one looks at the key philosophic issues in modern philosophy that impact theology. Note the word modern because there were philosophers prior to Rene Descartes,Hegel,Immanuel Kant, Soren kierkegaard,et al who saw God as the centre of the universe and the one by whom all things existed.
The Enlightenment that began in Italy and spread throughout Europe changed the face of religion and resulted in the spiritual deadness of Europe. In their book Literary terms and criticism, John Peck and Martin Coyle states the following." Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the literature of this period (medieval) is that it is markedly Christian. It is also often very sophisticated. A familiar pattern is the gap between the Christian ideal and the reality of life in this imperfect world." It is in this period that we get Chaucer's Canterbury Tales which depicts the greatness and authority of God.
I want us to note carefully that in a false dichotomy the two alternatives are proposed as if they are the only two possible options. If we are not careful we can be sucked into arguments where we argue within the confines of the smallest circle of a set of concentric circles. I believe this is where thinking outside of the box has arisen. This now leads me to syllogism. Here is where we make two truthful propositions and can end up with a false conclusion. For example;
Proposition 1-All chicken have two feet
Proposition 2-Socrates has two feet
Conclusion-Therefore Socrates is a chicken
Suggested Reading: The case for a Creator, The case for Faith, The case for Christ-Lee Strobel);(God in The Dock-C.S.Lewis).
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The hunger for hope
Fellow Labourers-
The hunger for hope is a driving force in my daily living. Hope springs eternal in my breast. The more I try to understand the past the more I hope. When the preacher said "Remember now thy creator", he is speaking to me. Was it George Santayana who said that "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it?" In Nelson's Mandela's book "Long Walk to Freedom" there is a chapter with the title "Roben Island: Beginning to hope" in which he said the following "I performed in only a few of the dramas, but I had one memorable role: that of Creon,the king of Thebes, in Sophocles' Antigone. I had read some of the classic Greek plays in prison, and found them enormously elevating. What I took out of them was that character was measured by facing up to difficult situation and that a hero was a man who would not break down even under the most trying circumstances."
It is a truism that knowledge of the past is a great force for future development. The late Michael Manley in his book "The search for solutions said "To know the past is to understand the present." But does understanding the present gives one hope? Yes! I know what got me in the state that I am in, but I also know that the present is not my future but my next step away from the future. I recommend the reading of history to all of us especially cultural history, because as Jacob Burckhardt observed "Cultural history deals with phenomena which are recurrent, constant, and typical. It is because of history why I am sure that my hope is real hope. The God of the past is the God of the Present, the God of the future. Did not he deliver in the past?
Why are you cast down O my soul and why are you disquieted in me. Hope in God for he is the help of my countenance and my God.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The hunger for hope is a driving force in my daily living. Hope springs eternal in my breast. The more I try to understand the past the more I hope. When the preacher said "Remember now thy creator", he is speaking to me. Was it George Santayana who said that "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it?" In Nelson's Mandela's book "Long Walk to Freedom" there is a chapter with the title "Roben Island: Beginning to hope" in which he said the following "I performed in only a few of the dramas, but I had one memorable role: that of Creon,the king of Thebes, in Sophocles' Antigone. I had read some of the classic Greek plays in prison, and found them enormously elevating. What I took out of them was that character was measured by facing up to difficult situation and that a hero was a man who would not break down even under the most trying circumstances."
It is a truism that knowledge of the past is a great force for future development. The late Michael Manley in his book "The search for solutions said "To know the past is to understand the present." But does understanding the present gives one hope? Yes! I know what got me in the state that I am in, but I also know that the present is not my future but my next step away from the future. I recommend the reading of history to all of us especially cultural history, because as Jacob Burckhardt observed "Cultural history deals with phenomena which are recurrent, constant, and typical. It is because of history why I am sure that my hope is real hope. The God of the past is the God of the Present, the God of the future. Did not he deliver in the past?
Why are you cast down O my soul and why are you disquieted in me. Hope in God for he is the help of my countenance and my God.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
How to delegate ministries in the church
Fellow Labourers-
This article is applicable to all of us who lead people or strive to lead people. John C. Maxwell in his book 'Developing the leaders around you' said the leader's primary responsibility is identifying potential leaders. He went on to say "There is something much more important and scarce than ability: the ability to recognize ability. One of the primary responsibilities of a successful leader is to identify potential leaders. It's not always an easy job, but it is critical.
Dale Carnegie was a master at identifying potential leaders. Once asked by a reporter how he had managed to hire forty-three millionaires, Carnegie responded that the men had not been millionaires when they started working for him. They had become millionaires as a result. The reporter next wanted to know how he had developed these men to become such valuable leaders. Carnegie replied, "Men are developed the same way gold is mined. Several tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold. But you don't go into the mine looking for dirt," he added. "You go in looking for the gold."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
This article is applicable to all of us who lead people or strive to lead people. John C. Maxwell in his book 'Developing the leaders around you' said the leader's primary responsibility is identifying potential leaders. He went on to say "There is something much more important and scarce than ability: the ability to recognize ability. One of the primary responsibilities of a successful leader is to identify potential leaders. It's not always an easy job, but it is critical.
Dale Carnegie was a master at identifying potential leaders. Once asked by a reporter how he had managed to hire forty-three millionaires, Carnegie responded that the men had not been millionaires when they started working for him. They had become millionaires as a result. The reporter next wanted to know how he had developed these men to become such valuable leaders. Carnegie replied, "Men are developed the same way gold is mined. Several tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold. But you don't go into the mine looking for dirt," he added. "You go in looking for the gold."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Seeds, banquets, prodigals?
Fellow Labourers-
This article is about Jesus' use of parabolic arguments to challenge his audience. His method of persuasion was to use the familiar to introduce the heavenly. It seems as if after Jesus addresses his audiences they would get the 'AHA' experience. An experience that forces one to either accept or reject the offering. They that listened to Jesus were moved in the head and in the heart. Some were moved to resist him because they were jealous that Jesus who was so simple could be so powerful. Those that accepted him saw within simplicity the greatness of the man.
Seeds, Banquets, Prodigals? What does these have to do with heaven? Seeds die before they grow and so we must die before we can inherit eternal life. Prodigals are whom heaven was made for. They see themselves and find there way back home. Banquets, yes there will be rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that repents.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
This article is about Jesus' use of parabolic arguments to challenge his audience. His method of persuasion was to use the familiar to introduce the heavenly. It seems as if after Jesus addresses his audiences they would get the 'AHA' experience. An experience that forces one to either accept or reject the offering. They that listened to Jesus were moved in the head and in the heart. Some were moved to resist him because they were jealous that Jesus who was so simple could be so powerful. Those that accepted him saw within simplicity the greatness of the man.
Seeds, Banquets, Prodigals? What does these have to do with heaven? Seeds die before they grow and so we must die before we can inherit eternal life. Prodigals are whom heaven was made for. They see themselves and find there way back home. Banquets, yes there will be rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that repents.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A little yeast
Fellow Labourers-
I find the introduction/preamble to this article quite fascinating. I remember my first job as a bench chemist at a sugar factory I was attempting to show the lab helper that you could remove the water from sugar and leave just carbon. I put some sugar in a test tube, poured sulphuric acid on it and a massive explosion took place and all the contents hit the ceiling. I was frightened and kept thinking 'suppose my face was over the test tube'. For me that was another of God's miracles as He was preserving me for a purpose.
Back to the main point of the article-words can be helpful as well as harmful so be careful how we used them. Isn't it funny that you can call a man a dog and he is upset, but if you call him a big dog that's a complement. Let us endeavour to use words to build up and not to tear down.
A lot of quarrels and wars have ensued because of a word spoken out of turn. Great and lasting love relationships continue because of the careful use of words that nurtures the heart and uplifts the spirit.
Listen to Romeo-"Why, such is love's transgressions. Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, which thou wilt propogate, to have it pressed with more of thine. This love that thou hast shown doth add more grief to too much of mine own. Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs: Being purged, a fire sparkling in lover's eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears. What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall and a preserving sweet."
Now who would fuss over this?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
I find the introduction/preamble to this article quite fascinating. I remember my first job as a bench chemist at a sugar factory I was attempting to show the lab helper that you could remove the water from sugar and leave just carbon. I put some sugar in a test tube, poured sulphuric acid on it and a massive explosion took place and all the contents hit the ceiling. I was frightened and kept thinking 'suppose my face was over the test tube'. For me that was another of God's miracles as He was preserving me for a purpose.
Back to the main point of the article-words can be helpful as well as harmful so be careful how we used them. Isn't it funny that you can call a man a dog and he is upset, but if you call him a big dog that's a complement. Let us endeavour to use words to build up and not to tear down.
A lot of quarrels and wars have ensued because of a word spoken out of turn. Great and lasting love relationships continue because of the careful use of words that nurtures the heart and uplifts the spirit.
Listen to Romeo-"Why, such is love's transgressions. Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, which thou wilt propogate, to have it pressed with more of thine. This love that thou hast shown doth add more grief to too much of mine own. Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs: Being purged, a fire sparkling in lover's eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears. What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall and a preserving sweet."
Now who would fuss over this?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Changing the atmosphere
Fellow Labourers-
This was sent to me and I am sharing it with you unedited.
Hello and Praise the Lord again Robert, I pray you have had a productive and blessed week. I wanted to take a moment and share with you a few descriptions of the many incredible messages that have been added to the PreachIt.org database recently. But first I wanted to share with you an excerpt from Pastor James Holland's message entitled Changing The Atmosphere. These are 8 of the 12 goals Pastor Holland's message expounds on. Pastor Holland is an accomplished author and teacher to leaders of churches. His sermons are powerful and always resound with the direction for revival churches. Several of his messages are among many added to the site this week.
1- No spiritual hindrances. An atmosphere of the Heavens being open.
We all have seasons when we are pressed on every side, when darkness seems to abound, and the heavens seem as brass.
2-No "business as usual services" An atmosphere of unified Expectancy.
Come together with excitement believing for great things to happen. If you announced that Jesus was going to appear in bodily form at your next service, no doubt the atmosphere around the church would be a lot different. People would arrive early no doubt the pray rooms would be filled, lost love ones would be physically dragged through the doors.
3-An atmosphere of the supernatural "Our God is no common, ordinary God.
Come expecting, come with the right attitude. When we direct our faith toward God he will surprise you.
4-No limitations allowed to be placed on anyone. An atmosphere of anyone can receive.
Ex. - Rahab was a prostitute yet she is listed in Hebrews chap. 11
Paul was vicious in his persecution of the church.
David committed murder and adultery.
Mary Magdalene was filled with demons.
Gideon was a coward.
We must remember there is no limit to what God can do with a life committed to Him.
5- An atmosphere of "People are important"
Jesus shed blood for all people. The Gospel is to all people not just the ones we like or choose. The church is an open door to all, not a private club. How friendly is your church? How friendly are you?
6-No defeatist spirit. God is able to deliver anyone at anytime. We need an atmosphere that projects that victorious living is possible for everyone.
7-No hold the fort philosophy here. We need to reach our City. There are times of visitation for every city. We are currently experiencing a visitation of the spirit throughout our entire world. Yet some will not recognize what God is doing and thus miss their time. This caused Jesus to weep over Jerusalem when they missed one of their times of visitation.
8-An atmosphere of financial blessing. We must stop making excuses for our disobedience in these areas. Stop functioning in our dysfunction. Less than 25% of people in many churches faithfully support that church with tithes and offerings on a consistent basis. Fewer than that serves the church with their time and talents!
Robert A. Stewart
This was sent to me and I am sharing it with you unedited.
Hello and Praise the Lord again Robert, I pray you have had a productive and blessed week. I wanted to take a moment and share with you a few descriptions of the many incredible messages that have been added to the PreachIt.org database recently. But first I wanted to share with you an excerpt from Pastor James Holland's message entitled Changing The Atmosphere. These are 8 of the 12 goals Pastor Holland's message expounds on. Pastor Holland is an accomplished author and teacher to leaders of churches. His sermons are powerful and always resound with the direction for revival churches. Several of his messages are among many added to the site this week.
1- No spiritual hindrances. An atmosphere of the Heavens being open.
We all have seasons when we are pressed on every side, when darkness seems to abound, and the heavens seem as brass.
2-No "business as usual services" An atmosphere of unified Expectancy.
Come together with excitement believing for great things to happen. If you announced that Jesus was going to appear in bodily form at your next service, no doubt the atmosphere around the church would be a lot different. People would arrive early no doubt the pray rooms would be filled, lost love ones would be physically dragged through the doors.
3-An atmosphere of the supernatural "Our God is no common, ordinary God.
Come expecting, come with the right attitude. When we direct our faith toward God he will surprise you.
4-No limitations allowed to be placed on anyone. An atmosphere of anyone can receive.
Ex. - Rahab was a prostitute yet she is listed in Hebrews chap. 11
Paul was vicious in his persecution of the church.
David committed murder and adultery.
Mary Magdalene was filled with demons.
Gideon was a coward.
We must remember there is no limit to what God can do with a life committed to Him.
5- An atmosphere of "People are important"
Jesus shed blood for all people. The Gospel is to all people not just the ones we like or choose. The church is an open door to all, not a private club. How friendly is your church? How friendly are you?
6-No defeatist spirit. God is able to deliver anyone at anytime. We need an atmosphere that projects that victorious living is possible for everyone.
7-No hold the fort philosophy here. We need to reach our City. There are times of visitation for every city. We are currently experiencing a visitation of the spirit throughout our entire world. Yet some will not recognize what God is doing and thus miss their time. This caused Jesus to weep over Jerusalem when they missed one of their times of visitation.
8-An atmosphere of financial blessing. We must stop making excuses for our disobedience in these areas. Stop functioning in our dysfunction. Less than 25% of people in many churches faithfully support that church with tithes and offerings on a consistent basis. Fewer than that serves the church with their time and talents!
Robert A. Stewart
Stronger than death!
Fellow Labourers-
I deem today's topic very timely and appropriate, and here is why. On my way from Montego Bay yesterday (Aug. 20, 2009) I got a call from a Bishop in New York who after his felicitations said these words to me. "I heard about your elevation, congratulations and I know you can do it. I have watched you over the years. Let me share something with you. On the death of Bishop----,his successor decided to change everything in a hurry and the church became divided and unsettled. The Bishop decided to seek the Lord as to what to do. The Bishop said the Lord spoke to his heart and told him the first thing he needed to do was to love the people." After he started loving the people nothing could stop the growth of the church and the love in the church.
Yes only love is stronger than death. Those of us who are married for the right reason can attest to this fact. The parents among us can shout a big Amen.
Before we boast of our love for God we need to see your love for the brethren. For, how can we claim to love God who we have not seen, and fail to love those in whose face we can see God. We can serve out of habit or out of selfishness to save our own skin. But when we serve out of love the difference is remarkable. You see love so amazing, so divine demand my life, my all. Let us love with a pure heart.
Pax Vobiscum
<>
Robert A. Stewart
I deem today's topic very timely and appropriate, and here is why. On my way from Montego Bay yesterday (Aug. 20, 2009) I got a call from a Bishop in New York who after his felicitations said these words to me. "I heard about your elevation, congratulations and I know you can do it. I have watched you over the years. Let me share something with you. On the death of Bishop----,his successor decided to change everything in a hurry and the church became divided and unsettled. The Bishop decided to seek the Lord as to what to do. The Bishop said the Lord spoke to his heart and told him the first thing he needed to do was to love the people." After he started loving the people nothing could stop the growth of the church and the love in the church.
Yes only love is stronger than death. Those of us who are married for the right reason can attest to this fact. The parents among us can shout a big Amen.
Before we boast of our love for God we need to see your love for the brethren. For, how can we claim to love God who we have not seen, and fail to love those in whose face we can see God. We can serve out of habit or out of selfishness to save our own skin. But when we serve out of love the difference is remarkable. You see love so amazing, so divine demand my life, my all. Let us love with a pure heart.
Pax Vobiscum
<
Robert A. Stewart
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Nameless and known
Fellow Labourers-
As I read this article I am seeing a teacher at a particular school who tries to know the names of the near 1000 students on campus. She can identify and call a student by name even from a distance. How well do we know our congregants? Even little children love when they are referred to by name.
I have always wondered of the story of the rich man and Lazarus. In life I can guarantee you that it was 'Bill Gates and the beggar.' This brings to mind again Pastor Bartlett's message where he spoke of Fellowship among the body of believers. We need to be more engaging with the people who make up the community of believers. Let us not see each other as another one but the one. It is so important that we do not take each other for granted.
For God so love the world that he gave his time, his substance, his all.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
As I read this article I am seeing a teacher at a particular school who tries to know the names of the near 1000 students on campus. She can identify and call a student by name even from a distance. How well do we know our congregants? Even little children love when they are referred to by name.
I have always wondered of the story of the rich man and Lazarus. In life I can guarantee you that it was 'Bill Gates and the beggar.' This brings to mind again Pastor Bartlett's message where he spoke of Fellowship among the body of believers. We need to be more engaging with the people who make up the community of believers. Let us not see each other as another one but the one. It is so important that we do not take each other for granted.
For God so love the world that he gave his time, his substance, his all.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Free lunch
Fellow Labourers-
As I read this article I am in Montego Bay looking at folks feasting sumptuously on their breakfasts. My mind, however, was on the folks who will have to send their children to school in September. Then, the generosity of our people during convention flashes across my mind like a meteor across the sky on a dark night. I was extremely touched with Sunday evening as we reached out to a brother in need.
A number of mothers have approached me for help with back to school book lists, and I have no doubt that you, or someone you know might have been approached as well. I am thinking that we could collect all the book lists, check to see if we can find the books as well as do a collection drive to help to meet these needs. When I give only to one mother I may very well be dampening the effect of touching many lives.
I am thinking that from Sunday coming (23/08/09) until the end of September we could have a drive. Now this is short term but for the longer term we may want to see if there is not an investment plan we could use to help to offset some of these ever pressing needs. I know our youth ministry had a back to school drive, but I have not heard anything of it recently. We can't afford to send them a way, we must feed them.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
As I read this article I am in Montego Bay looking at folks feasting sumptuously on their breakfasts. My mind, however, was on the folks who will have to send their children to school in September. Then, the generosity of our people during convention flashes across my mind like a meteor across the sky on a dark night. I was extremely touched with Sunday evening as we reached out to a brother in need.
A number of mothers have approached me for help with back to school book lists, and I have no doubt that you, or someone you know might have been approached as well. I am thinking that we could collect all the book lists, check to see if we can find the books as well as do a collection drive to help to meet these needs. When I give only to one mother I may very well be dampening the effect of touching many lives.
I am thinking that from Sunday coming (23/08/09) until the end of September we could have a drive. Now this is short term but for the longer term we may want to see if there is not an investment plan we could use to help to offset some of these ever pressing needs. I know our youth ministry had a back to school drive, but I have not heard anything of it recently. We can't afford to send them a way, we must feed them.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
What a week!
Team
God gave us a theme and every session from Monday to Sunday stuck to the theme. The theme was relevant and timely. When the theme was chosen I was not yet made the Pastor designate for the church. Have we noticed that the messages are dealing with repositioning, alignment, vision and a fearless onward march into the future?
To all of you I again say thanks for your yeoman contribution to the success of the convention. You prayed, you fasted, you gave, you supported.
As usual we will have a post mortem God's willing, but I would like us to have an evening out before we do this. You see I am from a culture where we work hard and we play hard. Let us continue to pray for our Bishop and for each other. Now that we have spent so much time together it's hard now for you to get rid of me, and don't even try changing your addresses.
The success of our church depends on all of us. You are all leaders and John C. Maxwell a guru on leadership said this "Leadership ability is always the lid on personal and organizational effectiveness. If the leadership is strong, the lid is high. But if it's not, then the organization is limited. That's why in times of trouble, organizations naturally look for new leadership. When the country is experiencing hard times, it elects a new president." This is all about the law of the lid." Leadership Ability Determines a Person's Level of Effectiveness."
Love and blessings,
EICPD
Robert A. Stewart
God gave us a theme and every session from Monday to Sunday stuck to the theme. The theme was relevant and timely. When the theme was chosen I was not yet made the Pastor designate for the church. Have we noticed that the messages are dealing with repositioning, alignment, vision and a fearless onward march into the future?
To all of you I again say thanks for your yeoman contribution to the success of the convention. You prayed, you fasted, you gave, you supported.
As usual we will have a post mortem God's willing, but I would like us to have an evening out before we do this. You see I am from a culture where we work hard and we play hard. Let us continue to pray for our Bishop and for each other. Now that we have spent so much time together it's hard now for you to get rid of me, and don't even try changing your addresses.
The success of our church depends on all of us. You are all leaders and John C. Maxwell a guru on leadership said this "Leadership ability is always the lid on personal and organizational effectiveness. If the leadership is strong, the lid is high. But if it's not, then the organization is limited. That's why in times of trouble, organizations naturally look for new leadership. When the country is experiencing hard times, it elects a new president." This is all about the law of the lid." Leadership Ability Determines a Person's Level of Effectiveness."
Love and blessings,
EICPD
Robert A. Stewart
A world without a judge!
Fellow Labourers-
Can you imagine a world without a judge? I know as bible believing Christians we often quote Jesus' Judge not, but awfully out of context. When Jesus said judge not, he did not mean that we should not bring into question actions that we disagree with. He was speaking about us mere human making eschatological judgments. That is judgment about peoples finality in this world.
We judge daily and we do so against some standard whether real or perceived. It is inbuilt and natural.
We cannot judge ourselves by ourselves we must do so by something outside, and of a higher moral standard. People of conscience are very conscious of a higher moral order regardless of culture or nationality. We may not all end up believing the same thing, but we all come to a point in life when we seek a higher moral order.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Can you imagine a world without a judge? I know as bible believing Christians we often quote Jesus' Judge not, but awfully out of context. When Jesus said judge not, he did not mean that we should not bring into question actions that we disagree with. He was speaking about us mere human making eschatological judgments. That is judgment about peoples finality in this world.
We judge daily and we do so against some standard whether real or perceived. It is inbuilt and natural.
We cannot judge ourselves by ourselves we must do so by something outside, and of a higher moral standard. People of conscience are very conscious of a higher moral order regardless of culture or nationality. We may not all end up believing the same thing, but we all come to a point in life when we seek a higher moral order.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Ed Stetzer vs. Mike Harland, Relevance vs. Reverence
Fellow Labourers-
Consider the two paragraphs below and then decide where we are. Never before in the history of the church has there been as great a divide among pastors about what it means to "worship" in church. Feelings have been hurt, the work of the Gospel has been hindered, hearing aids have been blown, and staff members have been fired over controversies that the rest of the world just looks at and folds their arms over.
At the heart is the question: do we need worship ministries that are in the world but not of it, or that are of the world but not in it? What fulfills the calling of scripture?
Pastor John Mark Bartlett said in his message on Tuesday night (August 12, 2009) that all extremes are dangerous.
Now consider my analogy from physics. If the force of friction was absent the pendulum would swing non-stop from left to right. Conversely, resistance to movement will cause the pendulum to come to a dead stop. How do we strike a balance to control the pendulum without compromising our core values? What are these anyway?
Peace!
Robert A. Stewart
Consider the two paragraphs below and then decide where we are. Never before in the history of the church has there been as great a divide among pastors about what it means to "worship" in church. Feelings have been hurt, the work of the Gospel has been hindered, hearing aids have been blown, and staff members have been fired over controversies that the rest of the world just looks at and folds their arms over.
At the heart is the question: do we need worship ministries that are in the world but not of it, or that are of the world but not in it? What fulfills the calling of scripture?
Pastor John Mark Bartlett said in his message on Tuesday night (August 12, 2009) that all extremes are dangerous.
Now consider my analogy from physics. If the force of friction was absent the pendulum would swing non-stop from left to right. Conversely, resistance to movement will cause the pendulum to come to a dead stop. How do we strike a balance to control the pendulum without compromising our core values? What are these anyway?
Peace!
Robert A. Stewart
Who will we trust?
Fellow Labourers-
When you read this article you will have to make a choice. For those of us who attended our week of convention the choice should be easy. Or is it? For me I have narrowed down the choice to one, and that is, God is real, and in him will I trust.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
When you read this article you will have to make a choice. For those of us who attended our week of convention the choice should be easy. Or is it? For me I have narrowed down the choice to one, and that is, God is real, and in him will I trust.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Saturday, August 15, 2009
What if everybody tithed?
Fellow Labourers-
I will let this article speak for itself. The resources to make PGT family of churches what God wants it to be - i.e. The Best in Class - is available. Let go and let God.
<>
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
I will let this article speak for itself. The resources to make PGT family of churches what God wants it to be - i.e. The Best in Class - is available. Let go and let God.
<
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
In the midst of absence
Fellow Labourers-
What a week this has been!!! The camaraderie and fellowship was rich and rewarding. The word, the worship, the songs, and the food was of top quality. Having gone through all of this I trust none of us who attended the convention will have a feeling of déjà vu or as the subject says find ourselves in the midst of absence.
Burn-out can cause this to happen to us. Doing things not as a means to an end but as an end itself can cause one to experience being in the midst of absence.
Pax Vobiscum <>
Robert A. Stewart
What a week this has been!!! The camaraderie and fellowship was rich and rewarding. The word, the worship, the songs, and the food was of top quality. Having gone through all of this I trust none of us who attended the convention will have a feeling of déjà vu or as the subject says find ourselves in the midst of absence.
Burn-out can cause this to happen to us. Doing things not as a means to an end but as an end itself can cause one to experience being in the midst of absence.
Pax Vobiscum <
Robert A. Stewart
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Can these bones live?
Fellow Labourers-
How many times has God asked us questions that seems terrifying to answer? The question terrifies because the situation seems humanly impossible, but at the same time we know that there is nothing too hard for God. Well can these bones live? Oh Lord God thou knowest.
Our challenges are many and it seems our resources are limited. But our God is up to all challenges, and His resources are limitless. Why? He has time and eternity all wrapped up into one. For us we can only see time, so let us therefore now walk by faith and not by sight. Walking by faith is what gets us to see the limitless resources in eternity.
Pax Voice <>
Robert A. Stewart
How many times has God asked us questions that seems terrifying to answer? The question terrifies because the situation seems humanly impossible, but at the same time we know that there is nothing too hard for God. Well can these bones live? Oh Lord God thou knowest.
Our challenges are many and it seems our resources are limited. But our God is up to all challenges, and His resources are limitless. Why? He has time and eternity all wrapped up into one. For us we can only see time, so let us therefore now walk by faith and not by sight. Walking by faith is what gets us to see the limitless resources in eternity.
Pax Voice <
Robert A. Stewart
A theology of sleep
Fellow Labourers-
Today's subject heading is very apt as we consider our convention theme-Fear Not! God is our refuge.
There are so many people who are afraid to sleep lest they do not wake up. Just think about this for a while. We all must die, yet we are afraid of dying so we would try to avoid anything that remind us of death. At funerals we tell loved ones that their family members are gone to a better place, yet we ourselves are afraid to leave and go to that better place.
Sometimes when we cry because of pain, is it the pain that makes us cry or the fear of death.
Robert A. Stewart
Today's subject heading is very apt as we consider our convention theme-Fear Not! God is our refuge.
There are so many people who are afraid to sleep lest they do not wake up. Just think about this for a while. We all must die, yet we are afraid of dying so we would try to avoid anything that remind us of death. At funerals we tell loved ones that their family members are gone to a better place, yet we ourselves are afraid to leave and go to that better place.
Sometimes when we cry because of pain, is it the pain that makes us cry or the fear of death.
Robert A. Stewart
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Unseen and deadly
Fellow Labourers-
What an interesting subject we have before us today. "Unseen and deadly." This brings to mind the microwaves and other electromagnetic radiations all around us. They are unseen, deadly, but useful. They can be harnessed to our advantage.
After last night I came home and for hours the present and the future weighed heavily on my mind... because I sensed some unseen but deadly spirits among us. They can be worse than any biological threat. But, but--God is our refuge and strength, a very present in trouble. Thank God for the spirit of discernment these unseen and deadly spirits are being exposed. These will not be harnessed but expunged because they are of no lasting value in the house of God.
Pax Vobiscum <>
Robert A. Stewart
What an interesting subject we have before us today. "Unseen and deadly." This brings to mind the microwaves and other electromagnetic radiations all around us. They are unseen, deadly, but useful. They can be harnessed to our advantage.
After last night I came home and for hours the present and the future weighed heavily on my mind... because I sensed some unseen but deadly spirits among us. They can be worse than any biological threat. But, but--God is our refuge and strength, a very present in trouble. Thank God for the spirit of discernment these unseen and deadly spirits are being exposed. These will not be harnessed but expunged because they are of no lasting value in the house of God.
Pax Vobiscum <
Robert A. Stewart
Monday, August 10, 2009
At hope's end
Fellow Labourers-
I recommend the reading of John Bunyan's immortal dream - The Pilgrim's Progress and John Milton's Paradise Lost. For me these are two classics that can never grow stale. Here is a conversation from The Pilgrim's Progress.
Great-Said they anything more to discourage you?
Valiant-Yes; they told me of one Mr. Fearing, who was a pilgrim, and how he found this way so solitary, that he never had a comfortable hour therein; yea, and also (which I had almost forgot) that Christian himself, about whom there had been such a noise, after all his ventures for a celestial crown, was certainly drowned in the Black River, and never went a foot further, however it was smothered up.
Great-And did none of these things discourage you?
Valiant-Why, I still believed what Mr. Tell-Truth had said; and that carried me beyond them all.
Great-Then this was your victory, even your faith.
Valiant-It was so. I believed, and therefore came out, got into the way, fought all that set themselves against me, and, by believing, am come to this place.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
I recommend the reading of John Bunyan's immortal dream - The Pilgrim's Progress and John Milton's Paradise Lost. For me these are two classics that can never grow stale. Here is a conversation from The Pilgrim's Progress.
Great-Said they anything more to discourage you?
Valiant-Yes; they told me of one Mr. Fearing, who was a pilgrim, and how he found this way so solitary, that he never had a comfortable hour therein; yea, and also (which I had almost forgot) that Christian himself, about whom there had been such a noise, after all his ventures for a celestial crown, was certainly drowned in the Black River, and never went a foot further, however it was smothered up.
Great-And did none of these things discourage you?
Valiant-Why, I still believed what Mr. Tell-Truth had said; and that carried me beyond them all.
Great-Then this was your victory, even your faith.
Valiant-It was so. I believed, and therefore came out, got into the way, fought all that set themselves against me, and, by believing, am come to this place.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Sunday, August 9, 2009
What do you want Me to do for you?
Fellow Labourers-
The subject question can be very daunting especially when one considers his own fallibility and limitations. Isn't this a question we would like to ask sometimes hoping for a simple response, or hoping that the questioner/asker would shut up and leave us alone?
As we contemplate today's reading let us consider how God creates a scene in order to put in perspective a question whose real answer could have turned away those asking. The question had expectations none of which considered the path to glory. Could this be the type of question to which James referred when he said 'we ask amiss'?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The subject question can be very daunting especially when one considers his own fallibility and limitations. Isn't this a question we would like to ask sometimes hoping for a simple response, or hoping that the questioner/asker would shut up and leave us alone?
As we contemplate today's reading let us consider how God creates a scene in order to put in perspective a question whose real answer could have turned away those asking. The question had expectations none of which considered the path to glory. Could this be the type of question to which James referred when he said 'we ask amiss'?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
I am Laertes
Fellow Labourers-
The subject may be strange to some of us but even before you read the article here is a quote from Shakespeare's The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. This is Hamlet speaking,
"O, that this too too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw and resolve itself into dew,
Or that the Everlasting had not fixed
His canon gainst self-slaughter.
O God, God, How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world!"
As I write this quote and ponder the article I feel saddened that we have lost the art of reading. The bible tells us that its stories are written for our examples and yet so few of us spend time enough to study it until it forms a part of our very existence. If we are not to become a people of mere savages we need to know our past and what better way than to read. Leaders must read and get others to read. I intend to lead by example. To those of us who take the time to read these articles we are well on the way.
Pax Vobiscum
P.S.I know you missed me for a few days, but happy independence.
Robert A. Stewart
The subject may be strange to some of us but even before you read the article here is a quote from Shakespeare's The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. This is Hamlet speaking,
"O, that this too too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw and resolve itself into dew,
Or that the Everlasting had not fixed
His canon gainst self-slaughter.
O God, God, How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world!"
As I write this quote and ponder the article I feel saddened that we have lost the art of reading. The bible tells us that its stories are written for our examples and yet so few of us spend time enough to study it until it forms a part of our very existence. If we are not to become a people of mere savages we need to know our past and what better way than to read. Leaders must read and get others to read. I intend to lead by example. To those of us who take the time to read these articles we are well on the way.
Pax Vobiscum
P.S.I know you missed me for a few days, but happy independence.
Robert A. Stewart
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Put on what?
Fellow Labourers-
As a young Christian I had a strong affinity towards the older folks and such was the late Sister Lena Robinson, musician extraordinaire and mother of our Pastor. She said something one night in service that has lived with me throughout the years. This is what she said "Do not ask if something is right or wrong, but rather ask if it will bring glory to God."
As you read today's article keep this thought at the forefront of your mind.
I well remember a diligent pastor who summoned his people to a new venture in church growth with the sagacious call to “imagine a place.” Imagination is indeed a vital ally in the life of Christian faithfulness. In your busy world, in today’s difficult circumstances, in the hustle and bustle of your life, I invite you to “imagine a place” and to “put on the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” that will allow others to see and experience a different way, a different example, and a different source.
Taken from today's article.
<>
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
As a young Christian I had a strong affinity towards the older folks and such was the late Sister Lena Robinson, musician extraordinaire and mother of our Pastor. She said something one night in service that has lived with me throughout the years. This is what she said "Do not ask if something is right or wrong, but rather ask if it will bring glory to God."
As you read today's article keep this thought at the forefront of your mind.
I well remember a diligent pastor who summoned his people to a new venture in church growth with the sagacious call to “imagine a place.” Imagination is indeed a vital ally in the life of Christian faithfulness. In your busy world, in today’s difficult circumstances, in the hustle and bustle of your life, I invite you to “imagine a place” and to “put on the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” that will allow others to see and experience a different way, a different example, and a different source.
Taken from today's article.
<
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The importance of strawberry picking
Fellow Labourers-
Take a careful look at this quote:
"The ease of convenience deludes us into valuing the end and not the means, of caring only for the product and not the process. Our busyness and commitment to convenience keep us from engaging in vital processes that inform us of our beginning and guide us to our end, just as they contribute to a general amnesia about what it takes to put food on our tables. Our consumer conveniences often sever us from our vital connections; we forget from whence we have come and to where we are going. We look for the quick fix or the short-cut to the end goal, rather than journeying through many arduous processes essential in our spiritual formation."
As I read this I reflect on the term 'Chronological Snobbery' where we think new is always better. I have been patiently listening and observing leadership in the country and in particular in the church over the past several years and I am going to be brutally frank. I conclude that the intellectual and spiritual depth necessary to lead the church out of this Laodicean age is woefully lacking. We have become lazy in our thinking and personal devotion and so anything goes because the end now justifies the means. We are no longer willing to make sacrifices, we will serve God on our terms. So the solution to the Laodicean age is more gimmicks, and more freedom to do as we please.
I heard Joyce Meyers advertising her book this morning and here is a verbatim quote "What we need is a revolution not a revival to get rid of the old and bring in the new." Do you hear and see the chronological snobbery? There are a number of things wrong with this statement but I will point out two.
Take a careful look at this quote:
"The ease of convenience deludes us into valuing the end and not the means, of caring only for the product and not the process. Our busyness and commitment to convenience keep us from engaging in vital processes that inform us of our beginning and guide us to our end, just as they contribute to a general amnesia about what it takes to put food on our tables. Our consumer conveniences often sever us from our vital connections; we forget from whence we have come and to where we are going. We look for the quick fix or the short-cut to the end goal, rather than journeying through many arduous processes essential in our spiritual formation."
As I read this I reflect on the term 'Chronological Snobbery' where we think new is always better. I have been patiently listening and observing leadership in the country and in particular in the church over the past several years and I am going to be brutally frank. I conclude that the intellectual and spiritual depth necessary to lead the church out of this Laodicean age is woefully lacking. We have become lazy in our thinking and personal devotion and so anything goes because the end now justifies the means. We are no longer willing to make sacrifices, we will serve God on our terms. So the solution to the Laodicean age is more gimmicks, and more freedom to do as we please.
I heard Joyce Meyers advertising her book this morning and here is a verbatim quote "What we need is a revolution not a revival to get rid of the old and bring in the new." Do you hear and see the chronological snobbery? There are a number of things wrong with this statement but I will point out two.
- Revolution is a force that when it is set in motion in order to continue and not become a spent force it feeds on itself.
- Are we suggesting that the Old is always not good and should be jettisoned?
Every superstucture must sit on a foundation, so before we build we must test the foundation. If the foundation will be unable to bear up the superstructure then we need to go back to the chief architect for the new design instead of doing our own design. Afterall this is not our building, it is God's building. This is a time of more Prayer and Fasting until God gets back where he ought to be, at the TOP.
Pax Vobiscum <
Robert A. Stewart
Monday, August 3, 2009
Turned inside out
Fellow Labourers-
What a tremendous message was delivered to us at PGT 111 yesterday." Too forgiven to be so forgetful." I am begging you all to pray for Evangelist Richard Hutchinson (King Rich). Today's article evokes a number of emotions in me for a number of reasons, one of which is my job.
Clams are a nuisance to a number of industries especially the power industry that depend a lot on a large source of water for cooling condensers to produce electricity more cost effectively. In my field of occupation we refer to clams as macro-foulants and we have developed ways to kill them in an environmentally safe way. We chemically trick them to ingest food that kills them before they can close up.
What is a source of food to some is a source of inefficiency and cost to others. So do we get rid of all the clams? No, we get rid of those that are in places where they are of no real value. Strangely enough if we do not kill them in their infancy they will eventually die in the condensers where in death they are even a greater nuisance.
Our article today speaks of one clam that produced a pearl of great price. This reminds me of 1 Corinthians 10 where the apostle Paul tells us that even though all the children of Israel had the same opportunity, God killed 23,000 of them in one day because of their lifestyle which was anathema to God's way for them. He did not kill them all-but in some cases it seems death(separation) is necessary. So, as the preacher reminds us yesterday, wisdom is the principal thing. What a tremendous role Spiritual discernment is going to play as we move forward.
Pax Vobiscum, <> this says to me is
Robert A. Stewart
What a tremendous message was delivered to us at PGT 111 yesterday." Too forgiven to be so forgetful." I am begging you all to pray for Evangelist Richard Hutchinson (King Rich). Today's article evokes a number of emotions in me for a number of reasons, one of which is my job.
Clams are a nuisance to a number of industries especially the power industry that depend a lot on a large source of water for cooling condensers to produce electricity more cost effectively. In my field of occupation we refer to clams as macro-foulants and we have developed ways to kill them in an environmentally safe way. We chemically trick them to ingest food that kills them before they can close up.
What is a source of food to some is a source of inefficiency and cost to others. So do we get rid of all the clams? No, we get rid of those that are in places where they are of no real value. Strangely enough if we do not kill them in their infancy they will eventually die in the condensers where in death they are even a greater nuisance.
Our article today speaks of one clam that produced a pearl of great price. This reminds me of 1 Corinthians 10 where the apostle Paul tells us that even though all the children of Israel had the same opportunity, God killed 23,000 of them in one day because of their lifestyle which was anathema to God's way for them. He did not kill them all-but in some cases it seems death(separation) is necessary. So, as the preacher reminds us yesterday, wisdom is the principal thing. What a tremendous role Spiritual discernment is going to play as we move forward.
Pax Vobiscum, <
Robert A. Stewart
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