diligent

DEACON

Posted on April 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In Acts 6:1-6 one finds some of the minority groups, in this case Hellenistic Jews, who were not being properly cared for in Christ’s early church. In Acts 6:3 the Jerusalem congregation (the only one in existence at that time) is instructed to, “Select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.” The original apostles gave this instruction for three, very distinct, reasons:

1. There were practical needs in the church body/membership.

2. The unmeet needs presented an opportunity for potential division/conflict within Christ’s body.

3. The Apostles needed to stay focused on their duties/calling and establish the church’s ministry in Christ’s physical absence.

“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Over the course of church history, the role of “Deacon” has been modified to mean everything from a group of humble servants with no official capacity in Christ’s church, to a committee of individuals with excessive ecclesiastical authority, or even to something totally non-existent, ignored. Some modern-day ministry organizations have even implemented substitutes by various names in an attempt to fulfill the biblical roles of deacon perhaps without yielding to or considering the biblical processes or qualifications for such a distinguished office in Christ’s church. I Timothy 3:13 reminds us, “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

At West Oaks Fellowship, we strive, and it’s our duty, to diligently arrange and organize the functions of our church/ministry according to the pattern(s) established in the New Testament. Certainly, we don’t ignore centuries of church heritage and development, but give careful considerations to our predecessors views and practices from which we were conceived. Even so, our efforts remain continuous and steadfast in every attempt of church polity to restore the functions of church offices as they are defined for us in the Lord’s New Testament scriptures.

The Greek words for servant and deacons, dia/kono$‎, diakonos (dee-ak’-on-os) / diako/noi$,‎ diakonois (dee-ak’-on-ois), are similar throughout the New Testament. However, contextually speaking there is always a distinction between the references to those holding the biblically-ordained service office of “Deacon” (appearing in plurality, a noun), when compared to other uses of the word, in reference to those rendering their services/ministry to Christ and/or His church. As an example, any believer can be an effective servant/minister, ‎dia/kono$‎, diakonos (dee-ak’-on-os) (to/of Christ and His church), without necessarily holding the office of “Deacon.” Epaphras is a perfect example found in Colossians 1:7-8 or Tychicus in 4:7-8. At WOF, we have a servant team made up of men and women who serve our body by taking care of practical needs for our Sunday and Wednesday ministries. These faithful servants are highly appreciated, though generally unrecognized. Some of them are “Deacons” and some are not, but most of them have the spiritual gifting of “service” (Romans 12:3-8) and employ their gifts on a regular basis in ministry unto their Lord, Jesus Christ (I Peter 4:10-11)!

Those holding the position or office of “Deacon” at WOF are nominated by the body of Christ (in accordance with Acts 6:1-6), screened by the leadership (in accordance with Acts 6:6 and I Timothy 3:10), meet the biblical qualifications for “Deacon” (in accordance with I Timothy 3:8-9 and 12 with consideration of Acts 6:3), tested (in accordance with I Timothy 3:10), and then set apart for the specific office of service in Christ’s ministry (in accordance with Acts 6:6). Needless to say, since this isn’t a popularity contest or a position of power, our “Deacons” are an outstanding group of men who are true servants of Christ and His body, with their role being very simply defined here at WOF as:

Biblically-qualified individuals who serve Christ by ministering to the needs of His body (the local New Testament Church).

This month we are seeking your recommendations for men (Deacons, not Deaconesses) to serve Christ and all of us at WOF in this capacity. Please prayerfully consider the men in our church body whom you find faithful in the light of your knowledge of them and use the Deacon Nomination inserts found in your weekly bulletin to submit your recommendations. All nominations are strictly confidential until each nominee is considered and biblically qualified by the Elders and current Deacons. Then those eligible and agreeing to serve will be publicly presented as DITs . . . Deacons In Training!

Not much is actually known about all the Deacons of the New Testament, but we know of two that started serving in a practical way to meet the needs of Christ’s church in Acts 6. Philip, according to Acts 8:5-8, proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ in Samaria with great success bringing much rejoicing throughout the community as the Lord affirms his ministry through miraculous manifestations of God’s Holy Spirit. Later, Philip serves in the office of Evangelist, according to Acts 21:8 and trains four daughters in the ways of the Lord, serving His church as “prophetesses.” Then there is Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (See Acts 6:3) who, as a minister of Christ, in a very short period of time is called to lay down his life as the first known martyr of Christendom. Deacons … Yes, all for His glory!

— Pastor Frank

WINTER

Posted on April 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

When you think of winter, what do you think of? In the south, not many of us really think about a change of lifestyle and a significant impact on our daily routine and activities as some farther north might experience. A white Christmas is generally an unlikely dream, as are sleigh rides or sledding, snowball fights, and making snow angels or snowmen. While I do have pictures of our church covered in snow, as well as our home, those are definitely out of the ordinary! Nonetheless, on the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1:14-15) one learns that God planned the seasons on earth and placed the stars in the heavens so humanity would know and understand times and seasons. Genesis 8:22 clearly reveals the Lord’s post-diluvian purposes, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease,” along with His covenant promise (Genesis 9:8-17) of His “bow in the cloud!” Even the psalmist is moved to expressions of praise when considering God’s attributes of supremacy and sovereignty as revealed through His handiwork:

Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;
You have prepared the light and the sun.
You have established all the boundaries of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.
–Psalms 74:16-17

While incontestably there are specific reasons (ultimately being benefits for humanity and creation) for all of God’s design, it seems somewhat awkward from a merely human perspective that one is thrilled with the goodness and blessing of winter… blizzards, sleet, cold, ice, slippery walks and steps, snow blindness, hypothermia, black ice, etc., etc., etc.! However, when I think of winter, for some unknown reason my mind recalls a somewhat obscure verse buried at the end of the Apostle Paul’s second letter to his son in the faith, Pastor Timothy.

Make every effort to come before winter.
II Timothy 4:21

Surely there were some practical reasons for this encouragement. In fact, according to II Timothy 4:13, Paul had left his cloak at Troas with Carpus along with some books and parchments. Obviously, with winter approaching Paul would need this loose fitting outer garment for protection from the elements. In addition, travel to Rome would involve both overland and sea transportation which is potentially much more hazardous during the winter months. On the other hand, perhaps there is more to this statement than one immediately comprehends in a cursorily pass.

Is this the heartfelt desire of the mentor, a spiritual father yearning to see his student and beloved son in the faith one last time before departing earth? Incontestably, Paul’s days were numbered and any knock on the door or opening of the latch could be guards coming to escort the apostle to his impending Roman execution. Hypothetically, can you imagine Timothy thinking … well ok, let me wrap some things up here in Ephesus, go down to Miletus to set apart and ordain a couple of elders, swing by Colossae to celebrate communion with some brothers and sisters there, and then head on to Italy … ? Then, upon arriving in Rome, Pastor Tim seeks out Paul’s place of imprisonment, only to be cursed and repulsed by the guards. Then he goes to the house of Claudia or Pudens, or Narcissus, or Mary, or Ampliatus searching for his coach … asking where to find the apostle. It seems one can actually experience the haunting of their reply, “Are you Timothy? He was longing to see you, but he was beheaded in the first week of December!”

Come before winter or never!

Remember Christ’s reply to the disciple who complained that Mary’s costly and beautiful gift of ointment might have been expended on behalf of the poor?

For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.
John 12:8

Perhaps the true call of our Lord, Master Jesus is often, “Come before winter” — not tomorrow, when you’re ready, or after you get things straightened out and in proper/perfect order! Never again would three sleeping disciples be asked to watch and pray with Jesus in his hour of agony. Sure, they were faithful in service and even death, but that unique opportunity vanished and was gone forever just like Christ’s invitation to a follower in Luke 9:59/Mark 8:21!

Just as winter comes, irrespective of one’s agenda, readiness, or timetable, so does a new year … and that’s every year. Prepared and ready, or not — 2014 is here — right now and right on time! And sure, it’s another year of opportunity, just like last year and every year, but let’s change that perspective into a year of action now! Why not fully accept and use the opportunities Christ lays before us? Speak those words of encouragement, demonstrate kindness, give cheerfully, confirm appreciation, pray in faith believing, be led by God’s Holy Spirit, let His Word richly dwell within you, serve with gladness, and rejoice evermore, all before winter!

— By GRACE, His & Yours, Pastor Frank

SUMMER

Posted on April 15, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The word “summer” is used frequently throughout the Old Testament scriptures, while only being employed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ Himself in the gospels of Matthew (24:32), Mark (13:28), and Luke (21:30). Each of these accounts occur in the “Parable Of The Fig Tree” and is the Greek word “theros” meaning, “to heat” but particularly in context speaking of “summer” as the season of heat or the hot season.

However, in the Old Testament, while the Hebrew word, “qayits,” can refer to the specific, one of four seasons on the earth — with “summer” being classified as the “dry” season — it is also periodically, uniquely connected to the idea of fruit, grain, or a seasonal harvest.

In Psalm 32:3-4, David declares:

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your (the Lord’s) hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.

Obviously, we identify the distinct reference to the dry, hot feeling that “summer” brings, yet the reference is speaking more fully of David’s emotional and spiritual feelings as he refused to deal with some ubiquitous and prevalent sin that was negatively impacting his life, and dramatically hindering his spiritual walk / relationship with the Lord.

In Proverbs 6:8 we see the often used, familiar Old Testament connection of the word “summer” with the idea of fruit, grain, and/or harvest. Here, Solomon considers the wisdom of the ant, who “Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.” Proverbs 10:4-5 expands this biblical, as well as practical truth:

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

Clearly, without hesitation or indecisiveness, the necessary work should be accomplished within the suitable season. If the opportunity that presents itself in the “summer” (fruit/grain and harvest) is neglected, the irresponsible individual cannot possibly expect the fruit/grain and harvest in autumn or in some/any other season. For one to sleep or rest when the plenteous harvest lies ready, is seen in this passage as the most extreme laziness. If an individual refuses, choosing not to work, they will be poor, whereas the diligent worker eventually reaps blessing and reward … by taking full advantage of the “summer” (fruit/grain, harvest), but the one who falters brings shame and disgrace. (Please study Proverbs 6:6-11)

A REALITY CHECK

#1 The hand of one person is diligent, the other is slack.

#2 The soul/spirit of one seeks and seizes opportunity, the other neglects them, letting opportunity pass … sleeping, napping, or resting instead of harvesting.

#3 The destiny of one is God’s blessing, biblical prosperity (See III John 2), the other is that of devastation and ruin …laziness whether spiritual or physical, clothes a person in rags.

#4 Perhaps one will hear from his Master, “Well done good and faithful servant” … but what about that other individual? (See Matthew 25:19-30)

In Proverbs 30:24-25, Solomon states that the ant is wise, even though not necessarily — “strong” — when compared to all the creatures of the earth! Why? Because, “they prepare their food in the summer (a time for fruit/grain and harvest).”

This summer, for the first time in the 31 year history of WOF, we are embarking on a new adventure for the whole family. Beginning June 22, for 7 consecutive Wednesday evenings, the children will have a complete VBS (Vacation Bible School) very similar to our Mission Trip ministries including Recreation, Refreshments, Scraise (kids worship & drama), Crafts, Bible Teaching, and Scripture Memorization. Simultaneously, “ALL” our adults (this is especially designed for those that serve in AWANA, and or teach other classes during the year) will have an incredible opportunity to participate in worship followed by men’s and women’s Bible studies. See, we’re planning to take advantage of “summer,” and sincerely hoping you will allow this season to become a fruitful harvest of spiritual development and growth for you and your children, along with each and every adult in our entire church body. Please plan on joining in as we become like the ant, prudently preparing for another year of faithful ministry by taking the opportunity that’s at hand to gather fruit and a reap a great harvest in our spirits and souls this “summer”!

I’m looking for to it!

How about you?

His & Yours, PF

STUDY

Posted on March 22, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Almost everyone can come up with a reasonable definition or understanding of the word “STUDY” as we use it in today’s communication. In addition, most believers are familiar with the instruction of II Timothy 2:15:

Be diligent (study or labor) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

In this New Testament passage, one finds the Greek root word, spoudason, literally meaning to:

1. make an effort

2. be earnest/serious.

3. endeavor/exert effort.

The KJV and Amplified translators used the word “study” because the “accurate handling” of God’s Word is of the essence, and the implied method to reach that result could only be achieved through consistent diligence in one’s personal study.

The grammatical Greek structure found here in II Timothy 2:15 is second person, singular, aorist (tense) active (voice), imperative (mood) verb, which conveys the idea of saying … “Do your best, make haste, give diligence, hurry on, and be eager about showing yourself approved unto God” – all in the use of one word, “STUDY!”

The Apostle Paul used the same word in Ephesians 4:3, with the same emphasis, concerning the preservation of unity within the church body where “endeavor,” as used in some English translations, is too weak of a word. Paul’s intention was to stir up his son in the faith, Timothy, now the young lead pastor at the church in Ephesus, so that he would seek the Lord’s approval in/while handling, instructing, teaching, equipping, and training the believers in that community.

Pastor Tim was not instructed to seek any level of human approval, like that of the community at large or even of those in the congregation; instead, His Lord’s endorsement, and in so doing would ultimately prove himself to all as being a responsible workman according to his gifts and callings.

Therefore, the approved workman diligently and steadfastly studies the Word … first, seeking to apply it / live it personally, then sharing it with those he/she teaches, trains and equips so they can do the same. The Word is the workman’s tool for building up the body of Christ until we “attain unity of the faith,” and become mature individuals in Christ through the knowledge of Christ! (See Ephesians 4:12-13)

Then, as a result of the workman who is approved by God Himself and not ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth, believers no longer act like children, tossed around by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men and deceitful scheming, but instead, speak the truth in love, and grow up in Him, the fullness of Christ Jesus! (From Ephesians 4:14-15) The entire body then successfully comes together and is held together according to the proper working of each individual. This always causes the growth and even more maturing as Christ’s Body, His Church, is being built up and strengthened in genuine love (of/for Christ, His word, and one another)! (From Ephesians 4:16)

The sloppy and ashamed workers get all hung up on other distractions — what others think of them, how they themselves feel about a topic or subject, what others are doing and saying, or even how their teaching(s) may be accepted. Some of these even handle the word of truth deceitfully in order to twist it into saying exactly what they want it to say. As they waste time on these things (some trivial and some complete heresy), they have little or nothing to give of true substance, that spiritually-enriched meat that brings about powerful life transformation!

My sincere prayer and personal desire as your pastor is for each and every believer at West Oaks Fellowship to become an approved worker who is not ashamed, and can accurately handle the word of truth on a daily, moment-by-moment basis.

Nonetheless, that dream/goal is unattainable unless God’s people are: 1) making an effort. 2) earnest/serious. 3) endeavoring/exerting effort.

How then shall we live? (See Matthew 4:4) — His & yours, PF