2013 Thriving Summit: John Bryson | Fight to Lead

2013 THRIVING SUMMIT – REFLECTION #4 | PASTOR John Bryson

Read previous reflections from the 2013 Thriving Summit below:

Reflection #1 | Pastor Eric Mason – Fight for Gospel Truth
Reflection #2 | Pastor H.B. Charles, Jr. – Fight for Maturity and Purity
Reflection #3 | Pastor Crawford Loritts – Fight for Your Walk with God

This is a continuing series reflecting on 4 key discussions given at the 2013 Thriving Summit held in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, October 11 through Saturday, October 12. John Bryson provided the second session on Saturday morning. Notes and reflection are provided below. 

Dr. John Bryson | Saturday, October 12
Matthew 14:13-21 – Fight to Lead

"Leadership is taking the initiative for the benefit of others. Concentrate on being a servant and leadership will rise to the top. Learn how to be led before you lead."

1) Fight to take initiative – Genesis 3:1-6
Embrace your tendency to be passive. Until creation becomes more than it even once was, we contend. Satan lies. He will tell you that you have to go around God to get what you need instead of going to Him.

2) Fight against your self importance – 1 Samuel 5-6
God does not need you to do His ministry. Just like He did with the Ark of the Covenant among the Philistines, He will move with power. It's a privilege and honor to join Him in what He is doing. To remember how He does provide for us, we can look at what was in the Ark:

• Manna – God provides for all your needs in the desert

• Aaron's rod – God protects you on every side in every way

• Ten Commandments – God directs how we are to live

3) Fight to value brokenness before God and dependence on God – 1 Samuel 7:3-10

You'll never go to Him until you know you need Him. And when He reveals your need and you realize again that all the things you placed your hope in fail you, remember what the Israelites said to Samuel: "Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us..." 

4) Fight to go all in and give your needs to Jesus – Matthew 14:13-21   

Just like the disciples did when they saw their inability to feed thousands of people, you will see your inadequacy to meet the needs of others. When you do, go all in. Embrace the moment where if Jesus doesn't show up, you are going to look like an idiot. And then listen for Jesus to say, "Bring what you have to Me."

   

"Just like Jesus does with His disciples:

• God commands us: '...you give them something to eat...'

• Then He breaks us: '...we have only five loaves here and two fish...' 

• He redeems us: '...bring what you have to Me...' 

• And then He uses us: 'Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied.'"

Final Thoughts on John Bryson's "Fight to Lead"

If you've run into me in the last few weeks, more than likely you've heard me share how I needed to hear this talk, especially the last part involving going all in with Jesus. 

It's sad how much I want to be in control. And it's hilarious how, when I take control, I still end up with only "saltines and sardines" to bring before God and the thousands He desires to feed. 

I see the crowd. It's getting late. And I either want to send them away, or I roll up my sleeves and think I can do something for them when Jesus is ready and waiting to give them more than they could ever get from me.

As I forget to realize that this is true over and over again, getting to the point where I actually value my brokenness so I will learn how to go to Jesus seems like an even longer road. And yet, Jesus is willing to walk it with me as He serves me and others around me.

But I want to see Him feed the thousands. If Worcester is a city with 182,000+, I want to see the disciples of Emmaus City have the privilege of God commanding us to feed 1,000+ of those people. And when we're quickly broken and realize we have very little to give, I want to hear Jesus say to us, "Bring what you have to Me." I want to see Him bless our "saltines and sardines" with His powerful intercessory prayer, and then I want to see Him somehow feed the 1,000+ through us. 

We need Jesus. He's with us when we're over confident and when we're insecure. He's asking us to bring what we have to Him. And what He does next...well, I want to see something happen in our city that only He can do. Call me an idiot. But I want to see Jesus show up.

– Sully

Curiosity piqued? Something inside you being stirred? Go ahead and connect. 

2013 Thriving Summit: Crawford Loritts | Fight for Your Walk with God

 

2013 Thriving Summit – Reflection #3 | Pastor Crawford Loritts

Read previous reflections from the 2013 Thriving Summit below:

Reflection #1 | Pastor Eric Mason – Fight for Gospel Truth
Reflection #2 | Pastor H.B. Charles, Jr. – Fight for Maturity and Purity

This is a continuing series reflecting on 4 key discussions given at the 2013 Thriving Summit held in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, October 11 through Saturday, October 12. Crawford Loritts provided the first session on Saturday morning. Notes and reflection are provided below.

Dr. Crawford Loritts | Saturday, October 12
Hebrews 12:1-3 – Fight for Your Walk with God

"The only reason God blesses you is to give you open hands. Your ministry is meant to be a conduit, not a cul-de-sac. We will never minister beyond our depth and relationship with God. Our resources will run out. His never do."

1) There needs to be a wholeness to our lives and ministry.  
Everything we do is permeated by worship of something or someone. Don't edit the Lord Jesus out of the details – big or small – in your life. He is the focus of our worship and is the only one who gives us anything in return for our worship.

2) Don't get seduced into thinking your call is your walk with God.

"God will call you to do things you're not competent to do so you will grow in your dependence. Everything you do needs to have the signature of dependency. The impossibilities are pathways into God's sovereignty."

3) Background, education, and experience is no match for the power of God.  
And the response of people does not mean you have the smile and pleasure of God.

"Our usefulness is related to our diligence in the removal of sin. You can control neither the clock nor the calendar. Get on with it. There is never a time to reduce your urgency in your sanctification. Look to Jesus – analyze, contrast, and compare what kept Jesus going to what keeps you going. And remember, accuracy and rightness does not mean you are being transformed into looking like Jesus. It's '...not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit' says the Lord."

4) Don't make assumptions about the power of God.  
Be intentional with the power of the Spirit of God. The principles are not the power. The Holy Spirit is the power. According to John 16, the Holy Spirit is powerful in:

– Convicting us of sin and righteousness
– Leading us into all truth
– Glorifying the Lord Jesus in us and through us

We are commanded to be controlled by the Holy Spirit continuously. "You will be my witnesses..." is a statement. If we have been given His Spirit, we are His witnesses. But what or who are we witnessing to? Does the world say, "Wow, whatever or whoever is leading that person or that church doesn't come from anything I've seen in this world."?

 

Final Thoughts on Crawford Loritts' "Fight for Your Walk with God"

Crawford Loritts' message was full of good, strong warnings from a man who has served the Lord faithfully for nearly 40 years. He spoke from a deep reservoir of passion, conviction, and memories of the pitfalls he himself and others he's known and loved have fallen into. 

I greatly appreciated many of this thoughts, and continue to feel conviction in reflecting on the message. How many times do I try to pull back or find a solution on my own when I face a situation that requires God's strength and interaction? Far too often. I turn to my own strength rather than the power of praying and trusting the Spirit of God to move.

God has already called me to things that I'm not competent to do. But despite the fact that I've preached on prayer recently, have written about conviction for prayer, and organized how Emmaus City will need to pray, I am still guilty of editing Jesus and the Spirit out of the details of my day-in and day-out living. 

I too quickly turn to my own knowledge and strength instead of to the Spirit's power to work in my life and the life of others. And yet all I desire for myself, for my family, for Emmaus City, for our neighborhoods, and for our city, is what the Spirit of God has come to do: 

– Convict us of sin and righteousness
– Lead us into all truth
– Glorify the Lord Jesus in us and through us

What kept Jesus holy and wholly motivated in walking with God and in others in love? The Holy Spirit. And Jesus, by His grace, has made us His witnesses by giving us His Spirit. We are His body. It's our identity. But do I live from this identity?

How incredible He would call me to be His witness with what little I have to offer? And yet, through Him, how amazing are the things that He has done, is doing, and will do?! 

I need, just like Jesus needed, the Spirit of God to inspire me and move me by faith to live and walk with Him in light of what He can do in me and with Emmaus City. 

This is the truth He has called all of us to turn to again and again. And we need to turn (aka "repent") by His Spirit to be reminded of to fight sin, seek His righteousness, and glorify Him. Continuously.

Check back tomorrow for my final thoughts on the 2013 Thriving Summit: Reflection #4 | John Bryson – Fight to Lead

– Sully

Curiosity piqued? Something inside you being stirred? Go ahead and connect.
 

2013 Thriving Summit: H.B. Charles, Jr. | Fight for Maturity and Purity

2013 Thriving Summit – Reflection #2 | Pastor H.B. Charles, Jr.

Read previous reflections from the 2013 Thriving Summit below:

Reflection #1 | Pastor Eric Mason – Fight for Gospel Truth

This is a continuing series reflecting on 4 key discussions given at the 2013 Thriving Summit held in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, October 11 through Saturday, October 12. H.B. Charles provided the last session on Friday evening. Notes and reflection are provided below.

Rev. H.B. Charles, Jr. | Friday, October 11

1 Timothy 4:11-16 – Fight for Maturity and Purity

The world at its worst needs the church at its best. In order to faithfully proclaim the Word, we need to faithfully practice the Word.

1) Fight for maturity and purity in your spiritual leadership
Spiritual leadership is knowing you are one who is under authority. Tell others what the Word of God tells you to tell yourself and others. And remember, seniority and credibility don't necessarily go together. Be an example and lead by the life you live.

"Teach with the authority Jesus is. Live with the integrity Jesus gives. 'Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.'"

2) Fight for maturity and purity in your public ministry
Preach the Word, and don't rely on your own gifts. The power doesn't come from you. It comes from God – His Word and His Spirit. Keep asking yourself, "What am I teaching? How am I living?"

"'Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.' As you're working this out from His Word, God is working it in you."

3) Fight for maturity and purity in your personal development
Faithful ministry is hard work. Immerse yourself in it. It ought to be obvious that if nothing else is moving or developing, there is obvious evidence that we are growing in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"'Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.' If Derrick Redmond's father will help him finish his race, how much more will your Heavenly Father help you finish yours? Persist. Then hit repeat until you finish.

Final Thoughts on H.B. Charles Jr.'s "Fight for Maturity and Purity"

Right now, in the early stages of planting a church, it is good to be reminded again that Jesus is at work every day. He is working in and with the people who are joining us. He is working in and with us to reach out to neighbors in our communities He has commanded us to love. And He is working in and with me, regardless of what I can see with my eyes.

I need to hear again and again:

"...It ought to be obvious that if nothing else is moving or developing with Emmaus City to the human eye, there is still obvious evidence that you are growing in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ..."

I truly do need Him every hour. Desperately. I'm so quick to be my own savior or act as my own judge. And I'm my own worst enemy.

I need God to protect me from me, and I need to point others to find their Savior to be Jesus in each and every way. If I want others God has made me responsible for to grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, I need to regularly assess if am I doing this in slow times and fast, in good times and bad. 

Is His grace sufficient for me? Yes. Am I teaching this by how I live and speak? God, help me. Am I becoming more like Jesus in my words and actions? God, help me.

Will Emmaus City become more like Jesus together? Only when we immerse ourselves in God's Word and His Spirit, practicing the mercy, grace, and forgiveness together that we see God enacting in His story, and devoting ourselves – publicly and privately – to obeying the words of Jesus for the love of God and each other. 

Then we will grow in our purity and maturity as we grow together as the family of God.

Check back later for Reflection #3 | Crawford Loritts – Fight for Your Walk with God

– Sully

Curiosity piqued? Something inside you being stirred? Go ahead and connect.

2013 Thriving Summit: Eric Mason | Fight for Gospel Truth

2013 Thriving Summit – Reflection #1 | Pastor Eric Mason

This month has been filled with so much learning, I felt compelled to not only review, meditate, and write the wisdom out again, but I also wanted to share it with you.

Friday, October 11 through Saturday, October 12, I had two close friends who are also part of Emmaus City join me on a road trip to Epiphany Fellowship in the heart of Philadelphia for a conference that continues to sear its mark on my soul. The 2013 Thriving Summit was an onslaught of powerful preaching and instruction from leaders who minister in urban contexts around the U.S.  

Each of the posts in this four-part series will include a summary and reflection on one of the main sessions. I won't be able to cover everything the speakers shared or discussed. If you want to hear more details, feel free to drop me a line. For now, here is a first taste of what was served in Philly a few weekends ago. 

Dr. Eric Mason | Friday, October 11

1 Timothy 6:3-21 – Fight for Gospel Truth

You're going to have to engage and not complain. Paul challenged Timothy in Ephesus – the theological center of the church's activity – that he was going to need to fight the good fight for faith in Jesus. In his city, there were plenty of people who could talk about faith, but not many who were standing strong in the truths about the Person in which Timothy had placed his faith.

1) When you're in a fight, you have to know when to retreat.
There will need to be distinctions between you and others, and there are going to be things you're going to need to flee like: (1) lording it over people, (2) feeding an unhealthy craving for conspiracy, (3) causing divisiveness, (4) growing pride, and (5) loving money.

"Don't get caught in a fight that doesn't move discipleship and the kingdom forward. Be willing to flee and say, 'I'd rather look ugly so God can look beautiful.' Until you're real with your struggle, you won't know when to flee to God."

2) When you're in a fight, you've got to eat your rations.
God never takes something from you without giving you something. Exercise the "steadfastness" He has given you where you are at. Then pursue the opportunities that are hard. You've got to actually make a decision to walk in His righteousness. Strive for, hasten, and press toward Him and what He has given you. "Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called. I charge you in the presence of God – keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." Then share from what you have learned.

"A vision from God is one in which only He can accomplish it. You've been entrusted with the riches of Christ in His gospel, and you're called and commanded to pour them out for others no matter what the cost."

3) Only fight the fight that God requires.
Know your capacity. Deal with your sin. Plant where you stand. Preach the Word. And be patient for change. People need to pastor each other, and pastors need to be included with those who are pastored. You can be honest and trust God, or lie and lose. In the life of the individual and the life of the church, there needs to be a growing level of honesty and submission to Jesus, to the leaders He provides among His people in the church, and to each other.

"There is no greater fighter than Jesus. And He fights with us now. We want to join Him in what He is already doing. We're not fighting for our victory. We fight together from His victory."

Final Thoughts on Eric Mason's "Fight for Gospel Truth"

I appreciated Mason's session for not only reminding me of Who is standing with me and how I have been entrusted to stand for Him, but I also greatly appreciated being made aware again (from Paul's instructions to Timothy) of what I will and should be fleeing from when I am standing with Jesus. 

– When I'm gracious, I'm standing for the gospel of Jesus. I won't have to try to force others to see Him; they will based on my Spirit-led posture before Him and grace-filled actions toward them. So I can flee "lording over" the gospel message to people and instead fight for faith in Jesus that serves them so they will ask for a reason for the hope I have in Him.

– When I'm simple, I'm standing for the gospel of Jesus. I don't need to engage with conspiracy theorists; they're not looking for clarity in who Jesus is if they're more concerned with questions that can never be answered. So I can flee their craving to get into a circular argument that leads nowhere, and instead fight for faith in Jesus to bring the focus back to Him and how His life, death, and resurrection changes everything it is true.

– When my words unite with Jesus' words, I'm standing for the gospel of Jesus. I don't need to determine who I'm "with" or who I'm "for" as far as being divisive on secondary issues that the Bible is unclear on. Boasting only in Jesus and Him crucified, holding to His story and truths shared in Scripture, and following the Spirit's lead in giving Him glory, will create enough dividing lines. So I can flee those who promote divisiveness and instead fight for faith in Jesus and cling to His prayer to the Father by the Spirit for unity in His church in John 17. 

– When my attitude is shaped by generous humility, I'm standing for the gospel of Jesus. Killing my pride requires a daily meditation on what Jesus did and is doing for me through His Word and His Spirit, and with His people. So I can flee trying to justify my actions, and instead I can fight for faith in Jesus to rest in my identity as a son who has been received by God into His family only because of the grace given my by Jesus.

– When my confidence and contentment is secure in God's provision, I'm standing for the gospel of Jesus. Trusting Him to provide my family's needs will continue to challenge the recesses of my heart that hide a love for money. So I can flee when fear and false hope rests on what I have in the bank, and instead I can fight for faith in Jesus to trust that God is true to His promises to provide all I will need from His eternal riches.

But to do all of this, I need to make the daily choice to hold to Jesus and His words as He builds my character, competence, and commitment to be more like Him. He has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death. But I want to see Him helping me win the fight in my daily battles more regularly, so I see the sins and the temptations that provoke me to hunger after lies steadily losing their grip on my mind and heart.

Check back this week for Reflection #2 | H.B. Charles, Jr. – Fight for Maturity and Purity

– Sully

Curiosity piqued? Something inside you being stirred? Go ahead and connect.