Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

This is one of those lost definitions. In the late 18^th Century, saying something was “Macaroni” was like almost saying it is “phat” or “hot” today. Even those words’ meanings are easily lost in time.

When we study the Bible we can discover words or ideas with which we are not familiar. We either pass over them or we make an educated guess to the meaning. We may develop two entirely different views and both are off base. Yet, we will make them a point of contention without knowing the facts.

The Yankee Doodle legend has to do with the shabbily dressed American soldiers facing the immaculately dressed (Macaroni) British. The Americans stopped at a farm before fighting the Brits. The farmer’s daughter saw their attire and decided to help out. She plucked a chicken and gave the Patriots a feather for their hats. Once they placed the feathers in the brims, they called it “Macaroni.”

Studying the scriptures involves many things. It is more than finding a proof text or two to use in winning an argument. It includes understanding the original intentions of the writers. It involves digging into original meanings of words as well.

Study the scriptures. They testify of Jesus, the source of eternal life (John 5.39). He is the One we follow (John 14.6).

Keep The Light Burning!

Dr. Perry Greene

There is symbolism in the numbers used – 3, 7, 12, etc. There is symbolism in the feasts of Israel such as Passover; Shavuot (Pentecost); Trumpets; Tabernacles; Yom Kippur; etc. These feasts, in some way, point to the work of Jesus, some of which is yet to be fulfilled.

The Tabernacle (and later the Temple) also contains great symbols. I won’t describe all of them here. The Tabernacle was divided into a Holy Place (where only priests could go) and the Most Holy Place, where only the High Priest could go into the very presence of God. In the Most Holy Place there are numbers of symbols. The Ark of the Covenant contained the “Mercy Seat.” This was the “residence” of God.

What strikes me about this is that it is the MERCY seat. Pilate sat on the JUDGMENT seat (Matthew 27:19) and sentenced Jesus (and others) to death. God, in his MERCY, wants to give life.

Our picture of God, especially in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), is that he is angry and wanted to condemn the Hebrews (and us). We seem to think that he is lurking in the shadows, watching our every move so that he can pounce on us with, “Aha! Now I’ve got you!” Maybe you had a teacher like that in school, that through his insecurity he could not let you have a good grade. He had to find something wrong with your work so he would not have to give you an “A.” Not so with God.

He sat on the MERCY seat. THEIR view of God was that he was there to HELP them through his instructions/commands and his PRESENCE. While that was an awesome thing, it was a privilege for them. They did fear God in admiration and appreciation of his presence. It was not a burdensome to do his will. It was a privilege that they looked forward to because he is merciful, not vengeful (at least not until pushed to his limit – see Jeremiah).

Jesus has opened the way for us to personally go into the Most Holy Place of heaven today. We may daily come confidently into that place and make our offerings of prayer and worship to our God (see Hebrews 4.14-16). Here we remember that God wants to give us MERCY not JUDGMENT.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Jesus was the ultimate example of the correct attitude. He came to serve God – period. Note his teaching on serving in Matthew 20:25-29. A key to following God is not to seek reward but God.

The night of his betrayal and arrest was action-packed. He met with his disciples and ate their final Passover meal. As the meal unfolded, Jesus demonstrated the power of God in the emblems that he would use regarding his death, burial, and resurrection.

During the supper, Jesus also took off his outer robe, put on the towel and washed the FEET of the disciples to demonstrate the right thing in serving one another. He washed the feet of his betrayer. He washed the feet of the one who would vocally deny him. He also washed the feet of the “disciple whom he loved.”

Jesus did not pick and choose. He did not decide to wash John’s feet and then omit Peter and Judas – or the others who fled for their lives. He served them all with no strings attached – either to them or to God. It is always right to do right things. We may not always receive a reward for it, but it is right to do right.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 When I was a kid I built model airplanes and ships. I put together the Japanese Zero, the German Stuka dive bomber, the British Spitfire, the American Mustang and others. I would hang the planes from the ceiling in my room and let them have have imaginary dogfights. At one point I even put together a biplane or two.

I discovered that I could put the models together without reading the instructions but they did not look like the picture on the box and I generally had parts left over. When I started following the instructions an amazing thing happened. The models looked like the picture on the box AND, I used all of the pieces.

We typically view the Bible as a “Rule Book.” It contains facts to be believed and commands to be obeyed — like it or not. Too often that translates into a harsh view of God.

What if we changed our perception just a little? What if we saw the Bible as an Instruction Manual instead of a “rule book” or even a “text book” of facts?

There are still facts and commands but the feeling is a little different. Our actions are different. Instead of a drudgery, Bible study becomes a joy. There are remedies for our problems! There is a God who cares deeply that we know Him!

Why do we view the Bible as a harsh set of rules? Perhaps it is because of translation options. We have the ten commandments and the law of Moses (and Christ). Those words could have been translated as “instructions.” By translating as “command” or “law,” we perceive God as a celestial policeman waiting to pounce on us for even the smallest infraction.

However, if we see the words of God as “instructions,” we have a different view of Him. He still has standards. He still is holy and just. However, he is the respected Coach, leading us on to victory. It changes how we perceive God and his will. It is no longer, “I have to obey God.” It becomes, “I get to obey God.”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I imagine that being a disciple of Rabbi Jesus means that we want to be so close to Him that we walk “under his feet.” We want to hear every word he speaks and understand every lesson he teaches. We want to be just like him. That requires a close walk.

Rabbis were people of the text. They:

• Learned the Text
• Lived the Text
• Taught the Text
• Prayed the Text, and
• Died the Text

Jesus, as the incarnation of the Word (John 1:14), did all of the above. He also expects us to follow in his steps. He expects us to be people of the text – as he was.

What will it take for each of us to be that kind of disciple? Maybe it is getting up a little early to study the Bible. Maybe it is just putting a little more of God’s word into my life, heart and mind today than yesterday.

In whose dust are you covered? The confusing times in which we live show our need for God’s direction. We gain and share that through Jesus.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

That principle holds true in many situations.  Elders; Deacons; Teachers; HOME Group Leaders (etc.) need to take this to heart. As they lead groups, teach lessons, shepherd, and serve, they must not neglect themselves.  One of the best things church leaders can do for the church is to maintain a strong relationship with God.  The stronger they are, the more able they will be to lead and help others, especially in times of need.

Church Leaders, regardless of your capacity, let me encourage you to take the time to study God’s word – just for you.  Take the time to pray, not only for your others’ needs, but for yours as well.  Take time to practice spiritual disciplines.  Take the time to worship in spirit and truth.  You will be glad you did and so will your Church Family!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The Bible calls us to be like Jesus, and the most remarkable thing about Jesus is that he is so often serving (Matthew 20:28).  So, like Jesus, I need to give (Acts 20:35); I need to be humble (1 Peter 5:5-6); I need to wash feet (John 13), and serve in all of the other ways that we see Jesus serve.

However, serving is not the whole story about Jesus — the Bible also shows him receiving.  Jesus accepted the anointing and foot washing of a sinful woman (Luke 7).  In John 12 he received a meal service from Martha and the anointing of the pure nard by Mary.

Oddly, many Christians find it easier to serve than to receive. If we are to be like Jesus, we must be both a humble giver and a gracious receiver.

How did Jesus do this?  First, he kept his ego in check.  It did not offend or thrill him to serve or be served.  We are subject to the temptation to think we are more than what we are, but Jesus knew exactly who he was.

Second, he knew something we often forget:  that to receive another’s gift gives opportunity for their faith, hope, and love to grow as they exercise their spiritual gifts.  To reject another’s gift is to stunt their growth.  If giving is to be a blessing, it requires a gracious receiver.

God both gives and receives. He expects the same from us.  If we keep our egos in check and our hearts focused on benefiting others through the receiving, we become more like him.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

In 1787, William Bligh led the H.M.S. Bounty to the South Pacific. He appointed Christian Fletcher to his second in command. The crew spent six months in Tahiti, living life to the fullest in the newly discovered paradise.

On April 28, 1789, Mr. Christian staged the famous mutiny. He and his fellow mutineers set Captain Bligh and loyal crew members adrift in a small lifeboat. The mutineers immediately began quarreling among themselves.

Christian led the crew back to Tahiti. There they left some of the mutineers and kidnapped women and slaves. They sailed a thousand miles to the uninhabited Pitcairn Island. There the group imploded. They learned to make alcohol from a local plant and lived lives of debauchery. Drunkenness, disease, and murder took the lives of all of the men but one — John Adams (AKA, Alexander Smith).

An amazing thing happened. Smith discovered the ship’s Bible. He began reading it and then began teaching its principles to the women, children, and slaves. The message of Christ transformed their lives. Twenty years later, when the crew of the Topaz disembarked on the island, they found a small, happy, Christian society which was free from crime, disease, murder, and even mutiny.

The power to change did not come through a self-help seminar. It came by the word of God. Maybe we make things too complicated. My dad used to say, “When all else fails, read the instructions.” Maybe we just need to read and follow the instruction manual.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

That attitude of independence also spills over into our spiritual lives. We tend to be independent and self-directing. We resist direction from leaders and often resent our preachers and teachers when they tell us what to do. After all, they are just people like me, what do they think they are doing?

I recently read a statement that has given me pause. “God does not create us for INDEPENDENCE, he creates us for INTERDEPENDENCE.” What a powerful reminder of God’s intentions and our needs!

Think of the various Bible scenarios where “people need people.” In the creation God gave Adam a helpmeet named “Eve.” He needed the interaction and encouragement of a person as well as God.

Roll the tape forward to the book of Acts after the church was formed. Even the great Apostle Paul would feel the need for interdependence. He encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, was struck blind, and was told to go into the city. There he encountered Ananias and received his sight as well as his baptism. Later, he would need Barnabas to help and direct him. Even later he would need some of the other disciples’ help to survive and continue his preaching ministry all the way to Rome.

Paul certainly needed help from other disciples. Yet, there is something that God puts in us that also shows our need to be helpers. Paul was trained under the Jewish Rabbi, Gamaliel. He becomes a rabbi himself. As a follower of Jesus, Paul takes his rabbinical training and applies it to the church. He trains disciples like the other rabbis did – just like Rabbi Jesus did. One of those disciples was the outcast, Timothy. Paul took him in and trained him to follow Jesus. He later becomes the lead Minister at Ephesus. He learned his lessons well.

We could go on and on with examples. Jesus had his twelve who had one another and then later their own disciples to train. All through the New Testament we read the “one another” passages and are reminded of how interwoven we must be. We are not independent, we are interdependent.

Somewhere I heard or read that the average person will know fifty people by sight and name. If our church is about fifty, we can know everyone and feel connected. The average church in America is somewhere around 100, twice the number we are able to know on average. Bible classes and small groups then become a crucial part of the interdependence we need. Large church services foster the “independent spirit” where we stand alone, unrecognized and uninvolved in the lives of others.

In the smaller settings we become aware of others. We recognize their needs and serve them. They recognize our needs and serve us. In all of this, we continually point one another to Jesus. We are interdependent, not independent!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

As a class leader; teacher; or small group leader you know that your task is bigger than the Book. Your task involves the encouragement of your class or group members as well as Bible knowledge. People primarily attend a groups or a class because of who is in it. We either have friends in the group or think we can make friends there. So, how can we create a sense of community within our group or class?

• Communicate the Need for Community. Tell your members that in addition to Bible study, your Class/Group is going to help in building Christian relationships. Isn’t it exciting to know that the relationships we build in our church will last forever?
• Change up your Style of Teaching. The worst teaching style is the one we use all of the time. Lecture has its place and so does discussion. In developing relationships, open-ended questions help us express ourselves.
• Use Effective Ice-Breakers. I like to have groups answer one or two questions at the beginning of each lesson which help the group to get to know one another as well as set the stage for the lesson. As people reveal themselves to the group, we are more able to understand “where we are coming from.”
• Pray Together. Be sure to take prayer requests in your Group/Class. A good way to end the formal time together is prayer. Again, our prayer requests show our needs.
• Have a Party. Josh Hunt (joshhunt.com) encourages Groups to have monthly fellowship activities. In fact, he says to “invite every member and every prospect to every fellowship every month.” Fellowship builds relationships and becomes a tool for outreach at the same time.
• Be Open. As a leader, find opportunities to tell your story and encourage others to tell theirs. There is something very powerful about sharing the innermost parts of our lives.
• Minister. A huge way of building community is to serve together. Service can take any form and much good can be done for the served. The servers, however, always benefit more. One of the benefits is the unique tie that comes as a result of serving together.

These are a few ways to build community within adult groups. As community is built, people become more and more aware of one another. They learn to trust and be trustworthy. The unity that Jesus describes (John 17) is formed.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The same is true of 100 worshipers. When each worshiper is in tune with Jesus the group is closer to one another than they would be if they took their eyes off of Jesus and looked for ways to develop unity through fellowship. Taking our eyes off of Jesus is never a beneficial thing.

Each Christian has a place in the body. Each Christian has been given spiritual gifts to unite and build up the body. All of this comes through Jesus. When we keep our focus on him we function as a harmonious body.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Once someone asked him why he did not drive a Rolls Royce. He replied, “Where�would I put my dogs?” His success came in part because he connected to the common man.

Think about Jesus coming to the world. Unless people knew him, they would not have been able to tell who he was just by looking. However, his goal was to connect with the common man.

This is why the Lord of the Universe came as a baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. This is why the King of Kings lived a no frills life as a carpenter and a rabbi.

He did not do it for fame. He did not do it for money. He did it to regain what was lost – a wonder-filled relationship with us.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

People serve:

1.�Because they were asked;

2.�Because�it fits with their sense of mission;�

3. Because they like a challenge;

4. Because it helps them feel connected to God’s work;

5.�NOT because of material rewards;

6. NOT to meet people!

The above list was compiled by Marilyn Nelson, Baptist Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA.

Isn’t it interesting that people serve out of high aspirations? It is also interesting that many people wait to be asked before volunteering their time. Maybe, when we are struggling to find volunteers for our ministries, it is a simple as what James said — “You have not because you ask not.” That applies to prayer AND finding servants for ministry.

Perry Greene

When I first began preaching, I rarely used stories. Most of my sermons were packed with scriptures. Everything I said was supported by a biblical text. Over time I began to hear more “successful” speakers than I and noticed a common characteristic of story-telling.

I started using stories, illustrations, quotes, etc. in my lessons. In my opinion, it improved my impact. I read that stories were like the raisins in the oatmeal. People may not always remember my sermon or class, but they tend to remember the point – based on the stories along with the text.

It occurs to me that we really want to imitate Jesus in our teaching. His primary method of teaching was the story. We generally call his stories “parables.” When Jesus spoke these parables, they were not scripture.� They did not become scripture until the Bible was canonized. Jesus could have just quoted scripture to people (and some times he did) or given sermons like we would present. He chose to emphasize story to his hearers.

I understand that the rabbis of Jesus’ day intentionally taught their disciples in order to make changes in their lives. They were not giving them information, they were making transformation. We think that if we just fill people with enough information it will be sufficient.

Jesus used his stories to illustrate biblical truth. For instance, the parable of the sower illustrates the power of God’s word. He could have quoted Psalm 119 and declared its power, but he chose a story. He could have quoted Zechariah and the fact that we do not despise the day of small beginnings. Ins tead, he chose to tell us about a mustard seed. On and on we could go.

There are many resources available for good stories. Take the time to read the newspaper, watch the news, read contemporary books, subscribe to on-line sites that are filled with stories and illustrations. Take the time to appropriately add these to your lessons. You will make a bigger impact and your hearers will remember.

Perry Greene

It is true that Luke records some numbers in the book of Acts. That seems to be something that a Physician/Historian would do. Certain numbers, like weight and temperature, can tell us things about the health of a patient (or a church body).

Think about the flipside. David took a census in Israel after he was told not to. He was punished for his disobedience. A danger was that the nation could have looked at their own strength in numbers instead of looking to God. It was not the best thing.

What if (I always like to think in terms of what could be) we stopped counting attendance? Would we stop feeling so secure in our numbers? Would we shift our attention to people? Would we check on absentees? Would we be better motivated to fill empty seats with new people? Would our source of security be our God?

How large was the church in Corinth? Ephesus? Philippi? Jesus gave some criticisms regarding the “Seven Churches of Asia” (which, by the way are no longer with us). Not once did he criticize them for low numbers — there are bigger issues.

My challenge is for us to see past the numbers. See the people. Look to our God. This is not just about, “How many?” it is about, “Who?”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene (greene.perry@gmail.com)

The reason I got the fruit at Christmas was because my parents always got apples and oranges for Christmas when they were young. They grew up in a much less affluent time. Fresh fruit was a huge treat for them.

When my parents bought gifts for their kids, they included apples and oranges because it brought back happy memories of special treats. So, when I saw the oranges, I suddenly had a craving for the “old days” even though, fresh fruit is prevalent and not quite the treat of long ago.

We can do similar things in the church. Do we ever look back to the “good ol’ days” with fond memories? Don’t we want to recreate those things because those memories make us happy and secure today?�Maybe those things originally had a particular purpose.�Maybe “two songs and a prayer” gave us a sense of “order out of chaos.” Maybe the way we conducted a Bible Class was effective. Maybe a Visitation Program was fruitful.

One of the challenges about church work is finding successful methods in every generation without compromising the integrity of the gospel. There are lines we do not cross. There are truths we are to always uphold. But, “times are a-changin’.”

There is nothing wrong with my buying a bag of oranges for Christmas. There is nothing wrong with many of the things we have done in the past. Our challenge is to be able to be more efficient and effective�in our methods of reaching and serving people — without compromising the gospel.

David had a group of men from Issachar who had, “understanding of the times” according to 1 Chronicles 12.32. What are the modern�times teaching us? What methods can we use today to share the good news to people who hunger for it?

Your Bible Class may want to explore new ideas. Your Small Group may be a new idea in the making. What worked in the past may not work today. The souls of people matter too much to neglect the times and what is effective today.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene (perry.greene@southyukon.org)

The second survey asked Americans to identify what they most wanted out of life.�An overwhelming 75% indicated, “Having close, personal relationships.”�Apparently, we want friends but we often fail to express our gratitude for them.�Maybe expressing an appreciation for the friends we have will enhance our friendships and the making of friends.

When people come to our Groups and Classes, one of the things they are looking for is friendship.�They may like the teacher and the topic of study, but they are there to make friends and find a place to belong.

Fellowship opportunities are important to the building up and maintaining of a Class or Small Group.� Josh Hunt encourages monthly fellowships in which we invite every member and every prospective member to attend.�If we can get them to the party, they will come to class.

Take time for friendship-building opportunities.

�

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene (perry.greene@southyukon.org)

1. The teacher must give the class a high spiritual priority.
2. Use the same room each week.
3. Get the members to decorate the room.
4. Conduct regular class prayer meetings.
5. Serve the Lord as a class.
6. Give the class a distinctive name.
7. Select a class logo.
8. Select a class motto.
9. Create a distinctive letterhead.
10. Distribute a class newspaper or newsletter.
11. Select class leaders and workers.
12. Balance evangelism and education.
13. Keep members tied to the worship services.
14. Use visual aids (overhead projectors, power point, etc.).
15. Provide refreshments.
16. Focus on the needs of class members.
17. Greet arriving class members and guests.
18. Use name tags.
19. Set goals for new visitors.
20. Be friendly!

Keep The Light Burning! Perry Greene

Do you remember his special mission?�That is, why did he come at all?�The angel told Joseph that the purpose of his coming was to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1.21).

I have a riddle for you.�What is over 750,000 miles long, reaches around the earth thirty times; and grows twenty miles longer every day?

Do you give up?�It is the line of people on the earth who are without Christ.

As a Teacher or Small Group Leader, you have a special place in the mission of Christ.�You have a hand in decreasing the line of the lost.�You also have a hand at building up the lives of those in Christ.�You have a unique role in reaching OUT and reaching IN while you encourage people to reach UP.

During this season and every season, keep the mission of Christ before you.�Remember that you play a vital role in helping him fulfill it.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Before we got there, however, we had to say good-bye to our former church.� I have always hated good-byes.� I grew up as a Navy brat and made frequent moves.� I usually had made a good friend or two about the time we had to move.� As a Minister, I have had a similar experience.� Hopefully I have learned a lesson or two from the last good bye.

One of the things that struck me so hard in our good-bye was the outpouring of affection we received.� You always think there is time to tell people how you feel about them and then suddenly time is up.� We received such warm regards that we could not believe it.� At the same time, we felt the need for reciprocation but were out of time.� This time I want to appreciate people and TELL them.� I may say it face to face, I may write a card or an e-mail but I intend to be sure I give honor to whom honor is due.

A second lesson that I want to learn and do is to invest in PEOPLE.� People are the only lasting parts of creation.� Jesus died for people, not the animals, not the earth, and not even the angels.� It is about people.� He spent at least three years investing himself in the disciples.� Look at the dividends of such an investment — the name of Jesus has been heard all over the world because of the commitment of the twelve, the 120, and then the 3000+.�

I want to follow the example of Jesus and teach the Bible to PEOPLE.� I want to be a�Mentor to PEOPLE.� I want to make investments that matter in the eternal long run.

A third lesson that struck me is the value of encouragement.� Scott is one of my friends from my former church.� One of the reasons that I like Scott is because he is a constant source of encouragement.� He is a modern Barnabas.� Whenever I am around him, I feel better about myself.� I want to be that kind of friend to others.� I want to be their cheerleader and source of encouragement.� There is too much to pull us down in the world, I want to pick people up.

The church gave us a going away party the last Sunday we were in town.� The gifts were nice and appreciated.� What I will always remember is the love that was shown to me.� What I have learned is to love others the way Jesus did.

Keep the Light Burning!

Perry

I did not grow up in a church of any kind. My parents had been burned out by abusive preachers and decided not to attend church when they left home. Occasionally, however they would send me to Sunday School or take me to services. I especially remember my mom taking me to the Naval base chapel when my dad was out at sea.

I remember that while we were attending the Chapel services they would send the kids out to a Sunday School class. I went into my age group class totaly out of place. The lessons that they taught us were based on information that a regular, church-going kid would have known. I was virtually ignorant of the Bible. I did not know the order of the books, whether Noah or Abraham came first or if Jesus and Moses were contemporaries. So, I felt out of place and hated going to class. I did, however. enjoy the worship services with the adults — very non-threatening and I could hide my ignorance.

Fast-forward to my conversion as a 19 year old (I may tell you that story later). I eagerly attended the worship services of the church — even on Sunday night! Yet, just like in my childhood days, I did not want to go to Bible Class, basically for the same reason — I did not know much about the Bible (I did not even know the jingle o put the books of the New Testament in order). I hesitantly attended class and even taught a time or two.

When I decided to go into MInistry, I focused on preaching and the worship services.� Class seemed to me to be a dull time of information sharing. It was an “information dump” to me.

As time and circumstances happened, I came to be an Education Minister (as well as wearing some other titles).� As a result, I have done a great deal of research and study in regard to Education Ministry. I see things far differently today.

Sunday School matters! In addition to sharing information, Sunday School (or “Bible School” or “Class” other titles) is the backbone of the church. Here is where relationships are formed and entrance into the church can easily be attained. Through class activities such as fellowship or ministry projects, people get to know one another and Christian bonds are made. This also occurs in the small group setting, which can also be built into Sunday School (see the Adult Bible Fellowship model).

Sunday School is a time to learn Bible. It is a time to develop our theology. It is a time of worship. It is also a time to build strong Christian relationships.

Enjoy Sunday School. Develop Sunday School. It makes a real difference. Sunday School matters.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene (greene.perry@gmail.com)