Francis Frangipane - It's Time to End Church Splits

Intro

...if we could ascend into heaven and were granted grace to look upon the face of Christ and actually ask Him about splits and divisions, I believe the tears in His eyes alone would tell us disunity is the work of hell.

pg 11

...anyone can seek God and enjoy more of Him at any time; there is no need to divide the church to have more of God's presence, especially since the division itself will cause God's manifest presence to withdraw!

pg 23

No virtue manifests in our lives without Satan awakening a corresponding vice: Traveling with obedience is pride, and just behind faith walks presumption. Yes, and walking in the shadow of godly vision, ambition follows.

pg 25

The one in rebellion always has an issue; there is always something not right—and if he were in charge, he would do all things better.

pg 26

A true word from God will test you before it fulfills you. Consider Joseph. “Until the time that the word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him” (Psalm 105:19).

pg 27

Ambition tries to create doors where none exist.

pg 39

There is nothing more powerful than when the teaching in a church and the intercession of that church are in agreement.... when intercessor pray what the pastor preaches, the union of the Spirit and the Word release the creative power of heaven itself.

pg 41

In the New Testament, the Greek word, diabolos, which is translated “devil” in this text [John 6:70-71], is translated impersonally elsewhere as a “false accuser,” “slanderer” or “a malicious gossip.” In fact, First Timothy 3:11 and Second Timothy 3:3 both translate diabolos (Strong’s #1228) as “malicious gossip(s).”

pg 52

Remember, as a pastor or teacher, your goal is not to prepare a sermon, but to prepare a people.

pg 73

[Re: Acts 9:6 “...it shall be told you what you must do”] Why didn’t the Lord just tell Paul what he had to do? Paul would have to learn about God, at least initially, as he submitted to other Christian leaders. This is God’s order and the Lord himself honored it.

pg 74

[Re: Christ submitting to John the Baptist in Matt 3] ...it was while He humbled Himself to a lesser ministry that the flood of the Father’s pleasure, together with the Holy Spirit, descended upon Him.

pg 110

There is no greater opportunity to become Christlike than in the midst of pain and injustice. When Satan is raging with evil, God is planning to turn it to good. If we maintain our integrity in battle; if we let love rise to its purest expression, we will touch the heart of God. Such is the path to God’s power.

pg 116

Jesus understood that for redemption to be accomplished, His love would face its most severe test. Jesus knew this battle was over one thing: would He allow love to reach full maturity and its most perfect expression? Would He maintain His passion for man’s redemption even as men mocked and crucified Him?

pg 133

My pastor’s sermons have been dry and lifeless for quite a while. When we are not being fed the meat of God’s word, should we start our own church? No teacher brings sermons that are “meat.” Jesus said that His “meat” was to do the will of His Father. If your church seems dry and you are hungry for meat, I suggest you begin doing the will of God in your church. What I mean is that you start a prayer group for your pastor. Encourage him with comments about his sermon. Perhaps send him words of encouragement and build him up. You say, “But this is what we want him to do for us.” If you pray for him, more than likely he will being to gain new confidence and become a great encouragement to you. But the real “meat” is this: see the need and be mature enough in Christ to pray, to encourage and to stand in faith until that need is met by the Holy Spirit.

Information Assurance Quotes

From Norris Reynolds...

A paraphrase of the information assurance triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability): "Ensuring that the right data gets to the right people at the right time."

"Data. If it's important enough to collect, it's important enough to protect."

Regarding why we sometimes work long hours: "Because they are there, we are here."

It's all in the translation

From the Cybersalt Digest:

A Latin American minister was touring the U.S. in an effort to boost financial support for missionaries and ministries in his home country.

At a church luncheon, he was telling the guests about this home country, his family, and the important work being supported there. As he concluded, he said, “And I have a charming and understanding wife but, alas, no children.”

After a pause, he said, haltingly, “You see, my wife is unbearable.”

Puzzled glances in the audience prompted him to try to clarify by saying: “What I mean is, my wife is inconceivable.”

Observing the laughter in the audience, he realized his mistake, but floundered deeper into the intricacies of the English language by correcting triumphantly, “That is, my wife, she is impregnable!”

What Special Someday Are We Saving For?

By ANN WELLS (Los Angeles Times)

My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package.

"This," he said, "is not a slip. This is lingerie."

He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite: silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached.

"Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least eight or nine years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion."

He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment. Then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me.

"Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion."

I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sister's family lives. I thought about all the things that she hadn't seen or heard or done. I thought about the things that she had done without realizing that they were special.

I'm still thinking about his words, and they've changed my life. I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting on the deck and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings.

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event--such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom.

I wear my good blazer to the market if I feel like it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for a small bag of groceries without wincing.

I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as my party-going friends.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are fighting a losing battle to stay in my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.

I'm not sure what my sister would have done had she known that she wouldn't be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, her favorite food. I'm guessing--I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good friends whom I was going to get in touch with--someday. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write--one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and daughter often enough how much I truly love them.

I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.

And every morning when I open my eyes I tell myself that this is a special occasion.

Marcus Levi Proehl - obit

Rev. Marcus (Bill) L. Proehl, 79, passed away on February 1, 2010. He was born March 7, 1930 to parents Marcus Elrose and Myrtle Trowbridge in Flint, Michigan. He was reaised by his mother Myrtle and stepfather Perry Waite. He graduated High School in Flint, Indiana.

Marcus entered the Marines not long after graduation and shortly after, on October 28, 1950, he married his wife, beverly L. (Musser) Proehl. Three children were born to them, Marcus A. and his wife Susan Proehl of Mooresville, Indiana; Debra K. and Jim Prock of Danville, IN and Steven P. Proehl. Their son Steven preceded them in death in 1968. His wife, beverly, preceded him in death on April 19, 20905. Marcus has six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

After leaving the Marines, Marcus soon dedicated his life to the Lord. He started his ministry at South Scott as a youth pastor. It didn't take long for him to become a full-time pastor. He built Calvary Temple and the Carpenter Shop in Angola and the journey continued. He was an accomplished carpenter who not only built many homes but also several churches. Some of the churches were built on the mission field. He had a heart for missions and it showed in his giving.

Marcus also loved to fly. He loved to paint and play the trumpet. Everyone who knew Marcus (Bill) also knew he loved to invent things. His mind never stopped. The one thing he loved the most, though, was the Word of God. He read his Bible completely through 116 times. He started his day witht he Word and ended his day with the Word and talking to God. His faith was unshakable and his love for God was amazing. I know if he had won wish granted to him it would be that everyone would serve and love the Lord. He lived by example and was a rock that many depended on. He truly was a great man and will be missed so much.

Everyone who knew Marcus (Bill) would often hear him say, "Man, I've had a wonderful life." That he did and now it's even more wonderful.

A Week Without God

Without God, our week would be:

Sinday

Moanday

Tearsday

Wasteday

Thirstday

Fightday

Shatterday

Seven days without God makes one weak.

2009 Tweets

Aug 20, 2009
Worked up a sweat chiseling the pizza out of the pan. Can you say, “overdone”? It was still the best pizza I had all day (and the worst!)

Aug 1, 2009
“Some mornings, it’s just not worth chewing through the leather straps.” ~ Emo Philips

Jul 31, 2009
Yesterday’s done and tomorrow may never come, but today’s a gift — that’s why it’s called the present.

Jul 30, 2009
If I don’t get to bed soon, there’ll be little point in trying — it’s already 5am and I have to be on a conference call at 10am.

Jul 20, 2009
Went to Wheatfield, IN to visit some friends and have dinner. Did all that and got to preach as well. A good day!

Jul 8, 2009
Enjoyed watching a half-dozen kids play “pile-up” in the yard today. (Is it still called “pile-up” nowadays? I’ve aged a bit.)

Jul 2, 2009
Headed to Branson today to see mom and dad Kelley.

Jul 2, 2009
I’m done casting ballots. Now sitting around watching other divisions cast theirs.

May 8, 2009
I just heard my awesome wife is making cotten candy for the carnival tonight — I think that’s cool!

Apr 30, 2009
I greatly appreciate my wife’s ability to bring the kids in line! Insanity often seems to reign when she’s gone.

Apr 24, 2009
Josh brought home Bulldog Prides three times this week: personal best, friendship, cooperation, patience and caring.

Apr 18, 2009
Knows the house would stay clean if everyone would just clean up after themselves, but how do you teach pets and toddlers to do it?

Apr 17, 2009
Was LEFT at the LOFT while Mikesha’s at LIFT.

Apr 16, 2009
Thinks Little Ceaser’s was better back in the Pizza!Pizza! days.

Apr 15, 2009
is enjoying how quiet the house is when the kids are in bed!

Apr 14, 2009
Anybody going to a tea party?

Apr 14, 2009
Twitter + facebook = twitface?

The Place of Our Weakness and God's Manifestation

Sometimes we get to a place where we just don’t have the strength to go on anymore. We can’t quote any scriptures, we can’t even muster up a song of praise. Many a time we wind up at this point where we have done all we know to do but in doing we find ourselves empty and maybe even confused. Maybe it’s because God didn’t answer a prayer quick enough or maybe not at all. Maybe the thing that you thought was your sure ticket to financial freedom falls through and now you don’t know how He can come through.

It is at this place....., THERE at your present weakness, that after having done all to stand you simply stand. It is THERE that God promised to meet you and to be everything you need Him to be. You know that dreadful place I speak of,.....“The end of your self” the end of your understanding. Yes it is THERE that He shows up.

Don’t quit, don’t leave, don’t jump ship, don’t bail out.....JUST STAND!

In the old testament God called Himself “I AM” which is a Hebrew idiom for “when you get THERE I will be THERE”. So if you are THERE, don’t get down but one more time trust and believe because you are closer to your miracle than you ever dreamed!
— Pastor Steve Finney’s status update on facebook 12/6/09

Start With the Mission

Start with the church and the mission will be lost.
Start with the mission and the church will be found.
- Alan Hirsch, The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church

Thanks to His Friend, Abraham Knew Something Lot Did Not

There’s a difference between being afraid of God and fearing God. The “fear of the Lord”, the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, is a respect of God, honor of God, and even a friendship with God.

This is more than just knowing about God. It is more than just living right. It is more than only having enough of Jesus in your life to keep yourself out of Hell.

This fear of the Lord is wonderment and amazement, interest, and utmost respect. It is deep friendship, not just superficial acquaintance.

Friends talk. Friends enjoy one another’s company. They laugh together and cry together. They share life, hopes, and dreams, and even secrets.

Ps 25:14 says “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.”

The friend of God may know things of which others have no clue.

Gen 18-19 tells about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were busy going about life -- eating, drinking, working, and partying, and most likely assuming that life was good and that the party would go on forever.

The Sodomites had no clue whatsoever that the doomsday clock was ticking and they had less than 24 hours on this earth.

This cluelessness wasn’t restricted to just the sinful people. Lot, who had a righteous soul (2 Peter 2:8), was just as clueless as the rest of them.

But Abraham knew ahead of time what was going on. God told Abraham His plans, His secret, and Abraham was able to intercede for the cities, asking that they be preserved if just 10 righteous souls were found among them.

— Paraphrased from John Bevere’s comments on Joyce Meyer’s program on 11/17/09.

Brain Dump - Personalities in 1 Samuel 17

Goliath
- An instrument of Satan
-- Not representative of Satan himself, because we cannot kill Satan
--- In Revelation, Satan bound, then later cast into the lake of fire

- Sin
- Sinful people, perhaps
-- can't kill people, but can sever the link between demonic influencers and the influenced

Saul
Had the responsibility and the authority, but not the courage
- president, principal, leader

"with great power comes great responsibility"

"to him whom much is given, much shall be required"

Eliab
Per chpt 16, Eliab had 3 things going for him, 3 things that made Samuel think, "Surely the Lord's anointed is before him." -- Eliab was the first-born, he had a good (perhaps kingly) countenance, and he was tall.

Didn't get the position he'd wanted
- but also didn't have the backbone to stand against Goliath

When David starts to do something about Goliath, Eliab's envy manifests and he plays mind-reader.
- we, too, when a peer
-- gets 1st chair instead of us,
-- gets to be on the worship team and we do not
-- gets the lead role in a play
-- gets a better promotion than us

Jesse
Too old for the battle (even adult men considered Jesse to be an old man)
But sent support to the battle
- finances
- prayer
- time
- food

I will not let the things I cannot do keep me from doing the things I can do.

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." - Edward Everett Hale

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller

David
Anointed/Empowered and Courageous
Answered Eliab by saying, "Is there not a cause?"
Acts 1:8 -- "witnesses" also means "martyrs"

Tom Branham - Communion Service

Preached during the Friday morning communion service of District Convention.  Nov 6, 2009
Matt 26:26-29

The world and the government may have their thoughts about sin, but God knows when I sin, and I know when I sin, and if I don't get that sin under the blood, I won't make it to heaven.

During Passover, people would remove all leaven from their house - sweeping, cleaning cupboards, making sure not even a speck remained.

4 cups shared during Passover:
- cup of sanctification
- cup of affliction
- cup of redemption
- cup of consolation

hallel - "hall"- consummation; "el" - God; "hallel" consummation in the presence of God

First passover
lamb eaten
- under the blood of the lamb
- leaning upon their staff
- with shoes on
- ready to go

When the Israelites left Egypt, "not one feeble person among them"
- the blood is not only for redemption, but also for healing and strength

v28 - the blood of the new testament/covenant

3 Scarlet threads used during the scapegoat ceremony
- 1 tied to the priest (or at the priest's discretion, tied to the scapegoat)
- 1 tied to the scapegoat
- 1 tied to the door of the tablernacle
  - legend was when the scapegoat died, this thread turned white
  - Isaiah 1:18 possible written after seeing this (scarlet/red turned white as snow/wool)

At Calvary
- 1 thief died and went to hell
- 1 thief died and went to heaven - his thred turned white

Wayman Ming - Is There Not a Cause?

From District Convention, Thursday Evening, Nov 5, 2009
Video: here

1 Sam 17:21-29

covenant: permanent arrangement

How is covenant birthed?
Out of a cause
1 Sam 17:57 - 18:1
- it only took one conversation
- Jon's soul was knit to David's
- Jon loved David as much as he loved himself
Note: Covenant relationship can be birthed in one conversation.

17:28 - Why are there so many Eliabs in the church?
- Think they know other's thoughts and intentions

Is there not a cause?

Many today believe there is a god, or some supernatural/spiritual force, but they don't think God cares about them.
Need to read Psalm 139
- v1 - God has searched us and knows us
- v2 - God knows every time we sit down and stand up, plus our thoughts afar off
- v3 - God knows every word on our tongue -- both the word and the motivation behind it
Pentecost: God not only knows and cares, but He indwells.

Acts 2:2
- many sounds today, but we need a sound from heaven
- a sound like a mighty, rushing wind (violent wind)
2:3 - tongues like fire (greek: lightning)

Cane Ridge, KY, in 1801
- Lexington, in 1801, was the largest city on the frontier with a population of 1800
- also a rough, sin-filled town
- outside town, a preacher started a meeting
- within a few days, 25000 to 30000 people showed up

When know what Pentecost is
We know what accompanies it
But what is the evidence of it?

Mark 16: "these signs shall follow them that believe"

If anything, your church should be known as a place where people can come and be saved, healed, and delivered.

Acts 1:8 - "and ye shall be witnesses"

Pentecost, in OT, was called the "Feast of weeks"
- a celebration of the first fruits of the harvest
- seems fitting a harvest should be evidence of Pentecost


Pentecost
- a reversal of Babel
Babel: tongues used to separate the world
Pentecost: tongues used to reach the world

We have done a disservice to Pentecost when we think it's all about having a good time at church.

No! Pentecost is what you do after the service.
The Holy Ghost should make you hit the streets.
- if it doesn't, it wasn't really Pentecost, because Pentecost is the celebration of the harvest

In PCG last year, 21% of churches reported zero conversions.
54% (612 churches) reported zero water baptisms.
49% reported zero Holy Ghost baptisms.

Are we really PCG?  without Pentecost?

Wayman Ming - God's Plans for Us

Indiana District Convention - Thursday Morning, Nov 5, 2009

Jeremiah 29:11
NKJ lists future first, then hope
- our future gives us hope

God's plans include:
- what God wants me to be - devotion
- what God wants me to do - purpose
- where God wants me to go - destiny
- what God wants me to leave - legacy

Devotion
- making God #1
- hearing God's voice every day
- obeying God's voice every day
[we need to check God's book before facebook]
- every one of us wages war with disobedience continually
- must overcome:
  . preoccupation
  . procrastination
    · "delayed obedience", which equals disobedience
    · delayed obedience = disobedience
  . passivity
    · waiting until tomorrow will steal your today
    · waiting will steal your right now

Purpose
- same for all of us
- we confuse destiny and purpose
- purpose includes knowing God and making Him known

Destiny
- God's unique destination for my life
- Destiny can begin in a moment
  . "Noah, build an ark"
  . "Moses, go down to Egypt"
  . "Samuel, fill thy horn with oil and go"
- Destiny can be defined in a moment
  . Rahab hanging a scarlet thread in her window
  . Three Hebrew children refusing to bow
  . Martin Luther nailing the 95 theses on the door
  . or....
  . Cain killing Abel
  . Judas kissing Christ
- Destiny will be judged over a lifetime
  . David vs Goliath
  . David dodging spears
  . David with Bathsheba

Legacy
- leaving something for the next generation
- every deed leaves a seed
- every choice affects your voice
- Elijah's choice affected Elisha's voice.

Wayman Ming - Is There Not a Covenant?

Indiana District Convention - Wednesday Evening, Nov 4, 2009
Video: here

How do I move my people from hearing to doing?
from spiritual to physical?
from preaching to life-application?
Becoming a covenant church with a covenant cause

Gen 9:11-13
Gen 17:7-8
Psalm 89:34-
Psalm 25:14

Everything we have is because of covenant

What are we?  A denomination? Organization? Movement? Fellowship?

Denomination
- nom - name
- nation - people group
- de - lessens whatever follows
- don't want to be a watered-down group of people who have the same name

Organization
- Jesus did not come so that we would be organized

Movement
- group of independent and detached people who have a generic goal
- evacuation of the bowels

Fellowship - "cooperative fellowship"
- koinea - communion
- but we can (and perhaps should) cooperate with anybody

Better: "Covenant"

Three Covenants of Scripture: Blood, Marriage and Salt

Blood
Jesus shed His blood for us, but shared His blood with us
His shed blood was grace extended, but His shared blood was grace received.
His shed blood was blessing designed, but His shared blood was blessing given.

Marriage
"As long as the Lord lives"
[God is in and won't be out]

Salt
for the healing of relationships
- purity of mission
- preservation of the body

blood: spiritual
marriage: sacramental
salt: superficial [?]

blood: relationship with God
marriage: relationship with family
salt: relationship with the world

Brain Dump - Temptation

lust - #1939 - a longing
-- from #1937 - to set the heart upon

tempt
- #1598 - "Thou shalt not tempt." - test thoroughly
- #551 - "cannot be tempted with evil"
--- untestable, untemptable
- #3985 - to test
--- scrutinize, entice, discipline, assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt, try

temptation - #3986

II Peter 2:9 "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation."

Matt 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40,46
- pray to avoid temptation

Lust - #2237 - pleasure

Rodney Reynolds - Misc

Meditation
- to be deep in thought

Isa 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."

---

The fool has said in his heart there is no God.

"Let the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament his handiwork."

"day unto day uttereth speech"
- This earth speaks.

David Owens - Street Evangelism

From BFWC's 2009 Generational Impact Pastors' and Leaders' Conference

Everybody cannot go.

1. Before going out to evangelize we pray. (Phil 4:6)

2. When witnessing, personal hygiene is very important. (Romans 14:21)

3. When you go out into the streets to witness, you must be bold. (Acts 4:13)

4. When taking others with you, make sure they are born again. (1 Thess 5:12)

5. While witnessing, do not speak a lot of Bible, unless who you are witnessing to knows the word. (1 Cor 2:14)
--- Scripture is like Chinese to them

6. When street evangelizing, always walk in love, and by faith. (1 Cor 13:1-2)

7. When praying for others in the streets, keep your eyes open. (Matt 26:41)

8. Be careful when praying for others. Men should not touch/lay hands on women and women should not touch/lay hands on men.

9. When evangelizing, you should have a spiritual covering. (Hebrews 13:17)

10. Street ministry will help church growth. Follow up with people you have witnessed to. (church cards, notebook to write telephone numbers down)

Russell Hylton - 10 Commandments of the Ideal Leadership Team

1. Have a cheerful heart or attitude.
- shift mentally when transitioning from work (church) to home
- pastors meet and greet after church, not before

2. Practice ___[?].
- God
- Leader
- One Another
--- No gossip
--- We will not talk about someone else out of their presence untiless we are bragging on them
--- James 3:16 - "For where envying and stife is, there is confusion and every evil work."

3. Be responsible.
- if you're on time, you're late.
- if you're early, you're on time.
- be mindful of other ministries
--- if you need a stapler, don't take one from another ministry
----- requisition one
----- better yet, buy yourself one and save the church money
- clean up

4. Encourage loyalty to one another - look out for others.
- lead/show, don't tell/direct
- introduce yourself to others
- use names in conversation

5. Be a diligent worker.
- attend conferences
- show up

6. Build each other up.
- speak like we want others to speak to us
- don't enable bad traits - encourage good ones

7. Support your leader.
- realize we don't know the whole picture

8. Present a professional appearance.

9. Protect privileged information.

10. Keep actions and behavior above reproach at all times.

Russell Hylton - Mentoring Men

If you can get a man on fire, you'll get the family.

Gospel of Mark

kingsranch.cc -- cabins in SE Indiana - minister retreat

A teacher's platform is everywhere we go, everything we say, and everything we do.

"The authority to lead comes from the ability to feed." - Wayne Baldridge of Ohio, quoting Apostle Violet Kitely