PBM May 2012

Phish Bowl Ministries

May 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”


My dear Saints and friends,

How are you doing? I know that some of you are on a high point in their walk and still others are not right now. As for me, I’m neither high nor low right now. I’m living in the love of Christ and looking at ways in which I can share His love to the world around me. I must say that “group” was the toughest thing that I have ever gone through. What I have learned is that Jesus is with me, even when I do not feel or see Him. As I read the Bible, there are many stories that show me that God’s ways are not our ways and the trip that I am on is needed so that I can be shaped into a tool which God can use to glorify Himself. Now I get to reach out to other men to share God with them. They can get through their trials and know that God is working during this time of their journey. As God works in us, He has a plan even in the darkness of prison to do His will; for me, prison is light where I can do His will.

We are going to move on in Acts Chapter 6. Seven men are chosen to serve the multitude. We will see that these men are of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and full of wisdom. None of this happens overnight, nor in the highs and lows of our walk. When we are faced with a trial, it’is how we choose to go through it which determines what we learn about God and how we men and women of faith should walk out that faith in this dark world. Still, there will be no perfect church. When we read the description of the early church; the miracles, the sharing and generosity, the fellowship, we may wish we could have been a part of this “PERFECT” church. In reality, the early church had problems just as we do today. No church has ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ returns. All churches have problems. If your church’s shortcomings leave a bad taste in your mouth, then ask yourself, “Would a perfect church allow me to be a member?” Do what you can to make your church better right where it is. Choose to love your church family in their imperfect state as they love you in your imperfect state. A church doesn’t have to be perfect to be a powerful witness for Christ. All it needs to do is show Christ’s love for the Saints.

(Acts 6:1-7) Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.”Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; "but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. (NKJV)

Hebrews vs. Hellenists. Many of us know who the Hebrews were, but few know who the Hellenists were. Let me try to explain: The Hellenists were those of Jewish descent who grew up outside the land of Israel. They spoke Greek, were raised in the Greek culture and used the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, “the Septuagint”. See Acts 2:5. The Hebrews were Jews who spoke Aramaic and used the Hebrew Old Testament. So the believers who spoke Aramaic, were the native Jewish Christians or “locals”. The believers who spoke Greek were called “Grecian Jews” and there was some type of class distinction between the two groups, similar to racism. Though all were “Christians”, their backgrounds and out-look were different. So what was to be done about this? The first thing I do not see is blame, rather what could be done to remedy the injustice. The Twelve, referring to the Apostles, gathered all of the “disciples” together and made a statement. In short, “This is not right and it needs to change. Our plates are full and we need help. So we need others to step up and help in serving, but whom?” After seeking out or looking at their walk, they picked seven men of “good” reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

1. They picked “believers” from among them.

2. They were known men of integrity (see 1 Timothy 6:11-12).

3. Solid spirituality, “full of the Holy Spirit”, a Spirit-following lifestyle (not perfect) healthy Christian walk. These people had demonstrated that they had the ability to apply God’s truth appropriately in life situations.

So, they chose Stephen, Nicolas, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas. This was no doubt a gesture to the people who had received the complaint.

Because of this act of love toward every believer in the church; black, white, young, old, with tattoos, convict, pregnant teen-agers, or the divorced saint God’s word spread! This little act shows our faith in action toward the ones outside our box and it shows that God does not have a box. My favorite line is “a great many of the priests, the Levites, obedient to the faith. They will know us by our love, not by us kicking saints out of the church because they sinned, dressed differently or one who has a different view on an unimportant item. Stop trying to act perfectly, but instead choose to love the imperfect saint and welcome the lost in for food and fellowship.

I ask that you pray for my spiritual little brother, Frankie, as he is hitting the streets this month. You’re worth it Frankie. God loves you and so do I!

Saints, I pray for you and love you. Remember that it is a spirit filled life journey to understand that God will not disappoint us. There is soul healing in God’s loving Word and in the Church of the Messiah’s Misfits. Remember my chains as I remember yours. Watch! Hold fast in the faith. Be brave and be strong to the end. Let all you do, be done in love.

Semper Fidelis!

I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538

http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com
An outreach of Calvary Chapel Loveland