Perspectives
Learn how to use your skills and passions to glorify God in all the earth - no matter your location or vocation.
The Perspectives course will provide you with greater perspective to live your life with eternal significance and purpose.
Sundays at 3:00-5:30 PM (Feb. 5 - May 13)
Host: Calvary Fellowship Church, Lionville, PA
Contact: Rev. Bill Bateman 610-363-7171 ext. 2147
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Cost: $385. (see website for enrollment and discount options)
1. Biblical Foundation: See new meaning throughout God's Word in light of its primary theme. Learn why God blessed His chosen people and why He blesses us today.
2. Historical Progress: See how God used key events and people to expand His Kingdom. Learn from the successes and mistakes of our past.
3. Cultural Distinctives: See how the gospel is understood and received by people of other cultures. Learn how this affects our witness of God's truth.
4. Strategic Involvement: See the vital role you can play in God's global purposes. Learn how to use your gifts, skills, and passions for God's glory.
For more information or to register for a class, visit
www. PERSPECTIVES.org
God’s Hopes & Expectations for the Poor
A Reflection by Cathy Blair
I recently had the opportunity to take a four session free class, “God’s Hopes & Expectations for the Poor.” How eye-opening and enriching these classes were! Facilitated by Jim Ford and Roger Wayne, two men who have dedicated their time and hearts running Good Works and the Community Youth and Women’s Alliance (CYWA), respectively.
They used the initials, UAHA, to help us see where we are in the journey toward helping the poor.
- U-Understanding - including basic knowledge, statistics and information
- A-Appreciation - to value and see good in response to our understanding
- H-Heart - to have a burden for… forcing us out of our comfort zone
- A-Action -doing something to help, according to where God wants us.
As Jim explained, these don’t necessarily have to happen in this order. We can have a burden and respond with action before having all of the basic understanding, and still serve effectively.
I learned that the Bible references poverty 2100 times. Proverbs 22:2 says, “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all”. Hmm, some are created rich and some are created poor…intentionally… “why”, we might ask? What is God’s plan in this? What is our part in His plan?
Jim and Roger tackle some of these thought provoking questions by sharing scripture like, “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” 1 John 3:18 and, “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” James 2:24. With privilege and opportunity comes responsibility. God distributes wealth and resources unevenly, not because He loves some of his children more than others, but so His children can distribute it to their brothers and sisters on His behalf and in turn, be blessed. “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, Acts 20:35.
The most interesting part of the class for me was learning about the culture of the poor. I learned about some of the communication and language differences. We discussed how the focus of the poor tends to be on relationships; whereas the middle class’s focus tends to be on accomplishments. We learned some survival skills necessary to navigate and survive in poverty. They gave us an interesting list of some Hidden Rules of Economic Class. For instance, regarding possessions for those in poverty, people are the most valued. In the middle class, things are the most valued. For those of wealth, collectables, legacies, pedigrees are the most valued.
Ultimately, we can choose to represent Jesus for others and see Jesus in other people. We can choose to bring hope to the hopeless. We can choose to recognize that ministry and service come out of sacrifice, yes, but will bring us abundant insight into the riches of God’s kingdom right here on earth. We wrapped up our final class with a powerful scripture from John 4:34, “My food” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work”. His food, his very sustenance to survive and his very purpose on earth was to obediently do and finish God’s work. I left these classes with a full cup, energized to open my heart in prayer and seek to learn God’s plan and path for me.
Let The Nations be Glad
A summary by Joe & Katie Di Bussolo
In November 2011, a 3-week class was offered during 2nd service. Marv Nelson and Mark B led discussions based on the first 4 chapters of John Piper's DVD/Study Guide "Let the Nations be Glad." We learned the "biblical" meaning of "missions"; the urgency to save people from eternal hell; and the need for people to actually hear the Gospel in order to believe.
John Piper says that if we are to truly carry out the Gospel definition of missions, we need to pursue all unreached people groups. More specifically, we need to cross cultures and learn languages in order to plant churches in every area, among every culture, where there is currently no Christian witness. We need to stay there, be a witness and disciple others until a church is planted and takes on the same missional intent - to go and witness to other unreached peoples about the Gospel (resulting in spiritual multiplication). John Piper is not calling us to redirect our ministry resources (i.e., local outreach and discipleship); rather, he is asking us to do more to reach those who are isolated from hearing the Gospel throughout the world.
We should have a sense of urgency to do missions. The reality is that everyday, all over the world, people die without ever hearing the Gospel. Those who have not "heard" and "believed" will suffer the conscious torment of hell for eternity. How will they hear? Piper points out that we in the Church are either passionate goers or passionate senders; otherwise, we are disobedient!
Our passion must be for the Lord's ways to be known on earth, His salvation among the nations, so that all the peoples praise Him and fear Him. Then He will bless all of us and all the peoples will be glad and sing for joy (Psalm 67).
Intercessory Prayer for our Partners
It is so important for us as a body of believers to consistently pray for our missionary partners overseas and our ministry partners who are local.
“And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, NLT
Ways to pray for our ministry partners:
• Relationship to God – may grow closer to Lord, spiritual maturity
• Physical and emotional needs – good health, against loneliness, discouragement and depression
• Relationships – with their family, those they are ministering to
• Ministry – receptiveness of those ministering to, opportunities, boldness
• Ability to communicate – learn and use language effectively, learn culture
• Country of service – good and stable political situation, for the focused people group
• Working relationships – with peers, organization, national workers
Remember to visit the BRIDGES wall in the lobby for updated information on our partners.
City Team Ministries works in inner cities. Their website is www.cityteam.org. The following was taken from a publication City Team distributed:
6 Ways You Can Provide Real Help to the Homeless:
- NEVER GIVE cash to homeless people. It's not a good way to help. All too often, well-intended gifts are used to buy drugs or alcohol.
- TALK to homeless people with respect. Be friendly and respectful. You'll help the person fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
- SHARE God's love. Remember that Christ interacted with people from every social, racial and economic background. Today, Jesus often chooses to connect through those who follow Him.
- PRAY for the homeless. Life on the streets, malnutrition, violence and utter hopelessness can take a great toll on a homeless person. God will honor your prayers by bringing broken people to new life in Him.
- LOVINGLY DIRECT the homeless to places where they can get REAL help. CityTeam provides needy people with food, shelter, clothing and other essential care. They offer the opportunity to experience genuine life transformation through a proven recovery program that helps people deal with the root causes of their homelessness, poverty or addiction.
- SUPPORT organizations that help, including CityTeam. CityTeam receives no government funding. They are supported solely by caring individuals, churches and business owners who want to do their part to make each community a better place.