Family camp
Sep/18/2007 12:44 Filed in: Evangelism/Outreach
Usually you go
to the mountains to hike. This time we were in the
mountains for the Providence OPC family camp
at Covenant
Heights near Estes
Park.
Although Rinette and I were ‘outsiders’ we were warmly welcomed and enjoyed the fellowship. The two-day camp (Friday night (August 31) and Saturday (September 1)) featured two speeches by Darren Thole, the pastor of the OPC in Hamill, SD. Both focused on the Great Commandment (Jesus’ command to go out and make disciples because he has all the power in heaven and on earth (Mt 28,18-20). I’d like to pass on some valuable things we heard there.
For whom is the Great Commandment? This is important: many people think that Jesus sent out the apostles only. This task has since been inherited by ordained preachers. Some (Reformed) people mistakenly think that unbelievers are only saved by the preaching of an ordained minister. The ‘laypersons’ cannot do anything. Instead, Jesus addressed the church as a whole, represented in the 11 disciples who were present.
Splitting up the church in laypeople and clergy is a Roman Catholic error. They say that the church only exists when the clergy (who are holy) is present, while the laypeople are secular. The New Testament speaks about believers differently: they are saints and they have the offices of prophet, priest, and king. This is why we call elders, deacons, and ministers the ‘special offices’: every church member has an office (which is called the office of all believers)! Every Christian has been anointed with the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: we should all think more highly about our gifts and responsibility in contributing towards fulfilling the Great Commandment. Do not delegate this to the men with a special office. Realize that you know Christ and can tell others about him, and that you are a witness in how you behave. When you live a different lifestyle (not greedy, not defensive, not sloppy, but honest, hardworking, and friendly) people may begin to ask why you are different.
Another interesting and important element in the Great Commission is this: Jesus’ command to the church is: GO! This sheds light on the task of the church in the world. Why do you go to church? Is it only to be fed and encouraged for the coming week? There is more to the church. It is not only about teaching and fellowship. Jesus' command 'Go!' means that we cannotbe satisfied if the members receive what they need. God calls us to make disciples by preaching the gospel, baptizing those who believe, and teaching them to obey Jesus. We should not teach only those who are in church but continue to spread the gospel so that others may come to the Lord Jesus.
So we must bring the gospel to the unbelieving world. God is most praised when sinners repent and submit their lives to him.
We would like to invite you to come to this camp next year. We will pass on the invitation when we receive it.
Although Rinette and I were ‘outsiders’ we were warmly welcomed and enjoyed the fellowship. The two-day camp (Friday night (August 31) and Saturday (September 1)) featured two speeches by Darren Thole, the pastor of the OPC in Hamill, SD. Both focused on the Great Commandment (Jesus’ command to go out and make disciples because he has all the power in heaven and on earth (Mt 28,18-20). I’d like to pass on some valuable things we heard there.
For whom is the Great Commandment? This is important: many people think that Jesus sent out the apostles only. This task has since been inherited by ordained preachers. Some (Reformed) people mistakenly think that unbelievers are only saved by the preaching of an ordained minister. The ‘laypersons’ cannot do anything. Instead, Jesus addressed the church as a whole, represented in the 11 disciples who were present.
Splitting up the church in laypeople and clergy is a Roman Catholic error. They say that the church only exists when the clergy (who are holy) is present, while the laypeople are secular. The New Testament speaks about believers differently: they are saints and they have the offices of prophet, priest, and king. This is why we call elders, deacons, and ministers the ‘special offices’: every church member has an office (which is called the office of all believers)! Every Christian has been anointed with the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: we should all think more highly about our gifts and responsibility in contributing towards fulfilling the Great Commandment. Do not delegate this to the men with a special office. Realize that you know Christ and can tell others about him, and that you are a witness in how you behave. When you live a different lifestyle (not greedy, not defensive, not sloppy, but honest, hardworking, and friendly) people may begin to ask why you are different.
Another interesting and important element in the Great Commission is this: Jesus’ command to the church is: GO! This sheds light on the task of the church in the world. Why do you go to church? Is it only to be fed and encouraged for the coming week? There is more to the church. It is not only about teaching and fellowship. Jesus' command 'Go!' means that we cannotbe satisfied if the members receive what they need. God calls us to make disciples by preaching the gospel, baptizing those who believe, and teaching them to obey Jesus. We should not teach only those who are in church but continue to spread the gospel so that others may come to the Lord Jesus.
So we must bring the gospel to the unbelieving world. God is most praised when sinners repent and submit their lives to him.
We would like to invite you to come to this camp next year. We will pass on the invitation when we receive it.