Come and See Where Jesus Healed the Demon-Possessed Man!

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“When He had come to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met Him as they came out of the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, “What do You have to do with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

 Now a long way off from them, a large herd of pigs was feeding. “If You drive us out,” the demons begged Him, “send us into the herd of pigs.”

“Go!” He told them. So when they had come out, they entered the pigs. And suddenly the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. Then the men who tended them fled. They went into the city and reported everything—especially what had happened to those who were demon-possessed. At that, the whole town went out to meet Jesus. When they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.” (Matthew 8:28–34, HCSB)

Walk through the town where Jesus did this exorcism! See the place where the miracle took place. Imagine the shock and awe of the villagers as they told Jesus to leave as a result of this. Listen as we read these words in their original setting.

Kursi is the Arabic name of the valley whose western side touches the lake shore, and where remains of a Jewish fishing village from the time of the Mishnah and the Talmud was found, and on whose eastern side, at the foot of the Golan Heights, a monastery was discovered. The monastery was found by accident during road construction after the Six-Day War.

According to the New Testament, Jesus disembarked here and met a man plagued by unclean spirits. Jesus cast out the unclean spirits into a herd of pigs grazing nearby, which stampeded into the lake and drowned (Mark 5:21). Versions of the story also appear in Matthew 8:28-33 and Luke 8: 26-39). The Gospels do not mention a specific site for the miracle, but early Christian tradition marked it here.

You will see this as you tour Israel with us in February 2013!

There’s Still Time to Register For This Trip!

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to touring with you in Israel in February!

 

Posted in Israel 2013 | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

6 Ways Love Responds to Another’s Cry!

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

When we consider the enormity of Jesus command in the Great Commission, we are staggered by it:

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:19–20, NLT)

What would cause the people around us, much less the people around the world, to be that interested in our faith? I’m glad you asked! Jesus told us that we have a “secret weapon!” What is Jesus’ secret weapon?

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

What does this love look like when it is deployed to our neighbors? Paul describes this love in detail when he says:

“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8, The Message)

Who wouldn’t be drawn to such love? As Mary Kay said years ago, “Every person you meet has an invisible sign around their neck and it says, “Appreciate Me!”

When love is truly demonstrated to our neighbor, we will live out these words:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

Love Responds To Another’s Cry!

What does love in action look like when it comes in contact with its community? Job gives us a picture of the love of God in action in his community. We discover that the love of God was expressed through Job in at least 6 ways during his lifetime. Over his lifetime he tells us …

I rescued the poor man who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him. (Job 29:12)

  • Love rescues the poor and the fatherless when they cry out for help (Job 29.12)

As a Spiritual First Responder, how can one not see a need and not try to meet it; finding a hurt, not try to heal it? As Job walked through his neighborhood and community, he saw people in need and cared for them. This was more than the spare change to the guy at the off ramp. Because He knew the people he knew when their need was genuine and he set out – because he was compelled by the love of God – to love his neighbor as himself!

At another time in his life he tells us …

The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart rejoice.

(Job 29:13)

  • Love supports the widow when her husband dies impoverished (Job 29.13)

Consider the couple that struggles to make ends meet and lives check-to-check. And then the unthinkable happens – he is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – Stage 4. There’s no life insurance, there’s no family to help. What will this soon-to-be wife do? Who will she find to help her? Who will care for her when her husband passes? How will she make ends meet? Who will advise her?

Job tells us he took over as a Spiritual First Responder. He was the trusted friend, loyal advisor. He protected her from the ruthless predators. As her husband lay dying, he blessed Job because of Job’s promise to him that all would be all right.

When you love your neighbor, you actually …

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

As time went on, such kindnesses were rewarded with greater influence. For Job, that meant a political position where he could make decisions in the community.  He reports …

I clothed myself in righteousness, and it enveloped me; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. (Job 29:14)

  • Love reconciles the conflicted with justice bringing protection and care (Job 29.14)

We remember that Jesus called us to this role as well when he said,

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” (Matthew 5:9, The Message)

Peace making is part of loving your neighbor as yourself. As Spiritual 1st responders, its love’s response to bring peace to those in our neighborhood!

Job tells us that …

I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. (Job 29:15)

  • Love assists the physically challenged so their dignity isn’t compromised and their life isn’t lost (Job 29.15)

Job tells us that when the love of God flows from the heart a Spiritual First Responder, it compensates for the challenges of those around it. When a person cannot see, they are still a person who is made in God’s image. If they cannot walk, they still feel, love and care. Both are in need of the love of Jesus and both are to be treated with the dignity of being created in the image of God. Job tells us that we rescue those who have a limitation – here blindness and an inability to walk by offering assistance. They will let us know if / what they need from us. We surely don’t do this with pity. The disabled don’t want our pity, they would appreciate our assistance. Love gives that assistance.

Job also tells us that …

I was a father to the needy, and I examined the case of the stranger.

 (Job 29:16)

  • Love provides for the needy in their time of emergency (Job 29.16)

Into this mix of needy people all around you, the Lord has placed you – put you there where you live to change your neighborhood for the glory of God! Let’s hover over this verse we ended our last message with …

“You didn’t choose to be where you are. God has actually placed you where you are at this point in history and he’s done it for a reason: So that others would perhaps reach out for him and find him, ‘though he is not far away from any one of us,’” (Acts 17:26-27, Runyon)

You see, God has placed you in your neighborhood … your physical address is His doing! He wants you to know that he put you there as a Spiritual First Responder so that you would love your neighbor with this amazing love we talked about earlier in the hopes that they would reach out for him and find him through you!

And Job reminds us that when a Spiritual First Responder truly lives in a community they truly love the people that make up that community. And when the love of God flows through your soul, the Spiritual First Responder gets angry when someone is taken advantage of. And so Job says …

I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth.

(Job 29:17)

  • Love defends the legally oppressed from the ruthless and unjust (Job 29.17)

When you combine your influence with that of others in your small group, you can rescue those in need with your team – your support group – your small group! You know there are all sorts of predators out there taking advantage of people. Some prey on the defenseless, like the widow and the fatherless. Others target seniors. Still others feast on the sexual temptations of men, women and teens. Another group traps our innocent children for their perverted ways. This list is endless.

For the pragmatic amongst us, who ask, “So what does this get us?” I have a great answer: Influence! Consider how Job started our opening passage today:

When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the town square, the young men saw me and withdrew, while older men stood to their feet. City officials stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands. The noblemen’s voices were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. When they heard me, they blessed me, and when they saw me, they spoke well of me.  (Job 29:7-11)

If we want to unlock our communities and reach them with the love and leadership of Jesus Christ, we must influence them in a favorable way. Many lament that no one comes to Church anymore. They talk about how people don’t care about the Church. But I submit to you that the problem is ours and ours alone.

People can’t care about something they know nothing about. While we may think the sign on the street should bring people into the sanctuary, that thinking is just untrue. Studies for 3 decades have maintained that 87% of the people within a church were brought by a friend or a relative.

If we want the community to come to worship with us, we will have to make friends with them. We will have to …

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

The reality is …

  • The community will care about the Church when the Church cares about the community enough to be Spiritual First Responders to our neighbors.

 

Posted in Leadership Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Come and See the Apostle Peter’s House!

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“When Jesus went into Peter’s house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and began to serve Him. When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases.” (Matthew 8:14–17, HCSB)

Look into the Apostle Peter’s house! See where the miracle of healing his mother-in-law took place. Imagine the conversations of Jesus and Peter in this place. Listen as we read these words in their original setting.

In existence from the 2nd c. B.C. to the 7th c. A.D., Capernaum was built along the edge of the Sea of Galilee and had up to 1500 residents.

Jesus made Capernaum his home during the years of his ministry: “Leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum” (Matt 4:13).

Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen living in the village.  Matthew the tax collector also dwelt here.

Excavations revealed one residence that stood out from the others.  This house was the object of early Christian attention with 2nd century graffiti and a 4th century house church built above it.  In the 5th century a large octagonal Byzantine church was erected above this, complete with a baptistery.  Pilgrims referred to this as the house of the apostle Peter.

You will see this as you tour Israel with us in February 2013!

There’s Still Time to Register For This Trip!

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to touring with you in Israel in February!

 

 

Posted in Israel 2013 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Episode 121 – Spiritual First Responders Face Incredible Challenges With Courage

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Today we begin a new series entitled, Where Is God Taking Us? As Dr. Matthew Smith, lead pastor of Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California, begins this series, he is sharing one of the key aspects of the vision God has given to the church.

God is launching the men and women of Pacific Baptist Church into their neighborhoods as care givers – Spiritual First Responders who actually care for the well being of the people who live around them – so that they might be the first person they come to for help of any kind!

As you open your Bible to Joshua 1, it is our hope and prayer that you, too, will be encouraged to live out the second commandment: “To love your neighbor AS yourself.”

 

Men and women across the auditorium chose to stand publicly and say that they accept the vision to become a Spiritual First Responder in their neighborhoods so that they can demonstrate their love for their neighbors. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you, too, have joined in choosing to care for and love your neighbor. We will discover the practical ways to do this in the weeks to come.

If you have, will you take the next steps in growing your love for your neighbor by getting into a small group of believers and digging into the Bible through group study?

To help you live out this message, you can take advantage of the thought of this message by ordering a copy of Pastor Matt’s book, Growing Missional Leaders.

Growing Missional Leaders is a practical, passionate, Biblical mentoring journey for individuals, small groups, leadership teams and congregations who desire to win their world for Christ. You can order a copy of Growing Missional Leaders from Amazon by clicking the link on the side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

Posted in Missional, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Today I want to make a confession. Today I want to tell you the one command of God I neglect to obey the most. Would you like to hear what it is?

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

You see, I simply have chosen to ignore my neighbors almost all of my Christian life. And why not? I have more important things to do. You may ask me what those things are and I would tell you that for most of my Christian life I have focused my time and energies on the following …

  • Preparing for Sunday School
  • Going to Sunday School
  • Preparing for worship
  • Attending worship
  • Preparing for Sunday Night Service
  • Going to Sunday Night Service
  • Preparing for Bible Study
  • Going to Bible Study

You see, the reason for my greatest sin of ignoring and neglecting to love my neighbor was too much Bible Study! Now, before you judge me too hard, you have to understand, I was taught that this was the Christian life!

  • I was told that, in order to be a good Christian, I had to attend Bible studies and Christian events.
  • I was told that, in order to be a good Christian, I have to avoid the sinners and stay with the saints.

And I bought it – all of it! Besides, as a pastor, that’s what the people wanted – Bible studies. And what do I love to do? What am I gifted to do? Teach! So, it seemed like a no-brainer! This was God’s will for my life and the life of the congregations I pastored.

And everything was hunky-dory until a few years ago Our dear friend, Alice Dalager, took a 13-week, 2 hour-a-night class I taught at church – did I mention I love to teach and am gifted to teach?

When we were wrapping up the class, I asked each student to give some feedback so the next time I taught the class I could improve it. What Alice said has haunted me ever since. Here’s what she said,

I’ve learned that Jesus spent a lot less time in church than I do.

We waited because she was obviously not finished yet with her thought. Then she concluded …

Perhaps that’s why He was so much more effective than I am.

Wow! You could have knocked me over with a feather! I have been rereading my Bible and studying what Jesus did (and the rest of the Bible leaders) ever since.

And do you know what I’ve found? I’ve found that she was right!

  • Jesus never intended for His people to attend endless Bible studies, worship services and Christian events!

In fact, it is very obvious by the way Jesus and the disciples operated, that they would find this type of lifestyle a direct disobedience to what God intends for us.

Focusing Our Direction On Our Neighbor

In other words, this is serious stuff we are talking about. Can you see why I said this was the most neglected command of Jesus in my life? What’s worse, this is the SECOND command – as important as the first one Jesus gave us! Remember the context of the second commandment?

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36–40, NLT)

Jesus is a genius. He’s the smartest guy ever. “Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself—it’s a simple, strategic plan that would change the world if every believer did it.

  • In other words, if we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, we need to make sure the men and women, teens and children around us are as cared for by us as we have cared for ourselves.

Why? Because that’s the way Jesus cares for us!

  • He has forgiven us – as we have learned these last 3 months – when we didn’t ask to be forgiven.
  • He has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him, even when we didn’t ask for it.
  • He moved into our neighborhood so that He could love us as a community as well as individually.
  • He has stepped out and come to us (Rom 5.8) – He crossed the street so to speak – (Phil 2.5-8) – to connect with us.

We are to love our neighbor by imitating the very heart and actions of God through Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” (Ephesians 5:1)

“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NLT)

If you are half awake right now, one of the questions that should be buzzing around your head is,

How can I care for the needs of my neighbors if I don’t know their names, much less their needs?

That’s a GREAT question! If we are going to meet needs, we need to know names – actually, we need to know our neighbors!

If you don’t know the names of your neighbors, you are not alone! In 2010, the Pew Internet and American Life project asked more than 2,200 adults about their communities.

  • Some 28% (about 1 out of 4) didn’t even know the name of even one neighbor!
  • Only 19% (1 in 5) said they knew all of them!

So what do we do? Did you take a few minutes to play the game we gave you with a friend before the service began or after our prayer time?

Well, we play Tic-Tac-Toe with our neighbors! The middle box represents your residence. The ones around you represent those surrounding you, whether they are homes, townhomes or apartments. Here’s ours so far …

How did I get these names? This is what I have had to do:

Go outside!

I am getting to know my neighbors. All I do is walk outside when I see / hear them outside. When I am inside, I have 0% chance of connecting with them. When I go outside, I have a better than 50% chance of connecting.

Listen well!

Jesus’ outreach included speaking and silence. We need to study our neighborhoods as well as we study our Bible.

  • Who lives near me – what are their names?
  • What do they do for a living?
  • How old are their children?
  • How long have they lived here?
  • Where are they from?
  • What’s going on in their lives?
  • What do they talk about? – Most important = most talked about.

Such questions help create opportunities to know the stories and dreams of your neighborhood.

Listen to understand. Understand to love.

Get Training!

It helps to have some specific knowledge and a sensitive touch. Building a network of men and women to pray, talk and walk through your neighborhood with helps as you reach out. We want you to get involved in a small group again this fall if you haven’t already been in one this spring.  

In these small groups we are going to teach you how to train another person to walk with Jesus Christ – the process is called discipleship. We want you to understand how to walk with Him and how to help others walk with Christ – just as we are told to do …

“Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20)

It would be absolutely worthless – in terms of eternity – if we helped people become comfortable while they sailed on the Titanic into a Christ-less eternity.

But remember our vision, which we talked about last week:

  • God is launching us into our NEIGHBORHOODS as care givers – Spiritual First Responders who actually care for the well being of the people who live around us – so that we might be the first person they come to for help of any kind!

We will talk more about that and have a registration table for that soon!

Hang on to the Gospel!

The Church throughout the centuries has split and fragmented time and again over the relationship of doing and telling, largely because of the confusion of God’s mission. God has called us to “love our neighbor as ourselves.” That means we love ALL of the person –

  • We love them
  • We love their spouses
  • We love their children
  • We love their lives
  • We love their souls

In order to accomplish this each one of us will have to:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

Posted in Leadership Blog, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Come and Sit Where Jesus Fed the 5,000!

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“When Jesus heard about it, He withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed Him on foot from the towns. As He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd, felt compassion for them, and healed their sick.

When evening came, the disciples approached Him and said, “This place is a wilderness, and it is already late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” “They don’t need to go away,” Jesus told them. “You give them something to eat.”

“But we only have five loaves and two fish here,” they said to Him.

“Bring them here to Me,” He said. Then He commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate and was filled. Then they picked up 12 baskets full of leftover pieces! Now those who ate were about 5,000 men, besides women and children.” (Matthew 14:13–21, HCSB)

Sit where tradition says the disciples sat when Jesus fed the 5,000! Listen as we read these words in their original setting.

This miracle took place just before the Passover (John 6:4). This is the only miracle of Jesus which is recorded in all four Gospels. The significance of this miracle was intended primarily for the disciples. Jesus was illustrating the kind of ministry they would have after His departure. They would be involved in feeding people, but with spiritual food. The source for their feeding would be the Lord Himself. When their supply ran out, as with the bread and fish, they would need to return to the Lord for more. He would supply them, but the feeding would be done through them. The people Jesus fed sensed that He was the anticipated Prophet (John 6:14-15; Deut. 18:15) and tried to make Him King. Surely One who could heal their physical diseases and provide food so abundantly must be the King. But the timing was not correct, for the nation’s leaders had decided against Jesus (Matt. 12:24), and His official rejection would soon come.[1]

There’s Still Time to Register For This Trip!

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

 


[1] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Mt 14:13–21). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

Posted in Israel 2013 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Episode 120 – The Gift of Forgiveness

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Forgiveness is a gift – one that has been given to us by Jesus Christ so that we might give it to others.

In our last message from the forgiveness series, we join Dr. Matthew Smith, lead pastor of Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California, as he reminds us that unforgiveness in us grieves the heart of God.

Taking us to the book of Ephesians, Pastor Matt shows us how the indwelling Spirit of God is heartbroken when He is not allowed to forgive others through us because of our failure to obey Jesus.

Open your Bible to Ephesians 4 as we discover the 5 reasons why unforgiveness grieves the heart of God.

Men and women across the sanctuary stood to demonstrate they had forgiven every person in their lives that had offended them after that prayer. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you, too, have joined in forgiving every person in your life who has ever offended you. This truly is the path of life and joy.

If you have, will you take the next steps in the faith by getting into a small group of believers and digging into the Bible through group study?

You can take the thought of this message one step further by ordering a copy of Pastor Matt’s book, In His Presence.

In His Presence is a daily devotional which targets the purpose of Magnification or Worship.

It revolves around the Biblical truth, “God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure.”

The devotional follows a reading schedule through the entire book of Psalms over the course of the year.

You can order a copy of In His Presence from Amazon by clicking the link on the side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

Posted in forgiveness, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s 6 Expectations of a Leader Transitioning Into A New Ministry

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“With God nothing will be impossible.”

Luke 1:37 (NKJ)

Since, “NOTHING will be impossible,” it only stands to reason we need to think “God-sized thoughts!” Leaders are to lead in this area more than any other area!

Small thinking has captured the American Church for years. As a result of prayerless leadership, many have shrunk their expectations of what God can do to fit their anemic prayer lives!

Courage For Incredible Challenges

Moses, the great man of God was dead! And with the death of Moses, God wanted to move! In the 1st chapter of Joshua as we look at the source of power that will enact God’s vision.

“After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: “Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites.” (Joshua 1:1–2)

The mission before the Joshua was to cross over the Jordan River with the people of God – at flood stage – so that they could possess the Promised Land! An impossible event if you looked at it from human eyes! God has 6 expectations for any new leader transitioning into a new ministry …

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to move His people to accomplish His mission for their lives. (Joshua 1.1-2

The mission before us is to launch us into our neighborhoods as care givers – Spiritual First Responders who actually care for the well being of the people who live around us – so that we might be the first person they come to for help of any kind! What does that mission look like for us? It is very similar to the one God gave Joshua …

“I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites —and west to the Mediterranean Sea. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:3–5)

For Joshua, the task was to accept that God had already given them the land they were about to enter! Joshua had to believe God – trust that the occupied territory before them was already theirs!

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to trust His promises and act as if the future was already accomplished! (Joshua 1.3-5)

“Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6–7)

Joshua needed an infusion of emotional strength and courage! For there to be success, Joshua would have to set aside his fears and draw the visceral feelings necessary to lead his people to victory, despite the enormous, obvious obstacles before them!

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to act on the mission God had clearly declared to His people hundreds of years earlier despite any personal or emotional fears! (Joshua 1.6-7)

This is so in line with the Great Commission God gave us almost 2,000 years ago when Jesus said,

“Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20)

We so need a daily infusion of God’s strength and courage! I mean, when I consider the enormity of the Great Commission – and the vision of God has give our church to reach the South Bay and South LA, I ask God, “Who am I that you should put such a task in my hands and in the hands of this small flock?” Where does such emotional strength and courage come from? The same source that Joshua drew upon …

“This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.” (Joshua 1:8)

There would be no success apart from God’s clear and specific directions – which were to be found in His Word! Joshua was given a great promise – “you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.” But, as with all Bible promises, it was contingent upon His action – He had to know the Word of God, recite it to Himself and others and obey it exactly. THEN he would succeed.

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to exude the very words of God from his mouth, his heart and his lifestyle; only then can there be prosperity and success in the mission and vision of God! (Joshua 1.8)

We have been given a great promise also! Remember what Jesus said …

“Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20)

If we are to lead our people into successful victory, we must stay in the Word – know it, recite it and live it. Any leadership we provide them must flow from the pages of Holy Writ – not from the latest business theory or the popular culture from Hollywood. God’s plans done in God’s ways receive God’s favor and success! How do I know this will work? The same way Joshua did …

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

God understood that if there was to be success through Joshua, this new leader would need to be fortified and empowered. People are weak, and leaders are just people. So, God chose to pour out His heart one more time to Joshua … He reminded the new leader that 1) It was God’s mission he would enact – a “God-sized” endeavor, therefore Joshua needed to summon all his emotional resources for it; 2) It was God’s presence that he would enjoy – therefore, a “God-infused” enthusiasm should permeate all that he does on the mission.

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to accept the presence and plan He has established despite their fear or discouragement! (Joshua 1.9)

God’s understanding hasn’t changed! He knows the pastor better than we know ourselves. God knows we need to be fortified and empowered to accomplish this God-sized mission as well. When the Lord launches us into our neighborhoods as care givers – Spiritual First Responders who actually care for the well being of the people who live around us so that we might be the first person they come to for help of any kind, I will need to summon all my emotional resources and enjoy the God-infused enthusiasm He gives. And with all this preparation, what am we to do? Like Joshua …

“Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: ’Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get provisions ready for yourselves, for within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit.’ ” (Joshua 1:10-11)

 Joshua had a choice to make – act or delay. He chose to act on the command. As a result, God parted the ocean and then conquered the land. As long as the people of God did what the God of the people commanded through Joshua, they were successful.

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to lead the people of God on the mission of God as quickly as possible! (Joshua 1.10-11)

I had a choice to make – to act or to delay. I chose to act on the command. And I believe that, as a result, God will part many overwhelming obstacles and we will see God’s prosperity and success.

What choice will you make?

Posted in Leadership Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Lust Ruins Your Life!

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: positive-parents.org

“For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. Against You—You alone—I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So You are right when You pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge.” (Psalm 51:3–4, HCSB)

 If you are at all familiar with the stories of the Old Testament, then you know of King David’s lust for the bathing Bathsheba. (See 2 Samuel 11) David sees her bathing, calls her to his home, forces himself on her and sends her away. When she tells him that she is pregnant, David decides to cover up the consequences of his lust by recalling her deployed husband, Uriah, from the battlefront. David’s plan fails when Uriah’s integrity is greater than his. Uriah doesn’t go home, doesn’t sleep with his wife and David’s plan fails. Finally, in an act of selfish and cold-blooded murder, David sends orders for a mission where Uriah is sure to die in.

With the death of Uriah, all seems to be right. That is, until David is confronted by Nathan the prophet with a disciplining word from God. Truly, we learn from David’s story the truth of the New Testament writer James:  “But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:14–15, HCSB)

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance for his rebellion to God. In it, we discover the catastrophic effects of rebellion and lust, as well as the hope in God’s grace once there.

  • Rebellion’s stain on the soul can only be removed by God. (Psalm 51.7) David’s life is shattered by the reality that the consequences of his sin are deep within. He longs for the cleansing only God can produce (1 John 1.9). Lust’s stain is so indelible, only the cleansing power of God can remove it.
  • Rebellion’s effect on the soul crushes the life out of you. (Psalm 51.8-9) Guilt tears joy from one’s life. Until the cleansing power of God is realized in the life of the rebellious, the consequences of one’s actions sap the very life from each moment. Who can live knowing they have failed God so much when He has entrusted them with so much?
  • Rebellion’s effect on the heart dirties and creates unfaithfulness. (Psalm 51.10) The weakness of one’s character is now reflected in the mirror each time we look. The shame of our sin and disloyalty to God and all we say we have held dear now haunt us. No matter where we go, we cannot escape the failure that is within us.
  • Rebellion’s effect on the mind causes fear of banishment from God’s presence. (Psalm 51.11) In the night watches, when sleep evades us, we wonder how God could ever forgive such a heinous act? We know the character of God is forgiving, compassionate, but surely those are for people whose sin is much less than ours. Gnawing away at our mind, these destructive thoughts are like mice in an attic.
  • Rebellion’s effect on the emotions produces a loss of joy and a feeling of dishonor. (Psalm 51.12) The wilderness of waste. How can there be joy and gladness when we have thrown away the blessings of God on the momentary satisfactions of our self? How can my compliance with culpability ever find a path back into His presence of pleasure? Day after day the horror of my “have-to” nature drains the fuel of my once-joyous faith.

If only I choose to return to God. Confess it all and plead His mercy and grace. Then, and only then, can I escape this pit of pain. And so, David instructs us to make the only choice available to us:

“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.” (Psalm 51:17, HCSB)

  • Rebellion’s effect on the future can create an opportunity to teach other rebels God’s ways, if one repents and is forgiven. (Psalm 51.13) And with confession comes restoration to God’s side. Battered and bruised, stricken and now scarred, this forgiven child can once again be useful to the Master.

After walking through the process of restoration, once regaining his integrity through transparency, accountability and humility, David assures us we can become an object lesson and the teacher of others who are lost in the lure of their lust. Truly the rebellion of lust has consequences that will span generations. However, once returned and restored, the humble child of God can take on the mission of prevention in the lives of others.

Posted in Leadership Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Israel Trip Information Meeting Planned in LA

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Dr. Matthew Smith teaching on board the tour boat on the Sea of Galilee

Photo Credit: Melodee Joy Smith

Eagles in Leadership announces the formation of an Israel tour group for February 2013. Lead Pastor, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, says, “This 10-day tour will feature extensive time in Jesus’ ministry home in the Galilee as well as Jerusalem. Onsite, short teaching lectures will provide valuable historical, theological and spiritual insight throughout the trip.”

Departing from Los Angeles on February 18th, 2013, (as well as from Chicago and New York for those in other parts of the United States who would also like to participate), Smith will lead his third tour to the Holy Land.

A non-obligation information meeting will be held on July 29 at 3:00 pm at the Pacific Baptist Church campus, 859 Main Street, for all who are interested in learning more.Information about the tour can be found on the Pacific Baptist Church website, under the events tab. The informational meeting on July 29 at 3-4 pm is open to the all who are interested.

The tour starts with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Other Galilee highlights will include, but not be limited to, the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount; Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the fishes and loaves and Capernaum, the city of Jesus and Peter.

Sites in Capernaum include the house of Peter and an ancient synagogue where Jesus preached and gathered his disciples.  “This is one of the great opportunities on the tour,” Pastor Matt stated. “When you sit in the synagogue of Jesus, walk to Peter’s Mother-in-law’s house and see the shoreline just past it where the fishing boats of James and John were moored, you gain a great understanding into life in New Testament times.”

Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, Mount Carmel, the location of Elijah’s confrontation with the false prophets of Baal, as well as the Valley of Armageddon are included in the Galilee tour.

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, the port city of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in 22 B.C., Yardenit, the Baptismal Site of Jesus on the Jordan River, and Beit Shean, a city with extensive Roman Ruins start the southerly course toward Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem’s Old City, the Pool of Bethesda, the Via Dolorosa, the Temple area, Mt. Moriah and the Western Wall all provide ample opportunity for study and discovery. “As a seminary and Bible School professor, it is my privilege to open up the history and theology behind these places,” Smith explained. “As Susan Marcus, long-time Israeli tour guide once told us, ‘When you understand Israel’s geography, you understand it’s history.’ Truly this is what this tour does – it changes even the casual reader of the Bible for life,” Dr. Smith said.

One of the highlights of the tour is the excursion to the fortress of Masada where the Jewish Zealots held off the armies of the Romans before choosing suicide over surrender on April 15, AD 73. “You cannot help but be moved on a visceral level as the story of Masada is explained. Once you comprehend that this is the place where the annual Israeli Defense Forces recruits come for graduation by running the 5 mile “snake path” to the top, you understand the tenacity of the heart and soul of modern Israel,” Smith commented.

One of the favorite stops is the “float” in the Dead Sea before the tour of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947.

The tour continues with a visit to the Israel Museum, visiting the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and seeing the model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple. Time is provided for prayer in the famous Garden of Gethsemane in the Mt. of Olives. With a visit to the Room of the Last Supper and King David’s Tomb, the tour culminates at the Garden Tomb with a Communion service.

Many more sites and activities are planned on the 10-day tour. Information about the tour can be found on the Pacific Baptist Church website, under the events tab. The informational meeting on July 29 at 3-4 pm is open to the all who are interested.

Posted in Israel 2013, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment