Tentpegs

Two more quick ones….

You mentioned that the word “angellos” means messenger, which may be a heavenly messenger or an earthly messenger (by implication an evangelist or most in other tribes would say pastor) and that you must draw the conclusion based on the context as to which messenger is being referenced. You mentioned for example Galatians 1 and draw the conclusion here, based on the context, it was a heavenly messenger. You mention Hebrews 13:2, but do not address what “messenger” is being referenced here by the context. Which is it? I would assume the readers of Hebrews would be very firmilar with Abraham and Lot unknowingly entertaining angels and thus the conclusion would be drawn here the reference is to heavenly messengers. Could the context here be referencing to both? I don’t know, just wanted to get your take on it.

In Galatians, he references messengers twice. He seems to want to make it clear that we are not to receive a “new” or “alternative” gospel from any source, human or other-worldly (the word “heaven” does not always refer to the place where God is holding court. It often refers to any point “out there”). In Hebrews, the exact meaning cannot be settled by context. It seems to be open to either interpretation. Over the centuries, most Christian writers have felt that the evidence tilted toward heavenly messengers — secret agents of God — in Hebrews 13. As the author — a serving chaplain with the US Army in Korea — said, this would be similar to angels visiting Abraham. There are so many stories of these kind of visits (where people are unaware their interaction was with an angel until after the fact… and they are often never certain of their conclusion) that I won’t tell any here. I assume every reader knows a handful of them already.

Every time I teach a class on angels, someone asks me if every person has a guardian angel. The simple answer is that we don’t know. Jesus says the angels of children are first in line at the throne of God, and it seems that the people who prayed for Peter to be released from prison believed that he had an angel and that it, not he, was knocking at the door… but more than that we cannot say. I DO know that God has enough angels to do what He needs done among us… and that is all I need to know.

At our congregation we have two distinct groups: a younger, ministry minded group, and an older, “keep it the way it’s always been” group. Our Elders are all of the “keep it the way it’s always been” mindset even though those ways clearly are not winning any souls for Jesus. They let us younger crowd do our programs and ministries in the community, but not with very much support. Our preacher is the type that is afraid to step on any toes and prances around issues, reverting back to the good old ways whenever possible. Whenever we approach this topic, they basically say, “that’s good for you, we’ll be here in our pews in the meantime”. The younger group would like for our church to be cohesive and supportive on ministry issues, and doesn’t want to upset, offend, or even go without full backing from our eldership. How can we motivate this older crowd to be part of the ministries when we are clearly younger, less experienced, etc. We don’t necessarily think they need to be involved in the SAME ministries as the younger folks, clearly our spiritual gifts are different at this point, but we would like them to be involved in SOMETHING.

Here’s a general rule: never, ever wait for someone else before doing something good. Too many churches are full of stagnant souls and dead programs because one group waits for permission, volunteers, or company before launching out and doing something for Jesus. While I am a big believer in the need for and value of community we find in the local gathering, if God is calling me to serve Him I cannot wait for others to join me. (by the way, in our congregation many of the oldest members are the most active, most progressive, and most joyful. Stereotypes are hard to come by in these matters)

I appreciate the fact that you don’t want to offend your eldership. Go to them and tell them what you are doing; don’t ask for permission, just share information and ask for their prayers. They have no authority to kill your good work. You might find that they are excited (if a little frightened) that something is actually moving in their church!

Launch out. Do the brave thing. On the Day of Judgment, you will not be asked why you couldn’t get the rest to move along with you. You stand there alone. Remembering that might be a good motivator to get on the move right now!