Rev Dr Bernard Teh
29-09-2019
1) Supernatural Fruits
Luke 1:13 New King James Version (NKJV)
13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
The enemy of faith is fear.
It's not about you and me. It's about Jesus.
Have faith. God says today your prayer has been answered.
Supernatural is above natural.
Have an encounter with God.
Only believe. When faith comes, fear disappears. And your prayer has been answered.
2) Supernatural Favour
Luke 1:30 New King James Version (NKJV)
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
When it comes from God, just submit.
Make sure that God gets the glory.
3) Supernatural Fish
Luke 5:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
If you honour Jesus, Jesus will honour us.
Only believe and you will find favour with God.
Only believe and you will be fishers of men.
He is the peacemaker. He is the way maker. He is the promise maker. He is the miracle worker. He is the light in the darkness.
We need the Holy Spirit restoration and revival.
4) Supernatural Fire
Matthew 3:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire.
Luke 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)
16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Acts 2:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:41 New King James Version (NKJV)
41 Then those who [a]gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Anything that comes from the Holy Spirit is going to last.
Acts 4:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
When you come to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, you have supernatural fruits, supernatural favour, supernatural fish and supernatural fire.
Simon was a failure. When the Holy Spirit came upon him, he became an overcomer.
Saul was a persecutor and a murderer. When the Holy Spirit came upon him, Paul was anointed of God.
Missions in the Apostolic Church
Pr Pradip
22-09-2019
Missio Dei is a Latin Christian theological term that can be translated as the "mission of God," or the "sending of God."
It is God the Father sending the Son for our redemption.
There is also the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the one who is sending us.
The emphasis is not only global but also very much local.
God has blessed you with cultural varieties. Together living in one nation is absolutely fantastic.
God has called people from different parts of the world. There are many opportunities and many open doors here in this nation.
1) This is God's mission.
We don't own it. We respond to it.
Acts 1:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
Prologue
1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Luke is writing the second volume. In the first volume, it is about Jesus' ministry on earth. In this volume, it is Jesus' ministry through his apostles empowered with the Holy Spirit.
In John 13-17, Jesus has given the Holy Spirit. He has given the Word. He has given tremendous privilege of prayer.
And here we have a church, a family of believers. It is God's work that Jesus is doing in the Book of Acts and the work continues.
The Book of Acts ends very abruptly. There is no Chapter 29. You are writing that chapter. We are in Acts 29. Until Jesus comes back. We are all weak earthen vessels empowered by God's power.
2) The expansion of the church.
See the story unfolds in the Book of Acts.
There is the geographical expansion from Jerusalem to Antioch to Asian Minor to Rome. The Gospel would spread geographically.
And there is cultural expansion. Unreached people groups, etc. The first church was primarily among the Jewish speaking people to Hellenistic Jews and others.
3) Who's story do you read in the Book of Acts? It begins with Peter. Then Stephen, Philip, the Apostle Paul. It's human stories.
In all of it, the Holy Spirit is involved. Church planting is done from the very beginning in partnership between God and human beings.
God Himself became man. He came on our side and helping us to invite other people in the story of redemption.
Romans 8:20-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [a]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Revelation 11:15 New King James Version (NKJV)
Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdom Proclaimed
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The [a]kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
4) The Word of God and the prayers of people.
The Word grew. The Word multiplied. It is a about church growth. It is divine presence accomplishing this.
A lot of people miss quality. We need to disciple people as well. Maintain in your strategy not just numerical growth but also quality.
5) Suffering and opposition are part and parcel of this Great Commission.
John 13-17 is Jesus' seminar.
John 15:18-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
The World’s Hatred
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
To fulfil this vision by God's grace, we have to make sacrifices and live simple lives.
6) Conflicts are to be expected. (Acts 15)
And we have to overcome that.
7) Wait. Do not go without Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4)
John 15:4-7 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[a] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Are you available? Be available. Jesus says, "I will build My church." (Matthew 16:18)
Be strategic. Be courageous. And expectant.
God is calling you to attempt great things. God needs you and I. God wants us and we need God. If we are available, God can do great things.
22-09-2019
Missio Dei is a Latin Christian theological term that can be translated as the "mission of God," or the "sending of God."
It is God the Father sending the Son for our redemption.
There is also the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the one who is sending us.
The emphasis is not only global but also very much local.
God has blessed you with cultural varieties. Together living in one nation is absolutely fantastic.
God has called people from different parts of the world. There are many opportunities and many open doors here in this nation.
1) This is God's mission.
We don't own it. We respond to it.
Acts 1:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
Prologue
1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Luke is writing the second volume. In the first volume, it is about Jesus' ministry on earth. In this volume, it is Jesus' ministry through his apostles empowered with the Holy Spirit.
In John 13-17, Jesus has given the Holy Spirit. He has given the Word. He has given tremendous privilege of prayer.
And here we have a church, a family of believers. It is God's work that Jesus is doing in the Book of Acts and the work continues.
The Book of Acts ends very abruptly. There is no Chapter 29. You are writing that chapter. We are in Acts 29. Until Jesus comes back. We are all weak earthen vessels empowered by God's power.
2) The expansion of the church.
See the story unfolds in the Book of Acts.
There is the geographical expansion from Jerusalem to Antioch to Asian Minor to Rome. The Gospel would spread geographically.
And there is cultural expansion. Unreached people groups, etc. The first church was primarily among the Jewish speaking people to Hellenistic Jews and others.
3) Who's story do you read in the Book of Acts? It begins with Peter. Then Stephen, Philip, the Apostle Paul. It's human stories.
In all of it, the Holy Spirit is involved. Church planting is done from the very beginning in partnership between God and human beings.
God Himself became man. He came on our side and helping us to invite other people in the story of redemption.
Romans 8:20-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [a]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Revelation 11:15 New King James Version (NKJV)
Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdom Proclaimed
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The [a]kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
4) The Word of God and the prayers of people.
The Word grew. The Word multiplied. It is a about church growth. It is divine presence accomplishing this.
A lot of people miss quality. We need to disciple people as well. Maintain in your strategy not just numerical growth but also quality.
5) Suffering and opposition are part and parcel of this Great Commission.
John 13-17 is Jesus' seminar.
John 15:18-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
The World’s Hatred
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
To fulfil this vision by God's grace, we have to make sacrifices and live simple lives.
6) Conflicts are to be expected. (Acts 15)
And we have to overcome that.
7) Wait. Do not go without Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4)
John 15:4-7 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[a] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Are you available? Be available. Jesus says, "I will build My church." (Matthew 16:18)
Be strategic. Be courageous. And expectant.
God is calling you to attempt great things. God needs you and I. God wants us and we need God. If we are available, God can do great things.
Jesus in the Marketplace
Bro Wee Tiong Howe
08-09-2019
The Kingdom business is vocational. God has gifted us differently.
The Kingdom business is intentional. Your business is a place of influence.
The Kingdom business is relational. You are placed in the marketplace to impact as many people as possible.
The Kingdom business is operational.
The Kingdom business should be excellent, competitive and innovative to serve the interest of the people.
Psalm 33:12 New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
The Church is the future of the nation. God has given the keys to the Kingdom. God has given us the Holy Spirit and He cannot be defeated. God has given us the host of angels to be our protector and defender.
Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer, who defeated Nimrod. (Genesis 14)
We have the favour and call of God. We have the Abrahamic covenant.
God is a generous God. He is our loving Father.
God is able to do exceedingly abundantly what we can imagine possible to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
One church can change the world for Jesus Christ.
Are you available, faithful and teachable?
God can use marketplace people to do the work of the Kingdom.
Jesus Christ was a marketplace entrepreneur. He was a carpenter and a contractor. He was a skilled craftsman.
His brother, James, became the senior elder in Acts 15. Jude wrote Jude and James.
Never diminish the calling that God has called upon you and your life. In whatever profession that you're in, be the best that God has called you to be.
Daniel had the gift of interpreting dreams and visions (Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream in Daniel 2).
Jesus Christ came to call ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Eg. 1: Jan Hus https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Hus
Eg. 2: William Tyndale
https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Tyndale
Eg. 3: John Wesley
https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Wesley
For Jesus, the people were amazed by the wisdom of Jesus when He was only 12. He taught in the temple. (Luke 2:41-52) There were many miracles of Jesus as a child.
Jesus' father Joseph was a carpenter. He was a descendant of King David.
Matthew 3 New King James Version (NKJV)
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”
4 Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
John Baptizes Jesus
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and [b]He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 4 New King James Version (NKJV)
Satan Tempts Jesus
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’
and,
‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not [a]tempt the Lord your God.’ ”
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, [b]“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:
16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven [c]is at hand.”
Luke 4:14-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry
14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me [a]to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are [b]oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus came to establish a Kingdom Church. God's Kingdom is supernatural.
Matthew 4:18-22 New King James Version (NKJV)
Four Fishermen Called as Disciples
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
Luke 5:1-11 New King James Version (NKJV)
Four Fishermen Called as Disciples
5 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they [a]forsook all and followed Him.
Jesus revealed the miraculous life of the Kingdom.
Jesus was born of God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. Because He was sinless, He can be our saviour.
His death was redeeming.
The life of Jesus changed history from BC to AD.
When Jesus died on the cross, our sins are forgiven.
He rose from the dead. He appeared to His disciples for 40 days, proving that He is alive.
He ascended to heaven.
Jesus is coming back for His glorious church.
Luke 9:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)
Sending Out the Twelve
9 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
1 John 3:8 New King James Version (NKJV)
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
The church has been given the authority and power to heal the sick.
In the name of Jesus, we can pray for the sick. We can break the curse of sickness and disease in Jesus' name.
Pray the prayer of faith and God would do His miracle.
God is in the miracle working business.
Matthew 9:35-38 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Compassion of Jesus
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease [a]among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were [j]weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Luke 10:1-12 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Seventy Sent Out
10 After these things the Lord appointed [a]seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘The very dust of your city which clings to [b]us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ 12 [c]But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.
Jesus came to make Kingdom disciples.
Are you an eagle chicken or a kampung chicken?
Jesus came to call disciples for greatness in His Kingdom. All glory to Jesus.
Romans 8:28-29 New King James Version (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
For those He calls and justifies, He glorifies.
William Carey
Dwight L. Moody
Reinhard Bonnke
God in you makes you special.
God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
2 Corinthians 1:20 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
08-09-2019
The Kingdom business is vocational. God has gifted us differently.
The Kingdom business is intentional. Your business is a place of influence.
The Kingdom business is relational. You are placed in the marketplace to impact as many people as possible.
The Kingdom business is operational.
The Kingdom business should be excellent, competitive and innovative to serve the interest of the people.
Psalm 33:12 New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
The Church is the future of the nation. God has given the keys to the Kingdom. God has given us the Holy Spirit and He cannot be defeated. God has given us the host of angels to be our protector and defender.
Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer, who defeated Nimrod. (Genesis 14)
We have the favour and call of God. We have the Abrahamic covenant.
God is a generous God. He is our loving Father.
God is able to do exceedingly abundantly what we can imagine possible to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
One church can change the world for Jesus Christ.
Are you available, faithful and teachable?
God can use marketplace people to do the work of the Kingdom.
Jesus Christ was a marketplace entrepreneur. He was a carpenter and a contractor. He was a skilled craftsman.
His brother, James, became the senior elder in Acts 15. Jude wrote Jude and James.
Never diminish the calling that God has called upon you and your life. In whatever profession that you're in, be the best that God has called you to be.
Daniel had the gift of interpreting dreams and visions (Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream in Daniel 2).
Jesus Christ came to call ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Eg. 1: Jan Hus https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Hus
Eg. 2: William Tyndale
https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Tyndale
Eg. 3: John Wesley
https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Wesley
For Jesus, the people were amazed by the wisdom of Jesus when He was only 12. He taught in the temple. (Luke 2:41-52) There were many miracles of Jesus as a child.
Jesus' father Joseph was a carpenter. He was a descendant of King David.
Matthew 3 New King James Version (NKJV)
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”
4 Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
John Baptizes Jesus
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and [b]He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 4 New King James Version (NKJV)
Satan Tempts Jesus
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’
and,
‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not [a]tempt the Lord your God.’ ”
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, [b]“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:
16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven [c]is at hand.”
Luke 4:14-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry
14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me [a]to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are [b]oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus came to establish a Kingdom Church. God's Kingdom is supernatural.
Matthew 4:18-22 New King James Version (NKJV)
Four Fishermen Called as Disciples
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
Luke 5:1-11 New King James Version (NKJV)
Four Fishermen Called as Disciples
5 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they [a]forsook all and followed Him.
Jesus revealed the miraculous life of the Kingdom.
Jesus was born of God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. Because He was sinless, He can be our saviour.
His death was redeeming.
The life of Jesus changed history from BC to AD.
When Jesus died on the cross, our sins are forgiven.
He rose from the dead. He appeared to His disciples for 40 days, proving that He is alive.
He ascended to heaven.
Jesus is coming back for His glorious church.
Luke 9:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)
Sending Out the Twelve
9 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
1 John 3:8 New King James Version (NKJV)
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
The church has been given the authority and power to heal the sick.
In the name of Jesus, we can pray for the sick. We can break the curse of sickness and disease in Jesus' name.
Pray the prayer of faith and God would do His miracle.
God is in the miracle working business.
Matthew 9:35-38 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Compassion of Jesus
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease [a]among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were [j]weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Luke 10:1-12 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Seventy Sent Out
10 After these things the Lord appointed [a]seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘The very dust of your city which clings to [b]us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ 12 [c]But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.
Are you an eagle chicken or a kampung chicken?
Jesus came to call disciples for greatness in His Kingdom. All glory to Jesus.
Romans 8:28-29 New King James Version (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
For those He calls and justifies, He glorifies.
William Carey
Dwight L. Moody
Reinhard Bonnke
God in you makes you special.
God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
2 Corinthians 1:20 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
Leadership and People-Helping from a Strength-based Culture
Dr. Ng Kok Mun
02-09-2019
Workshop Learning Objectives
-Examine our leadership philosophy, style and practices.
-Build a culture of investing in the strengths that God has given you and those you serve.
-Recognise shame-based and Fear-based leadership and practices that limit your potentials and leadership at church or in your home.
Leadership is a blessing but it also difficult.
Create an atmosphere of healing, not an atmosphere of hurt.
Look at ourselves first. If I am the one contributing to the problem, what can I do about it?
Humility is very important.
We are all flawed. But God will make us into the vessel that He wants us to be.
Followership is as important as leadership.
And we have to recognise the sisters. Without them, the church stops. They are not doing the supportive roles; they are doing all the roles. God gives us all the spiritual gifts.
Why do we have leaders? Purpose is crucial. Role clarity as opposed to role ambiguity.
Like King David, you have served a generation, so let another take over.
As leaders, feed the sheep. People come to church for healing. How do we help them? Don't be in the way and become a stumbling block. Be careful of potholes.
Being honest and being critical doesn't mean it's bad. Every group needs feedback mechanism built into the way we function so that we can recourse and steer the ship back in the right direction.
Ineffective leadership:
What characterises ineffective leadership?
-Micromanaging
-Indecisiveness
-Not leading by example
-Arrogance
-Stubbornness; stiff-necked
-Bad listening skills
-No action, talk only
-Overly sensitive
We need mirrors, eg. spouse, children and close friends. Surround ourselves with people that we trust and respect. Give them permission to speak into our lives. We have to learn to look at ourselves through them. The head cannot function without the rest of the body.
Learn to slow down and listen. Counselling is, most importantly, to listen. In counselling, it is all about you so that you learn about who you are so that at the end, it is all about your client. And you get the blessing.
Do we have a "Prophet Nathan" in our lives?
Do we have a "Barnabas" in our lives? The ministry of encouragement is needed most of the time. Pray for the gift of encouragement.
If we don't resolve our own issues, the monster keeps growing.
In grace, we heal. We are all damaged goods. But God has blessed us so much.
Effective leadership:
What characterises effective leadership?
-Effective communication
-Compassionate
-Know Thyself
-Humble
-Gentle
-Honest
-Prayerful
-Servanthood
-Locate the gifts in others, identify their strengths and talents, and work together
-Do not feel threatened that other people are better than you
-Empower others. Failure is the mother of success. Mistakes are building blocks of success. Mistakes do not equal weakness.
-Be authentic. Be real. Walk the talk.
Outcomes of effective leadership:
An effective team does not mean there is no problems. One of the ways of being productive is knowing how to solve problems. Problems are opportunities for us to build and to improve. A healthy environment means even there is problems, they know how to solve it. There is no problem-free relationships. Problems are a main course in life. Welcome it and learn skills to survive.
Ask, "What needs improvement?" A healthy environment is one that needs to look at itself. Apply an open system. Ego causes us to be afraid to hear feedback.
Perfect love drives out all fear. We are compelled by love. With that comes the joy of serving. Don't be driven by needs. Be a growth promoting agent to another person. Be authentic to be real even though we are not perfect.
Shame-based and Fear-based Leadership
Shame-based leadership
-Leading out of shame
-Leading based on shaming
Fear-based leadership
-Leading out of fear
-Leading based on fear
What are the actions and strategies of a shame- and Fear-based leader?
Direct - intentional, unintentional, unknowing
Indirect - intentional, unintentional, unknowing
Source of shame and fear
Where do shame and fear come from?
-Cultural influence - biases and prejudices
-Personal learning history
-Legalistic, moralistic, spiritually prideful
Luke 7:36-50 New King James Version (NKJV)
A Sinful Woman Forgiven
36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”
40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
So he said, “Teacher, say it.”
41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”
And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Strength-based tenets
We are self-righting individuals in attempt to adapt to the environment in the process developing strengths for survival.
We develop strengths to help us meet our needs for belonging and connection.
Each of us has the capacity to develop strengths.
Our strength levels vary - low to high.
Development of our strengths is related to our environment - growth-promoting or growth-stifling.
Strength is developed through struggle and adversity.
Strengths contribute to psychological wellness and healing and buffer against mental illness.
Focusing on strengths lead to motivation and growth (eg. strength identification, exception finding).
Encouragement facilitates change (eg. compliments).
Create a respectful, honouring, validating and positive environment.
Use hope, not problem-focused.
Tap into positive cultural and spiritual practices to refocus and enhance.
Encouragement and hope always come together. A lot of people are depressed because they don't see hope. Hope is like the future throwing a lifeline to help me to pull me over to the next step. Be genuinely complementary. Give them specific feedback.
Inspiration and sources:
-Elsie J. Smith (2006) The Strength-based counselling model. The Counselling Psychologist, 34:13-79
-Robert K. Greenleaf (1973) The Servant leader within
-Lived experiences recorded in the Bible.
-Lived experiences of clients, students, friends, self.
Strength-based strategies
Create a positive working relationship
-Clear understanding of goals and objectives
-Clear understanding of tasks
-Strong bond - relationship
Identify strengths
-Know your own strengths
-Know the strengths of those you lead
Build strength and competence
-Encourage and instill hope
-Encourage follower-generated solutions
-Accentuate past successes
-Provide training and development opportunities
-Acknowledge and compliment
Empower them
-How did Jesus accomplish the above with His disciples and those He served?
Servant Leadership
-Christ-demonstrated model of leadership.
-Model of leadership that accentuates strength-based leadership practices.
-The servant leader is servant first...
-Natural desire to serve.
-Conscious choice leads to an aspiration to lead.
-Servant leader is unlike a leader who is leader first, driven by power, fame, and possession.
-Servant leaders work hard to ensure other people's highest priority needs are being served. Is the need of the least among you served?
-Best test of servant leadership: Do those served grow as persons and become servants?
-Primary focus - growth and well-being of the people and communities they are part of. Shares power, prioritises needs of other, helps other to develop and perform as highly as possible.
-Servant-leader organisation could change the world (R. K. Greenleaf)
Servant leadership and strength-based leadership have to go hand in hand.
This is very much examplified by Christ.
Matthew 20:28 New King James Version (NKJV)
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Be an intentional leader with a passion tagged by the philosophical framework.
On this side of heaven, the problem is consistency but we approach the throne of grace with confidence. We are on a journey. Embrace the journey and allow ourselves to grow. There are a lot of wounds and healing to be done and it takes time. Don't stop becoming an angel to another person.
02-09-2019
Workshop Learning Objectives
-Examine our leadership philosophy, style and practices.
-Build a culture of investing in the strengths that God has given you and those you serve.
-Recognise shame-based and Fear-based leadership and practices that limit your potentials and leadership at church or in your home.
Leadership is a blessing but it also difficult.
Create an atmosphere of healing, not an atmosphere of hurt.
Look at ourselves first. If I am the one contributing to the problem, what can I do about it?
Humility is very important.
We are all flawed. But God will make us into the vessel that He wants us to be.
Followership is as important as leadership.
And we have to recognise the sisters. Without them, the church stops. They are not doing the supportive roles; they are doing all the roles. God gives us all the spiritual gifts.
Why do we have leaders? Purpose is crucial. Role clarity as opposed to role ambiguity.
Like King David, you have served a generation, so let another take over.
As leaders, feed the sheep. People come to church for healing. How do we help them? Don't be in the way and become a stumbling block. Be careful of potholes.
Being honest and being critical doesn't mean it's bad. Every group needs feedback mechanism built into the way we function so that we can recourse and steer the ship back in the right direction.
Ineffective leadership:
What characterises ineffective leadership?
-Micromanaging
-Indecisiveness
-Not leading by example
-Arrogance
-Stubbornness; stiff-necked
-Bad listening skills
-No action, talk only
-Overly sensitive
We need mirrors, eg. spouse, children and close friends. Surround ourselves with people that we trust and respect. Give them permission to speak into our lives. We have to learn to look at ourselves through them. The head cannot function without the rest of the body.
Learn to slow down and listen. Counselling is, most importantly, to listen. In counselling, it is all about you so that you learn about who you are so that at the end, it is all about your client. And you get the blessing.
Do we have a "Prophet Nathan" in our lives?
Do we have a "Barnabas" in our lives? The ministry of encouragement is needed most of the time. Pray for the gift of encouragement.
If we don't resolve our own issues, the monster keeps growing.
In grace, we heal. We are all damaged goods. But God has blessed us so much.
Effective leadership:
What characterises effective leadership?
-Effective communication
-Compassionate
-Know Thyself
-Humble
-Gentle
-Honest
-Prayerful
-Servanthood
-Locate the gifts in others, identify their strengths and talents, and work together
-Do not feel threatened that other people are better than you
-Empower others. Failure is the mother of success. Mistakes are building blocks of success. Mistakes do not equal weakness.
-Be authentic. Be real. Walk the talk.
Outcomes of effective leadership:
An effective team does not mean there is no problems. One of the ways of being productive is knowing how to solve problems. Problems are opportunities for us to build and to improve. A healthy environment means even there is problems, they know how to solve it. There is no problem-free relationships. Problems are a main course in life. Welcome it and learn skills to survive.
Ask, "What needs improvement?" A healthy environment is one that needs to look at itself. Apply an open system. Ego causes us to be afraid to hear feedback.
Perfect love drives out all fear. We are compelled by love. With that comes the joy of serving. Don't be driven by needs. Be a growth promoting agent to another person. Be authentic to be real even though we are not perfect.
Shame-based and Fear-based Leadership
Shame-based leadership
-Leading out of shame
-Leading based on shaming
Fear-based leadership
-Leading out of fear
-Leading based on fear
What are the actions and strategies of a shame- and Fear-based leader?
Direct - intentional, unintentional, unknowing
Indirect - intentional, unintentional, unknowing
Source of shame and fear
Where do shame and fear come from?
-Cultural influence - biases and prejudices
-Personal learning history
-Legalistic, moralistic, spiritually prideful
Luke 7:36-50 New King James Version (NKJV)
A Sinful Woman Forgiven
36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”
40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
So he said, “Teacher, say it.”
41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”
And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Strength-based tenets
We are self-righting individuals in attempt to adapt to the environment in the process developing strengths for survival.
We develop strengths to help us meet our needs for belonging and connection.
Each of us has the capacity to develop strengths.
Our strength levels vary - low to high.
Development of our strengths is related to our environment - growth-promoting or growth-stifling.
Strength is developed through struggle and adversity.
Strengths contribute to psychological wellness and healing and buffer against mental illness.
Focusing on strengths lead to motivation and growth (eg. strength identification, exception finding).
Encouragement facilitates change (eg. compliments).
Create a respectful, honouring, validating and positive environment.
Use hope, not problem-focused.
Tap into positive cultural and spiritual practices to refocus and enhance.
Encouragement and hope always come together. A lot of people are depressed because they don't see hope. Hope is like the future throwing a lifeline to help me to pull me over to the next step. Be genuinely complementary. Give them specific feedback.
Inspiration and sources:
-Elsie J. Smith (2006) The Strength-based counselling model. The Counselling Psychologist, 34:13-79
-Robert K. Greenleaf (1973) The Servant leader within
-Lived experiences recorded in the Bible.
-Lived experiences of clients, students, friends, self.
Strength-based strategies
Create a positive working relationship
-Clear understanding of goals and objectives
-Clear understanding of tasks
-Strong bond - relationship
Identify strengths
-Know your own strengths
-Know the strengths of those you lead
Build strength and competence
-Encourage and instill hope
-Encourage follower-generated solutions
-Accentuate past successes
-Provide training and development opportunities
-Acknowledge and compliment
Empower them
-How did Jesus accomplish the above with His disciples and those He served?
Servant Leadership
-Christ-demonstrated model of leadership.
-Model of leadership that accentuates strength-based leadership practices.
-The servant leader is servant first...
-Natural desire to serve.
-Conscious choice leads to an aspiration to lead.
-Servant leader is unlike a leader who is leader first, driven by power, fame, and possession.
-Servant leaders work hard to ensure other people's highest priority needs are being served. Is the need of the least among you served?
-Best test of servant leadership: Do those served grow as persons and become servants?
-Primary focus - growth and well-being of the people and communities they are part of. Shares power, prioritises needs of other, helps other to develop and perform as highly as possible.
-Servant-leader organisation could change the world (R. K. Greenleaf)
Servant leadership and strength-based leadership have to go hand in hand.
This is very much examplified by Christ.
Matthew 20:28 New King James Version (NKJV)
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Be an intentional leader with a passion tagged by the philosophical framework.
On this side of heaven, the problem is consistency but we approach the throne of grace with confidence. We are on a journey. Embrace the journey and allow ourselves to grow. There are a lot of wounds and healing to be done and it takes time. Don't stop becoming an angel to another person.
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