The Constitution of the Local Church

The Constitution of the Local Church

1.    Introduction

It can be assumed that not many evangelical church going believers know fully the vast importance of a church constitution. It would be safe to say that churches of all kinds of denominations have their specific style on running what is known as “the church.” One range of leadership would be known as the Autocratic type leader who just simply runs the show at the snap of the finger and everything under the sun. According to this leader, everything must pass by him and be approved by his authority. There is the democratic type leadership that has more of a delegating side to it with other people getting involved in the leadership. And lastly there is Laissaz-Faire leadership, which just takes it easy and goes with the flow form all options of the congregation. With these different types of leadership defined, which one should a Christian fall under? Does the bible give specific structure to the leadership of the church? What about all the others important functions of the church? How should those be carried out? Concerning leadership, the different roles within the church, and all the functions of the church, the importance of having a road map to direct through all the specific and different functions of a church is paramount; this is where a constitution comes into play. Is having a church constitution necessarily found as a given structure presented in the early church? No, but as time has passed by and the church has moved and matured down through the years, a constitution better amplifies where ‘“God’s Word admonishes us to”’ let all things be done DECENTLY and in ORDER” (I Corinthians 14:40) (Jackson, 184). The only way for order to be accomplished is for people to agree in advance on what is to be done, when it is to be done, and how it is to be done. When the church organizes itself on paper, the resulting document is known as a ‘church constitution”’ (McNamara, 4).

2.     What is a church constitution?

A church constitution is as organized document that clearly specifies the churches purpose, beliefs, convictions, leadership, order of business (especially concerning finances), amendments & bylaws, and member expectations and responsibilities. This document greatly benefits the leadership and the membership for it should clearly state the direction in which the church is moving. There is no clear reference in the bible, concerning the establishment of the church, that there needed to be some sort of constitution for the church to follow, but as the church grew from the time that Jesus Christ established it, clarification, communication, and organization has been a desperate need in local church ministry. A church constitution is in no way an addition to the format of what Christ established in His church, but more of a clarification and relation to the present culture.  “In its simplest form a church constitution contains the agreed-upon principles that outline how the church will function. It sets forth the rules, regulations and requirements for membership and leadership. It describes the administrative procedures by which the church is to be conducted” (McNamara, 5)

3.     Why is a Constitution needed?

There are several reasons that can be discussed on why a church constitution is needed, but one seems of vital importance, and that is for the unity of the body of believers in the local church. Paul R. Jackson, in his book The Doctrine and Administration of the Church, makes a statement that goes along with the purpose of the constitution being used to unify the church, in saying, “Clarity on this point is essential to internal harmony” (183). In relation to unity, the constitution takes the Word of God and the principals found in it to orderly construct this constituting document for the purpose of clear direction.

“A church is a body of believers organized for worshiping God, evangelizing the lost, and discipling believers. When a church develops a constitution, it helps clarify its purpose, provides the foundation for building an effective church, and defines its structure,” and also gives members, and potential members, a better understanding of what the church is about and how it functions”(Enrichment). Understanding the value of a written document that clearly describes the basic framework of the church makes drafting the constitution a much easier and more rewarding experience (Enrichment).

As already stated previously, the God of the Bible is a God of order and not of confusion, which can be easily observed throughout His creation and in the revelation of His Word (Jackson, 183). In 1 Corinthians 14:40, God has commanded His children to do everything decently and in order, and with that understanding, “a constitution, if drawn up wisely and prayerfully, is a major step toward order and decency in the conduct of a church” (184). In the order of the functioning of the church, business is one major aspect in why a constitution is needed, and for that reason a constitution for church ministry provides, and should provide, proper Biblical, ethical, and orderly methods of business procedure (184). But along with business and other church related items that should be included in the constitution (i.e. the theological stance of that local church, the different aspects of church discipline, identification of the authority structure), the constitution itself will save the church a lot of confusion and hassle when the controversial issues arise (and they will arise). Having a church constitution brings order to the functioning of the church and presents the direction of the church so that there is no confusion.

But one of the major tentative problems in this area is that “many churches have ignored their constitution through the years; thus no one knows where a copy can be found, or if one ever existed” (184). Another problematic reality, which has personally been experienced, is that of the constitution not being revised for a couple of years. When this happens, the constitution ceases to relate to the current issues of the church, or that the older constitution was drawn up by older leaders who were not baptistic.  Another issue would be that the doctrine is in error of the current beliefs of the current pastor (184).

For an example, if a Man of God takes on a church and does not pay close attention to the current constitution and moves in the direction where God leads that church so that when it comes to a point where there needs to be a important decision made, there might be trouble if the pastor did not pay attention to the constitution, he might find himself very limited in what changes he can make in the church, and unknowingly back himself into a corner not being able to move forward with his vision of the church. One of those reasons of checking the constitution very early in the ministry of that church is because it is a legal document. What had been written down is what was approved by the state of that church and cannot be acted against unless the church makes the necessary changes; which is not always an easy affair. As an example to put this concept in a clearer light, in the constitution of a cretin baptistic church, there is a very important issue that needs to be made but the ruling of the constitution is holding the church back form making such an important decision. The issue in their constitution lies under Article 5, which reads “Membership and Discipline.”  The issue resides under section E that relates to church Membership Termination. The section reads:

E.  Termination of Membership

Termination of membership may transpire in the following ways:

1)    Death (no church action required).

2)    Discipline

3)    Departure (by request).  Any member (except a member under discipline), upon presentation of a written request to the membership, and upon a majority vote of the members present and voting, will be dropped from the membership.

In this instance here, these three options are the only ones for the termination of individuals from the membership of the church. Here is the potential problem. A member of the church has the legal right to vote in the church (the constitution does not say anywhere the member must be a faithful member). On the register of this churches membership, there are a great number of inactive members. So what happens when there is dissention in the church, and those who are causing the dissension need a majority vote from the congregation to get there their way; could not they just rally up the all their friends who are inactive members to show up at the business meeting to get the numbered vote that they need? This is a very sticky situation and can be avoided if proper preparation is taken into action.

            All in answering the question, “why is a church constitution needed?” solutions to problems, such as the one stated above, can be addressed and dealt with before they arise up in conflict, and thus moving on as an church in a more formative ordered organization. With this particular situation, there is a very simple solution that can be, and should be, inserted in any church constitution. The procedure for discontinuing inactive members membership should be clearly presented in the constitution. The procedure would consist of the Pastor (with the deacons) yearly reviewing the membership role, and if there are unfaithful members who habitually miss church (clearly stated that they are not showing up at church at all), they (buy review and vote of the congregation – along with the deacons and pastor) should put the unfaithful members on a inactive list (Jackson, 188-189).  The constitution should clearly specify that the inactive members are not aloud to vote or have any role in the church, all the wile the pastor and deacons should be trying to consult the inactive members as to why they are not in church and present efforts in restoring them (189). When a year passes by, and the members are sill not reluctant in returning to the church, then the pastor and deacons should bring the inactive members names to the congregation for a vote in dropping the inactive members from the membership (189).

            In conclusion of this situation in understanding why a constitution is important, members of the local church are to have purpose and being within the church, which is signified in 1 Corinthians 12. There are differences of gifts, there are diversities of administration, but there is order and purpose, which is why making that notion clear in a constitution is so important, and not just in this situation, but as a whole, the church needs order and purpose, and that is why a church constitution is so important (Radmacher, 351).

1. 4.     What are the contents of a Church Constitution?

The outline of a variety of different constitutions in baptistic circles should look the same for the most part. There are differences, of course, concerning doctrine and the authentication of the leadership amongst baptistic churches, but apart from conviction, the format of the constitution should have many of the same contents. For the formation of the constitution in this particular section, Paul Jackson’s format will be used as a base of direction and further discussion. 

The first thing that needs to be considered would be what is known as the Preamble, which basically is the purpose statement of the church. A sample of what a Preamble would look like comes from a local church in North Carolina, which reads, “We, the membership of this church, desiring under God’s blessing to prosper and sustain spiritual growth in our church, to establish ourselves in Christ and Bible centered loyalty, and to enjoy the maximum harmony in all local church endeavors and business procedures, do hereby adopt and set in operation this Constitution and By-laws” (THE CONSTITUTION, 2). The preamble needs to be clear and concise and not loaded with technical theological terms that the simple will have a difficult time in understand without a dictionary.

After the preamble, there should follow several sections of Articles that hold up the entire body of the outlined constitution. Article 1 should include the name of the church as an organization and should state that the church is a non-profit organization, which are required by the law of each state (Jackson, 186). Article 2 is like the preamble but is more concise as it is the actual purpose statement. One of the more challenging things with this Article is communication, because different people see things in different ways, and to communicate the purpose of the church (where many people with diverse opinions will attend) can be a sticky affair (Radmacher, 24).

Article 3 is the section that deals with the different associations of the church.  This is another one of those sections that need to be stated clearly. Jackson presets this section in a clear way in saying that the church shall be independent (autonomous) and subject only to Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:21-32) (186). There are many different associations that churches can be affiliated with to bring more accreditation to the convictions of that particular church. For example, there is the Southern Baptist Convention that holds to Baptist Faith & Message which puts them in their particular association (The Baptist Faith). Another association would be the General Association of Regular Baptist (GARBC), which are identified by their historical background in holding fast to their particular convictions (Our Beliefs).

Article 4 is the section where the Church should place their articles of faith or better known as their doctrinal statement. This section should include the church scriptural beliefs on Bibliology (the Bible), Theology Proper (God the Father), Christology (Christ), Pneumatology (the Holy Spirit), Angelology (Angels), Anthropology (Man), Hamartiology (Sin), Soteriology (Salvation), Ecclesiology (The Chruch), Eschatology (End Times). This section must be clearly stated, for this will be, and should be, the basis on which people join your church. If a person does not believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, then there will be discomfort when pre-tribulation rapture is mentioned in the pastor’s sermon.

Article 5 is one of the most essential parts of the constitution for it presents the expectations for each individual member and the responsibilities they may fall under – which is the section of “membership”. This section should deal with how members are received into the “membership and the stipulations that go along with that concerning each individual church (Jackson, 187). Under membership, there should be a section on church discipline for it is vital to the testimony of the church and the glory of the Lord that the church be protected and preserved by purity and a clean testimony (187). This is the section, where stated above, where the being faithful to the church should be implemented. Article 6 should indicate the ordinances that the church are ordered to follow from scripture, which are believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19; (Death) Rom. 6:6, (Burial) Rom. 6:4, (Resurrection) Col. 3:1 – I Corinthians 11:28-30).

A larger section of the articles is Article 7, which is dealing with the officers and the boards of the church. There is much diversity when it comes to the convictions concerning the church office and officers.  There are those who believe in a single-elder-led church, a Presbytery-led church, the congregational-led church, a Bishop-led church, and the plural-elder-led church (Akin, vii). Along with discussing the role of the pastor and deacons, this section should also include the office of Clerk, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Bible School (or Sunday School) Superintendent, and Advisory Board (Jackson, 194-197). This section must be clear because there are vast different convictions on this subject.

In brief, Article 8 deals with church committees, 9 with Meetings, 20 with Church Organizations, 11 dealing with the stance the church has in supporting missions, 12 in General dealing with miscellaneous items, and lastly 13 dealing and defining Amendments and the Bylaws, which speaks of the specifics of voting amongst the church members.

1. 5.     Conclusion

With the vast amount of material covered in a church constitution, it is paramount that the contents stay scriptural and Spirit led. A Church constitution is a legal document that is recognized by the state in informing the intentions of the church, but further more it serves as biblically based document that presents the functions of the church in a organized matter as to answer needed individual questions of those who attend. A church constitution does not in any way supersede the authority of the scripture but it serves as a needed guide towards the format on how the church should function in the lives of individuals and as the a whole.

 

Works Cited

Akin, Daniel L., Chad Brand, and R. Stanton Norman. Perspectives on Church Government: Five Views of Church Polity. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2004. Print.

“The Baptist Faith & Message.” Southern Baptist Convention. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. <http://www.sbc.net/bfm/default.asp>.

THE CONSTITUTION OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH. 9 Apr. 2000. Grace Bible Chruch, Yadkinville, Nc. For information about this church please visit www.gbcyadkinville.org

“Enrichment Journal – Enriching and Equipping Spirit-filled Ministers.” Understanding Your Church’s Constitution and Bylaws. Web. 24 Mar. 2012. <http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200304/028_gov01_cb_sb.cfm>.

Jackson, Paul Rainey. The Doctrine and Administration of the Church. Schaumburg, IL: Regular Baptist, 2000. Print.

McNamara, Roger N. “How to Write A Church Constitution.” Baptist Mid-Missions (2006): 1-35. Print.

“Our Beliefs & Constitution – GARBC.” GARBC – General Association of Regular Baptist. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. <http://www.garbc.org/?page_id=21>.

Radmacher, Earl D. What the Church Is All About: A Biblical and Historical Study. Chicago: Moody, 1978. Print.

 

Christans Should Act Like Christians

Ephesians 4:17-32

Introducing the contextual information

Author: The apostle Paul

When was it written: around A.D. 60 – 62

Where was it written: Rome

Who was it written to: The Church at Ephesus in Asia Minor

Why was it written:

1. Paul wanted to inform other believers of their exulted position of blessing in Christ. (1:3)
2. He wished to urge them to maintain unity in Christ (4:1-6).
3. He hoped to encouraged believers in the love of Christ
4. Paul encouraged believers to stand for Christ (6:11-14).
5. He wanted to set forth the divine purpose in Christ (1:9-10).

The theme: Unity in Christ

~Contextual information form Geisler

Outline leading up to this passage:

1. THE BELIEVER’S POSITION IN CHRIST (1-3)
2. Salvation (1:1,2)
3. Paul’s praise to God for the blessings of grace (1:3-14)
4. Paul’s thanksgiving and prayers for the saints (1:15-23)
5. God’s power manifest in the salvation of the Gentiles and the Jews (2:1-10)
6. The union of believing Jews and Gentiles in Christ (2:11-22)
7. A Parenthesis on the mystery (3:1-13)
8. Paul’s prayer for the saints (3:14-19)
9. Paul’s doxology
   1. THE BELIEVER’ PRACTICE IN THE LORD (4-6)
   2. Appeal for unity in the Christian fellowship (4:1-6)
   3. Program for proper functioning of the members of the body (4:7-16)
   4. C.   Appeal for new morality (4:17-5:21)

Introduction:

1. 1.    Attention step:

Say you were faced with a choice: #1 – the best choice – or – #2 the worst choice – which one would you choose?

1. 1.     Interest Step: – Chicken nugget video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEMbWn6ClxM
   

In a military base camp, two comrades were just going over the regular business of the day. When all of a sudden shell crashes dropped all-around the camp. They were under attack.  In panic one of the comrades could hear screams of death in the nearby base hospital that was consumed in flames. Heroically that comrade ran toward the fire. On his way there, he passed the pump house that could supply plenty of water to save the victims in the burning building; instead of grabbing the water hose, he grabbed a small bathroom mouth rinse cup, filled it with water, and entered the consumed building.

1. 1.     Subject Step:

I know what you are thinking… “This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.” I agree with you. You know what is ridiculous to the same magnitude? Christians not living like Christians.

Proposition: “Christians must live as Christians”

The word “Christian” has been muddied up over the ages it really doesn’t have any weight to in today’s world. “Everybody” who thinks that they are a god person says that are a Christian. If you ask someone if they are a Christian (and they say “yes”) and then you ask them why they think they are, their answer might be, “Well…I go to church and I don’t cuss of steal…”

• Why do people think that they are a Christian in those basis? Maybe it is because no one is telling them other wise or that they do not have a good example to follow – -
• This is all backwards  – People who believed in Christ 2,000 years ago did not name themselves “Christians,” the people who did not believe in Christ labeled the believers with this name because of the way the believers lived their lives – which makes sense because Christian means “little Christ.”

Q – Could someone say that about you? – Would a lost person make fun of you because you were acting like Jesus Christ?

Inter. Sent: Why? Why should Believers act like little Christ’s? “Chsittians”

Tans. Sent: Because of the following 3 reasons

Main Points:

1. 1.    Because we are not lost  (vs. 17-19)
   1. Explanation:

• This is simply the picture of the “old man” (which is who we were in sin under Adam – who you were before you became a Christian). The believers at Ephesus were Gentiles.
• Paul is telling them not to walk as other Gentiles (not to walk like you are lost– and Paul give the reason why:
• Look at this downward spiral

1. These lost Gentiles walked (lived – acted) in vain (evil – without purpose) thinking:

-      “Being void of useful aim or goal” – BKC

-      There is no revelation from God to lead them – God has no light in their heart.

-      Eating the nasty chicken nugget every time!!!

1. Their understanding was darkened
2. No life in God
3. A Darkened heart
4. They are hardened “past feeling” – just don’t care anymore
5. And into every kind of wicked sin

-      Implying sexual sin

1. And they were left only wanting more “…with greediness.”  – and never satisfied

• There is no hope for this kind of living – this is a life of death!

1. Augmentation:

Ê There are many verses that talk about this kind of helpless state in a lost person’s life.

• Rom. 1:21 – “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
• 2Cr 4:4 - “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not…”

1. Illustration:

• I love how Paul starts the downward progression at the top (in the mind).
• It is like the snowball effect. You take a little snowball and you start at the top of the hill and you give it a little push and down it goes. The snow ball gets bigger and bigger; taking on as much as it can and becoming more destructive as it gets out of control.

1. Application:

• GOSPLE – If there is anyone that is not sure where they are going when they die and you need to realize that the path that you are on will only lead to destruction under God’s judgment for your sin.  (All paths do not lead to heaven – only one will lead you into everlasting life – and that is only through Jesus Christ!).
• But for the Christian – we need to stand fast. This way of life can still grow in our lives. Even though we are dead to sin (understanding that we can now choose not to sin 0r not under sins power) we can still fall into sin. That’s why we need to protect our minds because that is where it all starts.
• 1Pe 1:13-14 – “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
  14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:”

1. Because we are not lost  (vs. 17-19)

1. 2.   Because we have been changed (vs. 20-24)
   1. A.  Explanation:

• (v. 20) – the NASB translates this verse by saying: “But you did not learn Christ in this way,” The NIV says; “You, however, did not come to know Christ that way.”

-      So in this notion, Paul is saying that the Christians, found at Ephesus, did not come to know Christ in this way of thinking or living. – There is no Christ anywhere to be found in this type of living. That, accentually, is what they did not learn about Christ.

• (v. 21-22) – In the sum of these verses, Paul in return tells them what they do know and what they were taught. They heard, were taught, and found the truth in Jesus.

-      Identification of their Teaching:

1. To remember where they came from
2. To put off the old self
3. Change their bad attitudes
4. (v. 24) And put on the new self

1. B.   Augmentation:
   1. Col 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,”

1. Rom 6:4 – “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

1. C.   Illustration:

• Often times the Christian life is compared to the process of the caterpillar turning into a butterfly – but it is true! When we become a Christian, the old is past away and the new takes place in your life
• You would freak out if you saw a butterfly reach back, tear off its beautiful wings, yank off its antennas, break its legs to that they were shot and nerbally – trying its best to look like a caterpillar again…you wouldn’t know what to think.
• The concept seems simple – Become a Christian (a true believer in Christ) and live like one – - but so many times we seen to miss this!

1. D.  Application:

• It is a conscious decision as Christians. We know, we have learned…our problem as Christians is that we need to do!
• This verse clearly says to remember where you came from, put off the old self, change your bad attitude, and put on the new self.
• Take off the old self – and put something in there it fill the gap…and the only that can fill in that gap is the holy lifestyle that God calls us to
•  (1Pe 1:16 – because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”)

1.  Because we are not lost  (vs. 17-19)

1. Because we have been changed (vs. 20-24)

1. 3.   Because Christians do not practice sin (vs. 25-32)
   1. Explanation:

• Now Paul gives an explicit list of put-off’s and put-on’s:

1. Neg. – Lying > Pos. – Speak the truth (v.25)

-      Reason why: Because we all members of one body

1. Neg. – Be angry > Pos – Don’t sin (vs. 26-27)

-      Reason why: Because it will give the devil a foot hold

1. Neg. – Do not steal > Pos. – Go to work (v.28)

-      Reason why: to be able to share to the needy

1. Neg. – Don’t talk filth > Pos. – Speak uplifting words (v.29-30)

-      Reason why: because we need to benefit the listeners and because it grieves the Holy Spirit

1. Neg. – Get rid of all the actions resulting in bitterness (vs. 31-32)

Pos. – Be compassionate and forgive

-      Reason why: Because God forgave you through Christ

1. Augmentation:
   1. Col 3:9 – “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”
   2. Psa 4:4 – “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.”
   3. Pro 13:11 – “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.”
   4. Col 4:6 – “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
   5. Jam 3:17 – “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
   6. Col 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

1. Illustration:

• Gondi said, “I like your Jesus but I don’t like His followers…”

1. Application:

• We are accountable on what we just heard. Yes we will be tempted to sin, but we have the answers right here in God’s Holy Word!
• 1Cr 10:13 says, – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Conclusion

• Christian! Realize the importance of being a Christian!  

• The Scripture calls Christians ambassadors:

Ê 2Cr 5:20 – “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

• We must act and live whole heartedly as Christians because:

1. Because We are not lost
2. Because we have been changed
3. Because Christians don’t practice sin

Working Hard With Nothing To Lose

“Working hard with nothing to lose”

Psalm 127

Background:

Authorship

“The Psalms are often called ‘The Psalms of David.’ But only about half (seventy-three) are directly attributed to the ‘sweet singer of Israel.’ Twelve are attributed to Asaph, ten to the sons of Korah, two to Solomon, and one each to Moses, Ethan, Herman, and Erza. Forty-nine, or nearly one third, of the Psalms are anonymous” (BBC, 545)

Theme focus

“There is a saying, ‘Little is much if God is in it,’ but the reverse is also true, ‘much is noting is God is not in it.’ And that’s what this Psalm says: unless our activity is ordered and directed by the Lord, it is a waste of time and energy. We can set out on projects of our own, even in Christian service; we can build vista organizational emprises; we can amass statistics to show phenomenal results; but is the projects are not vines planted by the Lord, they are worse than worthless. ‘Man purposes but God disposes’ (BBC, 755)

Psalm arrangement

“The psalmist chooses four common activities of life to illustrate his point.”

1.House construction
2.Civil defense
3.General employment
4.Family building (BBC, 755)
Major Theme (Application) of the Book!

“…even in the common labors of men, it is the Devine blessings which contributes to success; that all our undertakings there must be dependence on the blessing of God which is the only true source of prosperity, and which should be sought on the threshold of every undertaking” (Lockyer, 652).

Introduction:

Attention step:

Father, you gave me this life right? I mean, I go to school, I go to work, I do the best I can, but why do I feel this way? What am I doing wrong? Am I missing something? Lord I know you tell me to trust you, but what else am I supposed to do

Interest Step: There are many major accomplishments in this world

A. The world’s tallest skyscraper -

• Designed by Adrian D. Smith, FAIA, RIBA Design Partner at Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP.• # Building City Height Height Floors Year• Burj Khalifa Dubai 828 m 2,716 ft 162 2010 It’s a little more than ½ tall
The Empire State Building is 381 meters (1250 ft.) tall from the base to the roof
So… that’s like 2 Empire St. Buildings stacked on top of each other…and some

• Burj Dubai became the world’s tallest high-rise building on July 24, 2007, and the world’s tallest self-supporting structure on September 12, 2007.B. Michael Phelps – Phelps’s international titles and record breaking performances have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award six times and American Swimmer of the Year Award eight times. He has won a total of fifty-nine medals in major international competition, fifty gold, seven silver, and two bronze spanning the Olympics, the World, and the Pan Pacific Championships. His unprecedented Olympic success in 2008 earned Phelps Sports Illustrated magazine’s Sportsman of the Year award.

• These men have had jaw dropping accomplishments in this world – nothing that we could ever dream of ….but These accomplishments are apart from God which really puts into picture when Solomon said:
• Ecc 1:14 “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.”
Subject Step: Now looking to our passage for today

•“…these songs have been understood variously as works sung in procession to the Temple mount, works performed while worshipers advanced the steps of the holy place, or songs that were voiced in stages of pilgrimage from a distant locale…” (Creach, Jerome F D. 136-137).
•“… these songs are likely to have been among those sung by the returning exiles from Babylon as they ascended the mountains to Jerusalem and home (Ezra 2:1; 7:7)” (Barker).
Ezr 2:1 “Now these are the people of the province who came back from the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his own city.”
After 70 of captivity to the Babylonians, this is just one of the songs sung by the Israelites as they traveled up to the Temple to worship.

Please turn in your Bibles to Psalm 127 and read along with me

As we look in to this passage, we will find that if God is the one who is truly in charge, and the One who is ultimately in control, than …PROP:

Proposition: “We must surrender full control unto the Lord”

•Where?
•There are 3 areas that we need to surrender fully to Him
I. In our efforts (v.1)

Explanation

•There are 2 major things that are pointed out here in this verse that Solomon points out that must be surrendered fully to God in order to have any kind of real value based in God’s sight. 1. Shelter2. Security•Some scholars actually believe that Solomon is referring to the construction of the Magnificent Temple that He completed after his father David had left him the blue prints according to the promise of the Lord. •Others believe that Solomon, in reference to this house, can mean any house and not necessarily the Temple, but just something in the mind of Solomon. •This verb “Labor” has the indication of working oneself weary. •This same thought is applied to the watchman.•In thinking of a watchman, in those ancient cultures, there would be watchtowers along the wall of the city. The men in those assigned positions would have the responsibility of watching if there would be any possible threat to the wall by any kind of enemy. Augmentation

•Jam 2:20 – “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”
According to this verse – Works without faith is also dead

What is faith? A commitment of trust!

•Psa 33:16-22 – War Is a Very important aspect to put forth effort into
16 No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy,

19 To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.

22 Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.

Illustration

Q – As Christians, what are our efforts apart from God?

…………WELL

Q – What is a Brick house without mortar?

Q – What is a hunter without ammunition?

Q – What is a snowboarder snow?

Q- What is sail boat without wind?

HOPELESS!

Application

Q – Who/What is your confidence in? YOU? A THING?

Q – What are some things do you trust in to get you through the day?

•Yes are working, yes we are building, but He is the one who has to do the work through us.
•Col 1:27 “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
•When you get up in the morning, the building process beginnings again. While we are building, we guard and make sure that nothing messes up our plans, but in the process, we can’t forget that God has to be the center core throughout all of our efforts
◦Your school
◦Your job
◦Your relationships
◦Your ___ You fill in the blank. . . Who is in Control?
I. Our Efforts

II. In our goals (v.2)

Explanation

•There are 2 major things that are pointed out here in this verse that Solomon points out that the children of God must be surrendered fully to Him in order to have any kind of real value His sight. 1. Food2. Sleep•The “Bread of Sorrows” here has the notion of staying up and working to exhaustion to reach and gain or eat for what one strove for. • “For he gives His beloved sleep” – this is saying that “God’s gifts come to His loved ones, as they sleep” (MacDonald, 756). •This verse is saying that Sleep is a gift from God. Augmentation

•Pro 16:9 – “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”
•1Cr 3:7 -“So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”
•Psa 121:3- “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.”
Illustration

•Acts 12:6-7 – Peter was sleeping at the most stressful time of his life
6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.

7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.

Application

Q – Do you have plans, goals, or visions?

Q – Are those goals surrendered to God?

If not, what can you expect?

You might be a success, but in the long run that really matters, it will all be in vain.

“There is no encouragement here for idleness or carelessness; we are to labor, but trust as if it all depended on God” (Locker, 653)

I. Our efforts

II. Our Goals

III. In our future (v.3-5)

Explanation

•(V.3) “According to Jewish belief children are one of God’s greatest blessings…” (Locker, 654). Argu. #1
•(V.4) “Arrows” – Solomon is using this imagery to make an important point. This blessing from God is His reward to His children – as they to serve as ammunition and protection in the later days of that person’s life. •(v.5) “Not be ashamed” – having the house of the family built God centered and strong, having many Arrows (children/Blessings form God), this person will be able to stand strong an confident against his enemies as they approach. Argumentation

•#1 (Esau and Jacob reunited) Gen 33:5 – “And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”
Illustration

•“Kids coming to camp for the first time who have never shot an arrow from a bow is kind of humorous as they mount their arrow incorrectly pulling back as hard as they can and, release, and bow their head in shame as they look to their feet to see the arrow fell to the ground before he released.
•There is an extreme difference in a professional bowman than the kid at camp
•I hate Brats! – Brat Camp Experience – -
•Children are much like arrows – if they are raised right in the sight of the Lord, than they will shoot at their parent’s enemies and not at their parents (Lacyer, 655).
Application

•Just like building the house in the first point, we are to build the house of our families through the Lord. •God is the one who blesses us (v.3)
•He is the one who fills our quiver (v.4)
•He is the one who prospers our future and makes us unashamed when the enemy of hard times come (v.5)
•As Christians, we have to come back to reality to the One who is in charge – the One who is in complete control.We need to surrender our future to Him
Conclusion:

• We as Christians are living in this world today. We do the best we can, but sometimes it seems as if we aren’t really making progress. As the hardships come, we do our best to pull through them and in the progression of our efforts, we forget God and we do it all on our own strength and get stuck again. So as Christians me have to surrender to Him fully!
• I have heard it said by a good friend of mine to “do your best and leave the results to God.”
• SO let us SURRENDER to the One who is in control and to the only one who gives our lives a real purpose:
1.Our efforts
2.Our goals
3.Our futureWorks Cited

Karve, Vikram. “The Monkey Trap.” FICTION by VIKRAM KARVE. 12 Mar. 2007. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. .

Kidner, Derek. Psalms 73-150: a Commentary on Books III-V of the Psalms. Leicester, Eng.: Inter-Varsity, 1975. Print.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: an Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1983. Print.

Williams, Don. The Communicator’s Commentary. Dallas, TX: Word, 1989. Print.

Barker, David G. ““The Lord Watches over You”: A Pilgrimage Reading of Psalm 121.” (1995). Bibliotheca Sacra. Web. 1 Mar. 2011.

Creach, Jerome F D. “The Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134): Their Place in Israelite History and Religion.” (1999): 136-38. ATLA Religion Database. Web. 1 Mar. 2011.

Lockyer, Herbert. The Psalms: a Devotional Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 1992. Print.

MacDonald, William, and Arthur L. Farstad. Believer’s Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995. Print.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps

http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/tp/wo/

Psalm 127 The Passage
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,

They labor in vain who build it;

Unless the LORD guards the city,

The watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,

To sit up late,

To eat the bread of sorrows;

For so He gives His beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;

They shall not be ashamed,

But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

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