Paul, who?
Education
Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary 8/85-5/91, Grand Rapids, MI
M.Div. Emphasis in Church Education, New Testament, Systematic and Historical Theology.
Accomplishments: Who’s Who in Education 89-90; Brain/Mind Studies; Distance Education.
Baptist Bible College 8/77-5/81, Clarks Summit, PA
A.A. and B.R.E. in Bible and Church Education.
Accomplishments: Created multi-media teacher training presentation. Local Church Ministries’ president
Experience
Commercial Construction
1/14/08-present Park Centre Development. Carpenter, Framer, Electrician. Worked with Logix. 1 Blue Bird Square, Olean, NY 14760
Obi Community Church
7/01-12/07 Minister of Education. Responsible for the welfare of the church with an emphasis on developing and maintaining educational ministries.
Accomplishments: Developed and launched: gift-based, child-targeted ministries; Frnds a small group ministry; Teacher Training Seminars. Pulpit and mentoring ministries. Developed leadership and was instrumental in church’s direction, (100 Yr Q, FDFC, 3G’s).
Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary 8/85-5/91, Grand Rapids, MI
M.Div. Emphasis in Church Education, New Testament, Systematic and Historical Theology.
Accomplishments: Who’s Who in Education 89-90; Brain/Mind Studies; Distance Education.
Baptist Bible College 8/77-5/81, Clarks Summit, PA
A.A. and B.R.E. in Bible and Church Education.
Accomplishments: Created multi-media teacher training presentation. Local Church Ministries’ president
Experience
Commercial Construction
1/14/08-present Park Centre Development. Carpenter, Framer, Electrician. Worked with Logix. 1 Blue Bird Square, Olean, NY 14760
Obi Community Church
7/01-12/07 Minister of Education. Responsible for the welfare of the church with an emphasis on developing and maintaining educational ministries.
Accomplishments: Developed and launched: gift-based, child-targeted ministries; Frnds a small group ministry; Teacher Training Seminars. Pulpit and mentoring ministries. Developed leadership and was instrumental in church’s direction, (100 Yr Q, FDFC, 3G’s).
Basic Beliefs Briefly.
The Bible. The Bible is God’s clear written revelational message to people for training in righteousness, 2 Tm 3.16. Without error, complete and authoritative, it is our primary source for who God is, what he is like and what he has done and will do.
Man’s standing before God. There is an infinite gap between man and God, (ontologically, ethically and intellectually). Man is entirely dependent upon God, Jn 15.5. He is the object of God’s love, the recipient of his grace, and required to obey and trust (faith) God, Jn 15.15; 6.29. God desires man to trust all of his life with God. This begins by trusting God for salvation and continues trusting God through each day with the stuff of life. God desires man to trust him in order to grow in godliness, 1 Tm 4.7, 1 Jn 2.29.
The Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Jesus was in the beginning with God and was God, Jn 1.1, Col 2.9, Ti 1.3-4, 2.10-13, 3.4-6. When he was sent by the Father, he added humanity to himself. (The Incarnate emptied himself by: 1. taking the form of servant and 2. by taking on humanity (being made in the likeness of men)), Ph 2.7-8. As the Godman he followed the Father’s lead with obedient steps of faith, culminating in his death on the cross. Through the cross, the Father was pleased to justify repentant persons of their sin, declaring them positionally righteous and commencing their progress toward practical righteousness, Rm 6. Therefore the work and power of the Cross and the resurrection are needed for both then (salvation moment) and now (daily walk in godliness).
The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, (1 Cor 2.10-12), being infinite, eternal, immutable and perfect in his holiness, love, truth and power, Jn 15.26. He is a distinct person of the indivisible triune God, sent by the Father and Son to effect and complete the Father’s will in creation, providence, Jesus Christ, believers and the Day of the Lord. Although the reality of how he works is a mystery, his person and work are known primarily by faith and the reading of Scripture.
Heaven and Hell. Heaven is the eternal final existence of the People of God who will continue in meaningful worship and service in the presence of the All Sufficient One. Hell is the eternal final existence in just, anguishing punishment of the unrepentant, who continually rebel against God.
The Church. The Church is God’s people doing God’s work, is seen only as gathered believers, led by a Pastor(s), baptized and sharing the Lord’s Supper, and serving (modeled by the Deacons) until the rapture occurs. Her primary mission is to glorify God by Turning Hearts Toward God through Fully Devoted Followers of Christ who are practicing the 3G’s: Growth – (Love God); Groups – (Love people); Gifts – (Do something). (Turning Hearts Toward God: both to Christ for salvation and toward Christ for Christ-likeness.)
Separation from the world. In the world: Godly, righteous Christ followers mingling with sin-bond victims in order to free them. A fully devoted follower of Christ will have the capacity to be in the presence of the ungodly and yet not yield to the present temptations. Not of it: Separation is not yielding to fleshly desires, Gal 5.24. The purpose of involvement in worldly activities is not for gratifying one’s fleshly desires but to connect and reach the worldly, (both saved and unsaved).
I would:
-Go to a bar, not to drink, but to meet the guys at work, (meeting them where they’re at). Not judging their drinking by not going into the bar with them. But getting them to the cross as soon as possible and then allowing room for Jesus to clean them up.
-Tolerate the swearing, smoking and worldly music of the guys at work, and yet try to get them to the cross soon, thus carefully choosing the battles. Building a friendship is of greater value than exposing me to worldly environments. If the worldly environment would be greater than I could resist, (a temptation leading to sin), I wouldn’t expose myself to it.
-I wouldn’t go to a buffet that was connected to a casino, just because the food was acclaimed to be good.
We have a great deal of freedom within God’s boundaries to do God’s work.
Future things. The Day of the Lord is a future redemptive event, characterized by resurrection and judgment, when God reveals Himself through the Revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven in two phases, as the Sovereign, Righteous, Caring God executing his curses and bestowing his blessing with perfect justice. The Rapture is Christ imminently taking his people out of the world before the coming wrath, to prepare them to return with him in conquest and rule of the Kingdom. The Tribulation is phase one of the Lamb’s coming to invade Satan’s kingdom, by pouring out unequalled wrath on the earth, in the second half of its seven years. The Kingdom is phase two of the King’s coming to establish the one thousand year Messianic-mediatorial Kingdom on earth, ruling, subjecting, judging and turning all things over to the Father for the endless continuation of the Kingdom in the New Creation.
What is your position on speaking in tongues, divine healing, and neo-evangelicalism?
Speaking in Tongues. If and when it occurs, it is an existing language understood by some people. An interpreter needs to give the meaning for those that don’t understand it. It is used by God to communicate his Word to people.
Divine healing. If and when it occurs is solely because God chose to do it. When people are beat up by others when not healed and are accused of not having enough faith, that is wrong. I can pray for a person’s healing, but I’ll also pray that they trust God through it all, whether they’re healed or not.
Neo-evangelicalism. This term has a range of meanings. It can be used to call the church to a more complete fulfillment of its mission. I think at its origin it was used of the church to address social issues, like hunger. I agree with the need, it is part of the third G, Seeking to Serve Sacrificially. Some pursued this objective as the “gospel” while abandoning the Gospel. I cannot approve of that. I do, however, approve of activities which are designed to be entry points for people to connect with God. Some of these may not have a formal “devotional” time. The “devotional” would be the way the Christian guys respond when intentionally fouled at the free-throw line.
The Bible. The Bible is God’s clear written revelational message to people for training in righteousness, 2 Tm 3.16. Without error, complete and authoritative, it is our primary source for who God is, what he is like and what he has done and will do.
Man’s standing before God. There is an infinite gap between man and God, (ontologically, ethically and intellectually). Man is entirely dependent upon God, Jn 15.5. He is the object of God’s love, the recipient of his grace, and required to obey and trust (faith) God, Jn 15.15; 6.29. God desires man to trust all of his life with God. This begins by trusting God for salvation and continues trusting God through each day with the stuff of life. God desires man to trust him in order to grow in godliness, 1 Tm 4.7, 1 Jn 2.29.
The Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Jesus was in the beginning with God and was God, Jn 1.1, Col 2.9, Ti 1.3-4, 2.10-13, 3.4-6. When he was sent by the Father, he added humanity to himself. (The Incarnate emptied himself by: 1. taking the form of servant and 2. by taking on humanity (being made in the likeness of men)), Ph 2.7-8. As the Godman he followed the Father’s lead with obedient steps of faith, culminating in his death on the cross. Through the cross, the Father was pleased to justify repentant persons of their sin, declaring them positionally righteous and commencing their progress toward practical righteousness, Rm 6. Therefore the work and power of the Cross and the resurrection are needed for both then (salvation moment) and now (daily walk in godliness).
The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, (1 Cor 2.10-12), being infinite, eternal, immutable and perfect in his holiness, love, truth and power, Jn 15.26. He is a distinct person of the indivisible triune God, sent by the Father and Son to effect and complete the Father’s will in creation, providence, Jesus Christ, believers and the Day of the Lord. Although the reality of how he works is a mystery, his person and work are known primarily by faith and the reading of Scripture.
Heaven and Hell. Heaven is the eternal final existence of the People of God who will continue in meaningful worship and service in the presence of the All Sufficient One. Hell is the eternal final existence in just, anguishing punishment of the unrepentant, who continually rebel against God.
The Church. The Church is God’s people doing God’s work, is seen only as gathered believers, led by a Pastor(s), baptized and sharing the Lord’s Supper, and serving (modeled by the Deacons) until the rapture occurs. Her primary mission is to glorify God by Turning Hearts Toward God through Fully Devoted Followers of Christ who are practicing the 3G’s: Growth – (Love God); Groups – (Love people); Gifts – (Do something). (Turning Hearts Toward God: both to Christ for salvation and toward Christ for Christ-likeness.)
Separation from the world. In the world: Godly, righteous Christ followers mingling with sin-bond victims in order to free them. A fully devoted follower of Christ will have the capacity to be in the presence of the ungodly and yet not yield to the present temptations. Not of it: Separation is not yielding to fleshly desires, Gal 5.24. The purpose of involvement in worldly activities is not for gratifying one’s fleshly desires but to connect and reach the worldly, (both saved and unsaved).
I would:
-Go to a bar, not to drink, but to meet the guys at work, (meeting them where they’re at). Not judging their drinking by not going into the bar with them. But getting them to the cross as soon as possible and then allowing room for Jesus to clean them up.
-Tolerate the swearing, smoking and worldly music of the guys at work, and yet try to get them to the cross soon, thus carefully choosing the battles. Building a friendship is of greater value than exposing me to worldly environments. If the worldly environment would be greater than I could resist, (a temptation leading to sin), I wouldn’t expose myself to it.
-I wouldn’t go to a buffet that was connected to a casino, just because the food was acclaimed to be good.
We have a great deal of freedom within God’s boundaries to do God’s work.
Future things. The Day of the Lord is a future redemptive event, characterized by resurrection and judgment, when God reveals Himself through the Revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven in two phases, as the Sovereign, Righteous, Caring God executing his curses and bestowing his blessing with perfect justice. The Rapture is Christ imminently taking his people out of the world before the coming wrath, to prepare them to return with him in conquest and rule of the Kingdom. The Tribulation is phase one of the Lamb’s coming to invade Satan’s kingdom, by pouring out unequalled wrath on the earth, in the second half of its seven years. The Kingdom is phase two of the King’s coming to establish the one thousand year Messianic-mediatorial Kingdom on earth, ruling, subjecting, judging and turning all things over to the Father for the endless continuation of the Kingdom in the New Creation.
What is your position on speaking in tongues, divine healing, and neo-evangelicalism?
Speaking in Tongues. If and when it occurs, it is an existing language understood by some people. An interpreter needs to give the meaning for those that don’t understand it. It is used by God to communicate his Word to people.
Divine healing. If and when it occurs is solely because God chose to do it. When people are beat up by others when not healed and are accused of not having enough faith, that is wrong. I can pray for a person’s healing, but I’ll also pray that they trust God through it all, whether they’re healed or not.
Neo-evangelicalism. This term has a range of meanings. It can be used to call the church to a more complete fulfillment of its mission. I think at its origin it was used of the church to address social issues, like hunger. I agree with the need, it is part of the third G, Seeking to Serve Sacrificially. Some pursued this objective as the “gospel” while abandoning the Gospel. I cannot approve of that. I do, however, approve of activities which are designed to be entry points for people to connect with God. Some of these may not have a formal “devotional” time. The “devotional” would be the way the Christian guys respond when intentionally fouled at the free-throw line.
About Paul
Hello,
Free stuff for you about Church Growth and Health.
Here's a little sample.
A chart summary of the Three Irreducible Essentials of Fully Devoted Followers of Christ who are Turning Hearts Toward God.
If ideas like this will help you in Turning Hearts Toward God, then copy, paste, edit and use.
I have more material that I will send your way, if you like.
While reading the Bible, I see these statements, (that reflect these Irreducible Essentials) and jot them down with a brief description.
I am currently entering these references into a deliverable form.
Documents under construction:
Most of what I can send is my observations and reflections on scripture, books, videos, magazines and conferences.
As I compose these, I will send them your way.
Perhaps something will trigger your insights and enhance your ministry.
You may wish to doctor mine up and send them on.
All in the spirit of Turning Hearts Toward God.
I am Paul Lewis.
My wife, Judy, and I live in Spring City, TN
We attend Whites Creek Baptist Church
Rockwood, TN
Our sending church is Obi Community Church
http://www.obicommunitychurch.org/
MAPS
My wife and I are Missionary Appointees with Cedine Ministries. We will be Turning Hearts Toward God through MAPS, Ministry Apprenticeship & Practical Studies. MAPS' unique apprenticeship experience equips young adults for college and career choices.
P.S. Please don't copyright this material in such a way that would prevent my use and distribution of it.
--
Turning Hearts Toward God,
Paul Lewis
friends find friends. friends guide friends. who's your friend?
Free stuff for you about Church Growth and Health.
Here's a little sample.
A chart summary of the Three Irreducible Essentials of Fully Devoted Followers of Christ who are Turning Hearts Toward God.
If ideas like this will help you in Turning Hearts Toward God, then copy, paste, edit and use.
I have more material that I will send your way, if you like.
While reading the Bible, I see these statements, (that reflect these Irreducible Essentials) and jot them down with a brief description.
I am currently entering these references into a deliverable form.
Documents under construction:
- The 3G's Chart - text
- The 3G's Chart - wording
- The 3G's Chart - resources
- The 3G Church
- The 3G's - reflections
Most of what I can send is my observations and reflections on scripture, books, videos, magazines and conferences.
As I compose these, I will send them your way.
Perhaps something will trigger your insights and enhance your ministry.
You may wish to doctor mine up and send them on.
All in the spirit of Turning Hearts Toward God.
I am Paul Lewis.
My wife, Judy, and I live in Spring City, TN
We attend Whites Creek Baptist Church
Rockwood, TN
Our sending church is Obi Community Church
http://www.obicommunitychurch.org/
MAPS
My wife and I are Missionary Appointees with Cedine Ministries. We will be Turning Hearts Toward God through MAPS, Ministry Apprenticeship & Practical Studies. MAPS' unique apprenticeship experience equips young adults for college and career choices.
P.S. Please don't copyright this material in such a way that would prevent my use and distribution of it.
--
Turning Hearts Toward God,
Paul Lewis
friends find friends. friends guide friends. who's your friend?