2013hlt talk outlines

7/29/2019 2013HLT Talk Outlines

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CFC Singles for Family and LIfeHOUSEHOLD LEADERS TRAINING2nd Year Formation Track

TALK No. 1: BEING A SERVANT

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. In order to be better Christian servants, we need to understand the nature ofChristian service.

1. We need to ask ourselves:

a. Why do we serve?

b. Who are we as servants?c. How do we serve?

2. In order to answer these, we need a vision of reality that can clearly pointout to us the whole approach to service that we are to take. We need tosee the reality in the world around us not in the way that the world sees it,but in the way God sees it.

B. There are two basic realities that we need to see.

1. There are two kingdoms opposed to one another, the kingdom ofdarkness under Satan and the kingdom of light under our Lord.

a. Satan has real spiritual power (Ephesians 6:12). He has forces underhis control which are opposed to God and His followers.

b. Our enemy is not principally social problems, human weakness, lackof education, etc., but a whole kingdom. Our battle is a spiritual one.

c. Thus anything we do that involves taking someone from the dominionof Satan into the kingdom of light will involve us in this battle for thehearts and minds of men. Any Christian service is automaticallyspiritual warfare.

2. Man is in sin and bondage and needs to be redeemed.

a. The fundamental problem of the world is not social ills (this is just themanifestation of the problem) but sin.

b. Man needs to be reconciled with God, and only Jesus is able to dothis.

c. We are the instruments that God uses to bring other men back to Him.

3. The above two realities should form our vision for our Christian service.


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C. Christian service is not simply what you do, but who or what you are as youdo it.

1. The emphasis is on being a servant rather than on doing service.

2. Luke 10:38-42. The story of Martha and Mary.

II. There are three important New Testament passages that we will examine inorder to clarify our understanding of what it means to be a servant.

A. Luke 17:7-10. The Duty of a Servant.

1. We have lost touch with the real meaning of the word "servant" asunderstood in Jesus' time.

a. During those times, a servant (or slave) was someone who wasanother person's property and had no rights whatsoever.

b. Thus Jesus' story must have been amusing to his listeners. Theycould not comprehend a situation where the servant is served by hismaster.

2. We are the Lord's servants. We have been bought at the price of hisblood. We no longer own ourselves. We are to be men and women whoserve the Lord without regard for ourselves.

B. Philippians 2:5-8. The Identity of a Servant

1. Christian service is not just another avenue for self-fulfillment.

We have no basis for insisting that God give us work to do that suitsour personality, interests or personal gains.

2. The Christian doesn't seek to serve himself. Rather, he humbles himselfand puts himself at the disposal of everyone else.

Jesus' example.

C. Hebrews 5:8. The Obedience of a Servant

A requirement of the lordship of Jesus and our own servanthood is obedienceto his authority.

Obedience cannot be halfway or half-hearted. Either Jesus is Lord of allareas of our life, or our ascription of Master and Lord to Him ismeaningless.

III. Obstacles to Obedience

A. The Natural Disinclination to Being a "Servant"


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1. We think of "servants" as lowly, doing menial work, unable to becomebetter on their own.

2. Solution: Correct concept of being the Lord's servant

B. The Natural Disinclination to Think of Other People First Instead of Ourselves

1. We often think first of what is good for us, what will fulfill us.

2. Solution: A fundamental reorientation of our lives.

Realize that a servant of the Lord never goes into a situation forhimself, but always looking out for how he can serve others.

C. Human Rebelliousness

1. Our fallen nature is inclined to say, "I will not serve".

2. Solution: Repent and resolve to obey.

D. Lack of Trust (in the Lord, Our Heads, Our Brothers and Sisters)

1. If I obey, will they take care of me? Can I rely on them?

2. Solution: Have faith!

a. Realize that God calls us to serve Him and will care for us as a lovingFather.

b. Realize that God puts other people in headship position over us andHe works through them.

c. Realize that God has called us into SFC to experience brotherhoodand sisterhood in the Lord.

IV. Growing Into Maturity as Christian Servants

A. The Lord does not just want us to be enthusiastic and willing servants, but Hewants us to be mature Christian servants. He wants people He can trulycount on.

B. Some signs of maturity:

1. Christian wisdom and teachings are being applied to your lives.

2. Relationships (both with the Lord and with one another) are strong andfull.

3. Faithfulness characterizes your lives.

a. Daily personal prayer.

b. Attendance at meetings.

c. Fidelity to service assigned.


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4. You are men and women of your word. You can make commitments andstick to them.

5. You are working on the various obstacles and shortcomings in your livesas Christians.

Every new day should be taken as an opportunity to become moreChristlike.

6. You are servants who can serve without having to be acknowledged,appreciated or rewarded.

a. Though God and SFC do appreciate your efforts, our motivation is notreward or recognition.

b. We simply serve out of our love for God and neighbor.

V. Conclusion

A. The Cost of Servanthood (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

1. Perhaps none of us would ever have to go through Paul's experiences.But being God's servant will involve some hardship and suffering.

2. All the difficulties involved with being a servant will produce joy for us.There is a purpose for the difficulty.

B. Our Lives are Like a Grain of Wheat (John 12:24-26)

1. To be fruitful we must fall into the ground and die.

a. We die to our self-interest.b. We put the Lord first.

2. Our dying to ourselves is life-giving to others.

C. We are all privileged to be the Lord's servants.


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CFC Singles for Family and LifeHOUSEHOLD LEADERS TRAINING2nd Year Formation Track

TALK No. 2: THE HOUSEHOLD: PURPOSE, DYNAMICS AND

LEADERSHIP

Speakers Outline

Note: The following is a brief outline of what the content of your talk should be. Forfurther material with which to flesh out your talk, please refer to the HouseholdHead's Manual.

I. The Household

A. Definition

B. Purpose

C. Composition

II. The Household Head

A. His Role

B. His Basic Attitudes to His Work

C. Some Areas to Refer to the Unit Head

D. Practical Steps

III. The Household Members

A. Attitudes They Should Have

B. Attendance

IV. The Household Meeting

A. Frequency

B. Venue

C. Ingredients

D. Duration

V. Topics for Discussion

VI. Other Group Activities

NOTE: The Household Head's Manual is to be given out to the new household leaders. Also given out is the"Orientation of New Households to SFC" manual.


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TALK No. 3: BEING LEADERS OF HOUSEHOLDS

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. You are all called to do God's work in CFC Singles for Christ.

1. This is very important work. You are leaders of cell groups which makeup the basic support structure for SFC members.

2. You need to respond humbly and fully.

B. You are all new to this kind of pastoral leadership. God is doing somethingnew.

1. Do not feel unworthy, for God Himself who calls you will also empoweryou.

2. You are all learning and growing in your ability to serve in this new way.

Look to growing in confidence and capability each new day.

C. You yourselves are all under pastoral care, not only for your personal livesbut also for your service.

1. We leaders in SFC are not serving in isolation from one another, butrather as a network of pastoral leaders serving together.

a. Encourage one another.

b. Learn from one another.

c. Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit.

2. Just be open to those over you regarding any aspect of your service.

II. How should you relate to your Unit Head?

A. Understand your relationship with him.

1. He is committed to you and the members of your group. You can call onhim anytime for support, advice or prayers. He is for you.

2. His desire is to see you develop and grow in your service and in your lifeand to see your members grow in the Lord.

3. Don't hold back from telling him your problems in leading the group.


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a. Don't think that you've always got to give a good report. We are

looking for a realistic assessment to see God's will regarding yourgroup.

b. Don't protect your men from him.

B. What to Talk to Your Unit Head About

1. The Household

a. Are the men or women relating to one another well?

b. Are they free to share with one another?

c. Do they worship freely together?

d. Do they ever do anything together outside of the household meeting?

e. How is their general attitude towards SFC? CFC? The FamilyMinistries?

2. Individual members.

a. How are they growing in Christ?

b. Daily prayer?

c. Relationship with parents? With brothers and sisters?

d. Relationship with authority? Yours and overall SFC?

e. Problems if any.

3. Developing a pastoral vision for the household.

a. Have some goals in mind for the whole household and discuss them

with your Unit Head. What do they need?b. Have some goals for the individual men in your household. What

does each one need? Do not be ruled by what each man wants.

c. In both, pray and seek God's will.

4. Your time and service.

a. Do you have enough time for yourself, family, job and service?

b. What are the extra demands of your household that pulls you down?

c. How are you experiencing your service? Are you growing inconfidence? Do you need more help?


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TALK No. 4: BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR

MEMBERS

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. Your role as household leader is to reach out to your members and helpmove them on in their relationship with the Lord and as brethren in CFCSingles for Christ.

1. It involves continuing evangelization.2. It is based on a personal caring relationship.

B. Being household leaders involves the exercise of what we call "evangelisticheadship".

II. Elements of Evangelistic Headship (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12)

A. Gentleness (v.7)

1. Do not come down too hard on your member's shortcomings.

Do not be abrasive or inflexible.

2. Be like a "nursing mother".

a. Be loving and gentle.

b. But be firm if there is a need. Even a mother corrects.

B. Personal Concern (v.8)

1. It is not just a functional relationship.

a. You need to be friends.b. Take an interest in their interests.

Ask about their family, birthday, work, personal problems, etc. Keep a journal so you can keep track.

c. Behind it all is setting your heart on them to love them.

2. We are all part of one body. We share a common life.


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a. Communicate to them that you are aware of these.

b. Let them know that you are not just concerned about what you wantthem to do but also about their concerns.

4. Be able to laugh and cry with them. Identify with their joys and sorrows.Empathize.

a. When someone first opens up, be able to hold them up with yoursupport.

b. They should not experience their life changing just independently, butrather, you carry them in your heart, and this is sometimes expressedto them.

F. An important and interesting note. Notice that the above involves the wholerange of caring that happens within a family. The household leaders incertain ways act out the roles of mother, brother and father to their members.

III. The Effect of Evangelistic Headship: What is the desired response from themembers?

A. Love

1. This is the call to every Christian. We are all to love one another asbrothers and sisters in Christ.

2. But the caring relationship should reinforce and strengthen the members'love for their leaders.

B. Confidence

1. This frees them to give themselves over to your headship.

a. They can let go of their self-protectiveness. They can put down theirdefenses.

b. It frees them to give of their whole selves.

2. This opens them to receive advice and wisdom from you.

a. They become more ready to hear God's word coming from you.

b. It does not become necessary to question all you say.

3. As you experience them putting more confidence in you, you becomemore free to give them more that you yourself have learned.

C. Respect

1. It is not enough to be loved. You need to be respected, if you are to beeffective in helping them to change.


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TALK No. 5: ZEAL FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. We must be men and women who passionately want to promote God'skingdom on earth. Thus, our hearts should be troubled whenever we findanything that is not right with God.

B. Our "goodness" could be measured by the extent to which we feel a pure andgrowing hatred for evil.

II. Four Kinds of "Good" People

A. Those who do no evil yet do not devote themselves faithfully to doing good.

1. They lack other, more positive virtues.

2. Just like baptized infants.

B. Those who refrain from evil and also devote themselves to frequent gooddeeds, yet, while they do not neglect to do what good they can, they see noneed to do more than that.

1. Just so much prayer, service, almsgiving, etc., are enough for them.They do not burn with a desire for a more complete holiness.

2. They remain quietly content with this spiritual level and abandon higherthings to others.

C. Those who detest and avoid wrongdoing, fervently commit themselves towhatever good they can do, and desire greater personal holiness, yet lackequal concern for the holiness of others.

1. They eagerly desire the spiritual and internal virtues fondness forprayer, intimate knowledge of God, experience of divine love.

2. However they are not inflamed with fervent zeal against the vices ofothers or the dangers of their sins. They want everyone to be good andlive in grace, but feel no wound of sorrow when they see the opposite.

3. They remain intent upon God and themselves. They might put off caringfor other people in order to preserve their own peace.

D. Those who avoid wrongdoing, practice virtue, are afire with zeal for personalrighteousness, and have zeal for winning souls.


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1. They obtain no comfort from progress toward their own salvation unless

they are also leading others to God.

2. Jesus' example: Although He always had complete joy in Himself, He wasnot content only to possess glory, but emptied Himself, taking the form of

a servant, in order to lead many others into glory with Him. Philippians2:7

3. As household heads, we should be this 4th kind of "good" Christian.These make the best persons for leadership in SFC, given ourevangelistic mission.

III. Zeal for righteousness stems from the very basis of our Christianity, namely, loveof God and of neighbor.

A. A person who loves God not only desires to enjoy His goodness and be closeto Him, but loves to see His will accomplished, His worship carried out andHis honor exalted. He wants all people to know, love, serve and honor Godmore than anything else.

B. A person who loves his neighbor desires not only health and prosperity forhim, but even more, eternal salvation.

C. Love of God and neighbor should cause us to mourn if God is dishonored ordisobeyed and if others are not in right relationship with Him.

D. Although all Christians should love their neighbor, this love for others isespecially necessary for those who are leaders.

1. Their position demands that they act on God's behalf. Thus their heartsshould be as much moved by love of righteousness and hatred of evil, asis God's heart.

2. Psalm 45:8. "You love justice and hate wickedness; therefore God, yourGod, has anointed you..."

IV. Areas of concern (in the exercise of zeal) in our own lives and in the lives of ourhousehold members.

A. Growth in love for God and for neighbor. Selflessness.

B. Active participation in the life of the Church. Frequent reception of the

sacraments.

C. Faithfulness to the covenant of CFC Singles for Christ.

1. All SFC members have freely and willingly made their commitment to theLord and to the body. They should live up to it.

2. Deuteronomy 23:22-24


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D. Areas not essential for salvation but desirable for making spiritual progress.

1. Faithfulness to and punctuality in meetings.

Household leaders show the way. If you have no enthusiasm, neitherwill your members.

2. Exercise of spiritual gifts.

Charismatic dimension. SFC's brand of spirituality.

3. Financial support for SFC.

a. This is not part of our covenant, but it is part of being a good matureChristian.

b. The money is used for evangelization, thus for winning souls.

4. Submission to headship.

Authority is a gift from God which is given to us as a means/help tomove us on in our spiritual lives.

5. Avoidance of a critical spirit or attitude.

V. Two Specific Applications: Correction and Encouragement

A. Correction

1. At the heart of scriptural appreciation for correction are a hatred of sin

and a realization of human fallibility.

a. Psalm 141:5

b. Thus zeal + love of neighbor = correction.

2. Deal with the wrongdoing of members.

a. Be simple and straightforward. Luke 17:3

b. How?

Do not condone any wrongdoing nor concede that anywrongdoing is acceptable.

Do not allow any wrongdoing to remain unrepented oruncorrected.

Do not remain silent and pretend to know nothing when you oughtto speak out.

Be in touch with your Unit Head.

c. Be authoritative.


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Your authority comes from God and is to be exercised in thecommunity where we have committed ourselves.

Look to correction as a pastoral tool for growth.

3. Your are accountable as head to correct.

a. You are God's representatives. You have been given responsibilityover God's people. Your members look up to you and obey youbecause you have the Lord's place.

Do not allow vices and bad practices to grow.

Do what you can to overcome wrongdoing.

b. If you neglect your duty, you will be accountable to God.

You would be guilty of neglect for not doing your duty. Wisdom6:4-5

You would bear the guilt for the faults of your subordinates, in thatyou could and should have corrected them but didn't. Ezekiel 33:8

c. This is not to scare you, but to show the seriousness of your work.

Note: Some will prefer not to be household leaders in order toevade accountability. However, such persons need to realize thatif they have a gift of leadership from God, they will still beaccountable for not using it.

B. Encouragement

1. You also have a duty to encourage.

a. Not just correction (looking at wrongs) but encouragement (looking atwhat's right).

b. Not just criticism, but praise.

2. At the start of Jesus' ministry, God encouraged him.

a. Matthew 3:17.

Again at the transfiguration. Matthew 17:5

b. God is the source of all encouragement. Romans 15:5

We follow His ways.

3. "Encourage" is a compound of two words: "en" = to put in or into, and"courage" = confidence, strength.

a. Thus literally, to encourage means to put courage into someone.


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An encouraging person builds up and strengthens people by hispresence and words.

He supports, not weakens.

b. Some ways to encourage are to:

Comfort.

Support (situation where one cannot cope) through words, advice,prayers or just our mere presence.

Urge on/exhort. Motivate. Not so much to console, but tochallenge.

Praise. E.g., honoring.

4. There is plenty of bad news around. And how quickly people respond todiscouraging news.

a. God looks for eternal optimists who can share that spirit with others.

God's news is good news, not bad. We are to bring the goodnews of liberty, joy, release, hope, comfort, etc.

b. We cannot encourage enough.

Many people have low self-esteem. They need to be affirmed.

Our encouragement helps people to discover themselves and toappreciate who they are.

c. Thus, our basic attitude as household leaders needs to be one ofencouragement.

Not always correcting, but showing kindness, encouragement, andrejoicing over what the Lord has already done.

Love them so they move on.

5. A fruit of encouragement is growth in perseverance. Perseverance is aChristian quality especially needed to overcome problems, obstacles andtrials. We ourselves need to persevere in the ministry of encouragement.

VI. Conclusion

A. There are four types of good people.

1. (Quickly describe these.)

2. Household leaders should strive to be the 4th type of good person:

a. Because this is ideal for headship.

b. Because this is an assurance that all household members will behelped to move on.


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B. God uses our zeal for righteousness to help other people:

1. Through evangelization; bringing God's life to others.

2. Through caring for members of SFC.


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TALK No. 6: GOOD EXAMPLE

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. We should be models for our household members.

1. We should be living witnesses to the new life in Christ.

2. The words we teach should be reflected in our actions.

B. Our own models:

1. Jesus made His life and words an example. John 13:15

2. Paul also pointed to the witness of his life. 1 Corinthians 11:1

3. Both recognized that actions speak louder than words.

4. They're no longer physically present. Now we're the ones on the firingline.

II. Four Aspects of Being a Good Example

A. Conformity of oneself to the observance of everything that makes up life in

SFC.

1. The covenant of CFC Singles for Christ.

2. Our Christian culture in SFC.

a. faithfulness to meetings

b. punctuality

c. affection for brethren

d. speech

e. financial support

3. If we don't live out our covenant and culture, we can't expect ourmembers to do so.

B. Humility. Be humble in conduct.

1. Do not think too highly of yourself. Do not assume the airs of an official.

a. Rather, assume the posture of a servant.


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b. You have been given a position. But it's the position of a valet, not amanager.

2. See to it that your household members have ready access to you.

a. Be available to them when you are needed.

b. Note: But teach them also to be reasonable as to time.

c. Be pleasant in speech; listen patiently.

d. Be more loved than feared.

3. Don't be a know-it-all.

Note: It is not expected of you to know everything.

4. Foster total dependence on God. Realize that without God we arenothing.

C. Maturity:

1. In personal conduct.

a. Don't act lightly. Be serious. Don't behave like a trifler. E.g., makingsilly jokes or antics.

b. While you want to be more loved than feared, there should also be acertain amount of "fear" or reverence for you.

c. Be authoritative when necessary. Know that your leaders in SFC arebacking you up.

d. Don't play favorites. Do nothing to cause a member to feel that youscorn him or that you arbitrarily prefer others. All should be able totrust you and confide in you as their best friend.

2. In attitude toward your work.

a. Be serious regarding your being a household leader. It's important toyour members because the household you lead is where they drawsupport for their Christian life.

b. Look on your work as an opportunity to move people on.

c. Don't cancel any meeting. If you're unavailable, refer to your UnitHead, who will assign or ask another person to handle yourhousehold.

d. Prepare for your meetings.

3. In judgment. Grow in wisdom.

a. The value of wisdom in Scripture. Proverbs 3:13-15. An ideal of life.

b. Wisdom is practical understanding that comes from God about livingor doing something. It is not an academic or theoreticalunderstanding. It is a useful knowledge of the inner workings of


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something.

Hebrew "chokmah" skill of a craftsman.

Wisdom concerned mainly with the skill of successful living, e.g.,Christian personal relationships, finance, speech, relationship toGod.

c. But not just wisdom about living, but household leaders need pastoralwisdom, a practical understanding of how to build up the body ofChrist, how to care for the lives of Christians.

d. How to acquire wisdom?

Basically be rightly related to God. Proverbs 9:10

Like Solomon, ask for it. Pray for it. James 1:5-6

Learn from the Scriptures.

Learn from SFC (teachings & elders). Proverbs 13:14-20

D. Integrity

1. Integrity is the refusal to justify, rationalize or excuse any motivation,thought or behavior that is inconsistent with the commands and principlesof God's Word.

a. Note: We are not talking of sinlessness (we all still fall into sin), butrefusal to justify, etc. In other words, we can make mistakes; but howdo we handle these?

b. E.g., David. Psalm 78:70-72. The Lord chose David to shepherd hispeople "according to the integrity of his heart"

He didn't kill King Saul, because Saul was chosen by God.

He didn't excuse his sin with Bathsheba when his sin wasexposed by Nathan.

2. God is more concerned about integrity than perfection.

a. Justifying improper motivations is worse than the wrong motivationsthemselves. Rationalizing unchristian thoughts is worse than theoriginal thoughts. Excusing bad behavior is worse than the behavioritself.

b. Have you ever promised to do something you didn't do at all and then

tried to excuse yourself? Rather than just admit your shortcoming?c. Integrity is something that is in the very fiber of a man's being. It is of

the very nature and foundation of God's kingdom.

d. A person can have skill, education, even God's anointing, but stillwithout basic integrity.

3. Integrity is manifested in the 3Ms:


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a. Morals

Proverbs 11:3. We do not need to pray about, say, watching X-rated films, bribery, tax evasion, etc. These should be clearlywrong.

We should not just keep a minimum standard of good conduct.Some people's attitude seems to be: how much can I get awaywith?

b. Marriage (For CFC members serving in SFC.)

A leader proves himself in the care of his wife and children. 1Timothy 3:5

Do all things in your own family that you tell other men to do intheirs. Or at least, sincerely try to do so.

Give the same quality of care to your wife and children that yougive to others. At times we care for our household members but

neglect our family. Never forget that CFC Singles for Christ isfamily-oriented.

c. Ministry

Do not compromise on truth, on God's word, etc.

Say no to certain needs if our priorities require us elsewhere.

Be open to brethren for scrutiny and correction (esp. to your UnitHead).

Avoid competition with other household heads, units, and leaders.

Make decisions based on standards of God's word and the

direction of the Holy Spirit, not what will please others or howmuch difficulty you will encounter.

III. The Value of Being a Good Example

A. Good "masters" generally form good disciples.

1. People who see a better way of life exemplified by their householdleaders often become better Christians and better integrated into the lifeof SFC.

2. It's a new way of life for our people. Thus the territory is unfamiliar.

You're the one to show them how as Christians and as SFC.

B. Verbal instruction alone is inadequate. It must be accompanied by activegood example.

1. Many teachings are and will be given in SFC. But it is the householdhead who sees to it that such teachings are integrated into one's life andfully lived out.


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2. Conversely, a household head showing bad example will nullify whatevervalue might have been received in a teaching.

IV. Conclusion

A. The household leaders ought to commit themselves with specialdetermination to forming their members according to the life of Christ. Leadthem to imitate the Lord in every aspect of their lives.

B. Be a visible model of Christ's way of life. Galatians 2:20


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TALK No. 7: SINGLEMINDEDNESS FOR GOD

Speakers Outline

I. Two Men on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13ff)

A. They seem to have given up. They were disappointed because of wrongexpectations. (v.21)

B. On the positive side, they went back to the disciples after breaking bread withJesus.

II. Some Lessons

A. We need to examine our reasons for following Jesus.

1. The wrong reason can easily lead us to change course. John 6:26-27,66-69

2. John the Baptist condemns superficial and opportunistic "repentance".Matthew 3:7-10

3. Looking on Christianity as a problem-solver. Results of such an outlook:

a. Disappointment if the problem is not resolved.

b. Turning away from Jesus once the problem is resolved because thereis no longer any need for him.

c. Inability to accept Jesus' hard teachings.

B. We need to open up our hearts and let the word of God burn in our hearts.This way, our motivation becomes pure.

1. The proper attitude: Philippians 3:8.

Everything else is garbage compared to Christ.

2. We can only be singleminded for God if our vision is clear, if we know the

place of Jesus in our life, if we have a right relationship with him, and ifwe know where we are going.

III. How can we be singleminded for God?

A. "Burn your boats."


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1. Anecdote about a beleaguered army having to make a decision onwhether to flee out to the sea in their boats or to stand and face theadvancing enemy. The commander had their boats burned, thuseliminating the choice.

2. Practical application:

a. Many of us come into a new life in the Lord, but we keep our boats inreserve, so that if necessary we can return to the world.

b. We need to forego all other options. In our new life, there should beno turning back.

B. Learn to persevere and be patient.

1. Prepare for the long haul. Moving on in the Christian life is the task of alifetime.

2. Some Scripture passages.

a. Hebrews 6:11-12. Sometimes one starts off very zealous in theChristian life, then grows lazy and takes things for granted. But weare to show the "same zeal till the end".

b. 2 Thessalonians 3:13. Sometimes doing good can be tiring. But wejust need to continue doing what is right.

c. Philippians 3:16. Whatever spiritual state or level we are in, we are togo on. We can never be fully mature. There's always more that theLord wants for us.

d. Galatians 6:9. Some come into a life in the Lord, then get tired andfinally turn back to their old ways. We need to persevere, knowingwhat awaits us.

e. 1 Corinthians 15:58. Sometimes the problem is that we do not seethe fruit of righteous living. Righteous living might even seem like sucha burden. But the fruit is there. God is pleased. We will reap theharvest.

C. "Take up your cross and follow me."

1. Jesus did not promise that if we followed him there would be no moreproblems.

2. In fact, the Christian life is a life of embracing and loving the cross ofChrist.

IV. How can we grow in singlemindedness for God?

A. Set a goal in personal virtue.

1. Growing in singlemindedness for God is connected with righteous living.Thus we need to acquire desirable virtues.


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Without personal virtues, we cannot be singleminded for God. Therewill always be some distractions that are too attractive.

2. Ask the Lord to show what virtue you can grow most in. Some examples:

a. Steadfastness. Tobit 4:5-6

b. Humility. Philippians 2:3-4

c. Obedience. Jesus' example.

d. Courage.

e. Kindness. The example of Mother Teresa.

Mother Teresa: "Love begins at home, it is not how much we dobut how much love we put in the action that we do. To God

Almighty, how much we do does not matter, but how much lovewe put in that action. How much we do to Him in the person weare serving. And let us all meet each other with a smile, for thesmile is the beginning of love. Let us keep that joy of loving Jesus

in our hearts and share that joy with all that we come in touchwith."

The most villainous person she has met is described by her as"Jesus in a very distressing disguise."

B. Seek to suffer a little every day for God.

1. There are many opportunities that present themselves.

a. Denying ourselves too much of the pleasures of life.

b. Forbearing in relationship difficulties.

c. Giving things up like more sleep in favor of more prayer.

2. These help us to focus less on ourselves and more on God.

C. Detach yourself from your desires and plans.

1. God has the best plan for our lives.

Jeremiah 29:11.

2. We need to let go of our preconceived notions of what is best for us. Weneed to approach the Lord without any preset agenda.

D. Seek consolation only from God.

1. This is not only the proper attitude but a practical and realistic one. Everyone else can fail us, but God never will.

In the midst of difficulty, especially from those closest to us, God isour consolation.


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2. It is only God who can truly comfort us.

Matthew 11:28-30

E. Pray for God's will to be done in your life.

1. We should not only be resigned to God's will, but actively and eagerlypray that His will come to pass in our life.

But be careful. God delights in such prayers, and will grant them.

2. Have faith that our Father knows best.

Even when we cannot see beyond the difficulty of the moment.

V. Conclusion

A. God calls us to personal holiness. God calls us to serve Him with utmost

dedication and commitment.

B. We can move on in these areas as we more and more focus on the Lord andour life and mission in Him. Let us be singleminded for God.


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TALK No. 8: BROTHERLY LOVE

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. Our task is to take care of God's people; those entrusted to our household.

1. 1 Peter 5:2a

2. Our example is Jesus Himself. John 10:11

B. We can see how important is this service that we do.

1. It is not just an assignment, a task, or a function.

2. Love is its very essence. As brethren in the Lord, one very importantquality of our work is brotherly love.

II. How do we express brotherly love?

A. Attitude of Service Love

1. Mark 10:45

a. In CFC Singles for Christ, the leader is the servant.b. We give of ourselves willingly so that those in our care will experience

the life and salvation of Jesus.

2. It was Jesus Himself who called us to serve. He is the Chief Shepherd.

Thus the right way to serve is to serve according to His example.

B. Attitude of Humility

1. Mark 10:35-44

There is a marked difference between service in the world and servicein the kingdom.

- Rather than lord it over, we serve.

- Rather than glory in our importance, we serve in humility.

- Rather than be first, we serve ourselves last.

2. Ambition and self-focus are obstacles to Christian service.


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Like James and John, we may be good disciples and be sincere in

following Jesus, but we could still get sidetracked in our motivationsfor serving.

III. Concrete Qualities of Brotherly Love

A. As Expressed by Jesus

1. Concern for the practical needs of others

a. Illustrated in the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) and in the feeding ofthe multitudes (Matthew 15:32-38).

b. We cannot just have a spiritual approach to love.

James 2:14-17

1 John 3:17-18

2. Availability to our people

a. Jesus invited the children to come to Him despite the disciples'concern for His rest (Mark 10:13-16).

Jesus was also available to the sinners, to the sick, and to therelatives of His disciples.

b. We are to be big brothers (older sisters) to our people.

3. Expression of affection

a. Jesus expressed the human emotion of affection.

He wept when he visited Lazarus' tomb (John 11:35-36).

In the case of the rich young man who asked about everlastinglife, Jesus looked on him with love as he gave his answer (Mark10:21).

b. We too need to love those in our care.

Laugh and cry with them.

Care for them not just as a duty but as beloved family members.

B. As Expressed by Other Scripture Passages

1. Patience and forbearance

a. Romans 15:1


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Our work is continuing evangelization. We need to take peoplewhere they are and draw them deeper into a new life in the Lord.

We need to realize that different people may have different pacesin spiritual growth.

b. But this does not mean pampering or coddling sinfulness ornon-performance.

We are also called upon to strengthen others and to correct themif necessary.

2. Encouragement

a. Isaiah 35:3-4a

Often, a word of encouragement from one's leader is enough tomake a critical difference.

We need to be able to convince our people that they can moveforward in the Christian life and overcome their problems, if onlythey would persevere.

b. For leaders, not to do this would be spiritual negligence. Ezekiel34:4-5,10

We would not only disappoint the Lord, but could also incur Hiswrath.

3. Going the extra mile

a. We need to serve beyond the normal call of duty.

It is easy to go the first mile, but you need God's grace to go theextra mile.

2 Sam 23:14-17. Example of the initiative and sacrifice of KingDavid's men.

b. We will experience God's grace as we volunteer to do more to servethe people placed under us.

The satisfaction of having served thus will be beyond measure.

IV. Conclusion

A. We are all brothers and sisters in SFC. And you are all called upon ashousehold leaders to serve the rest.

B. In this service we need the quality of brotherly love.

1. Our model is Jesus Himself. Even now, He continues to love and serveus all, His brothers and sisters.


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2. The brotherly love required of us is not from the spring of our own heartsbut from God's. Let us tap into His own heart the true wellspring ofendless love.


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TALK No. 9: EVANGELISTIC HEADSHIP

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. All of you are heads/leaders over households, and you carry the authority ofthe CFC Council. However, your headship over people ought to beevangelistic, not authoritarian or legalistic.

B. Often, new SFC members are not immediately eager about being underheadship. This is a new situation for most. Most are used to answering to no

one but themselves.

C. Thus you need to establish a good, personal relationship first.

II. Three Situations for Evangelistic Headship

A. New Members (after the CLP).

1. They are often new to understanding what God is all about.

2. They do not as yet fully appreciate the vision and mission and culture ofSFC.

B. Those with Questions, Reservations and Doubts

1. Some do not experience full conversion during the CLP. For many, it willbe a continuing process.

a. It will be natural and even healthy to have questions. You shouldencourage them to openly ask about anything.

b. Reservations and doubts can be normal too. Thus you need to drawthem in and continue the process of evangelization.

2. It does not mean that such people are in a bad situation. They are just

not used to their new life in the Lord.

C. Those who have been with SFC but have had past bad experiences.

1. This is more difficult than the other two. It is not just a question ofdrawing one into the new life, but first, of overcoming what are obstaclescaused by past experiences in SFC.


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2. You need to be able to take them where they are at and help them makea healthy transition.

III. Elements of Evangelistic Headship

A. Emphasis on qualities like grace (vs. law), patience, giving others the benefitof the doubt.

1. Your members are going to forget things sometimes, or do things wrong.Do not be hard on them.

2. Your understanding and patience will win them over.

B. Develop a relationship of trust and openness.

1. Take the position of a servant for them.

a. They need to know that you are for them. Express this openly and

often.b. Show that your role is not to run their lives, but to guide them as an

older brother/sister.

c. Be available to them when needed.

2. It may take a while. Patiently work at it.

C. Set lower standards and fewer standards.

1. Do not intimidate or force them.

2. Be basically concerned with standards of righteousness and good order.

Focus on the necessary things.

D. Be a good listener.

1. Get to know your brothers/sisters first.

a. Make sure you know what they are like, what they need to hear.

b. Do not just jump in right away and start telling them what to do.

2. Listen to them.

a. Let them know that you are going to listen to them.

b. Don't jump to conclusions and always assume that you know what isgoing on.

c. Don't always have a canned answer.

d. Let them know you really understand what they are saying. Behonest with them.

e. Acknowledge their good points.


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f. You have been given two ears and only one mouth. Be more open tolistening and not just talking.

3. Remember what they tell you.

a. Keep notes of their sharings, happenings in their life.

b. This takes effort. You have to decide to do it.

E. Offer more input in the form of brotherly/sisterly advice and wisdom ratherthan more of direction and correction.

1. Do not correct too often (e.g., TV, lateness, drinking).

2. Do not be anxious, defensive and pushy.

a. Hear and try to understand what they are about.

b. Be confident that things can be resolved.

3. You want your members to grow in confidence in your ability to helpthem. Thus do not react as if their problem is too heavy.

F. With all the above, think about the particular situations of your members andtry to piece together a better understanding of where they are at.

1. Ask yourself some questions:

a. What troubles them?

b. What are their strengths and weaknesses?

c. What are they like?

2. You should get to know them well enough such that you can get insightsinto their life, which they themselves do not have.

IV. Conclusion

A. What you are doing is breaking someone of his/her wildness, rebelliousnessand independence.

1. By a combination of patience, love and firmness.

2. Aggressiveness on your part is required.

B. Through your efforts, SFC members will more and more enter into their newlife in the Lord and develop greater faithfulness to their life in SFC.


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TALK No. 10: THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. A common complaint of people is that they receive more criticism than praise.

1. In our secular environment, it is often that we hear lots of negative humorand comments.

2. As we grow in the Christian life, we will discover the importance of givingpraise and encouragement to others.

B. Often also, we take people near to us for granted.

1. We might be generous in encouraging the mailman or grocery clerk, butfail to encourage those close to us (spouse and children for couples,parents and brothers and sisters for singles, SFC household members).

2. This needs to change. God himself was most encouraging with His ownSon. Matthew 3:17

II. An Encouragement Self-Test

A. Following is a survey to test your encouragement quotient ("The Secret ofEncouragement" by Paul Anderson, New Covenant, March 1983). If you cananswer "yes" to at least 12 of the following 14 questions, you do not need tolisten to this talk; just keep up the good work.

1. Do my words of encouragement easily outweigh my words of correctionor criticism?

2. Am I generally uplifting to be around?

3. Would my family consider me a basically encouraging person?

4. Do words of praise for others come easily to me?

5. Have I been careful to ask forgiveness of others when I have spoken in anegative or discouraging way?

6. Have I been diligent to encourage those who are under me children,students, employees, wife, brothers, sisters, and fellow SFC members?

7. Have I been diligent to encourage those God has placed over me teachers, employers, elders, pastors, church leaders, civil servants,governments leaders?


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8. Do I pass along only the good news and swallow the gossip?

9. Does my conversation with friends generally build others up?

10. Do I think more about looking for opportunities to give praise than myneed to receive it?

11. Do I have a genuine desire to grow as a person who encourages others?12. Am I able to bring encouragement to those who have hurt me? Can I

bless those who have hurt me? Can I bless those who have persecutedme as Scripture admonishes?

13. Have I looked for creative ways of affirming my younger brothers andsisters (my children if CFC) so that they grow up loving themselves?

14. Have I recognized how encouraging God is to His whole creation? Tome?

(Those who passed "yes" to 12 out of 14 may now leave)

B. Here's another survey from the book "Encouraging One Another" by GeneGetz.

1. Are you able to get excited about the good things that happen to others?Are you able to tell them that you're glad? Can you enter into their joy? Ifyou can, you are an encourager.

2. Are you living a committed Christian life? To what extent are you able toencourage others "to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts"? If youcan, you are reflecting your own commitment to Christ. You are anencourager.

3. Are you able to accept other people for who they are? Do you see thebest in people? Do you freely associate with people who are different

from you? If you can, you are relatively free from prejudice and you arean encourager.

III. Encouragement is God's Gift

A. God's plan is to continue the work of His Son through the Holy Spirit. Thus,when Jesus left his disciples, he promised to send them this Holy Spirit identified in the Bible as "counselor", "comforter", "helper".

1. The Greek word used is parakletos. Literally, paraclete. Frequentlytranslated "to encourage". Therefore, it is appropriate to identify the Holy

Spirit's action and presence as that of encouragement.2. William Barclay, a Greek Bible scholar, points out that in ordinary secular

Greek, the most characteristic usage of parakletos (encourager) is inconnection with help given in a legal trial. A paraclete then helps us whenwe are in trouble; when we are in a situation with which we cannot cope.

B. Literally the word "encourage" is a compound of two words: "en" meaning toput in or into" and "courage" meaning strength and confidence.


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C. How does God encourage us?

1. He brings comfort.

God is often pictured, especially in the Old Testament, as coming tothe side of the needy and encouraging them. Psalm 23:4; Isaiah

40:1-2a; Isaiah 66:13

2. He stands by us.

a. While the disciples discouraged the woman who brought the alabasterjar of ointment, Jesus gave her the kind of praise that made her gift amemorial.

b. Jesus came to the aid of the woman taken in adultery and forgaveher.

c. Jesus came to the side of many who were sick, dismissing thediscouraging words of crowds and even of his own disciples.

d. When the disciples were mourning His death, Jesus came to themand strengthened them.

3. He defends us like a defense lawyer. Mark 13:11

4. He urges us on and exhorts us.

a. In classical Greek, the word was often used to refer to exhortingtroops about to go to battle. The word has a rallying call to it. It notonly emphasizes, it motivates. It not only gives comfort, it gives cour-age. It sends hesitant soldiers into war.

b. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:24

5. He opens doors for us.

Barnabas was a disciple of Jesus who secured the admission of theconvert Saul into the fellowship of the Jews when other disciples weresuspicious of the former persecutor. Often, God gives us an openingor entry for some work that is important to us.

6. He provides a way back to Him. Sirach 17:19

IV. How does it apply to us?

A. Encouragement is an action of the Holy Spirit. He often uses people to impartencouragement to His beloved. We must be open to being His channels.

1. There is very little encouragement taking place between and among us.People are growing disillusioned, discontent and discouraged. Godwants us to rise up to this hour of need.

2. For us in leadership positions, it ceases to be a mere option. It becomesa duty. To encourage our members is a duty in the Lord.


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B. How do we encourage one another in SFC?

1. Consistent attendance is an encouragement to all.

Hebrews 10:25

2. Turn to Scriptures.

Without the message of Scripture we would not have much with whichto encourage one another.

3. Pray for one another.

It is very encouraging to know that brothers and sisters are praying foryou. In fact, that we are part of a worldwide network of prayer.

4. Say a positive and encouraging word to one another.

Especially during times of problems and discouragement, but also onordinary times.

5. Encourage each other to be faithful to our Christian duties and to our SFCcovenant.

6. Avoid empty words of flattery and false assurances.

7. Listen to one another.

Listening is healing.

V. Conclusion

A. We do not have to look very far or worry too much about our task ashousehold leaders. Much can be accomplished by taking on the ministry ofencouragement.

B. There is much in our new life to be encouraged and joyful about. Let uscontinue to point these out to ourselves and to the people we lead.


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TALK No. 11: CORRECTION A PASTORAL TOOL

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul mentions Scripture as a tool that is useful for reproof,correction and training in holiness.

1. It is evident that correction is considered important in pastoral care.

2. It ranks along with training in holiness.

B. The experience in most cultures, however, is resistance of people tocorrection.

1. At the bottom of it is fear.

2. Some reasons why we are afraid of correction:

a. Experience of being laughed at because of our mistakes (sometimesbeing embarrassed in front of other people).

b. Society's expectation: We are evaluated in terms of what we knowand have achieved. We try to demonstrate our knowledge and skills.It is painful to have our failures or shortcomings pointed out.

c. Correction is associated with rejection.d. Secular society's expectation of self-reliance and independence leads

to hesitation in accepting somebody's opinion or judgment over usespecially in case of weaknesses and failures being pointed out.

C. What do we do?

1. We hide our faults. We cover up.

2. We argue when corrected.

II. How should we regard correction?

A. First, understand that the correction we will talk about here is in the context ofChristian personal relationships.

1. In SFC we have a committed relationship.

2. Correction is not a sign of lifelessness and legalism in a Christian group.Rather it appears whenever Christians see one another as brothers andsisters.


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B. Scripture says we are foolish to reject correction. Proverbs 12:1,15

1. At the heart of scriptural appreciation of correction is a hatred of sin and arealization of human fallibility Psalm 141:5.

2. The psalmist is aware that we often don't see all the things in our liveswhich need to change. Psalm 19:12-13

C. With God's help, we must overcome our dislike for correction.

D. Don't expect to be always corrected nicely.

E. Response to correction for something we have done wrong requiresrepentance, asking forgiveness and change. But correction for somethingdone poorly requires only a resolve to do it better next time.

III. Practical Aspects of Correction

A. How to Correct

1. Correction should be simple and straightforward.

2. When giving correction, expect your brother to repent (or resolve to dobetter).

3. Give correction in a way that will help a person to change.

B. In Case of Disagreements

1. When a person fails to accept correction, the two parties concerned

should ask a mature Christian to mediate.2. In case there is still no apparent remedy or resolution, one of the parties

may have to practice forbearance.

3. But if it involves something seriously wrong, the rule in Matthew 18:15-17should be applied.

C. Correction works differently in a variety of pastoral situations.

1. Where we don't have a pastoral responsibility for a person (i.e., not amember of our household; or, in the case of a Unit Head, not a memberof his unit), we still have a responsibility of love and care for our brethren

in SFC.

a. Correction here is offered in a spirit of helpfulness.

b. In serious cases, talk to his Household Head or Unit Head.

2. Where we have pastoral responsibility for someone, correction becomesone of many pastoral tools to help a person grow in relationship with theLord and other people.


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3. The pastoral nature of a relationship may allow the leader to probe moredeeply into the lives of people in his charge.

This is true of training relationships, such as parents with children, ora pastoral leader with a man who has placed himself under personalheadship in order to be formed in character and service (this is not

normally the case in SFC).

4. If the person we are correcting is in authority over us, we should give ourcorrection respectfully, leaving the final judgment about any change up tothe other person.

IV. Strategy for Learning Correction

A. Look to our own behavior and attitudes.

B. Overcome fears about giving correction.

C. Learn to handle anger.

D. Be willing to learn.

E. Focus on the goals of pastoral care.

V. Conclusion

A. Correction is a very important pastoral tool:

1. For the spiritual life and direction of every Christian.

2. For the life of our community, for the sake of our mission in SFC.

B. Correction is something done out of love for the other person. We need totake it seriously as one very important aspect of loving our neighbor.


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TALK No. 12: THE POWER TO INTERCEDE

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. God always wants the best for us and He wants us to come to Him to ask forthese things.

1. Matthew 6:32b-33

2. Jesus tells us to come to Him in times of difficulty and He will refresh us.Matthew 11:28-30.

It is a clear invitation. He does not say, "Evaluate your needs andthen if you think it is reasonable, come to me and we can talk."

3. The reason we can come and approach God with confidence is due toour special loving relationship with our Father in heaven as His childrenthrough our baptism.

B. When we pray, say: "Your will be done." It is most important that God's willtakes place in our life, our family, and in the lives of the people we care for.

II. Intercession

A. Intercession is prayer for God's will to happen.

1. It is to see God's viewpoint in various situations, then go before the Lordwith boldness and confidence to ask that He acts.

2. An intercessor is one who seeks the mind of Christ. He does not pray justfor the "obvious thing" or the "good thing", but to pursue God's mind onthe situation.

3. The prayer that God wants to answer is the prayer for His will to happen.

B. Intercession is part of God's plan.

1. 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Through Paul, God is saying that intercession is ameans for His plan/will to happen.

2. As leaders, God expects us to intercede.

Ezekiel 22:29-31. This is a situation where leaders and priests wereinvolved in extortion, robbery, and oppression. The Lord looks downand looks for at least one man who would intercede; then He would


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be predisposed to withhold His wrath. But God found no one; no oneintervened to prevent God's wrath from happening.

C. An intercessor mediates between God and man.

1. He brings man's needs to God for action. He represents man to God.

a. Exodus 17:8-13 tells of Moses interceding for God's people during abattle with Amalek. As long as Moses kept his hands raised upinterceding, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he lets downhis hands to rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses mediatedbetween God and the Israelites.

b. We intercede not only for general things like world peace, peace inour country, economic recovery, etc., but for very specific situations.

2. He pleads for God's mercy and benevolence for man.

a. Moses prayed for God's mercy for the Israelites who worshipped the

golden calf.

b. Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they aredoing".

c. Let us intercede for our people: "Lord, forgive them for they do nothonor their commitment to you; their prayer life is not regular; they arenot forgiving one another; they are not gracious in their speech, etc."

3. He is a conduit of God's love, grace, and will. He represents God to man.He works with God.

a. Moses cooperated with the Lord. He did his part. He took

responsibility to put the people on the right path.b. Jesus spoke the mind of God and taught his disciples.

c. Go to your people and speak God's word to them. Do your part incorrecting and in strengthening them.

D. We are to intercede with faith and confidence.

1. Genesis 18:20ff. Things were happening in Sodom that invited the ire ofGod. Abraham bargained and haggled with God. God finally destroyedSodom but not before Abraham did his part of interceding for his people.

2. We have a basis for confidence. 1 John 5:14; John 14:14

3. The lessons we can learn from these are:

a. We should intercede seriously and with confidence. God entertainsthat kind of haggling.

b. We can have confidence that God pours out His blessings so that wemay be able to do our mission; we know that we need God's powerand provision and we know that we ought to be interceding.


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c. God will act on our prayers. He has no limitation of power and weought to expect results when we intercede.

III. How to become more effective intercessors.

A. Have great love for the people you intercede for. Be ready to offer practicalassistance to meet the needs for which you intercede.

B. Have great faith that God could do things like what He did to Sarah, that hecould part the waters of the Red Sea, that He can and will do the same thingsfor us in whatever difficult situations we find ourselves in.

C. Strive to be holy. James 5:16b-18

D. Look for opportunities to intercede and use the power we have to intercede.

1. E.g., Boring homily of the priest. Instead of complaining, intercede for thepriest so that his homily may come alive and touch the lives of thehearers.

2. Do the same for insensitive boss/leaders, crimes, unfaithfulness ofmembers, etc.

E. Make a habit of regular intercession.

1. Make this a regular part of your daily life and service.

2. Pray for your people, for more pastoral and material resources, and formore intercessors.

IV. Conclusion

A. Colossians 1:9-12. Paul intercedes for the people in his charge unceasingly.Let us pray for the people under our care in the same way.

B. As household leaders, we would see much more fruit in our service if we usewith discernment this powerful tool of intercession that God has given us.


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TALK No. 13: PRAYER

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. Prayer is crucial to the life of a Christian.

1. It is our direct communication link to God.

2. It is a key to being victorious against temptation.

3. It lies at the root of all personal godliness.

B. Prayer also puts us into proper posture before God.

1. The essential nature of sin is independence. But we need to live in totaldependence on God, a dependence marked by prayer.

The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever; butwe cannot begin to enjoy God until we spend time with Him.

2. Prayer keeps us trusting God for everything.

3. Prayer opens the way for the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image ofJesus.

II. The Characteristics of Effective Prayer

A. Humility

1. We cannot approach God's throne until we have confessed all known sin.

Thus an examination of conscience and the attendant repentance areimportant.

2. Prayer is a humble response to God's initiative, where in His great love

for us He gave us His Son and sent His Spirit into our hearts.

We need to submit our lives to God's will and bow to His sovereignty.

3. Prayer is not insisting on our own way, but we must believe that God'sway is perfect and that in everything He works for our good.

God is far more willing to bless us than we can imagine. But we canfrustrate His will for us by rebelling.


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4. We are to delight in the Father's love, just like little children.

Luke 18:15-17

B. Honesty

1. We do not have to pretend before God.

a. God knows all about us anyway.

b. And God wants us to share every part of our lives with Him. Thatincludes our fears and failings, our moods and emotions, our thoughtsand anxieties.

2. We have Biblical models of honest prayer.

a. The psalmist. Psalm 13:1ff.

b. Jesus at Gethsemane.

c. Paul spoke of his weaknesses many times.

3. As we are honest with God, He will work gently in our lives to mold usmore and more into Jesus' likeness.

C. Compassion

1. Compassion means "suffering with" someone, trying to enter into theirpains and problems.

a. We need to be moved with compassion as we see the enormous

needs of sinful, suffering people.b. Such compassion, especially in our inability to give practical help,

naturally leads to prayer and intercession.

2. Compassionate prayer is positive prayer.

a. We do not need to pray about all problems in detail. We end up beingconscious mainly of the problems.

b. Rather, we focus our mind on the Lord, thinking of those aspects ofHis nature, or particular promises He has given, which are relevant tothe problems.

c. Negative thoughts, filled as they often are with fear, unbelief, anxiety,

anger or bitterness, may hinder God's working in our lives.

3. Compassionate prayer will also have breadth in its dimension.

a. We do not pray only for our circle of friends, our SFC activities orevangelistic programs.


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b. We need to be concerned as well about social injustice and needsunemployment, poverty, discrimination, the homeless and oppressed,the sick, the lonely, etc.

D. Expectancy

1. When we ask for something in prayer, we should start looking for theanswer and expect God to work.

a. Ephesians 3:20

b. Mark 11:24

2. Biblical models of expectant faith.

a. Mary. When promised the gift of a son, she began to praise God thatit was now true, saying "God who is mighty has done great things forme". Luke 1:30-49

b. Jesus. About to raise up Lazarus from the dead, he prayed "Father, Ithank you for having heard me." John 11:41

3. To help us pray with expectant faith, we need to know and claim thepromises of God in the scriptures.

a. Through these promises, we know the will of God, at least, in generalterms.

b. 1 John 5:14

E. Persistency

1. We can become careless and lazy in our prayer.

a. We may neglect it altogether.

b. We may give lip service to it by mouthing off a few familiar phrases,but our heart and mind may wander in many directions.

2. Though God may answer even our casual prayers, normally He waitsuntil our whole being is concentrated on Him.

a. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees. Mark 7:6

b. Jesus taught about persistence. Luke 18:1-5

c. In God's wisdom, He sometimes delays in answering our prayers to

see how much we really want something for His praise and gloryalone.

F. Forgiveness

1. We must first know God's forgiveness by confessing every known sin,repenting and asking for His cleansing.


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a. We must distinguish between the Spirit's conviction and the devil'snagging.

b. We must ask the Spirit to search our hearts, and not allow the devil torob us of God's peace.

2. Then we must forgive one another.

a. Mark 11:25.

b. An unforgiving spirit can easily spoil our relationship with God andwith one another.

c. If we hold on to sin in our hearts, God will not listen to us.

d. It is only when we forgive others that God can forgive us. And it isonly when God forgives us that we can pray at all.

III. Conclusion

A. Prayer is crucial to our personal life as a Christian. It is indispensable to ourgrowing in holiness.

B. Prayer is crucial to the life and mission of SFC. We are all part of God'sarmy, needing to receive our instructions from our Commander-in-Chief eachday.


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TALK No. 14: FAITH IN GOD

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. We are to be men and women of faith.

B. Two meanings of faith:

1. Belief in the existence of God.

Even demons share this type of faith. James 2:19

2. Trust that God is true in His dealings with mankind.

This is what is important in our Christian life and in our service.

II. The Faithfulness of God

A. God reveals Himself as faithful.

1. Exodus 34:6-7

2. 2 Timothy 2:11-13

B. God proves Himself faithful in His actions.

1. Through centuries God was faithful to His people.

a. Adam's disobedience and His merciful response.

b. Saving Noah from destruction and making a covenant with him.

c. Calling Abraham and establishing him as the father of nations.

d. Training and protecting Jacob.

e. Providing for the Israelites in Egypt through Joseph.

f. Faithfulness in spite of grievous sins in the wilderness.

g. Driving out the enemies of Israel.

h. The period of the Judges.

i. The period of the Kings.

2. Then God gave the messiah, despite the knowledge that He would berejected and put to death by those He came to save.


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3. Then came 2,000 years of Christian history, during which time the Churchoften went astray. But God continued to call it back.

C. The history of the human race is a constant spurning of God's grace. Wehave been a most faithless race.

1. Yet still God works, and is faithful to His people.

Romans 3:3-4a

2. God has proven Himself faithful over the course of thousands of years,and amidst intense provocation.

D. Our faith is founded on the faithfulness of God.

III. Responding in Faith

A. Examples of a response of faith.

1. Abraham. Genesis 22:1-17.

He trusted in God's faithfulness, and God made him the father ofmany nations.

2. Noah

He trusted in God's faithfulness, and God saved him.

3. Gideon. Judges 7:7

a. He began with 32,000 soldiers and ended with 300, facing an enemyforce of 135,000 (Judges 8:10). This seemed like foolishness for amilitary commander.

b. But he trusted in God's faithfulness, and God gave him victory.

4. Mary. Luke 1:38

a. Becoming pregnant with no husband would destroy her reputation,perhaps even cost her life.

b. But she trusted in God's faithfulness and God provided a husband forher, and made her mother of the Messiah.

5. Jesus. Luke 22:42-44

a. He was frightened at the prospect of the cross and sought to avoid it ifhe could.

b. But he trusted in the Father's faithfulness and despised the shame ofthe cross, and God highly exalted him.

B. A Personal Application


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1. All of us have given up something, some of us a great deal, to serve the

Lord and to be here right now.

a. What guarantee do we have that it will all be worth it?

b. What do we have to counter the arguments of friends and family whoso reasonably show us the seeming folly of our direction in life?

c. We have no guarantee but the faithfulness of God.

2. In and through SFC we are attempting to build the worldwide family ofCFC, to do something significant for the cause of Christ.

a. What guarantee do we have that SFC or CFC will survive another 10years; that this ark we are building is going to be of any use; that thisis a worthy work to engage in at the expense of family, of career, ofpersonal preferences?

b. We have no guarantee but the faithfulness of God.

3. Let us then be men and women of faith, seeing that God has provenHimself faithful.

a. Let us not look at our lives with human eyes or allow events to distractor discourage us.

b. Let us be like Abraham with the knife at Isaac's throat, like Noahbuilding his ark, like Mary abandoning all her cares to God.

c. Let us fully trust that He who began a good work in us will indeedbring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

C. Growing in faith.

1. Ask for faith.

2. Live your life based on the truth of God's faithfulness.

3. Act in faith.

IV. Conclusion

A. It is so liberating to know that we can rely on a faithful God. He called us, soHe will empower us.

B. We need to have faith in God, is His mission for SFC, and in the call to us toleadership.

C. With our faith and God's faithfulness, CFC Singles for Christ can become avery strong and effective instrument of God's action in the world.


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TALK No. 15: HUMBLE LEADERSHIP

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. The Report of the Jordan Management Consultants (Annex A)

1. What looks good on the outside might not necessarily turn out so; andvice versa.

2. Many of us would probably not have thought of ourselves as becomingleaders over God's people.

B. God is able to use anyone.

1. God looks at the heart, not on what appears outside.

a. A heart that sees the greatness of God.

b. A heart that sees the needs of mankind.

2. God looks for humility.

a. We are not perfect; let us admit it. In fact, we are sinful and are in direneed of God's mercy.

b. Example of Peter and Judas. We need to admit our mistakes, faceJesus again, and accept His forgiveness.

C. Various ways we can learn about leadership.

1. Look at Jesus' example.

2. Study Paul's instructions to leaders.

3. Look at how not to do leadership.

a. This is what we will study. Matthew 23:1-12

b. Note that we are still to follow the correct instructions of designatedleaders, even if they are bad examples. (v.3)

II. Pharisaic Leadership

A. Jesus pointed to leaders who said the right things but did the wrong things.


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1. They tell people what to do but do not provide the necessary help,guidance and resources with which the people can move on. (v.4)

2. They want to look good. (v.5)

Or some may try to be like someone else, trying to imitate another

leader's style.

B. All of us are learners, disciples. (v.8,10)

1. God wants to take active leadership over His people.

a. All have a direct pipeline to God.

b. The Holy Spirit is given to everyone, to teach and guide them.

2. But of course, there are teachers and leaders in SFC.

a. Purpose of leadership: not for the leaders to do all the services

themselves, but for them to equip God's people.b. Leaders/teachers are to get people in contact with the Father (v.9).

3. The one Source is God, not any leader or teacher.

The leader, being in touch with the Source, should help others get intouch with the Source.

4. Two Extremes: Too Little or Too Much Responsibility

a. If too little, leadership resource is wasted.

b. If too much, leaders could burn out because they take on too much of

the burden which belongs to God.

C. We are called to humble leadership. (v.11-12)

1. In God's Kingdom, the leader is the servant. This too is how it is in SFC.

2. There is to be no jockeying for position, looking to be the best, etc.

III. Distorting God's Gifts and Call.

There is a tendency in fallen human nature to bend the gifts and call of God toconform to the personal needs and ends of leaders. We need to beware of the

following:

A. Pride. Having too exalted an opinion of ourselves.

1. This leads to arrogance, defensiveness, and lack of sensitivity in relatingto others.

2. Like Paul, we ought to become fools for Christ (1 Corinthians 4:10).


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B. Insecurity. Having a desire for recognition and approval.

1. This leads to defensiveness; pleasing man more than God.

2. We ought to be concerned only with pleasing God. And our recognitionand consolation will come from Him.

C. Possessiveness. Possessing the work, identifying ourselves and our worthtoo much with our work.

1. This leads to over control, exalting ourselves, and being emotionallydependent on success or failure.

2. It is OK to experience failure.

a. Jesus failed with one of the 12 he handpicked (an 8% failure rate!).

b. Paul experienced failure.

c. People rejected Jesus. But this is the mystery of free will.

D. Competitiveness. Competing with other leaders or other groups (in and outof SFC).

1. This leads to putting others down, being blind to different charisms, andlack of cooperation.

2. Rather, we need to focus on what could best serve people and thebuilding of the Kingdom.

We do not have to do everything. It might be better for another groupto do it.

E. Over reliance on our own efforts, abilities, and plans.

1. We presume we know God's mind and plunge ahead without consultingHim.

Such presumption can be linked to idolatry. 1 Samuel 15:23 (Note:Refer to v.1-23.)

2. To be a son of God is to be led by the Spirit. Romans 8:5-9,14

3. We may have a tendency to rely more on our group, our leaders, ourmovement, our way of doing things, etc., rather than on the Lord himself.

a. Our faith should not lie in our size, our success, our human wisdom.

b. Our faith is not in the movement, but in the Mover of the movement.

IV. Humility in Leadership

A. We need to have a greater simplicity of goal.

1. We simply point to Jesus, helping people to find Him and to follow Him.


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God's design is that the merest of children can understand and come

to Jesus.

2. It is Jesus who saves, who comforts, who fills with the Spirit.

3. Our global evangelization is aimed at making Jesus known.

B. We need to have a greater simplicity of means.

1. Like faith, hope and love.

Faith, not an organization, is what overcomes the world. 1 John 5:4

2. We need to focus on what is primary, and not get bogged down insecondary things. Galatians 5:5-6

1 Corinthians 13:13

C. We need to have a greater modesty regarding the importance of our group(household, unit, chapter, etc.), or of the movement itself (CFC-SFC), or ofourselves (our talents, etc.).

1. What is important is that people follow Jesus, not necessarily that theyjoin our group.

a. Of course, we realize that joining us can be part of God's call topeople.

b. We readily accede and even rejoice when our members decide thatGod is calling them to another ministry.

2. Jesus must increase; we and our group must decrease.

V. The Joy of Humble Leadership

A. A law of God's kingdom: He raises up the humble, but He cuts down theproud.

B. We can learn the ways and means of leadership, but most important andbasic is to simply know Christ crucified.

C. There is great joy in humble leadership, living Jesus' way of leadership.

There will be misery in pride.


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ANNEX A

To : Jesus, Son of JosephWoodcrafters Carpentry Shop

Nazareth, 25922From : Jordan Management Consultants

Dear Sir:

Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked formanagement positions in your new organization. All of them have taken our battery oftests and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arrangedpersonal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitudeconsultant.

The profiles of all tests are included and you will want to study each of them carefully.

As part of our service and for your guidance, we make some general comments, muchas an auditor will include some general statements. This is given as a result of staffconsultation and comes without any additional fee.

It is the staff opinion that most of your nominees are lacking background, education andvocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have theteam concept.

Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutelyno qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee,place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning

attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel that it is our duty to tell you thatMatthew has been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau. James,the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both regis-tered a high score on the manic depressive scale.

One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability andresourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in highplaces. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend JudasIscariot as your controller and right hand man. All of the other profiles areself-explanatory.

We wish you every success in your new venture.

Sincerely,

Jordan Management Consultants


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TALK No. 16: EVALUATION

Speakers Outline

I. Introduction

A. Our goal in serving in CFC Singles for Christ is to be the best for the Lord andfor the people He has entrusted to us.

B. A process that will enable us to serve better is evaluation.

1. Experience is a great teacher, and regular evaluation helps us to learn

from our experiences.2. Evaluation enables us to avoid repeating mistakes.

3. Evaluation helps us to learn how to maintain successful elements of ourservice.

C. Our attitude should be that we want our service evaluated openly andhonestly.

1. We should not be afraid to be shown that we have committed a mistake.

2. We should desire to constantly learn and improve on our work for theLord.

II. The Context of Christian Evaluation

A. Competitiveness and hostility in society make evaluation a fearful thing.

1. We are unconsciously trained to examine ourselves in comparison withothers.

a. Grades in school can cause difficulties due to emotional andpsychological pressure.

b. In the business world, fierce competition affects salary and position.

c. Social competitiveness.

2. Being looked on as OK is always at the expense of someone else.

B. For Christians, what comes first is our relationship as brothers and sisters.

1. How successful we are in our performance is not what determines lovefor and commitment to one another.


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2. Poor functioning, failure to achieve, low performance levels, will not bereasons for rejection.

C. Our perspective: members of the body have different gifts and functions.1Corinthians 12; Romans 12:3-8

1. All these gifts must work interdependently in order to achieve thecommon good of the body.

2. We do not compete with one another, but rather we work together as ateam.

We try to help everyone else to achieve maximum effectiveness usingtheir gifts.

3. We also need to affirm our brethren's gifts and achievements.

This helps people become more secure in their service.

III. Evaluation Occurs in SFC in Three Ways

A. Feedback

1. SFC members should be encouraged to have a sense of responsibility forhow things go in our life and mission.

a. We are all in this together. Responsibility does not lie only with theleaders.

b. The Lord speaks to every member and can use anyone to point thingsout.

2. Anyone can give feedback to the person responsible for a particular taskor area of service.

Subordinates can give feedback to those over them.

3. It is best to give negative feedback only to the person who hasresponsibility for the service.

Expressing negative criticisms to just anyone can become grumbling,complaining, gossip or slander.

B. Evaluation Sessions

1. The whole SFC community should often engage in evaluation at differentlevels.

a. Households can evaluate how their meetings are going and howrelationships are developing.

b. The chapter can regularly evaluate how its evangelization is going.


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c. The music ministry can evaluate how effectively they are contributingto communal worship.

2. Especially for major community events, there should be a time forevaluating the events, so that lessons may be learned, and improvementsfor the future discovered.

C. Evaluation by Heads

1. Those with responsibility for different areas of service ought to conductregular evaluation of the service and of the individuals who areperforming it.

2. It is very helpful for a person to know from those who oversee his servicehow well he is doing.

This can result in freedom to serve more effectively and in a sense ofsecurity in working for the Lord.

IV. How to Give Evaluation

A. Follow a right order to evaluation.

1. First, set the context. Begin with an overall view of the situation orimpression.

2. Then, concentrate on the positive before the negative.

a. Commend people for what they have done well.

b. Exchange ideas for improving what is basically a good situation.

c. Avoid the tendency, coming from a worldly understanding ofevaluation, to pick out faults.

3. Having noted the positive contributions, discuss areas that can beimproved and offer negative criticism.

a. Do not be afraid to give critical evaluation.

b. Give critical evaluation as specifically as possible.

c. Say it in a way that is helpful and can be accepted readily by theperson concerned.

B. Be careful to give evaluation in a way that does not question the heart or

commitment of the individual or group.

1. Rather, we should recognize the stability of a person's commitment, whileaddressing what he has done wrong.

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