Leadership - Will You Lead? 3

Subject: Being A Leader Wherever You Are

by Rick Welborne

Luke 6:39-42 (NKJV)

39 And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?

40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?
42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
–Last week we looked at John Maxwell’s Law of Influence...as a reminder:
Maxwell - "The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less."
2. Eight Ingredients To Building Leadership Credibility or Influence

A. Character (Session 2)
B. Competence (Session 2)
C. Clarity of Direction (Session 2)
D. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Communication.
–It is imperative that leaders keep their people regularly informed about what is taking place in their church, business, or family.
–The members of any organization feel an inherent need to know what’s happening in the organization. Informed people are trusting people. Uninformed people are suspicious people.
–If people suspect that the leadership is trying to keep something from them, they will not follow them. Look at our govt and the outsider candidates right now.
–Qualifier - Children do not need to know everything going on in church or family as to do permanent damage to their relationship to God or loved ones...protect them.

–An important trust principle that pastors and boards should live by is open communication except in personal matters of confidentiality.
–Christian leadership, at least a big part of it, is communication and, yet, there seems to be a feeling of not being totally informed.
–Tricia says we never have to worry about all our stuff at the Welborne house being known because it always comes out in a sermon somewhere! Oops!
–There are so many ways of getting information to people...video announcements, bulletins, e-mail, web-sites...the idea is to over inform so that your credibility is high.
–My professors over emphasized that too much information is better than too little...I wholeheartedly agree.
E. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Conviction.
–One of the apparent needs in the church and other institutions is leadership with conviction.
–Anyone can get up and give a lecture or a speech but it is imperative that if we will have people follow us that we must communicate with conviction.
–The average speaker imparts information and that is important. The challenging speaker imparts information with such conviction that it engages the listener.
–There is something about conviction that engenders credibility and enhances your influence.
–There is nothing more grueling than listening to an hour lecture from someone who has no love or conviction about which he is speaking.
–Steven Bornstein and Anthony Smith write that conviction is the passion and commitment a person demonstrates toward his or her vision.
–Thus, conviction consists of two key ingredients - passion and commitment.
–Unfortunately conviction has become, for the church and many leaders, a list of all the things we do not do so we can judge others for doing them.
Favorite Quote of Pastor Rick: We don’t smoke and we don’t chew...we don’t go with girls that do...we ain’t got no girlfriends!
–Conviction is not a list of the things we abstain from but it is a passion, a commitment to be pro-active for what is important to the Lord.
–Passion is all about how deeply we care or how strongly we feel about our life or the vision God has given us. Listen to Paul’s passion and conviction:
Acts 20:22-24 (NLT)
22 "And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me,
23 except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.
24 But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love.

–The other side of conviction is commitment. Passion affects the emotions, whereas, commitment tends to be more rational.
–It involves the leader’s conscious intentional investment of time and effort to be sure that a vision or cause is realized.
–The leader’s commitment signals what is important to that leader and what ultimately will get done.
–It says that the leader will be around for the long haul to accomplish the ministry goals. This invites credibility and expands his influence.
–Changing leaders every three years is almost a sure death to an organization’s growth because how can anyone connect to the vision when it changes every time the leader changes?
F. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Courage.
Malphurs: Today’s fast and furious world has raised obstacles for leaders who desire to finish well: mind-boggling complexity, barren busyness, multiple options, overwhelming competition, relentless stress, and extreme risk. In addition to all this, a younger, increasingly cynical generation has replaced the more trusting Builder generation.
–Because of all this, expectations are very high for leaders and there are greater demands placed on them than in previous generations.
–Courage supplies the strength to lead in these difficult circumstances, meaning that courageous leaders are strong and unlikely to quit.
–The Scriptures have many examples of either a former leader or God Himself taking time to encourage the new leader...Moses and Joshua, David and Solomon, Paul and the leaders at the church in Corinth.
–Courage displays itself in leaders when they are willing to stand up for their beliefs in difficult situations, confront others, admit mistakes (be vulnerable), change their view when wrong, and not quit.
–The payoff is exceptional credibility and influence, because followers like what they see in courageous leaders.
Josh 1:6-9 (NLT)
6 "Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.
8 Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.
9 I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
–Three reasons why Joshua and leaders should be courageous:
The Providence of God (6) - Joshua was God’s choice for the mission.
The Provision of God (7-8) - His Word, His Law, His Book.
The Presence of God (9) - The Lord will be with you wherever you go!
–The assurance of His providence, provision, and presence with each of His servants means that we can courageously carry out our service to Him.
G. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Care.
–Everybody wants to know that someone cares about them and have their best interest in mind. When people sense that someone cares, they tend to trust that person.
–In the same way, congregations and employees trust leaders who demonstrate their care.

Theodore Roosevelt: People really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
–Care is the leader’s demonstration of concern for the well-being of his or her followers that flows from love for them.
–God cares for His people and He wants us to care for them too.
Ex 4:31 (NLT)
31 The leaders were soon convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. And when they realized that the LORD had seen their misery and was deeply concerned for them, they all bowed their heads and worshiped.
John 21:16 (NLT)
16 Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
–In 1Peter 5:2 Peter points out that our followers are under our care. Care involves respecting them and having their best interest at heart.
–We need to try to be aware of people’s needs, hurts, and fears and be willing to help them deal Scripturally with these matters.
–When we do, we shouldn’t be surprised that these people trust our leadership and grant us the credibility (influence) that we need to lead them on behalf of our Savior.
H. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Composure.
–Unfortunately most Christian leaders (except for some Christian counselors) have largely ignored the emotional dimension of leadership in ministry.
–Because of our John Wayne culture - ‘don’t let-em see ya cry’ - mentality we have cultivated men that are not in touch with their emotions.
–Satan has convinced the average male in America that masculinity is all about being emotionally tough...men are not supposed to show much emotion except for anger.
–So what’s the big deal? This mentality can have a devastating effect on a congregation or a family.
–Because the way leaders handle their emotions creates a culture that sets the mood or climate for a ministry, business, or the home.
Malphur: A healthy composure creates a climate where information is shared, leaders are trusted, learning flourishes, and risks are taken. An unhealthy emotional composure creates a setting swarming with fear and anxiety.
–Composure is the leader’s consistent display of appropriate emotional health or maturity that sets a positive ministry mood, especially in difficult or crisis situations.
–In light of our discussion, strong, healthy composure builds leadership credibility, while poor composure, or the expression of inappropriate emotions, is the silent killer of credibility...Be angry and sin not!
–To have a composure that leads to ministry credibility and influence, a leader must develop emotional well-being that fosters a positive, healthy ministry culture.
–One of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible:
John 11:35 (NKJV)

35 Jesus wept.

Leadership - Will You Lead - 2

 

 

From: Rick

Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 11:44 AM

To: Aaron Baty ; Kim thomas ; Juan Rodriguez

Subject: Sermon For Wednesday Night - May 11, 2016

 

Subject - Being A Leader Wherever You Are

by Rick Welborne

Luke 6:39-42 (NKJV) 39 And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 
40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?
42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
1. Introduction - John Maxwell’s Law of Influence
Maxwell - "The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less."
–Examples of the Law of Influence: Mother Teresa and Princess Diana: Let’s look at this question of leadership in light of Princess Diana.
–Princess Diana has been characterized in many different ways but you have probably never heard of anyone describing her as a leader.
–Yet that is what she was. Ultimately, she made things happen because she was an influencer, and leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.
–We have a misconception about leadership that if someone has an impressive title or a leadership position, we assume that person must be a leader.
–Sometimes that is true, but in reality titles don’t have much value when it comes to leading.
–True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes from influence and that cannot be mandated, it must be earned.
–The only thing a title can buy you is time—either to increase your level of influence with others or to erase it.
–This is especially true in organizations that work with volunteers such as churches... without influence your ministry, class, gift, will be ineffective.
Harry A. Overstreet - "The very essence of all power to influence lies in getting the other person to participate."
–Followers in volunteer organizations cannot not be forced to get on board and without influence the leader will not get them to follow him or her.
Dr. Wayne Lee - "Dwight Eisenhower defines leadership as the ability to discern what needs to be done and then get others to do it. Therefore, leadership has to do with accomplishing goals through people. It is the ability to instill confidence and inspire followers. Most leaders agree that leadership is tested by what one leaves behind in others."
Example: Abraham Lincoln’s struggle with the Law of Influence.–In 1832 he gathered a group of men to fight in the Black Hawk war...whoever starts a group became their captain...he could not lead...example of the gate...ended as private.
John Maxwell’s favorite leadership proverb: "He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk."
–If you can’t influence others, they won’t follow you. And if they won’t follow you, you are not a leader. That’s the Law of Influence!
2. Let’s Look at Eight Ingredients To building Leadership Credibility or InfluenceA. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Character.
–Godly character is the foundation of Christian leadership, the essential qualifying element...the right character will give you something to build on.
–Unfortunately, in our society, charisma is more important than character (politicians).
–Because it earn’s people’s respect and, most important, produces trust, character is the most crucial factor in all relationships.
–This may be hard for some to swallow but...Your vision for ministry, your strategy, even your ability to communicate the Bible, are less important than your character.
–The truth is...people do not follow the ministry’s mission or vision statement—at least not for long. They follow you, the leader.
–Only after they are convinced that you are a person of good character who is worthy of leading will they follow the mission and vision you are promoting.
–To be a leader, you do not have to be the sharpest pencil in the drawer, but you do have to display godly character.
1 Tim 4:8 (NIV)8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Aubrey Malphurs - defines character as the sum total of a person’s distinct qualities, both good and bad, that reflect who he or she is (being) and affect what he or she does (behavior). Who we are affects what we do—being impacts doing.
–Jesus said that you can recognize people by their fruit. Good trees bear good fruit and bad trees bear bad fruit.
–We must all be careful not to become fruit inspectors because nothing hurts good character like being too judgmental.
–McIntosh and Rima in their book Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership reminds us that we all have some degree of personal dysfunction. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
–Character tells me that I must not attempt to get the tooth pick out of my brother’s eye when I have a telephone pole in mine. We all have our junk!
B. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Competence.
–According to the research of Kouzes and Posner (two of the premiere authorities on Christian leadership) says that competence is one of the attributes that people look for and admire most in leaders.
–This helps us to understand the first law of leadership, "If you don’t believe in the messenger, you won’t believe the message."
–Malphur says that competence is the leader’s capability to perform well in a specific context, having the expertise and ability to get things done.
–He says competent Christian leaders have the gifts, the knowledge, and the skills needed to perform well in their service to the Savior.
–A competent leader will have confident followers...true with family, church, and business. Without competence...insecurity tends to be the result.
–When God calls us to a place of leadership we can be assured that He will give us the needed gifts to accomplish His will...make sure our dependence is on Jesus.
–Can these gifts be developed? Yes, through experience and discipleship. People want their leaders to not only know what to do but how to do it.
–Knowing what to do is only half of the battle, being able to carry it out assures us of the victory.
–A competent leader is a confident leader as long as he depends on the Lord instead of his gifts, knowledge, or skill. Every good gift comes from above!
Malphur: "Finally, our competence has limits (Mat. 25:14-30). Though we can grow and increase our level of competence by using our gifts, expanding our knowledge of ministry, and further developing our ministry skills, most leaders will eventually reach the limit of their competence. That is when servant leaders are willing to step aside or move to another ministry so as not to hinder God’s work.
C. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Clarity of Direction
Quote: Kouzes and Posner in their book Credibility says, "We expect our leaders to have a sense of direction and a concern for the future of the organization.
Leaders must know where they are going. They must have a destination in mind when asking us to join them on a journey into the unknown."
–I often tell new people to come and talk to me about the direction of our church because I tell them that I would not get on a bus unless I knew where it was going.
–Kouzes and Posner say that clarity of direction is only second to honesty when it comes to leadership credibility.
–In the uncertain times that we live in people are looking for a clear direction or path to follow that will lead them to their desired destination.
–All leaders, not just pastors, should be constantly seeking God for his direction in their homes, churches, and families.
Prov 3:5-6 (NKJV)5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
–The leader and the leadership board should give heartfelt consideration about the direction of the organization, define it, and communicate it clearly to those who choose to follow them.
–When this happens...the confidence of the people grows while those who are following attribute competence to their leadership.
–The church’s direction must be twofold. First, it consists of the church’s mission–what Christ has called us to accomplish throughout the world. This is what we call the Great Commission–to make and mature believers at home and abroad.
–The second direction must consist of the church’s vision. Vision can be defined as a clear, challenging picture of the future of the church, as leaders believe that it can be and must be.
–The vision is what the Great Commission looks like when it is fleshed out by those who have believed and embraced it.
–The vision communicates not what is but what could be.
–It answers the question, What will it look like around here when our people become passionate about the Great Commission and making disciples.
–Obviously here we believe it will mean growing to one thousand plus and supporting more and more missionaries all around the world.

Revelation - The Message To The Church

Subject: The Church At Philadelphia - Cont.

by Rick Welborne

Revelation 3:7-13 (NKJV) 
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 
13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '
1. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says no one can shut a door that God opens!
–Jesus always identifies Himself to the churches and here He calls Himself the One with the key of David. Hear this prophecy in Isaiah about Jesus:
Isaiah 22:22 (NKJV) 
22 The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open.
–The key of David emphasizes that Jesus had complete authority to open and shut doors.
The Jews had shut the door to the synagogue but Jesus had opened the door to eternal life.
–Please know that there are also doors on this earth that God can open and no man, no demon, no evil force can close.
Dr. Glen Cole - No number of humans or demons can close a door that God wants to open. Believers should not worry about doors that humans close. We should focus on the doors that God opens.
2. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says I will keep you from the hour of trial...the Tribulation.
Revelation 3:10 (NKJV) 
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
–The hour of trial is the Tribulation and the Bible is clear about a terrible time that is coming on this world and the people in it.
Matthew 24:21 (NKJV)
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Daniel 12:1 (NKJV) 
1 ....And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.
–Many plan to serve God tomorrow, when they get married, when they have kids, when they have sown their wild oats...no one has the promise of tomorrow.
Dr. Glen Cole - Delay is the shovel that digs opportunity’s grave. It is always better to be saved today than to wait until tomorrow.
–Another mistake of not getting your heart right during the seven years of Tribulation is that trials have a tendency of making people bitter.
Revelation 16:10-11(NLT) 
10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects ground their teeth in anguish,
11 and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.
3. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says there is coming an open door for you and it is the Rapture of the church!
Revelation 3:10-11 (NKJV) 
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
–The word Rapture comes from the Latin word Raptus. It means "to catch up" or snatch up as an eagle snatches up its prey. What an exciting thought!
–The Greek word for Rapture is harpazo. Several verses in the New Testament refer to the catching up of the saints.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV) 
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NKJV) 
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,
2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
Matthew 24:40-42 (NKJV) 
40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
Luke 17:34 (NLT) 
34 That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left.
Luke 21:25-26 (NKJV) 
25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.
Luke 21:34-36 (NKJV) 
34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
–One of the things that I tend to look for in the Word of God is patterns...I believe since Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever...He will repeat patterns.
–Let’s look at Noah and try to see the pattern that happened with him and his family.
–God had warned the people thru Noah that He was going to destroy the earth with a flood and that they needed to repent.
–For the salvation of Noah’s family and anyone else who was willing to repent...God prepared a way of escape...a deliverance for the righteous.
–Noah and his family were instructed by God to get in the ark of safety and then God Himself closed the door. Remember:
Revelation 3:7 (NKJV) 
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
–Can you imagine all those people who mocked Noah for building a boat, all those who did not take the man of God seriously, and all those who put off even hearing the message...
–You see, once God closed the door...He shuts and no one opens...can you imagine those people crying and beating on the door...please let me in! How terrifying!
–You see the pattern...God sent His warning...God made a way of escape...and the righteous were saved and safe.
Matthew 24:36-39 (NKJV) 
36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
–The same was true with Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham even was interceding for this city and for his family. God help us to do the same.
–Listen to the plea (warning) of the angels to Lot and his family and some of their response:
Genesis 19:13-15 (NKJV) 
13 For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it."
14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, "Get up, get out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city!" But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.
15 When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, "Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city."
–You see, the warning came...Lot’s family (as dysfunctional as they were) were removed and the fire of God’s judgment fell.
Genesis 19:24-28 (NKJV) 
24 Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens.
25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
26 But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
27 And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD.
28 Then he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace.
–The Word of God tells us that the pattern with Sodom and Gomorrah will be repeated at the Rapture of the church:
Luke 17:28-30 (NKJV) 
28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.
30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
–So it will be...preachers are preaching Jesus is coming to catch away His Bride (the Church) and they are warning people to get their hearts right with God...
–After this...the judgment of the Lord during the seven years of Tribulation.
–Explain this to me...We see in Revelation the messages to the church (1-3) and we see a promise of an open door (3). Chapter 4 we see the open door in heaven.
–It appears to me that the church went through that open door because the church is not mentioned again until after the great tribulation in chapter 19...Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
–Where was the church? In heaven with Jesus getting ready to come back at the Second Coming when the Lord will put His feet on the Mt. of Olives...we will rule and reign!
Luke 21:36 (NKJV) 

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Leadership- Will You Lead?

Subject: Being A Leader Wherever You Are

By Rick Welborne

Introduction to Christian Leadership
–We will be speaking of Christian Leadership (Overflows into all areas).
–Christ is the Head of His Church (He is Lord and the One to Whom we answer).
–We should lead like Christ led:
Phil 2:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 
6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
a. Christian leadership is having the mind of Christ...thinking like Him.
b. Christian leadership is abandonment of your reputation (absence of fear of what others think of you). It is not about you...it is about God and others.
c. Christian leadership is being a servant and identifying with other people and theirfelt needs. (Our style here is servant leadership) Some like idols or celebrities in ministry.
d. Christian leadership is humility (not humiliation) before God and man. I am your servant but you are not my master...Jesus is my Master.
e. Christian leadership is obedience to the point of death (death of our desires and will).
f. Christian leadership is taking up our cross and following (Discipleship).
The Law of the Lid (John Maxwell).
Definition: Leadership ability is the lid that determines a person’s level ofeffectiveness. The lower an individuals ability to lead, the lower the lid to his potential. The higher the leadership, the greater the effectiveness. To give you an example, if your leadership rates an 8, then your effectiveness can never be greater than a 7. If your leadership is only a 4, then your effectiveness will be no higher than a 3. Your leadership ability—for better or for worse—always determines your effectiveness and the potential impact of your organization (church, home, business, sport).
Example of the Law of the Lid - Dick and Maurice McDonald
–In 1930 they moved from New Hampshire to Calif. looking for their American dream.
–They tried opening a theater in Glendale but could not make it work.
–In 1937, they opened a small drive-in restaurant in Pasadena - very successful.
–In 1940, they opened a larger facility in San Bernardino...business exploded.
–Annual sales reached $200,000 and they found themselves splitting $50,000 in profits every year - found themselves in the town’s financial elite.
–In 1948, they did away with carhops...serving walk up customers only. They went from glass to paper and streamlined the process of preparing the food for speed.
–By the mid-1950's their annual revenue hit $350,000...now spitting $100,000 each year.
–Who were these guys...On their sign in front of their restaurant in San Bernardino it simply said McDonald’s Hamburgers...these guys hit the American jackpot and the rest is history, right? Wrong!
–The McDonalds never went any further because their weak leadership put a lid on their ability to succeed. Were they financially secure? Yes! Could they have done more? Yes!
–To make a long story short...a partner of theirs bought them out for $2.7 million dollars.
–Obviously his lid was much higher than theirs.
–By 1998 Ray Kroc had opened over 21,000 restaurants in 100 countries.
–What’s the point...leadership ability or more specifically the lack of leadership ability put a lid on the McDonald’s brothers effectiveness.
–Did Dick and Maurice have a measure of success...Yes! Could they have raised their success to a new level by raising their ability to lead.
–Because Ray Kroc’s level of leadership was higher...McDonald’s was worth billions and imagine how many people were impacted by his ability to lead.
So How Can We Increase Our Leadership Ability? 

1. Increase Your Leadership Through Discipleship
–Becoming a follower and a learner.
Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. 
Prov 3:1-6 (NKJV)
1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 
2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. 
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. 
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 
–We all can increase our knowledge by reading and thru sources like Right Now Media!
–We can go to Sunday School classes, seminars, or listen to good teachings from leaders.
–We learn God’s law and leadership principles and then He directs our path.
2. Increase Your leadership Through Mentor-ship
–Following and learning from proven leaders.
1 Cor 11:1 (NIV)
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 
–We all should be looking for someone who will stretch us..make us grow.
–We must be careful not to place ourselves too high on the totem pole. We all can learn from those around us.
–Mentor-ship implies accountability - someone to answer to in our walk.
3. Increase Your leadership Through Life Experience
Psalms 37:23-25 (NKJV)
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.
–How sad it is when we do not learn from our mistakes and failures.
–We should also be learning from the life experiences (mistakes, failure, and successes) of others.
–Insanity - It is continually doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Do what you have always done and get what you have always gotten. 
4. Increase Your Leadership Through a Genuine Encounter With God.
–Wait a minute...lots of people have encounters with God and are obviously not leaders. Some have encounters with God and find His divine purposes. (Examples - Moses, Noah, Jacob, Isaiah, the disciples, Paul).
–The God of this universe will sometimes disrupt our lives and call us to a divinedestiny that has leadership written all over it.
–Our part is to experience God and obey...Isaiah said, "Lord, send me!"
–Look at the God encounter of the man named Saul who become Paul:
Acts 9:15-17 (NKJV)
15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16 "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." 
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
–Saul’s genuine encounter with God was such that Paul would be thrust into God’s work (leadership) of preaching the gospel.
–Even with this encounter and with proven leadership (Pharisee)...Paul did not start his ministry immediately:
Gal 1:15-18 (NKJV)
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace,
16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.
5. Increase Your Leadership Through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit 
–When Ananias laid hands on Paul it was so he would receive his sight and that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit.
–Holy Spirit fills us with power but He is also our teacher, our comforter, and ourguide.
–How can we lead others unless we are being led and empowered by God.
–Leadership is not just learning and techniques..it is divine empowerment.
–The apostles learned at the feet of the greatest servant leader ever for three and one-half years and still could not stand under persecution. Speaking of Jesus!
–What made the difference? Power from on High! The Holy Spirit!
–Peter could not be a leader to a servant girl or anyone else until he was filled with the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost after he was filled:
Acts 2:14 (NKJV)
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.
–All of the training, all the mentoring, all the life experiences were magnified by the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Summary: To be a leader in the Kingdom of God we must:
1. Be a servant to God and to one another.
2. Be willing to raise our lid by being a disciple learner.
3. Be willing to raise our lid by being mentored and by mentoring.
4. Be willing to raise our lid by learning thru our life experiences and others.
5. Be willing to raise our lid by seeking for an encounter with God.
6. Be willing to raise our lid by being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
　
　

　

Revelation - The Message To The Church

Subject: The Church At Philadelphia 

by Rick Welborne

Revelation 3:7-13 (NKJV) 

7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, 

"He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 

8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--

indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 

10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 

11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 

12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God 

and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 

13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' 

Revelation 2:9 (NKJV) 

9 ... I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 

Revelation 3:9 (NKJV) 

9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--

indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 

1. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says no one can shut a door that God opens!

Isaiah 22:22 (NKJV) 

22 The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open. 

Revelation 4:1 (NKJV) 

1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, 

"Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." 

Romans 8:31 (NKJV) 

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

Dr. Glen Cole - No number of humans or demons can close a door that God wants to open.  Believers should not worry about doors that humans close.  

We should focus on the doors that God opens.

2. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says I will keep you from the hour of trial...the Tribulation.

Revelation 3:10 (NKJV) 

10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 

Matthew 24:21 (NKJV) 

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 

Daniel 12:1 (NKJV) 

1 ....And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. 

And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 

Jeremiah 30:7 (NIV) 

7 How awful that day will be! None will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it. 

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT) 

2 For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 

Dr. Glen Cole - Delay is the shovel that digs opportunity’s grave.  It is always better to be saved today than to wait until tomorrow.

* A pale horse will go forth with power named death...a fourth of the earth will die.

* Waters will be made bitter and people will die from drinking it.

* Four angels will be released to kill a third of the earth’s population.

* Even after plagues are poured out on people everywhere they refuse to repent.

* People will send gifts to each other when the prophets are killed...bitterness!

* The inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast whose names are not in the book.

* They curse God because of all the tribulation and they refuse to repent.

Revelation 16:10-11 & 21(NLT) 

10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects ground their teeth in anguish, 

11 and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. 

21 There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. 

They cursed God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm. 

3. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says there is coming an open door for you and it is the rapture of the church!

Revelation 3:10-11 (NKJV) 

10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV) 

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NKJV) 

1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 

2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 

Matthew 24:40-42 (NKJV) 

40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 

41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 

42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 

Luke 17:34 (NLT) 

34 That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. 

Luke 21:25-26 (NKJV) 

25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 

26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. 

Luke 21:34-36 (NKJV) 

34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 

35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."