Equipped Workshop hosted by Lehman Avenue church of Christ

For Leaders: ”How Do You Know When You’re Ready to Lead?” by Scott Harp

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 2
1:30PM MPR 4 Speaker 
 
Scott Harp  discusses the responsibility of leadership and how it is taught from our surroundings.
 
Slides:
"How Do You Know When You're Ready To Lead?"
Men have been thrust into leadership
 Moses (Exodus 1-3)
AMOS
"I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, 'Go prophecy to my people Israel.'" (Amos 7:14)
What is a leader?
"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them." - (Isaiah 11:6)
"Old things have passed away; men and women have become new creatures in Christ (cf. II Corinthians 5:17). The old man has been crucified in Christ, and the new man is led by a childlike spirit, a simple alertness to hear and learn, and a readiness to obey (Matthew 18:3)." -- Homer Hailey, Isaiah, page 123.
Desire
"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task." - (1 Timothy 3:1)
"This saying is true, if one earnestly seek the office of a bishop, he desires an excellent work." - (1 Timothy 3:1) - Alexanders Campbell's Living Oracles
How do we get past this point?
King Edward VI Statue
"Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozhath. And He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walled in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or the left." - (2 Kings 22:1-2)
Discovery: all great leaders start somewhere!
Josiah (648-609bce) - 2 Kings 22
Constancy - verse 1
Choice - verse 2
Command - verse 4
Conviction - verse 11-13
Duration 35:01
 

Study of James: ”The Troublesome Tongue” by Ty Rhymes

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Day 2
3:30 PM Auditorium Speaker
Ty Rhymes discusses James guidance on controlling our speech. And the words we speak reveal our innermost thoughts and feelings.
 
Slides:
The Troublesome Tongue - James 3:1-12
Admonitions in James:
Shaming Speech (James 2:3-4)
Superficial words (James 2:16, 18)
Slander (James 4:11)
Cocky speech (James 4:13-14)
Complaining (James 5:9)
The Influence of Our Words
The danger of becoming a teacher (James 3:1)
The difficulty of taming the tongue (James 3:2)
The disproportionate power of the tongue (James 3:3-5A)
The destructive potential of the tongue (James 3:5B-8)
The Inconsistency of Our Words
An Observation (James 3:9)
A Problem (James 3:10)
An Illustration (James 3:11-12)
The Internal Change We Need
Continue in the WORD!
Give constant attention to your heart!
Press on with assurance, hope, and anticipation of the day in which all our lips will do is a praise GOD!
 
Duration 41:55

Study of James: ” Fruitless Faith” by Dave Rogers

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Day 2
2:30 PM Auditorium Speaker
Dave Rogers looks at what it means to have faith. Dave discusses measurable faith and shows a few biblical examples of faith. So many Christians have just enough faith to get by, but God wants us to have more than that.
 
Slides:
Faithless Fruits - James 2:14-26
14 What Does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe -- and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Faith
Quality measurable through works pleasing to God.
Sacrifice of Isaac
Rahab and the spies
Enemies of Faith
Doubt
Fear
Lack of understanding
Selfishness
Pride
Faith: Quality measurable through WORKS pleasing to GOD
Duration 40:34

Study of James: ”Purging Partiality” by Daniel Stearsman

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Day 2
1:30 PM Auditorium Speaker
Daniel Stearsman looks at what is partiality and how it is affects Christians. Daniel explains that we should not extend favoritism to any on based on their looks or possessions. God loves everyone and is not biased. We should try to be the same way.
 
Slides:
Purging Partiality - James 2:1-13
James 2:1-13 -
The Sin of Partiality
2 My brothers,[a] show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
What is Partiality?
Romans 2:11
James 1:27; 2:1-13; 3:17; 5:1-6
How Do I Purge Partiality?
Apply the Royal Law
Favor, not Favoritism
Open evaluation of perceptions, assumptions, and presumptions
Duration 41:17

Study of James: ”Be Doers of the Word” by Dawson Eubank

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Day 2
1:10PM Auditorium Keynote Speaker
Dawson Eubank restarts the Equipped Workshop after the lunch break. Dawson examines what it means to be a doer of the word. 
Duration 8:58

Study of James: ”How to Respond to Gods Word” - Doug Burleson

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Day 2
11:00AM Auditorium Speaker
Doug Burleson looks at how we are to approach the WORD of GOD. Doug shows from the book of James that we are all to act on the WORD of GOD.
 
Slides:
How to RESPOND to GOD'S WORD - (James 1:19-27)
Sadly, some may have conditioned themselves to think about "RESPONDING" to GOD'S WORD as what happens when someone walks down the aisle. We need to RESPOND to the WORD every time we encounter it. - (James 1:19-27)
Human struggles evident in James - (James 1:1-15)
Trails
Faith being tested 
Lacking wisdom and struggling with doubt
Poverty
Materialism
Temptation
You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility towards GOD? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of GOD. - (James 4:4)
The WORD of truth - (James 1:18)
Recieve the WORD
Be doers of the WORD
If anyone is a hearer of the WORD and not a doer
*The perfect Law of Liberty
In the exercise of his will he brought forth by THE WORD of TRUTH, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among his creatures. - (James 1:18)
With Humility - (James 1:19-21)
with meekness accept the WORD
This you know, my beloved brethren. But Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of GOD. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in Humility Receive the Word Implanted, which is able to save your souls. - (James 1:19-27)
It is possible to be too busy speaking to hear the WORD of GOD.
It is possible to be too eager to speak the word to take the necessary time to hear the WORD.
It is possible to get angry because of the need to submit oneself to GOD's WORD.
With Integrity - (James 1:22-25) 
Become Doers of the WORD.
But prove yourselves doers of the WORD, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the WORD and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; For once has looked at himself and gone away.... - (James 1:22-25)
He has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the Perfect Law; The Law of Liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. - (James 1:22-25)
What am I looking at?
Am I glancing or gazing?
What Results from my looking?
With Charity - (James 1:26-27) 
As a Doer, GOD's WORD changes everything
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our GOD and Father is this: To visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unspotted by the world. - (James 1:26-27)
My Response to GOD's WORD not only leads to a confession, but also a change in character and conduct.
Let us RESPOND to GOD's WORD with HUMILITY, INTEGRITY, and CHARITY. - (James 1:19-27)
 
Duration 37:12

For Leaders: ”Resources to Help the Struggling” by Glenn Hitchcock

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 2
10:00AM MPR 4 Speaker 
 
Glenn Hitchcock looks at adversity and how it affects both biblical examples and us as church members today. 
 
Slides:
Resources For The Struggling:
The Manifold
Wisdom of God In Practice
The Prayer For Unity: (John 17:20-23) Our Foundation to end strugglesPrayer of Unity (20) I do not pray for these alone, [ENCOMPASSING] →INCLUSIVE, Matt. 16:26; Prov. 11:30.
People of Unity (20) but also for those who will in Me believe on me through their word; [enlisting]→divine authority
Pattern of Unity (21) That they all may be one; as You, Father, are in me, and I in You, that they also may be one in us: [EMBRACING] →UNIQUELY FORMULATED
Purpose of Unity (21) that the world may believe that You sent Me. [EVIDENCING]→DIVINE PROOF [Eph. 3:10]
Preparation for Unity (22) And the glory which You gave Me I have given them; that they may be one, just as We are one: (23) I in them, and You in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them, as You have loved Me.[ENVISIONING]→INTERVENTION OF AUTHORITY
Reasons Congregations Struggle
Congregations Struggle Due to Lack of Vision→ Strategy
Congregations Struggle Due to Worldly Division→ Satan
Congregations Struggle Due to Lack of Leadership→ Shepherds
Congregations Struggle Due to Lack of Spiritual Growth→ Study
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST - Eph. 3:10-11
“Through the Church the Manifold Wisdom of God”
The manifold, or many-sided, wisdom of God might be made known, as it is unfolded in the working of his church on earth. David Lipscomb and J.W. Shepherd, A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Gospel Advocate New Testament Commentary (Gospel Advocate Company, 1989), 61.
Man’s Need For Salvation LAW OF PARDON→Deliverance John 3:16; Rom. 1:16; Tit. 2:11-12
“God Loves Us” → “We Have Worth”
Grace – God’s Part
Obedience – Man’s Part
Decision Required: Salvation or Damnation
LAW OF PLACEMENT [Diversity]1 Cor. 12:12-18
“We Belong”
Placed In The Body By The Impartial God, 1 Cor. 12:18
“Goodness of Fit”
“Our Diversity is Our Strength”
If God Did Not Place It – Then It Does NOT Belong!
LAW OF PURPOSE [Dependence]  1 Cor. 12:19-24
“We Are Necessary”
“We Have Purpose In Christ”
Member Purpose:
 To Glorify The Head
LAW OF PEACE [Direction]  1 Cor. 12:25–26
“We Are Unified As ONE”
“We Care For Each Other”
Directed By The Authoritative Head
Disciplined By The Word
Never Cause For Alarm
LAW OF PERSEVERANCE [Defense] 1 Cor. 12:26; 2 Pet. 3:18, Eph. 6:10-17
“We Are Strong”
“We Are Maturing”
Our Defense Against Struggles
“Fight the Good Fight of Faith”…1 Tim. 6:12
*Law of PERSEVERANCE
INSTRUCTS CHRISTIANS CONCERNING STRUGGLES
1 Pet. 4:15-16 - But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
HOW DOES GOD USE ADVERSITY TO MANIFEST HIS CARE?Practical Ways God Uses Adversity To Show His CareGod Cares For Us By Using Adversity To Direct Us
God Cares For Us By Using Adversity To Inspect Us
God Cares For Us By Using Adversity To Correct Us
God Cares For Us By Using Adversity To Protect Us
God Cares For Us By Using Adversity To Perfect Us.
ADVERSITY TO DIRECT US
Oftentimes life can bog down with insignificant matters, and we fail to put God first (Mat. 6:33).
In ignorance, some attempt to serve two masters (Mat. 6:24) and God has the right to light a chastening fire to direct movement in the proper direction.
Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart. (Pro. 20:30).
ADVERSITY TO DIRECT US
This impacts the human comfort zone. When the comfort zone has been impacted and one recognizes the detour because of adversity, one must decide on a solution.
Satan is full of wiles that seem to care, but only God can resolve the matter (John 10:10).
God wants to direct us to the place of healing (Heb. 12-11-13).
ADVERSITY TO INSPECT US
Much like members of the military who must stand rigorous inspections, the Christian’s armor (Eph. 6:10-17) is subject to inspection.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (Jam.1:2-4).
This impacts the free agency of Christian compliance. No soldier in the Lord’s Army wants to receive a demerit due to non-compliance, (1 Pet. 5:6-9)!
ADVERSITY TO INSPECT US
Adversity is that mirror that we must all view, but God cares enough to offer us the Perfect Law of Liberty to free us from the demerits of sinful conduct (Jam. 1:23-25).
ADVERSITY TO CORRECT US
God will use problems to correct one’s course.
The course corrections prevent apostasy among Christians (2 Cor. 13:5).
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).
“Before I was afflicted, I went astray: but now have I kept thy word” (Psa. 119:67).
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Psa. 119:71-72).
ADVERSITY TO PROTECT US
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents one from harm by something far more serious.
Consider the life of Joseph who was sold by his own brothers into slavery (Gen. 37:28).
How Did God Protect Joseph? First, He moved Joseph to a place of usefulness (Gen. 50:20).
Joseph’s life was improved via tragedy and thus it increased his surrender (Gen. 39:3-6).
As a slave God protected Joseph as Joseph developed his capacity for service. His humility and compliance to God was more important than honor (Pro. 15:33).
ADVERSITY TO PROTECT US
When there are problematic delays in life trust the caring Father to protect us as we convert obstacles into opportunities!
Joseph’s timetable for reunion with his family could have been a problematic delay but he never allowed family matters to detour his walk with God (Gen. 50:20).
If we are unable to traverse through adversity, perhaps God will carry us around it, but never give up or give in! Joseph’s life is a testimony of trials that happen for our good and God’s glory (Rom. 8:28).
ADVERSITY TO PERFECT US
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders, (Rom. 5: 3-4).
As Christians grow in the grace and knowledge of God through His word (2 Pet. 3:18), we take joy in trials and tribulations. Not because of the experiencing of tribulations but we rejoice because of our declaration of dependence on God’s care (Phil. 1:21).
The perfecting via adversity impacts Christian discernment. It is obligated to continue in the righteous path (1 Cor. 15:58).
WHAT MUST I DO TO RECEIVE THIS CARE?Learn The Lessons Of Adversity
First, understand that adversity teaches humility (2 Cor. 12:7).
Second, adversity teaches reliance upon God (1 Pet. 5:7).
Third, understand that adversity teaches the powerful need for prayer (1 The. 5:17).
Fourth, Adversity teaches obedience to the will of God. It is submitting to His authority rather than our own authority (Gal. 6:7-8).
10 Points to mastering struggles
Rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4)
Rely on older Christian women and men (Titus 2:ff)
Learn to Forgive Self and Others (Matt. 6:12; Eph. 4:32)
Studying God’s Word Regularly (Matt. 4:4)
Worship God & Pray Regularly (John 4:24)
Spreading Good News (Mk. 16:15)
Know Your Place in the body (1 Cor. 12:18)
Know Your Purpose in the body (1Cor. 12:19-24)
Work for Peace in the body (1 Cor. 12:25-26)
Persevere in the body (1 Cor. 12:26)
Conclusion
You Are Not Alone, God Cares!
 
Through Trauma And Drama, God Cares!
Through Loss Of Wealth, Loss Of Health, God Remains, And He Cares!
God Continues To Manifest His Care In Time Of Struggle Through His Church.
 
Duration 40:01
 

For Preachers: ”Sermons You Can Preach from the Book of James” by Mike Vestal

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 2
10:00AM MPR 2 Speaker 
 
Mike Vestal kicks off the third track for Day 2 of the Equipped Workshop. Mike begins with a bit of perspective on the book of James. He defines and studies the major themes or threads from the book of James. James is a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and his book is all about being a servant of God. Mike then discusses how sermons based on James can reflect on James' faith and devotion to God. 
 
Duration 39:30

Study of James: ”The Truth About Temptation” - Garrett Bookout

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Day 2
10:00AM Auditorium Speaker
Garrett Bookout looks at temptation and biblical examples of trails and temptation. Trails can lure you away from God or bring you closer to him.
 
Slides:
Peirazo - 
1.To endeavor to discover the nature or character of something by testing (BDAG)
2.To entice to improper behavior (BDAG)
James 1:12 -
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:13-15 -   
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
James 1:16-18 - 
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures
Duration 36:41
 
 

For Leaders: ”Leadership Lessons from James. The Man” by Neal Pollard

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 2
9:00AM MPR 4 Speaker 
Neal Pollard kicks off the second track of day 2 for the Equipped Workshop. Neal looks at first the potential candidates who have been identified as the writer of the book of James. Neal then reviews the leadership qualities of James.
 
Slides:
Which James?
Leaders are the Product of their Influences - (Mark 6:3)
Leaders Lean on Scripture for Decision Making - (Acts 15:13-15)
He uses a relevant passage - (Amos 9:11-12)
He applies it to the current crisis - (Acts 15:19-20)
Sound Judgement follows this - (Acts 15:22a)
Leaders Shouldn't be Held Hostage to their Past - (John 7:5)
Godly Leaders Pray
(James 5:13-18)
Leaders are Servants - (James 1:1)
Leaders Lead in Service - (Philippians 2:3-8)
Who is The Leader in the Book of James?
 
Duration 38:34