WMAP DIGEST Summer 2012

2 / WORLD MAP DIGEST • Summer 2012

Adoption:

Heirs of Godby frank r. Parrish

Part II, continued

Principles of

Adoption

from Scripture

editor’s note: The previous issue of World MAP DIGEST (Spring 2012) included anexcerpt from a larger ACTS teaching on Spiritual Adoption. In that first excerpt of theseries, we began to lay a foundation for understanding the uniqueness of our spiritualadoption as revealed in the New Testament.

The excerpt concluded by quoting the apostle Paul (Gal 4:1-7) as he drew parallelsbetween the Roman custom of adoption and our spiritual adoption by our HeavenlyFather. Though similar in concept, the far-reaching implications of our spiritual adop-tion through Christ greatly exceed all earthly adoptions and have profound significancefor every believer.

With Bibles in hand, let us now resume this important study as we open our heartsand learn what it means to live as a fully-accepted, fully-authorized son of God and co-heir with Christ.

adoption: a free gift

The word “elements” used by Paul has two meaningsin the New Testament. It describes both the elementaryprinciples of Old Testament lawand the pagan religious practicesof Gentiles (see Galatians 4:8-11;Colossians 2:16-23).

Jewish law and pagan reli-gious expressions would seem tohave little in common. However,what they both did in practicewas to try and replace true salva-tion by faith in Christ and thepresence and power of the HolySpirit with rituals, traditions andcustoms of men (see alsoGalatians 3:1-9). But neither therituals of the law nor the practiceof pagan religions could everbring anyone salvation.

When Paul speaks of those inbondage to the elements of theworld, it is clear that Paul is refer-ring to the unsaved person(Gal 4:3). He was not referring tosomeone who was newly bornagain or simply immature in thethings of God.

Thus, Paul was not saying that

we only earn our spiritual sonship as we mature in Christ.Paul’s word-picture is clear in its meaning: We cannotearn our placement as God’s sons. Instead, when we

receive Christ as our Savior, at sal-vation the “child” immediately

becomes the son. We are placed ina mature position in full relation-ship with the Father and as a fullheir.

This placement is not some-thing we have to work to fulfill.We cannot earn the position Godfreely gives us, that of being Hissons. Instead, it is a free gift. Thisgift empowers us to fulfill God’swill and bring more glory to Hisname. Hallelujah!

god’s Perfect timing

Paul goes on in this passageto reveal God’s actions in the flowof human history. Prior to thecoming of Christ, one could onlychoose to serve either a falsepagan religion or the Jewish Law.And neither could bring salvationor restore one to God.

But at the right moment,when the “fullness of time had

When Paul sPeaks of

those in bondage to the

elements of the World, itis clear that Paul is

referring to the unsaved

person (Gal 4:3). He was notreferring to someone whowas newly born again orsimply immature in thethings of God.... Paul’s

word-picture is clear in itsmeaning: We cannot earnour placement as God’ssons. Instead, when we

receive Christ as our Savior,at salvation the “child”

immediately becomes the

son. We are placed in a mature position in full

relationship with the Fatherand as a full heir.

WORLD MAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

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Parrish, Vic Torres.

WMAP CANADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

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McTaggart, Frank Parrish, Wendy Parrish, Horst

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DIGEST STAFF:

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Table of Contents

2 ACTS ExCERPTAdoption: Heirs of God

4 HAITI SEMINAR REPORT Common Language –Rare Opportunity

9 Unreached People Group:The Northern Kurd ofArmenia

9 BURUNDI: Those WhoNeed a Physician

12 ACTS and Shepherd’s Staff

Readers Drink Deeply ofSound Teaching

13 No Bible Training“Blackouts” When WorldMAP Resources Available

World MAP exists to train and empower churchleaders to make disciples of all nations.

Continued on page 10

our PurPose

World MAP trains church leaders in developing nations for ministry.

Why is that important? In recent decades, the number of new Christians in these nations hasmultiplied exponentially. The greatest need is for pastors who know how to shepherd and disciple them.But poverty, persecution or lack of proximity prevent most church leaders from getting the ministrytraining they need.

World MAP exists to meet this need, and our proven strategies have helped train more than one

million church leaders for ministry in 140+ developing nations.

our strategYWorld MAP helps church leaders to be effective through:• printed Bible-based pastoral training that is clear, comprehensive and practical; • seminars within their nations that provide training, promote unity, and minister spiritual

refreshing; • promoting Spirit-filled life and ministry;• enlisting the North American Church to pray fervently and give generously to help indigenous*

church leaders become effective ministers.*World MAP is able to train church leaders because of the generosity of people who recognize the value of equipping indigenousleaders – those native-born citizens who already understand the culture and needs of their communities and who are bestpositioned to reach the unreached and disciple them.

Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11,12; Colossians 1:24-29; 2 Timothy 2:2; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 20:17-28

Volume 52 / No. 3 • Summer 2012

Summer 2012 • WORLD MAP DIGEST / 3

come, God sent forth His Son” so that the Son would fulfill the law(Matt 5:17,18) and make salvation by faith in Him possible.

Pastor To PastorIn Galatians 4:8, Paul writes, “But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you

served those which by nature are not gods.” Paul then writes about “the weak and beg-garly elements” (Gal 4:9). It is clear that Paul, by the Holy Spirit, is linking demonic spir-its with the practice of human religious rituals and philosophies.

The demonic realm is not concerned when people are religious. After all, it is demonsthat have invented and promoted false human religions and the slavery to these deceptions

that destroys people around the world.However, Satan and his demons

are concerned when confronted with thetrue power of God. For they know thattheir power was broken at the Cross ofJesus Christ (Col 2:14,15; Heb 2:14;

1John 3:8; 4:4). They also know they are doomed to eternal damnation (Rev 20:10).God did not send Jesus to give us a new religion, philosophies or rituals. Rather,

Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10) – life that is anointed by the power ofthe Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18) to equip us to do His work now (Col 1:27-29) and to anticipatewith sure hope our eternal destiny to come (1Pet 1:3-9).

Through Christ, we have been set free from the “weak and beggarly elements” offalse religion and deception, that we might walk in the light and truth of God’s dear Son(Col 1:13). Hallelujah! •

fully sons from the moment of salvation

Paul continues on with his word-picture in Galatians. He reveals thatjust as Roman adoption required a witness, so too are Christians given awitness: The Holy Spirit! (Gal 4:6) When we are saved, the Holy Spiritbears witness that we have become part of the Family of God.

The Holy Spirit is given to us at salvation (John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5). Paulgoes on to tell us more of what happens at the moment of salvation:

• we have available to us immediate intimacy with the Father(Gal 4:6; Rom 8:15,16);

• we are made full heirs with Christ (Gal 4:7).These things that coincide with our spiritual adoption take place

immediately at our salvation. They are accomplished solely by God’s sov-ereign work of grace. Our adoption, like our salvation, cannot be earned,nor can it be achieved by any effort of our own.

At salvation, we are placed as full sons into the Family of God by theloving hand of our Father God. To be sure, as we grow in personal matu-

Editor’s Note: The “Pastor To Pastor” notes

(as shown here) appear throughout ACTS to

provide special insight or commentary, speak-

ing directly to the pastor to assist them in

making personal application of the teaching.


SHEPHERD’SSTAFF conferencesin three diversecities open newchapter in Haitianchurch growth.

PASTORS RECEIVE hand-held Bible school andheart-changing ministry.

WILL THESE CHILDREN FROMA JACMEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOLone day be raised up for leader-ship by pastors now hungrilyabsorbing World MAP training?


So when the invitation camefrom Pastor John Morrow of LivingWord Christian Ministries Interna-tional to join him for a series ofpastors’ conferences earlier thisyear, I was thrilled for the opendoor. As my second trip to Haitiapproached, I was greatly antici-pating another powerful time withthe Haitian pastors.

There were two sets of goalsfor this particular ministry trip. Thefirst was to conduct three pastors’conferences in three separate citieswithin Haiti. The ministry in Haitithat organized the meetings gavethem the title, “Shepherd’s StaffPastors’ Conferences.” This was inpart because Pastor Morrow has,

for many years, helped to fund anddeliver World MAP’s training man-ual, The Shepherd’s Staff, to pastorsin Haiti, the Caribbean and CentralAmerica. He has sown tirelessly

I visited Haiti for the first time in early2011 to conduct World MAP seminars.Years prior, God had placed a burden onmy heart for the pastors in Haiti. Afterbeing with them, my love for them wasincreased even more.

JOHN MORROW ministers the liv-ing Word to a local congregation inLes Cayes.

New Door Opens at Haiti Shepherd’sStaff Conferencesby frank r. Parrish

COMMON LANGUAGE – RARE OPPORTUNITY


into these nations, conducting pas-toral training and providing sub-stantial help and resources.

The second purpose for ourtrip to Haiti was to personallyintroduce me and World MAP’sministry to a very influentialHaitian outreach called LivingStone Ministries. Living Stone wasfounded and developed under thevery capable leadership of mission-aries Dan and Liz Carl. With thetiming of our arrival, the Carls werein the process of transitioning backto the United States. They wereplacing the ministry into the capa-ble hands of national Haitian lead-ership who had served beside theCarls for a number of years. We areblessed to be able to partner withLiving Stone Ministries in servingthe Haitian Church into the future.

Years of training – in their handsThe first Shepherd’s Staff

Pastors’ Conference was in the cap-ital city of Port-Au-Prince. The next

conference was a full day’s travelaway on the southeast arm of Haiti,in Les Cayes. And our final confer-ence required yet another full dayof travel over narrow, windingmountain passes to the coastal cityof Jacmel.

The three Shepherd’s Staff con-ferences were shorter in lengththan typical World MAP confer-

ences. But what they lacked in daysthey made up for in intensity! Thenumber of pastors ranged from300 to 500 at each conference –and all of them were immenselyhungry for sound, practical Bibleteaching and a fresh touch of theHoly Spirit.

As I’ve said a number of timesbefore, God greatly responds to

MORE THAN HALF of the 10,000French copies of The Shepherd’sStaff recently sent to Haiti are

already in church leaders’ hands!


great hunger for Him. Because thisis true, and because the Haitianpastors were truly spiritually hun-gry, we enjoyed strong and fruitfultimes with the Haitian pastors.They were filled and re-fired, readyagain for ministry in the very chal-lenging circumstances foundthroughout Haiti. Praise the Lord!

It was a privilege for me toshare the ministry times withPastor John Morrow. He is a truefather in the faith (1Cor 4:14) withan apostolic anointing. Pastor Johntaught on “Pastors as Fathers,”“The Power of Words,” and “ThePower of the Blood of Jesus.” Thiswas excellent teaching for the pas-tors, and was both powerful andwell received.

Following each conference, thepastors eagerly lined up to receivetheir own copies of World MAP’sShepherd’s Staff. Our hand-heldBible school provides them withtraining and teaching material foryears to come. Their joy and

excitement was evident on theirfaces and in their sincere words ofgratitude. Thank you for helpingWorld MAP to provide this pre-cious resource for pastors. You areblessing untold thousands aroundthe world!

taking translation a step beyondYou likely remember when

recently World MAP asked forprayer and provision to print

10,000 French Shepherd’s Staffs inresponse to a suddenly-open doorinto Haiti. I am happy to let youknow that more than half of those10,000 Shepherd’s Staffs havealready been distributed to pastorsin Haiti, though many more leadersare still eagerly awaiting their owncopies.

While in Haiti, I heard manyunsolicited stories of pastors hav-ing to share one copy of The

GUEST HOUSE in Les Cayes where the team (below, l-r: Mona, Clemént, JeanBenoit, John Morrow, Dan Carl, Frank Parrish) stayed two nights.

FAITHFULHANDS makingsure hungry

pastors receiveWorld MAP’shand-held

Bible school,The Shepherd’s

Staff.


My name is Pastor Gourdet Jean Gilbert. I am married with

eight children, six girls and two boys.

I am the pastor of Batis Pascal Church in Haiti. Today (May 5,

2012) is a very important day for me. Why? Because almost 20

years ago, I read an article in ACTS Magazine that had come

from The Shepherd’s Staff. The article was very, very interesting

to me and I have been searching for a copy of the Shepherd’s

Staff book ever since.

I began with writing to a ministry in Germany, but they were not able toprovide a copy. I then wrote to a country in Africa. I provided them with all theinformation they wanted, but I never received a copy of the book. After this, Ifelt it must not yet be God’s plan for me to have a Shepherd’s Staff.

Then one day in January of 2012, I saw a Shepherd’s Staff in the hands of apastor who came to preach at my church. I told the pastor, “Oh my! I’ve beenlooking for this book for many years. How can I find one?”

He said, “I got this from another pastor” and gave me the pastor’s name. Ibegan to try and contact that pastor, and finally in March he came to tell meabout a conference in May where I would be able to receive a Shepherd’s Staff.He also asked me to invite some other pastors, so I invited 59 other pastors tocome to the conference with me!

I give God the glory, because my day finally arrived to receive the book I’vebeen waiting for! I would like to thank the pastors who helped me get the book,and the Americans who came to conduct the leadership conference. It helped meknow I am a leader in the Kingdom of God.

I love you very much and I am asking God to bless you more and moreevery day!

Thank you, Pastor Gourdet Jean Gilbert

Shepherd’s Staff among a dozen ormore pastors, or of other pastorswho had laboriously hand-copiedsections for their own use. Sothose additional books you provid-ed will be a tremendous blessing tothe pastors there.

One of those church leaderswho, after many years of praying,finally received his own Shepherd’sStaff shared his personal testimonywith us, and we are including it inthis DIGEST for your blessing andedification.

The majority of pastors in Haitiwho are able to read and write doso in French (which is the languageversion of The Shepherd’s Staff givento them). French is the primary lan-guage for whatever formal school-ing they might obtain. However,many Haitian pastors expressed tous their desire that The Shepherd’sStaff be available in Creole, the lan-

guage widely used as thecommon language of thepeople of Haiti, and the onemost commonly under-stood as well.

With the pastors’ heart-felt request for a Creole-lan-guage version ringing in myears (and tugging at myheart), I would ask you toplease pray with us for thesure leading of the Spirit

and the provision for this possibletranslation project.

in their own WordsOur time in Haiti was fruitful

and spiritually profitable. WithWorld MAP’s newly-formed rela-tionship with a national ministry inHaiti, we anticipate many moretimes of sharing God’s Word withthe Haitian church leaders as theLord leads and provides.

Thank you for making the min-istry of World MAP possible inHaiti, and in many more nationsaround the world. You are equip-ping God’s chosen leaders in themost desperate places to fulfill Hisupward call in serving the Body ofChrist. Mèsi poutèt ou ak fè lwanjBondye! (Haitian Creole for ‘Thankyou and Glory to God!’)

CREOLE wouldhelp reach thenative unreached children of Haiti.

Population: 65,000

Nearly 100% practice some form of Islam.

Eternal Struggle: This unreached group hides another

unreached group in its shadows. Roughly 5% of Armenia’s

Kurds practice Yazidism, a form of Islam heavily influenced

by the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. They

do not believe in an ultimate triumph of good over evil,

but rather that good and evil – darkness and light – are

locked in an eternal struggle for dominance. The soul,

according to Yazidi teaching, can attain Heaven through

reincarnation in a process of gradual purification. The

more orthodox Kurdish Muslims have long persecuted

the Yazidis as heretics.

PRAY FOR:• Bold missionaries equipped to counter both the false

teachings of Islam and the even stranger false teach-

ings of Yazidism.

• An end to Muslim persecution of Yazidis.

• The Holy Spirit to open the Yazidis’ hearts to put

their trust in Jesus Christ and be assured that “thedarkness is passing away, and the true light is alreadyshining” (1John 2:8).

UNREACHED

PEOPLE GROUP

The NORTHERN KURD

of ARMENIAPopulation: 10,557,25962% Roman Catholic5% Protestant

23% Indigenous10% Muslim

President of the Republic of Burundi: Pierre Nkurunziza

First Vice President: Therence Sinunguruza

Second Vice President: Gervais Rufyikiri

Ruling political parties: Burundi Democratic Front;National Council for the Defense of Democracy –Front for the Defense of Democracy; Unity for NationalProgress.

Economy: Burundi’s labor force is 93% agricultural,with roughly 7 million people in deep poverty.

Health: Even with a very high risk of serious infectiousdiseases, Burundi has an average of only one physicianfor every 100,000 people.

Powder keg! Like Rwanda, Burundi’s population ismainly Hutu and Tutsi. Though the 1994 Hutu-Tutsiholocaust is long past, and Burundi’s elected officialscome from both ethnic groups, the country languishesin corruption and is rife with tension. Violent outbreakshave proliferated in recent years, including reciprocalkillings between government and rebel forces; as justone example, 40 people were massacred in one incidentin late 2011. A Burundi-Rwanda border dispute hassparked fighting among ethnic groups, rebels and armedgangs. The disputed area is less than one square mile.

PRAY FOR:• Conviction and repentance in the hearts of govern-

ment officials tempted to profit through graft or gainpower through coercion.

• Burundian Christians and church leaders to be fer-vent in both evangelizing and “shining as lights” amid acorrupt society (Phil 2:15).

• Supernatural healing and deliverance from the bitterand age-old ethnic hatreds that have plagued this partof Africa for generations.

Join World MAP Prayer Corps and receive monthly prayer bulletins

from Frank and Wendy Parrish.

Email [email protected] to sign up now!

Praying for the Nations

BURUNDITHOSE WHO NEED A PHYSICIAN


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rity and discipline in the things of God, we willbecome more fruitful and effective in our service toHim. However, our service will not make us more lovedby God or more His sons. We are fully sons from the

moment we are saved.

Our identity as a believer is first that we are a sonof God and part of His family; then all else follows. Weare not a pastor who is a son. We are a beloved sonwho is doing the work of a pastor!

Though it is important in this life what you do andwho you are becoming, we must remember: The most

important thing in this life for every Christian tounderstand is that they are first loved by God andplaced as His sons – then all else that they are and willdo should flow from that understanding.

In later sections, we will discuss more fully theprivileges, responsibilities and freedoms that come tous as beloved sons who have been spiritually adoptedinto God’s Family.

regeneration and Justification

This study has allowed us to confidently assertthat our spiritual adoption – our placement as sonsinto the Family of God – takes place the moment weare born again. At this same moment, we alsoreceive justification by our faith in Christ (Gal 2:16),and we experience regeneration by the Holy Spirit(Titus 3:5).

Justification briefly means that when we come tosalvation through faith in Christ, God declares usrighteous. This is solely based upon our faith in thesacrifice of Christ for our sins at the Cross(Rom 4:3). We can never become righteous by ourown works.

But justification is more than forgiveness of oursin and the removal of our guilt. When God justifiesus, He places into our spiritual account the perfectrighteousness of Christ (1Cor 1:30; 2Cor 5:21). Our fulldebt for the penalty of our sin has been paid byChrist’s perfect sacrifice for us. We need only toreceive His saving work.

Regeneration is a sovereign work of God, by theHoly Spirit, that takes place at our salvation (John 3:5-8). Regeneration, or new birth, is an inner re-creationof our fallen human nature. We were dead in our tres-passes and sins, but at salvation we are regeneratedand made a new creature who is now alive in Christ(Eph 2:1,5).

Regeneration is closely related to adoption, and isbound together with it. Regeneration prepares us fora new life as a member of God’s Family. It also pre-pares us for living in, and exercising the privileges of,adoption. Those who are regenerated are sovereignlyadopted by God, placed into the mature position asheirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:15-17;Gal 4:6,7).

destined to be sons

Our adoption was planned in the eternal councilsof God, “having predestined us to adoption as sons byJesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure ofHis will” (Eph 1:5). Our placement as sons is not anafterthought of God. He created us to be His children,but we lost our inheritance through sin. So God, in Hislove and mercy, provided a way for our true inheri-tance and position to be restored – through the sacri-ficial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for oursins (Gal 4:4,5).

We cannot place ourselves as sons. Only God theFather can do this for us. For all those who have sur-rendered their hearts to Christ and believed on Himfor salvation, it is God’s will that they are adopted –placed as sons – into His Family! There is no earning,working or waiting to prove that one is worthy to beaccepted as His son.

hank God for what He has done for us: sendingJesus Christ to die for our sins and to save us;and adopting us – placing us – as His fully

accepted and established sons! (Eph 1:6) But surelythere must be a price for what our heavenly Father hasprovided for us through our adoption. We were clear-ly not adopted because we are worthy or deserving.

a. the Price of the free gift

We can be thankful that our adoption does not

depend upon our worthiness! For which of us is trulyworthy of God’s love and tender mercies? “…For allhave sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23;see also verses 10-18).

All of humanity is totally lost in our sins and underthe just and righteous condemnation of God’s wrath(Eph 2:3; 5:6; Col 3:6,7). Mankind can do nothing tosave himself (Eph 2:8,9; Rom 3:20; Gal 2:16). Who,

Adoption, continued from page 3

Part III

The Price

of Adoption

T

then, can save us? And if they are able to save us, arethey willing to save us?

God’s just condemnation of sin requires that Hisjustice be satisfied before His mercy can be bestowed.God’s judgment on sin is absolutely fixed. “The soulwho sins shall surely die” (Ezek 18:4,20). The penalty forour willful choice of sin is death.

Yet God’s heart has also never wavered from Hisabsolute love for humanity, who are made in Hisimage (Gen 1:26,27) and for His glory.

God’s perfect holiness and justice demand therighteous condemnation and punishment of our sin.Yet the Bible makes clear that God’s love and compas-sion for us are great and everlasting (Jer 31:3; Lam3:22,23; Rom 8:37-39). What then can God do?

the father’s eternal Plan fulfilled

From the moment of Adam and Eve’s rebellion andfall into sin, God in His omnipotent wisdom and greatmercy knew what He would do (see Genesis 3). One ofthe five New Testament passages that speak of our spiri-tual adoption also reveals this eternal plan of the Father:“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forthHis Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeemthose who were under the law [the just condemnation ofsin], that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Gal 4:4,5).

John the apostle wrote it this way: “For God soloved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, thatwhoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever-lasting life” (John 3:16).

As pastors and leaders of the Church of God, youknow that God did not send His Son to earth for justa visit or to give us some new thoughts about religion.Instead, God sent His Son for the express purpose ofdying (Acts 2:23; 3:18; see also Hebrews 2:9). Christdied – gave His very life – in our place. He willinglytook onto Himself the just condemnation of our sin –suffering and taking the penalty of death in our place(2Cor 5:21).

The death of Jesus Christ – when we choose tobelieve on Him and accept that He died for our sin –makes it possible for us to turn to Him in faith for sal-vation. Christ’s saving work is a free gift of grace thatcannot be earned. God sent Jesus because of His lovefor us (Rom 5:6-10; Eph 2:1-10) and His desire “inbringing many sons to glory” (Heb 2:10). Hallelujah!

Your Worth to god

Our adoption – placing us as mature sons with fullprivileges – is part of this act of grace that God theSon (Jesus) accomplished for us at the Cross. “Havingpredestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ toHimself according to the good pleasure of His will” (Eph1:5). In His one act at the Cross, by suffering and dyingfor us, Jesus has made it possible for the “children[heirs] of wrath” (Eph 2:3) to become the “children[heirs] of promise” (Rom 8:17; Gal 4:28).

Before Christ shed His sacrificial blood for us atthe Cross, we were “enemies” and “aliens” (Rom 5:10 ;Eph 2:12; 4:18; see also Colossians 1:20,21). Yet now,by faith in Christ, we are made sons of God (Gal 3:26).Our adoption, like our salvation, does not dependupon, nor can it be gained by, any worthiness or effortof our own. Rather, it depends solely upon the unmer-ited favor – grace – that God bestows upon any and allwho come to Him by faith in Christ.

The price of our adoption is literally, and no less

than, the life and blood of Jesus Christ. Peter declares,“knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible[perishable] things, like silver or gold, from your aimless[useless, empty, fruitless] conduct received by traditionfrom your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, asof a lamb without blemish and without spot”(1Pet 1:18,19; see also 1:23).

Our sonship, our adoption, is based upon theperfect and imperishable blood of Christ. There aretimes when the devil will condemn you, lie to you ortry to discourage you by telling you that you are afailure or that you are unloved or unworthy. But youcan tell him that you have absolute proof that the

devil is a liar!

Your value as a person – your worth to God – isrevealed by what it cost our Father in Heaven to makeyou a son and place you as a fellow-heir with Christ.The price that was paid for you is nothing less thanthe priceless and matchless blood of God the Son!That is your worth and value to the King of kings andLord of lords!

We need no longer struggle with doubts con-cerning our worthiness; Christ’s blood, forgivenessand love make us worthy. We need not fear for ourfuture; as God’s adopted sons, we are heirs of all thatour heavenly Father has promised to those whobelong to Christ. We need not wrestle with guilt overour past; for when we repent and are saved andadopted into our Father’s Family, we are severedfrom the past stain and penalty of our failures andsins. Glory to God!

The devil no longer has the power to enslave us(Heb 2:14-16), for he was conquered at the Cross(Col 2:15). But we must rise up to resist him, declaringthe truth that we are God’s adopted children in fullstanding!

Our priceless adoption also has strong implica-tions for us as God’s sons. To be His adopted sonsmeans that God expects us to live life differently thanbefore our adoption.

b. the implications of the free gift

When we receive Christ, we are transferred (con-veyed) into God’s Kingdom (Col 1:13) and we becomemembers of His household (Eph 2:19) in full standing(Rom 8:17). Because of this, there are some consistent

Continued on page 14



“ACTS and The Shepherd’s Staffhave helped me a lot in my ministry.Thanks for your help in communicating andteaching deep thoughts and lessons ofJesus’ teachings from the Bible. It changeda lot in me and my fellow pastors too.”

– Pastor Mathew Varghese, India

“I have come across your book TheShepherd’s Staff…. Confused pastors gainanswers through this book.”

– Pastor Anthony Kojo, Ghana

“I look forward to receiving the ACTSMagazine. I’ve never encountered sucheasy-to-understand, comprehensive Bibleteaching as I’ve seen in ACTS.”

– Daniel Chokuda, Zimbabwe

“How thankful I am when I receiveyour gift, a precious one, the book titledThe Shepherd’s Staff, a very great helpand reference in sharing, preaching andteaching God’s Word. It is my prayer thatour Lord continue to bless and show favorto World MAP.”

– Larry Escanilla, Philippines

“Warm greetings from sunny Uganda.I hope this mail finds you and yours OK inJesus. I am establishing a new ministry. Inthe recent past I requested for a copy ofThe Shepherd’s Staff. I’m excited to reportthat I just received my copy today. You justplaced in my hand a tool that is invaluablein today’s ministry resources. I last held itin 2001. I had to borrow it from my pastorand never thought I could own one. I ameternally grateful and my prayers are withWorld MAP.”

– David Martin, Uganda

“Wow! Wow! Wow! Thanks a gazillionfor your prompt response. I am truly grate-ful. You will sure hear of my testimonyopenly and whenever my testimony ismentioned ACTS Magazine will be men-tioned. God bless you richly.”

– Pastor Wealth Mavocos, South Africa

“I am thankful of yourresponse to my requestthat I received a gift[The Shepherd’s Staff]from you. This giftwas very important tome. Please send mythanks to everyone inthe community that con-tributed to this wonderfulgift, and will receive theirrewards through Jesus Christ.”

– Claude Wansi, Cameroon

“I have heard of your powerful min-istry from a pastor friend a long time agobut couldn’t get access to it until I saw yourwebsite recently. It has been my eagerdesire to apply for a free ACTS subscrip-tion and a free copy of The Shepherd’sStaff. May you kindly process my requestas soon as possible. I need it for trainingand equipping those precious people that Iam pastoring. I praise God always for yourgenerous help to the developing countries.”

– Pastor Kenneth Chwa, Malaysia

“I just want to appreciate the painsyou take in the ministry to make ACTS getto African ministers and others free. Themagazine itself is a training manual. Ienjoyed reading it and also pass it to my

brethren who are blessed by the write-ups.It is like a Bible school of its own. MayGod, who knows how to reward His own,reward you and strengthen your handsspiritually and financially to make the fullproof of your ministry.”

– Chig Nnanna, Nigeria

“Now I want to share my opin-ion shortly. Once upon a time,

somebody gave me for ashort period of time toread The Shepherd’sStaff. When I read thebook I was very happyand this book is veryimportant to allChristians, specially for

Pastors, Evangelists andTeachers. I am a Pastor of

Ketena Hulet Local Church. I wantto develop myself and feed others.”

– Pastor Dessie Tessema, Ethiopia

“I have been so greatly enriched andedified by ACTS and The Shepherd’s Staff.These are powerful and glorious tools inthe ministry. Every time I read the ACTSand The Shepherd’s Staff I experiencemighty refreshment and revival in myheart.”

– Pastor Joseph Koech, Kenya

“I received the [ACTS] issue onAnointing. It was like a drop of water duringthe summer time.”

– Pastor Felix Ortiz Tenovio, Costa Rica

‘MIGHTY

REFRESHMENT’

ACTS and

Shepherd’s Staff

Readers Drink

Deeply of Sound

Teaching

“I’ve never encountered sucheasy-to-understand, compre-

hensive Bible teaching...”

“You just placed in my hand a tool

that is invaluable intoday’s ministry resources.”

“Every time I read ACTS and The Shepherd’s Staff I

experience mighty refreshment and revival in my heart.”

“I want to develop myself and

feed others.”

To help World MAP maintain this vital conduit of

Christian leadership training for these thirsty church

leaders, please use the accompanying envelope to

send your donation.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).


By Keith G. Balser

More Heat than LightFor four straight days in May

2010, at the ancient ruins ofMohenjo Daru in northwestPakistan, the temperature hit 128degrees. It was the fourth hottesttemperature ever recorded onearth, and the hottest reliablyrecorded temperature on theAsian continent. A dozen otherPakistani cities sweltered in themid- to upper-120s during thatnine-day heat wave.

The summer 2011 heat wavealso hit the 120s and, to avoidelectrical burnout, Pakistan shutoff electricity for up to 20 hourseach day. This year’s scorchingsummer heat has again forcedenergy blackouts, which in turnhave sparked violent protestsaround the country – protests thathave included setting utility vehi-cles ablaze in the swelteringstreets.

Such is the harsh, oppressiveenvironment in which 2,000+Urdu-speaking ACTS andShepherd’s Staff readers live andminister – and they are not alone.

Tens of thousands of World MAPreaders live in similar conditionsin sub-Saharan Africa. They jointhe staggering numbers of peoplein developing nations who areunshielded from the unforgivingrealities of life in this fallen world.

And not just the physicalrealities.

For even when the lightscome back on, vast numbers arestill in darkness. They live wherethe light of the Gospel is littleknown.

The 2 Timothy 2:2 ConnectionPastors in these places do not

take light for granted. Thoughlight from electricity is scarce, thespiritual light shed by the truth ofGod’s Word is even more so.

World MAP’s outreach is notto supply these pastors with elec-tric lighting, but to give themsound equipping in the form ofACTS Training Guides and TheShepherd’s Staff. That is their pleawhen they contact us.

The letters and emails thepastors send us never express

distress over the lack of reliableenergy for lighting and cooling –they are all too aware of a short-age far more serious than elec-tric-power blackouts. They lack areliable Bible teaching and min-istry training infrastructure: onethat will equip them to under-stand, expound, teach andpreach the Bible under the HolySpirit’s anointing; one that willfully ignite them to proclaim theGospel of Jesus Christ, whichalone is “the power of God for sal-vation” (Rom 1:16b).

World MAP’s assignment – ourcalling from the Lord – is to con-tinue supplying resources to keepthese tireless Gospel ministersequipped for every good work,making them vital links in the2 Timothy 2:2 network: “And thethings that you have heard from meamong many witnesses, commit theseto faithful men who will be able toteach others also.”

In the light of eternity, that isthe power supply that makes allthe difference!

implications as to how we must live our lives each day.As the Father’s adopted sons:

1. We no longer owe allegiance

or loyalty to our old masters

Who are these previous masters? In Galatians 4:3,we are told: “Even so we, when we were children, were inbondage under the elements of the world.” As we havelearned, the word “elements” in this passage refers tothe empty religions, philosophies and bondage tolegalism that cannot save us.

Before we were saved, we were in bondage to theseold masters. But now, in Christ, we are set free from:

• our sin and the judgment upon it (Col 1:11-14;2:14);

• bondage to our sinful flesh (Romans 6);• religious legalism, demonic doctrines and self-

effort to earn our salvation (Col 2:16-23);• the fear, intimidation and manipulative lies of

the devil (Col 2:15; Heb 2:14-18).We are to cut off and reject our old allegiances to

ungodly masters. Scripture gives us a clear picture ofthe power we have in Christ to leave ungodly mastersbehind: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new cre-ation; old things have passed away; behold, all things havebecome new” (2Cor 5:17).

However, the freedom from sin and bondage thatwe are given at salvation is not to be used selfishly. Wehave been set free, not to do whatever we want to do;rather, we have gained the freedom to now do as weought to do! Thus, another implication of our adop-tion is that:

2. We owe allegiance and loyalty

to god above all else

The Bible reveals: “And He died for all, that thosewho live should live no longer for themselves, but for Himwho died for them and rose again” ( 2Cor 5:15).

Our Lord is to command our words and actionsnot just while we are at church or functioning in min-istry. If this is all we allow Him, then we are behavinglike the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day(Matthew 23). We have an outward religious form, butwe are not fully serving God from our hearts and withall of our lives (Matt 15:7-9).

Jesus poured out His precious blood and gave Hislife that He might be the Lord of every part of our life– the Lord over our hearts as well as our habits! Hisdesire, and the desire of the Father, is that they fill upour lives and occupy the “first position” of our heart.

We have an obligation to be more than a prodigalson. In other words, we should not take our grandspiritual inheritance gained for us by Jesus’ death andour adoption, and then selfishly squander all the life,joy, peace, grace, purpose and hope that was provid-ed. (You can read more about the prodigal son in

Luke 15:11-32.) The gifts and callings of God are forour blessing and for HIS purposes and use, to bringHim glory and to further His Kingdom.

It is true that the prodigal son was forgiven andreceived back by his father. This does provide a beauti-ful picture of the mercy and love of God. However, muchof what the prodigal son lost in purpose and gifts, andin God-given potential, was never to be recovered.Further, had he not repented, the prodigal’s waywardlife would have led to a certain and eternal destruction.

Pastor To PastorAll of us are aware of spiritual leaders who were called and

empowered by God to do His will. He gave them good gifts andabilities. He called them for His use, to serve Him and others forthe sake of the eternal purposes of God.

But then they began to allow ungodliness in their hearts.Often pride or fleshly desires crept in and were not dealt with.Soon that led to sin, such as: justifying the stealing of money;committing sexual sin; abandoning their families; or other compro-mises of the flesh. They came to love their positions, titles ofrespect, and “the praise of men more than the praise [approval] ofGod” (John 12:43) – serving those things instead of the Lord.

For a time, it may have appeared that these leaders weregetting away with something, fooling others and even God. ButGod is never fooled (Gal 6:7,8). Nor does God look lightly uponsin and rebellion (Heb 3:12-15; Jude 8-11). Sinful behavior even-tually leads to serious consequences, even destruction (Jas 1:13-15); this applies to all people, including church leaders.

Sin also damages the testimony of the pastor and the churchin the community. Families suffer, and much pain and grief isexperienced by all who become aware of the failures. It is no won-der that Satan works so hard to tempt away and destroy leadersin the Church! (Luke 22:31).

But where does sin begin? It begins in the heart(Matt 12:34,35; 15:19; 2Pet 2). When our hearts are not fully loyaland submitted to God – fearing Him in all godliness and reverence– then other things begin to press out the Lord’s first place in ourheart. But if we prepare and give our hearts fully to the Lord, Hewill go before us and establish our way (1Sam 7:3; Prov 3:5-8).

So pastors, watch over your hearts! (Prov 4:23) Daily submityour heart to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to reveal any weakness,deception or fleshly desire that may be taking root. We cannotalways know our own heart (Jer 17:9,10). But God looks upon ourhearts (1Sam 16:7) and He can bring conviction to us by thepower of the Holy Spirit.

Be faithful to read your Bible every day as well. For the livingWord of God has the power to reveal to you what is in your heart(Heb 4:12). Then obey what you read, becoming one who doesthe Word! (Jas 1:22) •

3. all that we have – and all that we are –

belong to the lord

As adopted sons, our lives, relationships, gifts,abilities, potential and earthly possessions all belongto God. Everything about us, including our desires andhopes (Ps 37:4,5), is to be submitted to God and to Hiswise rulership.

Some people, in their fear or their selfishness,

Adoption, continued from page 11



may rationalize or justify withholding their time, talentor treasure from God.

But the reality is that whatever is not given to Godand is kept back for ourselves is also kept back from Hisblessing upon it.

We should desire above all else the blessing ofGod upon everything in our lives! But that requires usto surrender everything to God. This means to giveHim charge of even the untransformed areas in ourlives. When we do this, it releases God to deal with us,our needs, our sins, our desires, in His all-wise and all-powerful way.

As we yield and respond to His convicting work –confessing and repenting of our sin and becomingmore obedient to His Word – He will shape us into theimage of His Son, which is His will for us (Rom 8:29).Then God can trust us with even more of His blessingsand assignments!

Remember, as an adopted son, the goal and effortof our whole life is to bring glory and honor to ourheavenly Father. We are also to bless and honor Hishousehold (the Church – Gal 6:10; Eph 2:19), of whichwe are a vital part.

4. as sons placed in a mature position

of inheritance, we are obligated to

consistently pursue spiritual maturity

Being placed as a son – spiritual adoption – hap-pens when we are born again. In the case of humanadoption, the adopted child usually becomes an heirupon the death of the adopting parent. It is assumedthat the child will have grown up and matured, andbeen proved worthy of receiving his inheritance.

However, God’s ways are not always man’s ways(Isa 55:8,9). We do not have to prove ourselves worthyof our inheritance as God’s sons and saints. This isimportant, since no one is worthy of the wonderfulgifts and blessings that are given to us as a spiritualinheritance. Instead, our son-placement (adoption)and our inheritance are received freely by faith, just aswe receive our salvation. We must believe what Godhas promised in His Word and receive what He hasfreely provided.

It is important to emphasize, however, that theScriptures reveal that we must also mature spiritually.We all begin as babes in Christ who need to grow(1Cor 3:1-3).

Though our adoption places us in a mature posi-tion – qualified to receive all of God’s provision – wemust still grow up in the things of our faith, away fromcarnality and toward true spirituality.

This spiritual growth does not earn us more inheri-tance. We cannot become more worthy than Christhas already made us through His work at the Cross.But we must learn to function more faithfully andfruitfully in the sonship and inheritance God hasgiven to us.

the necessity of growth

As we are faithful to obey God and be transformedfrom within, we become more and more capable ofhandling the privileges our Father wants us to have(see Matthew 25:14-29).

There are many biblical passages of exhortationregarding our maturing as God’s sons. For example,we are to grow:

• in faith (2Cor 10:15);• in the knowledge of God (Col 1:10; 2Pet 1:1-4);• in grace (2Pet 3:18);• in spiritual wisdom (Eph 1:17-19);• in knowing Christ and His work (Phil 3:7-11);• in understanding our calling (Phil 3:12-16);• in righteous priorities (Col 3:1-4);• in sanctification (2Pet 1:5-8). These examples represent just a few of the many

ways in which we are to be continually growing andbeing transformed after our salvation. Take time tosearch the Scriptures for even more ways you can spir-itually grow as a son of God.

the Pathway of growth

It must be stated that spiritual growth and matu-rity in Christ is not automatic. God, by the Holy Spirit,will always be faithful to meet us and help to trans-form us. But this process must have our full coopera-tion – including a willingness to repent, change, denyour flesh, obey the Word of God, and more.

The Bible is clear that in order to grow and maturespiritually, there are things we must do. We must:

• feed on the Word of God (1Pet 2:2; Heb 5:11-14); • be devoted to the systematic study of God’s

Word (1Tim 4:13; 2Tim 2:15), especially aschurch leaders;

• strive to make the kind of choices in life thatwill help you to mature spiritually (1Tim 4:8-16; 6:11,12,20; Heb 5:14; 1John 3:1-3);

• be continually filled, again and again, withGod’s Spirit (Eph 5:18).

Our Father wants us to grow up in Him. He hasgiven us all that we need to be partakers of His divinenature (2Pet 1:2-4). He has committed Himself and all ofHeaven’s resources to the process of our growth andspiritual maturity. And He has given us the privilege ofpartnering with Him as He works in us (Phil 2:12,13).

God desires for us, as His sons, to do great things inHis Kingdom. Because this is true, we must give our-selves to being mature and trustworthy heirs.(See 1 Corinthians 2:6; 14:20; Philippians 1:6; 3:15;Hebrews 5:12-14). As we have learned, there are bothresponsibilities and privileges for the adopted son ordaughter. This teaching will conclude in the next DIGESTby reflecting on the privileges and purpose of our adop-tion – and the assurance it gives us that “we are morethan conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom 8:37).

Full teaching: http://www.world-map.com/ACTS_Heirs.pdf

In Canada, send contributionsand correspondence to:World MAP Canada120-5501 204th StreetLangley, BC V3A 5N8

All others write to:World MAP1419 N. San Fernando Blvd.Burbank CA 91504USA

Please use the envelope provided insidethis magazine to send your donation,

which will help pastors lead many moreto the “water of life” (Rev 22:17).

“Oasis” and “well of inspiration” are how one reader pictures ACTS teachings.Ministry for many Third-World pastors is like a desert path where reliable resources arerarely, if ever, available. ACTS Training Guides and The Shepherd’s Staff are wellspringsof sound Bible teaching, and World MAP Seminars are refreshing way-stations along the

rugged ministry path.

Just $8 supplies a free Shepherd’s Staff; $5 supplies ACTS free of charge; $20 providesfree attendance for one pastor at a World MAP Spiritual Renewal Seminar. Please help us

continue equipping these frontier pastors in the driest places on earth to fulfill theirultimate goal: leading multitudes of lost souls to the “wells of salvation” (Isa 12:3).

Documents

WMAP DIGEST Summer 2012