Illustration - The Components of Suffering

One of the things I find young disciples need is a good theology of suffering. And they need it before they start suffering because it's a whole lot easier to form logical convictions before you are in pain. We know that it’s not a matter of if a person will suffer; it’s a matter of when.








For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 12) - The Holy Spirit: Indwelling

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
(1 Corinthians 3:16)

As we continue in our discussion about the Holy Spirit’s role in the restoration process, we must acknowledge there is much confusion in Christendom today. Our personal convictions on this doctrine affect how we disciple young believers.

I believe every true born-again follower of Jesus is indwelled by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8.9). I believe upon conversion, a disciple is baptized with the Holy Spirit (Ac 2.38, 10.47, 11.16-17, Rom 8.9). I also believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the filling of the Holy Spirit can be two separate events (Ac 2.4, Ac 13.52 NASB). But in these beliefs, I choose not to wrangle with my Pentecostal or Fundamental brethren. We all agree the presence and the work of the Holy Spirit is essential to every believer's transformation in pursuing the image of God (1 Cor 3.18, 12.13, Rom 8.9).

However, there are two grave errors in Christianity today regarding the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. One is to focus on the Holy Spirit and his supporting role as primarily an emotional event rather than a life-changing agent. I find many who are so “filled with the Holy Ghost” on Sunday bear no evidence of the Holy Spirit's transforming power during the rest of the week (1 Cor 3.11-17, 14.7-11,26, 2 Cor 3.18).

The second error is just as dangerous. Some fundamental Christians, in reaction to the abuses of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, have completely discounted any role or function of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's life. Jesus give a very stern warning against such an abuse (Mk 3.28-29).

The Holy Spirit abides in every authentic believer and is the true power for real transformation (2 Cor 3.18, Gal 5.22-23).

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 11) - The Holy Spirit: The Breath of Life

I've been talking a lot about the role that Jesus Christ plays in restoring us to the original image of God. To summarize, first, He is the only perfect example of both morality and ministry. Second, there are many methods in both group sizes and tools that we use to help people follow His example. And last, we are responsible for using the techniques that are effective in helping others become like Him. The bottom line is that He is the only adequate model we have in order to rebuild the original image (Col 1.15, Heb 1.3). The restoration process requires us to continuously examine Christ’s life and conform ours lives to His. This is true discipleship.

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Cor 3.18 NLT)

We discussed two persons of the Trinity: the Father and the Son; now I'd like to talk about the Holy Spirit's role in the restoration process. First, we need to recognize the parallel between God breathing into his nostrils of Adam (Gen 2.7) and the Holy Spirit being our spiritual breath of life. The powerful residence of the Holy Spirit is promised with Jesus’ arrival by John the Baptist (Mt 3.11, 1 Cor 3.16). Jesus alludes to the Holy Spirit’s coming in the future (Jn 7.37-39). Then in John chapter 20, He breathes on them and they receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 20.22). As the breath of God filled Adam's lungs so the breath of Jesus filled the spiritual lungs of the apostles with the Holy Spirit. The regeneration of the Spirit is the only means for the beginnings of real spiritual transformation (Titus 3.5). The Holy Spirit is the power for every believer to live life in the original image of God (2 Cor 3.18).

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Chuck's Bio

Chuck was born in San Francisco, California in 1959

He started following Jesus Christ in December 1979 as a young soldier in the US Army.

He served 29 years as an Infantryman and Chaplain in the US Army. 

Chuck is married to Deb and has two sons, Chuck and Wes

Chuck and Deb have been making disciples in Christ for over 30 years and continue to minister to men and women across the nation by helping them start their own Disciple-Making Communities (DMCs).

All to the glory of Christ Jesus his Savior and Lord

To read Chuck's Testimony click on the link below:

Chuck's Testimony

You can contact Chuck at: Charleswood1@gmail.com

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Testimony 5: The Geographical Solution

Chapter 5

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. (PSALM 139:7-10)


But things did change. They changed for the worse. I was feeling pretty good about myself as a soldier but my activities with my friends were beginning to impact my life in a negative way. We were doing things that the Army frowned on. (Not a lot of detail because I don't want to give my sons any bright ideas.) You know the kind of stuff privates do and normally get themselves booted out of the Army. Well, I was having fun but I knew I was eventually going to wind up in big trouble. So I had a better idea. I thought "If I get away from these characters, it will solve my problems." Ah, yes. The geographical solution. Don't change your behavior, run away. Change your location. So I pushed to be assigned to a Special Operations Unit (like I had asked my recruiter in the first place!) and I figured that the hard core, Hooah ranger guys would never think about doing the things my buds and I were doing. After much paperwork, a Ranger recruiting team, and the promise of the XVIII Airborne Corps Commander ( I was too young to realize that when a General says to a young Recondo school graduate, "If there's anything I can do for you, boy, let me know," he was just making conversation.) I found myself at the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Ft. Lewis, WA.

Chapter 1: The Beginning
Chapter 2: Jesus is Watching You
Chapter 3: Paratrooper Religion
Chapter 4: Afraid of being Left Behind
Chapter 5: The Geographical Solution
Chapter 6: The Geographical Solution Fails



For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 10) – The Restoration Process: Dangers

Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?
(Mark 12:24)


At this point many of you may be becoming uncomfortable. And probably rightfully so. Or some of you may be asking, “why are you belaboring this point.” The fact of the matter is that there are two extremes in the discipleship camp.

On one extreme, discipleship has become so compartmentalized that only one technique is acceptable and they are in grave danger of becoming like the Pharisees (Mt 15.3, Col 2.16-23). Now there is no room for creativity, the gifts of the body, or even God himself to do His work. The other extreme is so loosey-goosey that it lacks any form of intentionality and those being discipled lack for spiritual nutrition. These are in grave danger of becoming mystics without substance (Eph 4.14, Col 2.8, 1 Tim 4.7-8)

I believe the Scriptures and Jesus’ ministry provide plenty of room for difference and yet provide the intentionality required to see real transformation in people's lives. Let me give you an example. There are those who rely heavily on illustrations (drawings used to explain biblical principles) and those who do not like to use them at all in their ministries. I would say that this is a personal preference and probably has something to do with their gifting and the reception of the disciples that they are presently ministering to. But to say illustrations are wrong would completely fly in the face Jesus’ ministry. His parables were spoken illustrations in order to communicate spiritual concepts. Illustrations are simply a technique, they are an amoral method. But for one to say that illustrations are the only way to disciple men and women would put limits on God's work, individual gifting, and different learning styles.

However , we must acknowledge that some techniques work better than others with certain people and settings. To fail to acknowledge this lacks integrity. I'm not saying that we are to do whatever works, but if it falls in the realm of biblical truth or example, then by all means, we ought to use a technique that is effective. But it's really not about the technique at all. It's about the effect. Are the techniques and methods we are using actually helping people to transform their lives into the image of Christ? Are they returning to the original image of God that he designed?

The task of discipleship is to help people become like Jesus. There are many techniques we can use in order to accomplish this task but the techniques should never drive the task. The task always drives the techniques. Therefore, we need to use methods that are effective in helping people become like Jesus.

Normally, it's a combination of many methods that help people grow in their relationship of Christ. The two dangers that I see are one, people zeroing in on a technique and then dogmatically defining that technique as discipleship. Or two, using methods of “discipleship” that do not actually help a person follow Christ and then blindly practicing them without ever asking the question; “is this working?”
Consider this one of “Chuck’s Soap Boxes”

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 9) – The Restoration Process: Tools and Techniques

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 3:10-11)


We have been talking about techniques that have to do with the number of people that are being discipled at any given time. Let's press on to the various tools that may be used in order to help a person become like Jesus.

One of the most common tools used is a curriculum that focuses on the basic disciplines of the Christian life. This is a great tool but it does not cover all the venues that help a person follow Christ. Let me challenge your thinking. When a person listens to a sermon and he is moved into his heart and his thinking to become more like Jesus, is he not being discipled? The answer is obviously yes. So a sermon is an acceptable tool for discipling people.

Can a person be discipled by someone who's dead? This sounds a little squarely, but think about all the authors that have written tremendous books about following Jesus. Many of us have been mentored by people like DL Moody, Hudson Taylor, Dawson Trotman, and Bill Bright. Are they not part of the disciplemaking process? We could even include the writers of Scripture as some of our primary disciplers.

And what about music? Does it inspire us to follow Christ more closely, to become like Him? In the Middle Ages music and art were the primarily tools used to disciple people who were mostly illiterate.

I would submit to you, that anything that helps us follow Jesus and become like him, is an acceptable tool or method for discipleship. But remember the tool or technique must have its effect. If my methods are not helping people to follow Christ more effectively, then I need to change my methods.

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 8) – The Restoration Process: One-on-One Discipleship

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."
(John 3:1-2)

We were discussing the fact that Jesus discipled people in many group sizes from one-on-one to the masses. So why am I so big on one-on-one discipleship? It has everything to do with effect. My goal is to help someone become like Jesus. Eloquent speakers may be able to help people know what they ought to do but I find a sermon will usually fall short of application. Modern American Christianity is filled with Christians who know a lot. But that is not the objective in becoming a follower of Christ, knowledge is not enough. Jesus expresses this in his Parable of the Foundation (Lk 6.46-49). The man who builds his house on the rock is like a man who hears the word and applies it. James, the brother of Jesus, expresses the same principle. He says that we should “not be merely hearers who were but doers of the word” (Jm 1.22). Jesus, in His Great Commission, instructs His apostles to teach in such a way that the would be disciple will apply, obey, observe, all that He has commanded (Mt 28.18-20). Teaching about Jesus is not enough. We must help people become like Jesus by doing the things He did.

In the diagram you see four levels of ministry; congregational, sub congregational, small groups, one-on-one. The top part of the triangle represents the number of people that you can teach at each level. Although at the congregational level has the highest attendance and is most expedient, it generally produces the least amount of application. But as we move down the triangle to small groups and one-on-one, the likelihood of application increases significantly. I believe there is greater application at the bottom for several different reasons. One is accountability. It's hard to hide when you are nose to nose, looking someone in the eyes and ask an application question. But in the congregation setting, for a pastor to point someone out and ask “Hey Bob! How are you doing with that lust problem?” is totally inappropriate. Another reason why one-on-one is so effective, is because it's highly relational and the curriculum can be adapted to the individual's needs. As I enter into a one-on-one relationship one of my first questions is “How can I help you?” In the congregational and sub congregational settings I have to make assumptions on what’s most helpful to the people that I'm addressing. Finally, I practice one-on-one discipleship because almost anyone can do it and it is highly reproducible. I do not need to be a gifted speaker or preacher. I simply need to be relational and know enough of the Scriptures to encourage another to follow Jesus.

So my preference for a discipleship method is one-on-one but this does not mean that people cannot be discipled at the other levels of ministry. Jesus discipled people at all four levels. I have personally experienced discipleship at all four levels. But after seeing the results of any particular technique, it would stand to reason that a person would use the method that would cause the most effect. And unless a person is called to a particular ministry, it would seem both biblical and logical to use the methods that are most effective. At times the techniques are dictated by gifting or individual preference, but I think we ought to take our cues from Jesus ministry. When you evaluate Jesus ministry, you also see a greater effect in the 12 apostles and the one-on-one encounters that He has. This argument is not to make the case that one-on-one discipleship is the only way to disciple men and women. That is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I believe we greatly benefit from all four levels of ministry. But if you're not seeing the results of people following Jesus zealously in your own personal ministry, I would consider changing your technique. The goal is not the method, the goal is to help people become like Jesus and restore the original image.

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 7) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship Continued

And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles…Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place; and there was a large crowd of His disciples, and a great throng of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon, (Luke 6:13,17)

Yesterday I talked about the definitions of discipleship as a process of following Jesus and becoming like Him. I also tried to illuminate from the gospel of John how evangelism is part of discipleship. Today I want to talk about the methods of discipleship (or the methods of becoming like Jesus).

For the last 80 years of modern American Christianity, much has been said and written about discipleship. Dawson Trotman, the founder of the Navigator's, was instrumental in developing tools and techniques for discipleship. Various para-church and local church organizations have adopted and adapted many of these methods for their ministers. And although these tools and methods are very helpful they are not the centerpiece of the discipleship process. The centerpiece of discipleship is becoming like Jesus and therefore any tool or technique that helps me to do so is fair game.

Let me illustrate. Navigators have put a premium on one-on-one discipleship. Is this the only technique for discipling men and women? As we look to Jesus’ ministry the obvious answer is no. Men and women were becoming Jesus’ disciples in various sizes and group settings. In Luke 6.12-17, we see three distinct people groups; the 12 apostles, a large crowd of disciples, and a great throng of people. The group that I'm most concerned with for this discussion is the middle group, the large crowd of disciples. The question must be asked; how did this large crowd of disciples become disciples? The answer is primarily through Jesus’ teaching in a large group setting.

But he also chose the 12 because he wanted to spend significant time with them in order to train them as apostles. He formed a small group in order to be more effective. Later in John chapter 21, when Jesus is exhorting Peter, Jesus speaks to him man-to-man. Jesus wanted to make sure that Peter got the message so he speaks to him one-on-one. Jesus uses this technique for effect.

So we can observe from Jesus’ ministry that He had different levels of discipleship. I separate these levels into four distinct groups; congregation, sub congregation, small groups, and one-on-one. It should not escape our notice that the effects of becoming like Jesus increase as groups get smaller. But this does not negate the fact that Jesus was able to help people follow him and become disciples in large groups.

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 6) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship

And He *said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."
(Matthew 4:19)

Yesterday we discussed the importance of why we need to follow Jesus and become like Him. Today, I will make the case that the act of following Jesus and becoming like Him can be summed up with one word; discipleship. When Jesus calls men and women to follow Him they become his disciples and the process of becoming a disciple is called discipleship. But this is not necessarily our contemporary understanding of discipleship. Modern Christianity has boiled discipleship down to a program. We have books, Wednesday night programs, and even people trained to do discipleship.

Discipleship cannot be relegated to an hour a week or pressed into the pages of a book. We have become so indoctrinated in this way of thinking that our definitions of discipleship have actually limited our understanding of what it means to be Christ’s disciple. Our definitions are mostly derived by our methods or techniques rather than the person we are trying to become like. We need to go back to the gospels for our definition. It is a lifestyle of becoming like Jesus and anything that facilitates that process can be called discipleship. If discipleship is following Jesus then anything that helps me to follow Jesus is discipleship.

Let me develop this argument around evangelism. Can a person be a disciple of Jesus and not be a convert? Yes. Let me rephrase the question: can a person follow Jesus and not be a Christian? Many did and were called disciples. We have clear examples of this in John chapter 6 where we see people following Jesus prior to their conversion. They were called disciples. When Jesus makes the statement, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. (John 6:53) the gospel writer notes that “many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.” (John 6.66)

Later in the chapter Jesus points out that even Judas was a disciples who did not experience conversion. But the fact remains that these people were actively following Jesus and defined as disciples by the apostle John. They were disciples in the sense that they were investigating who Jesus was. I call this pre-conversion discipleship (in other words pre-salvation followers of Jesus).

A person's conversion does not normally come in a nice neat package. Usually conversion happens when a person is introduced to Jesus and considers who He is and surrenders their lives to him as both Savior and Lord. This process takes time. Certainly, an individual can become a true Christian in 15 minutes but that is not usually the case. Under normal circumstances, it takes an individual days, months, or even years to understand the redemptive work of Jesus and make an intelligent decision to make Him Lord of their lives. I believe that this pre-conversion process is just as much discipleship as what happens after a person becomes a Christian. So this would make evangelism (the act of informing and persuading a person to become a follower of Christ) a part of discipleship.

This has a huge impact on the way we do evangelism. Now, instead of trying to get a person to pray a prayer, we are simply introducing them to Jesus. We are not trying to get them to make a statement of faith; we are trying to help them follow Jesus. And this was how Jesus practiced evangelism. He simply asked people to follow him and as they followed him, they became convinced that he was the Messiah. Or, in instances of disbelief they stopped following Him and were not converted.

Still not convinced? Let me phrase it this way; what part of conversion is not a part of following Christ? No part. On the other hand, what part of following Christ is not a component of conversion? Many parts (Lordship, giving, practice of spiritual gifts, etc.). It is important for us to gain a biblical understanding of discipleship in order to keep from compartmentalizing the process of following Jesus.

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 5) – The Restoration Process: The Son

Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6)


It’s like a mint condition 1957 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. As you are driving it home, you take the corner too fast and roll the antique car in the ditch. A policeman comes to your aid and to add insult to injury, he gives you a ticket for speeding and talking on a cell phone with a buddy while driving. But he also gives you a business card for one of the best repair shops in town. As the wrecked heirloom enters into the repair shop, the master mechanic is grieved that such a classic vehicle has been so damaged. But he is also thrilled that you have chosen him to fix such a prized possession.



The Father Creator has provided opportunity for restoration, now enters the Son of God. Jesus Christ expresses his role in the restoration process in John 14.6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Jesus is the way in the sense that he provided the sacrifice that was necessary in order to stay God's wrath (Rom 5:9; 1 Thess 1:9; Is 53). He is the gate by which we come to salvation and are reconciled to the Father (Jn 10.1-5).



Jesus is the truth. In the midst of Satan's lies and the lies of the world there is one true way (Jn 8.44, 1 Jn 2.15-16). The way is narrow and that is the only way. Truth is narrow by definition (Mt7.14). All other attempts or methods of trying to gain God's favor or affection are lies from the pit of Hell (Gal 1.8). Jesus is the only means by which a man or woman can gain access to God. The integrity of this method is not based on our perceptions or beliefs but is based on the prerogative of the Designer of salvation (Jn 3.16, Rom 9.20). He is the one who determines the standard by which we interact in a right relationship with Him. He and He alone determines what truth is, for he has created all things and knows all things (Titus 1.2).



And Jesus is the life. Not only an aspect of life that comes through breathing, a moving and being, but he has life in a sense of the example to follow (Jn 13.15, Lk 6.40, 1 Jn 2.6, Eph 5.1). He is the supreme prototype (Col 1.15). Where Adam failed, Jesus lives in victory. He is all that the original image was meant to be. He modeled for us what the first Adam could not do (Rom 5.14-17, 1 Cor 15.22). Now we see clearly what God intended us to be through the life of Jesus Christ. It is not only his death and resurrection that are so vital for our restoration, but it is also his life, which is as equally essential (Jn 10.10).





As we look to him and follow his example, we too are becoming all we were meant to be. This is why Jesus’ life is so important to us. He is the only person, the only example, which we can possibly trust to follow without reservation and achieve the goal of glorifying God. He is the perfect image of God in human form (Heb 1.3, Col 1.15).



It’s like a mint condition 1957 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. As you are driving it home, you take the corner too fast and roll the antique car in the ditch. A policeman comes to your aid and to add insult to injury, he gives you a ticket for speeding and talking on a cell phone with a buddy while driving. But he also gives you a business card for one of the best repair shops in town. As the wrecked heirloom enters into the repair shop, the master mechanic is grieved that such a classic vehicle has been so damaged. But he is also thrilled that you have chosen him to fix such a prized possession. As the Master Mechanic looks at the wreck, it is unrecognizable. He will need to look at an original in order to make the repairs. He could have simply exchanged the old wreck for the model but the sentimental value forces him to restore the heap of mangled metal. Each repair is made only after looking to the original model to insure quality restoration. To be continued…



(Part 1) - The Glory of His Image
(Part 2) – Too Much of a Good Thing
(Part 3) – We Need a Savior
(Part 4) – The Restoration Process: The Father
(Part 5) – The Restoration Process: The Son
(Part 6) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship
(Part 7) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship Continued
(Part 8) – The Restoration Process: One-on-One Discipleship
(Part 9) – The Restoration Process: Tools and Techniques
(Part 10) – The Restoration Process: Dangers


For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 4) – The Restoration Process: The Father

"But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! 'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."' "So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
(Luke 15:17-20)


It’s like a mint condition 1957 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. As you are driving it home, you take the corner too fast and roll the antique car in the ditch. A policeman comes to your aid and to add insult to injury, gives you a ticket for speeding and talking on a cell phone with a buddy while driving. But he also gives you a business card for one of the best repair shops in town.



We've discussed our circumstances as broken and spiritually dead people. Damaged goods, if you will. We also talked about how modern Christianity has mostly ignored God's design for complete restoration by not moving beyond new birth into further spiritual transformation. Now I want to focus on several important components of restoration. We'll take a look at the roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In addition, I want to spend some time explaining how the Word of God, fellowship, and our active participation in the Kingdom plays a role in the restoration process. These are the mechanics, if you will, in the repair shop. Each has a specific job in repairing the image. Remember that God's objective in this process is to return every man to his original state in order for him to be everything he was intended to be.



Let's start with the Father. The Paternal figure of the Trinity is the source of life and the Head of the family. He is both nurturer and disciplinarian. Jesus gives us a very vivid picture of the Father figure in His parable of the Prodigal Son. The father is waiting on the son to return and when he does, the father expresses his joy and relief for the son’s return with lavish love. The picture is one not only of rebellion and recklessness, but reunion and reconciliation as well.





God expresses these same concepts in the Old Testament. His desires is that men will seek Him and be reconciled to Him. But in order to reconcile, there must be a realization of separation (Isa 59.2). Just as in the story of the prodigal son, once we make that realization, the journey home begins. It is that active seeking to return that pleases God. A couple of examples: In Jeremiah 29.11-13, God disciplines the children of Israel but assures them He has a plan for their welfare. His deepest desire is that they simply seek to have a relationship with Him on His terms. In 1 Chronicles 28.9, David is admonishing his son to seek God with all his heart. There are a set of two-pronged consequences associated with Solomon’s obedience to David's admonition. If Solomon seeks God, he will find Him. But, if Solomon ignores God, he will be rejected forever. So God's desire is that we acknowledge our waywardness and our great need for His design for our lives. He is waiting for our return.



It’s like a mint condition 1957 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. As you are driving it home, you take the corner too fast and roll the antique car in the ditch. A policeman comes to your aid and to add insult to injury, he gives you a ticket for speeding and talking on a cell phone with a buddy while driving. But he also gives you a business card for one of the best repair shops in town. As the wrecked heirloom enters into the repair shop, the master mechanic is grieved that such a classic vehicle has been so damaged. But he is also thrilled that you have chosen him to fix such a prized possession. To be continued…



(Part 1) - The Glory of His Image
(Part 2) – Too Much of a Good Thing
(Part 3) – We Need a Savior
(Part 4) – The Restoration Process: The Father
(Part 5) – The Restoration Process: The Son
(Part 6) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship
(Part 7) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship Continued
(Part 8) – The Restoration Process: One-on-One Discipleship
(Part 9) – The Restoration Process: Tools and Techniques
(Part 10) – The Restoration Process: Dangers


For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Lordship Changes

Another devotional on Lordship. These are the changes one may see as they make Jesus the Lord of their lives.

Lordship Changes

Changed life – Gal 2.20
Changed direction – Lk 9.23
Changed mind – Rom 12.2
Changed mission – Mt 4.19
Changed occupation – Mt 4.18-22
Changed plan – Jer 29.11-13
Changing our God – Lk 24.52

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

What does it mean to follow Jesus (Lordship)

Here's a small devotional on the first steps to making Jesus the Lord of your life.

What does it mean to follow Jesus (Lordship)

Hear His voice – Jn 10.27
Take up a Cross – Lk 9.23
Obedience – Jn 14.21
Friends – Jn 15.4, 10
Be like Him – Lk 6.40
Forgive like Him – Lk 24.47

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Jesus and the Lordship of the Father

I'm going to be a little short on time over the weekend so I'll post a few devotionals for your kitbag.

This is my introduction to Lordship (making Jesus not only my Savior but my Lord). When I'm talking to men about making Jesus the Lord of their lives, I point out Jesus' submission to the Father. This helps me to explain the concept of lordship and continue to underscore Jesus as the model.

Jesus and the Lordship of the Father

Greater than Family – Mt 12, 46-50
Greater than Food – Jn 4.32-34
Greater than His own Will – Lk 22.42
Greater than His Life – Phil 2.8
It was His Job Description – Jn 6.38-39
Obedience = Love – Jn 14.21

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 3) – We Need a Savior

Romans 5:6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

It’s like a mint condition 1957 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. As you are driving it home, you take the corner too fast and roll the antique car in the ditch.




The restoration of God's image in His creation is so important He mentions His plan in the very beginning. In Genesis 3.15, God predicts the outcome of the great battle between Himself and Satan. There is an exchange of two wounds. Satan bruises the heel of the One come, but the chosen One will crush Satan's head. This is the first mention in the Scriptures of God's plan for restoration through a Messiah. The Messiah, Jesus Christ, will come and die for the sins of the people and then rise again on the third day. But Satan will be dealt a final death blow and his temporary reign will end.


It was thousands of years before the Messiah came. The relationship between man and God has its high points but normally falls far short of God’s desires. Although the Law of the Old Testament is instituted by God to help us, it is temporary and never meant to be a final solution for the marred image (Gal 3:17-29). Mankind waited for a Savior. It isn't until Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the dead that real restoration begins (1 Pet 3.18).



But notice I said begins. Far too often this is where our spirituality begins and ends. The unfortunate focus of modern American Christianity is to secure salvation through whatever expedient means available. I believe in salvation by faith through grace and that conversion is an immediate, irrevocable gift from God (Rom 5.9-10). But, I also believe that many have been duped by the enemy into thinking that reciting a few words in prayer will unconditionally secure eternal life (2 Cor 13.5, Mt 7.21-23, Mt 13.24-30; Mt 13.36-50). An individual's salvation is not hinged on a particular mantra they recite.





Salvation is directly connected to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Jn 14.6). The struggle in contemporary Christianity is not just securing an authentic conversion (justification through faith in Jesus Christ) but actively following the Savior Who has provided such a great salvation (Heb 5.12-6.1). Although many have received a true conversion, the real challenge lays in experiencing ongoing spiritual transformation (sanctification, Phil 2.12-13, Rom 12.1-2).



God's plan to restore the image goes far beyond the cross (Col 2.6-7). It is a process of restoration evident by real change in a person’s life. It ultimately finds its end in a completely repaired image of God (glorification, 1 Cor 15.51-53). The remainder of this article will talk about the restoration process. So stick around and keep reading as we pursue the restoration of the image of God in us.



It’s like a mint condition 1957 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. As you are driving it home, you take the corner too fast and roll the antique car in the ditch. A policeman comes to your aid and to add insult to injury, gives you a ticket for speeding and talking on a cell phone while driving. But, he also gives you a business card for one of the best repair shops in town. To be continued...



(Part 1) - The Glory of His Image
(Part 2) – Too Much of a Good Thing
(Part 3) – We Need a Savior
(Part 4) – The Restoration Process: The Father
(Part 5) – The Restoration Process: The Son
(Part 6) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship
(Part 7) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship Continued
(Part 8) – The Restoration Process: One-on-One Discipleship
(Part 9) – The Restoration Process: Tools and Techniques
(Part 10) – The Restoration Process: Dangers


For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 2) – Too Much of a Good Thing

Genesis 3:5 "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

It’s like a mint condition ‘57 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. As you are driving it home, you take the corner too fast and roll the antique car in the ditch.

Adam and Eve have the perfect environment with a perfect relationship with God. But Satan will have none of that. He tricks the two into disobeying their Creator by twisting His words. It is interesting that the temptation for them is to be even more like God (Gen 3.5). After eating the fruit, the serpent promised they would have knowledge like God (Perhaps Satan’s temptation sounded more like, “You can be gods yourselves.” It seems this temptation plagues us to this day).





This is not part of God’s original intent and when they fall into sin, the image is marred. There can be too much of a good thing (Gen 3.22). In fact, the image was so ravaged by sin, it was no longer recognizable and separated them from their Maker with a spiritual death (Gen 3.8, Rom 6.23).





And now we have great difficulty bringing glory to God, as was intended. Instead, like a little god, we strive to bring glory only to ourselves. But even in this state of separation and destruction we still maintain our value with God. His sentiments are still with us because we are crafted in His image. So much so, that if one is murdered, it is the image that makes this crime so horrific (Gen 9.6). And now, from the prototype to the present, every reproduced image has the same self-destructive flaw of sin (Rom 3.23). The image of God’s offspring is in desperate need of restoration.

It’s like a mint condition 1957 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. As you are driving it home, you take the corner too fast and roll the antique car in the ditch. To be continued…



(Part 1) - The Glory of His Image
(Part 2) – Too Much of a Good Thing
(Part 3) – We Need a Savior
(Part 4) – The Restoration Process: The Father
(Part 5) – The Restoration Process: The Son
(Part 6) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship
(Part 7) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship Continued
(Part 8) – The Restoration Process: One-on-One Discipleship
(Part 9) – The Restoration Process: Tools and Techniques
(Part 10) – The Restoration Process: Dangers


For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Testimony 4: Afraid of being Left Behind

Chapter 4

"For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. "Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
(Mark 13:19-20)

My first duty assignment was at Ft. Bragg, NC. My fear that something bad could happen during a jump subsided and so did my chapel attendance. But during one of my sporadic spells of superstition, I met an ex-Special Forces guy named Tom. He was a very committed Christian and he played soccer with a bunch of guys on Sunday afternoons. So we started hanging out together. He invited me to a Bible study, which I attended a couple of times. I listened to what they had to say about Jesus dying on the cross and how faith in Him would give me forgiveness for my sins. I had heard all that before but these guys were living their daily lives like it was really true. I thought they were religious fanatics and distanced myself. One day out of the blue, Tom invited me to a movie (based on a bestselling book) called "The Late Great Planet Earth." It was about the end of the world and the return of Jesus Christ. I was so interested (and scared) I bought the book as well. At the end of the book, there was an invitation to receive Christ as a personal Lord and Savior. I thought that if I would pray this little prayer, I would have eternal life. I wouldn't have to worry about the end of the world or Hell or any other bad thing. So I prayed the prayer as though I were buying fire insurance. I really wasn't sorry for my sins nor did I have any intentions of changing my life.

Chapter 1: The Beginning
Chapter 2: Jesus is Watching You
Chapter 3: Paratrooper Religion
Chapter 4: Afraid of being Left Behind
Chapter 5: The Geographical Solution

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Restoring the Image (Part 1) - The Glory of His Image

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
(Genesis 1:26-27)

I want to take a small detour from our study of the gospels and look at the purpose and design of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. In essence this will be a thorough definition of discipleship.

In order to understand God’s desire for us now, we need to take a look at God’s original intent for us. In Genesis, God said, "Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26-27). God forms man out of dust and breathes life into him (Gen 2.7). We know this image is not the physical form God made from the dust. God is Spirit and cannot be seen. So, it was man’s godlike character God created in His image. He made us in His image with many of His characteristics. The image was perfect and unflawed. He made us with the ability to reason, to create, to love, etc. We did not inherit all of God’s attributes (for example: omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience, or the knowledge of good and evil) but we were created more like Him than any other created thing. And in this original image, man was able to do exactly what God had designed him do, to glorify Him (I Cor 10:31, Rom 11.36). As the Westminster Confession states: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” When God creates man and surveys all His handiwork He says it is “very good” (Gen 1.31). Then He rests on the seventh day. It is as if to say, “Now My creation is complete and man is My crowning achievement.” We are set apart from all of creation. We are the only part of creation that was made in the image of God. Not even angels have this distinct privilege (Heb2.6-7). Next to God Himself, we are the hottest thing going in the universe. This was God’s original intent but something went terribly wrong.

It’s like a mint condition 1957 Chevy given to you by your grandfather. To be continued…
(Part 1) - The Glory of His Image
(Part 2) – Too Much of a Good Thing
(Part 3) – We Need a Savior
(Part 4) – The Restoration Process: The Father
(Part 5) – The Restoration Process: The Son
(Part 6) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship
(Part 7) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship Continued
(Part 8) – The Restoration Process: One-on-One Discipleship
(Part 9) – The Restoration Process: Tools and Techniques
(Part 10) – The Restoration Process: Dangers

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Motivation for the Word

Here’s a little devo I use to help guys see the importance of being in the Word. I ask them to rate the following statements on a scale of 1 to 10. Then we read the verses. Most guys will give 10s for every statement. My last question is: You have stated that the Word of God has very high value to you, are you reading it on a daily basis? Do your actions match your stated value?

Motivation for the Word

On a scale of 1-10 how important is…
· The Word of God tells the truth - 2 Tim 3.16
· It is essential to my success - Josh 1.8
· It gets to the root of my problems - Heb 4.12
· Reading it is a priority - Mat 6.33
· Its essential for effective ministry - 2 Tim 2.15
Ezra 7.10, Mat 4.4

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

How to Rebuke

Read Mt 7.1-6, Lk 6.37-42

"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
(Matthew 7:3-5)
Jesus commands those who correct others to look within themselves and deal with their failings first. Then they will be able to correct more effectively.

I have heard many people use Jesus’ words “do not judge” as a parry to any exhortation or rebuke to their lifestyle. But that is not what Jesus said nor was that His intent (Luk 17:3). Again, I think Jesus is going after motive and purpose. If the accuser has the intent of condemning or retaliation, they are clearly in the wrong. But if their purpose is for correction and restoration then they are following the “love your brother as yourself” principle (Luk 6:31). Introspection is the key to correcting sin in another’s life (Gal 6:1). As we see the log in our own eye, we are far less likely to attack a person for their short comings. When we consider our own failings we come with a sense of humility and compassion. This does not mean we cannot be direct but it does mean we should tell the truth in love (Eph 4:15).

But what about matters of restitution and punishment? These are matters for the assembly, not the individual. Jesus clearly outlines in Matthew chapter 18 how an unrepentant member of the Family of God should be addressed. We first appeal to them as an individual (Mt 18:15). If that does not work, we are to go to the brother with two or three (Mt 18:16). If they are still unrepentant, we are to take them before the assembly (Mt 18:17). The assembly, not the individual, determines matters of restitution or punishment (1 Cor 6.1-8, Mt 18:17, denial of fellowship).

As Disciplemakers, we will be involved in correction, exhortation, and rebuke (2Ti 4:2). How we go about delivering the message is just as important as the message itself. Two ingredients help us tell the truth in love: humility (Phil 2.5-8) and restoration (Mt 18:15). Looking in the mirror and reviewing our own areas of sin should help us with our attitude and approach as we correct. The goal is always restoration, never retaliation or revenge (Rom 12.17-21). The process is meant to be helpful, not condemning.

Tips for correcting a disciple

· Pray (and pray some more)
· Know the circumstances
· Go to the source (third party triangles will always get you in trouble)
· Ask questions
· Don’t accuse
· Help them understand and own their failure
· Give examples of the infractions
· Share your own struggles in that particular area
· Use Scripture when appropriate
· Be gentle (Chuck Wood’s definition of gentleness: using only the amount of pressure to get the object to move)
· Pick your battles wisely
· Earn the right to be heard
· Use encouragement more often than correction

If you have other tips or passages on correction or rebuking, I’d love to hear them.
FJ86

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Justice or Jesus

Read Mt 7.1-6, Lk 6.37-42



"Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
(Matthew 7:1)



Jesus makes it clear that the way we treat people is the way we will be treated.

This is not only an amazing statement as it refers to self-preservation but also has implications for how to teach others to live. Our natural bent when offended is to require justice; that the wrong be righted. This is especially true when we are personally affected. We require some restorative or punitive action for the wrong committed. That would be justice. Jesus, on the other hand, asks His disciples to absorb such an offense and apply mercy and grace. Jesus Himself was the perfect model of absorbing wrongs for the sake of the Kingdom (Luk 23:34). However, the principle goes deeper than our actions toward others; it has a direct connection to how others will treat us (both by men and by God, Luk 6:31, Mt 18:35). Acting like Jesus has great personal value. When we are compassionate, we receive compassion. When we are merciful, we receive mercy. On the other hand, if we demand justice, that is exactly what we will receive (and I doubt anyone standing before the Righteous Judge of mankind will demand justice rather than mercy for their own personal deeds).

Teaching others to have this attitude in them is easy enough but seeing them live it out is another thing (Phil 2.5-8). This gets at the core of who the disciple really is. Their character is challenged as they scratch and scrape for fair treatment. The way of the Master is to absorb such affliction and then forgive (1 Pet 2.21-24). Certainly, there is room for correction but not retaliation (Rom 12.17-21). True transformation is seen when a disciple begins to trust God for the outcomes and respond as Jesus would. The Old Covenant way leaves plenty of room for personal justice (Exo 21:24). The New Covenant way leaves plenty of room for Jesus (Mt 5.38-48).



Today we talked about individual justice in light of Jesus’ way, next time, corporate justice…
FJ85

Welcome to the new readers from Botswana and Burundi, Africa.

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Kingdom Priorities

Read Mt 6.19-34

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
(Matthew 6:33)


Jesus establishes the top priorities for every disciple.

The life of a disciple is simple: seek the Father’s ways first. His ways are wrapped up in two elements: His Kingdom and His righteousness. Pretty basic, right? Well in concept at least. But it is clear that God’s interests come before any other. Whether they be family, career, recreation, school or even personal desires, they all become subservient to the Father’s lordship and character.

Again this goes back to changing a person’s values. Discipleship is putting God at the center of every decision I make. It is teaching disciples how to consider the Kingdom before they buy that next car or house. God’s righteousness should be integrated into every relationship in which they are engaged. Jesus Christ should be at the center of everything they are and do. If we want to know how much work it will take to infuse these priorities into a young disciple’s life, we don’t have to look any further than the mirror. This is why modeling and patience is so important. We have to set the example for Kingdom living. We have to recognize that spiritual transformation in light of God’s righteousness takes time. Keep plugging and praying.

Some Thermometers of Kingdom Living

· How do I spend my time
· How do I spend my money
· How do I recreate
· Whom do I hang out with
· Whom am I serving
· How often do I say “No” to myself
· Do I do all of the above in light of God’s Kingdom and Righteousness
FJ84

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Testimony 3: Paratrooper Religion

Chapter 3

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. (Hosea 4:6)

As I continued to grow and mature, there was very little spiritual input. I can even remember in High School how one of the local "Jesus Freaks" tried to convert me. I really was not a violent kid ,but I threatened the religious messenger with bodily harm if he didn't move out smartly. At the ripe old age of 17, I dropped out of High School and convinced my Dad to sign the Army Recruiter’s paperwork. I wanted to be an Airborne Ranger. So I left for Basic Training on the 4th of July, 1977. Nothing really jogged my memory of God throughout my training until Airborne School. Then I discovered that parachuting from a perfectly good airplane could be a very religious experience. The C-130 aircraft is the best chapel ever built. There are more prayers in a C-130 on Tuesday before a jump then there are in Chapel on Sunday morning. But, I thought it would be best to attend Chapel every Sunday anyway. Looking back, I don't remember anything the Chaplain said, but paying my dues and going to chapel was better than rubbing a lucky rabbit’s foot, right? Now, knowing what I do, if I had splattered on the Drop Zone, I would have gone straight to Hell.

Chapter 1: The Beginning
Chapter 2: Jesus is Watching You
Chapter 3: Paratrooper Religion
Chapter 4: Afraid of being Left Behind

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Current Visitors Map

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

Changing Values is One of Our Greatest Values

Read Mt 6.19-34

for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Matthew 6:21)

Jesus is drawing a contrast between worldly thinking and the eternal. He concludes if the things we value are in heaven, we will quickly align our hearts with those values.

Discipleship is a process of exchanging values. We come into the faith recognizing our values and God’s values are completely opposite. God’s values are eternal and ours are temporal. When we repent, we embrace God’s values for our lives through Jesus. We begin a journey of transformation (Rom 12.2). However, we need an explanation of those values, we needed tutoring. Jesus lived out the Father’s values in a perfect manner to become our perfect model. As we follow Jesus, we are lining up our values with His. We are becoming like Him. Now our treasure, serving and glorifying God, is where our heart is as well.

The disciplemaker is in the business of helping people change their values. The first step is helping the young disciple see the incongruence of their values versus the Father’s. Of course, we can simply tell them; but, I’ve found this realization happens best with self discovery. This is why it is so important to get them into the Word of God. Now, instead of me telling them they need to change, God is telling them.

Changing values is tough, but it is close to impossible if the person has no desire to change. I always say, “You can’t push a rope.” A person who is not willing to participate with you in the change process is better left to the One who generates desire in very creative ways. But even when a person wants to change, it can be tough. That is why prayer is such an important tool in my disciplemaking kitbag. There are certain areas of life that will take spiritual dynamite to dislodge. And we can never underestimate the power of relationship. Our modeling, encouragement, and exhortation are all such important components for shaping a young disciple’s values.

A few questions;
· Is the person you are discipling ready and willing to change?
· Are they reading the Word daily?
· Are they being saturated with Jesus in the Gospels daily?
· Are you praying for this person’s transformation daily?
· Are they seeing the values of Jesus modeled by you?
· Are their values changing?
FJ83

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the tab below to send this post to a friend...

The Five I's of Our Ministry

Intensity in…

Imitation of Christ – Lk 6.40, 1 Jn 2.6, Jn 13.15

Integration of faith and practice –
· Faith (1 Cor 2.2, Eph 1.3, Gal 4.28)
· Practice (2 Tim 2.15, Luk 10.2-3, Mt 6.33)

Intentionality in Ministry – Heb 10.24-25, Mt 4.19, Mt 28.18-20

Individual Attention – Mt 8.3, Col 1.28, 2 Tim 2.2

Shout out to readers in...
Vienna, VA, US
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, US
Dothan, AL, US
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Eaubonne, Val-d'oise, France
Perth, Western Australia, Australia

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...