Increasing Beyond Expectation: Strategies for Unlimited Church Growth

Trevor S Ferguson

February1, 2014

Isaiah 54:1-5 (KJV)
¹  Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
²  Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
³  For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
⁴  Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
⁵  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

 
INTRODUCTION 

The text of Isaiah 54 is a song of praise celebrating the promise of Israel’s deliverance from captivity and the dawn of a new day of prosperity and blessings. During Isaiah’s life Israel was in a state of decline, both spiritually and politically, and Isaiah himself had prophesied concerning Israel’s destruction and exile as a consequence of their sins. Central to Isaiah’s prophesies however was the eventual restoration of Israel to her former glory and the coming of the Messiah who would deliver Israel from the bondage of sin.

The story of Israel’s restoration begins in Isaiah 40, where God commands Isaiah to comfort the people, proclaiming that their warfare is over and her iniquity is pardoned. In chapter 44 and 45, Isaiah names Cyrus as one who would initiate deliverance of Israel from Babylon, over a hundred years before Cyrus’ birth. Interspersed within the story of Israel’s restoration are numerous messianic prophesies, chief of which is seen in Isaiah 53 where Isaiah declares that the Messiah would come as a suffering servant, but would accomplish a great spiritual deliverance for humanity. In chapter 54 Isaiah switches back to the story of Israel’s restoration and issues a challenge which appears initially to be paradoxical, but if applied is really a formula for unlimited growth beyond usual expectations. Today I want us to explore this passage as I share with you some strategies for unlimited growth for the church but equally applicable to our personal lives.

EXPOSITION 

The text begins with a challenge to the barren: “Sing O barren … break forth into singing … more are the children of desolate than the married wife”. We note that in bible times barrenness was considered a curse and therefore singing and rejoicing were not attributes one would expect from a barren woman. In fact the attitude of Rachel (“give me children or let me die”) and Hannah (weeping and deep sorrow) are more likely to be expected. The command to sing and rejoice even while still in a state of barrenness and desolation leads us to the first strategy for unlimited growth.

Strategy #1: Sing, regardless of your current situation

Despite the current state of barrenness Isaiah commanded Israel to sing, to rejoice, and cry aloud (shout). It is an action, not dependent on the current circumstances but in anticipation who our God is and what we know that he can do. We note that Israel struggled with this concept, for we see in Psalm 137 that they had difficulty singing the Lord’s song in a strange land. The book of Daniel however shows us another side, where the three Hebrew boys and Daniel were not afraid to sing, rejoice, and prosper even in the land of their captivity.

Strategy #2: Recognize that your current state of barrenness, poverty, lack or desolation is not permanent

The second clause of verse 1 contains this declaration: “more are the children of the desolate that of the married wife”. Here Isaiah was saying many children are coming! The desolate, forsaken woman will become more fruitful than the previously stable married woman. When God reverses your situation he will give you double for all your troubles. Note also that the barren women were often the ones who brought forth children of promise: Rachel had Joseph; Hannah had Samuel and Elizabeth had John the Baptist. Sarah at 90 years old had Isaac and thus gave birth ultimately to the nation of Israel. God has a way of turning the tides and making that which was poor, desolate and insignificant the source of great blessing. Your current situation is not permanent. Rejoice your increase is coming!

Strategy #3: Prepare for your increase

Verse 2 of Isaiah 54 presents four things that we need to do as we prepare to receive the increase or expansion that we are expecting: 1) Enlarge the place of thy tent; 2) Stretch forth thy curtains; 3) lengthen thy cords; 4) strengthen thy stakes. Let’s look at each or these:

- Enlarge the place of your tent – We must create extra space (mental and physical) to receive God’s blessings. Let us remove the limits off our concept of God’s blessing.
- Stretch your curtains – We must make the new space habitable and comfortable.
- Lengthen thy cords – We must ensure that our support systems can handle the increased capacity. We must train leaders, workers, ministers, and counselors.
- Strengthen thy stakes – We must get deeper in God – shallow stakes can’t support a big tent so we will need to get closer to God. This will involve more prayer, more fasting and more study of the word of God. 

With adequate preparation we will be able to sustain the increase rather than see it come and slip right out of our hands

Strategy #4: Do not be afraid: Step out in faith

Verse 4 anticipates the residual effects of barrenness and desolation which include fear and inertia. Many times we are afraid that if we step out we will fail and thus suffer shame. We therefore often play it safe, by doing nothing or as little as possible. If we are to increase beyond expectations however, we must step out in faith. We will have to do some things we have never done before; we will have to engage people we do not know and will have to take some risk – emotional, financial and even spiritual. God has promised that we will not be ashamed. He will back us up. We must ensure however that we are being lead by the spirit, because we can’t expect to be walking in the flesh, making rash decisions and then expect that God will ‘cover’ our errors. Outside of that, when we are walking in the spirit even if we make a few missteps God will direct our path and lead us to success.

Strategy #5: Recognize the power of your support

In verse 5, Isaiah reminds Israel – “thy Maker is thy husband; the Lord of host is his name; thy redeemer is the Holy One on Israel, he is the God of the whole earth”. The source of our support is none other than the Creator; He is the Lord of host, the Lord Almighty, the Lord mighty in battles – He will fight for us. He is our Redeemer – He will buy us back if we end up in trouble. He is our guarantor, he will pay our debts. He is the Holy One of Israel – He has a track record as a Deliverer. He delivered Abraham and Isaac; He delivered Israel from Egypt, He lead Joshua as he conquered the Canaanites. He delivered David when he faced Goliath and then delivered him from the hands of Saul; he delivered Daniel from the lion’s den and the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace. He brought Israel out of Babylonian captivity and preserved them under Roman oppression.

Chances are if he did all of that he can deliver you! 

Strategy #6: Do not be dissuaded by the doubters, gainsayers and accusers; they cannot stop God’s work

The last verse of Isaiah 54 contains a powerful promise: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” The Sanballats and Tobiahs will oppose the work of God, but like Nehemiah when we are doing a good work we will not stop. Fight if you must; but keep the work of God going right on.

CONCLUSION

Today we have looked at some strategies that can be employed to accomplish unlimited growth both for the church and in our personal lives. These words were not sent to entertain you or to impress you, but to inspire you and call you to action. God is challenging you to grow, to increase beyond expectations. You can’t  do this on your own accord, but if you employ the principles contained in God’s word, all things are possible. Apply these principles today; remember you have got to do your part, even as we are reminded in the book of 1st Corinthians: Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. God is ready to enlarge your territory and expand your borders! Trust him today; Step out in faith and see how you will increase beyond all expectations.

The Cause Requires a Commitment

Trevor S Ferguson
December 31, 2013


As Christians our main purpose in life is to fulfill the cause of Christ. We need to do all that we can to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and to facilitate the entry of men and women into the kingdom of God. This requires a great commitment but God had equipped us through the enabling power and gifts of the Spirit of God. There will be many challenges to us carrying out this mission but with a committed and determined spirit we are more than able to overcome.

Click on this link for a presentation on the topic The Cause Requires a Commitment

 

Jesus Is the Only Name That Saves

Trevor Ferguson

December 31, 2013

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

INTRODUCTION

The hope of salvation is the key message within all Christian denominations, but unfortunately there is much disagreement as to what one needs to do in order to be saved. All Christians affirm that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, and that salvation comes through believing in Him and in His death burial and resurrection but there is much disagreement as to how we apply this to the individual who needs salvation.

Today I want to re-emphasize the importance, and absolute necessity, of the name Jesus with regards to salvation and to point out that Jesus is the only saving name. The appropriate application of this fact is that baptism should be done in the name of Jesus Christ, and that all we do in word or deed should be done in the name of Jesus.

EXPOSITION

Let us take a moment to look at the significance of names in the biblical context and in particular the significance of the name Jesus. In modern societies the concept of a name has lost much of its significance. Parents often chose a name because they like the sound of the name or because they want to honor someone who bears that name. In most situations parents do not know the original meaning of the name that was chosen. This is in contrast to ancient societies, such as in biblical times, in which names were rich with meaning and often carried prophetic significance. In fact, to know a person’s name was to know that person’s total character and nature. As such a name could be changed to reflect a change in a person’s character or a change in a person’s prophetic destiny. For example, Abraham was originally called Abram, meaning ‘high father’, but God changed his name to Abraham meaning father of a multitude. This was to indicate the promise of the mighty nation that his offspring would become despite the fact that as yet he had no children. Jacob’s name meant supplanter, trickster or ‘heel snatcher’. This reflected the circumstances of his birth and the characteristics he displayed in his dealings with his brother Esau and his uncle Laban. However after his encounter with God at Peniel, his name was changed to Israel, reflecting the fact that now he had “struggled with God and with humans and … overcome”.   

Just as the names of the Patriarchs were significant, the name of God is also significant and rich with meaning. As we read the bible, we see a progressive revelation of the name of God, culminating with the revelation of the name of Jesus in the New Testament. We first encounter the name Jesus in Matthew 1:21, when the angel revealed to Joseph the name of the Christ child to be born to Mary. Let’s look at the text in Matthew 1: 21-23:

²¹And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  ²²Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ²³Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Note here that the name Jesus was explicitly associated with salvation and that the child to be born was Emmanuel, indicating that he was the revelation of God in the flesh, who had come to dwell with humanity. This revelation of the name Jesus is to be seen as part of the progressive revelation of God to man over the course of time.  

Throughout the Old Testament, God revealed himself to the patriarchs and prophets, using several names. He revealed himself to Abraham as “El Shaddai”, meaning ‘The Lord Almighty’, or ‘the all sufficient God’, indicating his power to accomplish that which he says he will accomplish. God further reveals himself to Moses as ‘JEHOVAH’. The name Jehovah means The Self-existing One or in other words ‘The One Who Is’. As Jehovah, God lived in the everlasting present tense, thus he was able to say to Moses when Moses had asked for his name in Exodus 3 – ‘I AM THAT I AM’, ‘I AM’ sent you.  He was “the Great I AM”, existing from the beginning of beginnings; He is “the First and the Last”, “The Alpha and Omega”.

In addition to the revelation of the name Jehovah, God has further revealed aspects of his character: In Genesis 22:14 He revealed Himself as Jehovah-jireh, meaning “The Lord who provides”. In Exodus 15:26 He reveals himself as Jehovah-rapha – “The Lord that heals”. In Exodus 17:15 He is Jehovah-nissi – “The Lords our banner” i.e. The Lord who gives us victory. In Judges 6:24 He is Jehovah-shalom – “The Lord our peace”. In Psalm 23:1 He is Jehovah-raah – “the Lord our shepherd”.

It is important to note that despite all these revealed names; none of the names were explicitly associated with salvation and in particular salvation from sins. Thus the revelation of the name Jesus, which means ‘Jehovah Saviour’ or ‘Jehovah is Salvation’, was the first time God was revealing the saving name. Note also that the emphasis here is salvation from sin. The name Jesus was not given to set up an earthly kingdom or to deliver the Jews from the Roman oppression, but was specifically given to save humankind from their sinful state. Jesus fulfilled this mission as he lived a holy life here on earth, laid down his life on Calvary and rose again from the dead in order to give us the hope of salvation and the hope of eternal life.

After his ascension Jesus ushered in the church age by returning to us as the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. On the day of Pentecost the door of salvation was flung wide open, men and women now had unfettered access to God. The message preached then, is the same message that we preach today. The bible tells us that when Peter finished preaching his sermon on the day of Pentecost, the people were convicted (pricked in their hearts) and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Men and brethren, What shall we do?” They were asking, in essence, what must I do to be saved? How can I apply this new revelation of who Jesus Christ is order to come into right standing with God. Peter’s answer is still relevant and applicable to the church today. This is the message of Acts 2:38 – “… Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”     

I declare today that the only way of salvation is through the name of Jesus. This means that baptism properly administered requires the invocation of the name Jesus. Baptism in the name of Jesus was the only baptismal formula used by the early church and is still the appropriate baptism for use in the church today. The 3000 on the day of Pentecost were baptized in Jesus name; the Samaritans in Acts 8 were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; Cornelius and his household were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Jesus Christ, and the disciples of John at Ephesus were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. I declare also that the appropriate application of the instructions given in Matthew 28:19 is to administer baptism in the name of Jesus, since Jesus said that he came in his Father’s name and the Holy Ghost would come in Jesus’s name. Peter further points out in Acts 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

CONCLUSION

When we sum it up therefore the name Jesus is the only name that saves. Salvation comes through believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and acting upon that faith through repentance and water baptism and seeking for and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Any other recommendation falls short of the biblical standard and cannot be supported from scriptures. We must take this issue of salvation seriously. As is commonly said – eternity is too long to be wrong! I implore you therefore, as Paul implored the Philippians. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Follow the bible standard. If you do what was done as recorded in the bible you can’t go wrong. Jesus is the only name that saves!!

Jesus Is The Only God Who Can Save

Trevor S Ferguson

December 14, 2013

INTRODUCTION

Today we reflect on the word of God from book of the prophet Isaiah, as I share with you on the topic: Jesus Is The Only God Who Can Save.  I declare unto you that Jesus Christ is Lord and God. He is the only God and the only One that can save us from our sins. Despite the fact that there are many things and persons that are worshipped as gods, Jesus Christ is the only true God and the only One that has the ability to save.

The setting is from the book of Isaiah, chapters 43-45, and speaks to the time period when Israel was in Babylonian captivity. Isaiah had previously prophesied concerning Israel going into captivity because of the multitude of their sins. During this time Israel was in a desperate and depressed state. This is probably best exemplified by the expressions in Psalm 137:

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.”  In such a desperate state, Israel was in need of a Saviour, a God who could deliver them from Babylonian captivity and bring them once again into their own land.  Beyond that however, they needed salvation for their souls. They needed a restoration to a right relationship with God and a deliverance from the effects of sin, which was in fact the reason for their captivity. In these chapters, Isaiah takes much time in explaining to Israel who is the only true God and the One to whom they can look for salvation. 

Today I apply these prophecies not only to Israel, but to all peoples, as I declare that Jesus Christ is the only true God and that He is the Only One that can save!

EXPOSITION

Let us take a look at the text: Firstly we look at Isaiah 43:10-11:

¹⁰Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. ¹¹I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

God, through Isaiah, here challenges Israel to recognize who they were and then to understand who He is.

“You are my witnesses” – Here God was saying to Israel, You are the one who have seen all my glory and my power. You are the ones who experienced the mighty parting of the Red Sea. You are the Ones who saw all the miracles in the wilderness; you are the ones who experienced mighty deliverance from armies that were much superior to you. You are the ones who have seen and heard the prophets. You Israel, above all nations, should know that I am God!

He further emphasized that He, God, is the first and the last. Before Him there was no God formed and after Him there will not be another.In verse 11 he reminds them – “I even I am the LORD” – I am Jehovah, the Self-existing One, the Creator; the One who was and is and is to come! He then lets them know that beside Him there is no saviour. If they are in need of salvation then He is the only One they can look to. 

This absolute supremacy and singleness of deity is repeatedly emphasized in these passages throughout Isaiah chapters 43 to 45. Let us look at some of these passages:

Isaiah 44:6 (NKJV) - "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:8 (NKJV) - “… You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one."

Isaiah 45:5 (NKJV) – “I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me …”

Isaiah 45:6 (NKJV) – “That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other;”

Isaiah 45:18 (NKJV) – “For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD, and there is no other.”

Isaiah 45:21-22 (NKJV) - "Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other."

These passages strongly emphasize that Israel’s God, Jehovah, is the only true God. All the other gods that the nations worshipped were false gods, who were incompetent and could not save.

Isaiah also spoke of the folly of idolatry. How men cut down trees, use a part of it for fire wood or for other purposes then uses another part to carve out an image and then bow down to it. It should have been obvious to the least among them that such gods of wood or stone are powerless! Despite this however, Israel fell into the trap of idolatry and served gods which could not save. They should not have been surprised to find themselves in captivity because they put their trust in gods which could not save.

Men and women today are falling into the same trap! People all over the world are serving gods that cannot save! Some have put their trust in other men, believing that Buddha can save, or Confucius can save, or that Selassie can save. Some today behave as if some politician or president or Prime Minister can save! Some have put their trust in money; some in guns or military might! But alas, these cannot save!

I declare to you today that none these persons or things have the power to save. Only Jesus Christ, who is Jehovah God of the Old Testament, who was manifested in the flesh, and revealed to us, has the power to save. As the psalmist declared – “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright!”

Israel learnt the hard way. They forsook the One True God and put their trust in idols and ended up in captivity. Even then they still did not learn. When Jesus came they rejected Him as Messiah and chose instead to crucify Him. They the lost their prime position in God’s plan as God engrafted in the Gentiles. We as Gentiles do need to learn a lesson from Israel. As Paul writes to the Romans (11:21) – “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee”.  

God is challenging all the people today to recognize that He is the only Saviour. He says to us in verse 22 of Isaiah 45: “Look unto me and be ye saved, … for I am God and there is none else!”

He then follows it up with a warning in verse 23 “…unto me every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear”. (Note that the same thought is echoed in Philippians 2:10-11 – “Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess …”). The question then is, do we wait unto we are forced to obey God or do we do so willingly now? Willing obedience to God comes with peace now and the hope of eternal life, whereas failure to obey will be characterized by the inevitable frustrations and disappointments of this life and eventually separation from God and eternal damnation.

Let me again point out that salvation today comes only through Jesus Christ. The way of salvation has been given us in Acts 2:38 – "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". Acts 4:12 tells us that salvation comes only through the name of Jesus Christ, for there is none other name by which men can be saved.

CONCLUSION

Jesus is the only way to Salvation! He is the Only God that can save! He invites people everywhere to look to him and be saved; No other god, no other system can bring salvation. Despite what we may have said or done the door to salvation is still open today. It is open to all who desire to receive him! Look to Him today and be saved!