Gregg's Rest Stop (Wrong Door Theology)

Published: Mon, 02/11/13

Gregg's Rest Stop

February 11, 2013

Journey in Christ

Wrong Door Theology

	Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheep. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9) God speaks abundantly through His Word to each of us about His will for us. However, it is tempting to focus on others ways of knowing God's will that sound biblical, but are actually subtle, man-centered ways. I hope you are encouraged by my testimonies of experiencing wrong "door theologies" for knowing God's will. These theologies are based on human logic rather than divine promises. What a joy it is to learn to walk by faith in God's promises rather than by faith in our own understanding! WRONG CLOSED DOORS Sixteen years ago, I worked diligently for months applying to receive chaplain training through a hospital. I was not accepted. I concluded with much despair, "That closed door must mean it wasn't God's will for me." I was still confused, because I knew deep down Christ in me had given me the desire to be a chaplain (Psalm 37:4). What was wrong with my conclusion? I was focusing on my own ability to present an outstanding application. The "door" indeed closed, but I missed experiencing the very life of Christ in me on the journey to the door! You see, experiencing Christ with His glory shining in and through us is God's ultimate will! I had sinfully missed that experience and, as a result, I did not experience the joy of Christ in me (Galatians 5:22). Five years later, I was asked to serve as chaplain at a boys home! And this was a "door" I wasn't even looking for! I had simply been growing in my joy in journeying with Christ. So, for the next 8 years, I partnered with others in ministering Christ to 100s of boys and young men through a weekly chapel service! WRONG OPEN DOORS Three years ago, I left my engineering vocation to serve full-time with Journey in Christ. I am now tempted to see a vast multitude of "open doors" to minister. There are so many ministry activities for everyone to do. However, through God's Word and His Spirit in me, I am discerning how the enemy wants me to get so busy doing ministry as activities so that I'll miss God's will for me to know Christ and to shine His glory as I walk with Him! So, as I trust Christ as my Shepherd to lead me, I can grow in freedom from straining to choose which of the 100s of ministry "doors" I should walk through! I am indeed busy with Journey in Christ while seeking to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). However, my heart is to not to burn out ministering, but to brightly shine the light of Christ by ministering in partnership with others! THE ONE TRUE DOOR Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheep. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9) What a beautiful picture of Jesus the Good Shepherd in the door of the sheepfold at night! Our enemies may try to climb the walls to harm us, but they will never go through the door where Jesus is. And we also know that God never slumbers as He watches over us (Psalm 121:4). For the purposes of this brief Rest Stop, ponder the following beautiful truths from this verse: Jesus is the only door to salvation, which is life in Him. Jesus gives us freedom to go in and out ministering to others without the bondage of choosing doors. This freedom is realized by trusting Jesus our Shepherd to lead us to ministry opportunities that glorify Him. At night as we sleep and during the day as we minister, Jesus protects us from others who seek to harm us. Jesus leads us to be nourished in the green pastures of the living Word of God. CLOSING Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen! (Hebrews 13:20-21)

PARTNERSHIP IN MINISTRY

I love establishing ministry partnerships with the sheepfold (body of Christ) as we are led (not driven) by the Good Shepherd.

I cherish your partnership in ministry through your prayers.

If you sense the Lord leading you to financially partner with me and my wife Joy, please feel free to contact me. I'd love to share more about partnership opportunities. Donations made payable to Journey in Christ are tax-deductible.

Regardless, I'd love to hear from you anytime!

About

Discipleship through

Counseling

Teaching

Training

Gregg Gibbons

Pastoral Director

Michael Chalmers

Training Director

Kellie Boggs

Fellowship Director

Joy Gibbons

Ministry Assistant and women's ministry coordinator

Carole Blyth

Board member and women's ministry coordinator

Randy Garrick

Board member and Elder Holly Ridge Baptist Church

Paul Crews

Board member and Pastor Mountain Creek Baptist Church

Journey in Christ website link

Personal website link

Partnership

I believe with all my heart that ministry is through relationships.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you for your partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:3, 5).

YouTube link below of my ministry commissioning service that included testimonies from several partners, including Bobby Richardson, former 2nd baseman for the NY Yankees.

3-minute discipleship video

Please contact me to learn more about partnering with me. I'd love to hear from you!

On September 19,

Lifetime Ministries published

the following Rest Stop article:

Article "From the Heart to the Head"

Ministry News

Gregg is mentoring teenagers, men, couples in an office donated by Holly Ridge Church in Simpsonville SC.

Michael is mentoring men and couples in offices donated by three churches Greenville SC.

A new group will be starting Advanced Discipleship Training March 2013. One is a pastor from North Carolina.

Clink link below:

ADT 2013 brochure

Gregg teaches freedom in Christ at The Haven of Rest mission in Anderson, SC Mondays 6:00-6:45 pm. You are welcome to attend with Gregg anytime!

Gregg will be speaking again at the Bar None Cowboy Church in April. A new church in rural Laurens County SC.

Carole and Joy to lead discipleship Bible studies Feb 6 thru April 3, 2013 for 7 female employees on-site at a manufacturing plant. It was a wonderful kick-off on Feb 6!

One of our advanced discipleship training graduates will represent Journey in Christ is partnering with Hunts Memorial Baptist Church of Greenville SC to teach at a women's retreat Saturday, April 19-20, 2013! She and the church women's ministry leader are so excited about this ministry partnership!