College Hour

[caption id="attachment_522" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Dr. Angulus Wilson[/caption] Life had been exceptionally cruel to him. He was born into royalty, but now forced to exist in poverty and obscurity. He was the grandson of the great King Saul, and son to Prince Jonathon. However, at the age of five his entire world came crashing down all around him. One day His grand father and daddy were out in battle and were both Killed. When his nanny heard of the tragic event she came in to get the child to flee for their lives, and in her escape she dropped the boy and instantly he became crippled in both feet. His fall and the death of his daddy changed the course of his life. When life does you like this a person is in need of a savior! When life mistreats you a divine intervention is what is needed. In today’s text Mephibosheth needed a savior to rescue him from the pains of this old world, and King David was sent by the Lord to make a difference in his life. David has had the privilege now of uniting the children of Israel. Judah and Israel are one again. God has given him favor in the region, and military might like no other king Israel has ever had. Whatever he touches God makes it to prosper. One day as David is reflecting upon his journey into power, he remembers his soul brother and friend Jonathon, former prince to the throne. He is reminded of the oath he made to him, for David loved Jonathon and Jonathon loved David. According to scripture, David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?”And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" He said, "At your service!" Then the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet." When the King heard this he was drawn to search for him. [This is a picture of the love and compassion of Jesus for those who are lost in life. Jesus came to seek and save that which is lost, Jesus came to find the lost valuables of God, and Jesus came to recover the lost sheep of God. He was a King just like David to rescue those who were hurting.] So the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar." Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. According to the rest of the story, King David sends a rescue party to go get Mephibosheth. He was living in a place where people were sold. Mephibosheth had become some ones property! The town was called lo Debar (The place of no pasture) It was barren and life less. He was forced to live in a barren land. “Mephibosheth” was once the heir to the throne, but because of his “fall” he lost everything, and was now in need of a savior. [As a result of our fall from Grace, we were born into slavery of sin, sold into the house bondage, and forced to live in a barren land. We are the modern day Mephibosheth’s in need of a savior] The story goes on to say that when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. When the meeting happened between David and Jonathon’s baby boy there was a great reunion and a change of positions. Mephi-bosheth expected something bad to happen to him, but instead he received mercy and grace. David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually."

1. Mephibosheth was looking for punishment but instead receives mercy
2. Mephibosheth was looking for wrath but instead receives grace
3. Mephibosheth was looking for prison but instead receives promotion

God had gone before Mephibosheth and planned out his life! God had gone before Mephibosheth and ordered his steps. HE had blessed him before time. God had put David in place to be a blessing and bring “Mephibosheth” comfort in his pain. In spite of “Mephibosheth’s” history God had taken him out of the barren pasture, and given him a home in the kingdom.

• God knew just how to bless him
• God knew just how to fix him
• God knew just how to turn his troubles around
• God knew just how to lift him up
• God knew just how to change a bad story
• God knew just how to bless him and make him a Kings Kid

As we read this story we can’t help but see a parallel for our own journey hidden within. David was a savior for “Mephibosheth” as Jesus is a Savior for Humanity. As David sought for someone to save, Jesus seeks for someone to save. David was the King of Jerusalem, and Jesus is our King of Salvation. David went to great lengths to redeem someone from bondage. Jesus went to the old rugged cross to redeem you and I from our sin and bondage, he paid the price by sacrificing His life to redeem us and rescue us from a barren land. When our King (Jesus) concurred death, hell and the grave, he rose to give you and I a seat at the kings table in Heaven. Now we too have a seat in His Father’s house, in spite of where we have been living and existing. God has something amazing in store for us! He has not forgotten the fallen ones. Rest in these words today, and find them trustworthy to live by.

[caption id="attachment_522" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Dr. Angulus Wilson[/caption] One of the most frightening things on this journey is the fact that as a Christian I can sometimes misbehave. (You too) And in these hours of wicked behavior we often times do things, and say things, that hurt other people. I want to suggest to you this morning that when these times come up that they are not always your fault. You have an enemy. An enemy, who is seeking to destroy you, misuse and abuse you. When I was a young man there was show on television called, the Flip Wilson show. And Flip Wilson had a character on his show called Geraldine. Geraldine was loud, disrespectful, out of control and full of excuses. I will never forget the time she did something evil to another character, her excuse for doing this was “I did it because the Devil made me do it”. All though it was a joke there is a theological truth to her excuse. Whether you know it or not, there is a devil and he does make people misbehave! (Can I get an amen?) When we read today’s text we see Judas a disciple of Christ doing something that he should have never done. All because he was influenced by the Devil and made to betray Christ.

1. The truth about this is THAT ALL OF US HAVE AT SOME TIME OR ANOTHER, been just like Judas.
2. You and I both have betrayed JESUS in some area of our lives. In fact, somebody looking my way this morning, is playing the Judas right now.

Example: Perhaps you have given Christ up for money, fame, relationships, careers, creature comforts, and a host of other temporary thrills. (You are acting Just like Judas) I wrote this to tell us today that before we cut up Judas we better be ready to examine our own hearts, because there is a little Judas in all of us. We may not admit to it publicly, but if the truth police pulled you to the curb today, they could easily arrest you for some act of betrayal against God. The sad thing about this text is Judas was handpicked by the master to be one of his disciples.

• He had a ministry in the first church; and gave it all up!
• He was trusted in the leadership, and gave it all up!
• Judas hung around Jesus, but yet never made him Lord.
• Judas didn’t want the life that Christ could give, so when he got tired of Jesus he betrayed HIM for Money.

Definition Observation: The word Betrayal according to Webster means to lead astray, to seduce, to deliver to an enemy by treachery or to fail or desert someone in time of need.

• This is what Judas did; he faked His love for Jesus.
• He seduced people into believing that he was all in, but was a traitor the whole time
• He delivered his Jesus over in an act of treachery.
• When the other disciples needed Him most, he deserted them

Question: How about you today, are you feeling like a Judas? (food for thought huh?) The word to live by today is don’t allow your heart to play the role of Judas…Instead, be steadfast unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, for your labor is not in vain. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these other things will be added unto you. Keep pressing on, and dont be like Flip Wilson's character-Geraldine, and make excuses for bad behavior. For Christ and His Kingdom AW

[caption id="attachment_522" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Dr. Angulus Wilson[/caption]

I was thoroughly blessed a few years ago by a Pastor who writes leadership articles for Christian leaders. One of his works was titled "7 biblical Models of Leadersahip. I use this teaching outline as I serve in various countries around the world in Pastoral leadership conferences. This article has been such an inspiration to me, I thought I would share it with you.Brooks Faulkner say's in this work that "Paul, Nehemiah, Joshua, Barnabas, Moses, Elijah, and Peter are seven biblical characters that are models of good leadership. As a leader, you can learn something unique from each one of them."

1. Paul: “Believe in something bigger than yourself.”

“I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:47 (HCSB)

Paul thought of himself as nothing in the total scheme of things. He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself, namely, "Jesus Christ and Him crucified." 1 Cor. 2:2 (HCSB)

2. Nehemiah: “Build on what God has given you.”

His leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as by faithfulness. He would build the walls on faith. He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible; all are useful.

3. Joshua: “Bring the best people to the table”

Joshua had been in the presence of God. A theophany had taken place in Joshua 5:15: “The commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.” (HCSB)

Because of his special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He had a special place. He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31.

He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills the like of which Moses himself admired, perhaps even envied.

4. Barnabas: “Bridge the gaps of differing opinions”

He was nicknamed “son of encouragement.” (Acts 4:36) He bridged the gaps between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. Even when John Mark was being severely ostracized by Paul, Barnabas stood by John Mark.

He was generous and that in itself bridges the gaps of selfish and greedy people if God’s grace is given the opportunity to be operative. He sold his land and gave it to the church treasury. He was not an “out front” kind of person, but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a pastor is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other’s.

5. Moses: “Blind your eyes to petty criticism.”

Moses was seen as the patient leader of a people with little faith (Ex. 16:8, 16-20). His church was a murmuring people. They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Ex. 15:24; 16: 2-3). He did get disgusted. Remember, he struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough.

Petty criticism wears on the leader. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members’ criticism. If that doesn’t work, he outlasts them. Just about every pastor has “struck the rock” at one time or another; but then, like Moses, the same pastor usually has the resilience to see things through. Nobody said it would be easy.

6. Elijah: “Bind the ties of love and courage.”

Today’s nomenclature calls it tough love. Some call it a tough mind and a tender heart. Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God, he asked.

“Perhaps he’s sleeping and will wake up!” 1 Kings 18:27 (HCSB)

His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader’s life, there is a time for love, but also a time for courage. It may not come quickly. It will, however, come eventually. If the leader becomes a wimp, he will lose his leadership role. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love.

7. Peter: “Bounce back after you are knocked down.”

In Matthew 16, Peter was both a “rock” and a “stumbling block.” He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. It is enough to discourage any leader. You are the foundation. You are the devil’s advocate. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. One church member compliments your Sunday morning message, the next complains about your quoting Carl Jung because he is not a Christian. You get knocked down, but you bounce back. It’s a hard-knock life, but somebody’s gotta do it.

Brother Faulkner gives us some great things to think about in this article. I wonder if any of these profiles fit you today. Can you resonate with 1 or 2 of them? I know that I can. My prayer for you today is that your leadership style would bring God honor and glory in all that you say and do.

For Christ and His Kingdom

A.D Wilson

[caption id="attachment_522" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Dr. Angulus Wilson[/caption] Philippians 3: 13-14 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. NKJV Paul in his letter to the Philippians Church encourages the saints to stand fast and trust in the living Savior Jesus Christ. At the time of this epistle he is in Jail in Rome awaiting execution by Nero. Yet he writes to encourage his dear brothers and sisters. Paul was in love with the Philippi ministry. It was dear to his heart, for it was the very first Church plant of his many labors. Paul on his second missionary journey came to Philippi after he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for him to come and help them. It was there that he preached by a riverside and a few women were converted and so the church was born. Philippi was a pagan city, filled with idol worship. It was a place hostile to the good news of Jesus Christ. It was there that he was thrown into prison and beat for the healing of a girl who suffered from demonic possession. God rescued Paul in Philippi by sending an earthquake to shake the prison walls. So as he writes this letter, it is important for us to remember that Philippi was special, Philippi was sweet it was the church that was so grateful for the work of the Apostle that they supported him in the ministry where ever he went. Today we have the privilege of reading the jewels that are brother Paul wrote to them, encouraging and exhorting them to trust in the Lord. What makes the Philippians letter so encouraging to me is that here is Paul, one of the great saints of old, on trial in Rome, waiting in a tough situation, yet thinking about others rather than himself. Here he is remembering the saints in Philippi and encouraging them in the Christian race. In fact, one of the metaphors used in this chapter is that of a runner running in a race trying to obtain the prize. Paul in this particular book symbolizes the picture of a good leader. One who is in difficulty yet willing to serve and encourage another. Paul and his sufferings give us a glimpse of Christian leadership in crucial times. His example of Christian leadership paints a portrait of how it ought to look when we are under fire from a pagan world. His lifestyle brings us a glimpse of the Pastor and his love for the congregation and his desire to see them prosper even while he himself has to suffer. Today’s text has two points of interest the first is:

1. Paul’s Purpose in life
2. Paul’s Passion for Christ

Note: Paul was a man who was content with whatever things he had. (4;11) But he could never be content with his spiritual things. While he did not count himself as having arrived, he did see himself as one who was moving somewhere. Paul’s Purpose in Life

• He learned not to dwell on the past
• He learned to forget the good and the bad
• He learned to keep reaching for what was to come

Note: Dwelling on past sins for the Christian leader can result in a fatalistic mindset for ministry. The enemy pursues the child of God in the mind. Satan continues to remind them of their past failures. (Through people, personalities, events and other methods) In addition to this pursuit Satan wants us to dwell on the success of yesterday, locking us into a visionless mode for tomorrow. The child of God cannot remain in the success of yester-year we must forget all that we accomplished in the past and reach for what God has for us in the present moment and future.The picture he uses is that of a runner in a race straining forward, leaning with every ounce of his strength to that which is ahead while he is running. Before Paul was the blessed privilege and responsibilities of the Christian life and the higher stages of holiness.Paul in this verse sees himself as a runner pressing toward the goal. He is fixed on finishing and receiving the reward for running well. Here is the picture for the child of God of what the Christian life is all about. It is a race that must be endured through storm, trial, and suffering with purpose and passion. Hidden in this verse we find the secret of his passion in life. Paul’s Passion in Life

• He was living in pursuit of Christ
• His aim was reaching the mark

Note: I press toward the mark… this is a reference to the white line that marked the ground in the stadium from the starting place to the goal, on which the runners were obliged to keep their eye fixed; for those who transgressed or went beyond this line did not run lawfully, and were not crowned, even though they got first to the goal.  They knew he was running lawfully and was watching carefully how he ran the race. Paul was focused on receiving the prize (The reward which God from above calls us by Christ Jesus, to receive.) "The prize" is the "crown of righteousness." This is the prize offered to those in the high calling of the saints in Christ. A crown was bestowed in an earthly race when the goal was reached. This prize is "the resurrection from the dead" (Php 3:11) and an eternal crown. The prize of the racer was a crown or garland of olive, laurel, pine, or apple. The prize of the Christian is the crown that is incorruptible in heaven. When it comes to the high calling of God, there is no greater call, for it is the end or result of that calling. God has called us to great and noble efforts (ministry work). This calling is to a career of true honor and glory; to the obtainment of a bright and imperishable crown. Therefore, it is a calling which is "high," or upward towards the heavens! The calling of the Christian is from heaven, and to heaven. (Pr 15:24) The servant of God has been summoned by God, through the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, to secure his own personal crown.

1. It is placed before and above him in heaven.
2. It may be his, if he will not faint or tire, or look backward.
3. It demands his highest efforts, and it is worth all the trials and tribulations that come his way.

Encourage yourself today, and keep pressing toward the high calling of Christ Jesus! "Run Baby Run."

[caption id="attachment_522" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Dr. Angulus Wilson[/caption] My ministry leadership and growth development plan for the past 19 years has consisted of an ongoing cycle of training and formation that has taken place on a daily and weekly basis. Over the course of this journey I have found myself consulting God for wisdom, direction, instruction and help for the task that is ahead of ministry. In the past nine years I have conducted national and international mission trips, conferences and seminars. I have planted and served four congregations, completed doctoral level training, organized a school for bivocational ministers and served three major Christian Universities as a University Pastor, Director of Ministry Development and Minister at Large for Global Evangelism. I have reviewed my journey of ministry growth and development and placed my thoughts in three categories, they are as follows;

1. Corporate Ministry Development
2. Personal Ministry Development
3. Spiritual Growth Development

In the area of corporate ministry development, I have consistently made it a priority to have a plan that helps me to be available for instruction in community by sitting at the feet of great pastors who preach and teach internationally, as well as locally. Studying by radio, internet and other technological advances has helped me to take advantage of instructional resources that address the church at large and help to develop the leadership skills that I need to be successful in the work of the ministry. International schools of ministry, conferences, seminars workshops and Seminary level classes have all shaped my thinking over the Past 9 years.[1]I have looked forward to searching various resources that encourage me through dialogue, study sessions, and other resources aimed at helping the man of God to navigate the deep waters of leadership. Over the past 19 nine years I have served on Evangelism committees, Baptist associational boards, expository preaching conferences, key note speaking events, community evangelism events and developed networks, connections and resources to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. I have learned about corporate ministry Leadership and development. As a result of what I have learned, I have grown immensely in my own ideas and professional experience. One such conference that has shaped me over the past 5 years has been the Biblical Exposition Conference of Chicago Illinois. At the conference, preachers share local concerns and ministry issues that affect the community at large. Leaders from ministries across North America attend and together there is prayer, spiritual formation, and preaching and teaching that is designed to encourage and equip the man of God. In addition to this I have also developed and led conferences across the country that inspire, and help pastors to grow in the preaching and teaching of God’s Holy Word. It is in these conferences that I have been able to meet others who are walking in the same brand of leadership that I am walking in. In the area of personal ministry development, I have always had a desire to learn how to cultivate a heart to study God’s word in a systematic format. Preaching through books of the bible has helped me greatly in the past, and because of this desire I have been able to develop this skill as a teacher of God’s word. At my church planting sites, I have had the responsibility of teaching through books of the bible. Each lesson has required multiple hours of preparation and writing. This has helped me in leadership to be studious in the word. Personally, I have been made a better man by this journey, and have grown closer to God in this endeavor, because of expository preaching and teaching, reading and writing, and knowing that I am responsible for others has enhanced my desire for ministry growth and development. [2] Prior to my seminary masters degree, my prayer life and personal spiritual formation was inadequate as a leader in ministry. However, I have grown in the disciplines of spiritual formation, and I continue to have a quiet time hour each morning before daybreak. This is where I get alone with God. In this time period, I am able to bring my cares before God and lay them on the altar. It is my special time with the Lord, a time for introspection, reflection, recollection and confession. I long for this time because I know he is meeting me there and will bring to our meeting the necessary correction and information that I need to be a better servant for him. This time of formation (for 19 years) has helped me to begin my day, and to look forward to the work that is before me. [3]

Personal Devotional Plan

As previously mentioned, early morning intercession and formation is where I find my devotional life in this season of my journey. Before the day begins, my house is quiet, my heart is quiet and my head is less noisy. This is the perfect opportunity for me to connect with Jesus. I have also included into my spiritual disciples, the practice of isolation and spiritual retreats. Often times I get the privilege to spend time at a cabin, hotel and other remote areas near the ocean, mountains, and beaches that I may observe the hand of God through creation. This has been a powerful form of devotion for me. In many of these times I will take a hymnal, a journal and my bible and begin to seek his face in worship. I have discovered that spiritual formation is a saving grace in the time of crisis. A great portion of my devotional journey has been to go back and read the writings of the saints of old. Martin Luther, John Calvin, Brother Lawrence were men that walked and struggled with God and man. I have learned a great deal from their journey as well as my own. My personal prayer life, devotional time and spiritual formation with God has served me well, as a leader in the Lords Church.[4]

Family Relationship Building

Dennis Rainey did a great work in his Book titled “Ministering to Twenty First Century Families”. He challenges the Preacher to understand the culture in which we live. The author gives the minister tools for understanding, and reaching the new family in the church pew. As a leader, I have really blown it at times, by putting the church before my own house. I want to do better this year. I want to make ball games, and have regular date nights with Sharon. Attend school plays, and be home for dinner several nights a week. I want to share movie times and take mission vacations and holidays together. I realize that the spiritual formation of my own family is crucial and very, very important. If the Pastor cannot take care of his own home how can he take care of the house of God? My goal is to make regular appointments with my Kids, date them, hang out with them and be available for them whenever they need me to be available for them. I want to Minister to them and my beautiful Queen, so that they will love the Lord, and look forward to seeing HIM. It is my heart’s desire that they fall in love with Jesus and allow Him to lead and guide them in their own spiritual formation and development. This is my plan and I am sticking to it. For Christ and His Kingdom AW     [1]Leadership Ministries Worldwide. The Ministers Handbook. 1996.Chapter 1 part two your daily walk.Chatanooga TN: Alpha & Omega Ministries, [1] Spiritual leadership, Henry & Richard Blackaby, Chapter 3The leaders preparation: how God develops leaders pg 31-84Published by Broadman and Holman 2001 Nashville TN [2] Chapell Bryan, Christ Centered Preaching, Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids MI, 2006 [3] Spiritual leadership J.Oswald Sanders, Improving leadership pg 108-111, The Moody Bible Institute 1994, Chicago Il