Mobilization

Methodologies

HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute, a program designed to equip believers for effective spiritual harvest.

The basic theme of the training is to teach what Jesus taught, that which took men who were fishermen, tax collectors, etc., and changed them into reproductive Christians who reached their world with the Gospel in a demonstration of power.

This manual is a single course in one of several modules of curriculum which moves believers from visualizing through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to achieve the goal of evangelizing.

For further information on additional courses write:

Harvestime International Institute

3092 Sultana Dr.

Madera, California 93637

U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . I

Suggestions For Group Study. . . . . . . II

Course Introduction . . . . . . . . . 1

Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . 3

1. Mobilization Or Manipulation?. . . . . . 4

2. The Biblical Basis of Mobilization . . . . . . 15

3. The Fire Of God . . . . . . . . 22

4. The Glory Of God . . . . . . . . 41

5. The Purposes Of God's Glory . . . . . . 62

6. How To Glorify God . . . . . . . . 71

7. The Ark Is Coming! . . . . . . . . 84

8. Restoring The Tabernacle Of David . . . . . . 95

9. Wanted: Worshipers! . . . . . . . 108

10. How To Worship . . . . . . . . 133

11. What Is Revival? . . . . . . . . 153

12. Old Testament Revivals . . . . . . . 163

13. Biblical Principles Of Revival. . . . . . 183

14. The Mobilizer . . . . . . . . 191

15. The Mobilized. . . . . . . . 200

16. Principles Of Penetration . . . . . . . 207

17. After Achor . . . . . . . . . 219

18. A Tale Of Three Cities . . . . . . . 230

19. Gift-Based Mobilization . . . . . . . 237

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . 248

Answers To Self-Tests. . . . . . . . . 260

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

MANUAL FORMAT

Each lesson consists of:

Objectives: These are the goals you should achieve by studying the chapter. Read them before starting the lesson.

Key Verse: This verse emphasizes the main concept of the chapter. Memorize it.

Chapter Content: Study each section. Use your Bible to look up any references not printed in the manual.

Self-Test: Take this test after you finish studying the chapter. Try to answer the questions without using your Bible or this manual. When you have concluded the Self-Test, check your answers in the answer section provided at the end of the book.

For Further Study: This section will help you continue your study of the Word of God, improve your study skills, and apply what you have learned to your life and ministry.

Final Examination: If you are enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination along with this course. Upon conclusion of this course, you should complete this examination and return it for grading as instructed.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED

You will need a King James version of the Bible.

SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUP STUDY

FIRST MEETING

Opening: Open with prayer and introductions. Get acquainted and register the students.

Establish Group Procedures: Determine who will lead the meetings, the time, place, and dates for the sessions.

Praise And Worship: Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your training session.

Distribute Manuals To Students: Introduce the manual title, format, and course objectives provided in the first few pages of the manual.

Make The First Assignment: Students will read the chapters assigned and take the Self-Tests prior to the next meeting. The number of chapters you cover per meeting will depend on chapter length, content, and the abilities of your group.

SECOND AND FOLLOWING MEETINGS

Opening: Pray. Welcome and register any new students and give them a manual. Take attendance. Have a time of praise and worship.

Review: Present a brief summary of what you studied at the last meeting.

Lesson: Discuss each section of the chapter using the HEADINGS IN CAPITAL BOLD FACED LETTERS as a teaching outline. Ask students for questions or comments on what they have studied. Apply the lesson to the lives and ministries of your students.

Self-Test: Review the Self-Tests students have completed. (Note: If you do not want the students to have access to the answers to the Self-Tests, you may remove the answer pages from the back of each manual.)

For Further Study: You may do these projects on a group or individual basis.

Final Examination: If your group is enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination with this course. Reproduce a copy for each student and administer the exam upon conclusion of this course.

Module: Mobilizing

Course: Mobilization Methodologies

INTRODUCTION

To "mobilize" means to "put in a state of readiness for active service, to use one's energies for action". A "methodology" is a system of "methods", a clearly defined way of accomplishing a plan or vision.

Worldly strategies of motivation focus on manipulation of people and other resources for the purpose of greed and selfish gain. To "motivate" others, appeals are centered on things pleasing to the flesh or achieved by guilt, pressure, and force. Mobilization differs, in that it is grounded in Biblical principles and the motivation comes from God rather than man. Mobilization results from the sovereign touch of God rather than cheap emotional appeals to the flesh.

In this course you will learn the difference between mobilization and manipulation. You will study the Biblical basis of mobilization and learn how the fire, glory, and worship of God are involved in mobilizing God's people. You will study Biblical principles of revival and learn their importance in maintaining the motivation necessary for achieving spiritual vision.

You will also travel through the Biblical record of Joshua, learning how he mobilized God's people to take the promised land of Canaan. You will study about the type of man God uses as a mobilizer, and how to motivate others from passive to active involvement.

You will also study principles of penetration which can be applied to penetrate a nation, city, or village for God. You will learn what to do after a "Valley of Achor" experience and how to face spiritual giants in the land.

This course presents methods (a clearly defined way) of mobilizing believers (channeling their abilities for action) to achieve the vision of worldwide spiritual harvest. This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute series which is designed to take a believer who wants to be used of God and transform that wish from desire to demonstration.

In module one of training called "Visualizing", students are challenged with the vision of the spiritual harvest fields to which all true believers are called. In module two, "Deputizing", several courses establish the spiritual foundation necessary to become a harvester.

In module three, entitled "Multiplying", students are challenged to spiritual reproduction as they "multiply" and share what they have learned with others.

Module four, entitled "Organizing", explains how to organize the spiritual resources resulting from the "multiplying" phase of development. Next in order is this course on "Mobilizing" which presents methods for mobilizing spiritual forces for God and explains the practical application of the Harvestime vision to specific areas of ministry.

The Harvestime courses preceding this one are all very important. If you try to mobilize without a foundation, you have zeal without understanding. You cannot mobilize without people, which makes the importance of multiplying obvious. If you try to mobilize without

organization, you have action without a purposeful plan.

Many times in Christian service, we offer our best to God and think that is sufficient. Our best is never enough. Organization is not enough. Spiritual reproduction is not enough. Even a good doctrinal foundation is not enough. True...we must offer our best..but then we must look to God to add His holy fire, His glory, and spiritual renewal. We must learn not to rely on our training, experience, and organization. Rather, we must rely on God's transforming touch on the work of our hands. Only then will we, as harvesters, be mobilized to the work of the harvest.

And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Luke 16:19)

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. (Psalm 90:17)

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

∙ Define mobilization.

∙ Explain the difference between mobilization and manipulation.

∙ Explain the relationship between mobilization and evangelism.

∙ Summarize the Biblical basis of mobilization.

∙ Discuss each of the following mobilizing spiritual forces:

∙ The fire of God

∙ The glory of God

∙ Worship of God

∙ Revival from God

∙ Explain what it means to worship in spirit and truth.

∙ Discuss how we are to worship God.

∙ Identify Biblical principles of revival.

∙ Explain how to mobilize passive people.

∙ Explain how to handle failure.

∙ Identify the Biblical principles of penetration revealed in the book of Joshua.

∙ Identify the qualities necessary to be a mobilizer of others.

∙ Mobilize your church on the basis of spiritual gifts.

CHAPTER ONE

MOBILIZATION OR MANIPULATION?

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Write the Key Verses from memory.

∙ Define "manipulation".

∙ Define "mobilize".

∙ Explain the difference between spiritual mobilization and manipulation.

∙ Explain the difference between a passive and a mobilized person.

∙ Summarize the relationship between mobilization and evangelism.

KEY VERSES:

But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. (Matthew 20:26)

INTRODUCTION

It has been said that "the successful expansion of any movement is in direct proportion to its ability to mobilize and involve its total membership in constant propagation of its beliefs, purposes, and philosophy."

If a goal is to be achieved and a vision fulfilled, you must take action. If you work only with plans and programs, you have an organization. If you mobilize people, you have a organism and each person in the organism becomes part of the achievement of the vision.

Outward mobilization is the result of inward motivation. Everyone is motivated to do something. An important key in effective ministry is to motivate and mobilize God's people for the work of the ministry.

MANIPULATION

Worldly strategies of mobilization center on manipulation of people for the purpose of selfish gain. To "manipulate" means to "skillfully manage, direct, or control a person to achieve selfish

purposes". A manipulator exploits and uses others as "things" to achieve an end.

In manipulation, attempts to mobilize people are centered on things that appeal to the flesh. A person is convinced that certain actions will meet his own selfish goals, needs, or desires. He thrives on praise and attention from others. He strives for status and a sense of belonging. Financial or material gain is often involved. These are some of the inward motivations which mobilize him to action.

Manipulation is need based. The leader sees a need and manipulates people and resources to meet that need. If you are "need motivated", you soon become "need controlled". People will control and manipulate you to meet their personal needs.

Basically, there are two types of manipulation. One is "push" manipulation which uses fear as its force. The other is "pull motivation" which uses fleshly incentive and rewards. When believers have to be pushed or pulled into involvement in the work of the Kingdom of God, it is obvious that something is wrong.

In manipulation, people are often treated with partiality and sometimes leaders resort to threatening, guilt, and force to get things done. But the Bible warns spiritual leaders to forbear (not to use)...

...threatening, knowing that your Master (God) which also is in Heaven neither is there respect of persons with him. (Ephesians 6:9)

In other words, you should relate to those you lead in the same way God relates to you.

"Witchcraft" is listed in Galatians 5:20 as one of the works of the flesh. In this passage witchcraft not only refers to the evil work done by witches who are followers of Satan. It also refers to fleshly "manipulation" of other people for your own purposes and desires.

Jesus taught that believers are not to adopt such worldly methods of conduct and leadership:

But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. (Matthew 20:26)

MOBILIZATION

Believers are not to be manipulated or become manipulators, but they certainly are to be mobilized. God has always moved through people who were motivated to action. Throughout the Biblical record He called people to mobilize physical, spiritual, and financial resources to

accomplish His plans and purposes.

To "mobilize" means to "put in a state of readiness for active service, to use one's energies for action". In broad terms, mobilization refers to any event by which God's people are awakened and kept moving and growing until they find their place of strategic involvement in the task of completing world evangelization.

Spiritual mobilization differs from manipulation because it is grounded in Biblical principles and the motivation is focused on God rather than man. It is not focused on flesh and self. It is not need-oriented ministry, but command-oriented.

For example, when Jesus visited the pool of Bethesda, there were many people there who were lame, sick, and diseased. But Jesus healed only one man. He was command-oriented rather than need-oriented. This did not mean He did not have compassion on the others, but He had been led by God to minister to this one man.

If you become need-oriented in ministry, you will soon be overwhelmed by the many needs around you. Eventually, you will become need-controlled. The needs of people will control your life and ministry. You will be manipulated by them and you will become a manipulator in order to meet the great demands of these needs.

If you are command-oriented rather than need-oriented, your ministry is God-directed instead of man-directed. You will be motivated and mobilized by the power of God rather than the manipulation of men and their needs.

THE PASSIVE AND THE MOBILIZED

The opposite of being mobilized is being "passive". It is important to know the difference between the two if you are to and motivate inactive believers:

A PASSIVE PERSON:

To be "passive" means to be "unconcerned, inactive, unresponsive, indifferent, unemotional, or unfeeling". Here are some common reasons why people are passive, why they are inactive, indifferent, and not involved in the work of the Lord:

_They are not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

_They have not grasped the meaning of the Great Commission.

_They do not know their place in the Body of Christ.

_They have no goals, vision, and direction.

_They lack singleness of vision. (They see so much to do and have no clear vision of their role, so they are discouraged and do not do anything.)

_They are consumed by the cares and involvements of the world.

_They are afraid their willingness to become involved will be taken advantage of by others.

_Authoritarian leadership that does everything prevents their involvement. This is a "personality based" ministry instead of a Body ministry involving all members in the work of the Lord. (The pastor or spiritual leader is not to do the work himself. He is to equip or mobilize the body for the work of the ministry.)

_They live in the past. The Bible warns, "Remember Lot's wife". Looking back to the "good old days" or "how things were done before" prevents action in the present.

_They are walking in the flesh: When a person walks in the flesh, they cannot accomplish spiritual goals. The flesh prevents you from doing "that which you would do" (Romans 7:15). Frustration, division, and unresolved conflicts are all signs that a person is walking in the flesh. These and similar behaviors will render people inactive in the Kingdom of God.

_Sin prohibits the flow of God's anointing, His fire, glory, and revival. Since these are the mobilizing spiritual forces, a believer who continues in sin will soon lose his motivation.

_Discouragement causes passivity. A discouraged person is closed minded, has a need for power, control, and to get his own way. He avoids personal responsibility, blames others for problems, and wants to retaliate. He is unstable and disloyal. (See the "For Further Study" section of this lesson).

_A "professional" attitude. This is a problem that often renders people inactive in the modern church age. This "professional" attitude is one that says "Let's hire it done".

A PASSIVE PEOPLE:

Passive individuals result in a passive people corporately. Basically the passive church fits the description of the church at Sardis in Revelation 3:1. They have a "name that they live, but they

are dead". Here is a "checklist for a passive church". How does your church measure up?

_Physical care of church facilities is below average and conveys an "I don't care" attitude.

_There is a heavy dependence on the pastor or paid staff to do the work of the ministry.

_There is a strong orientation to the past, believing that the "good old days" were better than the present time.

_There is declining membership.

_There are many inactive members.

_The focus is on music, children, and youth while the adults remain inactive.

_Economy is more important in decision-making than steps of faith.

_Communication is poor between members, pastor, and staff.

_A lack of attendance reveals a low level of concern.

_There is no evangelical fervor.

_Policy makers and aggressive members are largely from the people who were members when the congregation started or from the "good old days".

_The minister views his ministry as in the past rather than in the future.

_The congregation is convinced that if they can find a "super pastor" to replace their minister, their problems will be over.

_The governing body of the congregation (board, council, etc.) tends to see its primary role as a permission withholding body to say what can not be done. (In an active church, the governing body encourages creativity, innovation, steps of faith, and whenever at all possible,

gives rather than withholds permission).

_New plans are met with arguments of "why that will not work here".

_The emphasis is on learning rather than doing.

_The typical member cannot call more than 5 people in the congregation by name.

_People are unusually critical about what is or is not happening.

_New members find it hard to gain a sense of belonging and to feel needed.

All of these items exhibit unconcern, indifference, and lack of involvement.

A MOBILIZED PERSON:

A mobilized person is readily adaptable and responsive to the direction of the Holy Spirit. He is not set in his own selfish ways. He has prepared his spiritual vessel (his "wineskin") to receive the "new wine" (new things God is doing). A mobilized person is God-dependent rather than self-dependent. He is spiritually rather than fleshly motivated. He is excited about the work of God and involved in the Kingdom of God.

A mobilized person is willing to act...even take risks of faith... and take responsibility for his actions. A mobilized person is stable, loyal, and instead of revenge in times of crisis, he seeks a solution. He is command-oriented rather than need-oriented. He does not manipulate and exploit others. He is compassionate, loving, and involved in and excited about the work of the Kingdom.

A MOBILIZED PEOPLE:

Review the 19 signs of a passive church given previously in this lesson. Think about the opposite of each of these signs. The opposite of each behavior provides the description of a mobilized, motivated church.

A mobilized church is spiritually renewed. A mobilized church is motivated, set aflame with love and compassion for the lost. It is composed of a group of people actively involved in the fulfilling of the Great Commission. It has a Kingdom rather than a denominational mentality. It is a worshiping, revived church filled with the demonstration of the power and glory of God.

QUALITIES OF A MOBILIZER

Once there was a famous scientist named Sir Isaac Newton. He studied and recorded the natural law of motion. The first law of motion was that...

"A body in motion tends to remain in motion and a body at rest tends to remain at rest."

This is true spiritually also. People will remain indifferent, unconcerned, and inactive unless motivated and mobilized for the work of the Kingdom.

This is where the ministry of a "mobilizer" comes in. A mobilizer is one who mobilizes others. But in order to do this he must first be mobilized himself. A mobilized person then mobilizes others by example and encouragement rather than force and fear.

A mobilizer is committed to the specific task of the Great Commission. He concentrates on concerns outside of himself and his own personal and selfish needs. He is not an organizational man. He is not a denominational man. He is Kingdom man. His purpose, goals, and objectives focus on the Kingdom of God.

A mobilizer equips others for the work of the ministry by challenging them with spiritual vision, grounding them in foundations of faith, and challenging them to spiritual reproduction. He helps people discover and release their potential without feeling threatened by their spiritual growth and advancement in the Kingdom of God.

Actually, the spiritual leaders which God sets in the church as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are all to be mobilizers. Their purpose is to "equip" others for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12).

A mobilizer never views people as inanimate objects to be used to get something done. He knows that mobilization involves more than saying "do this" and having a person do it. He recognizes that other people are created in the image of God and not "things" to be used, even

in the work of the Kingdom.

A mobilizer is courageous in the face of opposition and has a deep spiritual experience. His life has been touched by God's power and glory. He walks in integrity and maintains a close, personal relationship with the Lord.

Joshua, the man chosen by God to mobilize Israel to take the Promised Land, is one of the best examples of a mobilizer. You will study more about him and the qualities of a mobilizer in Chapter Fourteen of this course.

Many believers are spiritually dead because they have dead men preaching to them. They are inactive, passionless, indifferent, and unconcerned. If you lack a burning heart, those you lead will lack it.

A passionless religion will not put out the fires of the enemy raging across our world today. The best way to fight fire is with fire. As Elijah learned, the wood is not enough, the altar is not

enough...even our sacrifices are not enough. We must be touched by the fire of God!

Numbers 16:46-48 records how Aaron was used by God to stand between the living and the dead, providing a bridge of life. This is what a mobilized person does. He stands between the dead (passive) and the living (active). He is used of God to mobilize believers to action. He carries the censor filled with the fire of God, igniting each life he touches with its flame.

Many people are trying to lead God's people and do God's work with hearts than have never been truly set ablaze or hearts that have lost their flame. Can the fire that set the desert bush ablaze for in the time of Moses set our hearts aflame until we are burning for God? Can the fire that Ezekiel saw depart stage by stage from Israel return to us today?

MOBILIZATION AND EVANGELISM

For what purpose are we mobilizing people? Why should we try to motivate a passive people? If people are comfortable in our church congregations and their needs are being met, why stir things up?

We must be concerned with mobilizing spiritual resources because it is the only way the great spiritual harvest of our world can ever be reaped. We are mobilizing spiritual resources for the purpose of evangelism.

There is a difference between mobilization and other approaches to evangelism. In most evangelistic programs, the center of attention is the "gifted" (or sometimes in the modern church the "professional") evangelist. In this type of evangelism, the focus is on increasing the number of listeners. Advertising, invitations, radio and television interviews, and many other means are used. Everything possible is done to broaden the impact of the evangelist's ministry.

Nothing is wrong with these methods. It is important that we take full advantage of the gifted men known as "evangelists" which God has set in the Church. But to meet the challenge of the great end time spiritual harvest that is upon us, we must assume a "mobilized approach" to evangelism.

A mobilized approach to evangelism focuses on all believers, rather than just those with the specific ministry gift of evangelism. It seeks to multiply the number of converts by motivating each one of God's people to "do the work of an evangelist" (II Timothy 4:5).

This type of mobilization is done within the Biblical framework of the Church. It is called "body ministry", where each person assumes his position based upon his spiritual gift. Then the whole body functions in unity to achieve global objectives in harmony with that of the Great Commission. In mobilization for evangelism, we use every legitimate means available, to reach every level of society, presenting the whole gospel to all men.

THE TIME FOR MOBILIZATION

In a natural army, troops are mobilized in time of war and/or great need. Spiritually, this is a time of warfare. We are in the greatest battle ever for the hearts, souls, and minds of men and women throughout the world. This is a time of great need. We see it as we look at the spiritual harvest fields of the world, ready to be reaped, but with few labors working feverishly in the setting sun. Now is the time for the mobilization of God's people. As the prophet Micah said, "Mobilize! The enemy lays siege..." (Micah 5:1, The Living Bible).

But in order to mobilize, we must return to God-commanded rather than need-oriented ministry. We must rely on God rather than self. Organization, cooperation, multiplying, doctrine...all of these are important. But only God can send the fire, the glory, and the revival

that mobilizes His people. As a body without breath and life, so is a people of God who are organized, united, and doctrinally grounded, but yet lacking the breath of life of the Holy Spirit.

If you rely on your education, you accomplish what education can do. If you rely on skills and hard work, you will obtain the results of your hard work and skills. When you rely on committees alone, you can get a lot done...but only what committees are capable of doing. But when you rely on God, you get what God can do!

Human effort will never get the job done. The great end time harvest cannot be reaped by fleshly methods:

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:3)

This work cannot be accomplished by manipulation or by human might or power.

Then He answered and spake unto me, saying...Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

Many years ago, God gave a prophet named Zechariah a vision of a golden lamp stand. The lamp furnished light through a bowel that received oil coming from a living olive tree. The lamp burned as long as the oil flowed.

You cannot do God's work without the anointing of God continuously being channeled into your life. You must be attached to the living olive tree. As a fruit bearing branch you must be grafted into the vine (John 15). This is divine motivation. This is sovereign mobilization.

Jesus was touched by this mobilizing fire of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18). The first church was set ablaze by the power of Pentecost (Acts 2). David knew the power of the Spirit (II Samuel 23:2). Ezekiel testified to it repeatedly. Ezra (Ezra 7:6) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:18) also felt the motivating, mobilizing forces of God when the hand of the Lord was upon them. The Apostle Paul knew it (II Corinthians 1:21-22).

And you can know it too!

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verses from memory.

_______________________________________________________________________________

2. Define "manipulation".

_______________________________________________________________________________

3. Define "mobilize".

_______________________________________________________________________________

4. Explain the difference between spiritual mobilization and manipulation.

_______________________________________________________________________________

5. Explain the difference between a passive and a mobilized person.

_______________________________________________________________________________

6. Summarize the relationship between mobilization and evangelism.

_______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. Read the story of David's army in I Samuel 30. Observe how these men met the description of a discouraged person:

"A discouraged person is closed minded, has a need for power, control, and to get his own way. He avoids personal responsibility, blames others for problems, and wants to retaliate. He is unstable and disloyal".

What did David do to change the situation? Do you know discouraged people? How could you encourage them?

2. The nature of human motivation was studied by a man named Abraham Maslow. He claimed that in order to motivate people to action you must appeal to their basic needs which include the following:

-To fulfill one's potential.

-To grow and develop.

-To be creative.

-Esteem of others.

-Esteem of self.

-To belong.

-To love.

-To be loved.

-Shelter.

-Safety.

-Sex.

-Thirst.

-Hunger.

While these are important to life in this world, they are all fleshly desires. People who are mobilized on the basis of an appeal to such needs will not long remain motivated. When their own selfish needs are not being met, they will retreat to inactivity.

You cannot mobilize people for spiritual purposes on the basis of fleshly needs. You must mobilize them for spiritual purposes on the basis of spiritual principles.

CHAPTER TWO

THE BIBLICAL BASIS OF MOBILIZATION

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙ Explain how mobilization is divinely ordained.

∙ Identify descriptive Biblical terms implying mobilization.

∙ Identify a Biblical command for mobilization of believers.

∙ Explain how mobilization was practiced in the New Testament Church.

∙ List Old Testament examples of mobilization.

∙ Summarize what you learned about mobilization from the life of Gideon.

KEY VERSE:

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the Word. (Acts 8:4)

INTRODUCTION

Throughout the Biblical record, God worked His plan and accomplished His purposes through people who were mobilized for action. Scriptures reveal that mobilization is divinely ordained and implied by descriptive terms in the Biblical text. It is illustrated in the Old Testament and in the New Testament Church, and it is central to the command given to believers to fulfill the Great Commission.

In this lesson you will study the Biblical basis of mobilization. You will also learn the central truth of Biblical mobilization. It is the fact that such mobilization is not based on the recruitment of vast physical or financial resources. God does mighty things through just a few people who are mobilized to action and answer His call.

MOBILIZATION IS DIVINELY ORDAINED

Read Ephesians 4:11-16. This passage reveals that the reason the Lord gave special leadership gifts to the Church were for the purpose of equipping (mobilizing) people for the work of the ministry. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are all to be "mobilizers". They are the special ministry gifts ordained by God to equip (mobilize) believers for the work of the ministry.

The fact that the Holy Spirit indwells and endows each believer with spiritual gifts also confirms that the mobilization of the entire Body of Christ is divinely ordained. (Read Romans 12:3-8 and I Corinthians 12:1-31)

MOBILIZATION IS IMPLIED BY DESCRIPTIVE TERMS

The descriptive terms used for the Church also imply mobilization. Romans 12:3-8 and I Corinthians 12:1-31 speak of the Church functioning as a "body", with each believer mobilized to fulfill his unique purpose. The priesthood of all believers described in Hebrews 10:19-22, I Peter 2:9, and Revelation 1:6 implies the mobilization of the entire Church for the work of the Kingdom.

MOBILIZATION IS CENTRAL TO BIBLICAL COMMANDS

Mobilization is central to Biblical commands given to believers. For example, the Scriptures clearly declare that believers are created to do good works. (See Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:14; 3:8, James 2:17, and I Peter 2:12). If we are to accomplish these, we must be mobilized to act.

Mobilization is also central to the fulfillment of the Great Commission to spread the Gospel to the nations of the world:

Go Ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you... (Matthew 28:19-20)

Go, preach, teach, baptize...these are all action words. A mobilized force of believers is necessary to fulfill these commands.

MOBILIZATION IS PRACTICED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The New Testament Church was a mobilized group of people. They were ministering daily in the temple and in every house (Acts 5:42). They were praising and worshiping God, and the Lord was increasing their number daily (Acts 2:47).

Even persecution did not dampen their enthusiasm. Persecution resulted in the scattering of their membership but...

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word. (Acts 8:4)

The first church formed missions teams and sent them to other nations (Acts 13:1-3). They ministered from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the then-known world. They literally "turned the world upside down" for God (Acts 17:10).

MOBILIZATION IS ILLUSTRATED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Mobilization is also illustrated in the Old Testament. Read about how God mobilized His people for...

-The building of the tabernacle: Exodus 35:4-29

-The conquest of the Promised Land: Joshua 1:10-15

-The building of the first temple: I Kings 5:13-18; I Chronicles 29:1-9.

-The building of the second temple: Ezra 1:5-6; 3:8-13; Haggai 1:2-15

-Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem: Nehemiah 2:17-6:15

You can also study the record of Old Testament battles where God mobilized His people to subdue the power of the enemy. One exciting example is the story of Gideon.

THE GIDEON FACTOR

One of the great Biblical principles of mobilization is that God accomplishes great things through just a few people who are mobilized for His purposes. We will call this the "Gideon factor" of mobilization because it is illustrated by the story of a man named Gideon.

Read Judges 6:11-24. When the angel appeared to Gideon, the man was not talking about fighting or penetrating the land. He was doing just the opposite. He was hiding from the enemy who had come into the land after Israel had sown their seed. The enemy was stealing the harvest and Gideon was attempting to reap a limited harvest in secrecy and fear.

This is a picture of much of the "reaping" activity going on in the world today. People are attempting to reap a spiritual harvest for God while cowering in fear, in hiding from the enemy. As long as we assume this defensive position, our "threshing out" of the grain will be limited. As Israel, we will be "greatly impoverished".

When the angel spoke to Gideon addressing him as a "mighty man of valor", we can imagine that Gideon looked around and said to himself, "I don't see any mighty warriors". He did not really recognize that the "Lord was with him".

All Gideon saw was the overwhelming situation which surrounded him. He asked, "If the Lord be with us, then why is all this befallen us? Where are all His miracles which our fathers told us of?"

When you look at the conditions of your nation and the world around you, you may question "If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened? It is discouraging. It is overwhelming. Where is God's miracle-working power?"

It is in this context of fear and doubt that God still calls "Gideons" today. The truth of the "Gideon factor" is that God calls weak people to do mighty things. The angel told Gideon, "Go in this thy might...have not I sent thee?" The only motivation that will empower us to meet the difficult challenges of our generation is the promise that the Lord is with us. This promise of His presence is given to those who are mobilized to action and respond to His call to go:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...and lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. (Portions of Matthew 28:19-20)

Gideon questioned the angel, "How can I do this? My clan is the weakest and I am the least in my family." Moses felt the same way. So did Jeremiah and even the Apostle Paul. You may also feel that way. You may feel limited by your social standing, finances, educational background, or abilities.

But God works through weak people who are mobilized to respond to His call:

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called;

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.

That no flesh should glory in His presence. (I Corinthians 1:26-29)

The particular ability with which God gifted Gideon was not only his skill in commanding an army. It was the capability of motivating others to join him in the task. We know he was successful in this because 32,000 men responded to his call to arms!

But after God encouraged Gideon in his recruiting efforts, He demonstrated that He works just as well with a few as with many. God eliminated 22,000 of the potential fighters. Anyone who was fearful was allowed to go home..

God then proceeded to sift out 9,700 more men. Those who were not concerned and alert (who were not watchful while drinking) were also sent home. This left just 300 men...one percent of the original volunteers. Imagine how Gideon must have felt, facing an army of 135,000 men! The odds were 450 to one in favor of the Midianites. But God accomplished great things through these few men. They won the battle with the enemy. They reclaimed the territory rightfully theirs. They were able to reap their harvest.

When the strong confederacy of the Midianites, Amalekites, and others gathered together against God's people, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon. The Hebrew word translated "came upon" literally means "clothed". God's power was given to Gideon at the point and time of need...not before and not after. You will find the same is true in your life. The mobilizing power of God does not come upon you until you heed His call to go.

The camp of the invading enemy is described as "settled in the valley as thick as locusts". Their camels were like the "sand on the seashore". It was a vast multitude. Gideon surprised the enemy with trumpet blasts and waving torches. It was probably the biggest camel stampede in history! Gideon's victory involved a good strategy and carefully coordinated, organized action, but it was more than that. It was an effort ordained and mobilized by the power of God.

You may be a weak and fearful person working with weak and fearful people who are few in number. But God can give you His power just as He did Gideon. Are you low on men, finances, and material resources? Rejoice...God delights to do great things through limited natural means...And when He does, He will get the glory!

The story of Gideon demonstrates that a handful of warriors, mobilized by the power of God, organized around a common vision and strategy can succeed against overwhelming odds.

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verse from memory.

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2. How is mobilization divinely ordained?

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3. What are some descriptive Biblical terms implying mobilization?

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4. Identify one Biblical command for mobilization of believers.

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5. Explain how mobilization was practiced in the New Testament Church.

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6. List Old Testament examples of mobilization.

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7. Summarize what you learned about mobilization from the life of Gideon.

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Several of the New Testament parables told by Jesus reveal the importance of mobilization. Study the following parables:

1. Believers should be mobilized to seek for those lost in sin:

-Parable of the lost sheep: Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:4-7

-Parable of the lost coins: Luke 15:8-10

-Parable of the lost son: Luke 15:11-32

2. Believers should be mobilized to be ready for the return of Jesus:

-Parable of the talents: Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27

-Parable of the man on a long journey: Mark 13:34-37

-Parable of the servants: Matthew 24:43-51; Luke 12:39-46

-Parable of the watching servants: Luke 12:36-38

-Parable of the ten virgins: Matthew 25:1-12

3. Believers should be mobilized to do the work of God in spreading the Gospel:

-Parable of the sower: Matthew 13:3-8; Mark 4:3-8

-Parable of the tares and wheat: Matthew 13:24-30

-Parable of the net: Matthew 13:47-50

-Parable of the mustard seed: Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:31-32; Luke 13:19

-Parable of the talents: Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27

-Parable of the harvest: Matthew 9:37-38; Luke 10:2

CHAPTER THREE

THE FIRE OF GOD

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Write the Key Verses from memory.

∙ Discuss spiritual parallels of the benefit of natural fire.

∙ Define "the fire of God".

∙ Summarize what the Bible teaches about the fire of Pentecost.

∙ Identify purposes of the fire of God.

∙ Explain how to experience the fire of God.

KEY VERSES:

And when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from Heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house.

And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house.

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshiped, and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. (II Chronicles 7:1-3)

INTRODUCTION

In Chapter Two you examined the Biblical basis of mobilization, learning that God moves through mobilized people, whether they be many or few. This chapter is the first of several focusing on spiritual factors that mobilize the people of God. In this and the next few lessons you will study the fire of God, the glory of God, and the worship of God.

Pause now and read again the Key Verses for this lesson (II Chronicles 7:1-3). You will note that the fire of God fell first, then the glory of God was revealed, and finally the people of God entered into true worship. The fire of God, the glory of God, and true worship are all spiritual forces that mobilize and equip God's people for action.

NATURAL FIRE

There are many positive benefits of fire in the natural world. Fire provides energy and warmth. It is used to prepare food. Controlled burning of land provides ashes which fertilize the ground to make better harvests.

Fire consumes waste matter. It burns out impurities in gold and silver. Fire attracts people, which is evident from the crowd that always gathers when something is set ablaze. Fire kindles other fires, but it is the tendency of fire to go out if it is not continuously fueled. A flickering flame that is almost out, however, can be fanned again into a brilliant fire.

SPIRITUAL FIRE

Natural fire is a parallel of spiritual fire. The fire of God provides energy for the work of God. It warms the cold, indifferent spirit. It results in spiritual food and abundant spiritual harvest. The fire of God consumes the waste of your life, working just as it does in gold and silver in the natural world to burn out the impurities.

A man or woman set ablaze by God's fire attracts peop