Preparation

On 24 August 2009, approximately 4,700 students will begin studying in various classes across the campus of Abilene Christian University. These students will be doing many wonderful things, but THE MAIN POINT is to PREPARE these students to do what they choose for their lives in the service of God and under God's guidance. I cannot overemphasize the importance of PREPARATION. Here are some introductory thoughts from my perspective.

Joshua 1-2 are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT CHAPTERS IN THE BIBLE for studying and understanding the importance of PREPARATION. The Israelites are camping at Shittim or Baal-peor just east of the Jordan River a little north east of the Dead Sea. God had told them to cross over into the land of Canaan, conquer the Canaanites now living in the land, and become the promised land God had given beginning with Abraham. If this is to happen, God's people must be PROPERLY PREPARED to receive these blessings. One may divide this naturally and conveniently into two parts.
1. God's role in PREPARATION. God assures his people that He will do three things for his people.
a. I will give you the land. This is not your job. This is my job. I will do this. You can count on this. Joshua 1:2, 3, 11, 15; 2:8, 14, 24.
b. I am with you. Joshua 1:5, 9, 17. See also 2:11.
c. I will not fail your or forsake you. Joshua 1:5.
2. The role of the Israelites in PREPARATION. God tells the Israelites to do several things IF they are properly prepared to enter into and take the land of Canaan.
a. Be strong and very courageous. Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18. A person's or a people's attitude and determination are very important for PREPARATION.
b. Be careful to act according with all the law that Moses commanded. Meditate on God's word day and night. Joshua 1:7-8. IF a human being wishes to be a SERVANT of God, that person MUST steep himself or herself in God's word, God's message, the Bible.
c. PREPARE the provisions needed for making the journey. Joshua 1:11. Certain "tools" are absolutely necessary to do God's work properly.
d. Cooperate with peers. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh received permission to have their territories east of the Jordan UNDER THE PROVISION they they would "cooperate" with their fellow-tribes to conquer the territories west of the Jordan. Numbers 32. NOW, Joshua summons these tribes to "cooperate" with all Israel to take the land of Canaan. Joshua 1:12-18.
e. Spy out the land. Joshua sends two spies to Jericho to learn the situation of the Canaanites and the "lay of the land" in PREPARATION for the conquest. Joshua 2:1-2.
*Now, study these principles, and here are a few suggestions.

I am not a doctor, but I have several close friends who are doctors. Approximately fifteen months ago, I had open heart surgery, then I had a stroke. I have been undert he care of a cardiologist for approximately eight years. A doctor works on the human body. When I go to a doctor, I expect that person to be PROPERLY PREPARED. Oh, there are a lot of people out there would have good intentions, and care for people, and want to do the right thing. But sorry. I want to go to a person who has been PROPERLY PREPARED.

My field is not medicine or pharmacy or nursing or the like. SO, I would not make any suggestions along these lines. The same is true about education, history, science, art, etc. My field is Religion. If a person expects a well-prepared doctor to work on his or her human body, surely a person expects a well-prepared Christian individual to work on his or her spiritual heart. There are numerous people out there that have good intentions, and care for people, and want to do the right thing, but they have not "taken the time and the effort and the money and the proper thought" to PREPARE for MINISTRY. Now, I am using the word MINISTRY in the biblical sense of service, and thus this is an "umbrella" for pulpit ministry, educational ministry, mission work in the USA and abroad, youth ministry, religious counseling, etc. In this field, there are ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS for THIS FIELD of service to God. In this blog I will simply list these essentials, and then in later blogs, I will go deeper into details.
1. Two years of Greek and one year of Hebrew--minimum.
2. Knowledge of the Bible. Introductory courses, and some indepth courses--minimum of 15 semester hours.
3. Now, we are ready to "diversify." Here are a few introductory possibilities.
a. Pulpit ministry--At least two years of training in well-planned classes under educated and well-trained teachers. A year of "internship" in a church, learning to work with the staff, a trained preacher, elders, teachers, the church family.
b. Youth ministry--At least two years of training in well-planned classes under educated and well-trained teachers. A year of "internship" in a church.
c. Education ministry--At least two years of training in well-planned classes under educated and well-trained teachers. A year of "internship" in the church.
d. Mission work--in the USA or abroad--At least two years of training in well-planned classes under educated and well-trained teachers. These teachers will equip you to learn the culture and society in which you plan to do your work. They will guide you to learn the language of the culture where you plan to do your work. They will accompany you to go to your place, and become familiar with this new field.

I hope and pray that each of you has a great year. PREPARATION is WHY you are here. Blessings to each and every one of YOU. Let me hear from you. Give me your ideas and responses.

John Willis