For the Church

The Boldest Prayer in the Bible

Join us each day in the month of November for a time of prayer based on the Psalms.

In the Scriptures, God gives his people a surprising and uncomfortable amount of participation in his eternal purposes. He often waits to fulfill his plans until he can fulfill them through us. He waits till we pray.

God is in no discernible hurry. He instead moves in our hearts to seek him, desire his kingdom on earth, and boldly ask for his glory to cover the earth. Our prayers literally do change the world. God has ordained this unexpected and strange pathway to his glory, and indeed, he is the one who gets the glory in the end.

We know Moses as the great leader of Israel, and we know him as one of the Old Testament’s preeminent prophets too. But have we considered the remarkable prayer life of Moses?

Moses’s Bold Request(s)

God would often draw Moses to himself for days at a time, revealing himself and his will to Moses. In Exodus 32, the Israelites get tired of waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain, and they quickly spiral into corruption and make a golden calf out of their gold jewelry. Moses is distraught over their sin, and knowing God to be holy and righteous, fears that Israel might be completely wiped out. Moses goes directly to the Lord in prayer and asks that God forgive their sin (32:32). God responds that he will punish them for their sin but agrees not to totally destroy his people (32:33–35).

God tells Moses he will still give the Israelites the promised land, but he will not personally lead them anymore—the pillar of cloud, representing his presence, would not remain with them. He will instead send an angel to go before them (33:1–3). So, Moses’s first prayer has been granted, but he’s not done yet.

Moses approaches God a second time in the tent of meeting. It’s here that we learn that God would regularly speak to Moses face to face, as one talks with a friend (33:11). In this prayer conversation, Moses makes his second request, citing God’s own character and goodness first. He prays, “Remember that this nation is your people” (33:13). He’s appealing to God’s own faithfulness and steadfast love. Moses continues, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (33:15). He’s saying: If you don’t personally come with us, God, what is the point of any of it? It’s not enough to send an angel. We want you, God!

Now, this is a bold second request, and we might fear that God will respond with anger. We might tell Moses he should be content with his first request being answered. But one answered prayer has a way of increasing our faith and boldness. So Moses makes this second request, and it seems to delight God even more. God responds, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name” (33:17). Prayer number two is also answered.

Now, I played basketball every day through high school and college, and I can tell you this. If I made a three pointer, it made me want to shoot another three. And if I made two threes? You couldn’t stop me from taking a third. I tell my boys the same thing: If you’re hot, it’s no time for meekness; keep shooting! I think Moses is thinking essentially the same thing now. He’s two for two. In the language of NBA Jam, he’s heating up. Why not go for three?

With a preposterous boldness, Moses makes a third request, and it’s the most audacious one yet. “Now show me your glory” (33:18).

Can you believe it? Moses asks to see God in all his glory. But no one can see God and live (33:20)! Has Moses lost his mind? Or is he perhaps as close to the heart of God that he’s ever been? Is he actually asking God for the exact sort of thing that God wants to give?

Indeed, God’s response tells us everything. He will do it. He will allow his goodness to pass in front of Moses, but God will not show his face—because Moses would not survive that one (33:19–23). The following day, Moses prepares himself and returns up the mountain. It says that “the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him… And he passed in front of Moses,” proclaiming his name (34:5–6). All because Moses dared to ask.

Boldness, indeed. Moses has moved from intercession to petition with this third request, but he’s not shifting gears too much. He is asking God to be who he is in some particular way. Moses is bringing God’s own character and goodness before him, seeking more of his presence and power. He’s asking God to do the very thing that he wants to do. And God delights to answer each and every request.

Discovering the Power of Intercession

Intercession is the most dynamic and yet most overlooked form of prayer in today’s church. More than just “praying for others,” intercession compels God to be who he is in a particular place and time.

We know that God is faithful; in intercession, we ask him to be faithful to in a certain way to a particular person. We know that God is loving; in intercession, we ask him to reveal his love to our friend or coworker. Intercessory prayer begins with an acknowledgement of God’s greatness and compassion then calls on God to apply his character and power to someone who needs it most. In this way, we’re seeking to compel our good Father to action not by our own credibility but by his.

Here’s what that can look like.

Father, you have promised that your glory will cover the earth (Hab. 2:14); will you reveal yourself now in Columbia, Missouri? Glorify yourself in this particular time and city!

Lord Jesus, you are the friend of sinners (Matt. 11:19); my friend Eric doesn’t know you and is resistant to your good news; will you break through his stubborn heart and reveal your love to him?

Lord, you are the God of healing (Ps. 103:3); will you heal my friend Jamie of her chronic illness? Let yourself be glorified by showing that you still heal the sick and brokenhearted today!

Lord Jesus, there is much spiritual opposition against our church leaders right now, but you came to disarm all rulers and principalities of evil (Col. 2:15). Will you defend and protect us against the attacks of the enemy against us?

Father, you are just and merciful, a God who delights in justice, hates wrongdoing, and loves the stranger (Ps 86:15; Is. 61:8; Lev. 19:34); will you now defend the refugees in our city and overthrow the system of injustice that works against them?

Intercessory prayer is one of the means by which God moves history forward. In his infinite wisdom and patience, he often waits to fulfill his purposes until we pray. He could do everything without us, no doubt. But because he loves us and cherishes relationship with us, he often delays the fulfillment of his promises until we pray specifically and earnestly. He doesn’t need us, but he wants us to be involved.

Intercessory prayer becomes our joy as we experience the thrill of answered prayer. Reading the stories of Moses—not to mention the accounts of Elijah and others—it seems clear that we are not asking God for too much, but too little.

If we’re not asking for much in prayer, we don’t get much from God. Jesus said, “Ask and you shall receive.” James added, “You don’t have because you don’t ask.” Perhaps we’re afraid God won’t answer. Or perhaps we’re more afraid he will answer!

In intercessory prayer, we’re asking God to change the world. We’re asking him to make it a more just, more God-aware, more beautiful place. We’re asking him to change our friends’ hearts and lives. We’re seeking his justice to roll like a river. We’re asking him to be who he is in some particular way. And God delights in these prayers!

“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, CSB).

Editor’s note: The following article was adapted by the author from his book Pour Out Your Heart: Discovering Joy, Strength, and Intimacy with God through Prayer (pp. 99, 102–107). Pour Out Your Heart is available now from B&H Publishing and wherever books are sold.

Great Commission Direction

By Michaela Classen / May 29

Why should Southern Baptist churches cooperate?

This is one question I ask students taking the required Baptist history class I teach. I ask it because every generation of students asks it, or will ask it, or needs to ask it, and I want them to know how I answer it and have arrived at my answer with cheerful conviction.

While many Protestant and Evangelical churches are like-minded and share the same core convictions about doctrine and missions as the Baptists, for those preparing to serve and lead Baptist churches, my course is designed to help them understand, develop, and defend their convictions about the ecclesial tradition to which their church is connected.

The Baptist movement began in England as small groups of men and women met to establish themselves in churches and then sought fellowship with other churches around common beliefs and practice. This early confessional cooperation grew out of, and centered on, the Reformation program of doctrinal renewal which emerged from the study of the Bible and led to the recovery of the biblical gospel message. As these Baptist churches gained strength, they crossed to the New World and grew into a fleet of churches sailing together, united in doctrine and headed in Great Commission direction.

A Fleet Sailing Together

The picture of churches as ships sailing is fitting for our understanding of the value of intercongregational cooperation as it conveys, first, that they are not the only ships at sea. There are many churches, of course, but not all have set sail, and not all are headed in the direction of global evangelism. Thus, it is helpful for churches to find partners who agree not only in their design and beliefs but also in their shared trajectory. Not all churches aiming to fulfill the Great Commission are Baptist churches, and wherever possible Baptist churches can and should sail with those with whom they can unite in evangelism and missions. Celebrating and encouraging other evangelical churches in this shared task is not something Baptist churches have always done well in their history, but when understood in these terms, they could find value in mutual encouragement. Likewise, as Baptist churches seek to start new churches to add to their fleet, they will find safe harbor and maximized mission when they work with other Baptist churches who not only are sailing in the same direction but also are united on the kinds of churches they are seeking to fund and start together at the ends of the earth.

Second, the picture conveys that these ships do need to tend to their own vessels to maximize speed and stay on course. To stay afloat in the world for gospel proclamation, Baptist churches have found the need to prioritize their own doctrinal and congregational health. These ships will, no doubt, encounter storms without and conflict within. A church that has lost its first love may also lose the Spirit’s enabling wind power behind it. Baptist churches at sea need to minimize any hindrance that would pull them off course.

Third, this picture conveys that individuals can serve and live on one ship at a time. While circumstance may dictate the need for believers to change churches, for most the norm is continuing to serve on the ship where one is placed. When a sailor is counting on the buoyancy of his ship for his life and safe travel, he is far more likely to look after the health and heading of the ship. It is the picture of foolishness to see sailors lounging on the top deck complaining about their ship, or envying another ship nearby, when their own is languishing due to their lack of effort. Thus, Baptist churches are more likely to be strengthened, revitalized, and steered back on course when their members are focused on thankfulness for the ship on which they have been placed, the fleet of which they are a part, and using their gifts to help keep that ship, and fleet, on course.

Why should Southern Baptist churches cooperate? This chapter aims to show that from their beginnings, Baptist churches found they needed other churches to maintain their own doctrinal health and to accomplish the shared mission given to all churches. Despite their faults and blind spots, from small groups in seventeenth-century England to the first national Baptist denomination in the United States in the nineteenth century, Baptist churches have persevered to hold intercongregational cooperation in doctrinal confession and missionary endeavor as a key distinctive. As I love to tell my students, this story is worthy of retelling to inspire ongoing renewal of Baptist churches of the present and future as they carry out the same mission. With that intent in view, in this chapter I will tell the story of Baptist beginnings.

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Episode 317: FTC Mailbag

By ddickerson / May 28

It’s a mailbag episode! On this week’s For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson dig into the inbox and tackle questions related to sheep swapping and church hopping, the pursuit of writing, fruitful pulpit supply, and how Satan’s rebellion connects to questions of worship, sanctification, and the possibility of sin in the new heavens and new earth. As always, to submit a question for the mailbag, email us at [email protected]

What resources would you recommend to ministry leaders? – Aaron Lumpkin

By emangalagiu / May 27

Ftc.co asks Aaron Lumpkin ‘What resources would you recommend to ministry leaders?’.

Living in Light of Jesus’s Return

By Michaela Classen / May 23

Editor’s note: This summer, we’re sharing articles aimed at encouraging pastors, ministry leaders, and church members in living and serving in light of Christ’s coming Kingdom. To hear more on this topic from Jason K. Allen and other key leaders, register to join us for the 2025 For the Church National Conference, “Kingdom Come: Ministry in Light of Glory.”

The following article originally appeared in the May 2013 edition of SBC Life, and was originally published at ftc.co on November 30, 2016.

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“There are two days in my calendar: this day and that day,” quipped Martin Luther in reference to Christ’s second coming. We have come a long way since Luther’s statement, with most believers erring dramatically in one of two directions.

Second coming sensationalists are the most egregious, and widely lamented, offenders. They predict the timing of Jesus’ return; but, of course, they do so in vain. Jesus stated no man knows the day or hour of his return. The most infamous prognosticator in recent years has been Harold Camping, who on multiple occasions has predicted the specific date of Jesus’ return, thus embarrassing himself—and the name of Christ—before a watching world.

As irresponsible as Camping and his ilk are, one can argue the greater danger facing the church is not hyper-expectancy about Jesus’ return, but a slumbering church that acts as though Jesus isn’t returning at all. This seems especially to be the case in the year 2013. Twenty years ago, sermons and literature on the second coming were plentiful, but such interest seems to have gone the way of the el Camino car or the waterbed, an out of style fad from a previous generation.

This ought not be the case, for evangelicals are a second coming people. Though we hold differing positions on both the millennium and on the tribulation, we are unified on the literal and soon-coming return of Christ. For Christians, though, the most important questions to ask are not if Jesus will return—that is settled—and not when he will return, that is unknowable. The most helpful question to ask is: “So what?”

Jesus’ second coming is not an abstract doctrine with no bearing on the Christian life. Rather, the New Testament refers to Jesus’ return with applicability. The Bible is replete with references to Jesus’ second coming. These passages come not as an eschatological data dump, but as a forthcoming event that is to shape a Christian’s life. The Pauline corpus speaks with special relevance. Paul frequently references, and even elaborates on, the timing and circumstances of Christ’s return. In studying Paul’s many references to the second coming, one finds that the Apostle gives special emphasis not only to Jesus’ return, but to the church’s posture as the bride in waiting. What Jesus will do and when he will do it are not unimportant considerations, but they are not the most urgent. The most pressing consideration for believers is how we should live in light of his impending return.

An Expectant Hope

In Titus 2:13, Paul describes Jesus’ second coming as the church’s “blessed hope.” For most Christians throughout church history, expecting the second coming was more than the hope of moving from a good life to a more perfect eternal state. Rather, it was a yearning for deliverance from pestilence and war, a yearning for deliverance from death and destruction, and a yearning for deliverance from poverty and persecution, or even deliverance from martyrdom.

In the Western world, Christianity in the 21st century finds most believers enjoying life in relative comfort. Religious freedom, modern medicine, bourgeois lifestyle, and other modern-day conveniences have proven to bring not only earthly comfort but also spiritual complacency. This comfort often diminishes our yearning for Jesus’ return.

This complacency is frequently found in the local church as well. Many congregations act as though Christ’s return would interrupt their building program or contravene their long-range strategic plan. Too many young adults seem content for material pursuit, while senior adults are too busy enjoying retirement to long for Christ’s return. I sense that for many Christians today, heaven is too distant, eternity too abstract, and Jesus’ return too theoretical. In complete contrast, we need to live life on a first-century footing, yearning for something so beautiful and eternally satisfying—to see Jesus and be made like him—that it eclipses and transcends all other longings and expectations.

A Sanctified Life

In expounding upon Jesus’ return, Paul frequently references the church’s need to prepare individual’s lives to see Jesus. In fact, Paul calls the church to live as “sons of light and sons of the day, not as of the night or of darkness” (I Thessalonians 5:5), in anticipation of Jesus’ return. Truth be known, if our longing is not right, our living will not be right either.

Few things focus one’s life like impending judgment. This is why Jonathan Edwards resolved “never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trumpet” (Resolutions of a Saintly Scholar). Therefore, it is urgent that we recover a robust and expectant eschatology. As we do, we will find that a healthy anticipation of Jesus’ return infuses the Christian life with focus and urgency, proving to accelerate growth in the spiritual disciplines.

Cause and effect can be difficult to disentangle, but in the New Testament there is a clear correlation between anticipating Christ’s return and living a more sanctified Christian life. Expecting to meet Jesus occurs with a sober intention to purify one’s life, and the call to purify one’s life occurs in concert with anticipating Jesus’ return. This is why one preacher famously said we should live as though “Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow.”

A Renewed Witness

The more Christians contemplate Jesus’ return—and the final judgment associated with it—the more we will be renewed in our evangelistic witness. This is rooted in the gospel and the Great Commission itself. The lost urgently need to hear of Christ before they meet him. After all, as Peter reminds us, God has delayed Christ’s return and final judgment to allow time for a greater harvest of souls. Peter writes, “The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

The second coming of Jesus and the renewal of our personal witness is precisely where the inerrancy of Scripture and the exclusivity of the gospel intersect. To embrace the total truthfulness of God’s Word—including the soon-coming return of Christ and the corresponding truth that all must repent and believe in Jesus to be saved—should propel us into a renewed fervor for the Great Commission. The Christian who confesses Jesus is coming and that salvation is found only in his name must be dynamic, not static, in his witness.

Conclusion

The church’s attention to Jesus’ return seems to be seasonal, with interest rising and falling based upon a host of issues, most especially current geo-political events. The need of the hour is not for more end-times speculation or an unhealthy preoccupation with the sequence of eschatological events. Such interests should give way to an eschatological anticipation that impacts how we live the Christian life until he returns.

Perhaps there should be a touch of Harold Camping in us all: hoping, yearning, and even expecting Jesus’ return. Until he comes, we find ourselves with the saints of the ages, longing for the day when the kingdom of this world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and praying with the saints of the ages, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Episode 316: Young Adults for the Kingdom

By ddickerson / May 21

Was Gen-Z at TGC? Beginning with that strange question, today’s episode of the FTC Podcast transitions to a conversation about the calling of young adults for Christ’s kingdom. At some point in the last fifty years, our society began to see the young adult years as a season of life when you can just “figure things out” and have as much fun as possible while you do. Of course, our teens and twenties can be fun. And no college student or young adult in a first job can know what the next ten to fifteen years will hold. But these decades are also the launching pad for the rest of your life. Young adults will have opportunities to make an eternal difference. After all, they’re on mission now. Jesus’s commissioning is all that is needed to love God, love people, and witness to the truth of the gospel. Jared Wilson visits with returning guest, author and pastor Jeremy Writebol, about his new book Make It Your Ambition, which presents young adults with seven worthy pursuits to ignite young people’s imaginations to discover what a life marked by robust, gospel-fueled, and Spirit-filled obedience can look like.

How can student ministries implement theologically minded student ministry in the church? – Will Standridge

By emangalagiu / May 20

Ftc.co asks Will Standridge ‘How can student ministries implement theologically minded student ministry in the church?’.

What does it mean to be “For the Church”? – Aaron Lumpkin

By emangalagiu / May 14

Ftc.co asks Aaron Lumpkin ‘What does it mean to be “For the Church”?’.

Five Keys to Applying for a Ministry Job

By Michaela Classen / May 14

Over the last ten years or so, I have had the joy—and the burden—of taking the lead on hiring dozens of ministry staff members at churches I’ve served. That means I’ve also had the difficult responsibility of wading through hundreds upon hundreds of ministry resumes and cover letters in search of great candidates.

Not long ago, a candidate reached out and asked me for specifics as to why he wasn’t selected, as well as for advice as to how he could better position himself the next time he applied for a position. The young man is to be commended for his willingness to learn—I have a hunch that will serve him well in ministry. Below is an adaptation of what I shared with him:

Trust God’s Timing and Be Faithful Where You Are

If you’re on the job hunt and not seeing much movement, don’t be discouraged. If we really believe that the Lord is sovereign and has a plan and purpose for our lives, we can trust Him with the timing of our next ministry assignment. Be sure to remain faithful right where you are until He moves you. Your current assignment is not wasted time—it’s preparation for what’s next.

Understand That Fit Matters

One thing many candidates forget in their search is that qualifications often are not the differentiating factor between one candidate and the other. In this instance, for example, we hired someone who already attended our church. He understood our city, our culture, and our values. While other candidates had a stronger resume on paper, the relational fit and contextual familiarity tipped the scales. Remember that you don’t want to go somewhere you don’t fit, so take it as a kindness from the Lord when He keeps that from happening.

Get Serious About Your Resume

Your resume is usually your first impression, so make it count.

Structure your resume strategically. Highlight your most relevant experience up front.
Be concise. Remember, the person hiring for the role may have dozens of these to read. Make it easy for them to get their head around your skills and experience.
Proofread everything. Then have someone else proofread it. Then proofread again. Attention to detail matters.
Avoid technical hiccups. A broken link in your email or an unreadable attachment can make a poor impression.

Prepare Well for the Interview

If you’re able to land an interview, be sure you’re well prepared for it. Take the time to do your homework on the church. Make sure you’ve looked over the job description or the church’s website and listened to a sermon or two so that you have a good feel for what the church is like and what they prioritize. When you answer questions, be thorough but do not ramble. Be prepared to answer questions with stories from your ministry experience. These should be real-life examples of things you’re proud of in your ministry, challenges you’ve faced, obstacles you’ve overcome, and problems you’ve solved. Stories like these help the person interviewing you know you’re up for the challenge.

Don’t Walk Alone

Finally, make sure you’ve got someone in your corner throughout your search. This could be a mentor, your pastor, or a professor who stays in the loop with you as you apply and interview. Ask them to pray with you, encourage you, and speak truth into your life. If you’re connected to a seminary, most of them have student success offices designed to help you. Take advantage of those resources.

Trust the Lord

Remember, you can trust the Lord with your future. In His timing, He’ll make His plan known. In the meantime, prepare well, be faithful where you are, and rest in Him.

Episode 315: Church as Singles Mixer

By ddickerson / May 14

Lots of singles in the church. Fewer and fewer marriages. What gives? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about their own observations and experienes in the “dating world” of the local church. Why are young men and women finding it difficult to find potential spouses? Why do they find it difficult sometimes to even talk to each other? What are the relational landmines in seeing the church as a dating pool? And what can singles actually do to enhance their potential for Christian marriage?