Author: Greg W. Davis

Acts 11:15 -17 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. ¹⁷ Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? ¹⁸ When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Experience Matters

The want ad read, “Mechanic Needed. Knowledge of general engine repair, starting systems, exhaust systems, and electrical systems. Experience wanted.” The employer was stating that he had good job for someone, but they had to have previous experience in doing the work. Mr. Jeff Fluhr, president of a new method of hiring, (video conferencing with applicants), believes experience is over-rated. He was also CEO of the highly successful internet ticket selling web-sight – Stub-hub. He believes that many more important factors of the job applicant are important. For example, he likes to hire inexperienced people who have qualities that are successful in any job settings for instance those who promote good team chemistry, have a likeable personality, display a high level of optimism, display a above-average creativity, and/or show great intellect. These intangibles are far more valuable, in his opinion, than previous experience in the field. Yet, other experts disagree on the wealth of previous experience.

Luke in his authoring of the early church clearly displays that Peter relayed based on his previous experience that the Gentiles too had experienced the same thing that the early founding fathers of the church had. He repeats the phrase “as on us”, or “the like gift as he did unto us”.  The early disciples knew Peter understood what had happened to all of them in the beginning and were confident that he was a ready expert as to the Gentiles experience.  Because of that like experience, the early church then had credible evidence that God was pouring out the same things that they had experienced. Their confidence swelled, and misgivings fell away immediately.

When does experience matter? Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers, a book on employment, states it matters in three key areas. First, it when an expert is needed, the rule of ten thousand applies. Experts are not newbies, but rather people who have had the same experience ten thousand times. One should have greater confidence in Jesus, because the evidence is overwhelming. Especially in this area. Paul in Romans 4:21 states “And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was also able to perform.” If one has been around the people of God, they are giving the personal experience of a God who regularly, faithfully, and dutifully demonstrates His experience of creating solutions, demonstrating His power, and solving one’s problems. Every day He raises the sun -up, puts the moon in the midnight sky, and spins the Earth about its axis. He daily feeds every wild animal, every fish, and controls the wind, the waves, the sea, and the rivers. The evidence of His experience matters.

Secondly, experience matters when one wants to predict the future. It serves as a roadmap what can take place from here forward. When someone has renovated a disheveled building, framed a new house, or restored order to a chaotic work environment, that life experience is a well from which a repeat performance can be demonstrated.  Paul explained that in 2 Corinthians 9:8, when he stated, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work;” If God every healed one’s body, delivered one from difficult life dilemmas, or liberated one from unbreakable bondage, it gives us confidence, hope, and faith that He can do it again.

Lastly, experience matters, when it is personal.  One cares more intensely about experience when it’s your son or daughter, or your business, or your home.  Let someone else be the surgeons first surgery. Let some other client be the first court case if it means years in prison. Let some other mechanic fix the car, but when it’s my brakes, engine, or transmission, only the best, experienced mechanic will do. Our preference is clear when one’s interest are at stake. We want only experienced experts.

What is your problem, issue, or circumstance? Is it something God has fixed in the past?

 

In your personal life, what are the miracles, providence of God, or sufficiency of His power that you have seen?

 

How can you express greater confidence and faith that God can solve your personal situation?

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. KJV

The Blessing of Brotherhood

Brothers. They come in all shapes and sizes. It is always amazing that the same two parents can produce such a wide variety of personalities in one family. Dr. Kevin Leman in his world acclaimed book, The Birth Order Book, published first in 1982, describes the family dynamics that create diverse personalities between the first born, second born and third within a family. A fascinating study that is accurate by the observation of many observers of the human family. Solomon is his writing in Ecclesiastes describes how two unrelated people, can develop the brotherhood status despite no blood lineage. He is not alone in this understanding. Many groups of firefighters, policeman, soldiers, college fraternities and various assembly of people speak of brotherhood, family, and various announcements of bonds that have been forged by the sufferings, and victories on life. Some single purpose, and live event that has so forged two people together, the dynamic of brotherhood is invoked.

Solomon describes it quite simply. “Two are better than one.” Anyone who has ever walked the course of living and have experienced life’s curves and hills may quickly agree. Growing up in a home with seven brothers, I can tell you how true that is. Through the years, I have learned how valuable it is to have a trusted brother even as a defense of the another brother. As a young sibling at six years old, when I wanted to learn to swim with my brothers, they said I would have to learn like they did. Eager to join in to the obvious hijinks they were up to, I readily agreed. At my young age, I had not learned how to swim, but I knew I wanted to learn. My older brother, Jack, smiled and said, “Okay, here you go!”. He picked me up to begin my first swimming lesson. I trusted his strong young arms, my first mistake. I should have realized his method of teaching may include a few panicked bubbles. He quickly launched me into the canal that was located behind our country home. As I fluttered, spit, and sputtered, I hopeless sank with my young life flashing before my eyes. My other older brother, Brian, quickly came to my aid, bringing me up from the depths of the canal. I was sure at this point, it had to be hundreds of feet deep. While in truth, it was just barely deeper than my young sub-five-foot height, Brian’s help in a middle of my crises was a lifesaver. He was just what I needed. He rescued me in the nick of time. Through both of their efforts, I would soon accomplish my desire. Before the afternoon was over, I was kicking, floating, and swimming as we all kicked and splashed in the summer shade– laughing, splashing, and goofing off. With a brother, one can accomplish new things for our life.

Secondly, Solomon explains a second aspect. He has designed this life to be shared with others. Why? It magnifies its joys, and bears it sorrows. We hold each other up, and give each other strength. In the church, by partnering with another brother of like precious faith, we draw something from each other that opens our lives to new depths, new understandings, and new experiences. A second aspect of Solomon’s observation is that there is an exponential reward as two brothers partner together. One person’s strength, gains greater, more dynamic strength as we link hearts, heads, and arms. God was expressing this in Deuteronomy 32:30, when he said, “How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the Lord had surrendered them?” NKJV The reward of laboring together is so much sweeter. When two brothers grab a hammer, a paint brush, or plan a children’s ministry project, the possibility of reward just ratcheted higher.

When I realize such, rich blessings, I must work to partner with my brother to build worthwhile life projects. Some projects are as simple as spreading the good news of the Gospel. When I stand with a brother of faith, and knock on the door of a stranger, it gives me greater hope of the outcome of each visit. “Who’s there?” a question rings out from behind the closed door. I look over at my brother, smile, and say, “The church.” As we cross the threshold to visit a shut-in, or to bring cheer to someone experiencing sickness, we have a greater possibility of reward. God helps us to accomplish more together by including others, a brother, and with each other make lasting change.

 

1. Who is a person that you would call “a brother?
2. What does the relationship dynamic bring to your life?
3. What can you do, if you partner with someone this week, that will advance the Kingdom of God?