President's Perspective
GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE ROOM
By Randall A. Bach
The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed”
(Mark 5:40-42, NLT)
They laughed at Jesus! It is one thing to disagree with someone or to have sincere doubt, but laughing in someone’s face is a deflating indignity. Why did the crowd laugh? Because Jesus had just explained that Jairus’ daughter, verified as dead, was but asleep, at least in Jesus’ eyes.
Only one chapter later, when Jesus went back home to Nazareth for a visit, word of the wonders He had performed preceded Him, and people flocked to Him in the hope of receiving healing and other miracles. Verse 5 of chapter 6 records, “Because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.” This was not you or me disappointed to find people were not healed when we prayed for them; this was Jesus! The explanation for this failure is found in that same verse: “because of their unbelief.” Thud!
Look at the connection between those two scenarios. In one, the crowd laughed at Jesus when He explained that a child who the people understood to be dead was, in His view, but asleep and would be awakened upon His declaring it so. In the second instance, the people were so resistant, beyond a lack of faith, with a determined unbelief, that Jesus, the Son of God, could perform few miracles. We are observing an important concept in these verses.
We should welcome everyone to join us in prayer about needs, whether large or small. We believe in the power of prayer! Corporate prayer not only activates power that is promised to us in the name of Jesus, it also ministers to people who may be struggling in their faith or have their own unspoken needs. All people should be drawn into prayer because of what prayer does in and through participants. However, these verses make clear that when you desperately need some serious prayer work accomplished, when there are critical needs, you need to get the right people in the room.
Only after Jesus had cleared the room of the scoffers and was alone with His closest disciples, his closest circle, did He tell the girl to arise. And after the jarring experience in Nazareth, Jesus traveled to other regions where faith was not checkmated by unbelief. He had to get the right people in the room!
There are levels of prayer and circles of praying people. In the outside circle are people who technically believe in prayer and politely join in when you pray. They are not the derisive crowd locked in the hold of contemptuous unbelief. In the next circle inward are people who believe in prayer but have little experience in getting ahold of God through prayer. They do not add their prayer to others; rather, they are carried by the faith of others. And then there are the people in the very inner circle, the ones who passionately believe in the power of prayer. They may be quiet. They may not draw attention to themselves. But they know how to humbly touch the throne of God.
To them the Lord is not a distant stranger; the Holy Spirit is their companion. They long for the power of God but do not try to hype the appearance of His power on their own. The only shows they are interested in are those originated by and controlled by God. The Word is their strength. They believe in God. They believe in you. They care about you. And they know how to pray. They don’t easily give up or become discouraged. They are also spiritually mature in understanding that there are times when, in spite of praying in faith, God has a different answer than our preferred one. They are not discouraged at those times because their faith and trust in the Lord are so anchored in their souls. They never question or doubt the sovereignty of God.
Make room for everyone to join in prayer. Corporate prayer is a learning lab for many. It is where we can learn about and begin to experience the power of joining our faith with others in prayer. Growing in prayer is a process. But there are times when you need a real miracle or answer to a serious challenge that you need to invite a select inner circle of people who will stand with you in prayer, without doubts, in simple and unfettered faith. That is when you need to get the right people in the room.
About the Author
Randall A. Bach delights in opportunities to serve the Lord, including his current assignment as president of Open Bible Churches. He earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Regent University. Randall and Barbara, his wife, have been in ministry almost as long as they have been married. They are grateful to have celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2021. Randall loves the church, pastors, and church leaders and is convinced that God loves to work through them to make disciples, develop leaders, and plant churches. A voice for Evangelicals, his work has been featured in several publications, including Ethics: The Old Testament, The New Testament, and Contemporary Application. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the National Association of Evangelicals. Randall has produced and edited several publications and other resources, including the Message of the Open Bible, We Believe: Core Truths for Christian Living, and a doctrinal course for youth called We Believe for Kids! He also led the creation of ACQUIRE, Open Bible’s online leadership development site.
“. . .As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you” (John 20:21 NLT).
In this issue of Message of the Open Bible you will discover some wonderful stories of how God is using everyday people to touch and transform lives and communities. You’ll read how people are opening their eyes and hearts to show and share the love of Jesus by “living sent.”
In my early years of ministry, I heard a phrase from well-known pastor Tommy Barnett that I have never forgotten. He defined ministry simply yet profoundly: “Ministry is seeing a need and meeting it.”
While this may be a simplistic approach, it has stuck with me, perhaps because it encapsulates much of what we see Jesus doing in His ministry. The scriptures tell us that “Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38), and how He came “not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Barnett’s quote also helps us see ministry as more relatable, practical, and attainable for every follower of Christ. It takes away the perception that ministry is something done only by pastors, or “super Christians,” or a few of the chosen. It expresses a biblical understanding of what every person can do to share the love of Christ with others.
Finally, the quote brings ministry outside the walls of the church. Ministry is not confined to a designated place or a specific group of people; it happens both inside and outside of the church.
“We see life-giving, disciple-making, Spirit-empowered churches [and people] . . . who possess a missional mindset, multiplying priority, and a mobilizing commitment.”
This idea of ministry is consistent with our vision for Open Bible: “We see life-giving, disciple-making, Spirit-empowered churches [and people] . . . who possess a missional mindset, multiplying priority, and a mobilizing commitment.” It embraces the same principle of “living sent” that we want to embody in our movement.
At the heart of our vision statement is a core value of being missional – reaching out to those who are disconnected from Christ, multiplying disciples who are growing, and building other disciples to be mobilized to serve and use their gifts both inside and outside the church walls.
I love the local church and have served and led through it for over thirty years. I agree it is the hope of the world. But our goal is not just to go to church but to be the church (as the saying goes). Our goal is to live our lives on mission for the Kingdom.
We tried to prioritize this at Life Church in Concord, California, where my wife Julie and I pastored for many years. We taught our church family to be missionaries in our communities and in the spaces where they had influence.
One of our favorite annual outreaches was called “Summerfest.” This day camp provided a free, full-day and week-long experience for local kids. In an area where dual-income families are working to make ends meet, we provided a place where kids would have a blast, be cared for by dozens of volunteers, and experience God’s love. This simple camp blessed hundreds of families each year. That act of service opened hearts to the Good News.
When we serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many
Outreach is not only about meeting physical and emotional needs but also addressing spiritual ones. It is about building relationships, creating trust, and opening avenues for people to experience the transformative power of God’s love. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
When we shift our focus from waiting for the next church-led outreach to personally engaging with those around us, we unlock the potential for exponential, “multiplied” kingdom growth.
For me as we planted our church, this looked like making a few very practical investments in our community. My daughters played soccer, so I volunteered to coach (I was the only dad to volunteer, so I got the job). Through that opportunity, I connected with families in our community. One of the soccer dads then asked if I would be interested in playing on his men’s city league softball team. By saying “yes” to his invitation, I was able to connect with even more people in our community, and long story short, that father surrendered his heart to Jesus and was one of the first people to be baptized at our church.
Serving people doesn’t always require a large-scale event or program. Sometimes, it is a simple conversation, a kind gesture, or a heartfelt prayer. As followers of Christ, we have the privilege of being His hands and feet in our own unique spheres of influence. When we shift our focus from waiting for the next church-led outreach to personally engaging with those around us, we unlock the potential for exponential, “multiplied” kingdom growth. One friend at a time, we can share the hope of Christ and watch as lives are transformed for His glory.
Remember these words of Jesus: “Whoever wants to be great must become a servant” (Matt 20:26 MSG). Let us be intentional in our outreach, committed to serving, and faithful in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
About the Author
Michael Nortune
Michael Nortune serves as president of Open Bible Churches. He has ministered in the local church faithfully for 35 years. From his start as a janitor and groundskeeper to lead pastor of Life Church in Concord, California, Michael has had the opportunity to gain experience in every capacity within the church throughout his ministry. Not only does he have hands-on experience on the local level, but Michael has also led at the district, regional, and national levels within Open Bible Churches. Michael and his wife Julie currently reside in Colorado and love living near five of their six children and their spouses. They also treasure the time they spend with their other daughter who lives in Alabama with their first (but not the last) grandson!
As we approach another election season, we find ourselves once again in an environment bringing tension, division, and uncertainty to people, including those within the Church. It is during times like this, however, that we as the Church can shine brightly. In the face of debates, advertisements, and news that may stir anxiety, we have a divine opportunity to anchor people to the unchanging hope of Christ.
The apostle Paul instructs us that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20 NIV), and as followers of Christ, our ultimate allegiance is to God and His kingdom. While politics does have its importance and influence, it is reassuring to know our hope is not based upon human leaders or systems but in the Lord who reigns over all.
In the face of debates, advertisements, and news that may stir anxiety, we have a divine opportunity to anchor people to the unchanging hope of Christ.
There is no question that, as followers of Christ, we should engage in our civic duties with a kingdom-minded perspective and a biblical worldview. We vote, we pray for our leaders, we seek the welfare of our communities (Jer. 29:7), and we engage others with love. And as we do all of this, we hold to the truth that God’s sovereignty transcends the outcomes of elections.
In times that seem unstable or fragile, God’s Word tells us “we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Heb.12:28). We serve an “unshakable kingdom.” Governments change, leaders come and go, and through it all, God’s kingdom remains. It is unshakable, eternal, and built upon His righteousness and justice. No election can alter the reality of God’s sovereignty nor shake the foundation of His authority. It is His church that holds the keys to unlock heaven on earth and bring light to the darkness.
Here is the reality we stand upon: It is God who “controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings” (Dan. 2:21 NLT), and “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Prov. 21:1 KJV).
Because of this truth, we can embrace Paul’s word to the Philippians: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7 NLT). Based on this passage, if we are a people of prayer who walk in faith, seek God’s wisdom, and are grateful, THEN we know we will experience a peace that goes beyond natural understanding. I am reminded, comforted, and convinced of this truth, and it is an anchor to my soul.
No election can alter the reality of God’s sovereignty nor shake the foundation of His authority.
This November’s election will be followed in December by the celebration of Christ’s birth. What a perfect time to remember that Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us. This name, given to Jesus, is more than just a title; it is a promise that no matter what happens around us, God’s presence is constant and unchanging.
Whether the outcome of the election brings joy or disappointment, whether policies align with your hopes or create concerns, remember Emmanuel – God is with us. He is present in our churches, in our communities, in our families, and in our lives. He is not distant or disconnected; He is personally and actively involved in the lives of His people. Whoever is elected and however people respond – God still sits on the throne, His Kingdom is unshakable, and His plans are unstoppable. GOD IS WITH US.
Some practical steps for consideration:
- Pray for our leaders, regardless of who they are: Pray for their wisdom, discernment, and a spirit of humility.
- Stay united as the body of Christ: Let a heart of unity, love, and the bond of peace be what others see.
- Keep an eternal perspective: Engage in the political process, but keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
- Live out the things that will remain: faith, hope and love.
About the Author
Michael Nortune
Michael Nortune serves as president of Open Bible Churches. He has ministered in the local church faithfully for 35 years. From his start as a janitor and groundskeeper to lead pastor of Life Church in Concord, California, Michael has had the opportunity to gain experience in every capacity within the church throughout his ministry. Not only does he have hands-on experience on the local level, but Michael has also led at the district, regional, and national levels within Open Bible Churches. Michael and his wife Julie currently reside in Colorado and love living near five of their six children and their spouses. They also treasure the time they spend with their other daughter who lives in Alabama with their first (but not the last) grandson!
A medida que nos acercarnos a otra temporada de elecciones, nos encontramos una vez más en un ambiente de tensión, división e incertidumbre entre la gente, incluyendo a los que están dentro de la Iglesia. Sin embargo, es en tiempos como éste cuando nosotros, como Iglesia, debemos brillar con intensidad. Frente a los debates, los anuncios y las noticias que pueden provocar ansiedad, tenemos la oportunidad divina de afianzar a la gente en la esperanza inmutable de Cristo.
El apóstol Pablo nos dice que «nuestra ciudadanía está en los cielos» (Fil. 3:20, RVR1960), y como seguidores de Cristo, nuestra lealtad suprema es a Dios y a Su reino. Aunque la política tiene su importancia e influencia, es alentador saber que nuestra esperanza no se basa en líderes o sistemas humanos, sino en el Señor que reina, sobre todo.
Frente a los debates, los anuncios y las noticias que pueden provocar ansiedad, tenemos la oportunidad divina de afianzar a la gente en la esperanza inmutable de Cristo.
No hay duda de que, como seguidores de Cristo, debemos cumplir con nuestro deber cívico desde la perspectiva del Reino y con una cosmovisión bíblica. Votamos, oramos por nuestros líderes, procuramos el bienestar de nuestras comunidades (Jeremías 29:7) y nos relacionamos con los demás en amor. Y al hacer todo esto, nos aferramos a esta verdad: que la soberanía de Dios trasciende los resultados de las elecciones.
En tiempos que parecen inestables o frágiles, la Palabra de Dios nos dice que «recibimos un reino inconmovible» (Heb.12:28). Servimos a un «Reino Inconmovible». Los gobiernos cambian, los líderes van y vienen, y a pesar de todo, el reino de Dios permanece. Es inconmovible, eterno y está edificado sobre Su justicia y equidad. Ninguna elección puede alterar la realidad de la soberanía de Dios ni sacudir el fundamento de su autoridad. Es Su Iglesia la que tiene las llaves para abrir el cielo en la tierra y para llevar la luz a las tinieblas.
La realidad sobre la que nos apoyamos es la siguiente: Es Dios quien «controla el curso de los sucesos del mundo; él quita reyes y pone otros reyes» (Dan. 2:21, NTV), y «está el corazón del rey en la mano de Jehová» (Prov. 21:1, RVR1960).
A raíz de esta verdad, podemos hacer nuestras las palabras del Apóstol Pablo a los filipenses: «Por nada estéis afanosos, sino sean conocidas vuestras peticiones delante de Dios en toda oración y ruego, con acción de gracias. Y la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guardará vuestros corazones y vuestros pensamientos en Cristo Jesús» (Fil. 4:6-7). Según este pasaje, «si somos un pueblo de oración que camina en la fe, busca la sabiduría de Dios y es agradecido, ENTONCES tenemos la certeza de que experimentaremos una paz que va más allá de la comprensión natural». Este pasaje me recuerda, me consuela y me convence de esta verdad, y es un ancla para mi alma.
Ninguna elección puede alterar la realidad de la soberanía de Dios ni sacudir el fundamento de su autoridad.
En diciembre, tras las elecciones de noviembre, celebraremos el nacimiento de Jesús. Qué momento tan perfecto para recordar que Jesús es Emmanuel: Dios con nosotros. Este nombre, dado a Jesús, es más que un título; es una promesa de que, pase lo que pase a nuestro alrededor, la presencia de Dios es constante e inmutable.
No importa si el resultado de las elecciones nos traiga alegría o decepción, sea que las medidas políticas se alineen o no con nuestras expectativas, o nos generen más preocupación, recuerde Emmanuel: Dios está con nosotros. Está presente en nuestras iglesias, en nuestras comunidades, en nuestras familias y en nuestras vidas. No está distante ni desconectado; Él está involucrado de forma personal y activa en la vida de su pueblo. Cualquiera que sea elegido y comoquiera que la gente responda: Dios sigue sentado en el trono, Su Reino es inconmovible y Sus planes son imparables. DIOS ESTÁ CON NOSOTROS.
Algunas medidas prácticas para tener en cuenta:
- Oremos por nuestros líderes, sin importar quiénes sean: Pidamos para ellos sabiduría, discernimiento y un espíritu de humildad
- Permanezcamos unidos al cuerpo de Cristo: Que un corazón de unidad, amor y el vínculo de la paz sea lo que los demás vean en nosotros.
- Mantengamos una perspectiva eterna: Participemos en el proceso político, pero mantengamos los ojos fijos en Jesús, el autor y consumador de nuestra fe.
- Vivamos conforme a lo que permanecerá: la fe, la esperanza y el amor.
Sobre el Autor
Michael Nortune
Michael Nortune es presidente de las Iglesias de la Biblia Abierta. Ha servido fielmente en la iglesia local durante treinta y cinco años. Desde sus comienzos como conserje y jardinero hasta ser pastor principal de Life Church en Concord, California. Michael ha tenido la oportunidad de adquirir experiencia en todas las funciones dentro de la iglesia a lo largo de su ministerio. No sólo tiene experiencia práctica a nivel local, sino que también ha liderado a nivel distrital, regional y nacional dentro de las Iglesias de la Biblia Abierta.
