Joshua D. Lifford, Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

My purpose is to emulate the church of Christ that was founded by Jesus and His Apostles on the day of Pentecost. I appreciate very deeply the efforts of those who sought to Restore the New Testament Church during the Restoration Movement. My goal is the same as was theirs; to call men and women back to the Bible. However we must not ever become complacent with the findings of those men.  We do not want to follow the traditions of men, but rather the Biblical Principles that founded the 1^st Century Church.

Introductory Thoughts:

The purpose of this “document” is to set forth a proper understanding of who I am as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To impress upon your mind the fact that I believe that the Bible is the Final Authority in matters of doctrine. To help you understand where I stand doctrinally and of my personal goals to help the Lord’s body Love, Grow, Serve and Go by centering everything we do around Christ who is the Head of the church. I believe that in order for the church to survive as the body of Christ, it must follow its head. Therefore, it must submit to Him through submitting to His last will and testament instead of the “traditions” of men. The church by its very nature is different than other religions.

Personal Information:

I became a New Testament Christian in December of 1995 and preached my first sermon around February 1996. During the beginning years of my life as a Christian I worked and worshipped with the Valley church of Christ in Kingsport, TN. I helped in leading singing, serving communion, reading scriptures, door knocking and would volunteer for just about any other activities of the church that I could be involved in. I believe that these things have helped lay a tremendous foundation for my life’s work of being a full time Gospel Preacher.

In 2000 after graduating from High School I entered the United States Marine Corps, after hurting my femoral neck I came home after spending nearly six months on Parris Island. Shortly after that began working at Quebecor World in Hawkins Co. TN and worked there for one year until the plant began laying off its employees. I was a pressroom bundler and worked 12 hour shifts 4-6 days a week. In December of 2001 I met my wife Nicole of nine years. We dated for two months and then I proposed to her and on June 30^th 2001 we were married. By the end of September 2001 we found out that she was pregnant with our son who was born on May 20^th 2002.

By this time I had joined a partnership business with my cousin. We owned a company called WebTech in Kingsport, TN. We serviced computers, built websites and graphic design. After about a year I decided I would change careers and began selling life and health insurance. I was the youngest agent that the office I worked out of ever hired. I sold insurance until February 2004. That month was one I’ll never forget. That month I decided to enter preaching school, my wife was converted and I finally realized what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I love to work with computers and to sell things, but the greatest enjoyment comes from seeing a life transformed by the saving power of the Gospel, Romans 1:16.  Since I began my journey in 2004 I’ve personally assisted over 40 individuals in becoming a New Testament Christian (to God be the glory) and have helped hundreds in being restored.

In 2006 I began working toward my B.A in Biblical Studies and graduated from the Theological University of America in February 2008 with a B.A in Biblical Studies.

Ministerial work/experience:

Pahrump Church of Christ – Pahrump, NV.  (Internship) February 2007 – August 2007

Pineville Church of Christ  – Pineville, LA. August 2007 – May 2008

Rockwood Church of Christ – July 2008 – Present

I have been involved in door knocking campaigns, gospel meetings, two lectureships with the T.C.S.O.P., personal bible studies, teaching classes that are geared toward helping others realize their potential as a person and more. I believe that a minister should practice what he preaches and I make every effort to live that out everyday. Being a full time preacher is not just a job to me, it is my way of living.  My personal philosophy of ministry and evangelism is wrapped up in the great commission. I believe it is best seen in the Christian life model below called “Love, Grow, Serve, Go.”

Education:

Southeastern Baptist Academy, Bluff City TN.  2000 High School Diploma

Tri-Cities School of Preaching & Christian Development 2004-2006

Theological University of America – B.A. Biblical Studies February 2008.

Theological University of America – M.A. Nouthetic Counseling August 2010

Personal Interests/Hobbies/Work Ethic:

As a Christian I enjoy many things in life, like spending time with my family, fishing, hunting, golfing, coaching football, assisting with baseball, etc. I believe that to be most effective I must maintain soundness in my home first and then spread it to the world. My wife and I enjoy having members/visitors in our home for meals that she prepares and likewise we love visiting and getting to know the members in their homes as well. As a family who has dedicated their lives to the spreading of God’s Soul Saving Message we believe it’s important to develop relationships with those you are trying to help. Therefore we make it a priority to get to know each member of the local church first. Our average day consists of studying God’s word, praying, working with our son and sharing with others.

Closing Statements and introduction to the remaining portion of this document:

Hopefully by now you have come to realize that we are dedicated servants in the Kingdom of Christ. We want to nothing else other than to spend eternity in Heaven with each other, you and as many others that we possibly can. We love working with those who want to work. We understand that every everywhere is not all on the same level of spiritual growth. Knowing that if given the opportunity and ample time we can help any group of Christians who share the same Zeal, Love, and Compassion for the Spreading of God’s word as we do. If given the opportunity and privilege of serving with you we promise to give you our utmost best. We do not pretend to be perfect, we are humans and we make mistakes. With goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and patience we will do everything we can to be a part of the family. We are the kind of people who are transparent and willing to help wherever we can. We lead by example. I will not preach what my family and I will not practice.

The remainder of this document will give you answers to what I believe is beneficial in helping a congregation remain stable and grow. I understand that it’s a lengthy reading but good things come to those who wait. I believe it’s important for you to know where I stand long before we ever meet face to face. You’ll get a good feel for me by the time you finish this document. May it be encouraging and beneficial to you and your faith.

Summarized Philosophy of Ministry and Doctrinal Beliefs

Ministerial Concept of a Healthy church:

I believe that in order to be pleasing to God we must show our love for Him by obeying His commands.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15

We put love at the top of our list because this is where our relationship with our creator begins.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

The cross reminds us that God loved us so much that He was willing to sacrifice Christ for us. When we accept His wonderful gift, we enter into a loving relationship with Him.

The day we respond to God’s grace and obey Him. Our lives become an expression of His love and our gratitude for Him. We reciprocate God’s love by living for Him. We also let Christ’s love flow through us so that we love others.

This love relationship with God is not static but fruitful. This becomes a natural part of our lives because of His influence in our lives, through His word.

‘The fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

This love relationship is not just about an individual relationship with God. It leads us to join together with others who love God and express our love to Him in worship

“speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.” Ephesians 5:19-20

We come together on the first day of the week as the early believers did to hear the Word of God. We not only sing and hear a message from God's Word but we want to have the same devotion that the early church did.

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

Spiritual Growth: Individually and as a Congregation

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Col. 1:9-10

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2Pet. 1:5-8

Growth is required by God in order to live the full and significant life that Christ wants to provide. Our lives as Christians are never static, but always progressive.

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”                                                                                      Hebrews 5:12-14

There are two essential and very beneficial ways to do this:

1. We need to spend some personal time reading the Bible and praying. 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thess. 5:17. A daily quiet time can broaden and deepen our understanding  of God, of others and the situations we face on a daily basis. To help ensure that you are growing the way that God wants you too, as His servant I am willing and able of guiding you in the direction you need to go to ensure your personal growth as a Christian.
2. Furthermore we must study as a congregation or as a group as Christians. Studying the bible with others helps us gain new perspectives. Hearing and discussing what others understand about a particular passage can help us to discover something that we did not see or know. It can also validate the things that we perceive during our personal quiet time.
   1. Being a part of a group of Christians who study together on a regular basis will also provide an opportunity and a catalyst to grow in your relationship with others.
   2. See Acts 2:42ff; Acts 17:11.

As we grow in our relationship with Christ and one another, we will want to make another commitment – a commitment to SERVE:

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” Eph. 4:11-13

By applying God’s word to our life we gain Christ like characteristics that we can use to build up His body, the Church. Our first responsibility as a church is to serve the head of the church. Our second responsibility is to serve one another as a body. Our third responsibility is to serve the community by taking the Gospel to the Lost and Dying world.

1. First of all because our responsibility is to serve Christ our head we must employ His attitude of service. Jesus taught us that we are to be servants, not those who are being served.  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, We see Jesus here giving us a model for what we must do today.
2. Secondly our responsibility is to serve each other as the body of Christ. When we do not serve one another as the body is it possible for Him to be pleased with us? I would answer no. 
   1. a. “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24,25.
   2. b. “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10
   3. c. “For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary;  and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” 1 Cor. 12:12-26
   4. Our third responsibility is to serve the community by taking the Gospel to the Lost and Dying world.
   5. a. Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:30-37
   6. 4. “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

As we grow in our relationship with Christ and one another, we will want to make another commitment – a commitment to SERVE:

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” Eph. 4:11-13

By applying God’s word to our life we gain Christ like characteristics that we can use to build up His body, the Church. Our first responsibility as a church is to serve the head of the church. Our second responsibility is to serve one another as a body. Our third responsibility is to serve the community by taking the Gospel to the Lost and Dying world.

1. First of all because our responsibility is to serve Christ our head we must employ His attitude of service. Jesus taught us that we are to be servants, not those who are being served.  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, We see Jesus here giving us a model for what we must do today.
2. Secondly our responsibility is to serve each other as the body of Christ. When we do not serve one another as the body is it possible for Him to be pleased with us? I would answer no. 
   1. a. “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24,25.
   2. b. “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10
   3. c. “For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary;  and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” 1 Cor. 12:12-26
   4. Our third responsibility is to serve the community by taking the Gospel to the Lost and Dying world.
      1. a. Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:30-37
      2. 4. “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

I truly feel that the Lord’s church is a place where one can…

Become a follower of Jesus Christ through obedient faith.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41

Embrace a life of purpose through the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

’Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. ‘And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:36-40

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Live life together striving for unity.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13

Offer your time and resources to others.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Nurture relationships within the community by sharing your faith in Christ.

“but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;” 1 Peter 3:15

Grow in Grace & Knowledge.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

Our congregation will need tools created and designed according to the needs that particularly affect us. In order to help us begin the greatest journey we will have on this planet! The training that I have received will allow me to serve you as you find how best you can serve God.

Our Bible Centered Classes will help you discover your life’s mission.

God created you with a purpose. That personal, yet church-wide purpose, means connecting flawed human beings with our perfect and eternal God.

Your own story of how God has worked in your life is one of the most effective tools you have for connecting people to God. In our classes, you’ll learn to communicate that story to your neighborhood, workplace and around the world.

By using your own talents, personality and story, you’ll touch people only you can touch. Your life experiences can be a bridge to a friend or family member who is seeking Christ.

As a Final Note:

I believe it is important for you to know “Who is Central” in my personal life?

I believe everyone wants to experience and live a full, rich, rewarding and significant life. This will be determined by what is central in the personal life of each person. But a problem arises when you try to discover what needs to be central for a person to have this kind of life. In our culture there are many different views depending on what author, television personality, self-help guru or spiritual guide you choose to read, watch or listen to.

I believe the answer to this question is revealed by the author and creator of life!

The Bible reveals that this author of life came to earth and dwelled with mankind. (John 1:1-14) The eye-witness testimony found in the first four books of the New Testament (known as the Gospels) reveals some characteristics and qualities that confirm that he was more than just an ordinary man.

He lived a faultless life, doing good everywhere he went. He did extraordinary, supernatural things such as walking on water, calming storms, healing many different illnesses, restoring sight to the blind, making the deaf hear and restoring life to the dead. His wisdom far surpassed that of all other men.

The lessons he taught were both timely and timeless. Timely: The truths he taught can be applied to all the various situations and circumstances of life that mankind faces on a daily basis. The principles he taught have application in the realm of business, public and private life. Timeless: His instruction can impact all people. People from every place, time, maturity level, educational background and culture can gain wisdom and understanding from him.

These qualities and characteristics alone are enough to warrant my examination of his life and teachings. But there is one more overriding characteristic that sets him apart from all other men and draws me to him. Eyewitnesses saw him die on a cross and buried in a tomb. But early on the third day, they went back to the tomb and found it empty. During the next 40 days he appeared to those closest to him and to over 500 other people at one time. Then some of those who were closest to him saw him ascend into heaven where he is still alive today.

Who is this man? His name is Jesus Christ. I believe that knowing and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ brings many wonderful blessings and benefits. Jesus Christ said, "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

The greatest thing about the full life Jesus brings is that it is deeper than and goes beyond just my mere physical existence. This fullness is experienced in my physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual life.

For these reasons I believe Christ should be central in my life and in yours as well.

I believe the Bible reveals four commitments that Christ wants in my life. I believe these commitments will help me live the abundant life that Christ wants me to have!

LOVE – GROW – SERVE – GO

It is my belief that the each local church can be a viable, living part of the Lord’s body if we work together for the common cause of ministering to the lost, the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that was put into motion by God our Father, before the foundation of the world because of His unselfish love for us.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6



May God Bless You Richly,





Joshua D. Lifford

Resources:

NASB, KJV, NKJV and ESV versions of the Holy Bible. Copyrights belong to their respected publishers.

Wayne Jackson: “Are You an Evangelist?”

My own insights into the biblical text.

Various websites were employed for research and many articles that were read, did not have an author attached to them.

Written in conjunction with Roger D. Chamness

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