Please type your answers to all of these questions in the appropriate fields and then hit "send."
1. Vision/Mission
Publish and aid
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalms 68:11). Romans 1:5 (Amplified) "It is through Him that we have received grace (God's unmerited favor) and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name's sake among all the nations." The Nations and Israel Isaiah 49:6
We publish the Word of the Kingdom in a simple easy to understand, easy to apply format primarily for people in the third world and others who are oppressed.
The goal is “spiritual agriculture,” teaching the poor and oppressed, and otherwise desperate, how to live in reliance on the Word of God for all of their needs.
Our materials are an organized group of seeds designed to bear fruit.
Fruit of character - Fruit of the Spirit
Fruit for needs - Provisions
Fruit for the Kingdom of God - Ministry
Fruit for ministry leads to our ultimate goal which is…..
That nationals in the third world would make disciples and plant churches. The goal is to make these churches self-sustaining and reproducing (multiplying like a human body cell). If these churches are healthy, they will reach souls in their own area, and move to the next culture in its realm of influence to plant churches there. (Happening in 2007 in Liberia.)
Summary
Publish the Word so that -
Fruit bearing disciples are made, so that -
a. Their characters are conformed to Jesus
b. They become self-sustaining
c. They bear fruit for ministry
So that -
Self-sustaining and reproducing churches are planted, so that -
The Kingdom of God is extended, so that -
Souls are saved and set free, so that -
God is glorified and all nations and Israel shall worship Him.
Fruit; the simplicity of discipleship
““By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:8, NKJV.
From creation onwards God has ordained that trees should produce seed only in their fruit. If a tree does not produce fruit, it will not produce seed, and will not reproduce itself.
The essential requirement is to produce fruit which has in it seed, which will produce another tree.
Gen 1:12 The original process of creation.
“And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:12, NKJV.
There is no hope for carrying out Jesus' command to go into the world and make disciples without bearing fruit.,
Prov 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30, NKJV.
If we are fruit bearing we will produce seed which will produce another believer who will bear fruit and seed, and on and on.
The entire issue for our lives is relationship, not theology or doctrine. Only relationship will bear fruit in humans, and it is the same with our relationship with God.
We are supposed to have correct doctrine and doctrine, but you can have good theology and not relationship.
The Three Primary Types of Fruit
1. Character
2. Manna
3. Outreach
| Do you agree totally with our vision/mission statement? |
|
| What in our mission/vision may not be in line with your goals? |
|
2. Statement of Faith
What we believe
Here is a brief outline:
I The Bible is the Inspired Word of God
Both the OT and NT are inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (1 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Pet 1:21)
II The Triune God
The one true God has revealed himself as the eternally self-existent "I am," the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Deut. 6:4; Is. 43:10-11; Mt. 28:19; Lk. 3:22)
III The Deity of Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God & is God. The Scriptures declare:
1. His virgin birth (Mt. 1:23; Lk. 1:31, 35)
2. His sinless life (Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22)
3. His miracles (Acts 2:22, 10:38)
4. His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21)
5. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Mt. 28:6; Lk. 24:39; 1 Cor. 15:4)
6. His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11, 2:33; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:3)
IV The Fall of Mankind
Man was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, mankind by willful choice ignored God's instruction … choosing to engage in what they knew was wrong and evil. As a result, mankind fell from innocence and goodness and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19)
V The Salvation of Man
Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
1. Conditions to Salvation:
Salvation is received through repentance and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.
By the work of the Holy Ghost, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God with eternal life (John 3:3; Rom. 10:13-15; Eph. 2:8; Tit. 2:11, 3:5-7).
2. The Evidences of Salvation:
The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is seen in both water baptism and living a holy life (Eph. 4:24; Tit. 2:12)
VI Sacraments of the Church
1. Baptism in Water:
Water baptism by immersion is commanded in the Bible. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Mt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; Rom. 6:4). Water baptism is an outward sign of the inward transformation from salvation.
2. Holy Communion:The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements, the bread and the fruit of the vine; is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Cor. 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Cor. 11:26); and is directed to all believers "till He comes!"
VII The Baptism of the Holy Ghost
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it comes the giving of power for life and service, the giving of power for their uses in the work of ministry (Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; 1 Cor. 12:1-13). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17, 10:44-46, 11:14-16, 15:7-9). With the baptism in the Holy Ghost come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Heb. 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His Word (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost (Mk. 16:20).
VIII Sanctification
Sanctification is an act of separation from evil, and of dedication to God (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:12). Scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command: "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his or her identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith depending daily upon the fact of that union, and by continually offering every faculty to the authority of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 6:1-11, 13, 8:1-2, 13; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:5).
IX The Church and Its Mission
The church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with God selected positions to accomplish the Great Commission. Each believer is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven (Eph. 1:22-23, 2:22; Heb. 12:23).
X The Ministry
A divinely called and scriptural ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the purpose of leading the Church in:
1. Evangelization of the world (Mk. 16:15-20),
2. Worship of God (Jn. 4:23-24),
3. Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Eph. 4:11, 16)
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” ( Ephesians 4:11-14).
The Church depends upon current day apostles prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These offices are to build up all believers who are then to do the work of ministry. The work of ministry is to be carried out by the saints, or believers, and they are to be equipped by the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. God will appoint those in the local church.
XI Divine Healing
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in Jesus' death and resurrection, and is the privilege of all believers (Is. 53:4-5; Mt. 8:16-17; Jam. 5:14-16).
XII Divine Deliverance
Deliverance is also an integral part of the gospel. In Luke:18-19 Jesus came to set the captive free and to bring liberty to those oppressed.
XIII The Blessed Hope
The Resurrection of Christians who have died and who are alive and their translation together into heaven. (Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Tit. 2:13).
XIV The Millennial Reign of Christ (certainly there is room for differing views on the timing and details of the Second Coming which does not invalidate agreement between believers)
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of Christians, followed by the visible return of Christ with Christians to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zech. 14:5; Mt. 24:27, 30; Rev. 1:7, 19:11-14, 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ez. 37:21-22; Zeph. 3:19-20; Rom. 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Ps. 72:3-8; Is. 11:6-9; Mic. 4:3-4).
XV The Final Judgment
There will be a final judgment in which those who lead evil lives will be raised and judged according to their works. Whoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, will be consigned to everlasting punishment into the lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Mt. 25:46; Mk. 9:43-48; Rev. 19:20, 20:11-15, 21:8).
XVI The New Heavens and the New Earth
"According to God's promise, we look for new heavens and new earth, where righteousness will dwell and reign forever". (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21, 22)
| How does your faith statement compare to ours? |
|
3. Rules of Integrity
1. Communicate with one another frequently, and in total transparency and truth. There can be no hidden issues, especially about money.
2. If there are any funds utilized and/or transferred, the handling of them must be in total transparency and honesty. There is to be no "value added" skimming off the top of any funds sent for a certain purpose. Example: If ISOB/ sends $100 for the printing of books, then the printing company must actually charge $100 without any kickbacks to the Partner. The Partner may not "skim" a few dollars off the top even if it is for a good purpose. This is stealing, and we do not want anybody exposed to the curse due to a thief.
The Partner must submit an invoice from the vendor and fill out a statement of integrity for each financial transaction.
3. The Partner must inform ISOB of his/her activities with our materials in advance.
4. In the event that the Partner plants a new discipleship location, the Home Office must be informed and be given all of the contact information of the new location, including email, telephone and postal address.
| Do you promise to follow our rules of integrity? |
|
4. Operating Procedures
1. There have been many successful ways that our materials have been used in many different nations and cultures. Some use our materials on a given day of the week to teach those who are interested in discipleship. Others utilize the materials to teach their congregation during its regular meeting time on Sundays.
We encourage that you strive to make disciples through a relationship in small groups. As these people learn, then they can go disciple another small group, thus giving the type of Biblical increase the Lord desires.
The goal, as stated in our Mission Statement is to see the disciple bear fruit, which glorifies God, as stated in John chapter 15. Fruit will develop godly character, will supply all of the disciple's earthly needs, and will give him/her the outreach or ministry that God has intended for them.
Many of our locations send disciples to the next village or town to spread this process to a new church or discipleship location. Often, a disciple will find himself planting a new church in a nearby town, or starting a business or farm as a ministry.
2. Use what is in your hand now, and the Lord will increase.
God will only bless you if you use what is in your hand. If you have little, then use that little, and watch the miracle of God take place. We have seen some potential partners fail because that wanted to acquire funds to begin on a large scale, and then became discouraged.
Matthew 25
14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
15 “And to one he gave five talents [A SUM OF MONEY PROBALY EXCEEDING SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS], to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
16 “Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
17 “And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
18 “But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.
19 “After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’
21 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’22 “He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’23 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
25 ‘And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’
26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
27 ‘So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
28 ‘Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
30 ‘And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
God gives increase, supernatural increase as we use what is in our hand at the present time.
If we do not think what we have in hand is worth anything, especially in our work for the Lord, then many attempt to manipulate their fellow brothers to receive money from them. Often it works, but only for a season. Because once they receive, say TEN talents from a brother, then they are addicted to manipulation.
This addiction prevents them from using their one or two talents, and prevents them from ever receiving a supernatural increase from the Lord.
The same is true with things other than money. If a minister always feels like a brother from another country must come and run a seminar, perhaps that minister is burying his own talent and is not eligible for increase. I know nations where the culture is always looking for a minister from the USA to come. That is okay, and God will send them from time to time, but if they depend upon the American minister, they will be burying their own talent.
If we only reap what we sow, what do you think a manipulator will receive?
If you find yourself with a passion and desire to serve Jesus in ministry, use what is in your hand now. If you do not have enough to travel to another town, then don't attempt to receive funds from a brother to do so. If the Lord wants you to go, He will cause the funds to come in without your fleshly efforts.
I can tell you from my own personal experience, and from the Word of God, this works.
Larry Chkoreff July 7, 2008
Some servants of the Lord do not feel that they can be of any use due to financial or cultural circumstances. They feel disqualified for service because they do not have adequate funds.
If you are a servant of God, then God has given you at least "one talent," or something with which to work. That is confirmed in the following Scripture passage in Matthew 25.
If you think that what is in your hand does not qualify you to work, or that what you have may be lost if you use it, then your judgment will be very disappointing.
There are servants in economically disadvantaged nations that will not work unless they can obtain a financial gift from another brother or sister who may have more finances.
Perhaps the Lord would rather do the giving Himself by promotion. Maybe the Lord wants the disadvantaged brother to use what is in his hand so that the Lord may be the One who increases and not another brother. Perhaps if a more economically advantaged brother gave too much help without hearing from the Lord, he would be blocking God's maturity and growth plan for the brother with less funds. If the one with less funds always received from another brother, then the Lord would not be able to be His provider through the supernatural wonder of increase.
Please remember, that in a partership, there must be advantages for both partners. ISOB desires that its vision and mission be spread to all nations and Israel for discipleship.
Each December, the partner is required to submit a proposed plan for the coming year. Even though ofen we may not know God's plan for the year, it is valuable to attempt to project a vision and mission for the coming year.
| Do you understand and agree to our operating procedures? |
|
5. Financial
This area of our proposed partnership is the one that can be so easily misunderstood. We believe that God does often use people in His Body to bless others from time to time. However we also believe, very strongly, that it is God's ultimate goal for each of us, and our churches, to be self sufficient.
2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
Often pastors and leaders in nations that are not as developed financially as some of those in Western cultures like Europe and America, are looking for a "Western Partner" so that their financial worries will be over. This is a trick from Satan! God does not want you to trust in a Western Partner, but in Him.
This proposed partnership is not about money, it is about growing you and your people up by discipleship materials that are geared to making you self-sufficient.
In our Grow or Die book we major on the theme of Fruit. You will see that there are three major categories of Fruit;
1. Fruit of the Spirit for building of your character.
2. Fruit like Manna, or God's supernatural provisions.
3. Fruit of ministry. This is where God, through you, actually accomplishes the work.
Therefore, we wish to stress that this proposed partnership does not include financial support in any way for personal needs. Neither does it include financial support for seminars and crusades or for churches. The only possible financial help could be in the production and printing of books. Even then, we will be very careful to only provide those materials if and when we hear from the Lord. Constant appeals for money will be frowned upon and could be the basis for the discontinuation of our partnership relationship.
When it comes to the printing of materials, we expect the partner and/or his disciples to contribute to the cost. This at least should be the ultimate goal. We have seen partners in poor nations become totally self-sufficient by the power of God. All of these people have been givers and not takers
| Please give us your feedback on our financial policy. |
|
6. Use of Materials
Please review our materials at http://www.isob-bible.org/biblepick.htm and/or our videos at http://www.isob-bible.org/videos.htm. Tell us which if any of these has impacted you in such a way that you wish to utilized them. We believe that our materials should only be used by those people whose lives have been impacted in some way by them.
We believe that the Partner should be diligent and economical with the use of our materials. We believe that the Partner should either donate some of its own funds the printing of books, or at least have the vision that God is going eventually bring them that ability.
ISOB/ W will attempt to provide books, CDS and DVDS for the Partner, but only as the Lord directs and supplies our needs.
We suggest that the Partner does not simply pass out books to all who are interested. Many people just like to have books on their shelves and never read them, and others take them to the used book store to sell.
The books should only be given to those who finish the prescribed course, and then only if funds are available.
In the meantime, books can be utilized for a large group by creating a lending library.
The Partner may wish to make photo copies of each chapter and pass those out.
If the Partner plants a new discipleship location then that church or group should contribute a portion of the cost of materials if possible. At least that group should covenant to eventually donate a prescribed amount of funds to the Partner as reimbursement for the books. In this case the Partner must disclose to ISOB each such donation.
| What is your vision for utilizing our materials? |
|
| Comments about our materials. |
|
7. Legal Structure of Proposed Partner
Please describe your organization's legal structure. It is a trust, corporation, church, or other? Is it registered with the government? If yes when? Please name the chief officers, and/or trustees or pastors. Tell us where your assets would go in the event you would close down this organization.
| Type your answers to questions about your legal structure here. |
|
We will review your application. Or policy is to go through a period of time in which we become more familiar with one another before we make a partnership committment. At that time the proposed partner will be a "Partner Candidate." When we are both comfortable with one another, then a full partnership will be formed
Thank you
Larry Chkoreff International School of The Bible