Making and Maturing

Disciples of Jesus

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Ryan serves as the Lead Pastor of Green Pond Bible Chapel in Rockaway, New Jersey. He is married with four children.
  • A Day of Healing

    A Day of Healing

    Israel 2019 Day 3

    Jesus’ work is healing work. Today in Jerusalem we ventured under the Old City, walking through the Western Wall tunnel. This tunnel runs north-south along the Western Wall of the Temple Mount and allowed us to see and touch temple wall stones that are still standing from the time of Jesus (pictured below).

    Coming out from under what was the Antonia Fortress in the time of Christ we visited the pools of Bethesda. It was here that Jesus dramatically healed the lame man in John 5:1-13 (no magic water necessary!). In fact, this healing pointed out the hypocrisy of the legalistic works righteousness system of the Pharisees. While Jesus healed this man’s 38 year paralysis, the narrative concludes with Jesus finding him next door on the Temple Mount. Jesus calls him to new life in him by sinning no more. Genuine faith in Jesus always results in life transformation. This is the healing we all need.

    Here’s part of our group hearing about the pools of Bethesda at the pools of Bethesda.

    From there we traveled along the traditional route Jesus took from his conviction to his execution. We ventured into the basement of a convent where they discovered some 1st century pavement at the location of the Antonia Fortress. This is near one possible location of Jesus’ scourging and trial by Pilate. It was a special treat to hear my dad, Dr. Michael Boys, read and briefly apply Isaiah 53– “…by his wounds we are healed.”

    In the afternoon we enjoyed one of my all time favorite Jerusalem activities: the rampart wall walk. Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent had these walls built in the 16th century. The views from on top are tough to beat.

    We ended our touring day with a visit to Mount Zion, the neighborhood of the Last Supper. Once again we were reminded of Jesus’ sacrificial love for us.

    All in all we walked over 5 miles today. We were rewarded with a coffee break on the way home to Yad Hashmona in the Judean hills.
    A view from the Judean hills towards the coastal plain and Mediterranean Sea.

  • Jerusalem Orientation

    Israel 2019 Day 2

    Our official theme for today was getting oriented to Jerusalem. Our unofficial theme for today was tracking part of Jesus’ steps leading up to his trial and crucifixion. We started the day on the Mount of Olives overlooking the city. We considered Jesus’ triumphal entry from Bethany into the city. The crowd cried out “Hosanna, Son of David!” He came to save sinners—he came to save us.

    Just a few days after that triumphal entry, Jesus enjoyed the last supper with his disciples, celebrating the Passover. As our Passover Lamb, he walked and talked with the disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. He took time to pray, preparing for the immense trial that lay before him. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39). We discussed how often we fail to follow Jesus by faith in surrendering our will to the will of the Father.

    After Jesus was betrayed by Judas he was taken to the home of Caiaphas, whose home was likely on the posh west side of Jerusalem. We saw remains of what may be a prison located under a large home excavated in the area. It gave us a sense of one possible way Jesus spent at least some of those early hours Friday morning of the passion week.

    We stopped by the Israel Museum to see a model of Jerusalem during the time of Christ and to see the Shrine of the Book—a display of some of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We were reminded here that God has providentially provided ample evidence of the veracity of the Bible. Our faith in Jesus is a work of the Spirit, but it is also in concert with the evidence we see in the real world.

    Our last stop was a cultural excursion to Mahane Yehuda, the local market in west Jerusalem. We enjoyed all of the little shops with sights and smells that you would expect in a charming Middle Eastern market. Tomorrow we’re back in Jerusalem for more time walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

  • Why Christians Go to Israel

    Our 2019 GPBC Israel crew has arrived. I always have such a great sense of excitement and anticipation for our time in Israel. It’s different than any other kind of trip. Why bother?

    1.  Christians go to Israel because of the incarnation.  In Genesis God promised Abraham a land, a people, and a blessing; those three promises are related.  It was through the people of Israel, in the land we call Israel, that Jesus the Messiah came to provide blessing to all the families of the earth.  It was in Israel that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

    Central to the claims of Christianity is the literal intervention of God in time and space. Walking where Jesus walked affirms that our faith is rational and reasonable. The events we read about in the Scriptures aren’t myth or merely tradition; they really happened.

    2. Christians go to Israel because of the Bible. I’ve said it many times, and I’m sure I’m not the first. Seeing the primary land of the Bible takes the Bible from analog to high definition. Important aspects of geography, culture, and history come to life.

    This is becoming more and more crucial as Bible literacy in our culture continues to decline.  Locating Megiddo on a map is one thing, understanding why the pivotal battle of the end times will happen there is another.  Sure David hid out at Ein Gedi.  Why?  Seeing Israel opens the doors of the world of the Bible to us, and helps us to bridge the gap of centuries as we listen to God speak.

    image

    3. Christians go to Israel because of faith.  These trips are not merely academic exercises.  In a mysterious way, God has designed the universe so that the physical and spiritual worlds are linked.  So we see the stars and we give him glory.  So the eternal Word, the Son of God became man and walked with us.  

    When we see the land of Israel, our faith is strengthened.  This will happen at different places for different people, but it will happen.  Maybe it will happen as you stand on the Mt. of Olives, or sit in a garden at Gethsemane, or ride across waves on the Sea of Galilee.  It will happen.

    For these three reasons (and there are many more!) Christians who travel to Israel mature as disciples of Jesus Christ.  The truth is, they’ll never be the same.

    Our early crew today got to see the Elah Valle where David faced off against Goliath and tel Azekah. The later crew arrived safely, and after dinner and some freshening up after many hours of flying, we will hit the ground running tomorrow.

    The Elah Valley
  • One Church, One Service

    One Church, One Service

    On Sunday, November 17th, we will at long last worship together as one church in one service.  What’s the big deal?  Why bother?  Here are a few reasons why we’re so excited to be in one service together:  

    1. Relational Ministry– This change will create a Sunday morning environment more conducive to building relationships.  We will have the opportunity to connect with and minister to more people because we will be gathering our church family in one place at one time.   We will also have more time to fellowship both before and after the worship service.
    2. Worship Service Quality– When we all worship together our corporate worship services are just better.  Our faith will be strengthened by hearing our voices sing out praise to Jesus.  We will be encouraged by visibly seeing those who make up our church family all in one place.  Additionally, those serving in worship services and with Kingdom Kids will be able to unreservedly use their energy in ministry.
    3. Church Planting/Revitalization Focus– Finally, worshipping in one service will allow us to grow as a church body and maintain a size ideal for continued church planting or revitalizations.  Our ultimate goal is to advance God’s kingdom, not just GPBC.  Making and maturing disciples naturally results in planting churches which in turn reach more people.  This is our long term strategy for church growth.

    A Few Tips

    1. Parking– We have more than enough parking spots, but we would ask those who can put in a few extra steps on Sundays to park in the lower parking lot.  This practical act of service will help us ensure closer parking spots are left for those who may need them.  
    2. Sit up front– When you come into the sanctuary, please take advantage of open seats closer to the front of the sanctuary.  We can help those who arrive later by leaving seats towards the back of the sanctuary open.
    3. Say Hello– Take this opportunity to meet some new people.  You never know how the Lord will bless you through new spiritual friendships within the church.

    Every week I am blessed by worshipping with you.  Please join me in praying that God would continue to be glorified in our midst as we gather at Green Pond Bible Chapel.

  • 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness

    50 Years of God’s Faithfulness

    “I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past—things we have heard and known and that our fathers have passed down to us. We will not hide them from their children, but will tell a future generation the praiseworthy acts of the LORD, his might, and the wondrous works he has performed.”

    -Psalm 78:2-4

    This past weekend was a weekend of remembering and testifying. We gathered together to share memories of the “wondrous works” God has done in our church over the last 50 years. I was greatly encouraged by the laughter, the testimonies, the stories, and especially by the singing. Here were some of my highlights:

    Cacophony at the Banquet

    As we settled in Friday night at the banquet, I quickly noticed how loud the room was. It was the sound of hundreds of conversations—old friendships renewed, new friendships formed, and so many stories being shared. That cacophony was a joy to hear.

    Corporate Worship Sunday Evening

    The “Worship through the Ages” service was a powerful example of multiple generations coming together to praise Jesus. As the various worship leaders led us in songs from different times and with different styles the congregation didn’t miss a beat. I was especially encouraged by all ages singing robustly all the songs, not just their favorites. It was a great reminder of what the church is called to be—not just one generation of people who like the same style of music, but many generations sacrificially preferring each other.

    Clear Teaching from God’s Word

    It was a special privilege for me to share my dad with GPBC for this event. I grew up under his preaching, so I knew what to expect. He focused our attention on God’s faithfulness in his world, his Word, and the gospel. I believe we all left our gatherings encouraged in our faith.

    Co-laborers in the Gospel

    Our celebration was especially wonderful because some of our missionaries were able to join us. It was a treat to see Dave and Liz Flynn, Peter and Debbie Udall, and Sam and Maureen Parsons. God’s faithfulness to our church has been clearly displayed in the missions program at GPBC. I am genuinely thrilled to see what God does through our efforts in the future.

    We ended our time together with a prayer breakfast both praising God for what he has done and pleading with him to glorify his name in the future at GPBC. We concluded our weekend excited about who God has made GPBC, and anticipating great things for the future. So we forge ahead by faith, seeking to glorify him by making and maturing disciples of Jesus.

    PS- Check out #gpbc50… those pictures!!

    PPS- Here are the links to the videos we used in the services:

    • 50th Anniversary Photo Slide Show

    • God’s Faithfulness in the Early Years of GPBC

    • God’s Faithfulness in 50 Years of Missions

    • God’s Faithfulness in 50 Years of Proclaiming His Word

    • God’s Faithfulness in 50 Years of Spiritual Growth

    • Sunday AM Message by Dr. Michael Boys: God’s Faithfulness in the Gospel