persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 Tim. 4:16
When was the last time you saw this verse as the theme for an evangelism conference?! What's going on here? Is salvation now through the name of Timothy and not Jesus? Of course not. But we must recognize the God-granted means by which the saving message of Jesus is transmitted and in the context of 1 Timothy it is through those whom God calls into the ministry to preach and teach the whole counsel of God. "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14).
"But Mark, I thought, "Once saved, always saved."
A better, more biblical tweak to the Christian cliche is, "If saved, always saved."
Paul wants Timothy to continue to practice, meditate, cultivate, or take pains with these directives. He also gives an amazing reason: personal and corporate salvation. We should understand this with the help of Acts 20:28, when Paul was speaking to other elders:
"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Paul’s words to the Philippians is also applicable here, “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12), as is James, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).
In an age where many claim to be Christians, where the attendance of church members at the primary worship service is about 37% of the entire membership, the pastors must diligently take care with themselves and their doctrine so that those under their ministry will truly be found in Christ on the great Day.
About 75% of graduates from seminary are no longer in the ministry after ten years. But pastors shouldn’t putter out when it gets hot in the kitchen because the sake of souls is on the line. Hear the words of an apostle who persevered through a thousand more trials than any American pastor:
2 Tim 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus {and} with {it} eternal glory.
32. The pastor(s) must not sharply rebuke older men but relate to them as fathers.
1 Tim 5:1 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but {rather} appeal to {him} as a father,
Paul now turns to the topic of relating to other members within the family of faith. He begins by commanding not to castigate or verbally assault an older man. Older men should be respected by younger men even when there may be time for correcting older men. Paul anticipates and understands that this time will come in the life of the younger Timothy and he shows him how to do it.
The word “appeal” means to call near, or invite, to beseech or call for, as if to a father.
33. The pastor(s) must relate to younger men as brothers.
“{to} the younger men as brothers,”
Pastors should fellowship with the younger men but not fall into folly or foolishness with them.
34. The pastor(s) must relate to the older women as mothers.
1 Tim 5:2 the older women as mothers,
Pastors must not seek to mirror the business model for their pastoral leadership philosophy. Notice the strong emphasis on the familial way they are to relate to other members in the church. It’s all about relationship, not rules and regulations. As with the older men, respect is called for in relating to older women.
35. The pastor(s) must relate to younger women as sisters.
2 {and} the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
The added qualifier is important, “in all purity.” Robertson says, “No sort of behavior will so easily make or mar the young preacher as his conduct with young women.”
Yesterday I spoke with a fellow minister who told me that a prominent church in Tennessee is suffering from a tragedy. Three of the pastors’ wives had fallen into adultery and were leaving their husbands. All of the pastors were on staff in that same church. Purity should mark how pastors relate to younger women. As is right with many of these pastoral imperatives, what’s true for the pastors is good for all.
36. The pastor(s) must honor widows.
1 Tim 5:3 ¶ Honor widows who are widows indeed;
In the context, Paul wants Timothy to lead the church to honor widows, not only by respectful treatment, but by financial support when they are in distress. Just as there was a crisis related to widows in Act 6:1-6, which led to the office of deacon in the early church, so in Ephesus there was some similar brouhaha regarding widows.
Because of the brouhaha we get more ink spilled from the heart of God regarding what He wants. These are words that have been neglected and my prayer is that we would not.
37. The pastor(s) must teach the church how to minister to widows.
1 Tim 5:4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 1 Tim 5:5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. 1 Tim 5:6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. 1 Tim 5:7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 1 Tim 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Priority in funding is revealed here. God wants the widows’ children or grandchildren to make some payments to the widow (their own mother or grandmother) in distress. Paul says this is acceptable to God’s sight and therefore it should be in ours.
Paul now turns to the circumstance and character of the widow citing three issues: 1) she is indeed alone; 2) she hopes in God; 3) she is a prayer warrior. He also turns to a negative character quality, one that would disqualify the widow from receiving help. If the widow is bent on pleasure she is not to be recognized or helped.
(The idea of a widow who is living like I just described leads me to want to continue to the next point.)
Is it possible to be “worse than an unbeliever”? To the family that does not take care of their own godly mother or grandmother in distress the answer is a resounding “Yes.”
38. The pastor(s) must lead the church to have a list of qualified widows to help.
1 Tim 5:9 ¶ A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, {having been} the wife of one man, 1 Tim 5:10 having a reputation for good works; {and} if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, {and} if she has devoted herself to every good work. 1 Tim 5:11 But refuse {to put} younger widows {on the list,} for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 1 Tim 5:12 {thus} incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. 1 Tim 5:13 At the same time they also learn {to be} idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper {to mention.} 1 Tim 5:14 Therefore, I want younger {widows} to get married, bear children, keep house, {and} give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 1 Tim 5:15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 1 Tim 5:16 If any woman who is a believer has {dependent} widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.
I confess I am still shocked at the details here. How come I wasn’t taught this as I grew up in the church? How come churches don’t do this? Where is our qualified widows’ list? Functionally, we have ripped these verses out of God’s Word.
39. The pastor(s) must lead and direct the affairs of the church well.
1 Tim 5:17 ¶ The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Just as widows must be cared for financially, Paul tells Timothy and the church that the congregation should care for the economic welfare of elders. The Greek word timeos, translated “honor,” is a common word for price or pay. Some elders are full-time pastors paid by the church, other elders have their own means of support through full-time jobs outside the church.
Some commentators see two different kinds of elders, those who rule well and those who preach. However, the word “especially” should be translated as “especially” in the sense of “that is,” or “in other words,” or “to be precise” rather than in the sense of “above all” or “particularly.”
And so the “ruling well” should be seen primarily as the influence through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, not in a CEO, top-down, heavy, hierarchical sense.
40. The pastor(s) who work hard at preaching and teaching are to be worthy of double honor.[1]
1 Tim 5:18 For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
Paul says, “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).
I’m very grateful that this church is willing to take care of its pastoral staff in the best way possible. But I also know this is unfortunately not the case in other churches. Many personnel and budget team chairmen need to heed these words and lead their churches to financially support their pastors in a manner worthy of the words of Jesus. There may even be a ratio or parallel to God’s blessings on a church equal to how they support their pastors. When there is little or casual regard for the work of pastors, what does that say about the regard for the God who sent them?
We put our money toward the things we value most.
Here also is a Biblical license to call me an ox... and I am threshing. :)
[1] The word “honor” refers to an honorarium. In other words, the “honor” is not mere sentiment but includes monetary compensation.
21. The pastor(s) must show themselves an example in conduct.
· "conduct,"
The word refers to the whole life such as in actions and attitudes, not just on Sunday mornings.
22. The pastor(s) must show themselves an example in love.
· "love,"
This quality was one of a three-part goal Paul wanted for his people that would manifest in their lives as a result of his preaching and teaching: love from a pure heart. The others included a clean conscience and a sincere faith. While it is much easier to love those who love you, one of the hardest things to do is to love the unlovable. Yet to do so is to be like God.
23. The pastor(s) must show themselves an example in faith.
· "faith"
How can the flock believe God for great things when their pastors do not have faith in the face of difficult circumstances? The word could also be translated "faithfulness."
24. The pastor(s) must themselves an example in purity.
· {and} purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." C.S. Lewis writes, "It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to." Purity in motives for ministry. Purity in sexuality.
25. The pastor(s) must publicly read Scripture.
· 1 Tim 4:13 Until I come, give attention to the {public} reading {of Scripture,}
This is an apostolic directive to Timothy, lead pastor at Ephesus who scholars say was about thirty-eight to forty years old. I am continually amazed at how few preachers direct their listeners to look into their Bibles and who actually read from their Bibles. It’s as if we, as the evangelical church, are under the prophetic pronouncement of Amos 8:11:
"Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord GOD, "When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the LORD.
Although this is a reference to the public reading of Scripture to the church, surely this directive does not exclude private reading.
26. The pastor(s) must give attention to exhortation and teaching.
· to exhortation and teaching.
These are key elements or functions of a pastor. A.T. Robertson writes, "Probably Paul does not mean for the exhortation to precede the instruction, but the reverse in actual public work. Exhortation needs teaching to rest it upon, a hint for preachers today."
27. The pastor(s) must not neglect their spiritual gift.
· 1 Tim 4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.
The meaning is the special inward endowment which qualified Timothy for exhortation and teaching, and which was directly imparted by the Holy Spirit. Vincent is helpful here:
The Biblical custom rests on the conception of the hand as the organ of mediation and transference. The priest laid his hand on the head of the bullock or goat (Leviticus 1:4) to show that the guilt of the people was transferred. The hand was laid on the head of a son, to indicate the transmission of the hereditary blessing (Genesis 48:14); upon one appointed to a position of authority, as Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23); upon the sick or dead in token of miraculous power to heal or to restore to life (2 Kings 4:34). So Christ (Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40). In the primitive Christian church the laying on of hands signified the imparting of the Holy Spirit to the newly-baptized (Acts 8:17; 19:6; comp. Hebrews 6:2). Hands were laid upon the seven (Acts 6:6).
The word "presbytery" is in reference to the Christian elders where Timothy was set apart in the church. This is significant because it reveals, once again, that the early church had a group of Biblically qualified men that led, fed, and exercised oversight of the flock. Nowhere in the New Testament is one man given this instruction.
28. The pastor(s) must progress in their ministry by concentrating on fulfilling Biblical mandates.
· 1 Tim 4:15 Take pains with these things; be {absorbed} in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
God wants His servants to meditate on being an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity, reading Scripture publicly and privately, and to not neglect their gift. Pastors are to be "up to their eyeballs" in these things so that there will be progress in their lives. The proof of desire is pursuit.
29. The pastor(s) must pay close attention to themselves.
· 1 Tim 4:16 Pay close attention to yourself
The phrase "pay close attention" literally means to hold upon, fasten your attentionon in the sense of apply or forbear. The example set for others should be worth the following. It’s much safer and easier to pay close attention to others’ lives instead of one’s own. Personality goes before teaching and preaching.
30. The pastor(s) must pay close attention to their teaching.
· 16b "and to your teaching;"
There was a pastor in Tulsa, OK who seemed by all accounts successful. He was on television, hosted conferences where thousands would attend, and led a local church of several thousand. Yet there came a time when he began to buy into the idea that eventually everyone would be saved. He thought that because God is a God of love, He would never send people to hell because they refused to believe God. He came to reject the idea of a literal hell. And he also began to teach such things which led to his demise.Sadly, he has begun preaching and teaching again, and he is doing so in churches that affirm his erroneous doctrinal positions.God wants pastors to pay close attention to their teaching because, generally speaking, a flock will only go as far as what it is taught.
11. The pastor(s) must not allow women to have or exercise pastoral authority. • 1 Tim 2:11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 1 Tim 2:12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 1 Tim 2:13 For it was Adam who was first created, {and} then Eve. 1 Tim 2:14 And {it was} not Adam {who} was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 1 Tim 2:15 But {women} will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
There are two ways to go here. Complementarianism is the viewpoint that God restricts women from serving in church leadership roles and instead calls women to serve in equally important, but complementary roles. Egalitarianism is the viewpoint that there are no biblical gender-based restrictions on ministry in the church. Often the egalitarian will use verses that speak to the universality of salvation and misapply them to suppor their position that women should be allowed to be pastors. They also use cultural arguments. We're sticking with the complementarian view.
12. The pastor(s) must be qualified men that oversee all areas of the church. • 1 Tim 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires {to do.} 1 Tim 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 1 Tim 3:3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 1 Tim 3:4 {He must be} one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 1 Tim 3:5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 1 Tim 3:6 {and} not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 1 Tim 3:7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside {the church,} so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Part of an elder's work is to oversee the flock. These character qualities are not suggestions. The potential elder candidate "must be" these things (v. 2). The selection of an elder must not be based on a popularity contest, but rather on the character of the man. We should take note that God chose to give us more ink on the character of the men and not a specific detailed list of all that they should do. The emphasis is on character and because of this, they will be men respected and trusted.
13. The pastor(s) must ensure that deacons are qualified men. • 1 Tim 3:8 ¶ Deacons likewise {must be} men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 1 Tim 3:9 {but} holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Tim 3:10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
It is not by accident that when God reveals His mind on the two offices of the church, he begins with the office of elder. Then He moves to deacons. This is because the office of elder/pastor is over the office of deacon yet the two must work together for the good of God's people. Note above, the elder/pastor is to oversee the flock. This directive was not given to deacons, and deacons are part of the flock.
14. The pastor(s) must ensure that wives of deacons are qualified. • 1 Tim 3:11 Women {must} likewise {be} dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 1 Tim 3:12 Deacons must be husbands of {only} one wife, {and} good managers of {their} children and their own households. 1 Tim 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Although I have been open to women serving as deacons, because verse twelve states that deacons must be husbands, I interpret verse eleven to mean that Paul is speaking in reference to the wives of deacons and not to deaconesses.
15. The pastor(s) must point out the gospel and warn how people fall away from the faith. • 1 Tim 3:16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. 1 Tim 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 1 Tim 4:2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 1 Tim 4:3 {men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 1 Tim 4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 1 Tim 4:5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim 4:6 ¶ In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, {constantly} nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
Again, the importance of teaching and doctrine is emphasized in the role of elder/pastor.
16. The pastor(s) must reject worldly fables. • 1 Tim 4:7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women.
I guess Paul doesn't mind offending older women when they love fables more that faithful doctrine. And he tells his protege to avoid the latter.
17. The pastor(s) must discipline themselves to walk in godliness. • 7b On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
Out of the various spiritual disciplines like silence, using a journal, practicing simplicity, and the like, Bible intake is the most important. He must hear, read, study, memorize, and obey God's Word.
18. The pastor(s) must prescribe and teach others to discipline themselves to walk in godliness. • 1 Tim 4:11 ¶ Prescribe and teach these things.
God wants His servants to not only be an example, but to also direct others to do the same. Being an example is important and will lead others to listen when they speak.
19. The pastor(s) must not allow older members to disregard them because of age. • 1 Tim 4:12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness,
God's Word is so practical because God knows our hearts. When older men think they are one up on a younger pastor, it is a sign of pride and a rejection of God's authority because God has placed His man, even if a younger man, in their midst to follow and support. When there is maturity in older members this is not an issue.
20. The pastor(s) must show themselves an example in speech. • 12b but {rather} in speech,
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
One of the mottos of the Protestant Reformation was, "Always reforming." A constant return to the Bible will lead to wholesome change, both personally and corporately in God's church! In a broken world, this is good news.
Our church will soon vote on the recommendation from the Constitution and Bylaw Review Team. One of the ideas they offer the church is to recognize the two offices of God's church (pastor/elder and deacons) in a more Biblical fashion. We want to recover what God has said about these offices, instead of tradition or man-made ideas. We then want to release those men to pursue God's calling upon their lives for the good of the church.
So I thought it would be good to give you the fruit of some labor I've done in the Word. This will be the first in a series on what pastors/elders are to do in the church according to God's Word.
God has revealed to His Church what He wants His servants to do in pastoral ministry. These imperatives are found in what is known as the Pastoral Epistles: 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus. I see 152 imperatives in them, hence a series instead of overwhelming you with all of them. If you want to read them all now click here.
In an age that tends to drift from God’s Word, both with strong intent and softly through the snare of pragmatism (which claims whatever works is true), it would be wise for the Church and those called into pastoral ministry to understand God’s mind on these matters and obey Him. And we should do so speedily, for He will soon call us all to account for our conduct both within His body and without.
Attention all present or would-be pastors/elders and those that are led by them: these are God’s standards by which any pastoral ministry must strive for, return to, and be measured by.[1]
So the expectations put upon pastors, what they teach, how they conduct themselves, and how their ministries are gauged must be shaped by God’s design. Consider Paul’s purpose in writing to Timothy:
1 Tim 3:15 I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
Should the church affirm the recommendation of the Bylaw Team, I will lead the elder council to use these Biblical mandates to guide and govern the elders in all that we do.
Warning: some of these may surprise you! Read on.
1. The pastor(s) must stop men who teach strange doctrines.
1 Tim 1:3 "As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines."
You will find God places a heavy concentration on the importance of teaching and doctrine in the Pastoral Epistles. It is amazing to think that out of all the subjects one would think should come first in preparing men for the ministry you find addressing men who teach strange doctrines as the first! Teaching/Preaching is the primary job of pastors/elders. The leading, feeding, and healing take place mostly through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. It is naive to think that strange doctrines only come from without; they also come from within the body.
2. The pastor(s) must instruct men to avoid teachings that promote speculation.
1 Tim 1:4 "nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than {furthering} the administration of God which is by faith."
It is easy but unfruitful to speculate on matters God has not given light on.
Deut 29:29 "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law."
3. The pastor(s) must pursue the three-fold goal in preaching and teaching for their hearers.
1 Tim 1:5 "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Meditating on this three-fold goal has really encouraged and challenged me as a lead pastor. It has also led me to include this in my prayers. Our target is always the citadel of the will.
4. The pastor(s) must fight the good fight of faith.
1 Tim 1:18 "This command I entrust to you, Timothy, {my} son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight," 1 Tim 1:19 "keeping faith"
The pastoral ministry is a good fight, one worth the battle. I am constantly reminded how God has uniquely set up our relationship with Him to be based solely on faith. This includes faith for ministry.
5. The pastor(s) must keep a good conscience.
· “and a good conscience”
Regular repentance must be the norm for pastors/elders.
6. The pastor(s) must urge members to pray for all people.
1 Tim 2:1 "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties {and} prayers, petitions {and} thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men . . ."
There is no room for racial, socio-economic, generational, or political prejudice in the prayer life of pastors. They must be leaders in prayer. The words "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting" come to mind.
7. The pastor(s) must urge members to pray for those in authority.
1 Tim 2:2 "for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." 1 Tim 2:3 "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior . . ."
The pastoral ministry must touch political leaders with prayer and lead others to do the same.
8. The pastor(s) must urge the men to pray a certain way.
1 Tim 2:8 "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension."
We look at this and think, “Lift up holy hands?” The original audience probably thought, “Ouch, without wrath and dissension, you got me!” Both are mandated, an apostle is speaking.
9. The pastor(s) must teach the women to dress modestly.
1 Tim 2:9 "Likewise, {I want} women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments . . ."
This cannot be! Pastoral ministry touches the dress code of the church’s women? Yes! "It's a minefield, don't go there!" I shall. Attention all ladies: Flaunted cleavage, super tight shirts, pants, and dresses, short shorts, and gaudy jewelry not allowed because your true beauty comes from within.
I told you some of these are surprising. :)
10. The pastor(s) must teach the women to clothe themselves with good works.
1 Tim 2:10 "but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness."
Godliness is not gauged by outward appearances. But as with the first century women, the modern world tends to be more concerned about showing off rather than doing good works.
I would like to hear from you. I love you!
PS. Hear a 2 minute clip from a nationally known lead pastor on the relationship between elders and members. John Piper is the lead pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
As I thought and prayed about the new year (and new decade) the Lord impressed upon me how I/we respond to fear. We have all struggled, or struggle, with fear in some way. In one sense it is natural to do so. But God does not want us to live in fear nor be controlled by fear. Ultimately, fear is a spirit (cf. 2 Tim. 1:7), one that the enemy of our faith moves people to traffic in - if they let him.
Think of the macro and mirco issues whereby fear could overtake us as we stand on the precipice of a dawning decade: fear of terrorists, fear of a nuclear Iran, fear of a weakening economy; fear of the future, fear of sickness, fear of dying, fear of change, fear of job loss, fear of elders, fear of lack of provision, fear of college, fear of being alone, fear of job loss, etc. The avenues are endless.
So join me in praying the following three prayer points as we turn the year/decade. May 2010 be marked by faith in our great God and His great Word! I have passed these on to the sisters who are prayer warriors as well.
May we not dimish God's glory by giving in to a punk, puny, cowardly spirit of fear; one that will soon know the lake of fire.
1. Pray that we would be marked by spiritual power, love, and discipline - not fear.
2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2. Pray that we would not be fearful of man, nor fall into its snare. But instead trust the Lord and His Word.
Prov 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.
Exampe: Pray we would avoid the tragic error of Peter. He denied the Lord three times because of fear of personal harm.
Matthew 26:69-74
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." [70] But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about." [71] When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." [72] And again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man." [73] A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away." [74] Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know the man!" And immediately a rooster crowed.
Example: Pray we would avoid the supreme error of Pilate. He delivered Jesus to be crucified because of fear of what the crowd might say.
Matt 27:22 Pilate *said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all *said, "Crucify Him!"
Matt 27:23 And he said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they kept shouting all the more, saying, "Crucify Him!"
Matt 27:24 ¶ When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this Man's blood; see {to that} yourselves." Matt 27:25 And all the people said, "His blood shall be on us and on our children!"
Matt 27:26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.
Example: Pray we would avoid the error of Joseph of Arimathea. He was a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of his fellow religious members.
John 19:38 ¶ After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret {one} for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body.
3. Pray that we would exhibit being Spirit-led, not fear-led, knowing our Father knows best.
Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Rom 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
Thank you for all that you have done in the service of God's kingdom in 2009. Paul told the church in Rome that the kingdom of God is marked by righteous, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). May these be ours in 2010.
Thank you to all who prayerfully and financially supported my trip to Mombasa, Kenya this past summer with Reaching Souls International. May the Lord richly bless your gracious giving and fervent praying! Over 3,800 registered salvation slips were received, and we trained over 225 pastors in subjects such as systematic theology, pastoral ministry, and personal devotions. The women of the team also trained over 80 leading Christian women. Praise the Lord!
This is Pastor Peter Ajemo. He's a farmer, receives no financial income from his church, and he and his wife also support 18 orphans in his home.
Pastor Nelson Menza - My Interpreter
This is an inside look at the classroom where we taught the pastors. One of the lessons I took away was the pastoral burden is largely the same, regardless of culture. These men are doing so much with so little and it was a humbling experience to be with these greatly yielded men of God. The Accommodations Where the Pastors Slept Peter Leading The Song That Made Me Cry
Do you remember when we were growing up as kids? Sometimes we would experience aches and pains, not because we were sick, reckless with our bodies, or that we neglected our bodies. It was for a good reason and a healthy reason: were were growing up! Our bodies were doing what God created them to do naturally.
We too are experiencing growing pains as a church. Consider the following as we seek to partner together to advance His kingdom in The Colony, and around the world.
Pray for us to remember why we exist and remember how infinitely more valuable God and His glory is, and that His Word, His mission, His gospel and His Son are worth dying for and living for.
Pursuing these are painful, but all pain is not bad.
God's Word is Supreme
We do not want anyone to miss out on the life-giving, bondage-breaking,power-infusing, devil-fleeing dynamics of God's Word.
Consequently, we seek savory biblical, nutritional food for the body - meat and potatoes that are foundational to a healthy growing church.
Many churches are going dangerously light in their diet, by dishing out cotton-candy preaching that looks good, tastes good, feels good, but it has no nutritional values whatsoever. They have no biblical standards for their people and they do not expect biblical standards from their people.
And the people love it.
They love it because it does not call them to take themselves off the throne of their lives. They love it because they can have a form of godliness but reject the power and authority of God over their lives. They enjoy a church that will cater to their religious affections without a bloody cross and the King who hangs upon it. This is the functional, unspoken first order principle of many mega churches.
But we're not going that way as a church.
We seek to be a meta church, not a mega church. This path is founded and grounded in the contextual understanding of God's Word to the degree that it makes a functional difference in every area and ministry of the church.
Only God's word grows us and has the power to change our lives. To neglect His Word is to neglect God. We must continue to seek God's Word first in whatever we are discussing in the church.
Space Issue in the Second Service
The second service continues to grow. The pews are getting full. Space is becoming a problem. Praise God for growing pains!
As a faithful greeter who greets people outside the church building on Sunday mornings, Mike Reneau tells us that we have a parking problem. This too is a good sign of growing pains.
In fact, recently some people drove away because they could not find parking. This should trouble us, should it not?
Here are some options:
1. Turn the first service into a contemporary service. Since there is much more room in the first service, this move would make use of the space for the sake of accomodating more people. (Do not fret first service people, I am not in favor of doing this - but it is an option).
2. Add a third service on Sunday mornings. This would require an adjustment of service times, bible study groups, and more teachers. It would also require more from those in the music ministry. I would have to preach three times on Sunday morning, and Monica is not enthusiastic about that (but I am). :)
3. Replace the pews with chairs. I believe this would create 20-30% more room to accomodate growth. Since the pews are bolted through the carpet into the cement floor, and since the carpet is original with the building (19 yrs), this would probably also mean we would need to replace the carpet. In addition, doing so would also enable us to use the worship center in other ways.
In anticipating the responses from the different demographics in the church consider this before you shoot me an email or shoot me otherwise, or call for an appoitment:
Do we love pews more than people?
Do we love carpet more than converts?
Do we love a specific starting time for worship more than souls?
Do we love buildings more than building people?
Do we love our view of ministry more than our mission?
Growing pains! What are we to do? Should we stop praying for the lost? Should we take the easy way and stop reaching out to the community? Should we be satisfied with a certain number of people being reached?
Growing pains! It hurts but it is a sign of health and growth. And for that we praise God. Only let us continue to pursue love with one another, and speaking the truth in love.
An Appeal Regarding Signing the Covenant
Isn't it troubling that a few leaders and members would disqualify themselves from serving in the youth ministry because they refuse to sign a document.
Silly, right?
Our youth pastor requires potential workers to read and sign documents before they are allowed to serve.
Something to think about.
A Word on the Bulletin to the Fussin' Few
I love you. Please stop complaining about it. Come to church with an attitude that glorifies God, and how can grumbling as you hand it out to people who are coming to worship glorify Him?
There are more important things to fuss over.
I'm not forming a bulletin committee. That's small church, little minded stuff and we're bigger than that...I think.
Growing pains!
Praying for God-called Men
I met with a man whose family is new to our church. They visited fifteen (15) different churches in our area before they joined our fellowship. They felt they were not being fed God's Word in the other churches.
It feels good and is an encouragement to us when people sense God is at work in and through our church, and it leads them to formally join us.
This particular man wrestles with the conviction that God has called him to preach. He's licensed to preach the gospel and has preached as a lay preacher in his former church, and has served as chairman of deacons. He has eagerly agreed to be trained in how to develop and deliver an expository message.
During our meeting I expressed to him that 75% of seminary graduates are no longer in the ministry after 10 years. I told him that 1400 pastors leave the ministry every month in America. He was as shocked as you probably are now. The traditional route of vocational ministry will look different in the next 10 to 20 years in our country. I see the local church as the global missionary-sending, preacher-equipping, minister-making center of God's kingdom plan.
I've been praying for God to raise up men of God's Word in our church more and more, and that He would send us men of the Word. He is doing that, and we should praise Him for it.
Growing pains!
Growing in Our Harmatology (Doctrine of Sin)
Harmatology is the study of the beginning, nature, effects, and characteristics of sin.
A common biblical Greek word for sin is transliterated hamartia. This is where we get the English word harmatology, or you may see the word spelled as harmotology or hamartiology.
There are 33 words for sin in the Bible, which reveal that God hates both the sin and the sinner.
An example of how we have drifted from the biblical doctrine of sin is how quickly you hear a quote from a Hindu's autobiography rather than the Bible when the subject of sin comes up.
Maybe you have heard it. It goes like this: "God hates the sin but loves the sinner."
This statement is based on a reference from Ghandhi's autobiography.
But is it true? Consider these words from God:
Psalm 5:5 - "You hate all who do iniquity."
Psalm 11:5 - "And the one who loves violence His soul hates."
John 3:36 - "He who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
So in one sense, God does hate the sinner because the sinner sins. The angels of God are not going to cast sins into hell, but rather sinners because they sin. God does not love the devil does he? Why? Because the devil sins and those that continue in sin are of his seed. If God did not hate sin or the sinner, he would not be just, holy, and good. Yet in another sense, God "loves" sinners because He allows them to contine to breathe, enjoy a spouse and job and kids and home.
These truths form the black background to see the great facets of the diamond of the gospel much better. For we have all sinned, and do sin, and deserve rightly the just anger, wrath, and hatred of God.
But God, in His rich mercy, loved us in that while we were still sinners and made us alive in Christ. What a mystery!
So let us continue to pursue holiness together. Consider and meditate on these reasons why we should not sin. They are from a mentor from my seminary days, a pastor named Jim Elliff. Use them in your Bible studies, for conversation and personal devotions this week. Feel free to print them out and distribute them as God leads you.
1. Because a 'little' sin leads to more sin.
2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
3. Because the time spent in my sin is forever wasted.
4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
8. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
9. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
10. Because my sin saddens the godly.
11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
14. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience.
15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
