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Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #31
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. The Minister and His Mate (Genesis 2:18; Ecclesiastes 9:9; Ephesians 5:25) Genesis 2:18, “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Ecclesiastes 9:9, “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.” Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” I do not personally have a bucket list, but if I did, rappelling up a rock climbing wall would be on it. Back in 2013, I had an opportunity to climb one. For whatever reason, I chose the hardest wall to climb. I recall putting on the harness and attempting to climb the wall. Right away I could tell that it was going to be a struggle. I was in over my head. Just when it seemed I could not go any further, I remember saying two words that I never want to say. Those words were, “I can’t!” At that very moment I felt defeated. In my head, I had already given up. Right away, I heard a very familiar voice utter these words with compassion and courage, “Yes you can!” It was my wife, Joy. Right away, I looked up towards the top, and I began climbing and never once looked down until I reached the top. She never once gave up believing I could make it to the top. She encouraged me to continue climbing until I reached the summit. Throughout our ministry, she has been my cheerleader. She has always comforted and encouraged me in the ministry. I can say that she has never, not once in any way, hindered me from doing what the Lord has called me to do. She has supported me in all of our ministry endeavors from pastoring, starting a Christian school, starting numerous ministries, and outreach ministries, etc. I want to thank my wife, Joy, for 22 (and still counting) wonderful and faithful years of marriage. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #30
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. Pastor’s Love for the People (John 21:15-17) John 21:15-17, “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” Jesus questioned Peter intently about his love for Christ. “Do you love me more than these?” “More than what? Fishing? Than the disciples? More than the other disciples love me?” Peter boasted about his love for Christ. John 13:37, “Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.” Matthew 26:33, “Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” Jesus asked, "Do you love me?" The word "love" is from the Greek word agape which means "a divine, deep, purposeful love based upon consideration." Peter's response was, "I love or phileo you." Phileo means "fondness or a warm, intimate love between friends or family." Jesus tells Peter, "Feed my lambs." Peter was asked about his love for Christ three times, perhaps because he denied the Lord three times. He was telling him, "If you love me, then serve me." It's one thing to say you love the Lord. The real test is your willingness to serve Him. John 21:18-19 speak of Peter's death. The stretching-out of the hand was a reference to crucifixion. Jesus commanded Peter to follow. The word "follow" means "to keep on following continuously." Jesus sees love as the basic qualification for Christian service. Jesus’ description of his followers as lambs (John 21:15) and sheep (John 21:16) suggests four things: 1. We need pastoral care from loving, capable and faithful leaders. 2. We need to feed constantly on God’s Word. 3. Since sheep have a wandering nature, we need repeated guidance, protection and correction from God and others He may use in our lives. 4. We must continue to be loyal disciples of Jesus Christ. October is pastor appreciation month. It is a blessing for pastors to know that their churches appreciate them. I’m grateful for every encouraging comment, card, text, email, and acknowledgement. I, as a pastor, truly love and appreciate the work and dedication that everyone puts into our church ministries. I’m certainly aware that pastoring and leading people can be challenging. I know that churches have difficult members, and I also know that some churches have difficult pastors. Regardless of the challenges pastors may face, we have many important reasons for showing appreciation to our churches. The body needs every member, and those that use their gifts faithfully should be thanked regularly. Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Every Sunday is special as God’s people gather to worship Him. Seeing how each member is involved in worship and giving of themselves for the service of the Lord is beautiful. Each member attends each service craving the truth of God’s Word. Knowing this is very encouraging to me. I spend several hours every week praying, reading, studying, preparing for six preaching, a teaching engagement and seven devotions each and every week. I appreciate the opportunity to personally know each member of our church. Many members face hardships, challenges, sickness, and the death of close friends and family members. They need the time, love, and support from a pastor who will be there for them in their time of grief. Each service I get to have a sample of a taste of Heaven. I am forever grateful for Fellowship Baptist Church. God has truly blessed me with the privilege of serving with a gifted church full of members who love Jesus. I pray that each service the Lord is pleased with us. Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #29
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. Pastor in the Midst of Perilous Times! (II Timothy 3) II Timothy 3:1-8, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” I. The Signs (II Timothy 3:1-9) Paul lists twenty types of evil conduct that will be prominent during these "perilous times" which come in the "last days" prior to the return of Christ. The list truly describes our times which exhibits these evils in a very intense way.
II. The Suffering (II Timothy 3:10-13 1. Paul’s Example (II Timothy 3:10-11) 2. Paul’s Exhortation (II Timothy 3:12) 3. Paul’s Expectation (II Timothy 3:13) III. The Scriptures (II Timothy 3:14-17) 1. The Scriptures Establish us (II Timothy 3:14) 2. The Scriptures Enlighten us (II Timothy 3:15) 3. The Scriptures Equip us (II Timothy 3:16-17) If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #28
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. The Pastor’s Provisions (I Timothy 5:17). I Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” It is a great privilege to be a pastor and to lead a local church. To preach the riches of God's Word to people is a thrill beyond measure. The ministry will have heartaches and trials that no man will be able to escape. There will be times of loneliness and when you are misunderstood and even sharply criticized by some in the church. You must do what is right and never bow to pressure nor develop a sour spirit toward anyone in the congregation. We must keep our eyes on the Lord who called us into ministry and never take our eyes off Him. 1. Pastor’s Provisions (I Timothy 5:17). Provide with the Right Resources (I Timothy 5:17). I Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” God will richly bless churches that richly bless God’s man and family. To "negotiate" with churches, or to canvass around looking for a place with a bigger salary is not in the will of God. Nor is it right for a pastor to bring into his sermons his own financial needs, hoping to arouse some support from the finance committee! Provide with the Right Respect (I Thessalonians 5:12-13). I Thessalonians 5:12-13, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” God’s people are to esteem pastor’s highly, and to do so in love for the work of the ministry they perform. A healthy church will have a high respect for the man of God as he does the work of God. 2. Pastor’s Profile (Hebrews 13:17) The Position of the Pastor (Ephesians 4:11-12). The position of pastor is one that was instituted by God for the benefit of the local church. He has been called by God and placed in a specific local church to help lead that congregation. The authority to the pastor for his ministry has been delegated to him by God (John 13:20). When people work with God given authority instead of against it is for their benefit and will glorify God. When authority given by God is used for the glory of God then it will benefit everyone that is involved. The Purpose of the Pastor (Acts 20:28-30). The pastor has been placed in the church by the Lord Jesus too lead the flock of God. It is also important that he feed the flock and protect the flock entrusted to his care. The importance of this ministry is very important especially in the times in which we live before the soon return of Jesus. The world has become increasingly wicked and it is important that the Christian not pattern themselves after the philosophies of this world. The Platform of the Pastor (Mark 10:44). God gives each one of us a platform to serve others and be a blessing to them. This would include sharing the Gospel and being a servant to other Christians. If we are faithful in that, God will increase our positional platform so we can serve more people. God does not want any leader being a dictator or strong arming people to serve them. We need to follow the example of Jesus in this area (Philippians 2:7). 3. Pastor’s Pattern (Hebrews 13:7) Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Whose faith follow (I Corinthians 4:16; I Corinthians 11:1). Remembering the leaders and their responsibility. Ponder the Person: The pastor must be a person of high moral character that you trust. The character of the person will determine what kind of person and leader they are. No one is going to be perfect, but their life needs to reflect godly character. Ponder your Practice: It is important that people in the church follow leadership. It is easy to submit to authority when you agree with it, but how about when you may not agree with a decision? People will never agree with leadership 100% of the time, but that does not give anyone a right to manifest a rebellious spirit. Ponder their Path: The pastor must try to live what he preaches. If you preach right, but do not live right then you are in danger of being like the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:2-3). Ponder their Preaching: The pastor must be ready to preach the Word of God faithfully and accurately. The preaching from the pulpit will influence a person and their family in a great way. This makes it imperative to have a man of God in the pulpit that a congregation can respect and listen to. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #27
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. The Pastor and the Pitfalls (James 3:1-2) James 3:1, My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. The word masters has the sense of a “teacher.” Being a teacher of God's Word involves the instructing and directing of other people's lives. The word condemnation means "judgment." Preaching and teaching the Word of God is one of the greatest privileges that God gives to man. With privilege comes responsibility and responsibility brings accountability. The Lord will hold us responsible for those we teach. Jesus taught the same thing (Mark 12:38-40). The Preacher and the teacher are to use their tongues to enlighten, establish, exhort, encourage, and edify others. What a serious undertaking it is to teach others. If one fails in this matter of teaching and declaring the whole counsel of God's Word, God will hold him accountable for misleading his hearers, whether done through ignorance of the Word or through neglect. Had Paul been careless and negligent in proclaiming and explaining God's Word he would have been guilty of the hearer's blood (Acts 20:26-27). James says those responsible for proclaiming the Word will receive the greater condemnation. Those who would exalt themselves, to be a teacher (spiritual leader), would do well to remember unto whom much is given, much shall be required. These will be held to a higher standard, both by others as well as by God. Those who do will face greater criticism than those who are more discreet. 1.The Danger of Lying Lips. The man of God will never survive that allows his lips to tell lies. The man of God must set the example for pure lips. He cannot partake in telling lies or listening to lies. The lying lips of God's man will undermine his ministry to the point that eventually they will overtake his ministry. The minster that allows his reputation and character to be known as a liar will minimize his power and maximize his problems. God hates lips that lie and the man of God must honor the expectations of the Lord. 2.The Dismay of Loose Living. It will not go unnoticed in the community if God's minister has a reputation for looseness. This looseness may be identified in his own life or the life of his spouse or his children. How can the pastor preach against sin when it has camped out at his own doorstep? The Word of God tells us to avoid the appearance of evil. 3.The Dread of Lost Leadership. The man of God must protect his leadership as if it were gold. The day a man loses his ability to lead; that man’s days are numbered. The minister must avoid the allurement of sin. Nothing will bring a minister as quickly as his known association with sin. 1) We stumble or offend people when we are Wrong. The word "offend" means "to cause one to stumble or fall, to err, make a mistake, to sin, to fall into misery, to slip up." We tend to slip up or stumble when we are taken off guard. When we lose our temper, we suffer from a slip of the tongue, saying things we regret later. 2) We offend people when we are Right. We offend people when we preach the truth, discipline, counsel, or correct those who are wrong. You cannot and will not please everyone. This is the tough part of the ministry. It is the wise minister that faithfully guards himself against the pitfalls that will rob and ruin him. The enemy often lies in wait for the opportunity to trip Gods men. In understanding this truth, we should be aware and alert at all times. In being a chosen man of God, the minister has his own set of unique problems. The difficulty of this is that the man of God constantly soothes and solves the problems of his church and community. The minister due to his very role is allowed the opportunity to help resolve a multitude of problems. The problem with this is who will help the man of God deal with his problems? The minister barricades himself behind the wall of misperception and misguidance in portraying himself and his family to be problem free. This is dangerous and can become disastrous to the man and his ministry. There is great responsibility and accountability in being a leader, especially if you are a preacher of God's Word. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #26
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. The Pastor’s Plea (II Timothy 1:7) II Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” A pastor must be stable. If he is not, he will not only fail himself, but he will give the enemy an advantage. Stability and courage go together. The word fear comes from "deilia" and means to be "fearful or timid." Fear is produced by a lack of confidence in the Lord. The disciples' biggest problem wasn't the storm, it was their lack of faith (Mark 4:40). The greatness of our fear shows us the weakness of our faith.
If a pastor has fear in his heart, it is not God that has put it there. God has not placed fear in our hearts, but He has given us power to overcome. Satan cannot overcome the power of God. God has given us a spirit of love; God's agape love. The pastor has also been given a sound mind in Christ our Lord. God has given us the ability to maintain ourselves and make sound decisions. Trouble and adversity will come as long as we live upon this earth. Serving the Lord will not be without difficulty, but we possess the courage and confidence we need to overcome if we will only look to the Lord and rely upon Him! The word sound comes from the Greek word "sophronismos" and carries the idea of a disciplined mind. It is a mind that is solid, Scriptural, and spiritual. It is a mind that is disciplined to think properly. Paul admonished the Philippians (Philippians 4:8). The believer's mind is to be filled with the things that please God. The mind must be right before the life can be right (Proverbs 23:7). Our actions are the fruit of our thoughts. Right thinking produces right actions. The pastor must have a deep sense of courage that helps soothe and settle his soul in the face of opposition. In submitting to the blessed call to preach the Word of God, the man of God will encounter times that will challenge his calling. Paul pleaded with young Timothy to lean upon God in the midst of any fear that arose. The Lord has not given the man of God a spirit of fear; he has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. The man of God will not only face opposition and obstacles, but will face opportunities. In reality, we need as much courage to face opportunities as we do in facing opposition and obstacles. It takes as much courage to look forwards and is does to look backwards. In looking back, we need the courage to learn; but in looking ahead we need the courage to lead. The opportunity may arise for the man of God to launch out into the unknown, will you do it? 1. Courage in his Mind. The battle will always be won in the mind before ever winning it in the heart. The forces of darkness will attack and invade the mind before attacking any other area. The man of God must get his mindset right to face the grand opportunities that God will give him. 2. Courage in his Ministry. The minister must allow the courage of God to lead him in his ministry. A ministry that is based and backed upon the courage of God will allow the man of God to achieve true success. 3. Courage in his Membership. The membership in the pews will eventually take on the personality of the man in the pulpit. The church either is, has, or will become the same as its leader in the pulpit. This statement will always be true, and it is either to the benefit of the church, or to the detriment of the church. The man of God cannot accept the status quo. If the church is not progressing forward, it is digressing backwards. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #25
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. The Pastor’s Priorities (I Peter 5:1-4) I Peter 5:1-4, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Your pastor is a gift from God to the local church. Your pastor is called to the high ministry of giving the congregation the most valuable truths ever revealed to man. Every Sunday, for about thirty minutes, he preaches these truths. Before he preaches the sermon, he will spend many hours praying, studying, and preparing. The pastor is fully aware of the dangers and threats of the flock of God concerning spiritual warfare. He is concerned of the spiritual health of his sheep. He has in his possession a spiritual first aid kit to aid and administer to his suffering or sick sheep. His desire is to live his life like the Lord Jesus and to compel those who will to follow him as he follows Jesus Christ. Although the pastor will devote much of his time to the ministry, he will face constant and cruel criticism. He is never eager to hear all that people say about him. Over the course of time, he catches enough of the criticism to crush him. He is your servant for Christ, who will stand before the Lord one day and give an account to Christ for how he pastored your church. There are priorities for every pastor that focuses on the care for souls under our charge in our local church. The priorities are: 1. Comfort the Grieving (I Thessalonians 4:13-17; John 11) 2. Care for Widows (I Timothy 5:3; Acts 6:1-7) 3. Confront Sin (I Corinthians 5; Matthew 18; I Thessalonians 3; Titus 3) 4. Encourage the Faint-hearted (I Thessalonians 5:14; Romans 14:1) 5. Guard the Truth (I Timothy 4:6-7, 16; 6:20-21; II Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-2) 6. Identify and Train Other Leaders (Acts 6:1-7; 13:1-3; II Timothy 2:2) 7. Preach and Teach the Word (I Timothy 4:13; II Timothy 4:2; Acts 6:2) 8. Pray for the Flock (Ephesians 6:18-20; I Thessalonians 5:17; Acts 6:2) 9. Set an Example (I Timothy 4:12; I Peter 5:3; I Corinthians 11:1) 10. Visit the Sick (James 5:14; Matthew 25:31-40) If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #24
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. The Pastor and His Preaching (II Timothy 4) II Timothy 4:1-2, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” AIM: Looking while we Labor & Working while we Wait. II Timothy 4:1-2, deal with how to behave as servants working for the cause of the Lord. II Timothy 4:1, The Ministry of the servants of the Lord. II Timothy 4:2, The Metaphors of the service of the Lord. II Timothy 4:3-4, deal with how to behave as saints waiting for the coming of the Lord. II Timothy 4:3, Signs as we watch for the coming of the Lord. II Timothy 4:4, Serving as we wait for the coming of the Lord. I. The Pastor’s Charge (II Timothy 4:1-8) While we wait there is: A. A word to be preach, II Timothy 4:2 B. A warning to be proclaimed, II Timothy 4:3-4 C. A watch to be posted, II Timothy 4:5 D. A work to be performed, II Timothy 4:5b Timothy is reminded that he will one day stand before the Righteous Judge and give an account. Every believer and even pastors will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and will answer to the Lord for what he has done since his conversion (Romans 14:10-12). Every Christian “…man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward” (I Corinthians 3:13-14). 1. Preaching is Commanded A faithful pastor will declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:24-27). The purpose of preaching is to expose the Word of God to those who are listening. It must be understood that God's Word is to be the source of the preacher's sermons as God leads him through His Word. “Preach the word” (II Timothy 4:1). There is no option here. Paul said, “…for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (I Corinthians 9:16). 2. Preaching is Continual The pastor is told to “…be instant in season, out of season” (II Timothy 4:2). There are only two seasons in which to preach the Word of God. That is in season, out of season. In season is when it is convenient. Out of season is when it is not convenient. We are never off duty. We must be ready at all times to speak the Word. Peter said, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15). 3. Preaching is Convicting The pastor is commanded to reprove (II Timothy 4:2). Vance Havner said, "While preaching ought to comfort the afflicted, it should also afflict the comfortable." The word reprove means "to admonish, convict, convince, tell a fault." It carries the idea of bringing sin to light and exposing it for what it is. 4. Preaching is Comforting The pastor is commanded to “exhort” (II Timothy 4:2). The word exhort carries the idea of "admonishing, encouraging, and walking along side of." Many Christians have fallen away because they have been reproved and rebuked (a specialty of many preachers), but they have not been exhorted and encouraged to serve God. The preacher must be faithful in helping people to reach their potential for God. A little encouragement can go a long way. 5. Preaching is Compassionate We are to preach with “..,all longsuffering” (II Timothy 4:2). Longsuffering has to do with patience and endurance under affliction and provocation. The word carries the idea of restraint and patient endurance of mistreatment without revenge. Longsuffering is linked to compassion in the Bible. Longsuffering is one of God's attributes (Psalm 86:15). Because God is full of compassion, He is longsuffering. We must preach the truth without compromise, but with compassion. II. The Pastor’s Course (II Timothy 4:6-8) 1. A waiting to be promoted, II Timothy 4:6a A. “For I am now ready to be offered…” Paul stands like an ox between God’s altar and God’s plow. If he lives he will be God’s servant; if he dies he will be God’s sacrifice B. “The time of my departure is at hand…” The word translated departure is interesting. The simple meaning of the word is “to unloose, undo, or break up.” It meant “to depart.” The word was used in five ways: a. It was a prisoner’s word. The sentence is served; you may now go free. b. It was a farmer’s word. The unyoking of the ox and turning it loose. c. It was a warrior’s word. The battle is over, the victory is won, strike the tents and heads for home. d. It was a seaman’s word. The unmooring of the ship. The cargo is loaded, the crew is in place, hoist the sail and head for another port. e. It was a philosopher’s word. This suggests the unraveling of a knotty problem. 2. A weighing that will be personal. II Timothy 4:7 3. A welcome that will be precious,. II Timothy 4:8 II. The Pastor’s Continuance (II Timothy 4:9-22) He talks about: 1. His (Timothy’s) Coming, II Timothy 4:9, 13 2. His Comrades, II Timothy 4:10-12 3. His Concern, II Timothy 4:14-15 4. His Christ, II Timothy 4:16-18 5. His Closing, II Timothy 4:19-22 If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #23
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. Understanding the Undershepherd (Hebrews 13:7, 17) Hebrews 13:7, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Hebrews 13:17, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” 1. The Pastor’s Authority. Two times in Hebrews 13, the word rule is used to describe the Pastor's authority in the local Church. In Acts, we find the term overseer in relation to the Pastor's work. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers...” (Acts 20:28). The Bible describes the Pastor as being “...over you in the Lord” (I Thessalonians 5:2). Peter spoke of the Pastor's as “...taking the oversight…” (I Peter 5:2). The office of the pastor requires that he be the spiritual overseer of the Church. We understand that Christ is the head of the Church. However, since God is a God of order, He has set the local Church up in such a way that it is an organized body. The Pastor's authority is a delegated authority. When God places a Pastor in a local Church, He is placed there with the God-given authority to lead that Church in the right ways of the Lord. This does not imply that the Pastor is to be a dictator. It must be understood that the office of Pastor is administrative, not legislative! Peter said, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (I Peter 5:2-3). Pastoring a church is tending to the Lord's flock. A pastor taking the oversight and exercising his God-given authority is not wrong, but lording over God's heritage is. The pastor will accomplish nothing by strong-arming the flock. A lot of God's people are scattered because they've been driven instead of led. 2. The Pastor Appeal. “...who have spoken unto you the word of God…” (Hebrews 13:7). Certainly, the Pastor's work involves many responsibilities, but preaching the Word is at the top of the list. This ought to be the great desire of every preacher. To make the Word of God known to others is the supreme priority of the preacher. God handpicked the preacher and made him an overseer “...to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15). Here again, we see that the Pastor's job is to feed the flock “…with knowledge and understanding.” The word knowledge speaks of being acquainted with facts, truths, and principles. The word understanding carries the idea of "instructing or guiding." Pastor must do more than simply fill people's heads with knowledge. We must go beyond educating people; he must instruct and guide them in the truth. Timothy was instructed to, “Preach the word…” (II Timothy 2:3-4). We believe in the priority of preaching—that preaching is supreme. Paul said, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:24-27). A faithful Pastor will declare the whole counsel of God. Paul was free from the blood of all men because he was faithful in preaching the Word of God. A pastor must be faithful in preaching the Word of God. Churches and Christians are starving because more and more pastor’s are neglecting the Scriptures when they are in the pulpit. The call is to preach and the content is the Word of God. 3. The Pastor’s Actions. “...whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Hebrews 13:7). The Pastor's faith ought to be evident in his life. People should be able to look at the Pastor and say, "That is what my life should be like." Our faith, as it is lived out in our life, becomes something that people can follow. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1). For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you…” (II Thessalonians 3:7). The word conversation carries the idea of "behavior or conduct." There are two kinds of conversation. First, there is that which we say with our lips. Secondly, there is that which we say with our life. He is talking about how we live from day to day. Paul said that a Pastor “...must be blameless...” (I Timothy 3:2). However, this does not mean that the pastor is to be perfect. The word blameless comes from a word that means "not able to be held." It is a judicial term that describes a lack of evidence in a court preceding. Therefore, the defendant can't be held. The man who is blameless may be charged with a crime, but in the end, there will not be sufficient evidence to hold him. He must be blameless according to the standards of the Word of God, not blameless according to man's standards and accusations. 4. The Pastor’s Appointment. “... for they watch for your souls…” (Hebrews 13:17). This is a solemn verse. The pastor watches for the souls of men. He stands between God and man in the sense that he deals largely with the eternal part of man. 5. The Pastor’s Accountability. “...as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). This principle stands especially true in the case of God's man. “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). Those who teach and lead God's people will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged more strictly than others. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #22
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. The Man of God and His Ministry (Jude 22) Jude 22, “And of some have compassion, making a difference.” The world is full of people that are hurting and many of these folk suppose that nobody cares. Psalm 142:4, “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.” This man seemed to be in a hopeless and desperate situation. The pastor looks for opportunities to offer help to those that have encountered hurt. Here are five examples: 1. Ministry of Help. 1) Pastor’s Vision. In going about his business the man of God can find opportunity to help people if he opens his eyes. The position of a man of God allows various options to help the hurting. We must be constantly looking to help the hurting. 2) Pastor’s Visitation. The life of many suffering people has been uplifted from the visitation of a minister. The pastor must never allow himself to become calloused or cold in this area of ministry. Your labor in the Lord will not be in vain, therefore, never get weary in your well doing. Your labor for the Lord will be recorded, remembered, and rewarded. 2. Ministry of Healing. The pastor not only has the opportunity to help people with the Word of God, he can actually help bring about their spiritual, mental, and emotional healing. The man of God has a unique role in the lives of people, which opens up many doors.
3. A Ministry of Hope. The called man of God can shed hope upon the dark, dreary despair that faces those he encounters in his everyday affairs. The daily affairs of God's man should evolve into opportunities for his ministry. It should be taken as a blessing to offer mercy and grace to those that are hurting.
2. Pastor offers Hope For the Hurting Home. In a world of mass divorce and monetary doom; the man of God must offer hope to the home. The leaders of our homes need a word of hope. The loved ones of our homes need a well-placed word of hope and encouragement. The home has been abused, abandoned, and seemingly abhorred by society. The man of God must offer hope to the home. The home must have a friend that tenderly breathes a word of hope into the lives of those grasping for anything to help them survive. 4. Ministry of Honor. In Jude, we find that the writer challenges us to display compassion upon the sinner. In displaying this compassion, we could win him or her to Christ. The difference between heaven and hell could be the man of God doing the right thing concerning a lost soul. It would do us well to consider the people that God places upon our path. It is a ministry of compassion, not mere suggestion.
5. A Ministry of Heaven. The pastor can make a difference in the lives of many people. The saint may need the words of encouragement concerning Heaven, while the sinner may need to hear the words of the Saviour and His offer of salvation. The pastor has a heavenly ministry in his daily ministrations. The pastor should see the guidance of God as he embraces this ministry of compassion.
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship. Archives
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