It’s sad that many churches seem to have little appreciation for those who serve the congregation humbly, sacrificially, honestly, and lovingly. They take the pastor for granted and often create all kinds of problems for him. Some churches neglect, overwork, and underpay their pastors. Churches like that often chase away good pastors; they can’t keep a pastor. I’m glad that such has not been my experience. Read More ...
If you want to reduce the pastor’s fears/concerns, don’t listen to false teachers. Don’t tolerate a fake Jesus, a foreign “Spirit,” or a false “gospel.” Listen only to those who have demonstrated biblical knowledge and are thoroughly qualified. Be discerning not gullible. Read More ...
Many churches today have been deceived and corrupted by false teachers. The pastors who should be protecting the flock from immorality and deceit have failed to do their jobs. They’ve allowed the false teachers to gain authority within the church. Churches have strayed away from the simplicity of Christ and have accepted error. We must be diligent and discerning so as to avoid that outcome. Read More ...
Churches often become spiritually adulterous; they are disloyal to Christ and the gospel. They accept false teaching and become apostate. Faithful pastors do their best to prevent that from happening. They work to protect the church so that they can present it to Christ as a chaste virgin. Read More ...
Everything that anyone accomplishes in Christian ministry is ultimately for the Lord’s glory and through the Lord’s power. Whatever we are able to accomplish in ministry is because of God’s work in us. God gets the glory for whatever we might achieve. So there’s no room for boasting. Read More ...
The pastor is supposed to use his authority over the flock to build up the flock. Like a shepherd, a pastor should want his flock to be strong and in good health. He wants the flock to prosper and grow spiritually. He wants to promote the best interests and well-being of the flock. He wants the church to be mature, stable, and strong. Read More ...
We must use the weapons God gives us—the word, prayer, truth, love, goodness, beauty, and godly behavior. We don’t use fleshly, carnal, worldly methods in this battle. We try to solve the problem with Christlike humility and gentleness if we can, but if we need to be assertive and stern, we know how to do that as well. Read More ...
The Christian life is a battle or a struggle. We have spiritual enemies—primarily, the world, the flesh, and the devil. In Paul’s case, his enemies were the false teachers who had infiltrated the church and were leading people astray. Paul is ready to go to war with these spiritual adversaries. He’s not going to tolerate them or allow them to have any influence in the church. His intent is to destroy their false ideas. Read More ...
When we give generously, we are being Christ-like. Generous giving is a mark of godliness. If we have experienced God’s generous grace towards us in Christ, we must be willing to give generously to support God’s work in the world. Read More ...
Reluctance to give purposefully, cheerfully, and expectantly reflects a lack of trust in God. Giving sadly or madly instead of giving gladly is a failure to appreciate the grace of God. Read More ...