I have been a customer of AT&T most of my adult life. I went with most of you through the big government split up of the Ma Bell system in the eighties and we have now been reunited with AT&T as our local and long distance carrier again these past few years here in Collins, Mississippi.
If I ran my business like AT&T and some of the major telephone conglomerates I would have long been out of business. But I have learned, these big companies have gotten to the place that they feel their customers are out here to serve them and fill their pocket books with much money.
We woke up Thursday morning to no AT&T HOME telephone service and our local water service was also out. I called the water company, they thanked me for calling, and said, they were already having repairs going on as we were speaking and they said, your water service will be back in full service in about three hours or less. Our water service was back on by 11:00 AM.
I called AT&T and got a recording that this number was no longer a good number, (it was the AT&T repair line. I then called the main 888 number of that number was answered by a recording, that began to prompt me with everything but repairs. After three prompts and typing in my telephone number three times my telephone call was redirected to repairs. This prompting was again answered by a recording, which began to lead me through the same prompts of typing in my number and asking me questions about the repair needs. Finally after three more times of typing in my telephone number I did talk to a human being, who simply told me they were committed to having my telephone back in service by 7:30 PM Friday evening. In all of this typing and prompting I gave them my cell phone number to have the repairman call when the problem was solved or if they needed to get into my home to check the telephone line.
Here I sit in my home frustrated, because I realize AT&T and all of the other telephone companies in this great country are not the least bit concerned about their customers, nor can you and I depend upon their commitments. I have received not one call on my cell phone from anyone from AT&T to tell me where the AT&T repairman is. But I do know he is not here and it looks like we will be without our AT&T home telephone for at least three or four more days, because this is a holiday weekend.
If anyone is trying to get me on the AT&T telephone, that probably will not happen for a few days.
Before I published these frustrations on my blog, I wanted to give AT&T the benefit of the doubt and I called them again at 7:05 PM, they told me they were committed to 7:00 PM on Friday, May 27, 2011 to have my telephone problem resolved. I have not received a call from a AT&T repairman, so I realize I will spend the whole weekend without a AT&T home telephone. I just want to thank AT&T for their word of commitment.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
IWas Just Thinking On This Saturday, May 14, 2011
I AM GOING TO HEAVEN, WON’T YOU COME GO WITH ME?
Two thousand years ago the apostle Paul, who was a church planter and pastor par excellence, declared that he was a debtor to those to whom he ministered. He sensed an obligation to discharge, a duty to perform, and a debt to pay—both to the unsaved and to the saints in the regions of the world he traveled and ministered the Word of God.
We as Pastors today are expected to labor with a deep sense of indebtedness to our congregations. Working as hirelings among the people of God. Why are we under such obligation I often question? No other group of professionals is required to live and work under the same scrutiny as a Pastor, Preacher.
As a pastor I do have a dual calling…but I am not called to be a hireling.
John 10:12-13 KJV,
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
First, there is the calling by God to this specialized ministry of shepherding a local congregation.
Ephesians 4:8 KJV,
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
What were the gifts that Jesus gave to men?
Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV,
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Being a pastor is the most notable vocation known to man. Paul expressed this initial calling by testifying,
1 Timothy 1:12 KJV,
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
The first and primary reason for us as preachers and pastors to go through the process of licensing from local licensing through ordination is to have a council of tenured presbyters to help us determine whether we are actually equipped and prepared to fulfill this great call. The certainty of such a special calling on our life also provides the motivation for an effective and enduring ministry.
Second, there is the calling by the local church congregation. According to UPCI policy, each church is congregationally governed and autonomous. So each church must, by the vote of its members, call the man of their choice, praying and believing that the Lord is actually involved in the placement of the man of God. Pastors consequently experience a dual calling, and for these two reasons, they are under obligation to the congregation of their calling.
How then is this obligation discharged?
In addition to the normal ministerial responsibilities, the church expects the pastors wife to be part of his ministry and she is often so harshly judged, especially when she sees the saints not respecting her husbands position in the church. But the wife of a pastor does need to keep herself involved and active with her husband in ministry.
The Pastor must know how to keep confidences, maintain regular study habits, preaching fresh messages and providing the membership with clear goals and plans.
There are four Scriptural ways to fulfill this calling.
Feeding the flock…Just prior to His ascension, Jesus commanded Peter,
John 21:17 (b) KJV,
…Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
We used these scriptures above, but will read them again,
Ephesians 4:8, 11-16 New Living Translation,
8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people."
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love
The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote of the need to teach both “milk” of the Word and “solid food” of the Word.
Hebrews 5:12-14 New Living Translation,
12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.
13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right.
14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Paul admonished Timothy to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.”
2 Timothy 4:1-5 KJV,
1 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 longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
This involves recognitions that Jesus spoke to Satan, when He was being tempted.
Matthew 4:4 KJV,
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
We who are Pastors, therefore, should major in expository preaching in order to declare the whole council of God.
Acts 20:26-28 KJV,
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Saints of God need a balanced diet of spiritual food that does not emphasize only certain truths to the neglect of others, because “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation,
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Shepherding the flock…Paul admonished the pastors, to be shepherds of the church.”
Acts 20:28 New Living Translation,
28 "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.
One of the primary ways of fulfilling this commission is for the pastor to feed and shepherd the people God gave him. This used to be generally understood and expected by both pastors and saints alike. However, in more recent times, this practice has been neglected, and rare is the pastor who personally feeds and shepherds God’s flock.
When I evangelized and was called to try out as one who was to be voted on as the pastor of the several churches that I tried out for I found that most of the churches were divided over their previous pastor, in most cases these men had been pressured to resign. The most common complaint was not that the former pastor’s preaching or leadership was not good, but his lack of a compassionate concern for the members of their church. As one man stated, “We have been members of this church for twelve years, and the pastor has never visited in our home. He doesn’t even know where we live.”
I have been told by saints who attended these churches, that the former pastors would still be the pastor of these churches if they would have fulfilled their calling of visiting the saints home on a regular bases. You know just stop by and drink coffee and listen to all of their gripes and complaints. Stop by and sit for a spell and listen to all their gossip and being controlled by their manipulative, carnal ways. I personally, visit the sick folks I pastor and their family members, but I REFUSE to go sit in homes and be manipulated.
Evangelizing the lost…Paul commanded Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:5 KJV,
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Not every pastor has the unique gift of being a vocational evangelist. However, every pastor must do the work of an evangelist. No minister is excused for not being an aggressive witness for Christ.
Ephesians 4:12 KJV,
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
In every church, there are unsaved people in the congregation or audience. As Pastors we cannot miss this golden opportunity to preach the gospel and extend a clear, opportunity to repent and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Nothing compares to the joy of seeing these people moved to repentance.
But we are in such a crises in the church today, the church body does not seem to be moved by people coming to the altar to repent. The church body no longer responds to a move of God as the church did in the past. All of this is left up to the ministry when people are not being added the members blame the pastor.
Jesus revealed, Luke 15:10 KJV,
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
This aspect of a pastor’s ministry also includes evangelistic ministry, which Paul said he did for three years in Ephesus,
Acts 20:19-21 New Living Translation,
19 I have done the Lord's work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.
20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.
21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
Dr. D. James Kennedy, the originator of Evangelism Explosion (a program that many evangelical pastors use), pastored a 10,000-member church. He reserved each Thursday evening for personal door-to-door evangelism. In this, he continually exhorted his people to become involved with him as a personal witness for the cause of Jesus Christ and to encourage their unsaved neighbors, friends and especially family members to attend the church to hear the gospel preached, often. He said, “if the saints of God are doing this, they can rightly expect their pastor to preach the gospel and together they can attempt to win the lost to Christ.”
Paul declared,
1 Corinthians 9:1-16 New Living Translation,
1 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn't it because of my work that you belong to the Lord?
2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle.
3 This is my answer to those who question my authority.
4 Don't we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals?
5 Don't we have the right to bring a Christian wife with us as the other disciples and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does?
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?
7 What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn't have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn't allowed to drink some of the milk?
8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing?
9 For the law of Moses says, "You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain." Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this?
10 Wasn't he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.
11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren't we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?
12 If you support others who preach to you, shouldn't we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right.
We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.
13 Don't you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings.
14 In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.
15 Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge.
16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News!
We need the reminder of, Proverbs 11:30 KJV,
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Examples to the flock…A God-called pastor ought to be able to say with Paul,
1 Corinthians 10:32-11:1 New Living Translation
32 Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God.
33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Paul commanded Timothy to be an example to the believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity.
1 Timothy 4:6-16 New Living Translation,
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.
7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.
8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."
9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.
10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.
12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.
16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
Peter cautioned his fellow elders of the church,
1 Peter 5:1-3 New Living Translation,
1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:
2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
3 Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
Paul himself was concerned about his life and reputation.
1 Corinthians 9:19-27 New Living Translation,
19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.
21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Never has this example been more needed than now, with the alarming fallout of evangelical churches and ministers today.
The spiritual qualification lists for pastors in 1 Timothy require that a bishop be an example in all areas of his public and personal life, which includes his marriage, home, and children.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 KJV,
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
It has been well said that everything rises and falls with leadership. Because of Paul’s aggressive soul winning in that Roman prison, others were inspired also,
Philippians 1:14-19 New Living Translation,
14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.
15 It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.
16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News.
17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.
18 But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
It is obvious that when we as pastors share our experiences of witnessing and soul winning, members of the congregation that we pastor are supposed to follow in our footsteps and we think they will become bolder in their witness as well. After all, isn’t that the primary reason we are left here after we are born again? But I have found it does not work that way at all. Most of the saints do not follow in the footsteps of the pastor at all. Most of the saints critique and find fault with their pastor, and they have no respect for him or the position he is filling.
Church members expect their pastor to live righteously, witness aggressively, visit the sick regularly, and preach fervently the “unsearchable riches of Christ”
Ephesians 3:7-11 New Living Translation,
7 By God's grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
8 Though I am the least deserving of all God's people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.
9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
10 God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
I must confess to all of you at this moment, I am so blest by God to have been called to the ministry. I do thank Him for using me this past 23 years of my life to see miracles, signs and wonders. I have seen many hundreds baptized and receive the Holy Ghost over this tenure of my ministry. But the pastoral ministry has for the past twelve years has been a challenge to me.
I have made friends with people all over this nation, pastors, preachers and saints alike. But for some reason or another I fail to have a large loyal congregation willing to follow me to heaven. I once thought maybe I was the lone problem in all of this. But I have noticed these people that leave me and the church I pastor, do not last long in the next church they start attending, they just become wandering stars. O, if I could only help them. If they only knew how I have wept and prayed for them.
My prayer is for everyone to make it to glory with me. I am going to make it to Heaven. I am willing to give everything for souls. I actually am trying to give more than I owe for the church that I pastor. Will you please come go to heaven along with me?
Two thousand years ago the apostle Paul, who was a church planter and pastor par excellence, declared that he was a debtor to those to whom he ministered. He sensed an obligation to discharge, a duty to perform, and a debt to pay—both to the unsaved and to the saints in the regions of the world he traveled and ministered the Word of God.
We as Pastors today are expected to labor with a deep sense of indebtedness to our congregations. Working as hirelings among the people of God. Why are we under such obligation I often question? No other group of professionals is required to live and work under the same scrutiny as a Pastor, Preacher.
As a pastor I do have a dual calling…but I am not called to be a hireling.
John 10:12-13 KJV,
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
First, there is the calling by God to this specialized ministry of shepherding a local congregation.
Ephesians 4:8 KJV,
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
What were the gifts that Jesus gave to men?
Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV,
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Being a pastor is the most notable vocation known to man. Paul expressed this initial calling by testifying,
1 Timothy 1:12 KJV,
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
The first and primary reason for us as preachers and pastors to go through the process of licensing from local licensing through ordination is to have a council of tenured presbyters to help us determine whether we are actually equipped and prepared to fulfill this great call. The certainty of such a special calling on our life also provides the motivation for an effective and enduring ministry.
Second, there is the calling by the local church congregation. According to UPCI policy, each church is congregationally governed and autonomous. So each church must, by the vote of its members, call the man of their choice, praying and believing that the Lord is actually involved in the placement of the man of God. Pastors consequently experience a dual calling, and for these two reasons, they are under obligation to the congregation of their calling.
How then is this obligation discharged?
In addition to the normal ministerial responsibilities, the church expects the pastors wife to be part of his ministry and she is often so harshly judged, especially when she sees the saints not respecting her husbands position in the church. But the wife of a pastor does need to keep herself involved and active with her husband in ministry.
The Pastor must know how to keep confidences, maintain regular study habits, preaching fresh messages and providing the membership with clear goals and plans.
There are four Scriptural ways to fulfill this calling.
Feeding the flock…Just prior to His ascension, Jesus commanded Peter,
John 21:17 (b) KJV,
…Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
We used these scriptures above, but will read them again,
Ephesians 4:8, 11-16 New Living Translation,
8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people."
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love
The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote of the need to teach both “milk” of the Word and “solid food” of the Word.
Hebrews 5:12-14 New Living Translation,
12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.
13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right.
14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Paul admonished Timothy to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.”
2 Timothy 4:1-5 KJV,
1 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 longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
This involves recognitions that Jesus spoke to Satan, when He was being tempted.
Matthew 4:4 KJV,
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
We who are Pastors, therefore, should major in expository preaching in order to declare the whole council of God.
Acts 20:26-28 KJV,
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Saints of God need a balanced diet of spiritual food that does not emphasize only certain truths to the neglect of others, because “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation,
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Shepherding the flock…Paul admonished the pastors, to be shepherds of the church.”
Acts 20:28 New Living Translation,
28 "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.
One of the primary ways of fulfilling this commission is for the pastor to feed and shepherd the people God gave him. This used to be generally understood and expected by both pastors and saints alike. However, in more recent times, this practice has been neglected, and rare is the pastor who personally feeds and shepherds God’s flock.
When I evangelized and was called to try out as one who was to be voted on as the pastor of the several churches that I tried out for I found that most of the churches were divided over their previous pastor, in most cases these men had been pressured to resign. The most common complaint was not that the former pastor’s preaching or leadership was not good, but his lack of a compassionate concern for the members of their church. As one man stated, “We have been members of this church for twelve years, and the pastor has never visited in our home. He doesn’t even know where we live.”
I have been told by saints who attended these churches, that the former pastors would still be the pastor of these churches if they would have fulfilled their calling of visiting the saints home on a regular bases. You know just stop by and drink coffee and listen to all of their gripes and complaints. Stop by and sit for a spell and listen to all their gossip and being controlled by their manipulative, carnal ways. I personally, visit the sick folks I pastor and their family members, but I REFUSE to go sit in homes and be manipulated.
Evangelizing the lost…Paul commanded Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:5 KJV,
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Not every pastor has the unique gift of being a vocational evangelist. However, every pastor must do the work of an evangelist. No minister is excused for not being an aggressive witness for Christ.
Ephesians 4:12 KJV,
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
In every church, there are unsaved people in the congregation or audience. As Pastors we cannot miss this golden opportunity to preach the gospel and extend a clear, opportunity to repent and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Nothing compares to the joy of seeing these people moved to repentance.
But we are in such a crises in the church today, the church body does not seem to be moved by people coming to the altar to repent. The church body no longer responds to a move of God as the church did in the past. All of this is left up to the ministry when people are not being added the members blame the pastor.
Jesus revealed, Luke 15:10 KJV,
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
This aspect of a pastor’s ministry also includes evangelistic ministry, which Paul said he did for three years in Ephesus,
Acts 20:19-21 New Living Translation,
19 I have done the Lord's work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.
20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.
21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
Dr. D. James Kennedy, the originator of Evangelism Explosion (a program that many evangelical pastors use), pastored a 10,000-member church. He reserved each Thursday evening for personal door-to-door evangelism. In this, he continually exhorted his people to become involved with him as a personal witness for the cause of Jesus Christ and to encourage their unsaved neighbors, friends and especially family members to attend the church to hear the gospel preached, often. He said, “if the saints of God are doing this, they can rightly expect their pastor to preach the gospel and together they can attempt to win the lost to Christ.”
Paul declared,
1 Corinthians 9:1-16 New Living Translation,
1 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn't it because of my work that you belong to the Lord?
2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle.
3 This is my answer to those who question my authority.
4 Don't we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals?
5 Don't we have the right to bring a Christian wife with us as the other disciples and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does?
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?
7 What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn't have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn't allowed to drink some of the milk?
8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing?
9 For the law of Moses says, "You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain." Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this?
10 Wasn't he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.
11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren't we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?
12 If you support others who preach to you, shouldn't we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right.
We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.
13 Don't you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings.
14 In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.
15 Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge.
16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News!
We need the reminder of, Proverbs 11:30 KJV,
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Examples to the flock…A God-called pastor ought to be able to say with Paul,
1 Corinthians 10:32-11:1 New Living Translation
32 Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God.
33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Paul commanded Timothy to be an example to the believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity.
1 Timothy 4:6-16 New Living Translation,
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.
7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.
8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."
9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.
10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.
12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.
16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
Peter cautioned his fellow elders of the church,
1 Peter 5:1-3 New Living Translation,
1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:
2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
3 Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
Paul himself was concerned about his life and reputation.
1 Corinthians 9:19-27 New Living Translation,
19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.
21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Never has this example been more needed than now, with the alarming fallout of evangelical churches and ministers today.
The spiritual qualification lists for pastors in 1 Timothy require that a bishop be an example in all areas of his public and personal life, which includes his marriage, home, and children.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 KJV,
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
It has been well said that everything rises and falls with leadership. Because of Paul’s aggressive soul winning in that Roman prison, others were inspired also,
Philippians 1:14-19 New Living Translation,
14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.
15 It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.
16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News.
17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.
18 But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
It is obvious that when we as pastors share our experiences of witnessing and soul winning, members of the congregation that we pastor are supposed to follow in our footsteps and we think they will become bolder in their witness as well. After all, isn’t that the primary reason we are left here after we are born again? But I have found it does not work that way at all. Most of the saints do not follow in the footsteps of the pastor at all. Most of the saints critique and find fault with their pastor, and they have no respect for him or the position he is filling.
Church members expect their pastor to live righteously, witness aggressively, visit the sick regularly, and preach fervently the “unsearchable riches of Christ”
Ephesians 3:7-11 New Living Translation,
7 By God's grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
8 Though I am the least deserving of all God's people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.
9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
10 God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
I must confess to all of you at this moment, I am so blest by God to have been called to the ministry. I do thank Him for using me this past 23 years of my life to see miracles, signs and wonders. I have seen many hundreds baptized and receive the Holy Ghost over this tenure of my ministry. But the pastoral ministry has for the past twelve years has been a challenge to me.
I have made friends with people all over this nation, pastors, preachers and saints alike. But for some reason or another I fail to have a large loyal congregation willing to follow me to heaven. I once thought maybe I was the lone problem in all of this. But I have noticed these people that leave me and the church I pastor, do not last long in the next church they start attending, they just become wandering stars. O, if I could only help them. If they only knew how I have wept and prayed for them.
My prayer is for everyone to make it to glory with me. I am going to make it to Heaven. I am willing to give everything for souls. I actually am trying to give more than I owe for the church that I pastor. Will you please come go to heaven along with me?
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