But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

So are the words of the apostle from Hebrews 5:14. Discernment being the product of the endeavor of the exercise. Is this necessary? Should the believer not just go along with the crowd or should he just take you at your word, or should the believer leave it up to the scholars to tell him what is good or what is evil?

The primary task of the Pastor is to feed the flock of God according to Peter. Sincere milk is obviously part of the diet of the Christian but here the emphasis is upon that which seems to be with a different texture and weightier than than of milk. Milk seems to be for the ongoing growth of the child of God and here strong meat if for the mature who have sense to discern.
That is to distinguish what is good verses that which is evil.

Is this necessary? It doesnt seem to be in our modernistic churches where the world is more obvious than God. The down dressing of worship is a way of life. Lacking in authenticity, or any form of distinction from any other gatherings, it is very user friendly. Believers and unbelievers are likened as to be alike rather than representatives of two distinct kingdoms. Not to worry, few notice the difference or even recognize that they are to be distinct. Bring on the band, music that makes a feeling of sensuality permeate the entire congregation and thereby refusing the spiritual requisites of God in order for sinful man to worship. OK enough said, you have the picture. Where is the discernment of the mature? When the in mature dictate to the leadership or challenge the teachings of the word of God and decide not to follow...this is as your children dictating to you parents what is right and wrong. Perhaps this generation thinks accordingly.

The antidote for the lack of discernment lies in the theological diet of the church. Pastors bring on the meat. I enjoy milk but bring on the meat. I need it and so does the entire congregation. May God's men as we set the table, to feed the flock, provide meat to mature the congregations that God has entrusted to us and no one else. Discernment is required in the every day living of the believer. No, we would not have God's flock scattered by every wind of doctrine. But growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Chirst.

As shepherds of His flock, we must protect the sheep as well as provide for the sheep.

God help us, we must give an account as we watch for their souls...

The Word of God Gives Life

The apostle Peter was quick to make the connection of the "new birth" and the Word of God. Being born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which livceth and abideth forever. The truth of the matter is the absolute necessity of the Word in the life of the true believer. Why then, would we ever fill our time in the house of God with anything other than His Word? Entertainment, secular philosophies, good moral stories, etc. You have the picture. Sad to say and report that this is all too often the story in many so called churches. Rather than feed God's children with manna, we find the message so perverted from truth and God's people not anticipating anything but entertainment and a feel good for having been in church regardless of the itenary of the day.

The church is one place of all places that the precious Word is to permeate the occasion. It is not an added feature but is to be the featured "event" if you please. Pastors who fail to take this sincerely are failing to care for the flock of God in a manner that the Lord, our chief shepherd, would care for His own.

If the Word of God is key to salvation and sanctification of the believer then it is a requisite for entrance into the Kingdom. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God...How shall they hear without a preacher? (Rom.10:17) I trust that our desire is to preach the word as commissioned by our Sovereign and may our desire be always demonstrative at the appointed times. Feed the flock, nourish the flock until the chief Shepherd appears at His soon coming.

Saint of God, set your affections on the absolute word of God and let it be known that you will not be satisfied with any other effort than the preaching of the Word.

Pastor Jim

A Good Church

I meet people throughout any given week that upon inviting them to Faithway I learn that they are "looking" for a church to attend.  I often wonder, of all the churches that are available in our geographical locations, what is the problem?  There are church facilities on almost every corner.  How many do I pass on my way to the facility and the church that I serve?  There are quite a few. 
So it cant be just a facility that people are looking for, it must be something more.  They are looking for a "good" church and only a "good" church.  Now the issue becomes what their perspective of a "good" church is or what it would take to become a "good" church.  Those perspectives will vary from person to person.  Some may even have similarities but none the less, they will have their various definitions of the term "good church".

Without question, we need to be selective and particular with our decisions on churches but selective choices and particular decisions concerning worship are already established in the Word of God.  So let's consider what God has to say about His church.  That is where I want to be, that is what I want to be, part of a church that is favored of God. 

The number one must for a church to be in the process of  becoming that "good" church is that it is a Bibliocentric church.  That is, that the church and the ministries of that assembly are a direct result of what the Scriptures teach.
It is a Bible centered church.  A church where the Bible is preached, taught, and observed by all therein.  The Bible is the supreme authority for life and godliness and where the Bible is sufficient for life and godliness. 

Many places that call themselves churches do not even require the blessed book to be read.  You need not carry one in, just listen to the music, enjoy the fellowship, have dinner with your friends and go home and talk about what a wonderful day it has been.  Please dont misunderstand, the music is good, the fellowshp is good, and the dinner, well it was wonderful.  But none of those things within themselves sanctify me into His likeness.  I am glad to break the news, the Bible is required for Christian living.  It is the Word that sanctifies according to John 17:17.   

As you are visiting and looking for churches, you can quickly determine whether it is "good" or not "good".  Simply use this standard, what are they doing with God's word?  Is it being preached, taught, and observed from the pulpit to the person in the pew?  If not, keep looking!  There are "good" bible preaching churches.  You need not settle for anything less.  Your life and soul are dependent upon the eternal Word of God.  Insist on having it for you, for your family, for the glory of God. 

Note: See II Tim.3:15-17; John 17:17

The "Key" to the Good Church: Part I

What kind of church are you looking for?  Oh, a church that has a variety of good programs.  Yes, a good program for children, a good music program, a good humanitarian endeavor, a good number of people, a good facility, etc.  The list could go indefinitely.  But lets stop, we all have our own preferences or special needs and interests.  Why dont we just turn to the "Book" and get the answers.  Let's focus on what God has to say about the "church" of your choice.  After all, it is His church by decree and design.

The first text that I would have you consider is Matthew 28:18-20.  Often referred to as the great commission.  This text is often used by missionaries to prove their point for their own endeavors.  I want to look at what Jesus is doing as He proclaimed this "commissioning". 

In the text, of course the audience are the disciples or the newly established earthly authorities for the early "church".  Christ gives clear and concise instructions as He reveals an entire philosophy of ministry in this short passage of scriptures.

He commissions His disciples to carry on the work of the church on earth with three basic principles:
1) The Church is to Evangelize:  Go and teach all nations
2) The Church is to Assimilate converts (baptizing them)
3) The Church is to Educate (disciple) In the all things/Observed

This is first and foremost for ministry of local church evaluation.  It is not that we are to do one or the other but rather all three elements are KEY to New Testament church ministry and philosophy.  Begin here with your choosing of ministry, begin here with where you will attend, begin here with where you will have your family.  Follow the mission and the model that was established and authorized by our Lord Jesus Christ.

What does "Pastor" Mean

Consider Ephesians 4:11-12  <sup>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:

Take particular note of the word "pastors", what is this that would distinguish the role from any other?  The term "pastor" (poimen) stresses certain tasks and manners in which the the overseer (elder, bishop) goes about accomplishing the role of leading the church.  He is given the responsibility of continually, tenderly, and diligently watching, guiding, protecting, and providing for the flock of God.  Christ, our chief shepherd, being the model for the undershepherd. 

Let me offer you a definition for the term that may give even more insight to the role of the Pastor.  Pastor: a shepherd, one who tends or herds flocks; used metaphorically of Christian "pastors". (Acts 20:28)
Pastors have been given the duties of teaching, preaching, counseling, visiting, having the  knowledge of, warning and protecting the congregation (flock) from false teachers.
As Paul so wonderfully and concisely stated, it is with the goal of maturing the saints for the work of the ministry and fitly framing the body until He comes.</sup> 

Preach "the Word" II Tim 4:1-4..

As the apostle Paul penned his last epistle to the younger Pastor Timothy, I am sure that there was much on his mind.  Writing from a prison cell and facing imminent death he had much to say to Timothy concerning the household of God.  One of the last admonitions from the condemned apostle was that Timothy preach the word of God and to do it consistently, rigorously, and regularly.  Of all the task that Timothy would have as a preacher/pastor, Paul reminded and commanded him to be active and aggressive in preaching the word.  The last message from Paul to Timothy may have been the most "lasting" message of them all.  Oh that men of God would just Preach the Word.
If we are to evaluate our local assemblies as pastors or parishoners may the standard be placed upon the Preaching of the Word of God. 
The standard, the significance of the sanctifying word of God proclaimed in such a way as to glorify God.
Pastors remember in the early church (Acts 6:1-7) the choosing of deacons was to facilitate the menial task of the congregation and liberate the Preachers to give themselves to prayer and ministry of the word.  This ought to be a constant reference for all preachers to see to it that the priority of their ministry is not of a humanitarian nature but rather that of an eternal or spiritual nature. 
May the God of grace grant unto us the desire to hear and proclaim the exposition of His truth.  The greatest mark of the spiritual status of any church is the prevelance and prominece of the exposition of His word.  Expository preaching has never killed anyone but it certainly has brought life to many.
Expositional preaching is described as that preaching which takes for the point of a sermon the point of a particular passge of Scripture.  It is preaching that is in service to the Word.  It presumes a belief in the authority of the Scripture.
It is not a running commentary of a series of verses.
Expostional preaching the truth of God's word feeds the souls of God's people, it sanctifies the believer, it exposes God to the child of God...bottom line, it is the form of preaching that Glorifies God.

The Pillar and the Ground of "Truth"

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (I Tim 3:15). 

 

The metaphorical use of "house" (oikos) by the apostle Paul is used in reference to a family rather than a building.  The members of the "house" have the responsibility to conduct themselves accordingly.  The apostle carries the idea further by giving the obvious theological definition of the same as "the church of the living God".  And conclusively, by it's very nature, the church belongs to God (Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:14; Titus 2:14; I Pet.2:9; Rev.5:9).

 

Here the "church" that belongs to God through the purchase of redemption is declared to be the "Pillar" and the "Ground" of truth.  The "Pillars" were significant in that they were used to support the roof of the structure and then the "Ground" would be the reference to the foundation on which the structure rests.  

From these two metaphores we may conclude that God has ordained that His church is a testimony to God's truth.  We do not create nor invent truth. We have no liberty to alter the truth but rather we support the truth and safeguard truth.  To the church, both local and universal, the stewardship of Scripture was given.  Each individual member of the church is to be committed to that duty.

I find it a strange event when a church declines or negates it's responsibility of truth and the stewardship thereof.  No longer needing the Bible or Scriptures, let us all turn to some humanitarian deeds or social effort and show everyone how we love.  Now dont misunderstand, we are involved in humanitarian efforts as well as social efforts but not at the price of forsaking the Word of God.  Paul did not command Timothy to proclaim social reformations but he did command the Pastor Timothy to "Preach the Word", to be instant in season and out...to study to show himself approved rightly dividing the word of truth.   

Now, we will never win the Nobel Peace Prize for preaching and after a life time of preaching and death comes we probably wont be remembered in this world by many but when the righteous judge rewards us with the crown of righteousness there will be glory to God and that's what it is all about. My dear friend, what place does the Word of God hold with you?  What is its value to you and your life, your ministry, or your congregation?  Lives are sanctified by the truth of God's word thereby sanctification is taking place and preparing the child of God for the time of glorification.  Preach the Word.

Epistemology?

As Pastors we are compelled to preach the "truth", God's holy Word. The scriptures, the whole counsel of God must be our epistemology. The message that we deliver is a message from heaven and as declared is forever settled. Our source of truth should be obvious and it must be presented without the necessity of any extra curricular materials that would imply inadequacies or insufficiencies as the God given resource for life and godliness. It is in His Word that there is revelation of God and His will for His dear children. I am saying the obvious that seems to be without observation by the messengers of God.

Today, there is a dearth in the land. A spiritual dearth! The marquis on the average church should read, "Come, visit with us, No Bible Needed." At a time that is set aside for preaching the Word, the time has been exchanged for story time. The mentality of many is to be entertained or feeling better about self.

So, having capitulated, Preachers now want to be less archaic and more relative. More contemporary, to fit with culture. No my friend, it is the Word that is all truth that is relative to God and eternity. II Tim 3:16 ...scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness. Source of Truth? Look no further my friend, Look to no other source...Look to the Word of God.

Does your epistemology effect your ministry? Yes, a thousand times yes! What do you give the couple that is struggling with their marriage? or parenting? What is your theology when it comes to the issues of life? The answer flows from epistemology doesn't it. May God give you a burning desire for truth for life and godliness. Enough of the philosophies of the world that are doomed to failure. Take God's people to the Word for answers in the quests of life.

Pastoring, Pastoral Theology, Pastorology

One of the first questions that any search committee should ask of any potential pastoral candidate should be in regard to the candidates theological perspective of Pastoring. After all the Bible has much to say about the local church as well as how it is to function.

There are three specific epistles that address the subject of Pastoring sufficiently and effectively. While men are trying to develop their techniques and programs God's Word stands fast and sure. Try and keep before you the thought that the church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ and that we, by His grace, are simply under shepherds that simply care for His sheep til He comes. And mark it the chief shepherd will return for that which is His.

I am thankful to be a Pastor in His Kingdom but I am also thankful that He did not leave me to my own cleverness nor my own devices to Pastor His people. His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Ah yes, the all sufficient Word of God is the manual to follow.

Please allow me to share the following definition of what I mean by the term "Pastoral Theology": "It is that branch of Christian Theology that deals with the office, the gifts, and the functions of the Pastor. Pastoral Theology seeks to reflect upon that self-disclosure of God witnessed to by Scripture, mediated through tradition, reflected upon by critical reasoning and embodied in personal and social experiences". (Thomas Oden)

From the definition alone you may realize the absolute necessity and significance of following the Word of God and implementing truths into practice in order to lead or Pastor His sheep in a way that is honoring and glorifying to the Lord Jesus Christ.

My challenge at this time is that we read and reread the book, particularly the epistles that deal directly with Pastoring. Paul did not leave Timothy and Titus to themselves to create a ministry that would be "user" friendly or a ministry that would attempt to Pastor the unchurched. God help our discernment in Pastoring.

What is your Pastoral Theology? Is it found to be in accordance to and in compliance with the instructions left for the good of the church and the glory of Christ Jesus?

Next blog I will be commenting on our Epistemology