For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9
Fall 2002 Volume 3, Issue 4 |
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Pastors, (continued from page 1) The Bible tells us that elders are worthy of double-honor (1 Tim. 5:17), but not evangelists. The decrees issued from the church in Jerusalem to the Gentiles (Acts 16:4) were ordained by the apostles and elders, not preachers. When Paul departed from Miletus, he wanted to leave instructions for the church leadership of Ephesus and thus called for the elders (Acts 20:17), not the ministers. James declared that those who suffered from sin-sickness should call for the elders to pray over them (James 5:14), not the preachers. Finally, in Heaven, the apostle John saw twenty-four seats surrounding the throne and twenty-four elders sitting on the seats (Rev. 4:4), not preachers. Obviously, elders are intended to occupy the most prominent and significant role in the church; more than preachers ever should. That is why the Lord’s church does not refer to its preachers as “pastor.” Additionally, preacher do not have the authority to be the overseers of the church, but autonomous bodies of elders exercise authority over the local congregations. Additionally, Paul identified Timothy not as a pastor, but an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5). So, the letters to Timothy and Titus could more appropriately be called “Preacher Epistles.” Ted Parks Business, Part 2, (continued from page 5) There are several points to be made from this account. 1) Ananias and Sapphira were property owners. 2) As Christian property owners, they were under no obligation to sell their property. 3) The profit they received from selling the land was within their own power to distribute how they desired. 4) The sin was that they lied! May we learn from this example to be honest with our profits. This situation does not condemn property or land ownership, but it does condemn those who are dishonest in their business dealings. Their wealth was not wrong in and of itself. What they did in their accountability of their profits was wrong. May we always learn to handle our wealth rightly. As the Bible states in Rom 12:17, “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” Donald Underwood |
Why?, (continued from page 7) Many have failed in one endeavor only to find that their talent can be seen elsewhere. Gold that is tried in fire is made more valuable because the impurities are removed. Most of us need to be tried so we may learn our real capabilities; then our value to our self and to others is known. 7. It Helps Us To Be It is easy for us to criticize others as they make their mistakes. But when we have made our own mistakes, then we can begin to be patient with the mistakes of others. They may have faced trials far more overwhelming than ours. Consider the following words: which can be received by us only when we come into the places for which the words were given. There are promises for weakness which we can never receive while we are strong. There are words for times of danger which we can never know while we need no protection. There are consolations for sickness whose comfort we can never get while we are in robust health. There are promises for times of loneliness, when men walk in solitary ways, which never can come with real meaning while loving companions are by our side. There are words for old age which we never can appropriate for ourselves along the years of youth, when the arm is strong, the blood warm, the heart brave. God cannot show us the stars while the sun shines in the heavens.” J.R. Miller After you have won a few battles with Satan you will find that you have strength to give to others, yet continuing to be longsuffering with those who are still struggling. Are you facing trials? Remember, they are “but for a moment.” Do not fret; they may be stepping stones toward real strength. Meet them head on. Do not waver. Eternity Awaits. Carl Garner | |
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