Just What Is An Elder? Pt. 3

I’m guessing every young basketball player has dreamed that they are some NBA superstar while they shot basketball.  My player of choice was Michael Jordan.  I watched his moves, studied his shooting technique, and tried to imitate him; I even wore the number 23. 

Sadly, wearing the number 23 was about the only similarity between my basketball game and Michael Jordan’s.  Michael Jordan’s talent and athletic ability makes imitation an impossibility. 

As a young preacher, I remember trying to imitate other preachers.  There were certain preachers who were well respected and well liked, and there was a great temptation to act like, dress like, and even preach like other preachers. 

WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE TEACH ABOUT IMITATING OTHERS?

What may sound odd to some is that the Bible teaches us that we should imitate other people.  Although there is a sentiment among many that says, “I don’t follow man; I follow the Lord,” God has ordained that we follow Him by imitating others who follow Him. 

1 Corinthians 4:16, “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.”

1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Philippians 3:17, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”

1 Thessalonians 1:6, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:”

For those who would argue, “This is Paul telling people to follow him.  Who wouldn’t follow him?  A person would be crazy not to follow Paul.  If Paul were here, I’d follow him.”  For those who have this attitude, need to read Hebrews 6:12.

Hebrews 6:12, “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

The mere idea of leading implies that others follow. 

IMPOSSIBLE TASK: IMITATE PAUL

It is a daunting, impossible task to follow Paul if following Paul means you have to have his power, revelation, and miracles.  Charismatics make the mistake of thinking that we can do the things Paul did, as far as miracles are concerned; that we can heal the sick with our touch, raise the dead with our prayers, cast out demons, etc.  Thankfully, that is not what scripture is speaking about when we are commanded to follow Paul. 

PAUL AND THE EPHESIAN ELDERS

Paul, on his 3^rd missionary journey, didn’t go to Ephesus.  Rather, he stopped by Miletus and sent for the elders of the church of Ephesus (“elders”, plural; “church”, singular).  When they arrived at Miletus, Paul had a warning and a charge for them.  But before he does, he gives a word of personal testimony.  In his testimony, Paul gives us a template for how an elder should live and conduct themselves, how they can follow him (Thankfully, he doesn’t mention miracles, but his manner of life). 

HOW TO LEAD

In Paul's words to the Ephesians elders in Acts 20:17-27, we find 5 characteristics of leadership that are imperative.  A leader must serve…

(1) With Integrity.             20:18, 33-34

Paul began with a defense of how he lived among them.  He said, “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner [ESV – “how I lived”] I have been with you at all seasons…”

Paul was a bi-vocational preacher when he was among them, meaning he worked as a tent-maker to support himself and those who were with him.  In verse 33-34, Paul refers to it again by saying, “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.” 

Paul is not saying a pastor should be bi-vocational; in fact, he later tells Timothy (who was an elder at Ephesus) that an elder who labors in the word is worthy of double honor, speaking of money.  Paul is not speaking about the pros and cons of full-time Christian ministry; rather he is speaking about the accusations that he was trying to get rich off the people of Ephesus. 

COVETOUSNESS, A MARK OF FALSE TEACHERS

For anyone who gets into the ministry for any other reason to glorify God through the spreading of the Gospel is in it for the wrong reason.  The ministry is not a launching pad to riches, fame and fortune; and those who have reduced the call of God to a means of permanent health and wealth (Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, etc.) have prostituted the highest calling in the land! 

Peter warns about entering ministry to get rich.  He said, “¹ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ² And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. ³ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.”  (2 Peter 2:1-3)

(2) With Humility.                         20:19

Paul continues, “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind…”

Being a prideful person disqualifies them from serving as an elder or leader in a church.  That is a bold statement, and I do not wish for it to be taken wrongly.  I’m not talking about the bouts with pride we all face on a daily basis; I’m speaking about a life that is given over to pride.

Thus, a warning sounds from Paul, when instructing Timothy about ordaining elders: “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:8)

James Montgomery Boice told of a young preacher who learned humility the hard way:  A young Scottish preacher who was quite self-confident literally bounded up the steps into the pulpit one Sunday, filled with self-esteem. Unfortunately, he lost his way in the middle of his address, became quite confounded, and forgot his message. As he came down from the pulpit humiliated, an old Scottish elder who had been present in the church that morning said to him, “Young man, if you had gone up the way you came down, you would have been able to have come down the way you went up.”

If you are prideful, ministry is about you – your class, your kids, your songs, your sermons, your, your, your.  Any ministry that wants to draw more followers after themselves than Christ has their priorities wrong.  Paul, when referring to a debate in the Corinthian church, said, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man??  (1 Corinthians 3:5)

(3) With Sincerity.                         20:19

He served them “with many tears”.  He poured his heart and soul into the ministry there for 3 ½ years. 

Show me what moves a person to tears, and I’ll show you what you care about.  Scripture records Paul being moved to tears over a few things:

(1)      A Concern For The Church

·         2 Corinthians 2:4 – “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.”  Paul’s most stern, strict, and harsh letter was written with a tear in his eye!

·         Acts 20:31 – his ministry at Ephesus brought many tears to his eyes.  

            

             (2)      A Concern For The Lost

·         Romans 9:2-3 – “² That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. ³ For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”  He was burdened for Israel, for their salvation. 

COMFORTED BY PAUL’S TEARS

It may sound odd, but I’m thankful for the hardships and tears Paul shed.  It gives me assurance that he has been where I am (and much worse).  He would write to Timothy (who was pastoring at Ephesus) and say, “Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears…” (2 Timothy 1:4).  Timothy, his protégé, served tearfully at Ephesus as well.  The encouragement Paul gives is from first-hand knowledge.  He’s been there.  He’s felt the pain.  He’s tasted the salty tears.  He knows!

Any preacher who hasn’t been moved to tears over a burden for his church and the unsaved around them isn’t much of a preacher!

(4) Through Difficulty.                 20:19-26a

He also served with many “tears, and temptations (ESV – “trials”), which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.”  From the moment he was saved, Paul was Public Enemy #1 for the Jews.  In fact, notice what happened soon after his conversion.

He preached Jesus – Acts 9:20

²⁰ And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

            He was sought after to kill – Acts 9:23-25

²³ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: ²⁴ But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. ²⁵ Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.”

BEING FORSAKEN

Paul had been forsaken by several people who once stood by him.  Demas loved this present world too much (2 Timothy 4).  Alexander the coppersmith did him much evil (2 Timothy 4).

OUR ANCHOR HOLDS!

Thankfully, in the midst of difficulty and desertion, our anchor holds.  Paul boldly proclaimed, “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.”

WON’T ALWAYS BE WELL-LIKED

I would love to be well-liked and well-thought of among everyone.  But if you stand for the truth of the Gospel, it will create enemies.  Being criticized is part of being in the ministry.  Charles Spurgeon, after being censured by his own denomination said:

“Men cannot say anything worse of me than they have said. I have been belied from head to foot, and misrepresented to the last degree. My good looks are gone, and none can damage me much now.”

(5) With Accountability.             20:26-27

Paul was confident that no man’s blood was upon his hands: “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.”  This echoes the warning of Ezekiel 33:7-9:

“⁷ So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. ⁸ When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. ⁹ Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”

He had taught them exhaustively – “all the counsel of God” (vs. 27).  He taught them publicly – “have taught you publicly” (vs. 20).  He taught them privately – “from house to house” (vs. 20).  He didn’t shun difficult truths; he taught them God’s Word faithfully.

An elder is accountable, ultimately, to God.  He will stand before Christ and give an account of his stewardship.  In that day, the only thing that will matter is whether he is faithful or not.

An elder is accountable to others while he lives.  One of the problems in American Christianity is we have built ministries on the personality of a spokesperson, rather than the truth of the Gospel.  And, those so-called preachers (spokespeople) feel like they are accountable to no one.  When anyone tries to hold an elder (pastor) accountable, the first thing out of their mouth is Psalm 105:15, “Touch not min anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”  That verse is a warning about unjustly harming God’s men, but there is nothing wrong with holding one accountable.

When Jimmy Swaggart was caught with a prostitute, some in his church wanted to exercise discipline against him.  He refused.  He thought he was larger than the ministry.

There is no preacher larger than the ministry.  One of the advantages of a plurality of elders is that they hold one another accountable; the people also hold them accountable.

Ultimately, we know, however, that every elder, every minister, and every teacher will be judged more severely.  James 3 warns: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” [ESV]

CONCLUSION

In the end, if an elder (be it a preaching elder or a governing elder) can look back at their ministry and say that they have stood faithful and accomplished God’s will, then they are a success, regardless of who knows their name (in this world).  The heartbeat of my life is this:  I want to be able to join with Paul, at the end of my life and ministry and say with confidence:

“⁶ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Just What Is An Elder? Pt. 2

The New Testament uses three (3) interchangeable words (elder, bishop and pastor) to describe the office of elder.  Each word speaks of the same office but a different function.

“bishop” (episkopos) – the responsibility of the leaders.  This describes what the leaders do.  They oversee the ministry and work of God.

"pastor” (poimen) – the priority of the leaders.  This describes how they lead.  They are like a shepherd who watches over the flock.

“elder” (presbuteros) – the maturity of the leaders.  This describes why they are worthy of leadership; their faith is worth following.  They are spiritually mature. 

Elders are servant-leaders who are given the following tasks:

(1) They Lead the Church

1 Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”

Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God...”

(2) They Care For The Body

Acts 20:28, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

James 5:14, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

(3) They Teach and Protect The Truth

1 Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”

1 Timothy 3:2, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”

Titus 1:10-14, “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.”

(4) They Model Christ-like Character.

1 Timothy 3:1-7, “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”

Titus 1:6-9, “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

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.”

Just What Is An Elder? Pt. 1

“What is an elder?”  I have been asked this question on more than one occasion.  Whether people know one of the brothers who have been nominated to serve as an elder, saw a Facebook post about the upcoming ordination, or heard about Lakeville moving to an Elder-led model of church government through the grapevine, people are asking this question.  So, over the next few days, I will post an overview of a series I preached at Lakeville entitled “The Gospel & Church Leadership”.  Hopefully, it will answer some of the questions people have about the office of elder.  In this post, I hope to establish the fact that the office of elder is mentioned throughout the New Testament as a vital office in the church.

Elders Are Mentioned Frequently

A survey of the New Testament (especially Acts and the Epistles) will reveal that the office of elder was a vital office of the early church.   

Scripture	Description
Acts 11:30	Elders sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem with a gift that was to be distributed to the needy brethren in Judea.
Acts 14:23	Paul and Barnabas, after establishing churches, “ordained elders in every church”.
Acts 15:2	A vital question concerning the Gospel had arisen in Acts 15.  To discuss the doctrinal matter, Paul and Barnabas decided to go to Jerusalem to meet with “the apostles and elders”.
Acts 15:4	Paul and Barnabas, having arrived in Jerusalem for the meeting, were received by “the apostles and elders”. NOTE: At Jerusalem, Peter seems to be the spokesperson for the apostles and James seems to be the spokesperson for the elders.
Acts 15:22-23	After the meeting, when it was determined that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, “the apostles and elders” determined to send Judas and Silas to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.  They also sent letters from “the apostles and the elders and brethren”.
Acts 16:4	Paul travelled throughout the cities on his missionary journey delivering to the people “the decrees…that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.”
Acts 20:17	Paul called for a meeting with the elders of Ephesus.  He charged them and told them that he would no longer see their face.  Verse 28 gives insight to the responsibility of being an elder of God’s church.
Acts 21:18	Paul goes to Jerusalem and gives a report to James and all the elders concerning God’s working among the Gentiles.
1 Timothy 5:17-19	The elders who rule (govern) well are worthy of honor, especially those who labor (earn their livelihood) in preaching and teaching.  A person isn’t supposed to accept an accusation against an elder unless it is substantiated with two or three witnesses.  Elders who persist in sin are to be publically rebuked before the entire congregation so people in the congregation might learn to fear.
Titus 1:5	Paul commands Titus to ordain elders in every city in Crete.
James 5:14	Elders are called upon to pray for the sick, anointing them with oil.
1 Peter 5:1-5	Peter addresses elders in church located throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1:1).  He refers to himself as an “elder” in 5:1 (one of only three times this word is used in the singular).  He addresses the “elders” of the congregations in the cities he previously mentioned.  He gives them a charge to “shepherd the flock of God” because God has given them oversight.  They are to shepherd God’s people willingly, not out of compulsion.  They are to shepherd sincerely, not for shameful gain.  They must be examples to the church to follow.  They are to keep in mind that they will give an account to the chief Shepherd one day.  Because of this, the congregation is to be subject (submissive) to their leadership.
2 John 1	John refers to himself as “the elder”.  Many believe it was a nickname that had been given to John the Beloved.
3 John 1	Same as 2 John 1.

You've heard it said, “If the Bible mentions something once, it is important.”  I would agree with this statement.  Yet, my question is this: How can a subject (an office in the church) that is mentioned (in the Bible) as frequently as that of an elder be glossed over and treated as unimportant?  This should at least get our minds thinking about the vital role elders should play in the congregation.  More to come…

Pastoral Reflections On The Presidential Election

Last night, President Barack Obama was re-elected as President of the United States.  As a pastor, there are some observations I want to make about last night's election (Please read through the entire piece before reaching any conclusions):

1.      God Is Sovereign.  Some (out of emotion) spoke as if the world was going to end last night (who cares what the Mayan calendar says awaits us in December).  But for believers, may we be comforted by the fact that what happened last night was not an afterthought in the plan of God; He didn’t passively sit back and watch it happen.  No, he decreed it before the world began.  God didn’t relinquish one ounce of His sovereign control last night.  Scripture is clear: “He (God) changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21); “But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3); “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1).  Trusting in God’s sovereignty means that even the results of last night’s presidential election fits under the “all things” of Romans 11:36: “For FROM him and THROUGH him and TO him are all things. To him be glory forever.  Amen.” (emphasis added)

2.      President Obama Is My President.  While I did not vote for President Obama, he, nonetheless, is my President today and (Lord willing) for the next four years.  I wish Christians would learn to pray as much as we complain.  No, I’m not talking about praying Psalm 109:8 (“May his days be few; may another take his office!”) for him.  Do I think Christians have prayed for President Obama over the past four years as much as they have complained about him?  Probably not.  This is disobedience.  Again, scripture is clear: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 

3.      I Am Concerned For The Area In Which I Pastor.  Many of the jobs in the place I pastor are tied to the coal industry.  Shelley and I have friends, neighbors and family members who depend on coal for their way of life.  People in the congregation God has entrusted to me depend on coal for their way of life.  They are filled with concern and fear for the future, not knowing if the coal industry will survive in eastern Kentucky.  For them, I am praying for peace, strength and wisdom.

 

4.      America Has Shifted Culturally.  First, in last night’s election, two states (Maryland and Maine) approved same-sex marriage via popular vote (we are still awaiting Washington’s results because voters had to mail in their votes).  Supporters likened this issue to segregation and racial hatred.  To vote against same-sex marriage (at least to them) is to be filled with hate, bigotry and intolerance.  Even President Obama blasphemously used Jesus’ words when he came out in support of same-sex marriage.  However, this is an issue scripture speaks clearly about.  Do you want to know what Jesus said about marriage?  You can find it in Matthew 19:1-12.  Want to know what Paul said about the sin of homosexuality?  You can find it in Romans 1; 1 Corinthians 6; and Galatians 5.  Secondly, the issue of abortion was front and center.  When Gov. Romney began cutting into President Obama’s lead among women, the President’s campaign decided to make abortion a major issue, describing it as a woman’s (not a baby’s) healthcare issue.  It wasn’t as if President Obama has been secret on where he stands on this issue: He is without a doubt the most pro-abortion President this country has ever seen.  [To say one opposes abortion yet supports the President is almost as logical as someone in the 1940’s opposing the Holocaust yet supporting Hitler (this is just a historic parallel…I am by no means calling President Obama Hitler)].  And with the possibility of appointing more Supreme Court Justices in the next four years, the hope of overturning Roe v. Wade seems like it is out of reach.  Again, scripture is clear about the taking of innocent life.  Proverbs 6 says that God “hates…hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:17).  The message was loud and clear: America has shifted culturally. 

5.      Christians Run The Risk Of Looking Like Hypocrites Every Election Cycle.  This hurts, but it undeniable.  I say this for the following reasons…

• Many Christians are more passionate about winning an election than they are the gospel.  That hurts, I know it does, but it is the truth nonetheless.  As a pastor, it breaks my heart to hear Christians clearly articulate both candidates’ positions, debate them, and passionately defend them, when they can’t give you a clear presentation of the Gospel.  They will passionately discuss abortion, taxes, marriage, the military, and foreign policy, but they can’t distinguish the difference between the Old and New Covenants, describe the doctrine of the Trinity, or articulate a biblical view of the atonement.  Want to know if this is you (if you are a professing Christian)?  Here’s how you can tell: Did you “debate” politics more in the past 4 weeks than you shared Jesus with others in the past 4 years?  Did your heart hurt more last night that President Obama won or that over 2 billion people are on their way to Hell, having never heard the name “Jesus”? 

•  Many Christians don’t believe in Biblical Marriage; they just oppose same-sex marriage.  It may shock you to know this: Just opposing same-sex marriage is NOT the same as supporting Biblical marriage.  When the divorce rate among Christians in America is as high – and in some years higher – than the divorce rate of non-Christians, we look hypocritical to say we support biblical marriage by opposing same-sex marriage.  Let me explain: when professing Christians marry, divorce over non-biblical issues (Remember that the only biblical grounds for divorce and remarriage is unrepentant adultery or desertion of an unbelieving spouse), and remarry, that is detrimental to biblical marriage – and it is sin.  So, don’t be disillusioned to think you support biblical marriage by simply opposing same-sex marriage.  It is impossible to support biblical marriage by condoning same-sex marriage, but it is also possible to oppose same-sex marriage and still not support biblical marriage.

• Christians must oppose abortion while offering forgiveness to those who have had an abortion.  While we must defend the innocent life God has sovereignly placed in the womb, we must not forget about those who have had an abortion and are haunted by their sin.  For some, every Christmas, every time the due date arrives on the calendar, and every time they think of their past action, they are filled with remorse, regret and sorrow, but when they look for forgiveness, they often hear Christians proclaim part of God’s truth: Abortion is sin.  If we proclaim sin without offering grace and forgiveness, we have not proclaimed the gospel.  Is abortion sin?  Yes.  Are people who have abortions sinners?  Yes (as are we).  Can they be forgiven?  Yes, but only through the atoning work of Christ.   Abortion is not the unforgiveable sin.  The glory of the gospel is that God loved His enemies (cf. Romans 5:10) and sent Christ to die for sinners so that they, through repentance and faith, will be reconciled to God.  Be sure to offer grace and forgiveness to others, especially those haunted by a past abortion.

As Christians, we must be clear on where we stand.  But while we are clear, we must also be consistent with scripture – all of scripture.

To Be Continued...

“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.”

(Titus 3:12-15 ESV)

Sometimes our greatest inspirations and challenges come from the most unlikely sources.  For me, Titus 3:12-15 has served as a beautiful picture of what a God-centered, Gospel-centered ministry should look like.  It has everything: Nobodies who are Somebodies to God’s Kingdom, ministry planning, a call for a congregation to step up and serve, and the love and affection that exists among God’s people.  Truly, this text is a diamond in the rough. 

Paul has some requests and concerns about continuing ministry at Crete.  He wants Timothy to join him for the winter at Nicopolis, but he doesn’t want him to leave Crete until spiritual reinforcements arrive in the form of Artemas and Tychicus.  He has a word for Cretan believers: When Zenas the lawyer and Apollos pass through (they delivered the letter to Titus), see to it that they are taken care of.  They will need food, a place to stay, clothing, and money as they continue their journey of taking the gospel to other peoples.  This challenge must be met by the believers of Crete who have just been instructed that their belief must transform their behavior, that their doctrine must ignite good deeds.  It was an opportunity to practice what Paul and Titus had preached. 

There are some very important questions for church and ministries to consider.  Questions that can indicate the spiritual health or weakness of a ministry.

·         Is your ministry centered on one person?  If the work of Crete centered on Titus, they were in trouble because he was going to Nicopolis for the winter and he would eventually end up in Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:10).  If the work at Crete was built upon Titus, it would fail.  Too often we see that disaster occurs when a ministry or a church is built around the personality and charisma of ONE person.  In such cases, continuity of ministry is impossible because the entire ministry is built around the abilities, gifts and personality of a single individual.  Here is a lesson for church leaders: If we don’t prepare our churches to continue and minister in our absence, then our presence among them has been futile!  We have not made disciples; we have made cheerleaders who watch the game rather than participate in it.

·         Is there room for people like Artemas and Zenas in your ministry?  These men are never mentioned anywhere else in scripture.  They are not in a Top 100 Bible Heroes list.  Yet, these men are faithful to the work of God, and they are beneficial to the people of God.

·         In our ministry, do we challenge people to be contributors or do we call people to be consumers?  Paul instructed Titus to challenge the Cretan believers to step up and meet the needs of Zenas and Apollos.  Their devotion and determination to minister to these brethren would give evidence of their salvation; because the new produces a zeal for good works (Titus 2:14).  Sadly, many churches have a phobia when it comes to challenging members.  We are afraid to challenge our members in the several areas: giving money (yes, I said it), working in the local church (Sunday school, Children’s church, nursery, building maintenance, etc.), ministering (visiting the sick, discipling younger believers, evangelizing their  neighbors, co-workers, friends and family members), or giving up their precious time to serve the Lord.  Rather than challenging people to contribute, we sit back and call people to consume.  We see the result of the Church as Consumption mindset all around us: 80% of the work in a local church is done by 20% of the people.  What would happen if only 20% of our body functioned?  Would we be healthy, energetic and active?  No, we’d probably be in a deep coma awaiting the coroner to pronounce us dead.  Such is the case with the body of Christ.  Get rid of the consumer mindset: “What can I get out of my church?”  Replace it with the mindset of a contributor: How can I be faithful to and serve my church?

Entertainment or Worship?

You sit in a soft, comfortable seat for about an hour and a half.  You watch people (some talented and some not so talented) perform.  The experience can, at times, be deeply emotional for you.  There are moments that move you to tears. At other times, you have goose bumps.  If you’d be honest, there are times your mind wonders – you think “how much longer will this last?”  When it is over with, you make an evaluation of their experience.  You believe that you could enjoy it more if the person behind you would make their children behave (it’s hard to concentrate when a kid is demolishing the place).  The person in charge of the thermostat should be fire; it was cold enough to hang meat in that place.  It cost you around $20-25 to attend.  And you debate  whether or not you'll come back.

Here’s the million dollar question: Did I just describe a Saturday night movie experience or a Sunday morning church experience?  For some people, it might sound like a Saturday night at the movies.  For others, it might sound like their Sunday morning experience at church (notice I didn’t say “Sunday morning worship”).

WHY IS THE LINE SO BLURRED?

Many professing Christians go to church for entertainment, not worship.  The tragedy of the situation is that many don’t even realize it.  What are some differences between worship and entertainment? 

• Entertainment is Me-centered; Worship is God-centered.  When I seek entertainment at church, everything is about ME.  If the music is MY style, I enjoy it; if it isn’t, I hate it (I also check out mentally).  If the sermon is a topic that I like, I listen intently; if it isn’t, I think it is boring (I either check out or fall asleep).  I go in order to be stirred emotionally, which leave me open to emotional manipulation.  Worship, however is completely different.  Worship is about God.  True worship sings about God.  True worship focuses on God.  True worship preaches about the Gospel (the entire counsel of God, not just sugar-stick sermons that get a reaction from the congregation).  True worship brings us to repentance, for we are confronted with God’s holiness and our unholiness.  True worship stirs our emotions through truth.  Although an emotional reaction is never the goal of our worship, we are emotionally stirred as the result of true worship. 
• Entertainment is about what I get from God; Worship is about what I offer to God.  We have “Americanized” the church experience, making it all about what I receive.  Worship is entirely different: Worship is about what I offer God.  What Israelite in the Old Testament would go to the Temple empty-handed and attempt worshiping Jehovah?  They understood that worship was about offering a well-pleasing sacrifice to God.  They brought the best that they had and gave it to the Lord.  Paul understood this and recorded these words in Romans 12:1, “¹ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (ESV).  Sadly, I fear that our worship resembles that of Malachi’s day, a time when people didn’t offer God their best (Malachi 1:6-14).  We want to offer God that which costs us the least but makes us feel the best.  We want to do just enough to sooth our conscience and make us feel religious. 

OFFER IT TO YOUR GOVERNORS

Malachi, in his rebuke against Israel’s worship, told Israel to offer the same thing to their governor that they offered to God.  Would they accept it?  Would they be happy to simply receive something?  No.  Think about this: What if you treated your job the way you treat worship?  What if you show up 30 minutes late, half-heartedly go through the motions, leave early, distract others while you are there, complain once you leave, and never really contribute?  Would your boss accept it?  No.   They wouldn’t accept it; they shouldn’t have to.  Yet, we think God will.  Why is it we revere our job (or should I say our paycheck) more than the King of Glory?  Could it be that we worship something, just not God?

Please Change Clothes Immediately After Church

Like many "Christians", my family and I often go out for lunch or dinner following a worship service (maybe it's the Baptist in me).  And I have a confession to make: I wish many church members would either (a) not go to a restaurant immediately following a worship service; or (b) change their clothes (get out of their "church clothes") before they go.

After reading that, you're probably thinking, "Why on earth would he care about who goes to a restaurant after church?  And why does he care about what we wear?"

On more than one occasion, I've entered a restaurant to observe over-worked, under-paid employees trying to serve and appease grouchy, self-centered, complaining, impossible-to-please church members - all of whom are fresh from "worshiping the Lord".  I've watched as professing Christians - people who claim to follow a Master who sacrificially and selflessly became the servant of others - go off the deep end because they didn't get extra pickles on their hamburger, or because they were shorted three french fries.  I've seen the worker roll their eyes, look at the person's attire, and smirk, as if to say, "Here we go again - it's the church-crowd; their clothes give them away."

I spoke with some workers last Sunday night at a local restaurant (I'll not mention the restaurant).  I asked them how their day had gone.  I could tell that they had worked extremely hard, and it hadn't been easy.  After talking to them, I couldn't take it any longer so I blurted out the question: "Are Sundays worse than other days?"  I think the question caught them off guard because their facial reactions gave the answer I was looking for.  It was a resounding YES!  Sundays are far worse than any other day of the week.  Christians in their Sunday best come in, take over, act like the world revolves around them, and leave.  Their children nearly destroy the place, while Mom and Dad pay no attention.

When we behave in this manner, we project a pitiful witness for Christ, dishonor the name of Christ, and make ourselves look like hypocrites in the process.

So, the next time you visit a restaurant after church, allow me to encourage you to take one of two actions.  Either be gentle, kind, loving and gracious (Christ-like) or go home and change clothes before you go eat.  That way people won't assume you've just came from church.  You won't look like a hypocrite and the name of Christ won't be dishonored.

The Best Message I've Ever Heard!!!

Last week, I was privileged to attend Together For the Gospel in Louisville, Kentucky.  It was three days of worship, fellowship and encouragement.  I listened to men of God preach the Gospel clearly, powerfully, and passionately.  To be honest, when I left my house on Tuesday morning I was already looking forward to hearing John Piper preacher.  Piper is one of my heroes (actually, he is about everyone's hero...or at least should be).  However, the most powerful message of the conference (at least for me) came on Wednesday night when David Platt, pastor of The Church of Brook Hills, preached a message entitled "Divine Sovereignty: The Fuel of Death-Defying Missions".  Piper later tweeted that it was the best message he had ever heard on missions (that is a big statement!).  For me, it was just the best message I've ever heard!!

I hope you will take time to listen.  If you will listen, you will be challenged and changed!