This post is part of a series and begins a thematic look at 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Peter 5:1–4 to examine character traits necessary to being a Christian leader. The term “above reproach” is a general description of what overseers/elders must be in 1 Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:6–7. 1 Tim 3:2… Continue Reading
With her permission, this is a prayer my wife typed out for me one day. It’s a good prayer for any Christian to pray for himself, herself, or whoever else, and especially for all Christians to pray for those whose calling involves regularly proclaiming the gospel. I hope it encourages others as it encourages me. What’s most… Continue Reading
Several “C’s” help me organize my pastoral theology. A pastor must have the call, that is, a Spirit-given desire to be in ministry (cf. 1 Tim 3:1). He must also have a certain competency, that is, a Spirit-given gift-set that includes oversight and teaching (cf. 1 Tim 3:1–2). There must also be a confirmation, that… Continue Reading
I did a bit of reading that focused on idolatry recently, and it captivated me again that John says to Christians today, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). As I pondered how my own desires can draw me to worship something good in the place of God, this poem came out. As… Continue Reading
I recently had a friend ask for advice about writing during the dissertation stage of a Ph. D. program. I thought I’d include this advice here for any it may benefit. As a disclaimer, please remember this is not necessarily expert advice but simply one man’s experience. #1 Before You Do Anything Else Once you’ve… Continue Reading
Last week we looked at Deut 17:14–17 and discovered three prohibitions for Israel’s kings that Christian leaders can follow in principle today. This week, we’ll read through Deut 17:14–20 again and see the import of the positive commands for the king in Deut 17:18–20. Deuteronomy 17:14–20 (ESV) 14 “When you come to the land that the… Continue Reading
Three weeks ago, I gave an introduction to a series on character of the Christian leader. Today the series finally continues. After a read through today’s text, we’ll see that what was written for Israel’s kings then has principles for Christian leaders today. Deuteronomy 17:14–20 (ESV) 14 “When you come to the land that the Lord your… Continue Reading
“Pay careful attention to yourselves” (Acts 20:28). “Keep a close watch on yourself” (1 Tim 4:16). Paul gave the former of these commands to the Ephesian elders and the latter to Timothy who later served in Ephesus when several elders failed to heed such a command. As one can see, despite the slight difference in… Continue Reading
I wrote the below for a brief article in my church bulletin. The bulleted points thereafter were what I wrote for myself thereafter. It’s nothing special, but it’s a quick overview of John the Baptist and some thoughts to learn from his example. – “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater… Continue Reading
Last week, we looked at Mark’s background, his opportunities for ministry, and his desertion of Paul and Barnabas during a missionary journey. Did he recover? Did he turn out to be faithful after his failure? Read on, and we’ll see. A Second Chance: Rebounding from a Bad Reputation Sometime after his desertion, Mark had apparently… Continue Reading
We’ll use a few headings and explanation to look at the life and ministry of Mark the evangelist over the next two or three weeks. As told in the title, Mark could be summarized as one who was faithful despite failure. Beginnings: A Christian Home Mark (also known as John or John Mark; cf. Acts 12:12)… Continue Reading
How should we pray for unbelievers? 1 Timothy 2:1–2 helps answer this question. Let’s get the context first and then look at the content of this passage. 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) (1) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (2) for kings and all who are in… Continue Reading
Paul asked for prayer multiple times in multiple letters. Here are two passages that act as examples to instruct us how to pray for ourselves and others to give the gospel. Ephesians 6:18–20 Pray for the words to say when giving the gospel. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to persevere by “making supplication for all the… Continue Reading
I’ve given two points in support of congregational authority thus far in this mini-series. First, the congregation is involved in the selection and election of deacons and elders. Second, the congregation chooses individuals for specific tasks, sends them on their way, and holds them accountable for their ministries This third and final point is somewhat… Continue Reading
Last time I wrote, I gave the first of three points that demonstrate the authority of the congregation. Here is a second way that the Bible describes the congregation exercising authority. (2) The congregation is involved in the selection and election of deacons and elders. That deacons are selected by a congregation finds clear precedent in… Continue Reading
There are several examples from Scripture that demonstrate the fact that congregations exercise authority over certain matters. For my own sake, I have divided a number of these examples into three categories. Here is the first of those categories with the passages that give it support.1 (1) The congregation chooses individuals for specific tasks, sends… Continue Reading
I had the privilege of preaching Matthew 20:17–28 yesterday. Here are some highlights that help us see a simple lesson: in order to be great, we should all serve as slaves, just like Jesus. Before Matt 20:17–28, Jesus had just taught twice that many who are last shall be first, and many who are first… Continue Reading
Last week, I gave one of two reasons that we should meet with our local church on Sunday, the Lord’s Day: we should meet together every week with our local church because it was clearly the pattern of the churches in the New Testament. Here’s reason number two. Second, we should meet together every week… Continue Reading
I should rephrase the question to be more precise – is it a sin to intentionally schedule something unnecessary in place of the assembly of believers? I realize that much could be said for the descriptor “unnecessary.” Some must miss church for necessary reasons. Their occupation is to save lives, uphold the law, etc. I… Continue Reading
My graduation and a number of church matters busied me away from a series on apostles, and this post will be a final few thoughts on the matter for now. The NT gives requirements for what it is to be an apostle (see here and here), and Paul’s description of himself helps to explain his… Continue Reading