August 14, 2007
1:03 p.m.
By: Joshuah Ellis
It has happened many times. I am enjoying a conversation with someone I have just met. We have already gone over the places we grow up, what we do for a living. Most likely we have already laughed over something we have in common. Then, the question comes out. ''So you're a pastor, huh?'' Anymore, I am not surprised by this question as it has happened more than once. I simply smile and explain that I am a preacher and not a pastor. The following question is what has given me the inclination to write this very article. ''What's the difference?''
As I understand, it is a common belief that the preacher and the pastor are basically the same thing. This is why people frequently assume that I am called the pastor. The Bible, however, makes a very clear distinction, between the two, that we would do well not to overlook. ''{11} And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, {12} for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ...'' (Ephesians 4:11-12). See there? Paul mentions both evangelists and pastors. This clearly shows us that they are NOT the same thing. What is a pastor then? According to Strong, pastor (poimen in Greek) literally means shepherd. This word is used in the Bible to refer to one who tends sheep in a literal sense, but it is also used here to refer to those who are charged with tending the flock of a local congregation. ''Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood'' (Acts 20:28).
So far we have noticed things that are not uncommon as far as the general understanding of what a pastor is. However, there is more. The Bible does not offer any specific qualifications that a man needs to meet before he can become a preacher. There are, however, some qualifications that a man must meet before he can be eligible to be considered a pastor or elder (episkopos in Greek), as they are sometimes called (1 Peter 5:1). Also note that these men are called bishops in other places (1 Timothy 3:1). You will see that though the specific names may be different, their qualifications and responsibilities remain the same. So what qualifications does a man have to meet before he can become a pastor/elder/bishop/overseer? We can see these qualifications in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The individual must be the husband of one wife, the father of faithful children, not given to wine, able to teach, and not a novice. These are just a few, but we can easily see that if a man can meet these qualifications, he would be an excellent shepherd in the Lord's church as all of these things, in the individual's life, translate to the necessary characteristics of a leader.
There is one more common misunderstanding regarding pastors. Many people believe that it is acceptable to have one man as the pastor or overseer of the congregation. This is yet another mistake. Notice with me a few passages. ''From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church'' (Acts 20:17). ''This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul'' (Acts 11:30). ''So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed'' (Acts 14:23). See the similarities. Every time elders/pastors are mentioned, there is more than one. This shows us that there was a plurality of overseers in the congregations of the early church. Since there has been no revelation from God since then, which has changed this (2 Peter 1:3); we are to abide by this God given example.
It is unfortunate, but there are many who teach that one man can be a pastor/overseer of a congregation. There are those who teach that unmarried men can serve as elders. There are also some who ignore completely the qualifications of the Bible and simply appoint men who are ''older.'' It is not my intent to offend or to be unkind to anyone. However, it is important that we consult the Bible when we start appointing men to serve as bishops over the Lord's church. One day, I hope to be an elder. However, at this point I am not qualified. Until that time when I am qualified, I will simply smile and answer the question, ''So you're a pastor, huh?'' the same way I have today.
Questions or Comments? Visit the Forum.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Church Discipline
August 7, 2007
12:20 p.m.
By: John W. Quinn
This particular topic has been of recent interest in a close circle of my friends. It is not a particularly enjoyable topic to discuss, but that does not take away from its importance and necessity. I feel this article is a good representation of how the Lord's people should deal with discipline in the church. I hope this will shed some light on what can be a very confusing issue. (jle)
The church where I attend tries to apply the teachings of the New Testament regardless of the what is politically correct and what is not. We recently had to withdraw our fellowship from a couple of our members who were not living according to the commandments of Christ. I am not talking about imperfections or momentary weakness, but ongoing chronic disobedience and a refusal to repent. I would like to share a part of the announcement that was read to the church. I will leave out the identities and the particulars, because neither are anybody else's business. I know that most of the world frowns on churches who would actually carry out the Scripture's teaching on this matter, but then, the world always has had very little regard for the Lord's doctrine. To discipline members of the body is required by the covenant of Jesus Christ. It is my hope that this article will help others understand the purpose, method as well as the Scriptural motives behind such action. The announcement went as follows:
It is our duty and goal to always bring honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This can only be done by respecting and obeying His word. We are all aware that our efforts in this regard are not perfect, but this does not relieve us of the obligation to our Lord to always seek to grow and improve in our service to Him as His body.
It is with sadness that we must acknowledge that some who are members of the body here are not walking according to the commandments of Jesus. Transgression in the case of two of our number has gone beyond human imperfection. Both have been approached patiently and with love, both have acknowledged their sin, but neither have indicated a desire to change their course.
The Covenant of Jesus Christ gives instructions to the local congregation concerning what to do in such circumstances. If we accept His lordship, then we will comply with His teaching. Here are a portion of some of the Scriptures which instruct us concerning the will of Christ:
First, from 2 Thessalonians 3
2TH 3:6 ''Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.''
2TH 3:14-15 ''And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that man and do not associate with him, so that he may be put to shame. And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.''
Also, this from 1 Corinthians 5:
1CO 5:1-7 ''It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead, in order that the one who had done this deed might be removed from your midst. For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.''
The teaching is plain. What is left up to our discernment is how long do we attempt to work with such ones before taking this prescribed action. It is sometimes difficult to reach a consensus on this, and so we must work together with brotherly consideration until we do. We have prayerfully and carefully considered this decision. In the past, if we have erred, it is more likely in that we have waited too long.
Notice that these passages give at least two reasons why one not walking in accordance with the teaching of Christ must be put outside the local church body. First, it is a message to them that their soul is in jeopardy and in hopes that the heart will be touched and that sorrow will lead to repentance. The second is so that the rest of the body will not be adversely effected. We hope that both of these divinely stated purposes will be achieved that we may rejoice with our brother and sister again.
Also notice that our erring brother and sister are not to be looked upon as enemies. They must be respected, loved and encouraged to do the right thing when the opportunity arises in the future to do so. They are not to be looked down upon, regarded as unworthy of our love or despised in any way. The Lord loves them, and so do we. Our future dealings with them should be such that make our concern for their souls obvious.
We hope that those things contrary to the will of Christ will be quickly rectified, and pray that both might turn again to the Lord.
Questions or Comments? Visit the Forum
12:20 p.m.
By: John W. Quinn
This particular topic has been of recent interest in a close circle of my friends. It is not a particularly enjoyable topic to discuss, but that does not take away from its importance and necessity. I feel this article is a good representation of how the Lord's people should deal with discipline in the church. I hope this will shed some light on what can be a very confusing issue. (jle)
The church where I attend tries to apply the teachings of the New Testament regardless of the what is politically correct and what is not. We recently had to withdraw our fellowship from a couple of our members who were not living according to the commandments of Christ. I am not talking about imperfections or momentary weakness, but ongoing chronic disobedience and a refusal to repent. I would like to share a part of the announcement that was read to the church. I will leave out the identities and the particulars, because neither are anybody else's business. I know that most of the world frowns on churches who would actually carry out the Scripture's teaching on this matter, but then, the world always has had very little regard for the Lord's doctrine. To discipline members of the body is required by the covenant of Jesus Christ. It is my hope that this article will help others understand the purpose, method as well as the Scriptural motives behind such action. The announcement went as follows:
It is our duty and goal to always bring honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This can only be done by respecting and obeying His word. We are all aware that our efforts in this regard are not perfect, but this does not relieve us of the obligation to our Lord to always seek to grow and improve in our service to Him as His body.
It is with sadness that we must acknowledge that some who are members of the body here are not walking according to the commandments of Jesus. Transgression in the case of two of our number has gone beyond human imperfection. Both have been approached patiently and with love, both have acknowledged their sin, but neither have indicated a desire to change their course.
The Covenant of Jesus Christ gives instructions to the local congregation concerning what to do in such circumstances. If we accept His lordship, then we will comply with His teaching. Here are a portion of some of the Scriptures which instruct us concerning the will of Christ:
First, from 2 Thessalonians 3
2TH 3:6 ''Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.''
2TH 3:14-15 ''And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that man and do not associate with him, so that he may be put to shame. And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.''
Also, this from 1 Corinthians 5:
1CO 5:1-7 ''It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead, in order that the one who had done this deed might be removed from your midst. For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.''
The teaching is plain. What is left up to our discernment is how long do we attempt to work with such ones before taking this prescribed action. It is sometimes difficult to reach a consensus on this, and so we must work together with brotherly consideration until we do. We have prayerfully and carefully considered this decision. In the past, if we have erred, it is more likely in that we have waited too long.
Notice that these passages give at least two reasons why one not walking in accordance with the teaching of Christ must be put outside the local church body. First, it is a message to them that their soul is in jeopardy and in hopes that the heart will be touched and that sorrow will lead to repentance. The second is so that the rest of the body will not be adversely effected. We hope that both of these divinely stated purposes will be achieved that we may rejoice with our brother and sister again.
Also notice that our erring brother and sister are not to be looked upon as enemies. They must be respected, loved and encouraged to do the right thing when the opportunity arises in the future to do so. They are not to be looked down upon, regarded as unworthy of our love or despised in any way. The Lord loves them, and so do we. Our future dealings with them should be such that make our concern for their souls obvious.
We hope that those things contrary to the will of Christ will be quickly rectified, and pray that both might turn again to the Lord.
Questions or Comments? Visit the Forum
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
What's Going on Here?
July 31, 2007
1:24 p.m.
By: Joshuah Ellis
I will be the first to tell you that what you are about to read is more along the lines of a tangent rather than an article. To be quite honest, after being away from the website for a while, I return to the front lines a bit annoyed to say the least. I am simply unaware why, in spite of all that is going on in this country, we as the American people seem to be so obsessed with such idiocy. Most people seem to have no problem complaining about our country or our government, and it is quite irksome that their righteous anger is put on the back burner because a new episode of ''Lost'' comes on. Don't misunderstand me, I like ''Lost'' just as much as the next guy. I just don't understand why the majority of our focus, as a country, seems to be on things that don't matter.
If you were to turn on CNN right now, you would most likely hear a few tidbits about the recent democrat debate and the upcoming republican debate, but that would be short lived because of the breaking news that Paris Hilton was spotted at Starbucks. For sobbing out loud, I just turned on CNN (I felt I might be acting to hastily and I wanted to make sure there is validity to my writing) and the headline was a YouTube contest where the winner gets to be P. Diddy's personal assistant and hold his umbrella for him. COME ON PEOPLE! ARE YOU KIDDING?
I guess my main question about all this is, ''who cares?'' Who cares if Lindsey Lohan is arrested at a club in L.A. with drugs on her person Even I know that's not news! Have we forgotten that there are elections coming up? Have we neglected to realize that our country is on the verge of a turning point with the left pushing abortion and gay marriage and idiots like Michael Moore trying to communize your healthcare? We cannot be so immature to think that these things will not matter for us, can we? Of course, if that is true, I am sure that way of thinking will be changed when we are being herded through the doctors office like cattle after having been on a 6 month waiting list for a flu shot. Please, stop me when I start to sound bitter.
I am sure I will reap plenty of criticism for posting this and I am ready for it, but first, let me say that I am not demanding anything different than that which would be expected in our spiritual lives. I simply demand it under secular circumstances. Paul tells us to keep our mind on things above and not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:1-4). Does this mean that we cannot ever think about things of a secular nature? No, but it does teach us that which we should deem most important. We should put our time and energy into the things that matter most, and let the rest of it fall to the wayside.
I realize that this sounds quite critical, but let me assure you, this is something that I plan to work on as well. I would encourage us all to reprioritize if necessary. Ask yourself, what is most important in your life. Then, ask yourself what should be most important. If they are not the same, make them so. ''{1} Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, {2} looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'' (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Questions or Comments? Visit the Forum.
1:24 p.m.
By: Joshuah Ellis
I will be the first to tell you that what you are about to read is more along the lines of a tangent rather than an article. To be quite honest, after being away from the website for a while, I return to the front lines a bit annoyed to say the least. I am simply unaware why, in spite of all that is going on in this country, we as the American people seem to be so obsessed with such idiocy. Most people seem to have no problem complaining about our country or our government, and it is quite irksome that their righteous anger is put on the back burner because a new episode of ''Lost'' comes on. Don't misunderstand me, I like ''Lost'' just as much as the next guy. I just don't understand why the majority of our focus, as a country, seems to be on things that don't matter.
If you were to turn on CNN right now, you would most likely hear a few tidbits about the recent democrat debate and the upcoming republican debate, but that would be short lived because of the breaking news that Paris Hilton was spotted at Starbucks. For sobbing out loud, I just turned on CNN (I felt I might be acting to hastily and I wanted to make sure there is validity to my writing) and the headline was a YouTube contest where the winner gets to be P. Diddy's personal assistant and hold his umbrella for him. COME ON PEOPLE! ARE YOU KIDDING?
I guess my main question about all this is, ''who cares?'' Who cares if Lindsey Lohan is arrested at a club in L.A. with drugs on her person Even I know that's not news! Have we forgotten that there are elections coming up? Have we neglected to realize that our country is on the verge of a turning point with the left pushing abortion and gay marriage and idiots like Michael Moore trying to communize your healthcare? We cannot be so immature to think that these things will not matter for us, can we? Of course, if that is true, I am sure that way of thinking will be changed when we are being herded through the doctors office like cattle after having been on a 6 month waiting list for a flu shot. Please, stop me when I start to sound bitter.
I am sure I will reap plenty of criticism for posting this and I am ready for it, but first, let me say that I am not demanding anything different than that which would be expected in our spiritual lives. I simply demand it under secular circumstances. Paul tells us to keep our mind on things above and not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:1-4). Does this mean that we cannot ever think about things of a secular nature? No, but it does teach us that which we should deem most important. We should put our time and energy into the things that matter most, and let the rest of it fall to the wayside.
I realize that this sounds quite critical, but let me assure you, this is something that I plan to work on as well. I would encourage us all to reprioritize if necessary. Ask yourself, what is most important in your life. Then, ask yourself what should be most important. If they are not the same, make them so. ''{1} Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, {2} looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'' (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Questions or Comments? Visit the Forum.
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