vassal of the King

Biblical Pictures of the Servant Leader in the Church: By: Geoffrey R. Kirkland Christ Fellowship Bible Church 1. A Shepherd (1 Pet 5) — The Apostle Peter calls the leaders to shepherd — tend and care for — the flock of God among them. They are to exercise oversight not under compulsion but willingly. And not for shameful gain but eagerly as proving to be examples of Christlikeness to the body of believers. Furthermore, these leaders must never dominate and lord their authority over the flock but rather they should prove to be examples to the flock. This leader, then, is one who leads, serves, feeds, tends, carries, loves, and ministers to his very own flock entrusted to His care. 2. A Watchman (Ezek 3:17) — This text reveals how God in his great wisdom called Ezekiel to be a watchman and a guard for the House of Israel. He was appointed to teach and dispense God’s truth to God’s people. Indeed, whenever Ezekiel heard a word from God, he was commissioned to warn God’s people.

This is a needed reminder for those of us in full-time pastoral ministry. God's Word demands that we be above-reproach & integrity-filled when it comes to our sexual purity.  Here are Armstrong’s eight suggested ways that pastors should plan to prevent sexual sin (pp. 174–81): “Understand the nature of sexual temptation.” “In two areas, traveling and counseling, a pastor must take precautions.” [Cf. Josh Harris on how guys and girls are “wired” differently sexually .] “Understand the power of the seductive woman.” “The pastor must be especially careful to guard himself when he detects the first mannerisms that indicate a woman may have feelings that are beyond those of a healthy and pure relationship.” “Guard your mind.” “The pastor must guard his mind by staying away from explicitly erotic material, as well as television programs and images that fuel the fires of lust. . . . Pornography surrounds us, acting as a poison that corrupts healthy sexuality.” [Cf. Joe T

Great lines from Ed Welch : Sexual "looking", whether we are looking at a real person, a digital one, or an imaginary one, is about greed. What I “see” is what I want to possess. Porn is not about our vision. It is about our hearts. I am saying, I WANT THAT AS MY OWN , which is exactly what the picture promises. The person in the photograph wants to belong to you and you alone. Sexual "looking", whether we are looking at a real person, a digital one, or an imaginary one, is about greed. I want to accumulate for my own kingdom. Amen & amen. Ephesians 5:1-5 confirms this.

Here are some helpful resources on biblical decision making & the will of God. Gary Friesen, Decision Making & the Will of God: A Biblical Alternative to the Traditional View. Colin Hamer. Finding God's Will: Reaffirming the Sufficiency of Scripture.   John MacArthur, Found: God's Will, God Wants to Give Your Life Direction & Purpose . James C. Petty, Guidance: Have I Missed God's Best? Stuart Scott, A Study of Decision Making God's Way (DMin Dissertation) M. Blaine Smith, Knowing God's Will: Biblical Principles of Guidance . Bruce K. Waltke, Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion? The most helpful ones if I had to pick two : Colin Hamer, Finding God's Will (short & very readable) Gary Friesen, Decision Making & the Will of God (much longer, thorough, & practical!)  

This puts it so well: Rather than waiting for some kind of mystical 'call' from God, every believer should respond to the revealed will of God (in Scripture) by giving serious consideration to becoming a cross-cultural missionary. The command to "make disciples of all nations" was given to the disciples of Christ and remains in effect even until the end of the age (Matt 28:19-20). For the believer, personal involvement in the cause of world missions is not optional . We don't need a call -- we've already been commissioned. Every single Christian is to be making some contribution to the objective of world evangelization and discipleship. From Gary Friesen, Decision Making & the Will of God , p.330.

Here are some helpful reminders on making biblical decisions. 1. Studying Scripture deepens your consciousness of God. 2. Studying Scripture also brings us into contact with God. 3. Scripture informs us of God's principles. 4. Biblical passages may also confirm a particular decision. 5. The Bible can be an invaluable aid in praying for guidance (Ps 143:8, 10; 51:10-12; 5:8; 19:12-14; 25:4-5, 21; 27:11; 31:3-4; 86:11; 119:5, 10, 35-36, 80, 133, 176; 141:3-4). From M. Blaine Smith, Knowing God's Will: Biblical Principles of Guidance , 57-59.

Family worship is so 'out of date ' that many hear of it and what it may entail and quickly think that you are still living in the 17th century Puritan era. But I think that the principle of FAMILY WORSHIP ought to be regularly practiced by all Christian households. J ohn Knox, the Scottish Reformer, wrote: Dear brethren, if you look for a life to come, of necessity it is that you exercise yourselves in the book of the Lord your God. Let no day slip or want some comfort received from the mouth of God. Open your ears, and he will speak even pleasant things to your heart. Close not your eyes, but diligently let them behold what portion of substance is left to you within your Father’s testament. Let your tongues learn to praise the gracious goodness of him, whose mere mercy has called you from darkness to life. Neither yet may you do this so quietly that you admit no witness. No, Brethren, you are ordained of God to rule your own houses in his true fear, and ac

In this article I am by no means saying that these are the only two essential attitudes that can make a marriage function. But what I am saying is that with the many commands and attitudes that must be enveloped in a Christian marriage, these two must be evidenced . The two key attitudes that I am referring to are self denial and self-giving . Allow me to deal with each one individually so we may be those who have these essential attitudes in marriage for the honor and glory of God.

1 Chronicles 28:9     "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.