WHY ARE CHRISTIANS GIVING UP THEIR FAITH IN THE USA?
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And even some that dissented. And the sermons may well have had a positive effect on morale and conviction. And I do believe there are times when sermons should be tailored to current events as they work for the benefit of the congregation. But continually preaching political messages from the pulpit will not promote the longterm edification of a church. And that is the pastor's primary calling...feed my sheep.
And even some that dissented. And the sermons may well have had a positive effect on morale and conviction. And I do believe there are times when sermons should be tailored to current events as they work for the benefit of the congregation. But continually preaching political messages from the pulpit will not promote the longterm edification of a church. And that is the pastor's primary calling...feed my sheep.
F
Ok so let me level with you and elaborate on my current position . My Church has primed me for selection to become a biblically qualified Elder for their Church body, I’m in no official capacity yet. I’m still working on some character transformation and rounding off my sharp edges yet and waiting for God to call me to the position of Elder. they sent me through a 10 week class. Part of the class they sent me through describes in detail what a Elder is biblically. Biblically there is no distinction between Elder, Pastor, Bishop, Reverend. It’s all biblically under the umbrella of Elder. Part of that course is understanding what it is to be a good shepherd.
Identifying threats to the congregation and defending the flock from wolves as a good shepherd to your flock. To me I’m understanding that also as threats that include things that may effect the congregation in their daily lives such as the political issues that can change their lives by default where living in obedience to those ungodly changes would inhibit their daily walk with God. As any Shepherd or to call it in American terms (Cowboy/livestock manager) part of his job is to advance on threats and neutralize them or warn the sheep of a threat coming their way before the damage comes into the flock. My class called it being proactive
from my book from the class (Gospel Eldership) Robert H Thune
Protecting the flock means consistently dealing with false teachers,unrepentant sinners, and difficult people- which inevitably leads to conflict. As the leaders and pacesetters for the church, it's crucial that elders are holy and healthy in conflict, neither passive and timid nor harsh and overbearing. This exercise is designed to help you assess your patterns in conflict and grow in confidence and humility.Prayerfully reflect upon some recent instances of conflict with yourspouse, and a"difficult person" you're ministering to. Circle phrasesin the following list that apply to your conduct in these situations.Different words may apply in different circumstances.
Identifying threats to the congregation and defending the flock from wolves as a good shepherd to your flock. To me I’m understanding that also as threats that include things that may effect the congregation in their daily lives such as the political issues that can change their lives by default where living in obedience to those ungodly changes would inhibit their daily walk with God. As any Shepherd or to call it in American terms (Cowboy/livestock manager) part of his job is to advance on threats and neutralize them or warn the sheep of a threat coming their way before the damage comes into the flock. My class called it being proactive
from my book from the class (Gospel Eldership) Robert H Thune
Protecting the flock means consistently dealing with false teachers,unrepentant sinners, and difficult people- which inevitably leads to conflict. As the leaders and pacesetters for the church, it's crucial that elders are holy and healthy in conflict, neither passive and timid nor harsh and overbearing. This exercise is designed to help you assess your patterns in conflict and grow in confidence and humility.Prayerfully reflect upon some recent instances of conflict with yourspouse, and a"difficult person" you're ministering to. Circle phrasesin the following list that apply to your conduct in these situations.Different words may apply in different circumstances.
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I appreciate you sharing and it seems that others have assessed your gifts and your conduct. They have probably made assessments of you in familial situations. All that is good and proper. And offering classes to aid your understanding is excellent as well.
There is a great book by Martyn Lloyd Jones called Preaching and Preachers I would recommend to anyone in your position. Becoming an elder is a calling from God. It should never be taken lightly. It isn't something you choose. It is God choosing you. And much like the experiences of David's life prepared him to be a king, the experiences of your life should have prepared you.
Something you might find helpful is the life of Moses. He felt a calling by God to lead God's people. Unfortunately, he moved forward to do so before God had prepared him. He ended up murdering a man and then on the backside of the desert where his real training began. See what kind of a man Moses was before he tried to lead God's people the first time and compare that with Moses after 40 years of training. If you ever feel adequate for the task God gives you, you likely aren't ready for it.
Having said all that, I'll be praying for you.
There is a great book by Martyn Lloyd Jones called Preaching and Preachers I would recommend to anyone in your position. Becoming an elder is a calling from God. It should never be taken lightly. It isn't something you choose. It is God choosing you. And much like the experiences of David's life prepared him to be a king, the experiences of your life should have prepared you.
Something you might find helpful is the life of Moses. He felt a calling by God to lead God's people. Unfortunately, he moved forward to do so before God had prepared him. He ended up murdering a man and then on the backside of the desert where his real training began. See what kind of a man Moses was before he tried to lead God's people the first time and compare that with Moses after 40 years of training. If you ever feel adequate for the task God gives you, you likely aren't ready for it.
Having said all that, I'll be praying for you.
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Was reading a book recently that spoke about how we are now in Post-Christian society. The secular world has hijacked traditional Christian language of freedom and love ,hope, joy , peace and attached it onto their own perverse “gospels.” And they’ve been trying to sell their position on these promises they stole from Christianity. The perversions like the LGBTQ have their own little competing religion in opposition to Christianity. Their religion is offering a “gospel” or “salvation” of their own making. The author makes the assertion that the hostility Christians meet now when trying to reach the culture against these things is because we are essentially attacking the cultures brand of perverted “religion” . That’s why there isn’t any way to rationally talk to these people. They have already accepted a different gospel sold to them by the LGBTQ or other agendas and it’s an easier gospel to follow humanly speaking than Christianity.
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SImple!!!
A "GENUINE CHRISTIAN" is a human who has been "Born Again", and indwelled by the Holy Spirit.
A "Nominal CHristian, hasn't been "Born Again, and is just adhering to "Christian forms' (Going to church, acting religious, etc) out of Mental assent to some religious format or another.
That's what the parable of the "WHEAT", and the "TARES" (Mat 13:24-30) is all about.
A "GENUINE CHRISTIAN" is a human who has been "Born Again", and indwelled by the Holy Spirit.
A "Nominal CHristian, hasn't been "Born Again, and is just adhering to "Christian forms' (Going to church, acting religious, etc) out of Mental assent to some religious format or another.
That's what the parable of the "WHEAT", and the "TARES" (Mat 13:24-30) is all about.
There no such thing as a normal Christion, we are in this world, we are not of the world, we have the holy God of the Universe, how made space and time, living in side of us, think about that, if we do what the scriptures says we can do, then why don't Christion's believe that, believe in Jesus and his word, in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God , no more sitting on the fence, time to do, not to sit back and do nothing, we can all do some thing, don't just sit back and be like the world, we are all here for a reason , when see a problem, in your life that means you are ment to solve that problem with the word, we can change the world every one, just start at whare your at, home, school ,job, neighber hood, we can do all things though Christ Jesus who strengths me, in Jesus name,