BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was early in my ministry from a mentor, Dale Fisher.  He told me, “God knows where you are and how to get you where He wants you to be.”  Now, looking back over a half-century of preaching, I can see the reality of that.  If you are going to systematically preach through books of the Bible, it will require you to put down roots—to bloom where you are planted.  It enables you to love those people in your congregation—to get to know them and their needs—and to speak to them directly from the Word.  You feed those sheep rather than looking for a larger flock in greener pastures.  I never went to a church that I viewed as a stepping stone to get somewhere else.  I only left when compelled by God and with a tearful farewell.  Here are some thoughts on this from, “The Whole Counsel of God”:

Closely related to pride is jealousy, and this can be born out of a dissatisfaction with the place where God has called us. Instead of faithfully and thankfully laboring away at preaching through the Bible for a smallish congregation in a smallish town, we can instead look to the capital cities, with their megachurches and high-profile pastors, and think about how we could preach ourselves into contention for a role alongside them. In doing this, we are forgetting that God has us exactly where he wants us and that he is as pleased with us doing our work of feeding our particular flock the fullness of his word as he is with the megachurch pastor proclaiming the gospel to thousands each week. In fact, if we were not preaching the word of God to the members of our flock, they might miss out on it, and so what we are doing is essential in God’s economy. God has marked out some to be famous stadium preachers, so we can peacefully entrust that task to them. He has entrusted others of us with the various flocks and missions we have, so that is where we must concentrate our efforts. (Kindle edition, location 3038).

I realize there are some situations that make it impossible to have a long tenure. We may be fired!  It happens. God may direct us to another place. Yet, we should seek to bloom where we are planted. 

 

 

THE RELEVANCE OF “THE REFORMED PASTOR”

Many years ago I got hold of “The Reformed Pastor,” by Richard Baxter. It was a little paperback that had a powerful impact on me. Pastor, do not read it, unless you want to be brought under conviction—it did that to me!  Here was an old Puritan pastor whose ministry was so impactful to the flock he shepherded. His writing is merely theoretical, but for him these truths were transformational. I was reminded of them as I read an article by Jonathan Threlfall called “Richard Baxter’s Advice to Pastors.”  He summarizes some of the counsel Baxter presented in his book and fleshed out in his ministry. I am providing the link in hope you will read it and take it to heart. My prayer is that you will get hold of the book and that the book will then get hold of you!  Read the article here: https://www.9marks.org/article/richard-baxters-advice-to-pastors

THE PRIORITY OF PRIVATE PRAYER AS A PREACHER

The preacher must give priority to private prayer.  The anointing of God cannot be worked up but must be prayed down  It is not a matter of performance as an actor on a stage, but preaching is an outward expression of the Word of God springing from the inward unction of the work of God.  Spurgeon underscores the essentiality of speaking with God first before we seek to speak to men.  

“If you as ministers are not very prayerful, you are much to be pitied. If, in the future, you shall be called to sustain pastorates, large or small, if you become lax in secret devotion, not only will you need to be pitied, but your people also; and, in addition to that, you shall be blamed, and the day cometh in which you shall be ashamed and confounded.

It may scarcely be needful to commend to you the sweet uses of private devotion, and yet I cannot forbear. To you, as the ambassadors of God, the mercy-seat has a virtue beyond all estimate; the more familiar you are with the court of heaven the better shall you discharge your heavenly trust.

Among all the formative influences which go to make up a man honored of God in the ministry, I know of none more mighty than his own familiarity with the mercy-seat. All that a college course can do, for a student is coarse and external compared with the spiritual and delicate refinement obtained by communion with God. While the unformed minister is revolving upon the wheel of preparation, prayer is the tool of the great potter by which he molds the vessel. All our libraries and studies are mere emptiness compared with our closets. We grow, we wax mighty, we prevail in private-prayer.” (Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, pp. 42-43, Kindle edition)  

 

 

DEMONSTRATION OF OUR DECLARATION

“Practice what you preach.” How many times have you heard that? Saying the way we should live through our communication is a lot easier than showing how we should live by our conduct. Yet, we are disqualified as hypocrites if our walk does not exemplify our talk. People need to see a sermon as well as hear one. The Apostle Paul writes to a young pastor, Timothy, and underscores this truth, “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Tim.‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). You might panic at the thought of standing in front of a crowd and preaching a sermon, but I will tell you that after fifty years of ministry, it is more challenging to flesh out the message in daily living.  Yet, this is demanded, no matter how difficult.

“Nearly every pastor we know can give examples of once godly friends who went through theological training with them or worked in churches nearby, but who are no longer in ministry (or, in some cases, not even in the faith) because of sins of a moral or relational kind. Guarding our lives and our teaching is therefore a constant need, one that is captured in the apostle’s advice to Timothy: 

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Tim. 4:15–16) 

The four imperatives are important: (1) practice these things, (2) immerse yourself in them, (3) keep a close watch, and (4) persist. Basically, Paul is exhorting Timothy to focus on the teachings and duties that Paul has laid out in the previous verses, to take care of his conduct and his teaching. Such exhortations make clear that guarding our lives and our teaching is a constant need that requires vigilance and focus. This can be helped by meeting with others to urge one another on and to keep one another accountable. It might even mean setting rigid boundaries for ourselves that help us avoid drifting in these areas. God’s leaders are to be people who are growing in submission to Scripture. Their daily lives are to reflect and exemplify the Scriptures that they teach. We are to be those with whom there is no hint or appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:21–22).” (Patrick, The Whole Counsel of God, location 2700-2720, Kindle edition)

May God help me and every messenger of God, to be a man of God!

FEEDING YOUR SOUL TO FEED THE SHEEP

Every man of God is a student of the Word of God. A daily feeding of our soul is needed that we might be equipped to feed and lead the flock. It is not enough to study to preach a sermon, but to open God’s Book with an open heart to hear from the Lord. Only as we grow can we elevate others. As I master the contents of Divine Truth, the Spirit uses it to master the communicator by Divine Truth.

The most important thing that I have ever since coming to follow Christ is to regularly ingest and digest “the whole counsel of God.”  Morning by morning has found me going through all the Bible in view of prayerfully applying the Scripture in my daily life. Though I certainly have intentionally focused on a portion of the Word as I prepared to preach and teach, I have found that having an overview of all the Bible has helped me proclaim the truth out of the overflow of the Spirit’s instruction to me. 

“The need is for a rigorous and widespread personal Bible-reading program that is separate from your preparation for the sermon. Such reading enriches your knowledge and understanding of Scripture, and helps you integrate that knowledge with your ministry of the word. It also enriches your biblical, systematic, and gospel theology, and enables you to adequately and intelligently critique the commentators that you read.” (Tim Patrick, The Whole Counsel of God, location 2680, Kindle edition). 

Context is crucial in correctly communicating Biblical content. Of course, there is the immediate context of the paragraph and chapter, but also of the particular book as a whole. But, to get it right goes beyond to the context of the testament and indeed the context of all the Bible. I will not convey the message correctly, unless I have studied the Word comprehensively.

THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE

Because God’s Word is God-breathed, it is sufficient to address every matter that may arise in church life. Paul puts it, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim.‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬‬). So, I have practiced, and have advocated to other pastors, preaching through books of the Bible. The Holy Spirit knows in advance the needs that will arise in the life of the church over the course of the year. When we prayerfully prepare such a sermon series, we will find it amazing how the text for that Lord’s Day had the needful application for that particular season in the life of the church.

However, though it does not surprise God, there will be occasional times in the life of the church that shock us—and the church faces a crisis that demands to be addressed. We should not be so rigid—should I say stubborn—to say that we ought never depart from the plan for one morning worship service. Tim Patrick, in his book, “The Whole Counsel of God,” speaks to this.  

“As much as we would love it if our churches always ran like clockwork, they never do. Sometimes, a congregation is rocked by a significant event that demands a response, and sometimes that response means that we need to change our best-laid plans. These types of events might be internal to the church: perhaps one of our young people is involved in a serious car accident, one of our leaders is caught in an extramarital affair, or one of our Bible study groups openly challenges the pastor’s authority. We do not much like to think about these sorts of things, as they are the worst parts of church life, but, sadly, in a fallen world, they do happen from time to time. Only naive church leaders would think that they could altogether avoid such situations as they tend the people of God. 

Some big events might be external to the congregation. These could include a natural disaster, such as a wildfire or flood in the local area; a controversial piece of legislation passing into law; or even something as monumental as the coordinated terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States.” (Location 2566, Kindle edition)

Indeed, when September 11 happened, I recall our church building full of people looking to me to share a Word from God about this event—which I did. I would return to the preaching calendar and make adjustments by the next week. This will not happen often, but it will sometimes be needed. Yet, even then, a solid exposition of a text will be vital. Scripture is sufficient.

THE WORK OF A WATCHMAN

There are a number of metaphors used to describe the role of the preacher. He is a shepherd who leads and feeds the flock of God. He is an overseer who is responsible to guide and guard the servants of God in their labor. He is an elder who is mature in faith and has wisdom to share and a life to emulate, as he fathers the family of God. He is a farmer who casts the seed, cultivates the soil, and conserves the harvest. The preacher is a builder who makes sure the church is built on a solid foundation of faith in Christ and is cemented together in love, built in such a way as to display the glory of God who indwells them.

There is a common thread that runs through each of these—the man of God has oversight of God’s people. He watches over the flock, the work, the family, the field, and the house of God.

He is a watchman on the wall.

That is the way God describes the work assigned to the prophet Ezekiel, and as such is instructive for those who preach the Word of God to the people of God today. Twice, God stresses His servant’s grave accountability to warn the people as he watches over their souls—here in chapter three and again in chapter thirty three of the book that bears the prophet’s name. While all of us have a work to do for the Lord, we are given different assignments. How can one know if he is designated for the ministry of the Word, gifted and set apart for this duty? Not all are, but some are—I am and you might be.

Let’s examine Ezekiel’s selection to this special service. While the specifics of his experience are not likely to be identical with ours, there are general principles that do apply to each preacher.

He is CALLED, (1:1-2:4).

“In the thirtieth year, in the fourth [month], on the fifth [day] of the month, while I was among the exiles by the Chebar Canal, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. On the fifth [day] of the month-it was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's exile—the word of the Lord came directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar Canal. And the Lord's hand was on him there.” (1:1-3)

The preacher has a divine calling. He knows what he must do and has no doubt that is his assignment. It is not of his choice, but God’s. Ezekiel did not decide on being a prophet as one of several vocational options. It was God’s call.

Ezekiel’s call was dramatic—a vision of God’s glory, an experience of celestial beings, an audible voice speaking to him. Those were things unique to Ezekiel’s call. But the main point and one that is consistent throughout the Scripture is that it is an unmistakable call, confirmed by God.

Moses had the experience of the burning bush. David had the duty of caring for sheep as a boy and Samuel anointed him to shepherd God’s flock. Isaiah saw the Lord and heard His commission while worshipping in the Temple. Jesus came to Peter, James and John and summoned them to follow Him. Paul was knocked to his feet by Christ, the Light of the World, and raised up to preach the light of the Word.

God still calls. It is not for me to say how God will speak to you, but He will! Sometimes it is a sudden summons, as one flips a light switch, and for others a gradual dawning of understanding as a sunrise. My call was more like the latter. Irrespective of the unique manifestations, there is the universal mandate—the call of God is clear—like the sounding of a trumpet.

His hand rested on Ezekiel and His hand will rest on you, if He has reached out for you to be a watchman. You have this awareness of an unseen hand that is placed on you—the call of God to preach the Word. It isn’t the supernatural signs that indicate the call, but the spiritual sense that is undeniable.

The call is CONFIRMED (2:5-6).

“Whether they listen or refuse [to listen]—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. Don't be afraid of their words or be discouraged by [the look on] their faces, for they are a rebellious house.” (2:5-6)

Not only would Ezekiel know that he had been set apart as a watchman, but the people would know. His message and his manner would communicate his call and they would confirm it. They might not want to hear what he had to say, and refuse to accept it, but in their heart of hearts they would know he had been sent by God. When they looked on the wall, they saw a watchman. They recognized it was Ezekiel.

We note this confirmation by God’s people throughout the Sacred Volume. The nation of Israel welcomes Moses as their deliverer. The people of God submit to David as their King. The sons of the prophets affirmed that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha, as the man of God. James and the other Apostles affirmed the Lord’s call to Paul. The church laid hands on men like Barnabas and Timothy, expressing their conviction of God’s selection for this ministry. This was the attestation of the people of God to the designation of the preacher by God.

I was not called by the church. But, when I announced my call, it was affirmed by them. Several came to me and said how they had seen God at work in me. They commended me to the ministry. They licensed me to preach and later I was ordained as a pastor, then installed by the vote of the congregation after being thoroughly examined as to my call. This confirmation has continued again and again as I have served the Lord through the years.

I have heard those who say they are called to preach, and after listening to them it was obvious they missed something somewhere! I have watched some who said they had this call, but their lifestyle denied it, and eventually moral failure or doctrinal error—sometimes both—manifested the sham.

The one called and confirmed has a work that is CONSUMING (2:7-3:3).

“ ‘And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.’ So I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and there was a written scroll in it.” (2:8-9)

“He said to me: ‘Son of man, eat what you find [here]. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll.

‘Son of man,’ he said to me, ‘eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.’ So I ate [it], and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.” (3:1-2)

You cannot speak for God unless God has spoken to you. The watchman had a warning to share, and that word had been given to him by God. His authority would be divine, for the source of his message would originate in heaven. He is not like the boy who cried, “Wolf!” when there was none.

The preacher is a man who hungers for truth and feeds his own soul on the sweetness of Scripture. He consumes it as the sustenance of his spiritual vitality and is then consumed with sharing it as his Scriptural ministry. Unless you are constrained to get alone with God and meet Him in His Book, then you are not suited to go before men on His behalf. People don’t need your opinions—they need God’s Word.

Moses alone in the desert hears from God. David alone in the fields with his father’s sheep communes with God, preparing his life work and message. Isaiah is alone in the Temple when God appears to Him. John the Baptist is alone in the wilderness before his public ministry begins. Paul went away into the isolation of Arabia at the outset of his missionary work. We must hear from God in order to speak for God.

There are many demands on the pastor. There are several responsibilities assigned him. But, preeminent over all is prayer and the ministry of the Word. Not even good things must detract from the main thing (see Acts 6:1ff). If he is not responsible in His speaking, then he will never be succeeding. He cannot speak publicly, if he does not spend time with God privately.

Called, confirmed, consuming and the preacher is COMMIITTED (3:4-11).

“But the house of Israel will not want to listen to you because they do not want to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hardheaded and hardhearted. Look, I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.

I have made your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Don't be afraid of them or discouraged by [the look on] their faces, even though they are a rebellious house.’ Next He said to me: ‘Son of man, listen carefully to all My words that I speak to you and take [them] to heart.

Go to your people, the exiles, and speak to them. Tell them, “This is what the Lord God says,” whether they listen or refuse [to listen].’” (3:7-11)

The preacher must be courageous. His convictions must be solid and though he will be tempted to quit, he resists the urge to run and keeps sounding the alarm. He longs for the people to heed his voice. But, even if they do not, he knows that he will answer to God for staying at his post.

It was a hard-headed congregation that Ezekiel would serve. But, God assured him he would make his head harder than theirs! Every preacher must have a hard head of conviction and a soft heart of compassion. If he gets those reversed, he will be a washout rather than a watchman.

A soft-headed preacher who is squishy in his convictions, will soon compromise the truth. A hard-hearted preacher will drive the sheep and not lead them. He will hurt them and not heal them. His disposition will undermine His declaration. The preacher needs to remember that God is watching the watchman. He wants hard-headed, soft-hearted men.

Called, confirmed, consuming, committed and COMPELLED—that is the preacher of the Word (3:12-4:17)

“Now at the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the house of Israel. When you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.’” (3:16-17)

Ezekiel was compelled to speak. He was literally borne away by the Spirit (3:12-15) and bound up in his service (4:1-17). The man of God was carried, captivated—and thus, compelled.

Why would a man preach the Word? Because he cannot do anything else!

Now, don’t read that as a lack of capacity for other vocations. In fact, most are engaged in other lines of secular work—and rather successful in it—when they are called to spiritual service. Tending sheep and mending nets—God’s call doesn’t come to the lazy but comes to the laboring.

But, despite the ability to do other things, the man of God has been set on the wall, given an assignment by God—and is compelled under heaven’s authority to do his job. His call is clear. His call has been confirmed. He is consumed with it and committed to it. Roll all this together and it equals—compulsion.

Jeremiah and Ezekiel were contemporaries. Jeremiah’s congregation was the Jews in Jerusalem and Ezekiel’s was those in Babylon. Both men had difficult duty and were tempted to give up, but they did not, because they could not. There was a fire in their soul that could not be extinguished—a compelling force that had to be released. A preacher must preach! If you can’t do anything else, then do it! God has called you. This is the work of the watchman.

Without Christ, there is no salvation. Run to Him and be saved. Repent of your sins and receive Him as your Lord. Trust Him to make you a new person. Flee the wrath to come.

Oh, Christian! Are you living outside the will of God? Your Father will correct you. His discipline is done in love, but may be painful—for you and for others. Confess your sin. Call out for mercy. Commit your way to His direction.

The blood is off my hands. I pray it will be on your heart, and not on your head. I have sounded the warning, will you heed it?

“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of everyone's blood…” (Acts 20:26)

ATTENTION! THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD!

 

Tim Patrick writes this in “The Whole Counsel of God”:

“One part of the service that deserves particular comment is the up-front reading of the Bible. Imagine the situation. We’ve made sure that the ministry of the word is central and the meeting has been planned meticulously. In the middle of the meeting, the reader of our Bible passage steps up to the lectern. The microphone crackles while he fiddles with it. He begins to read with a deadly serious look on his face. His bespectacled eyes set themselves firmly on the small print of his personal Bible, which is different from the version both in the pews and on the data projector screen. He begins to read the long but exciting text of 1 Samuel 17, concerning David and Goliath. The reading is monotone, dull, sonorous. Eventually he announces the end and sits down, to the relief of those who are still trying to keep awake and keep their eyes on their own Bibles. Your planning has been scuttled at the last possible moment by poor execution of one of the key things the Bible has urged you not to neglect: the public reading of Scripture (1 Tim. 4:13).” (Location 2375-2376, Kindle edition)

If there is anything that grinds my gears in a worship service, it is this! Sometimes we may blame a layman that we have entrusted with this sacred duty, but most often it is the preacher I have heard read and he does it like it is a drudgery rather than a delight—something that is required but nothing rewarding. The perception I get is that this is just something he has to get through, and I am already wondering if I will react the same way to his sermon!

There is really no excuse. It is one of the things that I have given attention to as I have stood behind that sacred desk with the precious Word of God in my hands. To show reverence for the Bible, I ask the audience to turn there and stand in respect as I read it. Across the years, I have sought to read it with honor and with the sincerity and intensity that the Scriptures merit. If it is an Old Testament story, I want to convey the drama it contains. Should it be a Gospel account of Jesus, I want the congregation to feel as though they are traveling back in time, gathered with the crowd, watching and listening to Christ, and when a passage from Paul or Peter is read, I want the people to be gripped by it. 

This is the Word of God!  Here is the commandment: “Till I come, give attention to reading,” (1 Tim. 4:13). It is not optional!

THE PRIMACY OF PREACHING

In the book, “The Whole Counsel of God,” the author, Tim Patrick, makes the point in chapter nine that the Word of God is to be central in worship. Practicing what he is preaching, he grounds this exhortation in Scripture, underscoring Acts 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

The foundation of doctrine—teaching, instruction, exhortation, application—was central to the church as the apostles gathered the people for worship. From that flowed fellowship with one another, as truths they held in common united them, and inspired them in obedience to Christ’s command to partake of the Lord’s Supper and directed them in their prayers. See Patrick’s diagram shared below.

Patrick points out that the church had abandoned preaching—and no wonder it plunged into heresy. Luther ignited the Protestant Reformation by the truth of Scripture and demanded that preaching be restored to the worship of the church.

In this chapter, the author quotes Kent Hughes,

“God’s word must infuse everything. The careful reading of the word must be central. Hymns and songs must be word-saturated. Prayers must be biblically informed, redolent with biblical reality—often reflecting the very language and structure of Scripture. The preaching of the Word of God must be the Word of God. Such service requires principled, prayerful thought and hard work . . . it must happen in our hearts. Corporate worship must be word-centered if it is to glorify God as it ought.” (Worship by the Book, D. A. Carson ed., p. 159).

Paul commanded, 

“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Tim.‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭16‬‬).

His final exhortation to his protege was to, “Preach the Word!” (2 Tim. 4:2a). Let us make sure that when we gather for worship that there is the primacy of preaching. It is why our pulpits are not off to the side, but centrally located. The focus is on the Word of God—not the human instrument, but the Divine message—and all flows from that.

MAPPING OUT YOUR MESSAGES

 When preaching through books of the Bible, first determine the overall message of that book, then look to how the book naturally divides. You can start with chapters and look at topics from the headings, but remember that chapters are constructed typically to give a more uniform reading pattern, and sometimes break up the particular theme and topic. Referring to study Bibles and commentaries in preparing the sermon series will help with this. Typically, they give an overall outline of the book. Then, after breaking them down, take the calendar and insert the individual messages as you determine the title, text, and thrust for each sermon. Here is an example of part of the sermon calendar I worked up as I preached through Luke’s Gospel.

FEED THE FLOCK

In preaching through books of the Bible, we must realize that our aim is not to just get through a book, but to get through to the people. We are not just giving out Scriptural information, but aiming for spiritual transformation.  In feeding the flock, the sheep need a well-balanced diet.  They may be lacking in a particular area, where a weakness needs to be addressed.  How can a good shepherd know unless he is regularly among the sheep in ministering to them.  His pastoral care informs his preaching choice.  Weigh these words:  

“A good preacher should know the flock intimately and have a consciousness of both their immediate circumstances as well as their characterizing values, idols, strengths, and challenges. For example, a church made up of people who are very confident in their salvation as a result of a robust understanding of justification, but who at the same time lack care for one another, might need to hear a series on James. On the other side, a congregation that has a very legalistic approach to being Christian might need to consider Galatians or Romans. 

Just as each week’s sermon ought to be preached with an awareness of these things, so too should the entire preaching program be shaped with them in mind. This highlights for us again that the work of feeding Jesus’s lambs with his word is intensely pastoral and missional, and that it requires the local overseer to be walking closely and sharing life with his people. An internet preacher cannot do this for a congregation, and an internet preaching plan cannot serve them well either.” (The Whole Counsel of God, Tim Patrick and Andrew Reid, Kindle edition, location 791). 

PLANNING YOUR PREACHING

After my conversion to Christ, I began to devour Biblical preaching.  It fed my soul and fueled my spiritual growth. Most every sermon I heard was from great expositors: Stephen Olford and James Boice on Sunday morning and Stuart Briscoe on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, I began to listen to and read books by Bible preachers like W. A. Criswell and John MacArthur.  My wife’s brother, Jim Crayton, was such a solid preacher who influenced me when I was called into the ministry.  

I knew that was the kind of preacher I wanted to be. I just didn’t know how.  So, I enrolled at Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute as it was called before becoming a college.  There I sat under the instruction of the late Kenneth Ridings who inspired me to not only preach through books of the Bible, but informed me on the method of doing so.  

For nearly fifty years that was my pattern as I pastored churches. In my first church, Cane River, in Burnsville, I preached through the book of Genesis on Sunday evening, and was working my way through the Gospels on Sunday mornings. My intention was to systematically preach through the entire Bible. Serving there for three and one-half years did not allow me the time to finish!  Yet in the churches I served after that, we also had a Wednesday night service that gave me additional opportunities. In four churches—during which my longest tenure was six and one-half years—I preached through numerous books of the Bible.  Coming to Pole Creek, God privileged me to pastor those dear folk for twenty five years.  My planning for my preaching became much more intentional.

By fall, I would go away for several days all by myself.  It was just the Lord, me, and my Bible.  I had been thinking about what the needs of the church were currently and what the next book of the Bible would be helpful in addressing where we were spiritually.  Was our worship lagging? Maybe I ought to preach from Psalms.  Had our evangelistic zeal waned? God might be leading me to preach though Acts.  Was there some conflict and moral issues needing to be confronted? 1 Corinthians would address those.  Did we need a better understanding of how the church needs to function?  1 and 2 Timothy would hit that head on.  So, prayerfully I would determine the book of the Bible I would preach through each year—or several books, if they were shorter—and I would over the course of a few days, map out the direction of my preaching for the next calendar year.  I would lay out the title, text, and thrust of each message.  Then, I would share it with our worship leaders, so that the services would be planned around that day’s theme—especially music that reinforced the message.  There were times that I even suggested songs that enhanced the exposition.

God blessed this. I could have stayed and followed that pattern on and on until the Lord called me home.  The very practice taught the congregation to reverence God’s Word and the relevance of His Book, as well as what truths the individual sermons brought to them.

Here is how Tim Patrick states it in his book, “The Whole Counsel of God.”

For many of us who are preachers, it may be a good discipline to set aside something like a week or even half a week each year just to plan our preaching programs. Perhaps this could even be a time when we get out of our normal routines altogether so we can really focus on this critical high-level work. A few days away from the office, or at least with regular meetings cancelled and regular lines of communication closed, can make a significant difference to doing good, deep work rather than just quickly cobbling something together without properly thinking and praying through it all. It is always hard to carve out this time, because there is never a shortage of work to do in pastoral ministry, but we would argue that if pastoral ministry is grounded in good ministry of the word, planning this ministry deserves time and attention. Just because it is possible to get by without doing this does not mean that is acceptable or good in the long run. It may also be possible to get by in Christian ministry without visiting church members or without much prayer. But that does not mean either of these practices is faithful or healthy. We give time to the things we value, and if we preachers value our people and the whole Bible, we ought to give time to preparing a balanced diet. (Location 1567, Kindle edition).

PREACHING AND THE GREAT COMMISSION

When Jesus prepared to leave this world, He left the responsibility of continuing His work through the body of Christ—the church, (cf. Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Lk. 24:47-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8) .  It involves on one hand, evangelizing, as we are Gospel heralds calling sinners to salvation. Then, as people believe the Gospel and are saved we are to commanded to the task of “teaching them to observe ALL THINGS that I have commanded you,” (Matt. 28:20, emphasis added). 

While all believers are to participate in that mission, pastors are called to model it to the congregation.  For example, Timothy was charged, “Preach the word!” (2 Tim. 4:2), that is to declare “the whole counsel of God,” (Acts 20:27). It is to be done comprehensively.  “Be ready in season and out of season,” (2 Tim. 4:2), that is with consistency—wherever any occasion presents an opportunity, and if it does not, then create one!  Also, do it convincingly, “Convince,” (2 Tim. 4:2) using persuasion. Such preaching is done correctively, “rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching,” (2 Tim. 4:2)  Do it whether people want to hear it or not, and often they will not, (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3-4)! Yet, we are commanded, “But you be watchful in ALL THINGS, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry,” (2 Tim. 4:5, emphasis added).  Paul stresses that evangelism is crucial in Biblical preaching. 

Tim Patrick in his book, “The Whole Counsel of God,” makes this connection with evangelism and teaching:

We are comfortable knowing that what we tend to think of as preaching is not the only possible way of fulfilling what the New Testament calls for in evangelizing and teaching. Additionally, we think that extensive works of evangelism and Bible teaching could—and should—happen apart from the preacher’s weekly sermons. In fact, theoretically, we believe it could be possible for a church to be faithful to the Bible’s call to evangelize and preach without any pulpit ministry whatsoever. However, we also believe that preaching as we know it has become a great tradition of the church over the centuries precisely because it is an excellent means for both evangelism and teaching. (Location 604, Kindle edition). 

Here is a good diagram that Patrick offers:

 

BRIEF AND TO THE POINT

Perhaps you have heard, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” If that is true, then a lot of preaching is witless. Or there is this, “He who thinks by the inch and speaks by the yard should be given the foot out the door!” Warren Wiersbe put it, “Sermons do not have to be eternal to be immortal.” The mind cannot comprehend more than the seat can endure.  

THE MODEL CHURCH LEADER

In Jeff Iorg’s book, “The Case for Antioch: A Biblical Model for a Transformational Church,” he stresses the pattern of that New Testament church for leadership in chapter 8. I wholeheartedly agree. This is a message I have delivered again and again. Here is a summary of my thoughts. 

You will never find a growing, thriving church that does not have committed competent leadership. While good leaders cannot guarantee success, poor leaders guarantee failure. “Everything rises and falls on leadership,” is an expression I learned from John Maxwell. It is a sobering truth for every officer of the church, whether it be the pastor, a deacon, a teacher, a committee member or some other leader. As you search the pages of Scripture, you will discover that whenever God wanted to do a work, He called out a leader, whether it was Moses, Deborah, David, or Peter. We find the church at Antioch affords us a Biblical blueprint to follow in this area as well.   Antioch was a model missionary church. That church had model members and model leaders.

“Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭22‬-‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Consider THE ROLE OF GOOD LEADERSHIP. There will be edification, education, evangelism, and equipping. 

Good leaders edify. Barnabas was a prominent leader in the church at Antioch. He was sent to edify, that is, to build up the church. As we see him fulfilling that responsibility, edification was the result. We need leaders like that today.  Rather than building up the church, I have seen leaders who insist on tearing down the church. Many churches today are in absolute turmoil because of poor leadership. May we commit ourselves to building up our church family.  

Good leaders educate. Agabus was another man God used. Before the formation of the New Testament, God spoke by direct revelation through the prophets. They were the source of doctrine and educated the church in the truth. There are no prophets like this today. God has given us the complete revelation in the Word of God—all that we need for faith and practice. But the prophetic role is still needful today. We could compare this to teaching in the modern church. Baptists who boast of believing the Book, often don’t read the Book!  We may be a Biblically illiterate people. Entire denominations are dying because of their departure from the Bible and sound doctrine. Let us teach it!  Let us teach it in our homes to our family, let us teach it in our Sunday School classrooms and in our Discipleship groups.  God has promised His Word will not return void.  

Good leadership yields edification and education, but more, there will be evangelism. “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭19‬-‭21‬).

The church at Antioch was founded by evangelists.  While it is true that every member is to be a witness, leaders must set the pace. Paul told the young pastor, Timothy, “do the work of an evangelist.” Philip was a deacon who was a model soul-winner, whether preaching to the masses in Samaria, or witnessing to a man in Gaza. Teachers have a great opportunity for evangelism. When was the last time you presented the Gospel in your classroom?  You might protest, “All my class members are saved.”  How do you know that?  Can you see in their heart?  I give an invitation at the end of my sermon because I dare not assume everyone is saved. Even if the whole class is saved—you should ask, “Where are the prospects? Are we not inviting unchurched people to Sunday School?”  Music can help promote evangelism.  The Gospel needs to be clearly expressed in our songs. We are not just after a beat to get people hyped up, but a message to get souls saved!

Good leaders will also engage in equipping. This is a primary duty of a pastor. He must not be the only “minister.” His ministry is to equip the saints for their ministry. He is like a player-coach. He is called upon to feed the flock, and shepherd the sheep. He was also known as an elder in the early church (Acts 11:29-30). We do not have time today to consider the whole topic of elders—but, suffice it to say, that these were what we would call pastors, and notice there are a plurality. We need plurality due to the enormous responsibility, and the needed accountability of those pastor/teachers in the church. Antioch did not have just one pastor, but multiple elders.

Not only do we see the role of good leadership, but THE RESULTS OF GOOD LEADERSHIP. The center of the Christian church would shift from Jerusalem to Antioch. 

They had growth, “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord,” (v. 21). God’s intent is for His church to grow. Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will BUILD my church…” Christ is the One who builds His church. That is not our responsibility. If I build it, it won’t amount to anything of eternal worth. But, good leaders point to people to the Biblical blueprint for the building of the church. Since Christ is the architect, the leaders are the on-site project managers. Jesus commanded, “Go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my Father’s house may be full.” God wants His house full. There’s still room in most of our church buildings. We need a vision of what Christ wants us to do. It ought to break our heart when one service passes without someone being saved. It shouldn’t surprise us that someone would be saved today, but should surprise us if someone isn’t. 

Good leadership results in growth and in godliness, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch,” (v. 26b). They called them Christians because they saw Christ in them. The populace used the term as a slur, but the believers embraced it as an honor. Why did they call them “Christians”?  Because the name of Jesus dominated their conversations, directed their conduct, and was displayed in their character. It was all about Christ. As a leader, do others see Jesus in you? Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1).  As leaders, we should be so in step with Jesus, that when people follow us, they will be following after Christ. 

Good leadership results in growth, godliness, and in generosity.  We read in Act 11:28-30 concerning Antioch, “Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

These were generous people. This infant church at Antioch helped support the mother church. The leadership set the stewardship pattern. Stingy leaders will beget stingy church members.  As pastors and deacons in the church I led, we always believed we should set the example. We asked for and held accountable those who were in leadership to be faithful givers. So, in stewardship campaigns, or capital campaigns, we shared our commitment—not to boast of the amount, but to establish our commitment. Should I, as a leader, not practice what I preach?

How often we hear of some lost person who is hindered from coming to Christ because of the failure of some church leader. They look at a preacher, or a deacon, or a teacher and say, “If that’s what a Christian is, then I don’t want to be one.” As leaders, wherever we go in the community, we represent our Lord and this church. An inconsistent life, will repel people from coming here. Our leaders need to make a fresh commitment today.  All of us are leaders to someone—even if we do not hold an office. Leadership is influence. Every one of you has an influence on someone for good or bad.

THE TASTE OF TRUTH

 

There are many symbols that the Spirit  gives  in the Scriptures that describe the Word of God. For example: it is a light, (Ps. 119:105), a fire, (Jer. 23:29a), a hammer, (Jer. 23:29b), a sword, (Heb. 4:12-13), a mirror, (James 1:23), a seed, (1 Pet.1:23), and milk, (1 Pet. 2:2). It is not surprising then, that in a book filled with symbols, we would find in Revelation 10, a scroll sent down from heaven that would be food for God’s messenger. There is the taste of truth.

Consider, THE SUSTENANCE FROM THE TRUTH. John is commanded, “Take and eat it,” (Rev. 10:9).  The man of God who is to speak a message from God must ingest and digest the truth, if he is to be strong enough to proclaim it faithfully, fearlessly, forcefully, and fruitfully.  Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God,” (Matt. 4:4, quoting Deut. 8:3). As literal bread sustains our physical life, we need the manna from heaven of God’s message as the sustenance of our spiritual life.  Are you partaking of this soul food with regularity?

When we do, then there is THE SWEETNESS OF THE TRUTH. John tastes the truth and affirms it is, “sweet as honey,” (Rev. 10:9-10). Bread is nourishing, but when it is lathered with honey, it is mouth-watering! The saints of God find His Word as sweet as honey. This is the taste of truth. It is in the Bible that we encounter our Savior as the Bread of Life, (John 6:48-51). In the Word, we experience our salvation—the sweet forgiveness of sin and new life in Christ. That sweet truth presents the wonderful promises and purposes of God for us, that can enable us to serve and encourage is to stand. We will pursue the study of God’s Word, if it is sweet as honey to us!  

Yet, there is also THE SOURNESS IN THE TRUTH. John was warned, “it will make your stomach bitter,” (Rev. 10:9-10). As truth tastes sweet to the saints, it becomes sour to the sinners. John was given a message of hope for God’s people, and how sweet it was! But, it was also a message of horror for the wicked—so bitter and so sour!  

The reality is that sinners do not like the light of the Word that exposes them. They scurry away as nasty bugs, hiding under a rock, when it is flipped over and light shines on them. The fire of the Word scorches them in reminding them of the eternal flame awaiting them. The hammer of Truth crushes them with conviction and they want nothing of it.  The Sword of the Spirit wounds them. They do not like the mirror of the Word for it reveals the ugliness of their sin. The weeds of the world choke out the seed of the Scriptures before it can bear fruit. Sinners consume the Devil’s delicacies and so have no appetite for the milk of God’s Word.

Yet, the man of God must preach the Word without fear or favor—whether the people want to hear it or not. I must confess there are sweet sermons that I salivate to deliver, but also there are sour sermons that I preach because I must, knowing they will be bitter for people to swallow. As the Apostle Paul, may it be said of us:

“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 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. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭26‬-‭30‬‬)

MAKE DISCIPLES!

The church at Antioch was a body of believers who took the Great Commission seriously. The truth of God’s Word was being taught and the Gospel was changing lives. Jeff Iorg, in his book, “The Case for Antioch: A Biblical Model for a Transformational Church,” makes this point in chapter 5, “A Disciple-Making Community.” 

The MISSION of the church is simple: make disciples. The MEANS of making disciples is clear: teach Scripture. The MODEL that illustrates this is given: First-century Antioch. It still works in the twenty-first century. Biblical churches teach the Word of God to the people of God who are transformed by the Spirit of God. This is not about emotional entertainment, but expositional engagement. Not do we stop by merely putting information in the head, but seeking transformation of the heart. A Word-centered church is a discipleship factory—meeting people where they are and leading them to become like Jesus. 

I have stated this in two verses that highlight my personal mission statement: “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” (Col.‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

THE MAN OF GOD AND THE WORD OF GOD

Titles can tell us a lot: President, Principal, Chairman, Coach, Doctor, Deputy, Attorney, Actor.  Titles convey a person’s authority and activity.  Some titles are impressive—“Lord” like those of a royal family; others are infamous—“Don” like those of a crime family.  Titles can speak volumes.

One of the most honorable of titles is to simply be called, “the man of God.”  That means you are His man—God owns you and you have surrendered your life in totality to His service.  The world may not hold that title in high esteem, but in heaven it is a title rarely bestowed and of exceeding worth. 

There is a special authority—you are God’s representative.  There is a select activity—you carry God’s revelation.  You have been sent into the world to proclaim God’s Word.  You are a herald of the King of kings and ultimate allegiance belongs to Him.

When we think of Moses, David, Elijah and Elisha we think of heroes of faith who stood tall for God and so whether having other titles like leader, king, and prophet, the best designation was the simple “man of God.”

Others who bore that title, carried no other—sometimes they were not even named.  They are as one of the men in our text: the man of God.  That’s it—no proper name given, no family designation.  He is God’s man—and that is enough to know.

The authority of the man of God flows from the Word of God.  He has been given the Word, and must speak the Word.  He has it engraved in his heart, utters it from his lips, and reflects his submission to it in his life.  The man of God is inseparable from the Word of God.

In these days of moral confusion and doctrinal compromise, how much we need the man of God with the Word of God!  Whether that man is a produce manager in the marketplace who stands for truth on the job or is a pastor in the church who speaks for truth from the pulpit—laity or clergy—there is a dearth of men who will surrender to God and speak for God!  There were few in Bible times, and there are fewer still today.

What are some lessons we can glean from the man of God with the word of God, as we study the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of 1 Kings?

We see that the man of God has A COURAGEOUS WORD FROM GOD, (1 Kings 13:1-10).

“Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the Lord, and said, ‘O altar, altar! Thus says the Lord: ‘ “Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.’ ” And he gave a sign the same day, saying, ‘This is the sign which the Lord has spoken: Surely the altar shall split apart, and the ashes on it shall be poured out.’ So it came to pass when King Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, who cried out against the altar in Bethel, that he stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, ‘Arrest him!’ Then his hand, which he stretched out toward him, withered, so that he could not pull it back to himself. The altar also was split apart, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord.” (13:2-5).

From a human viewpoint, to stride into the presence of a king, and as a simple man to utter words of judgment, took great courage!  Surely, the man of God knew the danger involved.  Jeroboam was not happy!  The order came to have this man of God thrown into prison.  Whether it was Jeremiah in the Old Testament or John the Baptist in the New Testament, God’s spokesmen seem to spend a lot of time behind bars.  This is one reason why the church has often been known as a “non-prophet” organization.  People don’t line up to be cut in two, as Isaiah was thought to have been, or have their head cut off, like John the Baptist did.  When the deacon Stephen spoke God’s Word, the congregation gnashed their teeth in fury, took up stones and battered that man of God into a bloody pile of shattered bones.  No wonder there are not many applying for the prophet position!

It takes courage to speak with eternity’s authority against earth’s authority.  It requires courage to underscore there are objective standards in a world that has bought into the idea that there are no absolutes.  It takes courage to stand against the tide, to shout into the fury of the prevailing winds, and be faithful to God; it will cost us something and it may cost us everything!

We also detect a danger to the man of God in that there might be A COMPROMISED WORD FROM GOD, (1 Kings 13:11-34).

“Now an old prophet dwelt in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel; they also told their father the words which he had spoken to the king. And their father said to them, ‘Which way did he go?’ For his sons had seen which way the man of God went who came from Judah. Then he said to his sons, ‘Saddle the donkey for me.’ So they saddled the donkey for him; and he rode on it, and went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak. Then he said to him, ‘Are you the man of God who came from Judah?’ And he said, ‘I am.’ Then he said to him, ‘Come home with me and eat bread.’ And he said, ‘I cannot return with you nor go in with you; neither can I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place. For I have been told by the word of the Lord, ‘ “You shall not eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by going the way you came.’ ” He said to him, ‘I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘ “Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’ ” (He was lying to him.) So he went back with him, and ate bread in his house, and drank water. Now it happened, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came to the prophet who had brought him back; and he cried out to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: ‘ “Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord, and have not kept the commandment which the Lord your God commanded you, but you came back, ate bread, and drank water in the place of which the Lord said to you, ‘ “ ‘Eat no bread and drink no water,’ ” ‘ your corpse shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.” ’  So it was, after he had eaten bread and after he had drunk, that he saddled the donkey for him, the prophet whom he had brought back. When he was gone, a lion met him on the road and killed him. And his corpse was thrown on the road, and the donkey stood by it. The lion also stood by the corpse.” (13:11-24).

The greatest peril to the man of God is not from the wrath of man due to our faithful stand against sin, but from the displeasure of God as we are unfaithful to submit to His Word ourselves.  The man of God committed a “sin leading to death,” (1 John 5:16), which is a capital crime in the high court of heaven.  This man of God who had courageously faced the king and pronounced God’s message, falls in an unguarded moment of leisure.  One thinks of how David was able to face down a giant in that hour of crisis, but in the night succumbed to the lure of a slender woman.

The man of God had a clear word from God—and he compromised.  It seems like a little thing, but compromise never is.  It is defiance.  It is sin—and God doesn’t take it lightly.  Another “prophet” was complicit in this.  For his own personal benefit—his desire to entertain the “man of God”—he presents this ruse.  You see now why that old prophet who lived in the neighborhood was not sent by God to Jeroboam; that God instead, had to send someone from distant Judah.  That fellow was already a compromiser—and the old spider spins a web that traps the man of God.

It is interesting that there was a claim that an angel had given a different message.  There was a rejection of a clear word from God in favor of an additional revelation from a celestial messenger.  How many cults and false religions have sold the same lie—whether packaged as Mormonism or Mohammedism. This fascination with messages from angels is characteristic of New Age occultism.  Don’t be seduced.  You have a Bible—that’s enough!

Paul said a few things about this:

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” (2 Cor. 11:3-15).

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:6-10).

This is no small matter!  When the Word of God is compromised, we cease to be the man of God.  We have been swayed by spiritual deception or the desire to please man.  This is deadly.

The man of God has A CONVICTING WORD FROM GOD, (14:1-11).

“Now the Lord had said to Ahijah, ‘Here is the wife of Jeroboam, coming to ask you something about her son, for he is sick. Thus and thus you shall say to her; for it will be, when she comes in, that she will pretend to be another woman.’ And so it was, when Ahijah heard the sound of her footsteps as she came through the door, he said, ‘Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another person? For I have been sent to you with bad news. Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘ “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘ “ ‘Because I exalted you from among the people, and made you ruler over My people Israel, and tore the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it to you; and yet you have not been as My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes; but you have done more evil than all who were before you, for you have gone and made for yourself other gods and molded images to provoke Me to anger, and have cast Me behind your back— therefore behold! I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every male in Israel, bond and free; I will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as one takes away refuse until it is all gone. The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Jeroboam and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field; for the Lord has spoken!” ’ ” (14:5-11).

One man of God falls and God raises up another.  Ahijah had been faithful and will be faithful to the end.

Jeroboam knows who to turn to when he needs to hear from God.  Ahijah had already prophesied that Jeroboam would become king—and the Word had been fulfilled.  So, he seeks the man of God for guidance about the future, as he had proven reliable in the past.  Speaking for God will seldom bring us popularity, but it will demonstrate integrity. 

Do you want a doctor who tells you what you want to hear or what you need to hear?  My first surgeon had the personality of a cardboard box, but the ability of the best in his field.  That’s the one I wanted for my operation.  He cut me; it hurt, but I was healed.  This is what the Word of God spoken by a man of God can do.

Jeroboam would not take the prescription, even though he respected the physician.  That was the case of King Herod who loved to listen to John the Baptist’s preaching, but would not repent; it was like Pilate who knew Jesus was innocent but caved in to political expedience.  I am fairly certain that both men are in hell—and that is what rejecting the Word of God will do.  Judgment fell on Jeroboam and his household accordingly.

Thankfully, the man of God also has A COMPASSIONATE WORD FROM GOD (14:12-20)

“Arise therefore, go to your own house. When your feet enter the city, the child shall die. And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he is the only one of Jeroboam who shall come to the grave, because in him there is found something good toward the Lord God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.” (14‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬).

Even on the darkest days, God will sometimes send a shaft of sunlight breaking through the clouds—in wrath He remembers mercy, (see Habakkuk 3:2).  That is how the gracious God treats a little boy born into a wicked family.  His death was a precious gift.  He would be buried rather than consumed by dogs.  People would be mourning at his funeral instead of celebrating his death.  The little fellow would be welcomed by his Heavenly Father into heaven rather than following the wicked path of his human father, had he grown up in Jeroboam’s palace.

The man of God must share the Word of God, whether people want to hear it or not.  Sometimes, it is blunt and confrontational, smelling of fire and sulfur.  Then, there are times is it blessed and comforting, smelling as Eden’s flowers.

No matter how people evaluate it, ultimately, it is what God says that matters.  Let us be faithful to proclaim and practice the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth—so help us God!

DOCTOR, HOW IS THE PATIENT?

In determining a church’s health there are quantitative and qualitative measurements. Just as when you go for an annual physical, the doctor will look at numbers—take your blood pressure, check your pulse, do blood work, an EKG, and so forth, since numbers help tell a story. But, the physician will also ask questions, look you over, discuss sleep patterns, exercise regularity, and so forth. A good doctor will then suggest any adjustments and improvements that need to be made. You do not have to listen, of course, but then you may find yourself declining and eventually dying should you fail to take action. 

The church is an organism—a living thing. Leaders are stationed by God to evaluate the church’s health. There are quantitative measurements: attendance, baptisms, giving, participation in Bible study, and so forth. But, these do not tell the whole story. There are also qualitative measurements: how many people are called into the mission field, are young men surrendering to Gospel ministry, what community impact is noted, are members growing in grace and knowledge, is the Gospel being shared with regularity, and such?  

The church leaders: elders, deacons, and perhaps other significant leaders (some of which may not have a title but exert influence) are positioned by God to conduct this examination and lead the church toward better health. If the “doctors” shirk their duty or the “patient” will not listen, then decline and death will come.  Churches are in decline and dying all around us. But, with the Lord of Life, it does not have to be, and even those in such a state can be resurrected to a new beginning. You see, the Great Physician is in the miracle working business!  But, He uses leaders to speak into the issues of a local church. We must step up and be honest without being negative to the point of despair.

A RIGHT ACTION WITH A WRONG ATTITUDE

 Being concerned about the state of the church we serve is good. Looking at it from a Biblical lens is essential. Yet, even the right action undertaken with the wrong attitude will be counterproductive. Do you want the church you lead to be healthy and growing? That is all well and good. But, dig deeper. What is your motivation? Is it for the glory of God or your own?

JOY IN THE MINISTRY JOURNEY

It has been a very busy week—day and night of ministry. From 8 to 8 yesterday, I was on the go. Then, this is time change Sunday, and we lose an hour of sleep as our body tries to adjust to the new schedule. We also are aware of how this can potentially shrink church attendance and that even those who come are yawning. Poor, pitiful me! 

Except we don’t have to surrender to such an attitude. The feelings are real, but there Is a greater reality. It is a privilege to be chosen to serve the King! It is an honor that He would give me almost fifty years of Gospel ministry and enough strength to keep going. I do not have to mount a horse to get to church or face a firing squad for my faith. Amazing grace is available to equip me—His Spirit to empower me!  So, I choose to press on with joy!

PRIORITIES FOR THE PASTOR

I have heard it said, “There is not enough time to do all you want to do. There is not enough time to do all others want you to do. There is enough time to do all God wants you to do.”  Whether it be as a preacher at a small country church, a pastor off a metropolitan megachurch, the president of a corporation, or the president of this country we all have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year—and we do not know how many years. What we do with that time is determined by our priorties.  Leading our family and our flock well is essential. Jude lays out in verses 20-23.

The first priority here is BUILDING. “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith.”  We cannot build the church, if we do not build ourselves up. John Maxwell speaks of “The Law of the Lid” as one of his irrefutable laws of leadership. My leadership is a lid, and only as I lift my capacity will I be able to lift others. How do I build them? “Preach the Word,” Paul commanded in 2 Timothy 4.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. If the Word won’t do it, it won’t get done.

The next priority Jude lists is PRAYING, “praying in the Holy Spirit.”  When I work, my hands can accomplish what a man can do. When I pray, God works, and will accomplish what only He can do. Someone has said, “There is much to do after we pray, but nothing to do until we pray!”

Then, we find the priority of LOVING, “keep yourselves in the love of God,.”  The Great Commandment is to love God with all our being and then to love others as ourselves. God’s love for us is our model and His love in us is the means. Without love, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 that we are just a lot of noise as we speak. 

Further, we focus on LOOKING, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”  We have talked about faith and love. Now, we focus on the third Christian virtue of hope. The blessed hope in the return of Christ is one that must be sounded forth from our pulpit and a motivating force in our life and ministry. Ours is a hopeless world apart from Christ, and people are searching for it. Give it to them and they will soak it in!

Last, but not least, let us labor in REACHING, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” This is evangelism, and it must claim a priority. This is the Great Commission. The fires of Hell await those who reject Christ. Let us do all we can to “rescue the perishing…snatch them in pity from sin and the grave,” as the hymn exhorts.

There—that should keep us busy!  Do this for your family and your flock and you will be a success in God’s eyes. What else matters?

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME

“You’ve got a friend in me!” That’s the title of Randy Newman’s song from Toy Story. It is also my heart for other pastors. I consider it one of my primary tasks and a privileged service as an Associational Mission Strategist for Haywood Baptists. 

Some wonder what good an association of churches is—and I will quickly answer there are many blessings that flow from such a fellowship. There is greater Kingdom impact when churches work together for advancing the Gospel than if one church tries it alone. We pool our resources. We learn from one another. None of us have all the gifts and together we are better. 

The unity pictured in an association of churches is what Christ prayed for in John 17. As we are bound together in truth and love, the world not only hears the Gospel, but sees it. In a world that is increasingly polarized, we can stand against that tendency united by truth. From the outset, God told us, “It is not good for man to be alone.”  I say to our pastors—you are not alone. You’ve got a friend in me.  I will be your sounding board, a counselor, a listening ear, a confidant, and a resource. Get in touch. You need it, and I do too!

THE HORROR OF THE HERETIC

The focus of 2 Peter 2 is the features of false teachers. If the Devil cannot beat the church, he will join the church. His best weapon is to place a man in the pulpit as a pied piper to lead the people to their doom. Often, such preachers seem solid and sound, but inside they are hollow and rotting—as a tree destined to fall. Their crash not only destroys them, but those who have gathered under their branches.  The horror of the heretic is not only experienced by him, but by those he influences.  How does this happen?

There is REFORMATION.  “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning,” (v. 20). The sad reality is that you can have a knowledge of the Lord and Savior intellectually and even emotionally without knowing the Lord and Savior personally. We see this often in people who will make a profession of faith and yet do not have a possession of faith as there is no perseverance in faith. This not only happens to people in the pew, but preachers in the pulpit!  They exhibited behavior that attested to salvation at first. But it is reformation and not regeneration. The outside conduct was clean while the inside character was still corrupt. Jesus described such hypocritical religious leaders in his day as “white-washed tombs,” beautiful outwardly, but inside there was death. Eventually, such become entangled again in the world and are overcome by it.

There is then REGRESSION.  “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them,” (v. 21).  They had facts in their head, but without faith in their heart. The doctrinal facts about Jesus are essential, but are not enough. They can stir the  feelings but unless they move us to submission—to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior—there is no salvation. Eventually, these depart from the faith. Today it is called, “deconstruction.”  We have heard of notable preachers who have departed from the faith. 

Peter illustrates it this way: “But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit,’ and, ‘a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.’” (v. 22‬‬).  Dogs and pigs behave as they do because of what they are. You can take a dog to the most exquisite cafe and he will still consume what he regurgitates. You can wash and perfume a pig, but it will roll in the mud at first opportunity. Without regeneration there is eventually regression.

The horror of the heretic is the end—and that is RETRIBUTION. Peter states it, “the latter end is worse for them than the beginning,” (v. 20), and stresses, “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them,” (v. 21). The ultimate horror of the heretic is hell—something he no longer believes in. It often begins with him avoiding the topic in his sermons, and moves to questioning it in his heart, to denying it in his unbelief. When he discovers the reality of God’s wrath it will be too late. The gravity of that judgement will be immense as it not only is in measure of his own apostasy, but increases in intensity due to those he has dragged down to hell with him!

God help us—help me—to not have such an end, but rather have the testimony of the Apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Tim.‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬‬).

Peter once wavered. He denied the Lord three times!  Yet, he did not stay there. He fell in the mud, but got up and cleaned up!  He repented because he was regenerated. If you are struggling, listening to seductive false teaching, then cast yourself in brokenness upon the Lord. Trust in Him! Believe His Word.

Without question, the greatest evangelist of the last century was Billy Graham. Yet, his grandson, Will, recounted that it almost did not happen.

He wrote, 

“a very good friend and contemporary of my grandfather’s, a man named Charles Templeton, had begun challenging my granddaddy’s way of thinking. Mr. Templeton, who had preached with Youth For Christ as well, had gone on to study at Princeton, where he began to believe that the Bible was flawed and that academia – not Jesus – was the answer to life’s problems. He tried to convince my grandfather that his way of thinking was outdated and the Bible couldn’t be trusted….

One night at Forest Home, he walked out into the woods and set his Bible on a stump – more an altar than a pulpit – and he cried out: ‘O God! There are many things in this book I do not understand. There are many problems with it for which I have no solution. There are many seeming contradictions. There are some areas in it that do not seem to correlate with modern science. I can’t answer some of the philosophical and psychological questions Chuck and others are raising.’

And then, my grandfather fell to his knees and the Holy Spirit moved in him as he said, “Father, I am going to accept this as Thy Word—by faith! I’m going to allow faith to go beyond my intellectual questions and doubts, and I will believe this to be Your inspired Word!’

My granddaddy wrote in his autobiography that as he stood up his eyes stung with tears, but he felt the power and presence of God in a way he hadn’t in months. “A major bridge had been crossed,” he said.

(From an article by Will Graham, https://billygraham.org.uk/p/the-tree-stump-prayer-when-billy-graham-overcame-doubt/)