A Good Pastor in the Pulpit.
1. The bible is his foundation, his centre.
2. A good pastor fades in the background and exalts Christ. He is an ambassador of Christ and not of himself.
3. A good pastor speaks with authority, not with suggestion, not for entertainment. He is under divine authority to be under the authority of the Word and to be an out channel of that authority.
4. A good pastor does not lord over the congregation, but serves the congregation.
5. A good pastor speaks with balance. Both what's true and to warn of what's not true. He preaches both the positive to pursue, and the negative to avoid. He does these to protect the flock. Titus 1:9, "exhort in sound doctrine and refutation of those who contradict."
The Pastor and his People
1. A good pastor has a personal relationship with his flock. He loves them and that's why he protects them. He is called to ministry, not to elevate himself, but to love and protect the flock. People are the reason for a pastor.
2. A good pastor affirms his flock. He encourages them with God's presence in their difficulty.
3. A good pastor expresses aspirations for his flock. He expresses how his flock should pursue spiritual maturity. He expresses that his flock not pursue wealth and health that suits the carnal desires, but promotes joy, holiness and the assurance of eternal life rather than temporal carnal desires.
To the People.
1. Appreciate a good pastor.
2. A good pastor is a gift from God.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
How to Recognize a False Teacher
How to Recognize a False Teacher
1. A false teacher preaches that the way is not narrow. It is broad. He might preach of God and Christ. He might preach of sin. But he does not preach that Christ is the only way.
2. A false teacher does not claim that he is a false teacher. He is a wolf but in sheep's clothing. He claims to speak for God, to proclaim truth. He affirms some truth, but changes the meaning of important words. He is like Satan, disguising as an angel of light. He is subtle. He will not necessarily tell you something that is wrong, but he will not tell you the complete truth.
3. A false teacher has no genuine concern for his sheep.
4. A false teacher's lifestyle is recognized by his fruits.
Five Questions to Ask Regarding a False Teacher
1. When does he talk about the holiness and wrath of God? Romans 1:18
2. When does he talk about eternal judgment and the wrath of God? A teacher teaches the whole counsel of God. Not just the positive things.
3. When does he talk about sin and repentance? Luke 24:47
4. When does he talk about forgiveness of sin through Christ alone?
5. When does he talk about the substitutionary atonement of Christ?
1. A false teacher preaches that the way is not narrow. It is broad. He might preach of God and Christ. He might preach of sin. But he does not preach that Christ is the only way.
2. A false teacher does not claim that he is a false teacher. He is a wolf but in sheep's clothing. He claims to speak for God, to proclaim truth. He affirms some truth, but changes the meaning of important words. He is like Satan, disguising as an angel of light. He is subtle. He will not necessarily tell you something that is wrong, but he will not tell you the complete truth.
3. A false teacher has no genuine concern for his sheep.
4. A false teacher's lifestyle is recognized by his fruits.
Five Questions to Ask Regarding a False Teacher
1. When does he talk about the holiness and wrath of God? Romans 1:18
2. When does he talk about eternal judgment and the wrath of God? A teacher teaches the whole counsel of God. Not just the positive things.
3. When does he talk about sin and repentance? Luke 24:47
4. When does he talk about forgiveness of sin through Christ alone?
5. When does he talk about the substitutionary atonement of Christ?
What are the marks of a True Christian?
The Marks of a True Christian
1. He embraces scripture. He doesn't merely acknowledges scripture, but he embraces them with all his life. Embracing it as his highest authority in life. He embraces the bible with all his heart.
2. He embraces Christ personally as savior and sacrifice of his sin. He embraces Christ as not just a man, or prophet, but God in human flesh. He does not seek Christ for earthly reasons, to have a better marriage, or better health, or better wealth but...
3. He submits to Christ as Lord. He repents personally and trusts in Christ. He recognizes Him as authority in his life. Nothing in his life he does not withhold from His authority. His desire is to be obedient to Him.
4. He exhibits sanctification. He thinks rightly about the love of God. He does not measure the love of God by fluctuating circumstances. He knows how Jesus loves him just as how He loved him 2,000 like he was standing at the foot of the cross. And when he understands such a love, he will love his brethens.
1. He embraces scripture. He doesn't merely acknowledges scripture, but he embraces them with all his life. Embracing it as his highest authority in life. He embraces the bible with all his heart.
2. He embraces Christ personally as savior and sacrifice of his sin. He embraces Christ as not just a man, or prophet, but God in human flesh. He does not seek Christ for earthly reasons, to have a better marriage, or better health, or better wealth but...
3. He submits to Christ as Lord. He repents personally and trusts in Christ. He recognizes Him as authority in his life. Nothing in his life he does not withhold from His authority. His desire is to be obedient to Him.
4. He exhibits sanctification. He thinks rightly about the love of God. He does not measure the love of God by fluctuating circumstances. He knows how Jesus loves him just as how He loved him 2,000 like he was standing at the foot of the cross. And when he understands such a love, he will love his brethens.
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