Friday, 22 April 2016

WHAT TO DO WHEN PASTORS FAIL; STICK TO THE WORD.

BEFORE WE JUDGE OTHERS,LET US CHECK OUR OWN LIVES!
"The sins of others are always more shocking to us than our own sins. We are always able to 'contextualize' our sins, to find justifications for them, to weigh them against alternative sins we aren't committing. That's part of the power of deception. This sort of public scandal can expose how much we are unaware of what it takes to fight against sin' 

- Russell Moore, the head of the Religion and Ethics Committee of the Southern Baptist Association.  

Stick to the word,though man may fail but the word can never fail
Shane Idleman offers 5 tips for when man fails us.
1. No matter what the endeavor, God must be central. In the case of church planting, men do not call themselves, they become aware of God's calling. Demographic studies and marketing strategies may have their place, and it's good to have a core team with a missional focus, but all of this pales in comparison to the call of God. Only God is able to build, sustain, and edify His church. And He often uses confrontation and exposure to draw us back to Him. This new church plant in Arizona could be powerfully used of God.
2. Humility cannot be overlooked. C.S. Lewis said that "pride is the last sin to die." Pride works against us and is the No. 1 liability for Christians, churches and church pastors. After all, we're going to do things "the right way." Jealousy, envy and bitterness will keep us from fulfilling God's call. Humility is fundamental. He guides the humble and teaches them His way (cf. Ps. 25:9). On the flip side, an attitude of constant criticism toward Christian leaders often reveals an inner drive to exalt oneself.
3. The fully surrendered life is crucial. Why do many endeavors fail? Why do many church plants fail? The reasons are many, but I believe that much depends on the spiritual life of the person and/or the pastor in regard to humility and brokenness. Prayer is the first sign of a healthy church. I'm not referring to a five-minute devotional, I'm referring to a deep devotional life focused on seeking God. Churches don't need more marketing plans, demographic studies, or giving campaigns; we need men filled with the Spirit of God. Sermons should not come from pop-psychology or the latest fad; they must come from the prayer closet where God prepares the messengers before we prepare the message.
4. Ask, "Do I have a critical spirit?" This could also translate into a cynical or negative attitude. This is one aspect of Jesus' words, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matt. 7:1). If you have a judgmental attitude, you've already turned a deaf ear to God's leading. Ironically, I've noticed that those highly educated in biblical doctrine can often be the most critical, cynical and negative. We do not practice what we preach. Of all the books I've read, the sermons I've heard, the people I've talked with, and the devastation I've seen firsthand, one common denominator was present: critical, divisive people who do not forgive or release bitterness, anger and hurt never experience freedom, happiness or true restoration.
5. Love is a "choice," not a "feeling." If love is the greatest commandment, it should be our first priority. Love hopes for and believes the best in others ... it is demonstrated through our actions and our words. Strive to develop the type of love that protects and defends others. For instance, why not believe that God is going to use Mark's past to help others.
Reference: charisma





6 comments:

  1. Yes let us not judge one another because we don't want to be judged pray for one another and having a father help us to build a strong Foundation in the word on the church as of today and to stand on your very rude and everything that we do and Trust and Believe In You thank you and God bless

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  2. We have to come together as one one body one spirit one God we have to come together in one body in the love of Christ Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and we will find the true meaning of love

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  3. Great write up. Especially the point that love is a decision not a feeling!!!!! Someone needs to tell the singles out there! God bless you.

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    1. God bless you sister for visiting this blog.More of your visits and more of God's blessings upon you and your family in Jesus name amen.

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