Worthy to Serve -1 Timothy 1:12-14

If I measured my ability to serve God in the ministry based upon my personal feelings of worthiness I would have to resign. I don't feel worthy to be a Pastor because of my failings and sins, not only past ones but present ones as well. But it was not my worthiness that caused God to choose and call me into ministry, it was my willingness to serve Him and His ability to equip and strengthen me for the task. I Thank God that He overlooked my faults and Himself counted me worthy to serve. He knows me better than I know myself and He knows my potential when guided by His Spirit. I need only be obedient and surrender to His leading, He will accomplish all He desires through me for His glory. It is His work not mine and as long as I remember that all will be well.

The ministry is not a career, its a calling - 1 Tim. 1:1

A man who enters the ministry must do so on the command and call of God. I desired for many years to enter into the ministry as a pastor but would not do so until I was certain that God was calling and confirming that call. The calling of God is not something to be taken lightly and is not a career path one chooses for wealth and success though that seems to be the case today for many young men entering Bible college. No, the call of God is a call to forsake all and follow Him. We must forsake worldly pleasures and desires and seek only to do His will whole-heartedly and in complete obedience. This does not mean He will not allow us pleasures as He will certainly give us the desires of our heart as long as those desires do not pull us away from Him and the ministry He has called us to.

Eternal security or False security, are we really prepared for Christ's return? - 1 Thes. 5:1-11

It seems the longer we wait for the Lords return the more distracted we become from the pull of this world. In our efforts to reach more people with the gospel we seem to get further away from its purpose. We are not so much interested in true disciples who are eager to learn and follow the Lord as we are in converts who like our program better than the other guys down the street and help fill the seats and collection plates. The purpose of the Gospel was to bring the reality of the Kingdom of God among men and change lives. It was to make saints of sinners, not give them a "Get out of hell free" card. We the Pastors and Teachers in Christ's Church are giving people a false sense of security if we allow a man or woman to think they are saved when their is no evidence of change in their lives. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold; new things have come." 2 Cor. 5:17

The Missing Power of Our Gospel - 1Thes. 1:1-10

The reputation of the Church in America among unbelievers and the unchurched is not very favorable. Instead of drawing them into a relationship with Jesus Christ we are repelling them with our un-Christlike attitudes and actions. I believe the main reason is that our Gospel, unlike Paul's, has been in word only with no or little power of the Holy Spirit and half-hearted conviction. The lost in this world, our neighbors and co-workers, hear us talk a good talk but they don't see us walk a good walk. We must remember that actions speak louder than words so when we act unlovingly or judgementally, fall into sin, divorce and re-marry, lie, cheat or steal, they take notice. They evaluate their own lives against those who name the name of Jesus in word only and say, I'm no so bad, why do I need a Savior?

Conducting ourselves with wisdom - Col. 4:1-6

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity." What does this mean to you? To one brother I know, who believes our primary purpose is to preach the gospel to save people from hell, you only have five minutes at most to get the message to someone so he just approaches people with a tract and a stern message, "Are you saved, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? If not your going to hell." In my opinion this type of approach slams the door shut to reaching the vast majority instead of opening a door of opportunity. I believe our primary purpose is to make disciples, teaching them all that Jesus commanded and bring them back into a relationship with the God who created them and desires to be restored in fellowship with them. This takes time but is worth the effort and is seasoned with the love and grace of God who changes hearts and lives.