How should a pastor feel about his flock? And how should these feelings be expressed? Check out these somewhat surprising words from Pastor Paul to one of his church plants:
You are trapped in a burning building. Doom is sure. Then unexpectedly someone you don’t know runs in to announce a way of escape. Is this good news?
Charles Simeon (1759-1836), a Faithful Pastor For the last three articles we have considered marks of a faithful, exemplary pastor from I Thessalonians 2:1-12. Today I want to share the story of a wonderful illustration of just such a man from church history. His story has encouraged and inspired me to never give up. His name? Charles Simeon. I Thess. 5:1-11
Do you ever think about the end of the world? I can tell you the writers of Scripture did. The Day of the Lord is a dominant theme running through the Bible. The second coming of Christ is mentioned hundreds of times in the New Testament, with far more prophecies of His return than His first coming. Nearly every book of the NT deals with the subject. A Christ-centered consummation to human history is coming. It behooves us to know about it and be prepared for it. I Thess. 5:1-11
I realize that’s an ominous headline that sounds like a video game or summer movie. And that’s part of this world’s problem. Any talk of a future judgment is scoffed at, ridiculed, mocked and maligned. Saddest of all is this even comes from professing Christians at times. Studies in First Thessalonians
Imagine being born again and then taught that Jesus is coming back. So far, so good. He talked a lot about His return before He left. But then along the way, you come under the impression that you must actually be alive at His return or you will miss out. Studies in I Thessalonians
I Thess. 4:9-12 Do you consider yourself a loving person? Could someone look at your daily life and conclude, “wow, that lady really loves other Christians.” Studies in I Thessalonians
Campus Crusade for Christ, now Cru, has a very popular evangelism tool. It’s a gospel tract that begins, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” A popular slogan on graduation cards comes from Jeremiah and says, “I know the plans I have for you …" Studies in I Thessalonians
Last time we learned that praying like Paul meant we must express complete dependence on God’s providence not miracles (I Thess. 3:11) Studies in I Thessalonians
How’s your prayer life? I know mine can use help, both in terms of quality and quantity, content and fervency. We need an example of both. |
AuthorUnless otherwise noted, all posts are written by Pastor Chris McKnight Archives
November 2023
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