Author Archives: Andrew Schank

About Andrew Schank

Andrew Schank is an Independent Baptist Missionary/Pastor who loves to blog about spiritual matters! His main ministry website is http://www.togetherinthegap.com. Andrew is also a contributing author to two other blogs/websites including http://linked2leadership.com and http://www.ifbkjv.com. Pastor Schank's Church website is http://www.greatcommissionbaptist.org
No comments

Pastor, Are You Ready For Christmas?

  By

Pastor Andrew SchankCountless times over the last several weeks, a question has been posed to me. It goes something like this… “Pastor, Are YOU Ready For Christmas?” Of course, I answer in the affirmative and I usually assume that the person is speaking about having gifts purchased and ready to distribute. As I ponder this, all too common, question at this time of year, I am now absolutely sure that there is more to it than what most of us want to admit to.

Tradition

We usually gauge our readiness for Christmas upon what we witnessed from our families growing up. Remembering how Momma and Daddy did things and how Grandma and Grandpa prepared for the grandest day of the year is usually how be judge our success.

One fond memory I have as a child is all of the baking and cooking which took place prior to Christmas Day. Long days and late nights in the kitchen would produce an aroma that would not easily be dismissed. It was only when you committed the sin of gluttony that you were deemed satisfied.

Again, many of us would answer the question, “Are YOU ready for Christmas?” in light of our family traditions and our allegiance to them. For example, if Momma baked mounds of cookies (as mine did), or if she over spent her checkbook buying presents for everybody (as mine sometimes did), then we might feel obliged to ascertain our readiness in view of her example.

Trends

All families grapple with trends they are confronted with each and every day. With the Hollywood stars and starlets being popular trend setters and with this age of instant gratification being propagated from cable TV and such the like, it is no wonder that families are in the shape they are in. This is especially true around Christmas time.

There is not a year that goes by that some new toy, shoe, or video game does not makes the news. It is not because of its “NEWNESS” that makes it the focal point of a Breaking News bit on the 6:00 o’clock news show. No, it is because of some person, or persons, who got all wrapped up in the new trend of having to own the new toy, shoe, or video game. See, they were arrested for spraying pepper spray at someone who broke into the line at the check out in front of them! Or it might be that the whole shelf of those new shoes were sold out in 30 seconds, but not without mowing down the man who opened the store at 3:00 AM

Some people would not deem themselves ready for Christmas if they have not purchased that cutting edge piece of technology, the new video game or that NEW “thing – ma – jig” that is in style. The fact is that many people only think they are “READY” for Christmas, what ever “READY” means, when they have made their unique, but not so unique, purchase.

Truth

We have to remember that our family traditions may or may not REALLY prepare our hearts for Christmas. We also have to understand that just because modern day trends seem to be the thing to do or be a part of does not mean that they prepare our hearts for Christmas.

Being “READY” for Christmas is not about traditions or trends… it is all about Christ! When I was a boy, people were using “X”mas instead of “Christ”mas. There was so much uproar about this and then there was not much said anymore. The truth is that people are going to refer to and be ready for Christmas in some way or another EVERY year.

To be ready for Christmas means that you know Jesus Christ personally through repentance and faith in Christ’s sacrifice for your sins when He died, was buried and rose again for you. It means that you understand that God gave the greatest gift  the world has ever known… His SON! (He named His SON… JESUS! What a name for it means SAVIOUR! “Saviour from what?” you ask. Sin!)

(Matthew 1:21) “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”  (KJV)

Every gift we purchase or make, and give to someone else, is to represent that we are thankful for who God gave to us and we want to give as well! Are YOU ready for Christmas?

No comments

What Pastors Should Do When They Sin Publicly

  By
We all remember the scandal that came out about, “?” You can fill in the blanks. All too often, we hear of a prominent pastor or preacher, across denominational lines, who have sinned publicly. That is sad isn’t it? My question is, “Do pastors ever sin in private?” Of coarse they do. If pastors sin privately, then why do we have such a heart burn when they do it publicly? The answer is very simple, and can be easily understood.


It Is A Matter Of Integrity

When Nathan confronted King David (2 Samuel 12:14), one of the forgotten charges made was that the pagan nations could seize an opportunity to blaspheme God. Pastors are not God, but His divinely called representative. For this reason, the dignity of this office must be kept as holy as can be achieved. When a leader, such as a pastor, sins publicly, then it gives great occasion for Satan to chip away the integrity of the office. The example which he sets forth and the great measure of accountability to God REQUIRE integrity. When this is jeopardized, even lost and unsaved people are hurt by it!

It Is A Matter Of Testimony

While it is true that all of God’s children are ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) and must represent Christ in a righteous way, the office of pastor, missionary, and evangelist must hold the standard high. This is not new to the New Testament, but simply what God has demanded all along. If you study the Old Testament standards for the priests, then you will see that God set the standard high. God uses his men to reach the world and they must exemplify His holiness. They are certainly not perfect, but they must give their utmost to please the Lord.

What A Pastor Should Do

When pastors sin publicly, they must be sure to handle things in an appropriate manner. All eyes are on them and they need to have the highest respect for the office in which they serve. Listed below are 5 suggestions as to what a pastor should do when they have sinned publicly.

  1. Admit the sin
  2. Ask for God’s forgiveness first, then from those affected by the sin
  3. Make restitution
  4. Submit to accountability
  5. Move On

It is very important that the pastor consider the practical ramifications of their actions. God forgives, but man is still scarred. Time can take the sting away, but one cannot expect immediate closure. Depending upon the sin, the pastor may need to step down from his office; even if the church is still desiring his leadership. The office, God’s standard, and public testimony are more important than what a congregation may want.

Conclusion

This is a touchy subject in our day. The modern day consensus is that the standard is too high and we should lower it a bit. The problem with that is we are comparing men with men. God set the standard, not man! It is very important for the pastor to hold the standard high in his own life if he wishes to serve in such a HIGH office. He must be sure to keep himself clean with God privately AND also publicly!

Much more can be stated concerning this issue. Our desire in this post was to place some ideas in front of you for you to consider. May all who claim the title of Pastor/Missionary/Evangelist take great care in living for Christ!

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
29056: Why Revival Tarries Why Revival Tarries

By Leonard Ravenhill / Bethany House

Leonard Ravenhill’s call to revival is as timely now as it was when first published over forty years ago. The message is fearless and often radical as he expounds on the disparity between the New Testament church and the church today. This book contains the heart of his message, A.W. Tozer called Ravenhill “a man sent from God” who “appeared at (a) critical moment in history,” just as the Old Testament prophets did. Included are questions for group and individual study.

No comments

God’s Way Of Preparing Pastors

  By

God prepares men for a specific task(s). It is often through the harshness of providential circumstances that a man is meticulously prepared for a particular leadership position. Many times you will find that pastors are completely obvious to what God was doing until after some time has lapsed. It is only while looking back across the trodden pathway that you can see the web God has weaved for His leaders!

As Clay In The Potter’s Hand…

The adversity and obscurity found early (even before conversion) and continually in the life of an individual are used to shape the leader as clay in a potter’s hand. As the leader learns to change through suffering and embrace the traits, character, and virtues God wants him to learn, then God will move the man into new surroundings to live out what has been learned.

Through The Refiners Fire…

God may choose to shine light on the leader where he is at and not move him at all. Many pastors, missionaries and evangelists can testify to this. However, one must remember that He sends the fire to refine; wherever the prospective leader resides. This is the way God trains His leaders, and it is certainly backed up by numerous Bible examples. Abraham, Joseph, King David, Solomon, and John the Baptist, just to name a few, are men whom God trained and sent out.

The Trial Of Your Faith…

(1 Peter 1:7) “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”  (KJV)

One man said that faith which is not tried cannot be trusted. With this in view, we can see that God molds a man, often through harsh and grueling circumstances, so they can be tempered for greater degrees of leadership in even tougher arenas.

Conclusion…

God prepares leaders in many ways. Each person is unique and fitted for a specific purpose. God, in His infinite wisdom, is the only one who can see the end from the beginning. We cannot see what He sees in people sometimes. This is why we must be careful when being harsh on God’s men. Let God do the training, and follow the people He puts into your life so He can shape you!

Related articles by Zemanta
Enhanced by Zemanta
  • join our mailing list
    * indicates required

    Powered by MailChimp