Tag Archives: Pastor

No comments

Why I Cannot Quit

  By
This sermon outline was derived from a message I heard preached by Pastor Brian Workman. He was the keynote preacher at a conference hosted by Community Baptist Church of Rugby, North Dakota. Pastor Workman is the pastor of Community Baptist Church of Lexington, North Carolina.

I was helped greatly by his message that cold January day. I later preached this outline in the church I was pastor of at the time… Cornerstone Baptist Church of Beulah, North Dakota. God moved in a great way!

Title: “Why I Cannot Quit!”

Text: John 6:66

(John 6:60-66) “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” (KJV)

Introduction:

• Jesus gave a hard saying about those who would have eternal life in our previous verses, and, because of the statements Jesus made, many quit on Him!
• Yes, people quit on God!
• Many times we come to a position in life and we say that we cannot make it anymore, but we can!
• Sometimes we can appear to others as if we are continuing on but we have quit on God long ago and we are just going thru the motions!
• Christian don’t quit on God!

Proposition: There are four reasons why I cannot quit on God!

I. I Cannot Quit Because Of What’s On The Inside!

A. Salvation brought us into a relationship with Christ!

B. Our Salvation enlisted us into service for Christ!

C. If God can save us, then we have all the power of Heaven to help us!

(Ephesians 2:8-10) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (KJV)

(Philippians 1:6) “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (KJV)

II. I Cannot Quit Because Of What’s On The Outside!

A. We have friends and acquaintances that are watching us wanting us to fail!

B. Sometimes people in the church would desire to see the pastor fail just so they could say, “I told you so!”

C. Family is paying close attention to our actions and would desire to say, “I knew there was nothing to them, and that ‘born again stuff’!”

D. There is a work for us to do and we must stay in the field until the harvest be brought in!

E. Satan desired to have Peter and sift him as wheat, but Jesus prayed for him!

III. I Cannot Quit Because Of What’s On The Backside!

A. There are some wounds that have been bandaged!

B. The great balm of Gilead has annointed our broken bones and has put salve in our wounds.

C. Our experience teaches us that everything is going to be okay!

(Romans 5:1-5) “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (KJV)

D. We have come thru rough waters before and we must keep sailing on!

E. We have had dark valleys and there will be more, but we are more than conquerors!

(Romans 8:35-39) “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (KJV)

IV. I Cannot Quit Because Of What’s On The Other Side!

A. We all have loved ones that have gone on before and many have paid a great price for their faith!

B. We have a host of ones that are encouraging us to go on!

C. Heaven is waiting and so is our reward, so why should we sit and sulk when we can get up and fight!

D. It is no mistake that in the conclusion of the great chapter on the resurrection, I Corinthians 15, that God would place a great encouragement!

(1 Corinthians 15:58) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (KJV)

Conclusion:

• Sinner, repent and be saved!
• Christian, don’t quit! Stand for God and keep on going!

No comments

Pastors Can Lead Through Opposition!

  By

There is a popular misconception among today’s Christians concerning their pastor’s popularity in the church and community. For some strange reason a pastor is supposed to be liked by everyone and have nobody at odds with him. This, however, could not be further from the truth! The very calling a pastor has from God and the office which he fills in the local assembly will indeed bring opposition.

Tip #1 – Keep On Preaching…

Many congregations have become so politically correct that they start biting fingernails when their pastor says anything that might offend. Rather than concern themselves with what God might think of their pastor’s ministry, they begin to remedy their “PROBLEM” by adopting situation ethics. When they begin traveling down this slippery slope, they actually form a wall of opposition to their pastor. What’s worse, many never intend to oppose their pastor… they were just saving face.

(2 Timothy 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  (KJV)

Pastors can lead scared congregations through opposition, just like at other times, but they cannot allow themselves to adopt situation ethics even though others might do so. Pastors can do many things to keep things moving along in the midst of opposition. A study about “faith in God’s promises” would be a great topic for discussion in Sunday School classes and a series of messages on the subject, delivered from the pulpit, is not a bad idea either. At any rate, pastors have to preach and teach what God lays upon them no matter how someone might receive it.

Tip #2 – Keep On Loving…

Congregations can be like a bucking horse. They are hard to stay on top of at times. Your best members can be the greatest source of opposition… though often, they do not realize it. Thinking they are doing the right thing, they begin sharing “THEIR” thoughts about a situation. Before long, division has begun to spread and the unity of the church can be in jeopardy.

(2 Timothy 2:25) “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”  (KJV)

Pastors can continue to effectively lead divided congregations by doing so with an extra dose of love. It is entirely possible for churches to weather these kind of storms by having pastors that love them enough to lead in meekness. In fact, love is the material meekness is made of. Moses led in meekness because he loved God’s people! Pastors in today’s society can do the same thing.

Tip#3 – Keep On Praying…

A quarrelsome congregation will do a lot of things to a pastor, but one positive thing it will do is keep him on his knees. The sad part of this matter is that praying is the one thing pastors spend very little time doing. Many studies have shown and many polls have been taken which say that virtually all pastors agree that meaningful prayer is the single most important activity in which they should participate. These studies also showed that these same pastors related that prayer was the one thing they spent the least amount of time involved in compared to other duties and responsibilities.

Make no mistake about it, pastors can lead a congregation through opposition by praying for it. History is littered with examples of congregations who were in dire circumstances and yet a praying pastor let them forth triumphantly. In many respects, Moses and his relationship to Israel serve to illustrate this. Moses, interceded for Israel time after time. It was his prayers that kept Israel from being destroyed on numerous occasions.

Conclusion

Pastor, I am not sure what you are facing at this very moment, but rest assured that God knows right where you are at. A pastor friend of mine has stated to me, more than one time, “When I cannot track HIM, I will still trust HIM!” Will you still endeavor to faithfully lead your congregation through opposition from within and without, even though you cannot see where your Lord is at? My prayer is that you will say, “YES!”

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
No comments

Encouragement For Pastors Working Public Jobs

  By

Pastor Andrew SchankA vast majority of pastors work public jobs as they lead their congregations. Many men of God used to work, but now are able to be free from the public sector and are fully devoted to their ministries. Whether you are gainfully employed in a public job, or not, it is important to view this issue the right way.

ATTENTION: To all pastors employed on main street… there is encouragement for you even though you cannot spend all your time on church street!

Take courage dear man of God and think about the following suggestions. May they serve to encourage you to keep on the firing line!

Encouragement For Pastors Working Public Jobs

#1 – More Than Likely, You Will Not Always Work A Public Job.

Years ago, when I pastored a church in North Carolina near where I grew up, a preacher friend said something that really encouraged me. He stated that I would not always have to work a public job and pastor a church at the same time. Furthermore, he made it clear that I should enjoy that job because one day I will wish I had it back. He was referencing the fact that a job can be a stress reliever. The point is, dear man of God, enjoy your job… while you have it.

#2 – Remember That You Public Job Is A Ministry In And Of Itself.

Often overlooked and under appreciated is the fact that a public job is a great ministry for a pastor to have. Not only is it a ministry, but you get paid to do it! While faithfully performing your duties at work, you will encounter people that normally would never give you the time of day. People who would normally never take time to get to know you will open up and be a friend.

Pastor, please do not discount the fact that you have the PRIVILEGE to have a working ministry in the public sector!

It is through these working relationships that many people are saved, and even called to preach. I know of several men in our area who worked a job with a preacher and received Christ as their Lord and Savior. Not only, did they get saved, but they have been in the ministry for many years now. Pastor, please do not discount the fact that you have the PRIVILEGE to have a working ministry in the public sector!

#3 – Working A Public Job Does Not Mean You Are Second Class.

Anyone who attends national meetings, where big named preachers speak on the subjects of church growth and ministry, often leave more discouraged than when they arrived. For some reason the keynote speakers, usually full time pastors, forget where many of them came from. Though all did not have to work a job alongside their pastoral duties, several did. If you are not careful with your thoughts, then you will leave these meetings feeling like you are second class for working a public job.

Pastoring IS full time whether you work a public job or not.

Pastor, do not think that you are beneath full time pastors for one moment! God knows right where you are at, and has not forgotten about you. Think about it… pastoring IS full time whether you work a public job or not. If the truth be known, then you are probably making more of an eternal impact than many of the pulpiteers who grace the national conference circuits.

#4 – God Will Make Up The Difference.

The major point of contention for me in this issue is the element of productivity. I have always felt that I never had enough time for my family, work and church ministry. Though I felt this way, God always made up for where I lacked. If we are faithful doing what we CAN do, then God will be faithful to do what we CANNOT do! Pastor, just keep your eyes on the prize!

**********

Pastor, Please Convey Something That You Helps You Keep Going In The Pastorate While Working A Public Job!

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

    Powered by MailChimp