God's Word Still Carries On

I am sure many of you have heard the recent downfall of G3 Ministries which is something I have supported over the years. Like many I am disappointed in what has transpired over the last couple of weeks. The situation with Josh Buice was heartbreaking enough, but the latest scandal is just devastating. 

Not only those who supported this ministry were affected but, one person mentioned, two churches. One in particular, Prays Mill Baptist Church where all four elders were leaders of G3 resigned. This church already dealt with the public sin of their former pastor, now with all four elders who they trusted. 

We have seen many preachers who have fallen over the years and it hurts. It hurts emotionally and to some spiritually. Some may ask, is there anyone we can truly trust in the church these days whether corporately or globally? 

One thing is for certain, in spite of the failures of those in these ministries and churches, Gods Word will still carry on. We are called to obey Christ and share His gospel to everyone. Yes, there will be many in the church that will appear to embarrass us, but God does move in spite of all of that. There are still faithful preachers who many do not know that will carry on the work of the gospel. There are many faithful ministries that will continue to equip the body even if they do not have a national conference. 

Preachers come and go. The same with parachurch ministries, but God's Word will stay around. 

Brian Borgman with a Warning for Preaching "Law Gospel"

Book Review: A Qualified Man by Jacob Tanner

There was an old commercial on TV years ago when I man came upon someone who was injured. The gentleman asked everyone to stand back as he attended to the injured. A woman asked him, if he was a doctor. The man, comically, answered, "No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night." 

In today's culture, many think they are experts because they meet certain qualifications. Doctors have medical school, lawyers have law school, and mechanics have some form of training. In the church, we have seminary which has been debated if that applies today because of the debt they might accumulate. While seminary training may not appear in the Bible, there are qualifications for a man, yes, I said man, to be an elder/pastor in the church. 

In his latest book, A Qualified Man: Cultivating the Quality of a Godly Leader, Jacob Tanner looks what Titus 1:5-9 says about the Biblical qualifications for church leadership. The passage reads as follows from the English Standard Version (ESV), which is what Tanner used in the book:

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 

Based on this passage, Tanner addresses the purpose of elders along with they must be men who love their wives and children. Based on the ESV translation of Titus 1:6, Tanner believes that an elder must have children who are believers, which I will address later on. 

Elders must be men who are above reproach, not perfect men, but men who are known to be holy. Elders must be men who are trusted with the Word of God and must be able to teach others as well as able to defend the Bible. 

Going back to Titus 1:6 about children being believers, this is where I have a big issue. I think the translation and interpretation of that passage is misleading. The Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) has Titus 1:6 saying that an elder's children must have "faithful children, who are not accused of dissipation, or rebellious." To have faithful children does not imply that they are believers, but an elder's children are respectful and obedient to him in his house. To imply that an elder must have children who believe means that when a child is born in his home, he or she is not a believer right away and therefore the man cannot be an elder. Not all children come to faith at a young. Some come to faith as a teenager or even a young adult. This implies when a new child is born, the elder must step down so he can convert his child. The same with adopting a child who may not be a believer. 

This is a book much needed today in the church. The body of Christ needs to be reminded what God's Word says about the qualifications of elders. Despite my disagreement with the interpretation of Titus 1:6, I recommend this book for all leaders and future leaders. 

I received this book from G3 Press in exchange for an honest review.

Jonny Ardavanis: Does the Bible Permit a Woman to Preach?

God's Desires for Men and Women in the Church Assembly

This sermon is from Chris McKnight at Kerrville Bible Church in Kerrville, TX

Doing Small Things is Service to God

Too many times, Christians seemed to be getting a message that God only wants us to do big things such as being a missionary, a preacher, or serving as an elder. There are times we do not think about the small things that God will have us to. 

I appreciate this video from Reformed Baptist Network encouraging their listeners that believers can serve God in the small things.

Book Review: The Pastor as Leader by John Currie

Many are confused as the role of the pastor. Even those inside the church which is sad because most Christians knew the pastor was not the main preaching man, but he was also the shepherd for that particular church.

There are even some pastors who are discouraged by not knowing if they are supposed to be more of a preacher or more of a leader. A church needs a pastor who is both a leader and a preacher. John Currie addresses that in his book, The Pastor as Leader.

Currie divides this book into two parts. The first half of the book look at the pastor as a man. The pastor is a man who is on mission, he is united with Christ, and full of the Holy Spirit. Currie goes on to say that a pastor leads by preaching which to many is foolish but that is how God governs us through the means of words. Currie address that a pastor is on of Christlike character which we have the qualifications for a pastor in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

The second half of the book deals with the duties of the pastor. The first one Currie addresses is a pastor is a man on his knees in prayer. This is something you would not see in majority of leadership books because most of them deal with pragmatic methods rather than biblical ones. Once again Currie addresses the pastor as a man who leads by preaching. A pastor who wants to lead his church well, must make preaching a priority. Currie continues with a pastor is one who gives the church a clear vision based on the Bible of what a church should be and help its members engage in the ministry of the church using their gifts for the glory of God.

This is book is a simple read and can be beneficial for those in pastoral ministry whether he is a seasoned veteran or one that is just beginning his first church.

I received this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

Should You Obey Your Pastor in Everything?

Pastors are leaders of the church, and they are called to shepherd the flock of God so they may live godly lives in a world that is hostile to God. Pastoral authority comes from the Scriptures as they proclaim God's truth to equip the saints for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-12 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

The Bible says we are to obey our pastors. The writer of Hebrews says, "Obey your leaders and submit to them⁠—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account⁠—so that they will do this with joy and not with groaning, for this would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). Does that mean we obey our pastors in everything? Do they have authority to tell us what to wear, what to eat, or even what car we are to drive in? 

Pastors are to shepherd and even protect the flock of God. They can give recommendations for books to read and even warnings on what books to stay away from. The same is true with other church pastors. They are to call our false teachers and warn the church about them fulfilling the command from the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:11 to have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness but expose them. By the way, this is a command to all Christians not just pastors.

When a pastor says we are to obey what the Bible says and everything your pastor tells you, there is a good chance you have a pastor that loves authority more than shepherding. The Apostle Peter wrote:

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not under compulsion, but willingly, according to God; and not for dishonest gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to you, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:1-3).

As I wrote in a post from 2018 titled, Elders Are Not To Be Domineering, I mentioned that Peter, using a quote from the Reformation Study Bible, was warning the people "against haughty abuse of power." Sadly, many pastors, if not kept in check, will abuse their authority. The church is to honor their leaders but not to the point where they are abusing their authority.

This is not just in practical matters, but also in spiritual matters. A pastor is a human being so they can get a passage wrong. It does not mean he is a false teacher; it just means he is in error. What if a pastor says something that sounds Biblical but is really not. This is where we need to follow the example of the Bereans in Acts 17. The Bible says, "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). We need to search the Scriptures to see what our pastors are saying lines up with God's special revelation. Pastors who encourage their congregations to do so are those who can be trusted. 

God has given us pastors to help guide us as we walk with the Lord. When it comes to spiritual matters, we must obey them unless it goes against what the Bible says. Pastors are not to overreach their God-given authority.

20 Years Later

In December 2001, our son was over three months old and our country was still feeling the affects of the terror attacks that happened on 9/11. My wife and I moved from East Texas to Bowie, Tx where I took a full-time position as Youth Pastor at a Southern Baptist Church. This was my first "real job" in the church. 

I was excited for the opportunity and the fact that I would be able to complete seminary while serving here. My wife's family was an hour away at Wichita Falls. Normally, when a new minister comes there is something called the Honeymoon stage where you are liked and things in the church are going great. I did not have that. Many teenagers in our church did not want a ministry and they wanted us to conform to the schedule and likeness of the largest church in the town.  

About a few into this position, the pastor resigned. I was dumbfounded. I had no idea why. He said his position was more of an intentional interim than a Senior Pastor. Teens did not want to come to church because I was offering Bible studies versus fun activities, which I had some from time to time. I went to the schools for lunches but the high school was opened campus which means students can eat either at home, a restaurant, or at the school, which I never saw any of my students.  

We did eventually vote in a new pastor and got along great with him. In August 2002, I was forced out of my position of Youth Pastor and had to move out of our parsonage. Now to the church's credit, they wanted to see me in a new position where I could succeed in ministry. I did not find another church position till 2006 where I was bi-vocational. 

After I left Bowie, my family and I moved to Wichita Falls, where we still live to this day. My daughter was born in 2005, who will be starting her senior year soon. My son graduated in 2020 and is working in the trades. I wish I can say that I finished seminary, but I did not. I do want to return one day, but I know it will not be with a Southern Baptist seminary. I had countless interviews with church, but not successful.

As I approach the 20th year of what affected my ministry, there are times I have thought, what if I never took that position. I am not sure why it happened the way it did, but I do know that it did not catch God off guard. I have wondered why He has never allowed us to move from here to new church, but I trust in His sovereignty. Its not that I hate Wichita Falls, but I know there are churches here that probably do not want a five-point Calvinist to be on staff at their church. 

There have been other doors that I have been given which were difficult which one of them was attempting to plant a church which imploded before it had its first service. Did not help when the men that I was on the church planting team with wanted me to embrace paedo baptism, which I refused. 

These last 20 years were never what I expected. I never thought I would see where I am and have wondered if ministry was ever the right thing for me to do. I believed I was following God. God never promised success, but I thought, at least, I would be in a church serving. I wish I can say we have had been part of great churches in that process, but my family and I have dealt with some hardships in a lot of churches over the years both as a minister and as a layman. 

I have debated about writing this because it might make people prone to attack me and label me as a failure. Some might say I have no credentials to even defend the faith. Some might even say just go in a corner to cry then write in your feelings journal. 

I know God is good even when plans from long ago did not go that way we wanted them to go. God has never left me or has forsaken me based on the promises in Scripture. God has continued to provide for my family and I in ways that still blow my mind. 

I do not know what the future hold, but I know God does. I will continue to be faithful and serve the Lord whether I am a church leader or not. I will also continue to remain available for when the opportunity arises. 

Licensed to Ministry: 20 Years Later

Besides the pandemic that our world has been facing, 2020 is a big year for me especially in the month of May. My wife and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and the 20th anniversary of my college graduation which took place on the same day. I may have to write about that experience one day. This month also celebrates my 20th year of being licensed to the gospel ministry by Central Baptist Church in Marshall, Tx, where I have been attending since 1996 when I started college.

I have to admit the experience was humbling yet there was also a since of accomplishment since I was about to graduate and get married. I wish I can that my ministry was very fruitful. There were some fruitful times, but a majority of my ministry was also difficult. Even as I am writing this, I am not in any ministry position though I always thought I would be at this time in my life. I never imagined the struggles I had in ministry. I served in most small churches as a bi-vocational youth pastor where there is was hardly any growth. My only full-time position lasted 8 months after a new pastor came. 

My wife, son, and I moved to the city we currently reside in 2002. That's right, we have lived in the same city for almost 20 years which is something I never thought would happened. I thought was going to get a new position within 6 months. During that time, I stopped attending seminary because I had to take care of my family and work full-time. I volunteered at our church and worked as a semester intern. Sadly, it wasn't till 2006 when I got a new position which was a bi-vocational youth pastor of a church 20 minutes from our house, which we moved into nearly two months after our daughter was born.

A few years later, I left that church to be a bi-vocational youth pastor then got involved in a church plant which imploded before it had its official first service. It has been five years since that church plant experience I am still waiting for God to open a door for ministry. I don't know when or where that might happen. As I write this reflecting on when I was licensed, I am thankful to God that one church in Marshall recognized my calling. Just because you are licensed or even ordained there are no guarantees of success in church ministry. God never promised success altogether. He does promise that He will be with us. 

Right now, I am serving in my church to the best of my ability, loving my family, and growing in grace. I hope the day will come when the Lord will open a door whether on staff or a lay elder where I can be used in church ministry. 

I do praise the Lord for allowing me to be licensed 20 years ago and for sustaining me during these 20 years as well. 

Around The Web-October 4, 2019

After the Love is Gone by Darrell Harrison

Perseverance of the Saints by Michael Melton

Joe Rigney on How to Be a Doer of the Word, Not Just a Hearer

David Steele- White Flag: When Compromise Cripples the Church from Equipping You In Grace

Solus Christus - With Joe Thorn from Undying Light

Greg Gilbert on the call to ministry from the Great Commission Podcast

Can Christians Lose Their Salvation? from Crossway with Dennis Johnson

Bibliology: What The Bible Is and Why It Matters by Jason K Allen

Around The Web-September 18, 2019

David Powlison's final book is now available at WTS Books

What Not To Say at the Beginning of a Worship Service by Tim Challies

4 Myths that Keep College Students from Joining a Church by Jim Davis

Yes, God Still Performs Miracles by Josh Buice

Rejecting Sinful Desires by John MacArthur

Never Do Ministry Alone by Michael Melton

Amillennialism with Dr. Sam Waldron by Covenant Podcast

Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God? by Sam Storms

Tom Ascol: Mature Manhood in the Ministry

Around The Web-July 19, 2019

Two specials happening at WTS Books:

Staff favorites from the Good Book Company

Sale on Christianity Explored, Discipleship Explored, and Life Explored

Robert Cara- The Doctrine of Justification for Christian Life and Ministry from Equipping You In Grace

Redeeming the Rest of Your Summer from Doctrine and Devotion

Pride Disqualifies a Pastor by David Mathis

The Gospel and Its Extent by Ryan Denton

Surprised by the Perfect Being by Matthew Barrett

From The Sword & The Trowel: Can a Christian Vote Democrat? Al Mohler on Leadership & Loving your Enemies

Around The Web-May 3, 2019

Martyn Lloyd-Jones "Romans 14 Volume Set Giveaway

Money Matters by Costi Hinn

Some Thoughts On Who Made God by Sam Storms

10 Things You Should Know about the Danger of Media by Tony Reinke

Help! I’m Doubting My Call to Ministry by Jeff Robinson

Popcorn Theology on Avengers: Endgame

Christopher Ash- The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read (But Is Too Embarrassed to Ask) by Equipping You In Grace

Worship in Spirit and Truth—Not Spirit or Truth by Josh Buice

Rejecting a God in Our Image by Allen Nelson IV

Around The Web-May 1, 2019

Mother's Day Gift Guide from WTS Books

6 Important Differences Between Performance Music And Worship Music by Karl Vaters

Jesus Christ: The Theme of Pastoral Ministry by Tom Ascol

The History and Heresy of Black Liberation Theology by Samuel Sey

How to Fall in Ministry And What to Do if You Do by Jared C Wilson

Six Characteristics of Pastors you need to Avoid by Adriel Sanchez

Why We Need Systematic Theology by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

The Equality Act, Whomever He Wills & Rejoicing in Suffering from The Sword and The Trowel

Around The Web-April 26, 2019

WTS Books has a sale going on for their best books on Colossians and Philemon

A Time to Be Silent: When to Refrain from Sharing the Gospel by Bob Gonzalez

The Ascension of Jesus by Erik Watkins

When Is the First Time We See a New Testament Book Used as Scripture? by Michael J Kruger

3 Helpful Reminders When We’re Surprised By Our Sin by Amy DiMarcangelo

How Your Church Can Serve Survivors of Domestic Abuse by Tom Hicks

Pastors' Talk On Church Buildings

The Doctrine of God and the Content of Our Prayers by Mike Brooks

Around The Web-March 20, 2019

New from CCEF: A Practical Theology of Emotions

Greg Gilbert- Assured- Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt and Rest in Your Salvation from Equipping You In Grace

Be Christ-Centered, Not Just Gospel-Centered by Alex Kocman

Why Charismatics and Non-Charismatics Can Get Along by Thomas R Schreiner

Look! Look To Your Baptism! by Tim Challies

Why “We Need to Reach the Young People” Might Distract Your Church by Mike Leake

Biblical Masculinity, The Mystery of Christ & Repentance from the Sword and the Trowel

Message from the Shepherd's Conference 2019

10 Reasons Some Pastors are Mean by Chuck Lawless

Around The Web-March 6, 2019

Just Thinking Podcast on the Born-Alive Act

The Lies of Feminism by Summer Jaeger

Fighting Sin the Right Way by Blake Long

Preaching Sound Doctrine Matters by Costi Hinn

Children's Church, Amusing Ourselves to Death, & Singing from The Sword and the Trowel

Pastors' Talk on Pastoring Members in the Workplace

Is It Sinful to Observe (or Not To Observe) Lent? by Tim Challies

Different Standards or Genuine Stumbling Block? by Josh Buice

When A New Church Is Being Planted

In a recent discussion with some of the men of our church, we addressed a new church that is being planted in our city. The church officially begins this month in one of our local schools. One of the questions that was asked was what is an already established church suppose to do.

That seems a fair question considering that planting a church is a tough task especially in our city where it seems we have more churches than restaurants. One of the first thing a church must remember that other churches are not competition. I know that seems easier said than done, but it is true. We want the same thing. We want God glorified and people coming to Jesus.

In regards to this new church starting, it sounds like they have a good campaign going for them. They are reaching out to people on social media and even meeting people in various coffee shops. So what is an already, established church suppose to do?

First, keep preaching the gospel. Second, teach sound doctrine. Third, encourage one another. This sounds like "keep doing what you are doing." That is exactly what I am saying. If your church is going, it means God hasn't shut the door on you. While other ministry avenues may have been removed due to circumstances beyond your control, your church is still in the hand of God. Pray for your church as new churches are being planted.

Now comes a critical question, what if this new church does not preach sound doctrine? Pray for them to repent and pray for those in attendance that they will see this church is not what a Biblical church should be. As the case is with this new church starting soon, after examining what they believe, they seem to be a prosperity gospel church.

When a new church is being planted, our concern should not be a new church is coming, but what are they preaching and who will be listening.