Why You Should Submit To Governing Authorities (Part 2) January 14, 2009
Posted by stevensc in Growth, Leadership, discipleship.Tags: authority, blessing, boss, golden rule, love, parent, pastor, service, spouse, submit
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3) They allow you to be blessed.
Think about those that have authority over you. What is it that they are allowing you to receive because of their authority? It could be compensation, protection, freedom, etc. Romans 13:4 tells us that the authority figure in your life is “the minister of God to you for good.” If you choose not to submit to their authority, this same verse then says, “But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.” If you enjoy your salary, then honor your boss. If you enjoy your protection, then honor your spouse or parents. If you enjoy your freedom in the spirit, then honor your pastor.
4. It is what you would want if you were in their position.
Romans 13:9 says, “If there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF.” If you consider yourself a Christian, then your life is not your own any longer. You don’t act out of vengence. (“Vengence is mine saith the Lord”). You no longer seek to gain everything you can out of life, but you chose a life a service. Those of you who are tearing down those in authority over you, are only bringing judgment upon yourself! “Do unto others as you would have others to do unto you.”…Just in case you forgot, THAT IS IN THE BIBLE!
So thank God for using them to bless you. Have confidence that when you treat your authority figures with love and respect, that is what you’ll get in return when God promotes you!
Your Best Preaching Is When… January 8, 2009
Posted by stevensc in Leadership, evangelism, preaching.Tags: abraham, bible, church, father, Jesus, mediocrity, moses, noah, Peter, plans, preach, preach like jesus, purpose, sermons, voice of god, will of god
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Other Posts on this series, “Preaching Like Jesus”:
Today, we’ll be finishing out this series that has been inspired by John 6-7.
How did Jesus know what to preach? All preachers stress over this. Some spend hours seeking God, reading commentaries, listening to their favorite preachers (and sometimes preaching it verbatim). How did Jesus know when to preach? Did he accept every offer to come give a sermon? Did he always start preaching at supper time? Lastly, how did Jesus know HOW to preach? All preacher struggle trying to find their own style. Usually, this means trying to mimick their favorite TV or radio personality.
JESUS KNEW WHAT, WHEN, AND HOW TO PREACH BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD THE WILL OF THE FATHER FOR HIS LIFE.
Your best preaching comes when you understand the will of the Father for your life. I understand that this post may shake many preachers up. But I also believe that if we were brutally honest with ourself, our messages tend to be mediocre…not because we don’t study enough…not because we’re not knowlegeable. But because we’re not set on fire.
Anyone can drive a car, but after so long, the end destination becomes important. Many pastors are leading their churches, but don’t know where they’re going. Many preachers are preaching a capricorn of messages throughout the year, but have to real sense of purpose when they deliver their messages.
Some of you will be fine with mediocrity. You’ll keep preaching and sticking to your day-planner because the risk of getting in the genuine presence of God and hearing his voice may be too risky. It will almost certainly mess up whatever plans you have made thus far. You have the hot coals still glowing in your spirit. But you need the breath, the infallable word from a holy, creator-God to blow on it and ignite a fire so that your life can accomplish all that God intended.
Jesus got his answers in the wilderness. Noah faced persecution. Moses disappeard from the spotlight for 40 years. Abraham packed up his family just to follow God without knowing where. Peter had to look Jesus in the eyes after denying that he even knew who he was. These were all life changing, not because of the harshness of their circumstance, but because this was where these men heard the voice of the Father.
If you’re ready to begin your best years in preaching, then prepare your heart first. A dry desert is coming your way…but the Father will meet you there!
