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The only way to avoid criticism is to do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. That quote from Aristotle is true everywhere. Sadly, this includes the church. We must be able to discern between those who love us, and are giving constructive criticism, and those who are trying to hurt us. I share some of my story, where I have let the critics win. I also share about how God’s word corrected me, and reminded me of His call upon my life. We must receive constructive criticism, and reject those who are attacking because they are hard hearted, or unwilling to forgive. No one is perfect, but unless you have had a moral failure, or taught false doctrine, you should press on in your calling, or area of service. It is my prayer that this podcast will encourage you to rise above the negative words, and look to Christ. We must not let the leadership of the Holy Spirit be replaced by cruel words from those who do not have the love of Christ. We must say what God has called us to say, do what God has called us to do, and be who God has called us to be! I will add, sing what God has called us to sing…

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What is “believer’s baptism?

I summarize the four components, to repent, to believe, to commit, and to have a clean conscience before God.

Repentence is commanded, and it is turning from our sin, to our Savior.

We must believe in the virgin birth, holy life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and promised return of Christ.

In discipleship, we follow Jesus’s example, and instruction to be baptized.

Our clean conscience only comes from our identity in Christ, and His righteous ness!

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It’s easy to lose focus. We can go down theological trails and into rabbit holes that distract us from the heart of the matter. Jesus crystallizes His mission, as seeking and saving the lost. He says that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name. Paul said Jesus came to save sinners. That while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us. Jesus taught us to ask for God to forgive our trespasses, and to help us forgive those who trespass against us. Colossians says we must forgive as Christ forgave us. Jesus can forgive, because He paid the debt for our sin, in His death, burial, and resurrection. We must not lose sight of His sacrifice, and the heart of His mission, to forgive people of their sins. This is the Gospel!

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Galatians 6 mentions bearing one another’s burdens, and fulfilling the Law of Christ. It also is clear that restoring those who are caught in a transgression is the call upon mature, and spiritual Jesus followers.

We do a great job of bearing one another’s burdens, but many churches struggle with restoration. Peter is an example of someone who was restored by Jesus. We should remember, we can’t heal and forgive in the same way Jesus does. The church is a hospital, and He is the physician; but we are the friends and family, showing up with get well cards, a prayer, and a plan for going back home. Let’s get into the restoration business, fulfilling the law of Christ. That law is Loving God, and loving our neighbors!

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Jesus never promised it would be easy, but He said we should take heart, because He has overcome the world! We have peace in Him! We have confidence, not in our abilities, but His. The opposite of thankfulness is complaining. The opposite of love, is fear. The opposite of faith, is doubting. So how can it be, that so many Christians are complaining, and fearful, and doubting God’s ability to sustain His church? He told Peter that upon this Rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it! Let us trust God, who didn’t spare His only Son, to not spare anything else we need as the bride and body of Christ! Let us hold to our confession with confidence in Him! As it says in Revelation 12:10, we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony!

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Only 20% of Americans are attending church once a week. However, 60% claim to be Christians. Of course, church attendance is not what saves you, but whatever happened to “I’ll see you Sunday?” There is plenty of blame to go around. Failed leadership, church people who do not show the love of God, and busy schedules; these top the lists. Yet Jesus calls the church His bride. How can we love Jesus, but not love who He loves? Jesus calls us His Body. How can we not love the Body of Christ, to which we belong? Jesus calls us His brothers, and children of God. How can we not love our brothers we see, but claim to love a God we can’t see? Hebrews challenges us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. We must forget distractions, forgive those who hurt us, and find the time to worship God together. I know it will mean a change, but I hope to see you Sunday!

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Two things are clear, that pastors are overseers, and that they are not to “lord it over those in their care. Christ is the model, and the authority of the pastor is never legitimate outside of the character of Christ, or in conflict with His word. The motivations of a pastor must not be money, or power, but love for the flock. Some decisions belong to the pastor, and some belong to the church. Theological debates, or false teachings, should be addressed by the pastor. Church discipline, should have the counsel of the pastor, but the assembled church should make the final call. At least this is the model of Matthew 18, and 1 Cor. 5. Giving counsel, not commands, is good advice to pastors. It also good advice to churches. Humility and service must govern our interactions, and always we must be bound to the word of God, and the character of Jesus.

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What is prayer? Why do we do it? How do we do it? It is letting our requests be known to God, as Jesus has commanded, and modeled. We pray to the Father, in the Name of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. We pray with the boldness of a son, but also with the humility of a servant. We pray in the Spirit, and He prays for us. We pray as Mary did, I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me, according to Your word!

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