THE WORD, THE SPIRIT, DEPENDENCE, TRUTH, HOLY CHRISTIAN SERVANTS

An excellent statement Pastor Frank Tallerico made this past Sunday:

• The point: "a sporadic or casual approach to the Holy Scriptures will never produce a holy Christian. Nor will Bible Study alone produce a holy Christian." "It must be the study of Scripture coupled with a deep and abiding dependence upon the Spirit of God to put into practice the truths that you learn that alone will develop a holy Christian."

We need to think Biblically. Preaching alone will not make us a great preacher. Pastoring a church alone will not make us a good pastor. Eldership alone will not help us to be a wise elder. Deaconship alone will not make us a helper and servant, biblically. Church membership alone does not make one a Biblical holy Christian.

• Hebrews 4:12 "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Our hearts and attitudes are to be filled with the Spirit’s perspective about truth and how ministry is to be.. Ministry is not about us, or our feelings and our ideas, but it’s about Him. We are to ask "How can I as a pastor, teacher, elder, deacon, church member be guided into all truth about how He wants me to fulfill the ministry that has been assigned to me. It’s not about what I do, how I feel, as much as how and why I do ministry.

WE ARE TO ENGAGE THE PRIORITIES OF THE SPIRIT IN OUR MINISTRY

"Sanctify (Greek hagiazo (set apart for sacred use or make holy) them by the truth; Your word is truth, for them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:17 Not simply thought for mind or memory, but words of life by the Word of Life.

• "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will not speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mind and making it known to you." John 16:13-14

Drafed by Charles E. Whisnat 03 07 07 Checked by Charity Whisnant