WHAT IF A CHRISTIAN COMMITS SUICIDE?

Will a person who commits suicide go to Hell? If so, can a Christian commit suicide?

I remember when I first heard about someone committing suicide.  I was in 5^thgrade hearing on a person taking their own life.  I remember in Dad's church, preachers who came who tried to commit suicide.  And of course some who really did.  Its been a part of ministry to deal with those who take their own life.  I remember trying to think through why a person would want to do that, but I just couldn’t understand their motivation.  Over the years since then, I’ve walked alongside a few friends who have lost parents and siblings to suicide as well.  It is a confusing and depressing situation, especially for the family and friends that are left behind to deal with the pain.

For a preacher, a pastor, who is a pastor of a church to commit suicide in their church, must be the most paradoxical of all.  To have preached on Sunday a very good biblical sermon that was so good, yet looking back seeing the stress, its so amazing.  


How does it happen is for another post but we will give a brief answer as to the question I have asked?

Before answering the question at hand, let’s try to create a biblical framework around the idea of suicide.  Suicide is the murder of oneself, or self-murder, and because there are explicit commands from God to not murder anyone (Ex. 20:13), we can conclude that suicide is definitely a sin.  As humans, we are created in the image of God, which means we are made like God and we represent God to the world.  Because we bear the image of God, our lives have dignity and value.  This is why the Scriptures are so clear in the condemnation of murder.  To murder someone, even yourself, is to place yourself in God’s position because we are taking authority over someone’s life.  We know that the Creator God alone has ultimate authority, and therefore no “creature” has a right to steal life, even his own. 

While it is true that suicide is murder, murder is sin, and sin separates from God; it is equally true that all sin is forgiven by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.  There is no place in Scripture that teaches that suicide is an “unforgivable” sin.  So to answer the question, a person who commits suicide is not automatically sent to Hell.  A person’s eternal destination is completely decided by their faith and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus for their salvation, or on the other hand, their lack of faith. 

We must recognize that even in the brokenness of our world... God has rescued us...

Now to answer the second question, there is nothing more paradoxical in this world than a Christian who commits suicide.  A Christian has hope because they are trusting Jesus for salvation and they have the promises of eternal life and restoration with God.  So for a Christian to commit suicide, they are giving up hope even though they are trusting in the God of all hope.  That’s why it is a paradox, but it does happen because of the brokenness of our world.  Most of the time, despair grows as we lose hope, and we lose hope because we transfer our satisfaction and contentment from the eternal things of God to the temporary things of this world.  There are almost always a variety of physical, emotional, and spiritual factors (such as depression, anxiety, despair, etc.) that lead people towards suicidal thoughts, but none of these should ever be used as an excuse to attempt to justify the act.  So in an effort to be clear, it is possible for a person who is a Christian to commit suicide.  But even in stating that, it should never be an excuse or a license for anyone to take their own life.  We must recognize that even in the brokenness of our world where despair is so prevalent, God has rescued us and called us out of death and into life, out of darkness and into light, out of despair and into hope.  We must base our lives on the promises of God and the truth of the gospel, just like Paul stated in Romans 5:1-5...

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.  Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.  We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 

Charles Spuregon on the work of the Preacher in the Pulpit

CHARLES SURGEON SPEAKING ON THE PASTOR AND THE IMPORTANT WORK HE IS TO DO?

C. H. Spurgeon, as recorded in Lectures to My Students: Second Series (London: Passmore and Alabaster, 1877), HERE

Brethren, you and I must, as preachers, be always earnest in reference to our pulpit work. Here we must labour to attain the very highest degree of excellence. Often have I said to my brethren that the pulpit is the Thermopylae of Christendom: there the fight will be lost or won. To us ministers the maintenance of our power in the pulpit should be our great concern, we must occupy that spiritual watch-tower with our hearts and minds awake and in full vigour. It will not avail us to be laborious pastors if we are not earnest preachers. We shall be forgiven a great many sins in the matter of pastoral visitation if the people's souls are really fed on the Sabbath-day; but fed they must be, and nothing else will make up for it. The failures of most ministers who drift down the stream may be traced to inefficiency in the pulpit. The chief business of a captain is to know how to handle his vessel, nothing can compensate for deficiency there, and so our pulpits must be our main care, or all will go awry. Dogs often fight because the supply of bones is scanty, and congregations frequently quarrel because they do not get sufficient spiritual meat to keep them happy and peaceful. The ostensible ground of dissatisfaction may be something else, but nine times out of ten deficiency in their rations is at the bottom of the mutinies which occur in our churches. Men, like all other animals, know when they are fed, and they usually feel good tempered after a meal; and so when our hearers come to the house of God, and obtain "food convenient for them," they forget a great many grievances in the joy of the festival, but if we send them away hungry they will be in as irritable a mood as a bear robbed of her whelps.

Facebook's New Golden Rule

FOR PASTORS

Marketers who ignore Facebook's Golden Rule will do so at their peril.

• You'd better trying living your customers' lives and experiencing the immersive realities of their media mix. Then, and only then, determine yours.

MINISTERING IS NOT MARKETING: PASTOR'S ON FACEBOOK IS NOT NECESSARY PASTORING. BUT HOW DOES USING SOCIAL MEDIA HELP IF IT DOES?

Still, most companies don't operate by the Golden Rule. That fact supplies the lifeblood for shows like CBS' reality TV series, Undercover Boss. Why are so many CEOs out of touch? The show's answer is a little glib: CEOs just don't know the "real" work of their organizations. A more insightful answer is also more subtle: many CEOs have never taken time to learn how it feels to be their own customers. No episode illustrated this better than the Subway executive who confessed that, after 22 years at the company, he had never actually "built" a Subway sandwich. It doesn't take Tony Hsieh to tell you that guy's got a problem — and so might the "service" culture at Subway.

DESIRED SPIRIUTAL DEVELOPEMENT IN BELIEVERS

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SEEKS TO CREATE A CONTEXT WHERE CHRISTIANS CAN EXPERIENCE A DEEPENING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. \

The deepening of this relationship depends on knowledge of God and knowledge of self. So what should be the desired results of the preaching of the Word of God each week.

In these twos video from Sunday Night, I gave ten desired results of preaching the Word of God\\

I DISCOVERED THAT I DID NOT UPLOAD PART ONE FROM THIS LESSON. THIS VIDEO IS PART TWO. I WILL LATER BE ABLE TO UP LOAD THIS, MY BE ON YOUTUBE TODAY.

Dad Raised Me as a Calvinist and not as a Fundamentalist

MY DAD MIGHT HAVE BEEN A FUNDAMENTALIST BUT HE RAISED ME AS A CALVINIST

I am not sure what bran of Fundamentalism we are speaking of, and there are several, nevertheless, all pastors and their families will have some of their children who are saved and some will never be saved.

 
Children are not saved or lost because of my behavior or what Fellowship I belong to. I could be the worst pastor in the world, and have children who will be saved and love the Lord.

I have learned not to criticize a pastor for the behavior of his adult children. When sons and daughters become adults they are responsible for their life style.

Some of the worst parents can have children who become wonderful godly adult Christians.
I believe God by His power and grace and mercy saves His children. 

All four of my adult children, now say, “Dad, we are responsible for our decisions.”
Sneers and jibes are par for many, but really, it should be grace and thankfulness for God’s wonderful grace and mercy.

My Dad: Everette Whisnant, 1904 to 1966, (original photo)

My Dad's Son. Me

My Dad.

A friend of my Dad said "You Dad was a Calvinist."  I never knew that.  Of course I didn't know what a Calvinist was until I heard the term in Seminary.  Dad raised me as a Calvinist, not as a Fundamentalist.  Dad was a Fundamentalist I think, he ran around with them folks. J.F. Norris, John R. Rice, Bob Jones, and the like. He even liked some Southern Baptist folks.  But he just never criticized pastors. And he never said we were saved by works or keep laws. 


Dad and Mom never raised Donald and I and Ellen by rules.  Well, it seemed we could not do anything, like going to movies, etc. but then again Dad did not kill me when I did go to one.


The Lord was gracious in saving me when I was very young, God changed my heart when I was but a small boy.  As a result, I had a heart toward my Dad and Mom, and I had a spirit of love toward them.  I loved to hear my Dad preach and my Mom singing.  

The Lord by His sovereign grace applied His love and grace on me, and enabled me to have the kind of attitude and love for Him, the Word of God, the ministry of preaching and teaching the Word,  that I have had now for fifty seven years of my life. 


I have four adult children, Charity and I tried to raise and teach them right.  We tried to live godly before them.  And we tried hard to teach them the Word of God and how to live.  

But the bottom line is this.  Only God can open their hearts to respond to the teaching of Jesus Christ. Only by His sovereign grace can anyone come to love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Words and Work.

Method of Teaching the Bible

METHOD OF PREACHING/TEACHING THE SCRIPTURES

While reading from Google Reader today I read two articles on PREACHING. One was from Larry who was quoting from another, which I also read.

I have for the most part of my ministry of preaching used the method of book by book.

When I was a teenager in 1963 in the youth class I taught from Psalms and Revelation.

When I was pastor/teacher at Madison Missionary Baptist Church in Minford Ohio, 1971-73 I taught the book of Hebrews and Revelation.

When I went to First Baptist Church in Altoona, Kansas, 1980-1996 Most of the messages went about 40 to 50 minutes.

• Matthew, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, (some 80 messages) 1 Thessalonians (first two chapters), Philemon, Revelation, and 1 Timothy (first two chapters). Teaching on Sunday Morning and Sunday Night.
  

Currently pastor/teacher at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, Minford, Ohio , 2008-currently

• 1 Thessalonians (chapter 1-2). Currently: Philippians (some 45 sermons) (chapter 1 -2) and Romans (chapters 1-2) over the last two years.
  

I learned from John MacArthur this method. John has preached 40 years at Grace, and 25 years he has taught Matthew, Luke and John. He is in Mark in his 40^th year of preaching.

SO WHY DO I PREACH/TEACH LIKE THIS?

Larry Rogier, pastor, gives three reasons which reflects my reasons from a personal perspective

1. It is how God gave the Bible – verse by verse. (Well, not really verse by verse.)
   
2. It forces a pastor to address things he might not otherwise address because, let's face it, it is easier to skip some verses than to preach them, whether because of difficulty (not sure what to say about it) or laziness (don't feel like studying it.)
   
3. It makes my week easier because I know what I am going to preach.
   

I will add to this list

1. It keeps me on a text of scripture and keeps me from getting on one of my pet peeves.
   
2. It keeps me teaching rather than preaching at the people. I am teaching God's word and not mine.
   

I have no problem in telling people to listen to other preachers: To name just a few.

• John MacArthur
  
• John Piper
  
• David Jeremiah
  
• Charles Stanley
  
• Chuck Swindoll
  
• R.C. Sproul
  
• Jay Adams
  

AND ON THE WEB YOU CAN READ OR EVEN HEAR OTHERS to name only a few.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Oliver B. Greene.

In others words I am not the fundamentalist who believes I am the only voice that our membership should ever hear. I would say there are many preachers who I would say are great to learn from. The ones I have mentioned are high profile and easy to find on the web and easy to read their books, and have tapes, or DVD's. Now the Podcast's are becoming a great tool to listen to as well.

But the whole point of preaching the word is to teach God's Word and not my words.

The method is good for me. The method is not as important as the content of the Bible.

While I do not generally preach or teach an Old Testament book, I reference many verses that are in the Old Testament.

Of course I have taught Bible lessons from the whole Bible. Since I do teach Sunday School, or Bible Study. Currently I am teaching from the book of Proverbs.

I do teach subjects as well. Example on Wednesday Night;

1. Spiritual Gifts
   
2. Creation
   

Bible Study Methods

THE PURPOSE OF THE PASTOR AND TEACHER

As you know I have followed John MacArthur, Jr now for most of my ministry. I first listen to a tape of John's in 1973 when I was the pastor of Madison Baptist Church, in Minford, Ohio.

Then I began to receive his sermon tapes in 1983 and started studying under him. I have made this no secret that John has been my guide in my preaching.

And I have also tried to have the kind of church that Grace Community Church has had. Of course that does not mean in size, but in principle. Since I have been at the church on two occasion at the Shepherd's Conferences, and several mini conferences in other places.

The phrase I have often uses. "DOING GOD'S WORK IN GOD'S WAY," comes from the study of John's work.

Another principle that I have often uses, and is in this clip video. '

"The most important part of the ministry of the Pastor/Teacher of a church is this: The teaching of the Word of God to the people of the church."

This is what I have tried to do over the years, teach the word of God verse by verse.

TRANSPARENT OF THE PASTOR

HOW WELL SHOULD YOU KNOW THE PASTOR?

JUST HOW TRANSPARENT SHOUD YOUR PASTOR BE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH?

SHOULD TECHNOLOGY REPLACE A LIVE PASTOR’S COMMUICATION?

LET US AS PREACHERS NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN SELF

WHAT SHOULD THE CHURCH CONSCIOUSLY BE

There must also be an explicit, visible communion of the saints.

Schaeffer writes,

What should the church consciously be then? The church consciously should be that which encourages its members in the true Christian life, in true spirituality . . . . It should encourage them in freedom in the present life from the bonds of sin, and in freedom in the present life from the results of the bonds of sin. It should encourage substantial healing in their separation from themselves and a substantial healing in their separation from their fellowman, especially fellow Christians (149). Ture Spirituality

The church should teach a practice of the existence of God, “and a practice of the reality of and the exhibition of God’s character of holiness and love. The church cannot merely teach these things in words; we must see the practice of these things in the church as a corporate body.

The purpose of the church is to be a living example of the living Jesus Christ in the world today. The roll the church plays in the world is to be the example of the reality of Jesus Christ in our lives.

The role of the spiritual leaders, pastors of the local church is to see Christ glorified.

Here is what John Piper said back in 1995 on Spiritual leadership:

• I define spiritual leadership as knowing where God wants people to be and taking the initiative to use God's methods to get them there in reliance on God's power. The answer to where God wants people to be is in a spiritual condition and in a lifestyle that display his glory and honor his name. Therefore, the goal of spiritual leadership is that people come to know God and to glorify him in all that they do. Spiritual leadership is aimed not so much at directing people as it is at changing people. If we would be the kind of leaders we ought to be, we must make it our aim to develop persons rather than dictate plans. You can get people to do what you want, but if they don't change in their heart you have not led them spiritually. You have not taken them to where God wants them to be.

QUESTION I ASK MYSELF PART FIVE

Six Questions I Try To Keep In Front Of Me -
This series based on 2 Timothy 2:15
I am trying to ask myself six questions based on this verse…

part five

#1 - Am I giving God my absolute best?

#2 - Am I More Concerned About God Or Others? Scripture is very clear,

“Do your best to give present yourself to God…

#3 - Does God Approve?
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved…”

#4 - Am I Being slothful?
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, A WORKMAN…”

#5 - Is There Anything I Am Ashamed Of?

…who does not need to be ashamed…”

#6 - Am I Handling God’s Word Correctly?

“…and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

I take teaching and preaching the Word of God seriously–VERY seriously…every teacher should.

One of the scariest days of my life was one day when I was reading through the book of James and really began to concentrate on JAMES 3:1-12

BAM…something hit me that day that I had never seen. I had always used this text to speak to others about the things they say and the way they say them…you know, we’ve all used this text to talk to others about the dangers of mispeaking.

BUT James 3:1 absolutely caught my attention that morning…and I believe in this text that James was specifically speaking to people who preach and teach God’s Word…and how we should take seriously what we say.

We are told straight out that teachers will be judged more seriously (gulp)…and then further instructed to guard the things we teach about and reminded of the influence that we have as teachers (that, once again, we will be held accountable for!)

Maybe it’s just me…but that morning I read through this text I had to do a serious gut check to make sure that I am handling God’s Word in a way that honors Him!

You know, that I know that the Lord is viewing my work that He has given me in this ministry of His. I am handling His Word, giving it out to His people.

Wednesday Bible Study is coming, Sunday Is coming, and I can’t wait to teach His Word.

QUESTIONS I ASK MY SELF PART FOUR

Six Questions I Try To Keep In Front Of Me -
This series based on 11 Timothy 2:15

#1 - Am I giving God my absolute best?

#2 - Am I More Concerned About God Or Others?

#3 - Does God Approve?

#4 - Am I Being slothful?

#5 - Is There Anything I Am Ashamed Of?

11 Timothy 2:15 “…who does not need to be ashamed…”

One of the VALUES that Christian leaders MUST frequently place in front of them is the value of personal integrity.

“Is there anything going on in your life privately that, if it became public, would disqualify you from ministry?”

Fellow friends we’ve GOT to be SERIOUS about integrity! Yes, we are in a battle…but

I Corinthians 10:13 tells us there is a way out of temptation…that we do not have to bow down to it but rather through Christ we can stand up under it!!!

We don’t need any more pastors/ministry leaders making horrible moral decisions! Seriously…we should be willing to take whatever steps necessary to guard ourselves!

One thing I know about God…He doesn’t play! Galatians 6:7 says He will not be mocked…and to the ministry leader that pretends all is well but has sin issues that he refuses to confess and repent of…bro, God doesn’t play games!

So…what steps are you taking to safeguard yourself? Some of mine are…

• I do not handle the money at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church
  
• I do not counsel women without my wife presence
  
• I will not ride alone with a woman in a car other than Charity or my children
  
• I will not have lunch or dinner (or breakfast) alone with a woman other than Charity or my daugher
  
• Basically I will not spend time alone with a woman other than my wife and daughter!
  
• Am I legalistic about this? YES!
• I keep my Computer where my wife can see me on line, and she can see the last 300 sites that i have being on.
  
  I have friends that ask me whether or not I am handling my life and preaching and money and time responsibile

These are just a few of the things.

• I’ve learned that the person responsible for my personal integrity is me…no one else. And that I’ve got to realize where my greatest temptations are and then plan accordingly to not place myself in those areas.

There is TOO MUCH AT STAKE for me (and YOU) to fall!

Part six next........

ACCOUNTABLITY TO THE TASK OF PASTOR

Six Questions I Try To Keep In Front Of Me - pt 3

#1 - Am I giving God my absolute best?

#2 - Am I More Concerned About God Or Others?

#3 - Does God Approve?

#4 - Am I Being Lazy?

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, A WORKMAN…”

One of the biggest temptations for a leader is to become lazy and the begin to expect God to do what HE has clearly commanded the leader to do.

1. It is my responsibility as a leader, and pastor to make sure I am prepared to preach God’s Word every Sunday, and Wednesday. Three messages on Sunday and one on Wednesday is a task.


2. It is my responsibility as a leader to make sure that I am growing in my faith and in my leadership abilities. This is by reading the Word of God. Reading material that helps me process leadership.


3. It is my responsibility as a leader to work hard, to put time, effort and energy into the things God has called me to lead.

One of the most dangerous things a leader can do is put their leadership on cruise control. God didn’t call us to cruise…He called us to create…and that ONLY comes through us being willing to roll up our sleeves and WORK HARD.

LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT GOD'S APPROVAL Pt 2

SO TRUE!

When my head hits the pillow at night I’ve got to know that I have tried my best to honor HIM and HIS calling on my life…which IS NOT EASY in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion and a website!

BUT…focusing on them doesn’t allow me to focus on Him! (BTW…it isn’t helping you either!!!)
Paul said it best in Galatians 1:10 we have a choice…I have made mine and will not look back…there is way too much at stake!

#3 - Does God Approve?

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved…”

This kind of overlaps with the last question; however, I believe the conclusion is slightly different.

Whenever I am wrestling with a decision and I think I have came to a conclusion the final filter I run it through is, “Is this a good decision or a God decision? Does God approve of this?”

I have a philosophy…could be debated I guess…but I think that I am right! I am all about getting as many people around me as possible to help make a decision. The book of Proverbs speaks over and over again of not trying to make leadership decisions alone…

However…I believe there are certain times in a leaders life when God will reveal to him the right decision that needs to be made…and he, at least for a while, will feel all alone when it comes to his conviction.

Remember David in the cave? Saul is after him, wants to kill him…goes into a cave and David “just happens” to be in there? It looked like the right opportunity! His men were telling him to go for it– they even had a verse!

BUT…David knew that God would not approve of him killing Saul (even though Saul was in an incredibly vulnerable position!)

If I ever as a leader try to make everyone around the leadership table with me happy and ignore God in the process…that makes me a poor leader.
Now, before I move on from this let me clearly say that in the nine years NewSpring has existed there has been LESS than five times EVER that I have disagreed with my entire leadership team.

AND…each time that happens I don’t ever pull the authority card. A few times we have tabled the decision to seek the Lord more…and at least once I asked them to trust me because I really felt like I had heard from the Lord.

(If you are pulling the “God told me” card every week and never allowing the leaders at the table to speak…you’ll run off your best leaders!)

I’ve said it for the longest time–leadership is as easy as listening to God…and if we listen and obey–He approves. It is THAT simple!

THE QUESTIONS I TRY TO FOLLOW

This series based on Second Timothy 2:15 tells us this.

Questions I Try To Keep In Front Of Me - 2 of 6

I am trying to ask myself six questions based on this verse…

#1 - Am I giving God my absolute best?

The first three words are both demanding AND convicting…DO YOUR BEST! (God makes is VERY apparent about how He thinks about odds and ends in Malachi 1:6-14)

There are times as a church leader, pastor, teacher, elder, I am tempted to coast…to make the trouble-free decision instead of the right one…to get out of the meeting rather than deal with the problem…to let things slide rather than hurt someone’s feelings. Not often but there are those times who I would just rather say, “Let’s pray.”

BUT…as a Shepherd God has called me to honor Him by giving Him my absolute best…and that means going the extra mile in every single area of my life.

#2 - Am I More Concerned About God Or Others?

Scripture is very clear, “Do your best to give present yourself to God…”

When “the end” is here I will stand before God and will NOT answer as to… Eccl 7:1-6

• Whether or not I kept people contented.


• Whether or not I appeased the bloggers.
  
• Whether or not I preached sermons that people WANTED to hear.

I will answer for whether or not I was faithful to WHO He called me to be and WHAT He called me to do!

Craig Groeschel that says, “The quickest way to forget what God says about me is to become obsessed with what others say about me.”
SO TRUE!

When my head hits the pillow at night I’ve got to know that I have tried my best to honor HIM and HIS calling on my life…which IS NOT EASY in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion and a website!

.

BUT…focusing on them doesn’t allow me to focus on Him! (BTW…it isn’t helping you either!!!)
Paul said it best in Galatians 1:10 we have a choice…I have made mine and will not look back…there is way too much at stake!

#3 AND 4 later...

THE DUTY OF EVERY PASTOR/TEACHER

OUR CHURCH IS ELDER/PASTORAL LED. THUS WE HAVE A PLURALITY OF PASTORS WHO WORK TO ACCOMPLISH THE OBJECTIVES THAT CHRIST HAS SET FORTH IN SCRIPTURE.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PASTOR/TEACHER IN THE LOCAL CHURCH........







FROM THE TIME I ATTENDED THE SHEPHERD'S CONFERENCE IN 1982, 1990, etc. THE GOAL HAS BEEN TO TEACH, FEED, LEAD THE PEOPLE WHOM THE LORD ALLOWS ME TO BE THE UNDERSHEPHERD.

1. to feed the flock (John 21:15-17)
   


2. to proclaim the whole will of God ( Acts 20:27)
   


3. to present everyone perfect in Christ (Colossians 1:28-29)



4. to prepare God’s people for works of service (Ephesians 4:12)


5. to equip God’s people to be fisher’s of men (2 Timothy 4:5)



6. to keep watch over oneself until the task is complete (1 Timothy 4:16)

THE MODEL OF HOLINESS AND REVERENCE

THIS IS NO SECRET I FOLLOW THE MINISTRY OF JOHN MACARTHUR.

Paul said, "Be a follow of me." So I would say that to see flesh out the principles of the Word of God, is not a bad idea.

Preachers are personalities. Because of the media, John has being a personality in the Christian field.

He is as well known in the Christian field and Kobe Bryan is known in the Sports field. John has not chosen to promote himself, the media has done that.

If I have heard negative remarks about any preacher, its about John. If there has been false remarks made about a preacher, its being about John MacArthur.

Those who have had a problem with John's teaching, please click here to read to get a clear understanding about what he teaches. If you are interested.

In the past generations, they created an image of pastors that focused on distance, separation, and holiness, and it sometimes overdid the nobility of that image. Today this generation has undone that image and, in the process, has become enamored with "authenticity" and "I'm just like you in every way." But I don't believe the apostles Paul had that notion in mind when he sent off his instructions for elders in the Pastoral letters. Leaders lead because they've got something to say and show to others. So many pastors take off their tie and suits and just like like anyone else. That is cool they say.

What seems to be the need today is a model who models before God holiness and reverence. Today its seems the personality of the pastor is in the forefront and God is in the back ground.

I see in John MacArthur a person who is an example of one who as put to death self and the flesh. As pastors stand before their congregation its the whole package: pastor, father, husband, menor, spiritual director, sibling, friend, and fellow Christian. As a "fellow" Christian the pastor is a model before everyone of the "death of self, death of the flesh' life and lifestyle. Its true you don't want to put pastors on the pedestal, yet at the same time you need to have a pastor who is going to be a good example of what it means to live properly before God. And in my opinion that man for me is John.

Half the time I think I should quit, when I think where I am in my lifestyle and roll as a husband, father, pastor, menor, and friend and fellow Christian. While I have truly strived to be the right kind of person, pastor and husband, etc. I note that I have a long way to go.

Birthday and Reflection on Ministry

OKAY, SO CHARITY MAKES A GOOD CAKE FOR A SIXTY ONE YEAR HUSBAND

We braved the weather Wednesday Night at Bill and Linda Aldridge's place, to have a great time of cold fellowship, and for our birthday.
The good folks at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church gave us some very nice birthday cards, a gift card to Praises and a pastor's appreciation card and some good fellowship around the fire on Wednesday.

MICHAEL MAPLE

• I mentioned to my father in law yesterday that it's good to back in the pastor/teaching ministry. We went to Bremen, Ohio, for a funeral viewing. Michael Maple, who died Monday, is the son of Roy and Lana Maple,with whom I went to seminary. Mike was the associate pastor with his dad there in Lancaster, Ohio. Our love and prayers are with the family.

WHY SOME COME TO CHURCH:

I sometimes wonder why people even come to church on Sunday, then Sunday Evening and then again on Wednesday. I am sure there are many reasons why people believe they need to attend the services at the church they attend. Some people will drive a good distance to come even to Rivers of Joy, while others who live across the street do not attend any church.

As a Pastor you desire folks to come and really experience the joy of the Lord in their hearts while they lift up their hearts in worship to the Lord. You desire that the experience is not so emotional that when they get in their car and leave the parking lot, that they lose the joy of the Lord before they get home.

We sense a safe havan in the church building and hopefully around Christians believers, then we get out into the real world, and experiece all the difficulty that we face each moment. Life has a way of giving us the shock treatement. And without a dose of the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we would be powerless to cope with every day life.

I can't imagine what Roy and Lana Maple are going through in losing their son, or Mike's wife is going through now. Here is a family without question who has given their life to the Lord, and yet in God's plan, Mike was taken to the Lord. While going to Heaven is really is a good idea, it's so hard on the family.

I have come to realize that God has a plan for us to live a certain amount of time in this life, and then it's over here. So what we do with this life now, each moment, each day, is important to give to the Lord. I certainly would pray that when my time on earth is ended, that I am in the will of God. I would rather be preaching and teaching and around good Chritians friends, then out of church, sitting at home, and mad at God.

THANKFUL AND BLESSED

I am thankful the Lord has allowed me again to pastor a church. I am glad the folks at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church have allowed me to be their pastor. Charity and I are a team, and we love the Lord and the sweet folks there at the church.

May the Lord give us another day to serve Him, and that we will be serving Him when He calls us home to be with Him.

LEADERSHIP

Leadership has the ability to lead people in the direction that God is leading them. But one characteristics that leaders, pastors, elders, shepherds, should not be so obsessed with, its pleasing people.

What happens in ministry, we know we know should please God. And when we say to the church body, "We are to please God, first, and not man." I find often people don't really understand that. And sometimes pastors/teachers don't understand that either.

When you don't please people, they quit coming to church, they may quit giving their offering to the church and they might just get mad at you.

On the other hand, ministry motives often becomes cloudy and without even knowing it, we can become obsessed with pleasing people rather than God.

WHAT ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF PASTOR PLEASERS, AND WE NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR IN MY LIFE AND MINISTRY.

1. People pleasing pastors take most criticism personally. Any suggestion feels like a personal attack. We become overly defensive and resentful of even mild corrections.
2. People pleasing pastors have an extraordinary fear of rejection. If someone questions our motivies, doesn't like a sermon, comment about the sermon outline, or leaves the Church, it can throw a few us into a depressed tailspin, and some will just quit going to church altogether.
3. People pleasing pastors find it hard to express their feelings. Because we have to "please people," we don't feel safe expressing our true feeling and needs.
4. People pleasing pastors have a hard time saying "no." Because we want to make people happy. We often over-commit. Although we are outwardly agreeable, we are often inwardly resentful.

But while we need to watch our motives, and we need to please God first, we also need to watch that we don't on purpose get people to hate us.

How often I have talked to other pastors who are so people pleasers that they will just lie about what they are really thinking. I know strong words to say. They do not want to say something that will disappoint you, and keep you liking them, while at the same time know they are not going to use you in the church.

Most of us pastors fight the "people pleasing" problem.

THE STATE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH TODAY

THE POTENTIAL FRUSTRATION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

There are times over the years that you do want to "pull your hair out." There are times of frustration can set in. Its human.

I am reading that local Churches attendances in North America have declined over the years. While there are churches that are larger, those churches are growing with those who have stopped going to other churches. There are fewer people going to church these days.

On a Sunday, “tech” is happening in classrooms, the Treehouse, the gym, the main worship center and our new FX Live family production that kicked off this past Sunday. The FX Live team has their own full tech team and uses IMAG (Image Magnification) in their production as well. NOTE: FX Live has 2 cameras right now (the same ones we used in our old worship center).

Well, come churches are trying to attract those who are dropping out of church. So some churches are doing some other things to attract people to come to their church:

In this church they have chosen to have a great stage to attract people to come to the church. Here is there staff

1. Dir. of Technical Arts (that’s me - I float around, encourage and oversee) \
2. Front of House audio (usually our full-time Audio Coordinator)
3. A2 (second audio engineer at FOH)
4. Monitor Engineer
5. Lighting Technician
6. Service Director (on headset with stage managers, times service, executes)
7. Stage Manager on stage left
8. Stage Manager on stage right
9. Stage Manager on floor
10. Producer (takes in overall experience, gives creative feedback/guidance)
11. Video Director (right now the VD calls and switches)
12. Video Engineer (this person is the camera shader and is responsible for starting the recordings for the DVD-R and capture to FinalCut for the video podcast)
13. Camera operator 1
14. Camera operator 2
15. Camera operator 3
16. Graphics Operator (right now their is one that runs EasyWorship)
17. FUTURE: Broadcast audio engineer (right now we capture to ProTools HD)
18. FUTURE: TD at the switcher (the Video Director will just call the shots)
19. FUTURE: Prompt Screen Operator (we are going to move to 2 graphics operators, one for the screens that the people see and one just for the prompt screens that the singers see)

I read this comment: I Chronicles 12:32 'And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.' From this text, "men who understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take" Today, church leaders must act as scouts, fervently asking the Lord for discernment into how they can best practice biblically faithful ministry in their cultures and contexts." I thought this has come merit.

So how is the Pastor and Staff to view the need of church ministry today.



Next time. Its late.