May They Know We Have Been With Jesus

As I prepare to proclaim God's message to people this morning, I am convicted by Acts 4:13: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 Fellow Word-Proclaimers, may … Continue reading May They Know We Have Been With Jesus →

Gospel-Matching Behavior for Leaders (Titus 2:7-8)

“Yourself” is the next category in Titus 2:2-10, and it refers to Titus. Titus was to show himself to be an example of good works in every way (2:7-8). He was to "teach what accords with sound doctrine" (2:1). He was to behave in a way that matched the Gospel as a model to follow. … Continue reading Gospel-Matching Behavior for Leaders (Titus 2:7-8) →

A Prayer to Be Above Reproach

Our church family is studying through Titus. We recently studied elders and their qualifications (Titus 1:5-9). We learned that the elders are not the superheroes of the body. They are not the super Christians who are a step above everyone else in the church. When Paul told Titus to appoint elders in every town, he … Continue reading A Prayer to Be Above Reproach →

A Prayer for Brother Shepherds

Father, I pray for my brother shepherds as they shepherd Your people. There will be many emotions in the days ahead with election results, the rioting in different locations, COVID fatigue, and normal struggles. May they shepherd Your flock with care and patience. May they lead them to the all-sufficient Savior and not to themselves. … Continue reading A Prayer for Brother Shepherds →

Picturing Elders: Shepherds

We have been studying church elders by studying their titles. These titles serve as picture words which describe their duties and function in the church. So far we studied elders, stewards, and overseers. In this post we will look at the title “shepherd” or “pastor.” One of the titles for elders in the New Testament … Continue reading Picturing Elders: Shepherds →

Picturing Elders – Overseers

We have been studying the different titles for elders, which really serve as descriptions of the elder’s duties and service. We have already looked at the titles “elder” and “steward.” “Elder” describes the spiritual maturity of the elders. “Steward” describes their position as managers of God’s household. In this post we will look at the … Continue reading Picturing Elders – Overseers →

Picturing Elders – Stewards

In our current series on elders we are studying the different titles for elders. These titles serve as picture words that help us understand the roles of these men in the life of the church. Our last post looked at the title “elder.” You can read that post here. In this post we will study … Continue reading Picturing Elders – Stewards →

Picturing Elders: Elders

We have started a series on the elders of the church. This study is the result of our church family’s study in Paul’s letter to Titus. Paul has left Titus on Crete to straighten out the problems in the churches and appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5). That led us into a study of … Continue reading Picturing Elders: Elders →

Picturing Elders – Overview

God is so kind to us. He knows our frailties. He knows how we think. He leans into us in kindness and speaks to us in ways we can understand. That is a beautiful thing. God has spoken to us in the Bible. He did not have to, but He did. He has revealed Himself … Continue reading Picturing Elders – Overview →

The Head of the Church

Before we start this study on elders, it is essential that we remember – Jesus is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:15, 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 2:19). Jesus has died for His church and purchased us with His own blood (Acts 20:28). God “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us … Continue reading The Head of the Church →