Finding disciples wherever we go

And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home. And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. Acts 21:4-7

Being a Christian means we have more family than we know! Almost everywhere we may go, there will be Christians there. I say almost, because sadly, there are still many places around the world where Christians are scarce and or persecuted, and therefore hard to find. But in much of the world, and for sure in our country, there are churches everywhere. Two things to consider:

How wonderful that even if we are strangers, and even if we have nothing else in common with Christians we do not know, we share the most important thing: our common faith in Christ! And because of this, even if other church services are very different from what we are used to, fellowship can still take place. (Frances and I have been in other countries in which we did not understand a word that was said—but we knew we were with family in Christ!)

When you are out of town on vacation or business, find and attend a church. Do your best to find a biblical church, of course! And have discernment regarding doctrine. But again, even if the worship style is unfamiliar, enjoy the fellowship. Remember God has His people just about everywhere, and it is good for us to find other disciples wherever we go.

Understanding choices

Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. Acts 21:1-3

After his brief visit with the Ephesian elders (which took us a long time to meditate through) Paul and co. were on their way to Israel. Here is a simple thought on knowing where we are going, but not always knowing how we are going to get there. Paul knew he was headed to Israel, but getting there was not an exact straight line. There were differing routes and undetermined stops along the way.

Isn’t that a lot like life? Ultimately, as children of God we know our final destination is in the Lord’s presence in Heaven, but there are many options along the way. Some are good and easy. Others are not so good nor are they easy. This means we have decisions to make. Let us remember always to seek the Lord and His wisdom in making these decisions.

Ironically the wisest choices usually make the journey better, but not always. Sometimes a path will seem smoother but not as spiritually beneficial. The Lord’s will for us often involves difficulties that cause spiritual growth.

Maybe the bottom line is that we constantly seek the Lord and depend on Him to enable us to be cheerful and flexible. Maybe I’m the only one who needs to be reminded of this. But I doubt it.

Recap: Paul's words to the Ephesian elders

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
Acts 20:28-30

We have finally finished wading through Acts 20—Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders in particular. Before starting Acts 21, I thought it wise for us to be reminded of the most poignant aspect of what he told them. “Take heed to yourselves.”

Why? Because as in every church, in every place, and in every time, straying from the truth is an ever present danger! Sometimes it is outright heresy. But usually it is much more subtle, and therefore harder to spot and reject. More often that turning away to outright heresy, churches “drift away.” Rather than sticking with Christ and the gospel (and practicing the “ordinary means of grace”), churches place emphasis on many lesser things:

• “Talks” intended to “inspire” and make people feel good (instead of biblical and doctrinal sermons intended to grow us up in the faith).

• Entertainment. Fun, fun, fun so that people will like us, instead of fearing and worshiping God.

• Programs that meet every conceivable need—except for spiritual growth in sanctification.

• Politics. Trusting in politicians and political parties instead of addressing the root cause of our problems: sin and the need for repentance and spiritual awakening.

• Moralism and legalism, as though being good and doing good are any substitute for Christ and the gospel—followed by loving, grateful obedience.

In the closing chapters of Hosea, God warned Israel of impending judgment for having turned away from Him to false gods. It is chilling to read because God’s words so clearly apply to God’s people in every place and in every time—including ours. Let us, therefore, “take heed to ourselves”!

Loved ones not in Heaven

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. Acts 20:36-38

Last time we considered the fact that we will be reunited with saved loved ones in Heaven, which will be a delight! But what about the fact that there will likely be people we loved in this life who die unsaved and who, therefore, will not be in Heaven? Will that diminish the joy of Heaven?

First, the infinitely supreme joy of Heaven will be seeing the Lord. Seeing our saved loved ones will also be a delight, but nothing or no one can add anything to the bliss of seeing the Lord. Is the number infinity any bigger by adding 1 to it? No. He alone will be everything.

Likewise, that some of those we loved in this life will not be in Heaven will not take anything away from the joy we will have in Him. How can this be?

Some theorize (I believe completely incorrectly) that we will have no memory of those who are not there. Here are two reasons I reject that notion. (1) “We will know as we are known” in Heaven (1 Corinthians 13:12). Heaven is a place where we know more, not less. (2) This error also steals glory from God, because it would mean that He Himself is not enough to give us perfect delight, unless He erases our memories of others.

What is the biblical answer? Let me warn you that this answer, though correct, causes some folks a measure of distress. Here we go…

When we get to Heaven we will know, at last, that God is right about everything. We say we believe that now, but in Heaven we will understand it to the degree that God’s just condemnation of the lost was the right thing. And we will praise Him forever for doing all things right!

Bottom line: pray for and share Christ with all fervency with unsaved loved ones. But rest assured, when you are in Heaven, because Heaven is infinitely good, it will be no better or no worse because of who other than God is there!

Loved ones in Heaven

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. Acts 20:36-38

Paul told the elders of the Ephesian church that he wouldn’t see them again (v.25). They were, therefore, sorrowful at the thought of not seeing him again in this life. When visiting with a brother or sister in the Lord for whom death is imminent, as we part, we feel that same sadness knowing we will not see that person again in this life. But as we are sure of that person’s faith in Christ, we can receive comfort even in sorrow knowing that we will see him or her in Heaven.

As joyous as that thought is, let us be reminded that while we will be reunited with saved loved ones in Heaven, and though that will be fabulous, the main attraction in Heaven is God. We will finally at last see HIM! (1 Corinthians 13:12, Psalm 17:15, Revelation 22:4, 1 John 3:2). That is what makes Heaven Heaven!

The joy of seeing Him will outstrip every other delight, BUT… it will be a bonus delight to see saved loved ones! Since Jesus said we are not married in Heaven, Frannie and I will no longer be married, but we look forward to seeing the Lord—together in Heaven.

We will not, however, be reunited with those who are not born again in this life. That is all the more reason to pray for, and seek to point unsaved family and friends to the Lord. It will matter for eternity!

While looking forward to seeing those who have gone to Heaven ahead of us, what about those who are not there when we get there? Will that diminish our joy in Heaven? Next time…

A house of prayer

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Acts 20:36

Okay, I know. It has been said a million times. But it is still true. We need to pray more!

A local church is made up of several component parts. Preaching. The sacraments. Fellowship. Evangelism and missions. And, oh yeah, prayer.

Please forgive me if what follows sounds like a commercial. Maybe it is.

Though the local church is to be a place of all of the aforementioned, the only one Jesus singled out when defining the Church is that it is to be “a house of prayer” (Mark 11:17).

We try to be intentional about that in our services on Sundays and Thursdays. Not only do we open every service in prayer, asking God to bless and direct our worship services, one of the men leads us in prayer every Sunday morning and every Thursday evening.

I addition, we have 30 minutes set aside for prayer every Sunday morning (9:45-10:15). Many thanks to those who participate in this (and other) times of prayer. We understand that for some, attending that time of prayer is impossible. But for the greater number for whom that time of prayer is possible—but who do not come—please reconsider our need for prayer. Sadly, there are frequently ore people in the lobby during this time of prayer than are in the prayer circles. Even if everyone came only one Sunday each month, we would triple the number participating in prayer.

On the fourth Sunday of each month we have a prayer lunch. We eat for 30 minutes and then pray for about 45 minutes. Sadly, participation in this prayer meeting is very weak. We started supplying lunch in hopes that more people would stay for prayer. It didn’t help. So instead of creating work for those who are already very busy on Sunday mornings, we are reverting back to asking everyone to bring their own lunch. But more importantly, we need prayer. Please consider spending 45 minutes in prayer on one Lord’s day each month!

Praying on the spot. May the Lord grant us sensitivity when we are enjoying fellowship before and after church to pray for one another on the spot as praises and needs arise.

Forgive me for pleading, but we need prayer enough that I’ll plead.

One more on encouragement

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35

We have been considering ways to encourage each other, especially in light of Jesus words (quoted by Paul) “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” And that applies especially to giving encouragement. So far the posts have been about encouraging each other at church. Today, here are a few ideas about encouraging each other when we are not at church.

Encouragement cards. We have been supplying index cards in the seat backs at church for use as encouragement since the church began in 1985. This is such a simple way to encourage each other. You write the note with the recipient’s name on it and we’ll address it, stamp it, and mail it. To whom might you send a card? How about people in the prayer section of the bulletin? People who are missing. Or to people who serve in the church. What might you write? Praying for you. I missed you. Thank you. Tell the person(s) how they have blessed you. And whether you hear back or not, you’ll know that someone will have gotten a word of encouragement in their mail box that week! (Consider making this a regular ministry every Sunday you are at church!)

Emails. Probably all our email in boxes are flooded with loads of spam, useless emails, and forwarded jokes we do not find amusing. How cool to receive a brief encouragement email from someone in the body! Keep these emails short and sweet. Just encourage the person. Don’t ask questions the person will feel obligated to respond to, since like you, they’re busy! What a breath of fresh air in our email inboxes to simply be encouraged!

Phone calls. Calls take a bit more time and effort. And since people are busy, if you call, keep it short and sweet: “I just wanted to call to say you were on my mind and I prayed for you today.” To keep from making the call longer than necessary, don’t ask questions—just encourage! And if your call goes to voicemail, leave an encouraging voice message and tell the person they need not call back.

Remember, it is a blessing to receive words of encouragement, but it is more blessed to give than to receive!

More ways to encourage others

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35

Last time we considered simple yet effective ways to encourage others in the body of Christ. Here are a few more (and notice that so far these have only been about when we are together at church).

Look for guests & try to remember their names. We can talk to our friends at any time, but we may have only one shot at speaking to guests. I am grateful that our church family is generally very good at this! When introducing ourselves to our guests, besides giving them our first names, though this is hard for many of us, try to remember their names. The simplest way to do this is to use their names several times in that first encounter. It is amazing how much people are encouraged when someone remembers their names!

Look for people who are alone. In addition to greeting guests, look for people (individuals, couples, and even families) who are alone, and greet them. Two of our dear ladies recently approached a guest sitting by herself, and besides greeting her, they invited the guest to sit with them. The guest moved and a connection was made. That is encouraging!

Sit toward the front and near one another. It might surprise you to know that people in church are encouraged when they see people sitting up front and near one another. It sends an encouraging message that people are excited to be there. That kind of encouraging excitement is contagious. Conversely, when everyone sits toward the rear and we are all separated from each other, the impression is that we are a disinterested, stand-offish people. I know that there are practical reasons that sitting near the back is desirable (like having small children with you), but unless there is a practical reason, encourage others by moving forward.

Sing—robustly. When more people are singing—and are singing robustly—others are encouraged to sing. When fewer are singing, or cannot be heard, others are less likely to sing. Our singing encourages other people!

Pray for each other—on the spot. When talking with people at church, listen for prayer “set-ups.” If someone shares a need, say, “Let me pray for you right now!” and then pray there on the spot. If someone shares a bit of good news, say, “Let’s thank the Lord right now!” and then give thanks in prayer on the spot. You cannot convince me that is not encouraging!

Invite people to join you (at prayer meetings, Thursday evenings, & Home Fellowships). Whether people accept your invitations or not, people are encouraged when someone invites them to something. Being included is encouraging. And besides, the whole church is encouraged when there are more people at prayer meetings, Thursday evening worship, and Home Fellowships!

Remember, it is more blessed to give encouragement even than receiving encouragement!

Next time, encouraging with cards, emails, and calls.

How to be more blessed...

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35

Last time we considered why it is more blessed to encourage others than to receive encouragement from others. This time, let’s consider some very simple ways to encourage the body of Christ.

Show up. Most don’t realize it, but every time you show up to church, the fact that you (and others) are there is an encouragement to the rest of the body. Think of times when you may have come to church and the sanctuary was rather empty. Did that encourage you? Of course not. But when the place is full and buzzing with others who have come to worship, we are encouraged. Even if you did nothing more than coming to church by being there, you encouraged the rest of us.

Arrive on time. I pray this doesn’t sound petty, but when the service begins and only a fraction of the church family is there, it isn’t exactly encouraging (especially to those who are leading the service). There is a blessing attached to showing up on time and thereby encouraging others.

Smile. Some of us have faces that aren’t naturally very smiley. Let us encourage others by being intentional about smiling at each other. It is such a small thing, but it can make such a difference to someone who needs encouragement!

Use your words. We hear parents utter these words to whiny, unhappy children. In addition to smiling, can let us learn to speak encouraging words when we speak to one another. And when asked “How are you doing?” instead of instantly bemoaning your troubles, begin by praising God for sustaining you. (It is certainly not wrong to share our burdens and to pray for each other, but think and speak encouragement first if you can!) Remember Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another…”

We’ll consider a few more next time…

It is more blessed to give...

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35

When we hear that “it is more blessed to give than to receive,” we might generally think of giving money. While that is generally true, the context is not limited to money. More specifically, it is in relation to supporting the weak. In other words, it is more blessed to give encouragement than it is to receive encouragement.

Our lives as believers in Jesus are better when we are giving encouragement than when we are receiving words of encouragement. That is not to say the reason to encourage others is to make life better for ourselves, but it is still true that it is better to give than to receive.

We are not called to encourage others because we have received encouragement from others. This means that we are better off encouraging others even when we are receiving no encouragement ourselves. If we are ever tempted to think of how much we give and yet receive so little in return, we are missing the point.

Our greatest example, as always, is Jesus. Think of the encouragement we have received from Him. Our sins are forgiven (totally and eternally!). Our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (from which they can never be erased!). We have been adopted into the family of God (and are joint heirs with Jesus!). We have the promise of Heaven in our future (where we will see His glorious face and never experience sin again—ever!). Do these truths encourage you?

It is because of the encouragement we receive from Christ (never having encouraged Him in any way), that we are motivated and empowered to encourage one another—even if we are never encouraged by anyone else!

Next time: a few ways we can encourage others…

I have coveted no one's silver or gold

I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. Acts 20:33-34

One of the things I hate most is the subject of vocational ministers and money. To bring up the subject can seem like fishing for money. To neglect the subject is to ignore a topic that the Bible is unafraid to address. Since I have been a bit autobiographical going through a passage in which Paul was rather autobiographical, I’ll take a chance and do the same on this matter.

Those who know me know that I am not in the ministry for financial gain. When the church began in 1985, I worked full time, as did Paul, as a “tentmaker.” As the church grew and had the financial ability, I began receiving a small amount of remuneration. Little by little over a couple of years, I was able to stop my secular employment to serve full time as a pastor.

Many of you know where I live, in an older neighborhood of smaller homes. I bought one new car in my life, a 1976 Honda Civic. I have never made over $50,400 in any year of my life. I have always said there are two ways to be rich: have a lot of money, or have a low overhead. We have always been more than content to have a low overhead—due in large part to the fact that besides paying off our mortgage over twenty years ago, we haven’t purchased anything on credit in ‘I do not know how long.’

The elders and deacons have wanted to raise my salary on numerous occasions, but we have deferred such raises toward possible future retirement.

Like Paul, I can say with clear conscience, “I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.”

Let us bear two more things in mind:

First, scripture does teach that churches compensate their pastors Read this short article.

Second, if and when Grace Bible Church needs to replace me, it will be impossible to secure a full-time pastor (especially in pricey Moorpark) for compensation anywhere near the meager amount I have been most content with.

It is essential that we be sanctified if indeed we have been justified

"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

Paul refers to believers as “those who are sanctified.” Does this mean that we are only saved when we are sufficiently sanctified? Does it mean that our justification is contingent upon our sanctification? No it does not. But let us not think little of sanctification, or that it is somehow optional.

All who are justified (those who upon trusting in Christ are declared by God to be righteous) begin the life long process of sanctification (growing in holiness as we become progressively more like what God has already declared us to be).

The Roman church confuses this, teaching that justification is dependent on sanctification—works = justification (salvation.) Biblical Christianity teaches that justification, solely the work of God, is necessarily followed by sanctification, which is the work of God, that we participate in by God’s grace.

All who are justified will be sanctified (some more, some less), and then glorified when taken to Heaven. Those who are not sanctified do not end up not being justified—they never were justified.

Sanctification is a validation that one has already been justified by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. So let us cooperate with the Holy Spirit and grow in holiness as we are sanctified.

Eyes on the Lord, not on His servants

"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

Though Paul had invested so much in the people and church in Ephesus, he knew full well whose sheep they were—God’s. That is why he didn’t tell them that they were answerable to him, but commended them to God, and to the word of God’s grace. No matter who our how gifted a church leader is, the only true authority is God and the leader’s only authority is the word of God that the leader speaks. And if the leaders is speaking the Word of God, he may not only speak of grace, but he will always speak of grace. Think about that.

Why point people to God, to the Word, and to God’s grace? Paul answers that question. Only God, God’s Word, and God’s grace can build us up and sanctify us.

Thank God for human leaders given by Christ to His Church (Ephesians 4:11-12). But fix your eyes and your hope on God, on His Word, and on His grace.

How long should a pastor stay in the same church? (4)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:31

As we have discussed, these is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long a pastor should say in the same church. Pastors, congregations, and circumstances are all different.

As a young pastor I heard a more seasoned pastor I respected say, “Sometimes the pastor should go to a different church. The trick,” he said, “is for the pastor to know when it is time to go before the people do. Better to leave a hero than a goat.” I am not sure why those words have stuck with me, especially since I have served in the same church since January of 1985, over 37 years.

At this point, it would be most unlikely for me to leave this church to go to another church. First, because I do not want to go anywhere else. Second, what other church would want a man my age? The reality is, however, unless I die while pastoring this church, the day may come when it is time for me to step aside for a younger man to assume the responsibility of being the preaching pastor at GBC.

I want to preach until my last day. But let us pray that I will know when God wants me to step aside before the congregation collectively thinks I have overstayed my usefulness.

Until then, we begin Romans this Sunday. The last time I preached Romans there were 104 messages spread over 5 years. And since I hate not finishing what I have started, I have no plans of going anywhere soon! To God be the glory!

How long should a pastor stay in the same church? (3)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31

Paul stayed in different churches for different lengths of time—three years in Ephesus. We’ve been considering how long a pastor should stay in the same church. Stated a different way, when should a pastor change churches? There is no standard answer that fits every situation, but the reality is…

Sometimes a pastor needs to be “fired.” This should be rare! But if he begins to drift theologically, is not leading biblically, or is leading the church in the direction of a new ministry fad instead of deeper into the Bible, and if the man will not repent, he must be let go.

Sometimes a church needs to be fired! I knew a man whose church insisted on being a stuffy little group with no interest in evangelism or growth. After trying to shepherd them in a more biblical direction, he eventually told them, “You people have no vision! I can’t stay in a church that has no vision.” He left and eventually the church closed it’s doors.

There are some wonderful joys that accompany a long term pastorate. It is a rare delight to witness God’s work not only in a church, but in families in that church over multiple generations. I have had the joy of baptizing young people whose parents I also baptized when they were young people. I have officiated weddings for young people whose parents I married years earlier. It is hard to put into words what a delight that is!

I know I am biased, but while there are times when it is acceptable and even right for a pastor to leave a church and the church to welcome a new shepherd—when it works out, I believe a long tenure is preferable to a short tenure.

Next time: Staying or leaving?

How long should a pastor stay in the same church? (2)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31

We began last time considering how long a pastor should stay in one place shepherding the same congregation. We said there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The first consideration we wrote of is Gifting. Some men are called and gifted by God to plant churches, and these usually stay on 2-5 years.

Most pastors are not called by God to be church planters. How long should they stay in on church? Again, there is no magic answer.

New opportunities or the search for greener grass? Pastors sometimes leave a church for reasons that may or may not be good. Leaving a smaller church to pastor a larger church may be God’s will. Those who do this need to be sure that are being led by the Lord rather than by the desire for more people and a “more prestigious position.”

Sometimes pastors leave because either they are tired of the church, or the church is tired of them. Again, this may be an indicator that both pastor and congregation need a change. But there are times when both parties need to learn to adapt to each other. Hopefully, we do not bolt from our marriages at the first sign of disaffection! Neither should we from our churches!

Autobiographically: There was a time (in the days of Shiloh Community Church) that I was being interviewed for a pastorate in another church (ironically it was smaller!). I was unhappy where I was and there were many here who were unhappy with me. I was counseled by a seasoned pastor to answer one question: “Are you running to something or away from something?” The answer to that question caused me to decline the other position. I needed to stay, deny myself, work hard, and wait on the Lord. The last nearly two decades have proven that (with the aid of godly counsel) I discerned God’s will accurately and made the wise choice!

How long should a pastor stay in the same church? (1)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Acts 20:28-31

The Apostle Paul was a church planting pastor. As a church planter, the Lord brought together and raised up a number of congregations under Paul’s pioneering leadership. As a pastor, Paul served as a shepherd to those congregations, though usually not for a startlingly short time. Two congregations in which he stayed markedly longer were Corinth (probably for around 18 months), and Ephesus for three years.

How long should a pastor stay in one place shepherding the same congregation? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some variables that may cause a pastor to have tenures of various lengths.

Gifting. God gifts and calls some men to plant several churches over the course of their ministries. These men will usually stay at the newborn church until a more long term pastor takes over. This often takes two to five years. As a uniquely gifted Apostle, Paul was frequently off to plan another church much quicker, but his example is not normative. Church planting missionaries almost always aim to move on to plant another church as quickly as each new church is established.

Autobiographically: In 1985, when the Lord raised up Grace Bible Church of Moorpark (originally Shiloh Community Church) Frances and I didn’t think we would serve here long term. We had thoughts of leaving to plant another church in nearby Fillmore after 18-24 months. We are still here after 37.5 years! That reminds me of Proverbs 19:21 “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” Plans are great, but write them in pencil, not in ink!

Shepherds and sheep

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Acts 20:28-31

Paul wanted the Ephesian elders to remember how he served them—not only with diligence and doctrinal purity, but also with passion: “with tears.” Not everyone is equally demonstrable regarding tears. But with or without actual tears, responsible shepherds of God’s people think about, are concerned for, and even worry about the sheep. Why? Because spiritually minded shepherds love Christ and therefore love His people.

Because the mortal shepherds of God’s sheep are sheep as well—and are therefore fallible, and yes, even sinful—we make mistakes, we drop the ball, we fail, and we sometimes disappoint people. But rest assured that unless a shepherd is a false one, he earnestly loves and cares for the sheep.

Application #1: Shepherds love God’s people. And this applies to more than elders and deacons in the church. May all who serve do so motivated by love for Christ and for His people.

Application #2: “Remember” (as Paul said) how your earthly shepherds lovingly and even passionately serve. Thank God for them. Pray for them. And be forgiving when they are less than perfect.

False teachers and their teachings

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Acts 20:28-31

Paul’s warning was not exclusively to and for the Ephesian church and their elders. Sadly, where there is truth, there have always been those who oppose and teach contrary to the truth.

Some teach error because they are untrained. This is why properly trained elders (and especially vocational pastors) are a must! Ignorance of sound doctrine can be averted and remedied by means of rigorous training.

Others teach error because they are false prophets. They are trained, all right, but only to be more skilled in promulgating false doctrine. The Church, every local church, and the leaders in every church must have discernment to detect false doctrine so that it can be exposed, and refuted. And if false prophets do not genuinely repent, they must be denounced, warned against, and put out.

And note that Paul warned not only about false prophets who come into the Church from without (including via books, TV, podcasts, etc.), but they will sometimes rise up from within the Church. Sadly, some preachers and teachers who seem to start well drift and actually become false prophets.

What are we to do? (1) We must all know the truth. When we know the truth well, error becomes increasingly obvious. Knowing the truth means knowing holy scriptures! (2) We must pray for discernment that only the Holy Spirit can give us. (3) We must be loving and bold when it comes to error. We do not want to shoot first and ask questions later. But we must be prepared to call out false teaching and teachers.

Important Footnote: Being discerning means knowing the difference between “differences of opinions” regarding matters that are less clear, and about which believers may disagree—and being able to know the difference between true and false doctrine regarding essential and non-negotiable truths.

Testifying to the gospel (3.b)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24

We’ve been looking at three ways Paul described following and serving the Lord: finishing the race—well; serving in the ministry; testifying to the gospel of the grace of God. Last time we answered the question: What is the gospel? This time: How are we to testify of the gospel?

The most essential way believers are to testify of the gospel of the grace of God is to be sure we understand it so that we can communicate it to others. Sadly, many believers think they are testifying of the gospel by inviting people to church or encouraging them to clean up some area in their lives that is particularly sinful. Neither of those is the gospel. Unsure what the gospel is? Go back and read yesterday’s blog. Those are the essential components of the gospel.

A simple way of remembering the gospel is the “Three Rs.” (1) All people are RUINED by sin. (2) Jesus is the only REMEDY for our sin. (3) Each must RECEIVE Christ (by trusting in Him and repenting of sin).

Getting the gospel straight, even when stating it as simply as the Three Rs, is essential because the gospel (not how beautifully we explain it) is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16).

Yes, we are to live exemplary Christian lives, but no matter how we live, our example can save no one. To be saved, people need to hear the gospel. So tell the gospel—and then live an exemplary Christian life, not instead of telling the gospel, but to validate that you believe it!