Msg #2118 Pastors, Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing.

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

“The elders which are among you I exhort, ... Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,... not as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1Pet 5:1-3). Peter had just given saints who were persecuted, treated unjustly, and suffering for Christ, an “above all things” exhortation that they “have fervent charity among yourselves” (1Pet 4:8). Here in chapter 5 that concern extends to the pulpit.

People have a carnal nature that causes them to turn on each other during unfair treatment, like the little brother that gets a big cookie, while I get a crumb. Christians are not exempt, and, unfortunately, neither are independent, fundamental pastors. It is emphasized that this selfishness is a carnal nature, not a Godly nature. The Apostle Paul warned the Galatians, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Gal 5:15). Rural denominational churches were irate because we could intelligently continue worship services, while they had to abide fifty pages of ludicrous denominational COVID commands. God ordained independent, autonomous, local churches, with no denominational controls. But sometimes even independent pastors turn on each other. It has been said that independent Baptists fight like alley-cats, … but they reproduce like them too.

Peter addresses here that pastors need to keep the main thing the main thing. Denominational heads cannot comprehend different responses required for different areas, unfortunately neither do some carnal independent Baptists. Be careful of infighting. Carefully feed the flock, take the oversight, and be an example. Above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves. “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1Pet 5:4).

An Essay for week #18 - May 2, 2021

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs210502.mp3

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A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit
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