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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 20:27 we are taught how God used Paul to proclaim the whole Word of God - to share the whole Will of God - without withholding challenging truths which might at first appear unpalatable and could cause you to become unpopular in certain circles. As you minister in such a way, you will have a clear conscience. Of course that means believing it and obeying it first. People need the lot - all that God has for them. We need all the equipment which God provides, and we see that so clearly in those verses. Omit nothing! Is this too challenging for you? I hope not!
Paul continues to speak so specifically to those spiritual leaders. Take care of your own spiritual life. Be concerned about your own walk with God - and also, take care and be concerned about all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Elder, pastor, shepherd, overseer, bishop - are all inter-changeable in the New Testament They mean the same thing - the same office - and man has taken these words and used them to produce a denominational system. 'Episkopos' - 'presbuteros' - 'poimen' - are the three Greek words which can be translated by any of these five.
It is the Holy Spirit Who makes elders. We may appoint men - but it is God Who makes men elders. And, when HE puts you in charge you are responsible to HIM!
And, feed the Church of God. Feed those whom Jesus Christ has saved and bought with His Own Blood. Look after the Church of God - feed the flock of God with the Word of God. We are NOT appointed to entertain - amuse - or impress.
Do you ever sense that you have to entertain or be entertaining - amuse or be amusing - or even feel that you have to impress people with your teaching, oratory, or preaching? To be released from these limiting binding restricting chains is wonderful. To proclaim the whole Word of God will please the God the Father. This might be costly, but carrying the cross always is costly, but most rewarding. Pay the price - reap the reward.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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