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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 13 we read of five men, meeting in Antioch. They are leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ in Antioch. They are pastors - elders - overseers - bishops - all the same word. These 'titles' are interchangeable in the New Testament. Now to understand this is vital. A Pastor is an Overseer - an Elder and Bishop - or, a Foreman.
Resulting from misunderstanding and inaccurate translation and use of words we have constructed denominations. This is not a minor matter. It is not some superficial issue.
These five men are praying and fasting - five men from very different backgrounds - colour - class - race - education - upbringing - and pedigree. All of that is so irrelevant when it comes to leadership and discipleship within the Church of Jesus Christ. That is not minor or superficial either.
We have here a picture of spiritual leadership and a pattern, which is worthy of emulating. These five men are named. We looked at each of them, and saw how God blended these men together - in unity - in a spiritual oneness and harmony. And that is not superficial either.
As they are worshipping, praying and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke. God speaks to them, and through them, in a way that would launch another wave of influence and change across the nations.
When we give our undivided attention to God in this way - God speaks. When we come together waiting patiently upon God - expect Him to speak - expect Him to say something - expect to hear something - and be prepared for the unexpected.
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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