INTRODUCTION
The Bible contains all the necessary blueprints for successful church ministry to take place. God instructed the local infant church (starting in Acts 2 forward) primarily through the ministry of the Apostles. The Apostle’s were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21) to write portions of the New Testament which remain the churches’ standard and measuring rod to this day. Ephesians 2:19-20 states, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.” Clearly, it was the Apostles doctrine which established much of the infant churches’ theology and ecclesiology (Acts 2:42). Jesus Christ (as Lord of the church) delegated His divine authority to the Apostles who in turn carried out His will.
The Importance of Biblical Leadership
At the beginning and the end of the Apostle Paul’s ministry, he personally appointed (or instructed others to appoint) a plurality of elders to shepherd the churches he founded or established (Titus 1:5ff; Acts 14:23). Paul was concerned that qualified, godly, male leaders would continue to shepherd, teach, and lead the church after his departure and death.
In what is most likely the earliest of the New Testament Epistles (James, AD 45-48), James exhorts those who are sick to call upon the elders of the church to come and pray for them (James 5:14-15). From this text one concludes, that Godly church leaders (elders) had been appointed and set apart even as early as AD 45.
When writing to the churches scattered all throughout the Roman provinces (1 Peter 1:1), Peter exhorts the elders to pastor the flock of God (1 Peter 5:1). According to Alexander Strauch, “This indicates that Peter knew that the elder structure of government was standard practice in these churches.” The New Testament reveals that the pastoral oversight of many of the first churches was committed to a plurality of elders (Acts 13:1; 15:35; 1 Corinthians 16:15,16; Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24). These elders were to model and carry out the teachings of Christ and the Apostles.
Because the Apostles themselves did not physically appoint every single church leader, they often wrote letters to these churches instructing them as to the criteria they were to use when appointing these “elders.” This is most clearly seen in two key passages: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Both texts identify the biblical qualifications of an elder.
In 1 Timothy 3 the single, overarching qualification is that the prospective elder be “above reproach.” He can not be accused of anything that is sinful. This does not mean that this man never sins (otherwise no one would be qualified, 1 John 1:10), rather his life is to be characterized by holiness and the pursuit there of. MacArthur adds, “An elder must be above reproach in his marital life, his social life, his family life, his business life, and his spiritual life.” The qualifications of an elder goes beyond moral characteristics. An elder must be also be a gifted teacher (able to refute false doctrine and to proclaim divine truth), and he must be demonstrably skilled as a manager (at work and at home).
In Titus 1 Paul gives Titus specific instructions regarding church leadership and the establishment of elders. As with 1 Timothy 3 there are 15 qualifications given; five are identical and 6 others are very similar. Paul wants the elders to not only be above reproach with those within the church but also to have an impeccable reputation with those outside the church. He writes in Titus 1:5-9;
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not found of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
Alexander Strauch wisely notes, “When directing Titus in how to organize churches on the island of Crete, Paul reminds Titus to appoint only morally and spiritually qualified men to be elders. By stating elder qualifications in a letter, Paul establishes a public list to guide the local church in its choice of elders and to empower it to hold its elders accountable.”
TO BE CONTINUED
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Kolstad Update 1/06
Life has been very busy here. I've been told it only gets faster and faster with age/responsibilities. With a lil baby girl on the way i am sure life will never be the same. :) My wife and I are so excited about the prospect of becoming new parents. Our dear friend Jane Park bought us CDs by Tedd Trip on parenting that we have been enjoying. Andrea turned 30 during our recent Teen Ski Retreat in Michigan. Kevin Hall came and brought the Word for us. All in all it was a great trip/retreat.
I can not believe we have been at First Baptist Church for 8 months already. Time flies when you are having fun. I have learned alot since being here. Currently i am overseeing children's, teen, and outreach ministries. We are putting on a Upward B-ball program right now. We have about 255 kids in the league. I love every chance i get to preach during Pastor Flatt's absence. Those sermons can be accessed at www.fbccarmel.com (sermon archive)
My family visited us over Christmas break. It was great to spend quality time with Mom, Dad, Jordan and Rebekah. The famo still lives in Bremerton, WA.
2006 should be a great year. I look forward to growing in Christ and getting more plugged in at FBC. I will be attending some counseling classes at Faith Baptist in March. I also plan on attending the Together for the Gospel conference in April. I hope to be apart of our church missions trip to Utah in July.
I can't believe i'll turn 26 in April. Well this was sort of random but that's ok. Just an update for those interested (all 5 of you). :)
Have a great 06
CK
I can not believe we have been at First Baptist Church for 8 months already. Time flies when you are having fun. I have learned alot since being here. Currently i am overseeing children's, teen, and outreach ministries. We are putting on a Upward B-ball program right now. We have about 255 kids in the league. I love every chance i get to preach during Pastor Flatt's absence. Those sermons can be accessed at www.fbccarmel.com (sermon archive)
My family visited us over Christmas break. It was great to spend quality time with Mom, Dad, Jordan and Rebekah. The famo still lives in Bremerton, WA.
2006 should be a great year. I look forward to growing in Christ and getting more plugged in at FBC. I will be attending some counseling classes at Faith Baptist in March. I also plan on attending the Together for the Gospel conference in April. I hope to be apart of our church missions trip to Utah in July.
I can't believe i'll turn 26 in April. Well this was sort of random but that's ok. Just an update for those interested (all 5 of you). :)
Have a great 06
CK
Friday, January 27, 2006
Biblical Contentment
It was not too long ago that I was having a counseling session with a gentleman who was going through some hard times and as result was struggling with contentment. He commented to me that part of his problem was that he “did not have the gift of contentment.”
Initially I was taken back by the statement because I was unaware of any Biblical text that taught there was such a thing as a “gift” of contentment. After I quickly regathered my thoughts, I kindly took this gentleman to the book of Philippians. Specifically I drew his attention to the 11th verse of chapter 4.
In this chapter, the Apostle makes an amazing statement to the church at Philippi. Paul wrote, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am.”
I explained to the man that the Apostle Paul wrote this verse while he was in prison. Paul’s entire life was characterized by continuous trials and difficulties (12 Cor. 11:23-28) yet he was still able to write that he had “learned to be content.” How was Paul able to come to this point in his own Christian life? How did he learn the art of contentment?
One of the major problems with this specific man (that I counseled) was that he did not have a correct understanding of biblical contentment. Biblical contentment is not something that is given by God as a spiritual gift or inherited through physical birth. Rather contentment is something that is, as Paul put it, “learned.”
God often allows trials into our lives to teach us the value of the “Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.”
Contentment is only gained through a proper biblical understanding of trials coupled with a experiential knowledge of them. You see in God’s masterful and sovereign plan He orchestrates our lives to teach us many fundamental spiritual lessons. One of those lessons is the Christian virtue of contentment.
I know of no better example of this in the Old Testament then the narrative record in Genesis that details the history of Joseph. Joseph’s life story is given to us in Genesis 37-50. I want us to briefly look at the life of Joseph and observe how he (like the apostle Paul) “learned” contentment in the midst of his own personal suffering.
Hopefully his life example will inspire you to embrace your own personal life struggles and thus teach you how to be content “in whatever circumstance” God places you in.
The story of Joseph is one of the most familiar in all of the Old Testament. The life of Joseph illustrates how God’s providential hand orchestrated Joseph’s life circumstances to preserve the nation of Israel. One of the foundational elements to contentment is learning to embrace God’s providence even during life’s lowly valleys.
Joseph’s life is really broken up into three stages: Joseph goes from a favored Son, to a lowly Slave, and is finally exalted to a blessed Sultan. I want you to take note of God’s providence during all three stages of his life.
Initially I was taken back by the statement because I was unaware of any Biblical text that taught there was such a thing as a “gift” of contentment. After I quickly regathered my thoughts, I kindly took this gentleman to the book of Philippians. Specifically I drew his attention to the 11th verse of chapter 4.
In this chapter, the Apostle makes an amazing statement to the church at Philippi. Paul wrote, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am.”
I explained to the man that the Apostle Paul wrote this verse while he was in prison. Paul’s entire life was characterized by continuous trials and difficulties (12 Cor. 11:23-28) yet he was still able to write that he had “learned to be content.” How was Paul able to come to this point in his own Christian life? How did he learn the art of contentment?
One of the major problems with this specific man (that I counseled) was that he did not have a correct understanding of biblical contentment. Biblical contentment is not something that is given by God as a spiritual gift or inherited through physical birth. Rather contentment is something that is, as Paul put it, “learned.”
God often allows trials into our lives to teach us the value of the “Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.”
Contentment is only gained through a proper biblical understanding of trials coupled with a experiential knowledge of them. You see in God’s masterful and sovereign plan He orchestrates our lives to teach us many fundamental spiritual lessons. One of those lessons is the Christian virtue of contentment.
I know of no better example of this in the Old Testament then the narrative record in Genesis that details the history of Joseph. Joseph’s life story is given to us in Genesis 37-50. I want us to briefly look at the life of Joseph and observe how he (like the apostle Paul) “learned” contentment in the midst of his own personal suffering.
Hopefully his life example will inspire you to embrace your own personal life struggles and thus teach you how to be content “in whatever circumstance” God places you in.
The story of Joseph is one of the most familiar in all of the Old Testament. The life of Joseph illustrates how God’s providential hand orchestrated Joseph’s life circumstances to preserve the nation of Israel. One of the foundational elements to contentment is learning to embrace God’s providence even during life’s lowly valleys.
Joseph’s life is really broken up into three stages: Joseph goes from a favored Son, to a lowly Slave, and is finally exalted to a blessed Sultan. I want you to take note of God’s providence during all three stages of his life.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Amill support
If you want to read some good article from the Amill perspective click below...
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/eschatology.html#amil
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/eschatology.html#amil
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
11 reasons (continued) J MacArthur
PREMILL VS AMILL DISCUSSION
-->This is not an issue to divide Believers.
MacArthur and Sproul are very good (personal) friends.
There are many examples of biblical friendships between men who strongly disagree over eschatology.
The Together for the Gospel conference is a perfect example of how we should relate towards one another concerning these secondary matters.
Eschatology is a “secondary” Biblical issue because the heart of the gospel is not at stake.
This is an issue (none the less) which needs to be interpreted through the grid of Scripture. All of must strive for biblical exegesis (i.e. a truly biblical theology).
NOTE--> The Bible can not teach both Premillennialism and Amillennialism.
There are some mistaken notions of Premillennialism (and Amill. too).
Friends, a Few Additional Thoughts:
Read OT passages like Ezekiel 40-48; etc. And NT passages like Rom 9-11, Revelation 20.
Roman Catholic eschatology is Amillennial.
Luther did not reform completely from all of R.C. theology (baptism, eschatology, communion, etc).
If you use a consistent (normal) hermeneutic you come up with Premillennialism; even some Amillennialist state this (note what Floyd Hamilton, L Boetner, and O.T. Allis say all of whom are covenantal theologians).
Historical grammatical hermeneutics need to be used throughout all genres.
The promise in Gen 17:6 (of Kings) was literally fulfilled; Dan 2, 7, 8 predictions were also literally fulfilled. Spiritualizing prophetic literature is foolish!
Habakkuk predicted the Babylonian captivity and it was fulfilled literally. The promise in Gen 49 (tribe of Judah) was fulfilled literally as were all the OT prophetic passages.
The future for Israel will be fulfilled literally as well!
Israel is only temporarily set aside as Romans 9-11 clearly teaches!
3 more areas to consider:
1. The Earthly reign of Messiah (It is an EARTHLY Reign)
READ…… Rev 5:10; 11:15-18; 20:3, 8.
2. The Future Restoration of Israel (Jer 30:3, 11, 22; 31:35-37; Zech 12-13)
3. The Promises of the Davidic Kingdom (Psalm 89; Jer 33; 2 Sam 7; Is 7:14; Luke 1; Acts 1:8).
-->This is not an issue to divide Believers.
MacArthur and Sproul are very good (personal) friends.
There are many examples of biblical friendships between men who strongly disagree over eschatology.
The Together for the Gospel conference is a perfect example of how we should relate towards one another concerning these secondary matters.
Eschatology is a “secondary” Biblical issue because the heart of the gospel is not at stake.
This is an issue (none the less) which needs to be interpreted through the grid of Scripture. All of must strive for biblical exegesis (i.e. a truly biblical theology).
NOTE--> The Bible can not teach both Premillennialism and Amillennialism.
There are some mistaken notions of Premillennialism (and Amill. too).
Friends, a Few Additional Thoughts:
Read OT passages like Ezekiel 40-48; etc. And NT passages like Rom 9-11, Revelation 20.
Roman Catholic eschatology is Amillennial.
Luther did not reform completely from all of R.C. theology (baptism, eschatology, communion, etc).
If you use a consistent (normal) hermeneutic you come up with Premillennialism; even some Amillennialist state this (note what Floyd Hamilton, L Boetner, and O.T. Allis say all of whom are covenantal theologians).
Historical grammatical hermeneutics need to be used throughout all genres.
The promise in Gen 17:6 (of Kings) was literally fulfilled; Dan 2, 7, 8 predictions were also literally fulfilled. Spiritualizing prophetic literature is foolish!
Habakkuk predicted the Babylonian captivity and it was fulfilled literally. The promise in Gen 49 (tribe of Judah) was fulfilled literally as were all the OT prophetic passages.
The future for Israel will be fulfilled literally as well!
Israel is only temporarily set aside as Romans 9-11 clearly teaches!
3 more areas to consider:
1. The Earthly reign of Messiah (It is an EARTHLY Reign)
READ…… Rev 5:10; 11:15-18; 20:3, 8.
2. The Future Restoration of Israel (Jer 30:3, 11, 22; 31:35-37; Zech 12-13)
3. The Promises of the Davidic Kingdom (Psalm 89; Jer 33; 2 Sam 7; Is 7:14; Luke 1; Acts 1:8).
11 Reasons Why I am not Amill (By: J MacArthur)
11 Reasons why I am not a Amillennialist
By John MacArthur
1. They have a historical grammatical hermeneutic but when they get to the Prophetic sections they substitute some other hermeneutic. In essence, they have a double hermeneutic!
2. They eliminate a future for ethnic Israel
3. They confuse national Israel with the Church.
4. They deny God’s promise to restore God’s people to the land and the Abrahamic Covenant was unconditional and unilateral
5. They deny Christ’s Davidic kingdom as promised in the Old Testament!
6. They believe Satan is bound now (in the Church Age; See Rev 20).
7. They artificially impose “continuity” on Scripture that allows for no “discontinuity”.
They build this on three covenants that are not found (fully) in the Bible: covenant of redemption; covenant of grace; and the covenant of works.
There is a Noahic covenant, an Abrahamic covenant, a Davidic covenant, a Mosaic Covenant, and a New Covenant but not those three covenantal covenants.
8. They erroneously defend there system by spiritualizing the Old Testament and some prophetic passages.
9. They claim that the curses of Duet 28 and elsewhere were for Israel and the blessings are for the Church.
10. They deny that the present existence of the Israelites in their land has any significance for the future. (i.e. John Stott)
Even some secular scholars would agree, “The preservation of the Jews is the greatest ethnic miracle in the world!”
11. They deny the literal rendering of “1000 years” found in Rev 20 (used 6x).
By John MacArthur
1. They have a historical grammatical hermeneutic but when they get to the Prophetic sections they substitute some other hermeneutic. In essence, they have a double hermeneutic!
2. They eliminate a future for ethnic Israel
3. They confuse national Israel with the Church.
4. They deny God’s promise to restore God’s people to the land and the Abrahamic Covenant was unconditional and unilateral
5. They deny Christ’s Davidic kingdom as promised in the Old Testament!
6. They believe Satan is bound now (in the Church Age; See Rev 20).
7. They artificially impose “continuity” on Scripture that allows for no “discontinuity”.
They build this on three covenants that are not found (fully) in the Bible: covenant of redemption; covenant of grace; and the covenant of works.
There is a Noahic covenant, an Abrahamic covenant, a Davidic covenant, a Mosaic Covenant, and a New Covenant but not those three covenantal covenants.
8. They erroneously defend there system by spiritualizing the Old Testament and some prophetic passages.
9. They claim that the curses of Duet 28 and elsewhere were for Israel and the blessings are for the Church.
10. They deny that the present existence of the Israelites in their land has any significance for the future. (i.e. John Stott)
Even some secular scholars would agree, “The preservation of the Jews is the greatest ethnic miracle in the world!”
11. They deny the literal rendering of “1000 years” found in Rev 20 (used 6x).
Thursday, January 12, 2006
The Prodigal
These are great lyrics!!!!
Casting Crowns Lyrics
"Prodigal"
Living on my own, thinking for myself
Castles in the sand, temporary wealth
Walls are falling down, storms are closing in
Tears have filled my eyes, here I am again
And I've held out as long as I can
Now I'm letting go and holding out my hand
Daddy, here I am again
Will You take me back tonight
I went and made the world my friend
And it left me high and dry
I drag Your name back through the mud
That You first found me in
Not worthy to be called Your son
Is this to be my end
Daddy, here I am
Here I am again
Curse this morning sun
Drags me in to one more day
Of reaping what I've sown
Of living with my shame
Welcome to my world
And the life that I have made
Where one day you're a prince
The next day you're a slave
Casting Crowns Lyrics
"Prodigal"
Living on my own, thinking for myself
Castles in the sand, temporary wealth
Walls are falling down, storms are closing in
Tears have filled my eyes, here I am again
And I've held out as long as I can
Now I'm letting go and holding out my hand
Daddy, here I am again
Will You take me back tonight
I went and made the world my friend
And it left me high and dry
I drag Your name back through the mud
That You first found me in
Not worthy to be called Your son
Is this to be my end
Daddy, here I am
Here I am again
Curse this morning sun
Drags me in to one more day
Of reaping what I've sown
Of living with my shame
Welcome to my world
And the life that I have made
Where one day you're a prince
The next day you're a slave
Saturday, January 07, 2006
New Blog site http://paullamey.blogspot.com/
I have joined a new PREACHING blog site with a few pastors scattered throughout the US.
Check it out sometime @
http://paullamey.blogspot.com/
Hope you enjoy it!
Caleb
Check it out sometime @
http://paullamey.blogspot.com/
Hope you enjoy it!
Caleb
What to Preach
One of the biggest problems many preachers face is deciding what book or topic they should preach on next. Obviously for the expository preacher this problem occurs less frequently. The expositor has no other choice but to preach through the next passage of Holy Scripture. This is the joy and the challenge of expository preaching.
But how does an expositor determine which book of the Bible they ought to preach through next? When is it time to start a brief topical series instead of another lengthy in-depth fifty part series through Nahum?
I recently came across a comment written by John Calvin that in some ways helps solve this problem. Calvin wrote, “We hence learn that a good and faithful pastor ought wisely to consider what the present state of the Church requires, so as to accommodate his doctrine to its wants.” Dr. Calvin is not advocating Rick Warren ministry (preach to the “felt needs”). He is simply saying a good pastor will discern the real spiritual needs of his sheep and respond appropriately.
Some preachers are so disconnected from their flock that they could never apply this pastoral advice. I know this is a temptation I often face. I get so into the Word that I am tempted to neglect my other pastoral responsibilities (administration, counseling, discipleship, evangelism, etc). This is the advantage of being a complete pastor-teacher/shepherd/elder. I have found the better I know my congregation (my flock) the easier it is to apply Calvin’s principle.
If your church needs help in ecclesiology why not preach through the Pastoral Epistles? If your church is struggling with joy and unity take your congregation through Philippians. If your church is apathetic in evangelism teach through the book of Acts. If your church body is ready to embrace the doctrines of grace why not begin a series on Ephesians? If your church has become self-centered begin a series on the “one-anothers.”
The more you love your sheep and the better you know their spiritual needs the more effective preaching ministry you will have. I believe that is what John Calvin was simply trying to say. “We hence learn that a good and faithful pastor ought wisely to consider what the present state of the Church requires, so as to accommodate his doctrine to its wants.”
That’s some excellent practical pastoral preaching advice from one of the church’s greatest theologians. Who says Calvinists can’t be practical?
By Caleb Kolstad
But how does an expositor determine which book of the Bible they ought to preach through next? When is it time to start a brief topical series instead of another lengthy in-depth fifty part series through Nahum?
I recently came across a comment written by John Calvin that in some ways helps solve this problem. Calvin wrote, “We hence learn that a good and faithful pastor ought wisely to consider what the present state of the Church requires, so as to accommodate his doctrine to its wants.” Dr. Calvin is not advocating Rick Warren ministry (preach to the “felt needs”). He is simply saying a good pastor will discern the real spiritual needs of his sheep and respond appropriately.
Some preachers are so disconnected from their flock that they could never apply this pastoral advice. I know this is a temptation I often face. I get so into the Word that I am tempted to neglect my other pastoral responsibilities (administration, counseling, discipleship, evangelism, etc). This is the advantage of being a complete pastor-teacher/shepherd/elder. I have found the better I know my congregation (my flock) the easier it is to apply Calvin’s principle.
If your church needs help in ecclesiology why not preach through the Pastoral Epistles? If your church is struggling with joy and unity take your congregation through Philippians. If your church is apathetic in evangelism teach through the book of Acts. If your church body is ready to embrace the doctrines of grace why not begin a series on Ephesians? If your church has become self-centered begin a series on the “one-anothers.”
The more you love your sheep and the better you know their spiritual needs the more effective preaching ministry you will have. I believe that is what John Calvin was simply trying to say. “We hence learn that a good and faithful pastor ought wisely to consider what the present state of the Church requires, so as to accommodate his doctrine to its wants.”
That’s some excellent practical pastoral preaching advice from one of the church’s greatest theologians. Who says Calvinists can’t be practical?
By Caleb Kolstad
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