The Faithful Pastor (Pt. 3)

The faithful pastor also (# 3), Declares the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:18-27).

This of course was the hallmark of the Apostle Paul’s ministry (while in Ephesus). Notice what Paul said in his farewell address in Acts 20:18-20, And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house…”Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God (vv. 26-27).”
I submit to you that this is a model worthy of imitation. Biblical exposition is a wonderful way to declare to your people everything that is profitable under the sun. Take your people through the Scriptures. Unleash God’s truth “one verse at a time.” Joe Flatt’s commitment to biblical expository-preaching has helped him follow in the footsteps of Paul (and many of the great preachers of the past)…
Joe Flatt’s verse by verse journey through Scripture has helped our congregation answer some very difficult questions: How should the church to be governed: Elder-rule, Deacon-rule, or Congregational rule? If God is sovereign, then why is their so much pain & suffering in this world? How do you explain hurricane Katrina or 9-11 or the Beslan, Russia tragedy? In what manner is the atonement of Christ- Limited? Could an infinitely loving God really condemn people to hell? How can human responsibility and divine sovereignty co-exist? Is it possible for one to have assurance of his/her salvation? Can I know with certainty where I will go after I die? What does the Bible say about the role(s) of men and women in the church & in the home?
Friends you know the answers to all of these questions, in large part due to the faithful expository ministry of Pastor Flatt. This is some of the wonderful fruit that comes from this type of dedicated ministry.…Even when proclaiming God’s message made him unpopular. “He did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God!”

(Mark #4) The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family (Ephesians 5; 1 Tim. 3:4; 1 Pet. 3:7; Col 3:19).

The man of God, models Eph 5 (“Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church”). His marriage is such, that others seek to imitate it. Single girls ask God to provide them a husband who loves the Lord like there pastor. Single guys want to have this type of marriage one day. Young couples go to him for premarital counseling. The faithful pastor’s wife is his greatest human treasure & his children are his most precious earthly possessions. He manages his own household well (1 Tim 3:4). Though he is normally busy serving the church, he doesn’t neglect his own family. He is involved in his kid’s lives. His children and grandchildren experience his gentle care and his wife knows his most tender affection. Pastor has been Judy’s “covenant-companion” now for 38 years. They have 5 adult children and 3 grandchildren. The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family.