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Category Archives: Devotion

5 Marks of Local Church Leadership

21 Dec

Dr. Lee Roberson is popularly noted for saying on many occasions: “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” This is a tremendous truth! It is extremely important that the leadership of the local church be spirit-filled, servant leaders that set the example for all believers to follow. Here are five things that are necessary for local church leadership.

1. Integrity

1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” First and foremost the local church leader must be a person of Christian integrity. Staff members, deacons, teachers, must be people of God who are the example in Christian behavior and character.

2. Inspiration

1 Timothy 4:13, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” The local church leader must be committed to a genuine walk with God. Paul told Timothy to be faithful to reading, preaching, and the study of our Lord Jesus Christ. Too many churches fill leadership positions with people who do not have a consistent walk with Christ. This is a grave mistake to any local church. We must be people who are daily inspired by our walk with God.

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Posted by on December 21, 2010 in Devotion, The Local Church

 

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6 Ways to Get the Most Out of Preaching

04 Oct

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:21 that “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” He reminded the Christians in verse 18 that “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.” You see, God has chosen the act of preaching as the means of proclaiming His message. As a result, we are equipped by God to live the Christian life when we hear and heed to the preaching of His Word – “unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.”

Because of the importance God places on preaching, it is equally important that we prepare ourselves to get the most out of this time. Many Christians complain of not getting “fed” when they attend church. Could it be that we are not receiving the meal properly?

I want to share with you 6 practical ways to get the most out of preaching…

1. Give Your Undivided Attention.

Let’s be honest. You’re not going to get anything out of the preaching unless you have come to hear the preaching. When God’s man stands to proclaim God’s Word it is time to put away distractions that hinder us from receiving God’s message. It’s amazing how many people will make their weekly “to-do” list, text message, and work crossword puzzles during the preaching service. I’ve preached in places where the sound men were even watching the football game in the sound booth while the preaching was taking place. Listen, God is not going to work in your life through preaching unless He has your undivided attention. Put away the distractions.

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Posted by on October 4, 2010 in Devotion, The Local Church

 

6 Things that Helped Us Cope With Our Miscarriages.

02 Aug

The last year and a half has been a difficult time for Kathleen and myself. Since March of 2009, we have experienced multiple miscarriages. The most difficult hurdle in this experience was the emotional struggles that were faced in respect to the loss of our children (Yes, I do believe life begins at conception. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee…”).  There were moments in the middle of the night that I would awake to Kathleen’s tears of sadness, and there were times I even wondered if God would ever allow us to train a child.

One thing I have realized is that we are not the only ones who have experienced this difficulty, and we will certainly not be the last. In light of this, I want to share with you my heart in how we managed through these miscarriages. I recently wrote down 6 things that helped us cope with our miscarriages.

1. Stay consistent in the Word & Prayer.

Though this may seem elementary, it is life changing. How many times have we seen people walk away from faithfulness to God in the midst of their trials. It began when they stopped walking in the Word. Your hope will come from the Word of God. Psalm 119:56 says, “This I had [hope], because I kept thy precepts.” No matter how difficult this experience may be, stay consistent with your fellowship with God.

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Posted by on August 2, 2010 in Devotion, Family, The Local Church

 

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How To Study Your Bible – Part 3

24 Apr

Part 1 & Part 2 of “How To Study Your Bible” is available by clicking here.

6. Understand God’s Message by Studying the Bible Appropriately.

Paul told Timothy to “rightly divide the word of truth.” It means to dissect correctly; to cut straight. The implication is that Bible students must study the Bible appropriately in order to achieve correct understanding. Incorrect interpretation as led to doctrinal error and misapplication of Scripture. It’s imperative that God’s people study the Bible appropriately in order to understand the message that God intended to give.

There’s a four step process I recommend for appropriate Bible study:

1. Observe the Context

Who is the writer? To whom is he writing? What is the situation or occasion? When did it occur? Remember: A text without a context is a pretext.

2. Interpret the Passage

Underline key words and phrases and define them within the context of the passage with a Bible dictionary or concordance. Remember the Laws of Hermeneutics: 1) What does the passage say above? 2) What does the passage say below? 3) What was it written for? 4) What is consistently taught in Scripture?

Write down in your own words what you believe the Bible saying.

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Posted by on April 24, 2010 in Devotion, General

 

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How To Study Your Bible – Part 2

28 Mar

To read Part 1 of “How To Study Your Bible” click here.

4. Have the Right Tools in Studying God’s Word.

There are two primary tools that are essential in Bible Study:

Tool #1 – A Readable Bible

This may seem elementary, but be sure you have a Bible you can read. A particular Bible may be sentimental to you; however, it’s not going to be effective if the print is too small or the pages have been smudged. As you read your Bible underline, highlight, or circle key notes, verses, and phrases.

Tool #2 – A Devotional Journal

Write things down while you study, particularly the items God is speaking to your heart about that day; include a prayer journal inside of your devotional journal. “The weakest ink is better than the brightest mind.” Read the rest of this entry »

 
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Posted by on March 28, 2010 in Devotion, General

 

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