By Justin Edwards
In a day where there is so much apostasy and heretical teachings spewing out of wolves and robbers in the church, Loran Livingston humbly presented a difficult but timely message on the calling of the pastor. This is not a job or a career, but an appointment by God.
As mentioned last week and the basis for this 5-part series on the Lord's return, the Apostle Paul closes each chapter of 1 Thessalonians with a reference to the return of Jesus Christ. Most of the October 3rd message was somewhat of a detour from the expected topic, but it was an extremely important message nonetheless.My wife and I were talking over dinner how blessed we are to be under the shepherding of Pastor Livingston. His passion and love for his flock bleed through his words and actions, and we are so thankful to be led by this servant of the Lord. So with that, I'd like to invite you to listen or watch the following message from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20.
If you are a pastor needing encouragement or perhaps you need to be challenged to examine your ministry, this is a must-listen. The message also contains a call for every professed believer to examine themselves. Just as Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the apostles' blameless behavior and exhortation to walk worthy of our calling, so too must a preacher called by God live beyond reproach and shepherd the local flock to be diligent in seeking after the holiness of God.
You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. - 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12
There is an urgency to clean out our closets as the Day of the Lord quickly approaches. Our pastors must be driven exclusively by the will of the Lord Jesus Christ and be faithful to feed the sheep every time they step behind the pulpit. Each of them will stand before God to give an account for what they did with the work God has entrusted them with. Moreover, each of us in the Body of Christ will stand before Him at the Bema Seat to give an account of how we spent our invaluable time on this earth. And every non-believer, self-righteous churchgoer, and Christian-in-name-only will stand before God at the Great White Throne Judgment to give account for why they rejected Christ or refused to submit to Him as Master over their lives. Their love for the world, pride of life, and/or religiosity will have blinded them all the way to the Lake of Fire. Don't be that person. Please, please don't be that person.
If you are reading this and are unsure of your salvation, please don't let your pride continue to hinder examining yourself. Time is of the essence as the Lord Jesus Christ is returning any moment. Watch or listen to this message, read the book of First John, check out the many resources on this blog, or contact me personally, but please, don't wait another minute. Many professing Christians will be sentenced to hell because they refused to walk through the Narrow Gate - I pray and hope that won't be you.
A Message on Pastors video (link good for 3 weeks)
A Message on Pastors mp3
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
No comments:
Post a Comment