Author: Administrador

Who Are the Elders? Then and Now June 2, 1991 1Ti_3:1-7; 1Ti_5:17 The saying is sure: If any one aspires to the office of bishop, he desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, an apt teacher, no drunkard, not violent but gentle, … Continue reading “17 WHO ARE THE ELDERS?”

Calling All Clay Pots A Celebration of Ministry September 12, 1982 2Co_4:1-18 I would like to try to persuade you of two things this morning: first, that every Christian has received a gift from God which he is responsible to use for the good of the church and for the glory of God; second, there … Continue reading “13 CALLING ALL CLAY POTS”

What Did Deacons Do? March 8, 1987 1. Deacons and elders (= pastors/overseers/bishops) are the two ongoing church offices taught in the New Testament. 1.1 Second London Confession of Faith, Article 26.8 A particular Church gathered, and completely organized, according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers, and members; and the officers appointed by … Continue reading “14 WHAT DID DEACONS DO?”

The Curse of Priestly Failure November 8, 1987 Mal_2:1-9 "And now this admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the LORD Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have … Continue reading “15 THE CURSE OF PRIESTLY FAILURE”

The Cosmic Church March 22, 1981 Eph_3:10 The church of Jesus Christ is the most important institution in the world. The assembly of the redeemed, the company of the saints, the children of God are more significant in world history than any other group, organization or nation. The United States of America compares to the … Continue reading “11 THE COSMIC CHURCH”

The Local Church: Minimum Vs Maximum March 29, 1981 Act_2:36-47 Last week we heard from the Bible that one great goal of the church is to demonstrate the wisdom of God to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places (Eph_3:10). I emphasized that the church is not only the light of the world; it … Continue reading “12 THE LOCAL CHURCH: MINIMUM VS MAXIMUM”

Is "Growing Without Growing" Working? Farewell to Sovereign Joy Fellowship September 19, 2000 God does not always wait for our strategies. In fact, our idea of "growing without growing" was an effort to catch up with what he seemed to be about. The train was moving. We thought it would be good to get on. … Continue reading “09 IS "GROWING WITHOUT GROWING" WORKING?”

Spiritual Gifts March 15, 1981 1Co_12:1 The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed" (1Co_12:1). I assume that applies to us also: we ought not to be uninformed about the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts. So this final message in our series … Continue reading “10 SPIRITUAL GIFTS”

A Call to Greatness August 29, 2000 Greatness in Jesus' eyes is serving the needs of others. And Jesus' eyes are the only ones that count in the end. He said, "Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant" (Mar_10:43). So I am issuing a call for greatness at Bethlehem. Sunday morning, … Continue reading “07 A CALL TO GREATNESS”

The Church Was Spoken Against Everywhere September 5, 2000 Can the gospel spread, and thousands be converted, and churches grow, and love abound where Christianity is continually spoken against? Yes. It not only can, it has. I say this not to discourage winsomeness, but to encourage hope. Do not assume that seasons of hostility or … Continue reading “08 THE CHURCH WAS SPOKEN AGAINST EVERYWHERE”