Saturday, 3 August 2013
Elders & Deacons in the Church
1 Timothy 3
English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK)
Qualifications for Overseers or Elders.
3 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Titus 1:5ff
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Elders
A
list of duties for elders can be compiled from New Testament texts which refer
directly to elders and the things for which they are said to be responsible.
These observations can be organized in the following way.
Take
the Oversight
Oversee
the particular flock to which the Holy Spirit assigns them. (Acts 20:28)
Take
the oversight of the flock willingly, and of a ready mind: not by constraint,
for filthy lucre, or as being lords. (I Peter 5:2-3)
Take
care of the church. (I Timothy 3:5)
Rule.
(Hebrews 13:7)
Rule
well. (I Timothy 5:17)
Consider
matters – including doctrinal matters. (Acts 15:6)
Send
chosen men to answer matters. (Acts 15:22)
Ordain
decrees – establish policy. (Acts 16:4)
Be
Available
Labor
among the people. (I Thessalonians 5:12)
Take
heed unto all the flock. (Acts 20:28)
Feed
Feed
the flock of God. (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2)
Speak
the word of God. (Hebrews 13:7)
Labor
in the word and doctrine. (I Timothy 5:17)
Exhort
Watch
for the souls of the people. (Hebrews 13:17)
Admonish
the people. (I Thessalonians 5:12)
Warn
the flock. (Acts 20:31)
Give
account for the people either with joy or with grief. (Hebrews 13:17)
Hold
fast the faithful word to exhort and to convince the gainsayers by sound
doctrine. (Titus 1:9)
Minister
Support
the weak. (Acts 20:34)
Pray
over the sick when called. (James 5:14)
Direct
the sick to proper medical treatment. (James 5:14)
Monitor
Your Own Life
Take
heed unto themselves. (Acts 20:28)
Watch
for wolves and for perverse speakers among themselves. (Acts 20:31)
Labour,
using their own hands to minister unto their own needs and the needs of those
who are with them. (Acts 20:33,34)
Remember
Jesus’ words, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:34)
Be
an example. (I Peter 5:3)
Maintain
a faith that can be followed, demonstrating the end of their conversation.
(Hebrews 13:7)
Qualifications for Deacons
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own household.
Acts 6; 1-7 ESV
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priestsbecame obedient to the faith.
Deacons
in the New Testament included Epaphrus (Colossians 1:7), Tychichus (Ephesians
6:21), Timothy (I Thessalonians 3:2), Mark (II Timothy 4:11), Stephanas (I
Corinthians 16:15), Onesiphorous (II Timothy 1:18), Archippus (Colossians
4:17), among others. It is interesting to note also, that even though Paul had
the authoritative position of Apostle, he identified himself as fulfilling the
role of a deacon in many ministry contexts. The implication of this is that the
role of primary leadership in the church includes many deacon type
responsibilities. The basic distinction between the offices of elder and deacon
is that elders rule and deacons do not. Otherwise there are many similarities
between the two offices. A list of duties for deacons can be compiled by
observing the biblical references to the things men did in the role of deaconing.
Labour
in the Gospel, preaching Christ. (I Thessalonians 3:2; Ephesians 3:7;
Colossians 1:23; II Corinthians 4:1,5)
Edify
the saints. (II Corinthians 3:3; I Thessalonians 3:2)
Distribute
financial aid (benevolence). (Romans 15:25; II Corinthians 8 and 9)
Carry
messages of spiritual concern from one believer to another. (Colossians 1:8;
Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:22)
Labour
fervently in prayer for the spiritual welfare of other believers. (Colossians
4:12)
Be
zealous toward other believers. (Colossians 4:13; II Timothy 1:17)
Comfort
the hearts of believers. (Ephesians 6:22; Colossians 4:7)
Comfort
believers concerning their faith. (I Thessalonians 3:2)
Help
and labor. (I Corinthians 16:15-16; Hebrews 6:10)
Refresh
the imprisoned. (II Timothy 1:16)
Seek
to reconcile the lost. (II Corinthians 5:18)
Express
spiritual gifts to one another. (I Peter 4:10)
Christian Marriage & Dating
http://blog.christianconnection.co.uk/i-was-wondering-about-playing-against-type/
* I made a decision, some time ago had
to re-post other people's blog's but this caught my attention, so I'm reposting
it.*
I was wondering… about playing against type
I had a type. It changed occasionally (OK,
regularly), sometimes depending on the last film I had seen or whoever I had
just passed in the street. But there was always someone – a hypothetical
someone – who ticked all the boxes. An invisible standard, lurking in my
subconscious, by which all potential suitors would be measured. I just had to
wait for her to glide majestically into view.
And
then I passed 30.
Maybe
you’re there already; maybe the magical milestone is still to come, but
whichever side of the big 3-0 you happen to reside, there’s something you might
have noticed. Although I didn’t look dramatically different – well, apart from
a sudden love for support tights and elasticated waists, obviously – once word
was out perceptions changed. Have you seen ‘Bride Wars’? I won’t judge you if
you say yes. Thanks to my hairy, tattooed brother (yes really) I have, and a
concept from it stuck in my mind. In summary: 30 is the last age a man will go
out with a woman of his own age; after that, he always goes younger. A woman
over 30, therefore, should expect the attentions of older men, not men the same
age, who would only be interested in younger women.
Hmm.
Thankfully God didn’t write ‘Bride Wars’.
And
yet it seemed some people enthusiastically bought into this notion. I was
suddenly suggested as the perfect companion for significantly older men. In one
case, I was solemnly assured, because the gentleman in question had “never
grown up” (hopefully not one of those chaps fond of wearing nappies). I was
also told if I could hang on for a few more years I could catch the
second-time-rounders back on the ‘market’, or even bide my time, staring
intently from a distance without introduction, for some poor chaps to recover
from tragically being widowed. None of it seemed terribly romantic. Slightly
alarming, yes. Sinister? Just a little. A pre-defined role as a companion to
the heartbroken (or Peter Pan) and I – and maybe they -didn’t get much say in
what happened next. So much for having a type. I was already being typecast.
But
then I looked around at couples I knew and saw a lot more variety. Differences
in age, culture, race, education, height, weight and background. Men older than
women but also (gasp!) women older than men. One couple born on the same day in
the same year now excited about becoming grandparents. Couples who met at youth
group and university and church but also couples who met on blind dates, by
chance in nightclubs, even on trains. Unexpected matches in which both
flourished. Where types didn’t apply, because something deeper had kicked in.
So
when long-time single friends* announced they had found love with older,
divorced single parents despite having devoted years to hooking super-hot,
younger, uncomplicated matches it made me wonder. On paper (or online) it can
seem so straightforward. This is what I want. Don’t even talk to me if you
don’t fit. The delightfully misused ‘God will give me the desires of my heart’
wheeled out to justify preferences, but unless we’re perfect (except me,
obviously) we need to broaden our horizons. Let character, sense of humour,
inspiring conversation, kindness, even differences and challenges, draw us to
others. Prepare to be surprised. See what we might be missing. Say goodbye to
types and hello to possibilities.
*Male
and female. Did you guess? 
About Vicky Walker
Vicky Walker is a writer and speaker,
among other things. Her book ‘Do I have to be good all the time?’ about life,
love and awkward moments is available now from www.vickywalker.info
Friday, 2 August 2013
Send the Fire, William Booth
- 1. Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost;
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!2. God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!3. ’Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For pow’r to walk the world in white,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!4. To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Oh, see us on Thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day;
To crown the off’ring now we pray,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!<
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Never leave a young man behind: Photo of marine who slowed down to help a nine-year-old boy finish a 5k race goes viral
- Marine encouraged nine-year-old boy all the way to the finish line
- Picture of them running already has 200,000 likes on Facebook
|
A marine who gallantly dropped back in a race to help a nine-year-old boy finish has become an internet sensation.
Lance Corporal Myles Kerr was competing in the annual run while home on leave in Charlevoix, Michigan when he spotted Boden Fuchs struggling to keep up.
The boy reportedly asked 19-year-old Kerr: 'Sir, will you please run with me?', after losing the group he was running with.
Heartwarming: Lance Corporal Myles Kerr keeping nine-year-old Boden Fuchs motivated in the race
The race results show that after allowing his fellow marines to run off at full speed in the race along the shore of Lake Michigan, Kerr finished five seconds behind Fuchs at 34.53 minutes - and a long way behind his army friends.
The picture of Kerr running with the boy in his army fatigues, encouraging him all the way to the finish line has already had 200,000 likes on Facebook and been shared 45,000 times.
Facebook users were full of praise for the Lance Corporal, calling him 'a role model' and a 'hero'.
Becoming a local celebrity, Kerr was interview by local radio stations and newspapers.
Hero: Myles Kerr, 19, seemed overwhelmed by the attention he received online after the race
After hearing about his act of kindness, Fuchs' parents bought him a $100 voucher for a local restaurant to thank him.
Kerr seemed taken aback by all the attention on his Twitter feed, responding to one fan: 'I was just doing what any man would do, but thank you!'
According to his Twitter page, he will be returning to work this Sunday.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2382356/Marine-Myles-Kerr-slowed-help-year-old-boy-finish-5k-race-goes-viral.html#ixzz2aj4OTqXz
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Some thoughts on Missions & Evangelism, Some inspiration from CT Studd, Amy Carmichael and William Booth.
CT Studd.
Studd, C.T. – In 1884, C.T. Studd, one of the Cambridge Seven, felt
convicted, “How could I spend the best hours of my life in working for myself
and for the honour and pleasures of this world while thousands and thousands of
souls are perishing every day without having heard of the Lord Jesus Christ,
going down to Christless and hopeless graves?” (John Pollock. The Cambridge
Seven, 2nd ed. Great Britain: Marshalls, 1985, 75.)
“Some want to live within the
sound Of church or chapel bell;
I want to run a rescue
shop, Within a yard of hell.”
Too long have we been waiting for one another
to begin! The time of waiting is past! The hour of God has struck! War is
declared! In God's Holy Name let us arise and build! 'The God of Heaven, He
will fight for us', as we for Him. We will not build on the sand, but on the
bedrock of the sayings of Christ, and the gates and minions of hell shall not
prevail against us. Should such men as we fear? Before the world, aye, before
the sleepy, lukewarm, faithless, namby-pamby Christian world, we will dare to
trust our God, we will venture our all for Him, we will live and we will die
for Him, and we will do it with His joy unspeakable singing aloud in our
hearts. We will a thousand times sooner die trusting only our God, than live
trusting in man. And when we come to this position the battle is already won,
and the end of the glorious campaign in sight. We will have the real Holiness
of God, not the sickly stuff of talk and dainty words and pretty thoughts; we
will have a Masculine Holiness, one of daring faith and works for Jesus Christ.
If
Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me
to make for Him.
Should such men as we
fear? Before the world, aye, before the sleepy, lukewarm, faithless,
namby-pamby Christian world, we will dare to trust our God, we will venture our
all for Him, we will live and we will die for Him, and we will do it with His
joy unspeakable singing aloud in our hearts. We will a thousand times sooner
die trusting only our God, than live trusting in man.
Amy Carmichael.
Does it not stir up our hearts to go forth and help them, does it not
make us long to leave our luxury, our exceeding abundant light, and go to them
that sit in darkness?" - Amy Carmichael
William Booth.
Not called!' did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say.
Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear him bid you go and pull sinners out of
the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity,
and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and
hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their
brothers and sisters, and servants and masters not to come there. And then look
Christ in the face, whose mercy you have professed to obey, and tell him
whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to
publish his mercy to the world." William Booth.
“While women weep, as they do now,
I'll fight
While little children go hungry, as they do now,
I'll fight
While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now,
I'll fight
While there is a drunkard left,
While there is a poor lost girl upon the streets,
While there remains one dark soul without the light of God,
I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!”
― William Booth
QUOTE: ONLY ONE LIFE, TWILL SOON BE PAST – POEM BY C.T STUDD
“Two
little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”
— extra stanza —
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for
Thee.”
C.T Studd
Evangelism
C.T.
Studd > Quotes > Quotable Quote
C.T.
Studd
“Some
want to live within the sound Of
church or chapel bell;
I
want to run a rescue shop, Within
a yard of hell.”
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