Keep the Fire Burning

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the eighth lesson, we will consider the topic of calling. Join us for the discussion.

Lessons from a Life of Ministry

To Our Northside Team

Lesson #8 Answering the Call

Biblical Backdrop

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV

The Call to Ministry

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It is from the Lord.

And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’ Colossians 4:17, ESV

It is all about the gospel.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. Romans 1:1, ESV

The call of God is clear and continuous.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29, ESV

The call of God was not based upon human ability.

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26, ESV

It is a holy calling.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 1:8-9, ESV

It Is from God, for God and with God.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.’ Jeremiah 1:5-8, ESV

What God begins He will finish.

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5, ESV

Key Reminder

This work is not about us but all about Him.
This work was not procured by us but given by Him.
This work is all about the gospel of the grace of God.
This calling may come over time or in a moment but is undeniable.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24, ESV

Theological Truth

The one who called you us will enable us and empower us to serve Him.

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1, ESV

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the seventh lesson, we have a conversation about what it looks like to prepare a sermon. Join us for the discussion.

Lesson #7 Preparing to Preach

Biblical Backdrop

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and is kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2, ESV

Prepare the Message

Step 1. Select the text.
Step 2. Read it and pray through it.
Step 3. Put together a brainstorming (first thoughts page).

read it like it was the first time again for what God points out most to you now.

Step 4. Distribute to research team.

Step 5. Put together study pages.

o Start with original language
o More literal translations – ESV, NASB, NKJV
o More readable translations – CSB, NIV,
o More modern paraphrases – NLT, GNT, MSG
o On occasion have read The Voice, and The Passion translation (though I find

they take a lot of liberty with the text

Step 6. Outline first draft and edit.

Step 7. Complete outline

Step 8. Write manuscript

Step 9. ‘Sleep on it’ – revisit and edit – listen to messages by others on the passage Jim Cymbala, James Merritt, Alistair Begg, Adrian Rogers

Step 10. Reread pray and deliver. Know your sermon in a sentence.

Prepare the Messenger

Having prepared the message, make sure you have prepared your heart.

Prepare for the Moment

Worship service? Special event? Funeral? Wedding? Context?
Key Reminder: It will not be our speaking ability that makes the difference, but the power of God.

My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, CSB

Theological Truth

The call to preach is a call to prepare. Prepare your mind, soul, body and spirit.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the fifth lesson we will consider the importance of building a rhythm of reading the Word, praying, and excercise. Join us for the discussion.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the fourth lesson we will consider the importance of a mentor and the hedgehog principle. Join us for the discussion.

The background music used in this episode is written by dooda, melo, eda and is titled "amazing grace".

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the third lesson we will consider what it means that the LORD is our Pastor. Join us for the discussion.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. The second lesson we will consider what it means to endure in ministry. Join us for the discussion.

In this episode, we begin our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. The first lesson we will consider is what it means to pace yourself. Join us for the discussion.

In this episode we discuss the history of Keep the Fire Burning. Focusing on three acts walking through its inception, seeing it grow, and focusing on the new season ahead. Join us as we walk through this conversation.

Beginning January 2, 2024, join Bruce Aubrey for this new biweekly podcast. Every other Tuesday listen to thoughtful reflections on the Christian life and our relationship with God. Subscribe today so you don’t miss an episode.