Lessons for Living (Audio)

We all do or fail to do things in our lives that we regret. Particularly as we get older, the list of regrets can grow and become overwhelming. One of the things we often have remorse over not doing is saying a kind word to a friend or loved one. We seem to have been conditioned to think of such things as “corny” or that it will not be appreciated. Pastor Mark is teaching us about the importance of conveying feelings to those we love using the example of the apostle Paul. He had a deep love for the people of Philippi and wasn’t afraid to convey it. This is a good example for us to emulate.

We all do or fail to do things in our lives that we regret. Particularly as we get older, the list of regrets can grow and become overwhelming. One of the things we often have remorse over not doing is saying a kind word to a friend or loved one. We seem to have been conditioned to think of such things as “corny” or that it will not be appreciated. Pastor Mark is teaching us about the importance of conveying feelings to those we love using the example of the apostle Paul. He had a deep love for the people of Philippi and wasn’t afraid to convey it. This is a good example for us to emulate.

Unless we’re part of the leadership, we don’t often think about the responsibility the church leader has in God’s eyes. If we read the scriptures it’s clearly laid out what God expects from those who lead His people. So often the case is that we don’t hear about the church leaders who are faithfully obeying the dictates God laid out and are trying to reach the standard He has set. Pastor Mark reminds us that because of the immense pressure God has put on pastors and elders we need to be in prayer for them that God would protect them as they try to lead us to a deeper walk with Christ.

Unless we’re part of the leadership, we don’t often think about the responsibility the church leader has in God’s eyes. If we read the scriptures it’s clearly laid out what God expects from those who lead His people. So often the case is that we don’t hear about the church leaders who are faithfully obeying the dictates God laid out and are trying to reach the standard He has set. Pastor Mark reminds us that because of the immense pressure God has put on pastors and elders we need to be in prayer for them that God would protect them as they try to lead us to a deeper walk with Christ.

It’s tough to want to obey the Bible’s commands to obey and submit to church leadership. We make all kinds of excuses, usually using the example of some unbiblical pastor or televangelist, as though our local leader is going to become something like a Jim Jones. In Pastor Mark’s teaching, he’s reminding us that the leader who is following Jesus will do his best to be what God wants him to be toward the flock. He will be humble and despite his own personal weaknesses will do everything he can to be a model of consistency and model his pursuit of Christ to his followers.

It’s tough to want to obey the Bible’s commands to obey and submit to church leadership. We make all kinds of excuses, usually using the example of some unbiblical pastor or televangelist, as though our local leader is going to become something like a Jim Jones. In Pastor Mark’s teaching, he’s reminding us that the leader who is following Jesus will do his best to be what God wants him to be toward the flock. He will be humble and despite his own personal weaknesses will do everything he can to be a model of consistency and model his pursuit of Christ to his followers.

All around the world we see examples of leaders that run roughshod over their subjects or those they are supposedly serving. Despots, dictators and just bad people that happen to be in charge of corporations, countries and churches. Pastor Mark is teaching what Biblical leadership of the church should look like. Using Jesus as his example, he is contrasting the leadership of the world with the ideal. It is important for us as church members to pay attention to what our church leaders are doing and saying, and to be sure that they are trying to attain to their (and our) example, Jesus Christ.

All around the world we see examples of leaders that run roughshod over their subjects or those they are supposedly serving. Despots, dictators and just bad people that happen to be in charge of corporations, countries and churches. Pastor Mark is teaching what Biblical leadership of the church should look like. Using Jesus as his example, he is contrasting the leadership of the world with the ideal. It is important for us as church members to pay attention to what our church leaders are doing and saying, and to be sure that they are trying to attain to their (and our) example, Jesus Christ.

Humans have a tendency to look back at what we remember as good times. Especially when we’re facing difficult circumstances, we often wish to escape to what we consider a simpler time, one without responsibilities and tasks pulling at us. Pastor Mark is teaching that while it’s good to remember from whence we came and the people that influenced us along the way, it’s also necessary for us to be interacting with people now. Getting to know those around us, sharing our faith, loving them like Jesus loves them – this is why God put us here and why He put His Spirit in us.

Humans have a tendency to look back at what we remember as good times. Especially when we’re facing difficult circumstances, we often wish to escape to what we consider a simpler time, one without responsibilities and tasks pulling at us. Pastor Mark is teaching that while it’s good to remember from whence we came and the people that influenced us along the way, it’s also necessary for us to be interacting with people now. Getting to know those around us, sharing our faith, loving them like Jesus loves them – this is why God put us here and why He put His Spirit in us.