Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether someone with a history of abuse can serve in pastoral ministry, examining three key background issues that inform this complex question.

Key Points

- Biblical qualifications for pastors include being "above reproach" (Titus 1:6-7) and "well thought of by outsiders" (1 Timothy 3:7)

- The importance of careful definition and evidence in abuse cases

- The relationship between forgiveness and consequences: while Christ offers forgiveness (1 John 1:9), some past actions may disqualify from pastoral ministry

- The need for churches to maintain both biblical truth and proper investigation processes

- The distinction between eternal forgiveness and pastoral qualification

Bottom Line

While Christ offers complete forgiveness for all sin, certain past actions may permanently disqualify someone from pastoral leadership, even after genuine repentance.

Questions for future episodes? Email: [email protected]

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether the Book of Genesis should be understood as actual history. Drawing from his current sermon series through Genesis at First Baptist, he explains why Genesis should be read as historical narrative rather than myth or allegory.

Key Points

- Genesis presents itself as historical narrative from beginning to end

- The text provides no markers to separate myth from history

- Jesus referenced Adam and Eve as historical figures (Matthew 19:4-6)

- The apostles, including Paul, treated Genesis events as historical fact

- Extraordinary events at creation would naturally have extraordinary tellings

- The challenge isn't the text's credibility, but our tendency toward independent thinking over biblical thinking

Questions for future episodes? Email: [email protected]

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether Christians who disagree publicly must seek personal reconciliation. Drawing from Scripture, he explains the important distinction between handling personal sin and addressing public false teaching.

Key Points

- Matthew 18:15 guides us on handling personal sin through private conversation

- Titus 1:9 commands teachers to publicly address false teaching

- Public error requires public correction

- Private reconciliation shouldn't be used to avoid addressing doctrinal concerns

Connect With Us

Questions for future episodes? Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath answers the question, "What Is Dignity & Can You Lose It?"

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath speaks biblically on the topic of "Pastoral Responsibility for Adult Children".

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath answers the question, "What Is the Minimum Income Level for Marriage?".

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath addresses the question of "Is Same-Sex Attraction Sinful"?

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath shares two of his favorite books for 2024.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses the tradition behind Christmas Eve.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath explains the meaning behind the Christmas tradition of stockings.