Sermons at E1BC

When Jesus saw the crowds, he was moved to compassion. What do you see when you encounter people?

Here, Matthew 9 confronts us with an urgent question, commands us to an earnest task, compels us with an eternal reality, and controls us with a holy love.

Christ is the head of the church; He rules over His people by His holy Word.

Scripture recognizes two church offices: that of elder (also called overseer or pastor/shepherd) and deacon. While we have explored these offices, their roles, and qualifications, there is still a very important role left to explore -- the church member. In a properly ordered church, the elders will be leading, and the deacons will be serving, but every member has a part to play. This morning we explore the job description of every church member.

Who are deacons?

Scripture recognizes two offices in the local church: elders and deacons.

This week we transition from elders to deacons. We consider their job descriptions, differences, and callings. Both are gifts to the church; both are valuable sources of leadership and service, yet they each have distinct callings and serve distinct purposes. This morning, we will explore the unique and glorious design for deacons.

Healthy churches provide a context for growing faith, strong disciples, and healthy families.

→ Healthy churches require qualified leaders and are protected by a proper structure.  

So... we are studying what biblical church leadership looks like.

For starters (to quote E. M. Bounds), "Men look for better methods, God is looking for better men." When Scripture lays out the qualifications for leaders in the church, it does not list a bunch of skills and abilities; instead, it presents a list of character qualities.

This morning, we dive into those qualities and discover not only what we should expect in our leaders, but why we should have these expectations. We need leaders who model the character we should all be striving for.

As we continue our series through Biblical Church Leadership, we begin looking at the first of two offices that have been established by God for leading His church. God has appointed elders and deacons to lead and serve His church.

The first of these offices, elders, are called to administer God's Word and to shepherd His people. We will look at the qualifications of all leaders next week; this week we focus on one office, what it is, and the responsibilities they are given.

Authority is largely an unpopular topic. People (especially in our Western American culture) have a deep-seated allergy to authority. Much of this is understandable, as we witness the misuse of authority time after time. The answer to bad authority, however, is not no authority, but good authority. We must recognize the practice of good authority as more than an unfortunate necessity to combat bad authority. Rather, authority is a part of God's original, good design. Authority is a gift of God given by which we must image His authority.

This Sunday, Pastor Bill explores how the Bible shapes authority as presented by Jonathan Leeman in his book, 'Using Authority Well.'

If Christ is Head over all things (as discussed last week per Ephesians 1), then everything is subject to His Word and (if it is to realize its potential and glory) must submit to His rule through His Word. That includes how we structure our churches, our lives, and our families.

This week we overview/introduce what it means to order our families according to God's Word.

Who in charge of the Church? The question presents the important issue of leadership and church structure. The answer requires thoughtfulness as we consider several aspects, but as we rotate the beauty of God's design for His church, His wisdom reflects off many facets as we witness the glory of His good design.

As we begin a new series focused on biblical church leadership, we begin this Sunday by reviewing the vision, mission, and values of E1BC.