Sermons | Word of Grace Bible Church [wgbc.org]

John MacArthur's ministry is a shining example of faithfulness to God, love for God's word, and love for the church of Jesus Christ. In these days, as we remember his passage into eternity, it is helpful to draw some practical conclusions about pastoral ministry and its place and role in the life of the church, according to God's design.

We do not worship leaders who have influenced us spiritually. While we are grateful to them, we realize that the primary value is in the Word they preached. And that value is tremendous. It is crucial to remember it.

The election of the nation of Israel always had a purpose that went far beyond that nation. Although the Messiah and the salvation accomplished through Him was primarily revealed to God's people, it was always intended to reach all nations, all over the face of the earth. This principle has not changed in the time of the Church of Jesus Christ. God builds the Church not only to make us strong, free, and joyful in Him, but also to make us conduits of His salvation to others.

Jesus Christ is the Designer and Creator of the Church. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit unites each person to the Body of Christ, His Church, the building of which is the central design of the history of the known universe. According to His design, each of us has a very definite place in Christ's body. Diakonia is one of the most important parts of the life of the Church, contributing to its growth. According to Christ's design, this ministry has two levels. In one sense, all members of the church are participants. In the other sense, it is a specially designated people who have been gifted and ordained by God for this work, which makes the life and development of the Church harmonious and coherent.

One of the important characteristics of a real man, husband and father, is the ability to provide for himself and his family. God has determined that it is man, as the norm, who fulfills this role. Related to this is men's understanding of their identity, confidence and self-esteem. What have I accomplished, what am I capable of achieving in life? This is the question that measures men's lives today, as it has throughout human history.

The apostle Paul, in instructing Timothy, speaks of a more important ability that is mandatory for all real men. It is the ability to achieve godliness that produces inner, heartfelt satisfaction.

The Day of Pentecost began a new era in God's plan of redemption. It may be called the Age of the Holy Spirit. The new birth makes the Christian a “partaker of the divine nature” (2 Pet 1:4). The Spirit of God, forever being united with the soul, opens to us new, supernatural possibilities that enable every Christian to be a participant in God's great work of changing people's lives. What does this mean in practical terms? How does the power of God's Spirit work in and through us? Does it apply only to pastors and preachers, or is it a reality for each of us? More about this in this sermon.