Monday, October 27, 2008

TITUS, PHILEMON, AND HEBREWS

What a wonderful day we had at Church yesterday.  God was so good to us!  Praise God for Sundays!  This morning, I am looking at the end of II Timothy into Hebrews.  Here are a few thoughts:
1) HURT- Life has hurt and ministry has hurt.  Paul knew about that and mentions it a few times.  In II Tim. 4:14, the Bible records: "Alexander the coppersmith id me much evil."  Paul was prompted by the Holy Spirit to point this out.  WHY?  It was not just Paul venting, but all scripture is inspired by God.  It is God letting us know that Paul knew hurt and that we too will know hurt.  He also tells us how to handle the hurt, because the rest of the verse says: "the LORD reward him according to his works."  He is not just saying "God... get him!"; he is saying: "Lord, you have to deal with this not me."  "Vengeance is mine saith the LORD, I will repay."  "Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."  God deals with it!!  Just keep on keeping on!!
2) BISHOP- Titus 1:7 says: "For a bishop must be..."  The word "bishop" refers to the pastor.  So do the words: elder, overseer, shepherd, pastor, and bishop.  These five terms all refer to the one office of pastor.  They are not separate.  There was no "elder board" in the Bible.  There was the office of pastor, and deacons.  The pastor was the man called by God and the deacons were called by the church to help the pastor.  This is biblical leadership.
3) PRAY FOR EACH OTHER- Philemon 1:4 says: "I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers."  Here we see that Paul prayed for his friends and we should follow his example.  What friend do you know that is going through a rough time right now, are you praying for them?  Everyday is somebodies rainy day!  Pray for them!
4) OUR HIGH PRIEST- Jesus is our high priest.  Hebrews tells us that in many ways and places.  In chapter 7:24 Jesus is said to have "an unchangeable priesthood"; in verse 25, He "ever liveth to make intercession for them"; in verse 28, He "is consecrated for evermore."  Jesus is our High Priest and because of this we will be presented spotless in the presence of a Holy God!!  Praise Jesus!!
Well, so much for today, I'll have more for tomorrow!  Have a blessed day!
Pastor Mike Mutchler
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