“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 – NIV) Today, I launch a new clergy collegial blog. I hope we will encourage and empower each other toward success and excellence in pastoral ministry. As I sit in the Pastor’s Study at Cambria Heights Community Church, I often ponder the possible feedback of clergy colleagues as it relates to preparing sermons, counseling in particularly difficult situation, designing fresh worship, balancing competing priorities of ministry, marriage and family, maintaining self-care, pursuing personal dreams and private interests outside of ministry and family, and finding resources to meet the ever evolving and changing needs of the people whom I serve. After a sustained period of prayer, reflection and meditation, I realize I can invite you to come “In The Pastor’s Study” for an exchange of ideas.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

At Risk in the Community - Jude - Part Three


At Risk in the Community – Jude – Part Three

Concluding Reflections

False teaching, arising from selfish ambition and self-aggrandizement, plagues the contemporary American Church just as it did in Jude’s time.  Millions of people flock to churches where pastors and preacher scratch their itching ears telling them whatever they want to hear.  Combining the gospel with self-help philosophy, motivational speaking, “rugged individualism” and the “American dream” will pack the pews without question.  Additionally, avoiding subjects relating to living with integrity and moral obedience compounds the illusion of personal preference in religion.  The unfathomable biblical illiteracy in most local churches explains the regrettable state of the Church.  However, the book of Jude reminds us to return to the basics of knowing the word so that we might rightly divide the sermons and teachings that we hear.


Lesson Objectives

  • Distinguish between false and true teachings.
  • Analyze the sermons of popular televangelists and preachers from a biblically based perspective.
  • Define ways in which we can assist at-risk believers in committing to disciplined study of the Bible.


Prayer

Lord Jesus, the revealed and embodied Word of God, help us to hide Your Word in our hearts so that we might not sin against Thee.  Give us the grace to assume the Psalter’s love for Your Word as found in Psalm 119.  Embolden us with Your Spirit so that we may stand firm in defense of Your teachings and truth.  Amen.


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