Comments on: Struggling to Preach the Gospel

By: Tommy Thomas

Tommy Thomas — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 06:58:51 +0000

Good aim, seems simple, I stuggle greatly with this role. Its a noble task to do but man its hard when you see experience preachers take off with all they need and you have no idea how they did it. There has to be a way provided by Jesus to preach Jesus while being with Jesus and in Jesus. Its very true and right when you know you belong to someone who loves you and lets you be you but than even further allows you to be trusted in preaching the gospel. Such a leaning on Christ and saying yes he has it all undercontrol. Its like preaching in Joy, not oh no am I gonna make it through door or is the the devil going to slay me and make me look bad in front of everyone, Preachers all called to have child like faith too. Me ! How do you preach? like me, me and Jesus thats how !

By: eric

eric — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 14:57:41 +0000

Who has ears to hear had better listen. Adam/Eve were children themselves (not grown adults as you see in the paintings for centuries). Adam/Eve were prepubescent in the garden of Eden(paradise). They were at the age period when children “knew no good nor evil” (this is where Gods wants all of us). Moses confirms what the Holy Spirit already told me about the “garden of paradise” and the “tree of knowledge”, look to Deut.1:39. The tree of knowledge and heaven are spiritual not physical,there was NO actual,physical tree of knowledge of good & evil (thats folklore/deception). Heaven and garden of paradise(Eden) are synonymous. God resides in the unseen(spiritual) world that created this seen(physical) world, just as your thoughts(unseen world)) create recipes or inventions or music in this visible place(physical world)etc… The tree of knowledge of good/evil is the stage of mankind(man/woman) where they go through a transformation of childhood to adulthood. At this point is when mankind has the opportunity to either believe(obey) in his authority figure or not believe(rebel). Mankind unfortunately through the milleniums have continually chosen rebellion from the beginning. Eve gave into the temptation first not because women are more evil but because females mature slightly faster than males,meaning she came to the crossroads of “obey or rebel” first and failed. Jesus said “humble yourselves like a little child, (bringing you back to the garden when you knew not good or evil) pleading that you realise its your pride that has cast you out! When God cast them out of the garden and said they were cursed it is because they believed in pride over humility,satan over God. Watch people that try to play God or try to play boss or ruler,their idea of kingship is oppressive and cruel. God is full of humility and love. If God was anything like “man” portrays rulership, God would have wiped out ALL of mankind a long time ago. Seek the garden of Eden diligently,ask God to reveal the secret truths that are hidden in those first 4 pages of the Bible. This is what it means to love God with all of your heart,soul and might! I have been shown ten times what ive shared with you but havent the space to do so. so please God bless and studiously seek the garden and you will see.

By: Jonathan Dodson

Jonathan Dodson — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:50:25 +0000

Hi Lester,

I empathize with your struggle. I would encourage you to rearrange your church’s expectations of you and cut back to two teachings a week. Remind them that

1) Your first church is your family and that you need adequate time with them (1 Tim 3).
2) You need to observe Sabbath so that you are working from rest not working for rest.
3) Discipleship is much more that doctrine. Show them from Scripture how important it is for them to be out on mission in their community, to be a community that ministers to one another, and to avoid becoming people who are educated beyond their obedience.
4) Your role is to equip not just teach, and to equip them to do the ministry (Eph4)

By: Lester

Lester — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:13:43 +0000

I’m a fairly new pastor of a small church, but it has a “full time” schedule! I read your comment about preaching then turn around six days later and do it again. Try this on for size…Sunday morning, Sunday Evening, Tuesday Bible study, Thursday midweek service AND Saturday evening. I’m also a bivocational minister. I work a regular job plus the church. Add visitation and some weekly door to door invitation, and the preaching can sometimes really be a challenge. I would appreciate any advice!

By: Rob’s Daily LifeStream Digest for July 4th | robwestbrook.com

Rob’s Daily LifeStream Digest for July 4th | robwestbrook.com — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:04:47 +0000

[...] by WP Greet Box WordPress PluginOn July 4th, Rob added 7 items to his LifeStream. Shared Struggling to Preach the Gospel. Spread mulch, picked blueberries, shucked corn-life of a rural pastor! Now a final rundown of [...]

By: Doug

Doug — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:30:07 +0000

I am growing in this and appreciate your wise counsel here, Jonathan. Alistair Begg has one line that I always try to keep in the forefront: “Be yourself and forget yourself.”

By: Jonathan Dodson

Jonathan Dodson — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:10:25 +0000

Whoops! Thanks for catching that. Correcting now…

By: Timothy Stewart

Timothy Stewart — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:33:51 +0000

You said, “Your identity is shepherd, your role is sheep.” Was that supposed to be reversed? It seemed opposite of the other statements. If not, could you elaborate.

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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:06:56 +0000

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