Tag: andrew paul
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Make Pastors Small Again
Starting about six years ago, my philosophy of pastoral ministry has changed significantly. The shift was so significant that I ended up quitting the ministry altogether. Part of my departure from ministry had to do with church hurt. Most of it had to do with my pride and the fact that I found my identity…
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The Problem of Pain: Perfect Paradox
God is perfect, at least that’s what you claim. Tell me how a perfect God can create anything imperfect. Yet, according to your holy book, the very prize of God’s creation fails. The most important of God’s works is also the most depraved and the cause of all suffering in the world. People are selfish.…
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Be Disciplined: The Bible’s Instructions Directly to Pastor Search Teams
Paul has explicitly given Timothy the responsibility to protect the church in Ephesus from unsound doctrine. He implies that Timothy is responsible to appoint new pastors and deacons for the church in Ephesus. Paul even provided character qualifications for the two offices and reminded the congregation that, even as people are being appointed, the church…
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Redemption From Religious Burdens: Considering the Gospel of Freedom Against Strange Doctrine in 1 Timothy
We have seen the character qualities we should all strive for in life and ministry. If we are to summarize all the qualifications into one word, I think it should be selflessness. We don’t want to be the types of people who gain for ourselves, whether that be monetarily, positionally, or emotionally. That’s why we…
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The Congregation in View: Reflecting on 1 Timothy 3 for Transitional Churches
We tend to stop after we read the qualifications for pastors and deacons. We stop directly after reading the qualifications because we are reading with the intent to judge others. Doubtless we want pastors and deacons whose character is reflected in 1 Timothy 3. We want pastors and deacons who sincerely love the congregation, are…
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Deacons, Likewise: Considerations for Transitional Churches in 1 Timothy 3
After stating the character qualifications for pastoral candidates, Paul inserts qualifications for deacons. Not all ministry involves pastoral work, strictly speaking. There are also deacons. In some way, the deacon office is like that of an overseer or pastor—but not the same. Paul exhorts the church through Timothy, Deacons likewise must be men of dignity,…
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God’s Covenant Faithfulness According to The Law: The Psalmist’s Reflection in Psalm 119
The psalmist continues to look for encouragement in Psalm 119. He is surrounded by enemies. He feels dead. He wants to feel alive again and has dedicated himself to God’s ways rather than his own. God’s ways bring happiness, life, peace, and justice. They are good for him and all of society. As a repentant…
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Personal Revival in Psalm 119: Thinking About What It Means to Feel Alive Again
The worship of our lives is seeking after God’s ways rather than our own. We learn that God’s ways are better because our ways typically cause great hardship and tribulation. God forgives us for living by our own ways and bringing such destruction on ourselves and his earth. He shows his lovingkindness to thousands of…
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Understanding the Providence of God in Our Lives: Psalm 119
How many of us have planned out our lives according to our desires? In Psalm 119, the psalmist has been talking about how his plans and ways did not really work out for his own happiness or the good of others. God’s ways are better. He consistently asks God to teach him the divine way…
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Considering the Qualifications for Pastors and What We Strive for as Mature Christians: 1 Timothy 3
In the seasons of appointing pastors, Paul has already reminded the church through Timothy that humility and patience are key. No one should be seeking self promotion. We should not neglect considering the needs of one another. We should continue caring more about others than ourselves. Be quiet. Be humble. Love one another. Only after…