| When working your way through the Word of God | | | | inter-changeable in the New Testament. They mean |
| there can come that point where it confronts some of | | | | the same thing - the same office - and man has taken |
| your presuppositions, and we find this in a very real | | | | these words and used them to produce a |
| sense in the New Testament book of Acts at | | | | denominational system. |
| Chapter 20 and verse 27. Might this be too | | | | 'Episkopos' - 'presbuteros' - 'poimen' - are the three |
| challenging? I hope not! It reverses much of what we | | | | Greek words used in the New Testament which can |
| have been taught. If we do not look after ourselves, | | | | be translated by any of these five words. |
| we will be unable to look after others. | | | | It is the Holy Spirit Who makes elders. We may |
| We read in these crucial verses of how God used | | | | appoint men - but it is God Who makes men elders, or |
| Paul to proclaim the whole Word of God - to share | | | | leaders. And, when HE puts you in charge you are |
| the whole Will of God - without withholding challenging | | | | responsible to HIM! |
| truths which might at first appear unpalatable and could | | | | The instruction is given. Feed the Church of God. Feed |
| cause you to become unpopular in certain circles. As | | | | those whom Jesus Christ has saved and bought with |
| you minister in such a way, you will have a clear | | | | His Own Blood. Look after the Church of God. |
| conscience. | | | | Feed the flock of God with the Word of God. Spiritual |
| Of course that means believing it and obeying it first. | | | | leaders are NOT appointed to entertain - amuse - or |
| People need the lot - all that God has for them. We | | | | impress. |
| need all the equipment which God provides, and we | | | | This can apply to business too. Do you ever sense |
| see that so clearly in those verses. Omit nothing! Is this | | | | that you have to entertain or be entertaining - amuse |
| too challenging for you? I hope not! | | | | or be amusing - or even feel that you have to impress |
| Paul continues to speak so specifically to those spiritual | | | | people with your teaching, oratory, or preaching? To |
| leaders from the church at Ephesus. | | | | be released from these limiting binding restricting chains |
| Take care of your own spiritual life. Be concerned | | | | is wonderful. To proclaim the whole Word of God will |
| about your own walk with God - and also, take care | | | | please the God the Father. |
| and be concerned about all the flock, over which the | | | | This might be costly, but carrying the cross always is |
| Holy Spirit has made you overseers. | | | | costly, but most rewarding. Pay the price and reap the |
| Elder, pastor, shepherd, overseer, bishop - are all | | | | reward. |