Books

Introduction If you’ve put your trust in Christ, you are already a deacon in a broad sense diakonos is usually just a generic term for “servant” - hence the attribution to non-Christian rulers (Romans 13:4) and even demons (2 Corinthians 11:15) Deacons shoulder practical tasks so that the elders can channel their energies to the ministry of the Word and to prayer. We rob ourselves of the benefits of God’s revealed wisdom when we either unduly elevate the role of deacons (say, to de facto elders) or unduly reduce their role (say, to glorified janitors) The Backstory and the Blunders: How Deacons have functioned In the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition, deacons have always functioned mainly as mercy ministers, caring for the needy and distressed and often helping oversee the finances of the church In the Anglican communion, deacons are either “transitional”, moving toward the priesthood, or “vocational”, appointed for life; all are theologically trained and formally ordained....

Don’t Assume You know you are qualified to be an elder if You want to be an elder (1 Tim 3:1, 1 Peter 5:2) You exemplify godly character (1 Tim 3:2-3, Titus 1:7-8) Above reproach, blameless Self-controlled, no addictions Gentle Not greedy You can teach the Bible You lead your family well A one-woman man An effective father Manages household well, having his children under control with all dignity Hospitable You are male You are an established believer Smell like Sheep Elders are shepherds and their primary role is to shepherd the flock (church members) Elders are to engage in relationships with their church members Elders minister with the goal of growing church members in Christian maturity....

Introduction Familes crumble under the weight of paternal neglect Young men wander aimlessly, looking for answers their fathers should have given them in both word and deed Christian women grow weary of begging God to make their husbands the spiritual leaders of the home Helping men to overcome a legacy of passivity, incompetence, and indifference. Chapter 1: The Bible and the Family’s Role in Discipleship From Genesis to Revelation, we see a clear picture of the role of the family in redemptive history, and the role of the father in the family....

Comparing Sharia vs. the Gospel Fundamental problem of mankind in Islam is ignorance. Islam means “submission”. A Muslim is “one who submits” Concept of a prophet in Islam is different than that in the Bible Prophets in Islam have a higher status than all other people, being men chosen by God to lead mankind. The Quran uses the term to mean a divinely appointed leader, not necessarily one who prophesies Prophets include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Job, Moses, Jonah, Aaron, Solomon, David, Jesus (Quran 4....

Introduction Takeaways Patience and thoughtfulness are the keys to insight, especially with Scripture. If you spend the time and assume the proper attitude of openness and trust, God will speak to you through His Word. Key text - Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart....