Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I'm going to now focus on what should be expected within the Body of Christ. I will start with a question. Do we want others to sharpen us as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17)? God uses people in order to help exhort; rebuke etc. as 2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us-Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
This; my friends means within the body of believers to help with God's sanctification plan for us. The job of elders is supposed to be aiding with instruction and correct doctrine; sadly it seems many in this role from my experience seem to be invested in secluded prayers with the Pastor; or business roles and rather estranged from the rest of the congregation. We shouldn't wait; of course as some do for some instruction to us personally from the Pastor who normally preaches if we see another in need of growth or maturity. This is why discussion of the Word (and by no means the only reason for it) to be a prime event in our church fellowship. That; sadly is NOT what I have heard in my church lately amongst other issues. It has become time to move on; even though I have some other events I am attending other than the Sunday service that I'm still involved with for the time being.
I have also learned that once a congregation gets to a certain point with apathy they simply won't do anything to get out of a lukewarm state. Any pleading with admonitions from scripture either brings the usual "live by grace"; or "log in your eye" response and the Word is either dismissed or ignored. A healthy rebuke to an issue even disagreement is better than just accepting the status quo of whatever is being taught or accepted. I hope no one else goes through this; but it seems a candlestick going out isn't an issue
If there is death in the pulpit there will be death in the church . If there is death in the pulpit and some life in the church then there is trouble .
I'm going to now focus on what should be expected within the Body of Christ. I will start with a question. Do we want others to sharpen us as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17)? God uses people in order to help exhort; rebuke etc. as 2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us-Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
This; my friends means within the body of believers to help with God's sanctification plan for us. The job of elders is supposed to be aiding with instruction and correct doctrine; sadly it seems many in this role from my experience seem to be invested in secluded prayers with the Pastor; or business roles and rather estranged from the rest of the congregation. We shouldn't wait; of course as some do for some instruction to us personally from the Pastor who normally preaches if we see another in need of growth or maturity. This is why discussion of the Word (and by no means the only reason for it) to be a prime event in our church fellowship. That; sadly is NOT what I have heard in my church lately amongst other issues. It has become time to move on; even though I have some other events I am attending other than the Sunday service that I'm still involved with for the time being.
I have also learned that once a congregation gets to a certain point with apathy they simply won't do anything to get out of a lukewarm state. Any pleading with admonitions from scripture either brings the usual "live by grace"; or "log in your eye" response and the Word is either dismissed or ignored. A healthy rebuke to an issue even disagreement is better than just accepting the status quo of whatever is being taught or accepted. I hope no one else goes through this; but it seems a candlestick going out isn't an issue
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