“The basic thesis of this book is that deacons–rightly understood and deployed–are an irreplaceable gift to Christ’s church” (21). Matt Smethurst’s Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church certainly accomplishes that goal in the opinion of this reader. Deacons is one of the two newest releases in the already wonderful Building Healthy Churches Series …
In our study of what the Bible has to say about pride and humility (presented quite purposely on “pride month"), we arrive at the third of three interrelated texts. Proverbs 3:34, of course, is the core since it is cited by both James and Peter, and it defined the sharp dichotomy between the proud and …
Continue reading Humility, Anxiety, & the Devil | 1 Peter 5:5
This sermon was originally preached in 2016. if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or …
This sermon was originally preached in 2016. This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might… appoint elders in every town as I directed you. Titus 1:5 ESV Given that appointing elders in every town was Paul's primary directive to Titus, it is troublesome that so few of us understand the biblical …
After discussing the responsibilities and qualifications of elders, we now move on to the second office within the church: deacons. The ideas and traditions behind the roles and responsibilities of deacons are vast, diverse, and unfortunately often unbiblical. Much of this comes from the Bible’s implicit, rather than explicit, teaching on deacons; even so, the …
In the previous study, we observed the biblical precedent and imperative for churches being led by a plurality of elders. We briefly addressed the three titles given to a pastor in the New Testament: shepherd, elder, and overseer, which over time have formally become pastor, presbyter, and bishop. Ultimately, each of the title refers to …
In the previous study, we observed the responsibilities of elders, namely, that they are commanded to lead (shepherd, oversee, and model) by devoting themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Biblically, prayer and teaching are the two tasks from which elders cannot deviate. We know now what elders do, but how do we …
B. C. Newton 