Theoretically, a person can save himself.  Why do I say that?  Because sin is not something we have to do, nor is it a state of being we are born into as Calvinism teaches.  Ecclesiastes 7:29 tells us that God created man upright.  He also created us with free will.  The Bible tells us that […]

Being a Christian is not for the lazy.  Pleasing God involves work; not meritorious work, but work nevertheless. Philippians 2:12 (ESV) 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, Jesus knows […]

There is only one thing that can get in the way of a person making it to heaven and that is sin.  Sin separates a person from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), resulting in spiritual death.  It goes without saying that immoral living will prevent God from blessing us.  If you want a relationship with God and […]

Sometimes to be blessed by God, all we need to do is get out of His way and watch Him operate in our lives.  There are, however, some things that we do or attitudes that we have that get in God’s way and stop Him from helping us.  This week, I want to look at […]

The responsibilities of members toward the elders in a local church are just as important as the responsibilities of the elders toward the church.  Why?  It is because the only way a church with elders will run harmoniously is if the members of the church know their responsibilities toward the elders and are willing to […]

Qualified elders in local churches are good men.  What do I mean by good?  The apostles put it best when looking for men who could serve tables while they committed themselves to preaching the word.  They said, “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of […]

Three Greek words refer to the office of an elder.  The word for “elder” is presbyteros.  It denotes an older man who has accumulated some wisdom and experience.  Then there is the word for pastor which is poimēn.  This word points to the care elders give to the flock as shepherds.  Finally, there is the […]

I was recently told by an elder (not at the congregation where I preach) that he felt like some of the members where he was located did not have the appropriate respect for the eldership.  An issue arose that caused a few members to question the authority of the elders.  They did not like the […]

I have been preaching the gospel for nearly forty years.  For most of that time, I have been privileged to serve under four different elderships.  I served a congregation for five years that did not have elders, and it was the only time that I had trouble with a local church.  From that experience, I […]