A Pastor Must NOT Be (Part Two)

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1 Volume 19, Number 45 November 17th, 2013 A Pastor Must NOT Be (Part Two) by (Please remember that we using the word pastor in its proper, biblical sense in these articles, meaning one who is an elder or shepherd NOT as a designation for the preacher!) As we continue looking at the Holy Spirit s description of the characteristics elders should and should not possess, remember that these disqualifications are things that can alter a man s attitude and judgement about spiritual matters, or they are attitudes and activities which demonstrate ungodliness in his own life. An elder must NOT be a man who is given to filthy lucre, Titus 1:7 (KJV not greedy, NKJV, for dishonest gain, NIV). It s interesting to notice that in 1 Timothy 3:3, the same expression is translated in most modern versions as not a lover of money. Note that in 1 Peter 5:2, that apostle uses the very same words, in a context that specifically has to do with a man s motivation for serving as a bishop. This expression (given to filthy lucre) represents a selfish, materialistic motivation such a man is NOT focused on spiritual things or eternity, and will NOT look out for the spiritual welfare of the flock. Paul would go on to write in 1 Timothy 6:10 that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil; therefore, an elder whose thoughts and energies are concentrated on material wealth rather than the spiritual health and safety of the congregation will open the door to disaster for the church! Paul lists the related attitude of covetousness with such things as idolatry and drunkenness in 1 Corinthians 5:11, and points out that those who practice it are subject to the withdrawal of congregational fellowship if they do not repent. May God spare us from materialistic shepherds! Next, a bishop must NOT be a man who does not know how to rule his own house, 1 Timothy 3:4-5 (most modern versions use the word manage here). Paul presents this quality in both positive and negative connotations, as relating specifically to how an elder deals with his family, particularly his children (verse 4). The word for rule has to do with supervision, guidance, and protection, and the corollary passage (Titus 1:6) describes both the spiritual condition of the man s children (i.e., Christians) and their normal conduct ( not accused of riot or unruly ). It should be noted that this aspect of the children s behavior is presented as a contrast to their faithfulness as Christians, and the words themselves mean one who lives a dissolute, profligate and undisciplined life; this description does NOT mean the man s children NEVER stumble or make mistakes. In 1 Timothy 3:5, Paul presents the reason a man who will not or cannot manage his household well should not serve as an elder; such a man will tend to administer the affairs of the church in the same slovenly way, to the injury of the congregation! Third, an elder must NOT be a man who is a newborn Christian, 1 Timothy 3:6 (a novice, KJV; a recent convert, NASB, ESV, et al.). Not only does simple good sense tell us why such a man should not serve in this capacity,paul states the reason plainly; a man who is still young and immature in the faith is open to the temptation of pride! It is interesting to note that the word for novice means a new plant or newly planted. In Hebrews 5:13, the inspired writer observes that such a one (a babe or child the word represents the idea of one who is not yet skillful or knowledgeable) does not yet have sufficient knowledge and experience to use the word of God effectively. Given that a pastor must be one who holds fast the faithful word, is apt to teach and is able to stop the mouths of the gainsayers, it should be obvious to us why a man who is a new Christian is excluded from such service. How much time must pass before a man is no longer a spiritual rookie? Suffice it to say that it will depend on the individual, but speech, priorities of life and general behavior are all visible measures for this purpose.

2 Family Matters Audrey Shaw Has been moved to a private room, 505. No visitors, please; the rehab center is trying to keep her from being exposed to the virus that is going around. Jessica Johnson Friend of Amy Nash, loss her twins last week. You can send cards to her at 2741 Laguna Street, San Francisco, Ca Larry Fields Is recovering from heart surgery last week. David Barkley The Whitacre s son-in-law s father has been diagnosed with lung cancer. They address is David & Mary Van Barkley, 204 S. Main, Middleton, Tenn Cards would be appreciated. Jim Obrien A former member of Fayetteville is recovering from surgery last week David Riley A member of Forest Park COC will have a kidney transplant on November 22nd at Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta. Please keep David, his daughter and their families in your prayers. Steve Hopkins Is on a business trip. Prayer Requests David & Joan Poskevich came forward last Sunday morning thanking God for his healing and love. Please keep David, Joan and their family in your prayers. Deepest Sympathy We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Maylon Swann for the loss of his brother-in-law, Mack Rice of Cullman, Ala. Please keep this family in your prayers. Members With Health Problems: Larry Obert, Dave Poskevich, Una Fortson, Graham McDonald, Amy Nash, Jim Scoma, Audrey Shaw, Catherine Kelly, Annette Benefield, Sally Wallace, Becky Higginbotham, Wayne Nash, John Butt, Equillar Butler, Mattie Croix, Bernice Gillespie, Larry Carroll, Gerry Moss, Janis Libby, Nobie Davis, Mattie Williams, Equillar Butler, David & Shirley Lee, Dick & Lillian Gray, Hick & Estell Higginbotham, Butch & Joann Trawick, David & Jill Nash, Ed & Doris Buckner, Gerry & Cathy Whitacre Shut-ins: Jane Lankford, Kathryne Hardy, Annette Benefield, Frances Elders and Lillie Belle Sharpe Others: Mike Gilley, Ken Fredericks, David & Mary Van Barkley, Flora Dansby, Marvin Cook, Barbara Cozart, Gina Hamilton, Chris Hart, Cecile Whitacre & Ruby Morgan To the Kids at FCOC, Thank you so much for the thoughtful care package! I was genuinely surprised when I opened it and saw all the lovely snacks. It really made my day. Thank you for your continued support and I hope it see you all soon. Danielle Madison Bear Hugs Sew-ers Needed! If you could sew 10 bears a week Linda Howell needs your help. New Phone Tree System Wizard Phone Biz is our new message system. The phone number you will see is Don t hang up! Thanks Singing Refreshments Needed before November 20th 100 packages of cookies (homemade cookies or brownies can be dropped off that Sunday morning), 10 canisters of instant Lemonade & 4 containers of Crystal Light. We also need pitchers (put your name on the bottom). Thanksgiving Bags Jean Johnson is organizing this event with our help. Our F.R.O.G. kids will be baking cookies on Saturday morning. The bags will be given out to our widows and widowers (and others) before Thanksgiving. We still need icing for the cookies if you would like to help.

3 Adult HolidAy Dinner December 7th at 6pm BRING YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY DISH AND DESSERT. Calendar (Check the bulletin board for more information) Nov 19 Tuesday Morning Bible Study at 10am Bible Bowl: Nov 17, 3-5:45pm ACTS (NKJV), Here AM I, Send Me in the Fellowship Hall Snacks: 11/17 Catherine Kelly 12/1 Britney Russell 12/8 Linda Howell Nov 21 Thursday Night Ladies Bible Study at 7pm Nov 23 at 5pm Yard Work Starts at 8:30am Cookie Baking starts at 9am SilverWings Thanksgiving Dinner, Sign up today Hosted by the High School Students Youth Calendar Nov 17 Youth Devo at Peachtree City COC The bus will leave the building at 4:15pm. Nov 23 FROG s will start baking cookies at 9am Dec 14 Holiday Outing for All Ages Dec 7 Adult Holiday Dinner at 6pm Dec 14 Ladies Morning Out & Holiday Ornament Exchange Breakfast at Bag of Stitches, cost $10.00 each. Hosted by RuPearl Sharpe Dec 14 Holiday Outing for All Ages Global Winter Wonderland at Turner Field This a holiday event for the whole family. (globalwonderland.com) Global Winter Wonderland at Turner Field (Youth/Adults $25, Ages 5-12 $17, 4 & under free) Dec 15 Youth Devo at Tara COC Dec 29th CYC in Gatlinburg, Tn is Feb , 2014 Please sign up by December 29th.

4 Please join us the Sunday before Thanksgiving for the time-honored tradition, an Area-Wide Thanks Singing Date: Sunday, November 24, 2013 Time: Location: 2:30 p.m. Fayetteville Church of Christ 870 Redwine Road Fayetteville, GA Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall For info call or us at:

5 Call to Worship Scripture Reading Opening Prayer Song Leader Preside Lord s Supper Sermon Response Elder Announcements Closing Song Prayer Evening Service Opening Prayer Scripture Reading Sermon Closing Prayer WORSHIP ASSIGNMENTS Nov 17 Zeke Poskevich Hugh Kelly Stan Mitchell Paul Lyons Ray Russell Ron Biles Curt Hurt Michael Ball Andy Johnson Jerry Kendrix Jack Sorrell Jim Garner Greg Nash Gerry Whitacre Curtis Hurt Zeke Poskevich Larry Rose Brett Rose Dennis Etheridge Nov 24 Brett Rose Tommy Chapman Stan Mitchell Dennis Etheridge Ray Russell Ron Biles Curt Hurt Michael Ball Andy Johnson Jerry Kendrix Jack Sorrell Jim Garner Greg Nash Curtis Hurt Brett Rose Song Service Ben Rogers Steve Hopkins Fayetteville Church of Christ 2013 Goals MAKE DISCIPLES Matthew 28: Classes for the New in the Faith 2. Increase Attendance at VBS/ Camp by 20% 3. Follow-up with Visitors to VBS/ Meetings by contacting each family 4. Increase participation in Community Outreach (evangelism effort) 5. Set up Mentoring Program for Visitors 6. Conduct Personal Bible Studies Address: 870 Redwine Road Fayetteville, Georgia Monday Friday, 9-4 Office Telephone (770) , (770) Fax mail@fcoc.com Web Page: Minister: (361) Dave.rogers@fcoc.com Youth Minister: Greg Nash, (404) (cell) gnash999@gmail.com Office Secretary: Susie Graham celiagraham@bellsouth.net Elders: Gerry Whitacre (770) Jim Garner (770) Jim Pelfrey (770) Deacons: Dennis Graham Hugh Kelly Jerry Kendrix Andy Johnson Paul Lyons Stan Mitchell David Poskevich Jack Sorrell Assembly Schedule: Sunday 9:00 am Bible Classes 10:00 am Worship Service 6:00 pm Worship Service 10:00 am Tuesday Morning Bible Class (September 11 May 14) 7:00 pm Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:00 pm Thursday Night Ladies Class Communion Preparation Denise Biles Nursery Care of Building Ray Russell/David Hopkins Dec 1-15 Bob Howell/ Jerry Kendrix/ Tom Durden Ushers 17 Anthony Ravenell/ Maylon Swann 24 Rick Sharpe/Gayle Pelfrey Our Missionaries Open Arms 17 Doris Buckner, Jean Johnson, Jo Ruffer, Rose Durden, Linda Armstrong, Tommy & Gail Chapman 24 Susie Graham, Jasi Quinn, Gerry Moss, Barbara Edmonds, Theresa Green, Tom & Terri Durden Graham, Elizabeth, Joshua, Megan, Bethany & Elijah McDonald Scotland,11 Woodhead Ct, Westfield, Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, G68 9DB graham@gmcd.net Skype: gmcd105 or Scott & Rebecca Shananhan Pohnpel scottshanahan@hotmail.com Kenloy & Ivell Walker Jamaica Brown s Town Church of Christ, Forrest & Burma Chapman, Georgia Hiawassee, Ga. ftc1952@alltel.com

6 Veterans Day- Office closed Bu- Thanksgiving Boxes Yard Work Day