Leadership in the Church
Leadership in the Church6
1 Peter 5:4
By John Gill0MAT 25:21JHN 10:111CO 9:24PHP 3:141TH 2:192TI 4:8HEB 13:17JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 2:10John Gill emphasizes the role of Christ as the Chief Shepherd, encouraging church elders and pastors to fulfill their duties with faithfulness, humility, and joy. He explains that all pastors are under Christ's authority, receiving their commissions and gifts from Him to care for His flock. Gill highlights the accountability of these leaders to Christ, who will return in glory to reward them with an everlasting crown of glory, contrasting it with temporary earthly rewards. The sermon serves as a reminder of the eternal significance of their ministry and the joy that awaits faithful servants of Christ.
Men of Prayer
By A.W. Tozer0PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes that prayer is a collective responsibility and privilege of the entire church, essential for spiritual vitality. He warns against a trend where men neglect prayer, leaving it to women, which undermines their leadership role in the church. Tozer asserts that prayer is the lifeblood of the church, and without it, the church cannot thrive. He calls for men to engage in prayer to fulfill their God-given roles and lead with spiritual integrity. Ultimately, he highlights that true leadership in the church must be rooted in spiritual worth and prayerfulness.
Nehemiah: Model of Spiritual Reformation (Nehemiah 13)
By Mike Bickle261:00:49NEH 13:1Mike Bickle emphasizes Nehemiah as a model of spiritual reformation, highlighting the importance of young leaders in reviving the church and reforming society. He discusses the challenges of standing for unpopular truths and the necessity of personal reformation before societal change can occur. Bickle outlines four key commandments from Nehemiah that are essential for reformers: maintaining godly family standards, honoring sacred time with God, supporting worship ministries, and avoiding unholy alliances. He stresses that true reformers must embody these principles and actively promote them within their communities. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a renewed commitment to these truths as a foundation for societal transformation.
The True Spirit of Prayer, Part 4
By Mike Bickle2255:17MAT 25:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in the church, sharing personal encounters with God that highlight the urgent need for a shift in the understanding and expression of Christianity. He warns that many leaders are operating without the necessary oil of prayer, leading to ineffective ministries, and stresses the importance of becoming a house of prayer for all nations. Bickle outlines seven types of prayer essential for this transformation and calls for a deep, personal intimacy with God, which is crucial for effective leadership in the end times. He also addresses the control spirit prevalent in church leadership, urging a return to humility and dependence on God rather than human agendas.
Leadership: Joy or Burden?
By A.W. Tozer01TH 5:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dual mistakes we make regarding our Christian leaders: a lack of gratitude and an excessive, blind following. He points out that failing to express gratitude is a subtle sin of omission, which can be overlooked compared to more obvious sins. Tozer argues that being thankful to God's servants is equivalent to being thankful to God, as their efforts are divinely inspired. He encourages believers to recognize their obligation to these leaders and to express gratitude, which is a valuable offering to God that enriches both the giver and the receiver.
Discerning Leadership
By A.W. Tozer0ACT 20:29A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for discerning leadership within the church, warning against the rise of false teachings and worldly influences that threaten true Bible Christianity. He highlights the lack of opposition to these trends and calls for Spirit-filled individuals to step up and lead with discernment. Tozer encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's illumination to distinguish truth from falsehood, urging them to be proactive in their faith and leadership. He concludes with a prayer for personal illumination and usefulness for God's glory.