Church Shepherds Must Protect the Flock

Guarding sheep from danger is clearly a significant aspect of the shepherding task. The same is true for church shepherds. They must continually guard the congregation from false teachers. Although the guarding ministry is a negative aspect of shepherding, it is indispensable to the flock’s survival.

Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership, pg.18

About the Book Offers

I’ve gotten a couple new people requesting books I offer to takers, and I thought I might update any and all readers as to why I’m giving away books.

I have had an apologetics ministry for over 40 years now, and at 68 years old I’m getting a bit worn out with researching and writing articles, and everything else that goes along with the ministry. So I’m really cutting back and mainly just being available to people who need help.

At one time I had almost 1000 volumes in my library but over the past few years I’ve been passing them on. I started by giving them to church libraries but I have discovered that the average church member rarely uses them, so I began giving a lot to friends and other ministries. 

THEN I decided to start offering them on my blog. This way those who are interested will be able to get books without having to come up with cash. I consider this to be really part of my ministry, and I hope some younger Christians may become interested in apologetics and take up the slack of us older guys who are now kicking back.

In 2016 I began keeping a record of how many books and other materials I’ve given out, so for those who may find it interesting, from 2016 to 2019 I’ve given away 445 books, 58 magazines and journals, 40 miscellaneous publications, 34 DVDs, 1 VHS, and 30 CDs I forgot to record cassette tapes until this year. This year I’ve already given away 63 books, 14 booklets, 3 articles, 2 CDs and 16 cassettes.

A lot of what I’m passing on is redundant to many other books, or, when it comes to counseling material, it’s because we are no longer involved in Christian counseling.

One thing to note: I cannot read without a highlighter. And if I come across an error during reading I will write a note about the problem. So most of my books with have at least some highlighting.

SO keep watching this blog for book offers.

Good Leadership

Good leaders always distinguishes themselves by their ability to skillfully confront troublesome issues and to be decisive. In fact, confronting problems is a major part of leadership responsibility. Fearful leaders who refuse to confront problems have demoralized many churches and organizations. Running away from problems creates worse problems.

Alexander Strauch, The New Testament Deacon, pg.18

Personal Bible Notes - Thessalonians and Timothy

(Refer to my 9/25/18 post about the margin notes in my Bible, and why I decided to share them on this blog.)

1 Thessalonians:

2:13: Paul’s message is from the Lord.

5:9: Regarding salvation vs damnation — not regarding rapture.

2 Thessalonians: 

1:8-9:  Hell is real.

2:9-10:  False signs & wonders—people don’t accept truth.

3:9:  Teachers have a right to getting support.

3:14-15: Church discipline.

1 Timothy:

1:3-4: Teach no other doctrine.

2:4-6: Only one mediator.

2:8: Men lead in prayer

2:12-14: No women teachers, not church leaders.

3:8: “hypocritical” — “double-tongued”

3:9:  Sound in doctrine.

4:1-3: Later times and false teachers.

4:4-5: All food is good.

4:6: Point out error!

4:16: Watch life & doctrine.

5:17-18: Paid elders.

5:20:  Publicly rebuke leaders.

6:3-5: False teachers do it especially for money.

2 Timothy:

2:17:  Paul names names!

2:23: Reject foolish arguments.

4:1-4: Teach sound doctrine even though people want fluff

4:14: Paul names his opponent.