To God, the church is the most precious thing on earth, and he wants it stewarded well by a group of qualified men. 1 Timothy tells us that the qualification for elders are primarily about character. Most importantly, this group of men still remain under the chief shepherd, Jesus.
The Office of Overseer
1st Timothy 3:1-7
January 25, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
Guard The Deposit
June 14, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
Paul’s closing words to Timothy were quite fitting and they must serve as our marching orders as well. 1 - “Flee…” things like the pursuit of money, false doctrine, sexual immorality, etc. 2 - “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” 3 - “Fight the good fight…” Endure. Persevere. Remember those who have gone before you, like Paul, Timothy, Peter, and others. 4 - “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” In other words, “Guard the deposit.”
Godliness as a Means of Gain, Not A Means of Gain
June 7, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
The church is to be the pillar and buttress of the truth, not the one that surrenders the truth. If we as a church, or as individuals, move away from the gospel, things begin to unravel and we lose our way. Godliness with contentment, however, is a great means of gain because it has Jesus and not us at the center, and Jesus is the Truth.