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Hearing God's Voice

Hearing God’s Voice. Hearing God's Voice In a world of darkness, such as the one we live in today, where we hear so many different and divergent voices, opinions out of context, even lies that seem to be absolute truths, it is essential for every believer, leader, and minister to learn to listen to the voice of God. Many times, it seems that no matter how much we pray, praise, and fast, God does not listen to us, that we talk to Him and we do not perceive any answer to our prayers. Many today still have their doubts when it comes to this subject, even those who deny that God listens to us or consider it a thing of the past or of the Bible only. Today we are going to expose a question that has been asked by many people throughout the ages: How to listen to the voice of God. Listening to the Voice of God. The Word of God teaches us that God has spoken for a long time and will continue to speak. He is not a mute God, but desires to communicate constantly with His people, as it says in Hebrews 1:1-2 "God, having spoken many times and in many ways in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the universe". Throughout history, God revealed His Word to wise and worthy men, so that they could manifest it to Israel and the rest of the nations. In Genesis, we see that God spoke to Abraham face to face, without intermediaries. Abraham knew how to listen to God's voice: Read the full article

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10 Ways to Serve your Pastor

Ways to Serve your Pastor. A pastor is one of the five ministries given by God to His Church (Ephesians 4:11-12). Being a pastor is a gift, and a pastor knows very well that he has been called to bless the congregation (1 Corinthians 12:28). The term pastor means "one who leads and cares for a flock”. "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Pastoral ministry is full of challenges. Every pastor must watch over his own heart and the hearts of all those whom the Lord has placed under his care: his wife, his children, the church... The work of the pastor can be really complex and very demanding: a pastor must cover several meetings, counseling, events, retreats, dealing with marital conflicts, financial problems, burials, sermons, weddings... He must always search daily for the Word of God and also keep updated on what is happening in his church and the rest of the world. He must always act as a sentry and protect the flock when wolves disguised as sheep prowl around. He must deal with the goats that usually lead the lambs to the cliff. All these factors wear the shepherd down daily.   His strength is exhausted. His time for prayer is diminished. His effort in the Bible study weaken Read the full article

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Pastor vs. Reverend: What's the Difference? What's the Bible say

Two titles we hear in churches today are pastor and reverend, and we sometimes wonder what the difference is. We have seen that a pastor is mentioned in the Bible, but the reverend is not. What we see in the Bible is God being given reverence by His people. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him” (Psalm 89:7). The pastor is listed in Ephesians 4:11 that says, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” Who is a Pastor? A pastor is one who is commonly known as a shepherd of God’s flock because he is charged with feeding them the Word of God. He has been given the pastoral gift, and serves under Jesus Christ, who is the good shepherd (John 10:11 - 13). You will find that pastors are the ones who preach to the congregation every Sunday, and take care of their spiritual needs. Whenever anyone in church has an issue of any kind, they always go to the pastor, whom they believe has all the answers from the Word of God. 1“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. Read the full article

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Do Pastors have to Report Crimes? 5 Reasons

Do Pastors have to Report Crimes? Pastors may witness crimes that happen in society, and they do have an obligation to report any crime they see. As a law abiding citizen of their country, a pastor should adhere the laws of the land because God respects them. In Romans 13:1-3 we learn that each of us should be subject to the governing authorities because they are from God. He is the one who appoints leaders and expects that we will obey them. Those who resist them are resisting the ordinance of God, and they bring judgment upon themselves. This means that when pastors report crimes, they are obeying the laws enacted by governing authorities and have nothing to fear. 1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended There are a number of reasons why pastors should report crimes, and we will look at five of them below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOGmMI8ldmI Praying for Leaders in Our Country 1. Read the full article

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Do Pastors Struggle with Sin Too?

Sin That Plagues Pastors? We have traditionally believed that pastors are perfect and they don’t sin or face the temptation to sin. But is this true? Pastors are men and women like the rest of us and they do sin and face the temptation to do so. Romans 5:8 , 8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Paul tells us that God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. We have all been saved by the grace of God regardless of the calling upon our lives. When we sin we are to repent knowing we have forgiveness in Christ. All People Sin, Christians realize that we are not perfect and when we do, we quickly admit and confess our sin, Then Get Back up and move forward.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMhQu9OW4J4 Christian Leaders in Sin God's Word is Perfect / Its Messengers are Not The Story of the Pharisees, Scribes and Adulterous Woman John 8: 1 ff, "One time, a woman caught committing adultery was brought before Jesus by the Pharisees and Scribes. They wanted her stoned because she had sinned and the Law permitted them to do so. They felt justified in bringing her before Jesus for condemnation because, in their eyes, she deserved to die. The response Jesus gave surprised them because He responded with a challenge. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 Read the full article

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Can a Christian Man Lust after his Wife? What does the Bible Say

Is it Wrong for Christian Man Lust After His Wife? Christian couples are looking to spice up their sex life and want to know if it is okay to lust after their spouses. Some justify that because two people are married, they can lust after each other, but is this okay? Lust has a negative connotation in the Bible, and never refers to anything good. It refers to having a strong sexual desire for someone. God has called couples to love each other, not lust after each other. This means that it is not okay for a Christian man to lust after his wife. What does the Bible say about lust? Colossians 3:5 says that we should put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature, and lust is listed as one of those things. The verse concludes by saying that lust is idolatry. If there is anything we know about idolatry from the Bible is that we should flee from it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2tKvFBh234 Freedom From Lust / Robert Morris Colossians 3:5ff, 5 "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.  7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Read the full article

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My Pastor Keeps Asking for Money” - What Should I do?

Pastors are not immune to financial struggles, and sometimes they seek help from others in their social circles. You may find a pastor who knows you coming to ask for money because he is not doing well financially. But when a pastor keeps coming to you for financial help, what should you do? Most all Preachers I know are not Preaching for money - The are doing it from their love of God's Children - to Seek and save the lost This is a question that many Christians are asking because they don’t want to feel like they are not supporting the man of God when he is in trouble. The only problem is that when the pastor keeps asking for money, this is an issue that you should address to prevent it from escalating and destroying your relationship with him.  What Should you do if a Pastor Keeps Asking you for Money? It is okay for the pastor to come to you one time to ask for financial help, but when he keeps coming all the time, you need to deal with the situation. The points below will shed light on what you can do when faced with this tricky situation. Read the full article

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Do All Bibles Say the Same Thing?

Why So Many Different Bibles? This is an interesting question, indeed. When Christians gather to study the Bible, each with their version, one is left to wonder if all Bibles say the same thing. The short answer is yes and no. Most Bibles say the same thing only that they use different words and phrases, but the meaning remains the same. However, there are some Bibles that are different from most others and even include books not found in the regular ones. Let us now look at when Bibles say that same thing and when they don’t. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JzLFcQx5g4 Which Bible Translation Bible is God's Inspired Word II Timothy 3: 16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works God in the Old Testament, God in the New Testament spoke through men Inspired by him. They were recorded and written down for our instruction. God Our Creator also sent us an Operators Manual - So that our Lives could be as full as it could be, life can be as he intended it to be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak06MSETeo4 What is the Bible - The Bible Project When Bibles say the Same Thing Most Bible versions that Christians use say the same thing; the message they present is the same as other Bibles. Read the full article

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How to Preach to Unbelievers: An Effective Guide

Spreading the Kingdom to the Lost As believers, we are charged with the role of spreading the gospel to those who are unbelievers around the world. Jesus left us with the Great Commission to bring others to Him so that they may know Him, and live for Him. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). To preach to unbelievers effectively, you have to present the gospel to them in a way that they understand and internalize. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eruxp8UcXE&t=3s Sharing the Gospel 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  Unbelievers do not have the Spirit of God in them and therefore preaching to them using a lot of spiritual jargon will put them off. To a normal person, life is something that is transpiring. From looking at life through spiritual eyes. there is a great spiritual battle taking place all around us. The world is full of hate, division, wars, disease, and starvation. Clearly, there is a great opportunity to introduce people to their creator. https://joshuaproject.net/ Read the full article

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How to Write a Sermon on Forgiveness (with examples)

Why Do We Need a Sermons on Forgiveness Forgiveness is a key requirement of every Christian because we are in relationship with others and they will hurt us at some point. God wants us to forgive those who offend us so that nothing will hinder our walk with Him. If you have to write a sermon on forgiveness, this article will give you some nuggets of wisdom, which will enlighten you. What is Forgiveness? Forgiveness is the act of releasing another person from anything you hold against them. Forgiving another does not mean that they are no longer guilty of the offense, they still are, if they have not repented. Forgiveness opens the door for healing and reconciliation of a relationship although things will not necessarily be the same as they were before the offense. Writing a sermon on forgiveness means that you know how to forgive and what the Word of God teaches about it. We All Need It In all our dealings with each other, our brothers and sisters. Those who have not accepted Christ Yet, we make mistakes, say, and do things we should not. Sometimes we are not even aware of transgressions that we make. Jesus died for us all even when we were in our sin. He did it before we ever even knew him, he loved us that much. These are from Satan's realm of weakness in us that he exploits - UnforgivenessAngerStrifeHatredRevenge All These can easily be grown from the sin of unforgiveness Jesus put it this way in one of his parables. Read the full article

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What to Pray for Your Church: 6 Sincere Prayers

How to Pray for Church Congregation: 6 Honest Prayers Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2(NIV) Praying for the church congregation is not something that only pastors and church leaders should do. Every believer must pray for the church congregation. God’s word tells us that we do not war against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, which is why believers need to fight together.  The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing, and that means prayer should not be an option but a lifestyle. Ephesians 6:12, " For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms " You may be wondering at this point, how should a person pray for church congregations?  What is the best way that we can pray for those people we fellowship with? This article will look at five sincere prayers that leaders and every believer can pray for the church congregation during a church service or in our prayer closets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zGLAl-Q1-o&t=57s God Answers Prayer Let's begin: Prayer of Repentance We go through many challenges as believers. There so many temptations that we fall for. So the first thing you should say is the prayer of repentance (1John 5:16), "If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. Read the full article

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How to Lead a Church Choir Rehearsal: 10 Tips and Tricks

How to Lead a Church Choir Rehearsal: 10 Tips & Tricks A church choir needs to rehearse their songs before the Sunday services so that there will be the order during the worship session. We admire how church choirs are well-coordinated and we know that they have put in a lot of rehearsal during the week. If you are leading a church choir, you are probably wondering how to make the best use of your time. This article will give you 10 tips and tricks to ensure that your rehearsal time is productive and fruitful. Singing has always been an important part of our worship. It is us Speaking to each other and our speaking to God. Sing unto the Lord, Psalms 95.1, Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvationSpeaking in psalms and hymns, Ephesians 5:19, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, In the Assembly I will Sing, Hebrews 2:12, He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly, I will sing your praises.”Our Singing is to the Lord, Psalms 105:2, Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful actsDavid said Praise him in his Sanctuary, Psalms 150: 1-5, Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise Read the full article

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Can an Evangelist Have a Church?

The Gift of being an evangelist is the spirit of trail Blazing. Going where the gospel is not. Here are some thoughts Gift of Evangelism - is teaching people about JesusEvangelist Travel and Go to Mission Fields. Local and abroadTheir gift is very strong and makes where they are living, and making $, secondaryWhen you stay put and Lead a Church - you move from establishment phase to helping the newborns to growOther gifts needed to Stay and lead a church - Teaching, Caring, leadership, Organization, Singing, Ministry, Evangelist might be torn between staying and leading a church - starting new. Peter said it this way. Acts 6: 1-2, In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 2020 List of Unreached People Today - Here - Joshua.net “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Paz5eOtYNc Evangelist have the heart of an Evangelist Should an Evangelist Lead a Church? So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers Ephesians 4:11(NIV) You may be wondering and asking yourself this question can an evangelist lead a church?  It could be that you are an evangelist, but you have an interest in leading a church.  Read the full article

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Can a Church Purchase a Car for the Pastor? Should and How

Today a Car is essential for a minister to use in the work of the church. It is a wise thought that a congregation provides that Ministry tool to their pastor. It is important for the following reasons Increase Visitation Ability / Increased Evangelism potentialIncreased Time spent doing Ministry ( By Foot you can visit 1 close family, by a car several families in the same time frame)Pastors need to respond to Many Flock emergenciesPastors are not always mechanically inclined / their gifts are more in ministryTruthfully most pastors use their cars to minister to their flocks.A decision to make sure that transportation is available is a flock wide use.It is wise for a church to provide an incentive for their pastor to use this tool to amplify his ministry Deuteronomy 25:4, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain” Generally, Pastors Salaries are Not High Pastors' salaries are dependent on the congregation's size and ability. Pastors' salaries are also dependent on where they live. Some communities are poorer than others. Preachers United States' pay varies by state. See this article. from Zip Recruiter. Generally, a pastor's attitude toward pay is different than most people. Their Heart lives, ministries are God Driven, irrespective of Money. They still need money but are not driven by it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXCh6GTxBlo Salary Read the full article

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Is it a Sin For a Priest to Fall in Love? Biblical View

It is in a Priest Nature because of his devotion and separation in his following of God. To Have a Great Capacity to Love. It is of High Value to God To Separate yourself for a life of singleness - avoiding the distractions of this world - to bring people closer to God - Jesus DidMarriage is not wrong, it is the way God Created us, For Companionship and as a strength to each other as we walk through this life.Choosing not to marry is not wrong - it is a choiceEither way it is a matter of conviction - and one is free to choose.We Should Respect Both Choices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzNUPFNFTqI Should Priest be allowed to Marry Requirements of a Catholic Priest Today  devout Roman Catholic male willing to lead an unmarried, celibate lifestyle. Integrity, virtuous character and close affiliation with a Catholic congregation will also be expected. ages of 17 and 55 years old.criminal Read the full article

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Where Should Pastors Tithe?

God allows us the freedom to give where we feel it will be used wisely. He does not say where we should give but wants us to give. The Question of Tithing is very important, we tithe (10%) to give back to God the Blessings He Has given us. This can include, Money or even the Jews Tithed from their Gardens. History of Tithing The History of Tithing goes all the way back to Abraham where God had blessed him and the patriarch. "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High, 19and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.20And praise is to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. ( Genesis 14: 18 - 20 ) We See Jacob also following in that tradition in sharing back the blessings God has given us. "Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it". And he was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven". So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first. Read the full article

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Pastor vs Evangelist: What's the Difference?

Evangelist - His Spiritual Gift is in His Passion to Lead People to ChristEvangelist - Tends to Travel - Go where the Spirit LeadsEvangelist - Parallel a heart of MissionaryEvangelist - take the Gospel to those who do not have itPastor - Shepherds a Local CongregationPastor - Remains in one locationPastor - Feeds God's FlockPastor - Protects the local FlockPastor - Helps take Young Christians, newborns until they mature to spiritual adults. - He is responsible for His Flocks Spiritual Growth Pastors vs. Evangelist: What’s the Difference So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV) What is the difference between a pastor and an evangelist? To understand this better, we need to know that evangelists and pastors are people with spiritual gifts of evangelism and pastor/shepherd, respectively. These two gifts belong to the five-fold ministry found in Ephesians 4:11. Like other spiritual gifts, people with these gifts use them to edify the body of Christ. When a believer gives their life to Christ, they are given spiritual gifts by God through his Holy Spirit.  These gifts are given to us according to the will of the Holy Spirit, so we cannot choose which gift we want in our lives. But we can pray and ask God to impart them to us through his spirit.  Understand Read the full article