"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in a view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:1-2
Preach the Word. Every mentor I have ever had has told me this. Why? Because it is foundational to the calling of pastors. It is also essential to every follower of the Lord as they share their faith in Christ. We must share the truth based on sound doctrine only found in the Bible, The Word of God. But, there is a way to share. Paul instructs us to share with power and authority, and with love and compassion. This cannot be done without correcting and rebuking and cannot be done without encouragement, patience and carefulness. Not always an easy balance without drifting into mediocrity and/or ranting. So, preparation is helpful. Taking what you are doing as serious is necessary, too.
Whenever I open His Word and share I do so prayerfully and with a tremendous sense of responsibility and some fear. I always consider the possibility of error or my own self getting in the way. Please, always put Him and The Spirit's leading before any person's teaching or preaching. Pastors are never the "end-all" authority about anything. Final authority rests in Him, The Spirit and His Word. This is why we must learn to access His truth for ourselves from His Word. So, read and study your Bible.
He wants to reveal it to you and appropriate it to your life.
Your fellow-student and a pastor too,
Pastor Fred
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