Calvin Synod Herald, 2008 (109. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2008-07-01 / 7-8. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Support Your Local Sheriff Elder From Rev. Chuck Huckaby: These are some notes for the sermon “Support Your Local Elder" preached on 27 January 2008 at First Presbyterian Church in Lawrencburg TN. The sermon may be heard at this web address: http://www.chuckhuckaby.com/files/2008_01 _27_Support _ Your Local Elder, mp3 Both are provided ‘‘as is” for your consideration and I have not had time to significantly edit or improve them. The scripture readings for the day were from Ex 18, Acts 20 and the Psalm was #82. The first text is sets the reformed pattern for the people to be lead and represented by elders who serve alongside in coordination with ministers of Word and Sacrament. The pattern for their service together is described at length in Paul the Apostle s farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20. The Apostle there describes the meaning of selfless service on behalf of Christ ’ Church. The psalm chosen for that day was Psalm 82, a warning to all rules - civil or ecclesiastical - of the judgement that befalls those who claim to be elders but who oppress the weak, need and fatherless while claiming to speak and serve for God. The Hungarian Reformed tradition is especially indebted to the service of godly ruling elders who maintained the congregations when the Romanist “Counter Reformation ” attacked, harassed, and enslaved the ministers of those days. The question remains — will we raise up new godly elders to serve in these days? May God helps us to raise them up and for God’s people to support them in their work. What is the most crucial and momentous process going on in the world right now? Is it the war on terrorism? Is it the Presidential campaign? The most crucial and momentous process going on in the world right now is evangelizing and making disciples of the next generation! Wars come and go. Politicians come and go. But while wars are coming and going it is God Himself who tells us what He is doing in history. In Exodus 20:5-6 He states: You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. The politicians would have us believe that their platform and their election is the most crucial thing in all the world. But God Himself tells us that the most crucial thing in the world is for people to worship Jehovah instead of idols because those who love Jehovah and keep His commandments are promised God will use them to extend His blessing to a thousand generations. Idolaters are cut off after a few generations. But God will bless the faithfulness of His worshippers to the 1000th generation. If we make war and politicians our chief interest instead of the agenda of God we will see everything destroyed in a few generations. But if God’s agenda is foremost in our mind, we will be part of that church which the gates of death and Hell cannot overwhelm. So what does that tell us about the most crucial task facing our church and the church in America? The most crucial task for the church in America is not first and foremost praying for the right politician to be elected as President as important as that might be, but for the church to escape idolatry and pass on the faith to the next generation. That means you had better be praying daily, urgently, and continually for God to raise up and sustain GODLY ELDERS AND MINISTERS. They are the ones whom Jesus Christ has given to the church to make sure that we as the people of God are turning our backs on the idolatry that brings judgment, turning our hearts towards the living God, and making disciples of the next generation to the 1000th generation! There used to be a common old saying: “Support Your Local Sheriff.” Let’s make a new one: “Support Your Local Elder” Why? Exodus 18 - God blesses His people when each small cluster is served by its own local elder who cares for them. In that way they can go to God’s Promised Land in as much peace as a sinful world affords. Elders, according to Exodus 18, are supposed to make sure that all the word of God is put into practice in the lives of all the people of God. They exist as your personal servant to help you be prepared for eternity. Don’t leave earth without them. Elders are not merely to sit “in session” like a board of directors who never get their hands dirty and who tell the flunkies what to do. They are to roll up their sleeves and work with the people of God. But if they really did that would you welcome them? Would we let them do their duty? Would we care if anyone cared for our soul? Hebrews 13:7 says Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Acts 20 - Elders exist to protect you from wolves who want to destroy your soul! You want elders, like Paul, who care more for your soul and the Good News of Jesus than they do for their own lives! So Support Your Local Elder! I am thankful for elders God sent my way. Pastor Bob Crowley of Montrose Baptist Church. Pastor Jerry Moore of Summit Point Baptist Church. And even today, I could not make it without the support of Elders God has sent my way to help me. (I’d mention their name but don’t want them to get the blame for me!) Pray for your elder to watch over your soul! Ask your elders for help! Ask them for prayer! As God to send you a godly elder to help you in a dark time of need. Ask them to help you turn away from sin and turn to Jesus Christ. Your pastor and elders are called here to help you learn to live so you can glorify God. Just as important, they are here to help
