Our youth group listened to our Pastor Jim Hallcom preach because we knew that he loved us. He was simultaneously against sin, and for us. This qualified him to teach us the truth. He was a singing preacher, gifted in music and encouragement. The joy of the Lord was his strength!
Paul wrote to his true son in the faith, Titus, to encourage him to find pastors to lead the church on the island of Crete. The believers on the island struggled with discipline and with false teachings requiring them to become Jewish before they became Christians. They needed pastors. Who could qualify? Pastors should be known for faithfulness to their families, self-control, honesty and hospitality. At the end of the list Paul points out the importance of strong belief in the message of the gospel.
What we believe is revealed in what we do. If we believe the truth about Jesus Christ, then we are prepared to encourage others to believe and to correct those who misunderstand. Pray for pastors to speak the truth in love. Pray for believers everywhere to hear the truth and to share it with others. What we believe matters. So we proclaim the good news of Jesus to all who will listen. And we do this in love!
