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Sunday Edition


01
Mar
2007
The Shepherd or The Hireling


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Apparently, not even our public school system is safe anymore. Tim Quick is now a substitute teacher.

On occasion, Tim will sub at one of the local schools. At the end of a school day, he drives home, comes up the back steps, and shuffles through the door with all the energy of a Bassett hound. Since a substitute isn’t the regular teacher of a class, some students may not be as willing to listen to the sub as they would their normal teacher. And the fact that Tim doesn’t look (nor sometimes act) his age doesn’t help either!

The tenth chapter of the Book of John tells about the shepherd and the sheep. The sheep follow the voice of the shepherd because they know his voice. Christ is the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (Verse 11) Praise God!

Pastors are appointed to be shepherds over the sheep, the congregations in our churches today. The sheep depend on the pastor to protect them from harm – to guard the gate. There is a thief that wants in to steal, kill, and destroy. They have a grave responsibility to guard the sheep according to the word of God.

Sometimes a “substitute” comes in – this person is referred to as a hireling. The scripture goes on to tell us that a hireling will let the wolf come in to harm the sheep; the hireling flees because he doesn’t care for the sheep. Not like the shepherd does. (John 10:12)

When we are invited into a church to sing, we also have a very important responsibility. I don’t believe we should go in as a hireling. We should recognize that since we have been given temporary authority over that congregation, we should be as responsible as the shepherd. The good shepherd that cares for the sheep; that would protect them; the shepherd that the sheep follow because they know his voice. The church doesn’t need some “song and dance” that gets them hyped up emotionally with no real substance. And I am not referring to any singing group who uses choreography in their program. We use a little in our own program. I’m talking about being a person of faith and integrity. I want people to know that I spend time with the Lord. Not because I told them, but because they recognize His presence in my life just like the sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice. It’s easy to say,” The Lord told me this, or the Lord told me that” and successfully convince some people that one has a walk with God. That kind of talk may get you a platform and some success, but it is useless to the church as we approach the last days. Not only is it useless, it is harmful to the flock. I guess the question now posed to us is, “Are we going to be the real thing or are we simply going to be a substitute?”

till next time…
Sally

Our new album is nearing completion! This has truly been a labor of love. Keep checking back for the release of our new recording, “THE WORD IS OUT.”

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Reader Comments

We have a great responsibility and thanks for reminding us. This also encourages us to pray for our leaders. Oh ya, and if Tim ever decides to act his age I will be terribly upset.


Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 03/02/2007
Dear Sally,

This is a needed encouragement to the body of Christ to devote ourselves once again as living sacrifices acceptable to God. God is wanting us to have a passion for His Word and a devotion to His service that is so real that the world looking into the church will be able to see the reality of true Christianity. The time for seudo Christianity and hype ... won't cut it. Thanks for bringing us to think about our mininstries in a fashion that is not only biblical but neccessary if we are to reach people for the cause of Christ and His kingdom. Be blessed sister! And tell Tim and the gang I said howdy.

Sincerely,
In Christ ... and so glad I am

Steven Cheney
MWC


Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 03/06/2007
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