YOUR SATURDAY SEVEN

Here is another week of compiled articles! Your Saturday Seven is a hand selection of seven articles from this week that will hopefully be a blessing to you! Enjoy your Saturday seven!

1. WHAT IS THE JOB OF THE PASTOR.

By: Jonathan Leeman, 9.2.21

“A pastor’s or elder’s ministry of equipping centers on his teaching and his life. We encounter the formula in Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. 4:16).”

2. FIRST AMONG EQUALS: WHY THE PASTORS NEED A LEADER.

By: Dave Harvey, 8.31.21

“A healthy plurality led by a humble leader is not accidental. It happens where men have the guts to apply the gospel. In a self-emptying display of humility (Philippians 2:5–11), the elders subordinate themselves and appoint a leader as “first among equals.” Through self-crucifying displays of love, the lead pastor embodies Christ’s application of “first” — among them as one who serves (Matthew 20:26–27). And within the exquisite torture of this tension between “first” and “equals,” the gospel grows more precious, and the humble leadership of one enhances the ministry joy for many.”

3. IS “DYNAMIC EQUIVALENT” A DIRTY WORD?

By: Dr. Bill Mounce, 8.30.21

“Let me first emphasize that all translations are to some degree “dynamic equivalent.” There are no “literal” translations. There are no non-interpretive translations. Everyone has to be dynamic in their translations, albeit different versions are more dynamic than others.”

4. QUALITIES THAT GRACE DENIES.

By: Thomas Overmiller, 8.29.21

“Today we use phrases like a “toxic culture,” for instance, to describe a frustrating, hurtful, or negative experience at school, on a team, or at work. Such difficult, painful experiences often occur because certain kinds of people are influencing and leading in a hurtful way. Of all places, such a toxic, hurtful culture should not occur in the church. The church – of all places – should exhibit a culture of grace.”

5. TEXAS LAW AUTHORIZES ANYONE IN U.S. TO ENFORCE ITS NEW ABORTION BAN.

By: Joe Carter, 9.1.21

“There are many people who were willing to “aid or abet the performance or inducement of an abortion” when it posed no risk to them. But now that they risk being held financially accountable for their actions, they are likely to reconsider. While it is still unclear what lasting effects this legal experiment will have, for now, we can be grateful that there will likely be a few thousand babies in Texas whose lives have been saved by this innovative legislation.”

6. AFTER WITHDRAWAL, AFGHAN CHRISTIANS STILL NEED YOUR PRAYERS.

By: Josh Manley, 9.2.21

“Knowing and sharing fellowship with Afghan believers is a privilege I don’t deserve. Oh, what the church in the West could learn from them! In these days, your prayers for them and their faith are critical. Pray that the Lord would hold them fast and—through them—give faith to many others.”

7. LEARNING TO PREACH FROM CHARLES SPURGEON.

By: Dr. David L. Allen, 2.1.19

This week we post another article from Dr. Allen that will be an encouragement to you I am sure! Excerpt: “Spurgeon pastored the New Park Street Church from 1854–1892. When he arrived, the congregation had 232 members; at his death, the membership had swelled to 14,460. The church was the largest independent congregation in the world. Spurgeon spoke regularly to 6,000 attendees every Sunday for 30 years. What drew them in? In a word—preaching. Here are ten lessons on preaching from Spurgeon.”