Basic HTML Version
PAGE 2
PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, MARCH 28, 1986
for a minister of Jesus Christ to become so busy preaching, teaching,
counseling, correcting and encouraging God's people that he doesn't take
the time to prayerfully look at his� sins, weaknesses and shortcomings?
Can he be so wrapped up in serving others that he allows his own spiritual
condition to deteriorate?
He certainly can!
Don't deceive yourselves! God works through human instruments. He
tells us He can do his Work through stones if He has to. Yes, God can use
you to do His Work even if you are neglecting prayer, Bible Study, fast
ing, repentance and overcoming. �, He will not do� for long!
God is patient. He is merciful. He gives us time to see the error
of our ways and repent. But He won't wait indefinitely.
I have said many times that God's ministers must set the pace.
Leaders must lead. Let's look closely at ourselves, asking God for His
Spirit to guide us in recognizing the areas in which we need to change.
In which areas of personal conduct or attitude do we need to repent? In
which areas have we let down or neglected backing up God's government? In
which ways have we watered down or failed to enforce God's Word properly,
whether in doctrinal areas or in policy areas?
Let's look at our
marriages, our child-rearing practices, our dealings with others and every
other aspect of our lives.
Are we truly striving to follow Christ's
example in all we do?
Are we growing in the areas of bringing every
thought into the captivity of Christ? Are we taking seriously His admoni
tion to come out of this world?
Our great High Priest, the living Jesus Christ, the Author and
Finisher of our faith, the Captain of our salvation, is right now at the
right hand of the Father. He is the voice of experience. He has experi
enced human life firsthand. He is there as our intercessor, speaking up
on our behalf. He is our Savior--the One who saves us. Sometimes our
limited, fleshly, human minds can forget that we need saving. But aside
from the fact that this human existence itself is only temporary,.we need
saving from death--the end product of our natural conduct and way of life.
This great God, Jesus Christ, suffered that penalty for us.
And that
payment in our stead applies to us if we are willing to repent of our own
natural way of doing things and looking at things.
God has extended to us indescribable mercy.
didn't earn it. But He gives it to us anyway.
brethren. God the Father calls us His begotten
appreciate it?
We don't deserve it. We
Jesus Christ calls us His
children. How much do we
Each year at this time, God gives us the opportunity to focus on what
He has done for us and on what He has made available to us.
As His
ministers let's set the pace in self-examination, overcoming and recommit
ment to His magnificent calling!
Finally, I want to share with you some of the comments about Mr.
Ames' telecast.
I'm including several, but I think you'll find them
interesting and inspiring.