Avoiding Pitfalls By Paul Chappell

Saturday, Jul 27, 2013 “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 27:12 In April 2013, the southbound side of I-77 near the North Carolina-Virginia border was closed for hours following a massive chain of accidents. Police later reported that eighteen different collisions involved ninety-six cars and trucks. The wrecks left three people dead and more than two dozen injured, many of them seriously. The cause of the accidents was people driving into a thick fog that descended over the Interstate that Sunday afternoon. A police spokesman said, “Visibility at the time this accident occurred was down to about one hundred feet or less.” As people continued to drive blindly forward, they could not see the danger that was just ahead until it was too late. Prudence reminds us to be on guard for danger—not just in the present but in the future as well. Because of the way our minds work, we often tend to discount what may happen in the future simply because it hasn’t happened yet. It’s a little like the old joke about the optimist who fell from the top of a large building. As he passed the 10th floor on his way down he said, “I’m okay so far!” That approach places us in a dangerous position because if we fail to foresee the danger, we are almost certain to find it. When the Bible talks about someone who is “simple” it means someone who has not received instruction. One of the purposes of Proverbs (and indeed all of Scripture) is to give us an education that equips us to live wisely. Paul told Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible offers us a guidebook that warns of dangers in the road ahead and tells us how to avoid them. We should carefully heed these warnings. Today’s Proverbs Precept:  Do not suffer pain in the future because you failed to look ahead today. Old Testament Reading Psalm 43 PSALM 43 1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. 4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.   PSALM 44 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. 1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. 2 How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. 3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. 4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. 5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. 6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. 7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. 8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah. 9 But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies. 10 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves. 11 Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen. 12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price. 13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us. 14 Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people. 15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me, 16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger. 17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant. 18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way; 19 Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. 20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; 21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. 22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. 23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever. 24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? 25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. 26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.   PSALM 45 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. 1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. 3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. 4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. 5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. 6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. 9 Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. 12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour. 13 The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. 15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace. 16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth. 17 I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever. New Testament Reading Acts 27:27 27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; 28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. 29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. 30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, 31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. 32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. 33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. 34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. 35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. 36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. 37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. 39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. 40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. 41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. 42 And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: 44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. Proverb of the Day Proverbs 27 1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. 12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. 13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. 14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself. 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. 19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. 20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. 22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. 24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? 25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. 27 And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

THE RESTORED COVENANT PASTOR

1Tim 3:1-7 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know nolt how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the assembly of Yahvah?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

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Introduction

1.An Assembly is made up of believers who are a part of the body of Messiah.

Rom. 12:4-5, For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Messiah, and every one members one of another.

1 Co. 12:12, 27 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Messiah.

First we must understand that an Assembly is an organization instituted by Yahvaha as Acts 2 records on the Day of Pentecost. Any organization must have leadership and in a local Assembly that calling and position Yahvah has given to the pastor. The Restored Covenant Greek word that is translated “Assembly” in our English Scripture is the word “ekklesia” and refers a local assembly or congregation of people meeting together in a particular geographical location, for a specific purpose. It cannot by definition refer to a universal Assembly or catholic organization. To proper use the word “ekklesia” it must be applied to a group of people meeting together. The false Roman Catholic and Protestant idea of a universal Assembly which includes all Brethren all over the world is a false concept and is foreign to the Restored Covenant.

In the Restored Covenant “ekklesia” referred to the assemblies which met in a city.

Acts 11:22…”The assembly which is in Jerusalem”

1 Th. 1:1…”the assembly of the Thessalonians”

Plural use of the word “ekklesia” also referred to multiple Assemblies in an area.

1 Cor. 16:19…”The assemblies of Asia salute you”

Gal 1:2…”unto the assemblies of Galatia”

Gal 1:22….”unto the assemblies of Judaea”

However, in each case the word “ekklesia” referred to an assembly of believers meeting together in a specific geological location. The use of the word in the Restored Covenant requires that those involved in the “ekklesia” must physically meet together.

2.Believers who have received Yahvahosha Messiah as their Saviour need to be joined and meet together to serve Yahvahosha.

a. The “ekklesia” refers to the members of the family of Yahvah on Earth meeting in a specific location. It is His household and the picture is of a home and family that are together.

Gal. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

 Eph. 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the chosen, and of the household of Yahvah.

b. Denominations holding different doctrines and having hierarchies ruling over them is not known to the Restored Covenant. Denominations are the invention of man. They present a negative picture of Brethren in the sense that they represent groups with have differing doctrines and practices. A true assembly bases it faith and practice on the teaching of the Restored Covenant and all such Assemblies should be in harmony. Sadly, many assemblies organizations hold to false teachings and practices. In this sense being separated into denominations is proper because the beliefs of a group are noted by their denominational affiliation.

c. It is the responsibility of the Chosen of Yahvah to support and be a part in the local Assembly.

Attending and being a part of the local Assemblhy is not optional for the believer who loves the Saviour and wants to please Him. Hebrews 10:22-25 clearly states believers are not to forsake the assembling of themselves together. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:22-25) Ephesians 5:25:

3. The make up of the Restored Covenant Assemblies was: Chosen, bishops, appointed servants which English Scripture call “deacons.” “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Yahvahosha Messiah, to all the chosen in Messiah Yahvahosha which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” Phil 1:1

I. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE RESTORED COVENANT PASTOR.

 1 Tim. 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

A. The terms used to refer to Yahvah’s called leader of a Assembly are the titles Pastor, Elder and Bishop which all refer to the same office.

B. BISHOP is the Greek word “Episkopos.” Means an overseer as Acts 20:28 shows. The Episcopal Assembly gets its name from the word.

Ac 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the assembly of Yahvah, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1. The word “episkopos” Means: “epi“= over and “skpeo” =to look or watch.

2. Phil. 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servant of Yahvahosha Messiah, to all the chosen in Messiah Yahvahosha which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

 1 Tim. 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach.

Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of Yahvah; not self-willed, not soon to angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

 1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. We see they all use this title.

3. Literally 1 Tim. 3:1 “If any one seek the [office] of Bishop, or overseership. There is no Greek word for “office.” The Greek phrase literally translated states the “ministry or service as Bishop.” 

The Apostle Paul, did instruct and exercise authority over the Assemblies in which he was not the pastor. He did so as an apostle and founder of the local Assembly. No reference to indicate apostolic session of authority. When the apostle died his authority ended. Paul was being used to lay the foundation of the Assembly. He was writing Scripture under inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Once the Scripture was complete the Scripture became the authority.

2 Tim. 3:15. And from a child thou hast known the set apart scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Messiah Yahvahosha.

On a subject as important as the organization of His Assembly surely the Messiah would have given some instructions or make up of a hierarchy if He desired one to exist.

C. ELDER: “presbuteros” It is an adjective, referring to age as an older man, an elder. Examples of the use of the word:

1. It refers to the older of two persons.

Luke 15:25, Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.

John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Yahvahosha was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

2. It is use of a person advanced in life, a senior in

Acts 2:17 “older men” “presbuteros.”  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith Yahvah, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons, and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

3. The word “elder” refers to the experience and spiritual incite of a pastor rather than the office. When the office is referred to the word “bishop”is used or overseers. Elder refers most often to the spiritual maturity of a pastor. The word “bishop” refers to the work they do whereas “elder” refers to the maturity of their spiritual experience.

D. PASTORS:

1. Ephesians 4:11. Gives the Restored Covenant lists of servants in the churches.

Eph. 4:11 And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

The last position stated as given by the Saviour to the Assemblies is “pastors and teachers.” Note the other names state Yahvah gave “some” then the name. It does not say, “some” pastors and some teachers. Most believe the reason is it is the same position of “pastor-teacher.”

2. Pastor: word means “poimen” which refers to a shepherd who takes care of sheep or flocks, It means more than one who feds them, but who protects, looks out for, and will give his life for them. Pastor is to guide as well as fed the flock.

The pastor is to care for and feeds the sheep. Yahvah’s sheep are then to follow him as he follows the Saviour. The concept is that as shepherd he is to guide the congregation.

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the assembly of Yahvah, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)           

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Messiah, and also a partaker of the majesty that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of Yahvah which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being rulers over Yahvah’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)

He is to literally, tend the flock, means tender and at times, more sternly guide the flock and vigilantly superintend the group.

3. What should be the title of a leader of an Assembly?

The proper and Scriptural title is “Pastor” and the following as stated Ephesians 4:11 . “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11)

It is improper to use the title “Reverend” and never in Yahvah’s word is a preacher called “Reverend.” Psalm 111:9 is the only time that title is used in Yahvah’s word and it refers to Almighty Yahvah.

“He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: righteous and reverend is his name.” (Psalms 111:9)

This title had its origins in Roman Catholicism which perverted Yahvah’s word and set a hierachy over Yahvah’s people. It was a title given to the “clergy” to distinish their high position over the “laity” or the common people. I always correct those who use that title in addressing me. Only Yahvah is Reverend.

Pastor: It describes the whole task, and duties of the local Assemblies Apostle (overseers), spiritually mature leader, teacher and preacher of the Word of Yahvah, and also it does not as a title elevate the man to pride, but as a title identifies his position! Yahvah’s man is a “Apostle, Bishop, Pastor, Elder etc.” which denotes his position as a shepherd who cares for and devotes his life to the sheep. Messiah is the Great Shepherd and his pastor the “under shepherd” called to care for the Yahvah’s flock.

E. Was there a plurality of elders in the early assembly?

The answer is yes. Acts 14:23 states “. . . they ordained (appointed) elders in every church.” Also in Acts 15:2, the words “apostles and elders” are plural indicating a plurality of pastors.

“When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” (Acts 15:2)

1. The word translated “Assembly” in our English Scripture is the word “ekklesia” means an assembly or congregation. In most places the word is translated “church” but it also is properly translated “assembly” in Acts 19:32. “Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.” (Acts 19:32)

Examples of the use of the word:

Mt 16:18, And I say unto thee, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my assembly; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Mt 18:17 records Yahvahosha’s only mention of the assembly (ekklesia) in the Gospels.

18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the assembly: but if he neglect to hear the assembly, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Romans 16:1, refers to the assembly at Cenchrea. Cenchrea is the eastern harbor of the city of Corinth. Corinth, is the capitol city of the Roman province called Achaia.

Ro. 16:1 I commend unto you, Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the assembly which is at Cenchrea;

Romans 16:5, makes the specific address to the “ekklesia” meeting in the house of Priscilla and Aquia.

Ro 16:5 Likewise greet the assembly that is in their house. Salute my well beloved, Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Messiah.

2. The word church, “ekklesia” refers to all the assemblies which meets within a city. 

 1 Th. 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the local assembly of the Thessalonians which is in Yahvah the Father and in the Saviour Yahvahosha Messiah: Unmerited favor be unto you, and peace, from Yahvah our Father, and the Saviour Yahvahosha Messiah.  

It also refers to particular assembles meeting with the city. In Romans 16:1,5 Paul refers to two assemblies in the same city of Corinth. Corinth had two sea ports with the one on the east called Cenchrea. The is the assembly where Phebe served the Saviour. On the southern coast was Achaia where the assembly met in Priscilla and Aquila’s homes. The word “ekklesia” in all but two places refers to a local congregation meeting in a specific place. The only time all believer are referred to universally is when they are called the, “the body of Messiah.”

Mt. 16:18, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my assembly; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

I Cor 10:32, Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

I Tim. 3:15, And that from a child thou hast know the set apart scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Messiah Yahvahosha

Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the assembly, and gave himself for it;

Only once in Yahvah’s word is Brethren spoken of in a universal way is at the Catching Away when the Saviour will “catch up” all believers on earth and the dead who were saved since the “ekklesia” began on the Day of Pentecost.

There were no assembly building within the first 300 years of the assembly. It met in homes and rented halls.

3.Does this mean a assembly must have several elders in the assembly and that was Yahvah’s plan? Read the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. They are being instructed on how to pastor their respective assemblies. Timothy: Ephesus, Titus: Crete.

If overseership was to be by plurality while not address the epistle to the “elders” at Ephesus and Crete, rather that the pastors Timothy and Titus.

In Revelations 2 and 3, Yahvahosha addressed His pointed instruction not to the “lampstands” but to the “lampstand” (singular) of the various assemblies. Point is well made that anything with more than one head is a ‘monster’.

4. There is no concept of a higher order in the assembly made up of elders, bishops, pastors.

Revelation 2:6, 15. Yahvahosha states he hated the doctrines of the Nicolaitans which meant these people set up a hierarch to control the congregation. The word means “to conqueror the people” and they promoted a clerical hierarchy. 

Rev 2: 6, 15 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolatians, which I also hate. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balaac to cause a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

5. The assembly is instructed to follow the overseer or pastor of a assembly.

a. 1 Pe 5:3, The pastor is not to rule over the congregation, but set an example.

1 Pe 5:3 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of majesty and fadeth not away.

1 Cor. 4:16, Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Messiah.

b. Hebrews 13:7,17 instruction the congregation of the assembly that they should follow him, by obeying and submitting to the pastor’s authority as Yahvah overseer and shepherd.

Heb. 13:7, 17 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of Yahvah: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

The Assembly as an organization needs to have leadership, and Yahvah’s chosen and appointed way is the pastor. The Restored Covenant teaches the pastor is appointed and called by the Holy Ghost. (Acts 20:27-28)

 

TODAY IN HISTORY 7/27/13

END OF THE KOREAN WAR

If we desire to retain our zeal for those whom we are praying, and if their needs and distress are to move us to intercede for them daily, we will find that this does not take place without striving and wresting on our part.

PRAYER: FATHER, I PRAY THAT OUR ZEAL FOR THOSE IN DISTRESS, LOST AND DYING AND WITHOUT NEVER FAILS AND THAT WE WILL ALWAYS PRAY FOR THEM. HELP ME TO REMEMBER THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW YOU TOO. HALLELUYAH! Bro. Doc

„We will make them think it’s their idea. That’s how all great leaders fool people.” Laura Preble

Terrible Accident pt. 1 A woman and a man are involved in a car accident; it’s a bad one. Both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them are hurt. After they crawl out of their cars, the woman says, “So you’re a man, that’s interesting. I’m a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There’s nothing left, but fortunately we are unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should meet and be friends and live together in peace for the rest of our days.” Flattered, the man replied, “Oh yes, I agree with you completely!” continued below….

Terrible Accident pt. 2 … continued from above “This must be a sign from God!” The woman continued, “And look at this, here’s another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn’t break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune.” Then she hands the bottle to the man, The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman. The woman takes the bottle, immediately puts the cap back on, and hands it back to the man. The man asks, “Aren’t you having any?” The woman replies, “No. I think I’ll just wait for the police.”

Pigs in a Bar pt. 1 The first litttle pig went into a bar. He ordered a hundred drinks, and after he drank every single one, he needed to relieve himself. He asked the bartender where the loo was, did his business and left. The second little pig came in, ordered two hundred drinks, did his business, then left. continued below….

Pigs in a Bar pt. 2 … continued from above The third and fourth littles pig came in, ordered three and four hundred drinks respectively, did their business, then left. The fifth little pig came in, ordered five hundred drinks, and was about to leave, when the bartender stopped him and said, “Hey, don’t you need to go to the loo?” “No, that’s OK. I go wee wee wee all the way home.”

 

Motivational Quote of the Day…

“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” Voltaire

Love Quote of the Day…

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.”

George MacDonald

 

Self-Inflicted Wounds By Paul Chappell

Friday, Jul 26, 2013 “He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.” Proverbs 26:6 Mark McCormack was one of the first professional sports agents. Among his first clients were the three best golfers in the world at the time: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. McCormack’s company, the International Management Group, later branched out to many areas beyond sports. In his best-selling book What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School, McCormack describes a vivid illustration he used to impress on his employees the importance of hiring only the best people available. He had received a set of Russian dolls—the kind where each doll has a smaller doll inside it. Each one is painted to look alike, so that the only difference is that they get smaller as they go. He told his managers, “If you hire people who are less talented and intelligent, our company will continue to shrink.” The point was clear: they needed to be looking for good people to hire if their company was to prosper and grow. That is true in the secular business world, and there is a lesson in that story for our lives in any field. If we are depending on people who are fools, we are headed for trouble. There are clear indications that we can see in the words and actions of others that let us know whether they are living according to wisdom or according to folly. It is not a matter of unfairly judging someone to correctly evaluate that they are behaving foolishly and then act accordingly. In any situation where you must rely on someone who is a fool, you must recognize the danger of unintended consequences that can arise from their actions. Try to find ways to minimize this risk by surrounding yourself with wise people and relying on them as much as possible. Today’s Proverbs Precept:  Do everything you can to avoid a position where you have to rely on fools to get things done. Old Testament Reading Psalm 40 PSALM 40 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. 9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. 10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. 11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. 12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me. 14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. 15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. 16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. 17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.   PSALM 41 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. 2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. 3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. 4 I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. 5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? 6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. 7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. 8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more. 9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. 10 But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. 11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. 12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. 13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.   PSALM 42 To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. 1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. 9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? 11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. New Testament Reading Acts 27:1 1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. 2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. 3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. 4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. 7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; 8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. 9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. 11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. 13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: 17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. 18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; 19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. 21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. 26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. Proverb of the Day Proverbs 26 1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. 11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. 15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. 17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. 18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? 20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. 24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. 27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. 28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.