Hot Topics: Christianity's Mega Pastors
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (BSB)
Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.
1 John 2:6 (NIV)
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children…
Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an Example, that you should follow in His steps.
1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)
The worldliness of most mega-pastors is a continual concern for me. I just can't see how they're copying Christ, the One God sent to be our Example.
Also, as the Word of God clearly states, teachers are held to a higher standard!
Jesus (as Man) was THE Mega-Pastor: a Rock Star followed by countless people. He could have had anything He wanted. But He wanted nothing, except our good.
He advised His church leaders-in-training…
To prepare for persecution, NOT perks,
To rest in watchfulness, NOT worldliness,
To lose their lives– in order to gain them!
Christ PURPOSELY AVOIDED SHOWS OF WEALTH… to focus His time on acts of service.
A pastor teaches best by how he walks, rather than how he weaves wonderful words.
Is he modeling a high-fashion strut with a big mansion and high-powered friends?
Or is he modeling a simple life with a key focus on needy neighbors?
If a pastor showcases luxury, then his followers may work for the same.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Consider 3 common teaching methods:
DIRECTLY by words, books, lessons, and tests, used by schools, parents, pastors, and Jesus.
INDIRECTLY, as living examples, used by people and all types of creatures. Experts say this is the BEST way to teach (and certainly the way you’re called to teach). Words fall flat without living what we say! What did Jesus denounce? HYPOCRISY.
BOTH!
Jesus was excruciatingly clear: teachers are held to the highest standard. Teachers of Christ should look and act like Him.
Hot Topics: Christianity’s Mega Pastors (Part 11)
* 'He says here, He and they are so bound up together that they cannot look to fare better than He, and should think it enough if they fare no worse' (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary on Matthew 10:25). http://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/10-25.htm
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!