Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

By Gerrard Fess (The Following is inspired by "Your Context, Your Calling" Christian Standard magazine's recent issue with writing based upon my own calling and context) Since my youth, I knew I wanted to be a preacher. There was no escaping it. My home church had a prolonged impact on my life. A little ole church in Selkirk, Ontario; that helped shape a dysfunctional kid to be inspired by God. During my training at Mid-Atlantic Christian University (then Roanoke Bible College), I was instilled to love God and love people. I would of never have thought where God would have me years later. From a few youth ministries to currently my second preaching ministry. I know that I've made mistakes along the way but am thrilled where God has me. When God calls; we follow. I'd always thought that one day I'd be ministering back "Home" in Canada; but that door has been closed several times over. (Thus I joke with some that I'm a missionary to the Ameri

1.A Spiritual Leader is to be Blameless. 2.A Spiritual Leader is to be Devoted. 3.A Spiritual Leader is to be Respected by his Family. 4.A Spiritual Leader is Not to be Arrogant. 5.A Spiritual Leader Must handle Anger Correctly. 6.A Spiritual Leader is to be Temperate. 7.A Spiritual Leader is Not to be Contentious 8.A Spiritual Leader is Not to be Greedy. 9.A Spiritual Leader is to be Hospitable. 10.A Spiritual Leader is to Love Goodness. 11. A Spiritual Leader is to have a Sober Mind. 12. A Spiritual Leader is to be Holy and Upright. ** Based on characteristics given in the epistles of Timothy and Titus. Any others to add? How Spiritual of a leader ate you? Fall short in any areas?

In the late 80s, early 90s there was a book by Harold Hazelip called: "Questions People Ask Ministers Most" In which he answers 15 questions people at that time asked. In the style of that; I am going to state several I've come across that differ from that author's list ... and only do 10. (In honor of Letterman's Top 10) In no particular order: 1. Why is there so much tragedy and suffering in the World? 2. If God is such a loving God; why does He send people to hell? 3. Is Heaven for Real? Is Hell? 4. Why do bad things happen to good people? 5. Aren't all religions just following the same God? 6. Why should I go to church? (and then gives some excuse why they shouldn't go) 7. Why is it the church is always asking for money? 8. Why am I here? what is the purpose of life? 9. Do you really believe everything that the Bible says? 10. What do you picture God to look like? bonus: Did Adam have a bellybutton? Where did Cain get his w

I came across a publication from Jamestown, Ohio ... The Bible Teaches about Salvation: 1. Believe in Christ 2. Repent of Sins 3. Confess Faith in Christ 4. Be Baptized in Christ, Facts about the Church 1. Founder - Christ 2. Foundation - Christ 3. Head -Christ 4. Worship of the Church to follow Acts 2:42 5. Plea of the church for Unity. 6. Purpose of the Church - Carry out the Great Commission The Church of Christ: 1. You may read about it in the Bible. 2. It has no creed, but Christ, binds no name on its members but Christ's. 3. It speaks where the Bible Speaks and is silent where it is silent. 4. It exalts Christ as the only head of the church. 5. It teaches that scriptural unity can be attained on all disputed doctrinal questions. 6. Its acts of worship are patterned after the New Testament. 7. The Church of Christ pleads for the unity of all believers in Christ. 8. It is not a denomination, nor a group of denominations, but simply the

1. God be with you till we meet again; by his counsels guide, uphold you, with his sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again. Refrain: Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus' feet; till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again. 2. God be with you till we meet again; neath his wings securely hide you, daily manna still provide you; God be with you till we meet again. (Refrain) 3. God be with you till we meet again; when life's perils thick confound you, put his arms unfailing round you; God be with you till we meet again. (Refrain) 4. God be with you till we meet again; keep love's banner floating o'er you, smite death's threatening wave before you; God be with you till we meet again. (Refrain)