07/05/23 THE NEED FOR LOCAL SHEPHERDS

07/05/23 THE NEED FOR LOCAL SHEPHERDS

The shepherd protects his flock by fighting the lion, the wolf and the bear.
He guards them by placing himself between the sheep and their enemies, as a door that shuts out the intruder.
He leads them to food and drink.
He seeks them when they go astray.
He rescues them when they get into trouble.
He guides them through difficult terrain.

These are some of the reasons God calls, equips, trains and enables His under-shepherds.

It is an insult to God for a believer to think he or she does not need a pastor or does not need to follow a loving, knowledgeable, self sacrificing pastor.

Yet, pastors watch in great dismay as disgruntled, self-sufficient parishioners reject the plan of God, the leading of God, the provision of God. It is bad enough when someone removes himself or herself from God's plan, but it is even more disturbing when folks rob others of God's will.

God's directive to the leadership of the church was spoken by Paul. 

Acts 20:28-30
28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.