Sermon Cloud

Note:  The introduction to this message was cut off, due to a technical issue.  The audio picks up during the exposition of vs. 14. 

Pastoral Endurance

Leaders in the covenant community have an important responsibility to "rightly handle" God's word, so as to help people walk in the right direction.  God does not approve of those who mishandle or manipulate the Bible towards their own ends, and they will ultimately be brought under shame.   It takes much diligence, perseverance and humility for a pastor to walk faithfully for a lifetime.

Gospel Endurance

The content of the Gospel message is absolutely critical in this call to endurance.  The narrative of God's covenant-keeping work in the world can be seen through the themes of creation, fall, redemption and recreation.  And in the midst of this great story we can also get a glimpse into the heart of the Gospel, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."  (1 Cor. 15:3-4, ESV)  We must walk on in the truth of this gospel.