Author: Scott Heitshusen (Page 2 of 92)

The ‘cult of personality’ is interesting.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

John 10:27 (ESV)

Some people follow a particular person, oftentimes regardless of what they actually say or do. Their devotion is to the person above all else. Logic seems to be defied and sometimes conversations with persons not in the ‘cult’ are frustrating and fruitless.

Add to this that sometimes the followers are called ‘sheep’ and you get a recipe that often produces negative results.

In our readings today, we see this at play, but with a twist: we – the sheep – are called to follow our Great Shepherd, Jesus; period!

We are not called to give suggestions, make decisions, or even ask questions in these lessons. We are told that those who are followers of Jesus “hear His voice” and “follow Him.”

We are a ‘cult of personality’ with Jesus as the One we follow!

So, are we in a cult as Christians?

Well, cults are considered to have false teachings by the world and the followers living in an unconventional manner.

Well, could be!

The World doesn’t consider the Bible and God’s teachings in it true. We know they are. Following Jesus faithfully and living as His disciples will mean living in a manner unconventional to unbelievers.

But the fact is, following Jesus means never being in need. It means being led to “green pastures” and “still waters.” It means having our souls restored and being led to “paths of righteousness.” It means being given “never perishing,” being given “eternal life” and dwelling “in the House of the Lord forever.”

Jesus is the only One I want to follow! He is the only One I will follow! If that makes me considered as a ‘cult member,’ count me in!

“Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being our Good Shepherd who leads us to every good thing and life everlasting! Open our ears to hear Your voice only instead of the cacophony and chaos of our collapsed creation. Amen.”

Scriptures

• Psalm 23
• John 10:22-30

This text in Hebrews reads like a “Who’s Who” of Old Testament heroes all linked to some action prompted by faith in God’s Promise. They believed, therefore they did something.

A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Galatians 2:16 (NKJV)

Faith glorifies God, and faith knows what God says about man. God is good, but man is an imperfect reflection of that goodness. God is love, but man lacks God’s abundant compassion. Man sins and falls short of the glory God while God is pure and holy.

Faith, like all living things, shows signs of life: faith responds to God, it works, and it moves us along in harmony with what God wants from us. St. James wrote, “Faith without works is dead.” Faith, firm acceptance of God’s truth in Christ, leads us to acts of faith or works. 

Faith: receive it, believe it, live it!

Scriptures

• Galatians 2:16
• Hebrews 11:1
• Hebrews 11:17-19

Historically, there have been several titles for a pastor; “under-shepherd” being one of them.

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task…Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:1, 13 (NIV84)

There are many aspects to the pastoral office. The office of the keys is one, but is not the property or responsibility of any individual, and it has as it’s ultimate goal to restore and keep souls from sin and sin’s separation from God.

Under any title, however, St. Paul considered “the pastoral office” a “holy ministry;” something set apart by God for God’s Church.

Christianity is not a spectator sport. Leaders are here to help you be successful, not necessarily happy or comfortable, as so many want to believe. Success, however, requires a team called by God to serve God’s will. Every Church leader (whether called, elected, or simply a recognized spiritual leader) is part of a divinely assembled team, with a God-given task of preparing all the Saints for their ministries.

The Church is the “living body of Jesus Christ on earth, or “the bride of Christ.” Everyone in Christ’s Church has a job. Together we “prepare…for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” The Church is the sum of all believers gathered around Word and Sacraments.

God created man to be the perfect reflection of God. Sin broke us completely; made us reject God’s image and purpose in favor of our own ideas.

The Bible reminds us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

In Matthew 16:19 Jesus said, “I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.” The keys are the gospel; all God has done in Christ to pardon our sins and prepare our place in heaven for eternity. The forgiveness is already from God, purchased by Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

Jesus Christ gave the gift and responsibility of the keys to heaven to His church.

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Scriptures

• 1 Timothy 3:1-13