SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Hebrews 13:17) “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
(Proverbs 14:4) “Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.”
(Proverbs 15:17) “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”
(1 Timothy 5:18) “For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the labourer is worthy of his reward.”
PROLOGUE
As I start this message, I recall a sermon I delivered from my 18-wheeler's cab, titled “The Strength of the Ox.” I referenced Proverbs 14:4 and Proverbs 15:17, which portray the ox as a vital source of strength and labor, responsible for pulling the plow that prepares the land for planting seeds. This symbolizes the pastor's role in encouraging spiritual readiness within their congregation.
In contrast, the image of an ox or pastor that cannot fulfill its purpose, such as an over-controlling deacon board, raises important questions about growth and strength in the spiritual lives of their congregation.
The image of a pastor plowing reminds me of the powerful message in Hosea 10:12, which talks about breaking up our fallow ground.
Just as a farmer prepares the soil for a fruitful harvest, we are called to cultivate the fallow ground of our hearts and lives. The call to “seek the Lord” signifies not only a desire for spiritual growth but also an urgent plea to actively pursue a relationship with Him.
It reminds us that this pursuit is vital, as only through His divine intervention can we hope to uncover the hidden struggles within our hearts and receive His blessings, much like the refreshing rain that brings life and renewal to the earth.
This message takes me back to the earlier days when pastors delivered powerful and heartfelt sermons. Their passionate preaching and dedication to nurturing and growing the spiritual lives of their congregations are a testament to their value and importance in our lives, much like plowing a field.
In summary, think about how the person plowing a field must be cautious of animal droppings, and the signs of a pastor’s toil are apparent in the expensive hairstyles and hairpins scattered around, often seen in the congregation, as well as the tear-stained altars.
These signs symbolize a pastor's dedication to breaking through the hardened hearts of their flock, preparing the ground for new growth and spiritual renewal.
“HONORING & CELEBRATING THE SHEPARD'S SACRIFICE."
Today, we stand on the threshold of a profound and meaningful understanding—one that can transform our lives and deepen our faith. Together, we are united by our love for Christ and our sincere desire to explore His Word, seeking not just knowledge but a meaningful connection with Him.
This is a sacred time for us to deepen our faith and strengthen our bond with our Heavenly Father, nurturing our spirits and reinforcing our commitment to His mission. To obey and submit to our leaders with a spirit of joy and gratitude.
We are gathered to honor the unwavering dedication and hard work of our pastors, with special recognition for our Bishop Ping Alba, a truly anointed man of God, who has been entrusted with a divine mission, walking in the footsteps of our founding fathers, the late A.A. Allen and the late Don Stewart, which drives him to continue fighting the good fight, and his steadfast commitment to Miracle Life Church International Ministry is beyond question.
1. Recognize the heavy responsibility they bear as shepherds of the flock who look after our souls.
2. Acknowledge their outstanding dedication and sacrifice.
3. Recognize our responsibility to support them through our giving and our commitment to keep them uplifted in prayer.
4. Acknowledge our duty to work together with them in carrying out the great commission, supporting one another as we pursue the divine purpose for our lives.
According to Hebrews 13:17, our leaders play a crucial role, acting not just as guides but as shepherds committed to caring for and protecting their flock. This scripture highlights that they are accountable to God for their leadership, including their actions, decisions, attitude, and the way they nurture and safeguard their flock.
Effective leaders must not only give direction but also show compassion and integrity, ensuring they prioritize the well-being of those they serve.
This message before you is a call for believers to acknowledge the authority of our leaders, respect their position, and follow their guidance. It's a plea to trust in their wisdom, experience, and commitment to Christ's mission, for this call resonates with the very heartbeat of God.
Life often presents serious challenges, and everyone faces unexpected hardships that test our faith. These moments can leave us feeling vulnerable and exhausted, but it's essential to recognize them for what they are: tests of our resilience and patience.
Yet, it is precisely in these moments that the Word of God provides powerful encouragement. We remember that if God is for us, who can be against us? This message resonates strongly within us, giving us hope and strength.
Just as Nehemiah boldly responded to those who tried to distract him from his God-given mission, declaring, “I cannot come down from this wall; I am doing God’s work,” we too must keep our focus on our higher calling. (Nehemiah 6:3) "And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"
The Holy scriptures highlight the strong unity among those who worked with him, emphasizing their shared dedication and purpose—they had a common determination to accomplish their mission. This unity demonstrates the great strength that can be drawn when people support their leaders for the growth of the kingdom.
In summary, let me say that when we come together, functioning as one unified body, we not only work in harmony but also boost our efforts to win souls for the kingdom. This shared spirit is crucial because it gives us the strength to overcome challenges and achieve better results than we could alone. It also fosters resilience, leading to a more fruitful ministry.
MY CONCLUSION
This inspiring message highlights the crucial role pastors and leaders play in promoting evangelism, which is essential for the growth and spiritual well-being of a church, including its ministry.
This message highlights that a pastor should possess the qualities of a visionary leader—someone who encourages their congregation to engage in outreach ministry. This extends beyond the church's physical walls, focusing on fostering relationships that can lead others to a deeper relationship with Christ.
A true spiritual leader should motivate us to fully participate in our roles, recognizing that each of us can leave a lasting impact on others' lives. By working together, we can share the gospel message with a hurting world seeking answers, with some even searching for a reason to live.
Without the dedication and involvement of both the pastor and the congregation, the mission of evangelism becomes fragile and distant, because a church can only be as spiritual as its leader.
(Numbers 18:19) conveys a significant message: “All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given to you, and your sons and your daughters with you, by a statute forever: it is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD for you and your descendants with you.”
In this passage, the Heave Offering is depicted as a sacred covenant of salt, symbolizing both permanence and the preservation of the relationship between God and His people. This offering is not simply a historical practice; it represents a lasting commitment to support the spiritual leaders of the church, including pastors and retired ministers, who dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel.
The question arises: when did this sacred offering come to be seen as something temporary or subject to expiration? Moreover, why would we hesitate to engage in this partnership with God to build and strengthen His kingdom?
By participating in the Heave Offering, we align ourselves with a divine promise, investing in the spiritual future of our church community and providing support for our leaders who guide us on our journey.
1 Timothy 5:18 states, “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn.’” In this verse, the Apostle Paul, through Timothy, highlights the critical importance of supporting our church leaders and ministers.
This support is vital not only for their well-being but also for the health of the entire congregation. We should remember that while prayer can initiate change and influence spiritual matters in heaven, financial support plays a significant role in our earthly ministries and community outreach.
Timothy's reference to Deuteronomy 25:4 highlights a fundamental principle rooted in the Old Testament: just as an ox is permitted to eat while working the fields, so too should those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service be provided for by the church.
This principle reflects God's care for those who labor in ministry, ensuring they have the necessary sustenance to continue their crucial work.
In summary, let me conclude by saying that when we support our leaders, we acknowledge their sacrifices and contributions, enabling them to focus on their mission of serving the congregation and spreading the message of faith.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
