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Report #5 from Malawi

6/28/2015

 
Since Alan is currently in Malawi, we are providing excerpts from his weekly report when available in lieu of his normal articles we publish on Saturdays …
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June 28, 2015
As the fifth week draws to a close, I have begun to lose my voice. I think the dust from all the dirt roads has taken a toll, I can’t sing at all and I am having to talk quieter while the translator projects his voice to the audience. ...


I had the opportunity to preach to a large urban congregation in Lilongwe on Sunday. I was given 1.5 hours for a class on the relationship of the church to its elders and the elders to the church. They use the term shepherd much more than elder to describe the office, so I started the lesson with the truth that Abel (Gen. 4:2), Jacob (Gen. 31:38-40), and all Israel as they entered Israel were shepherds (Gen. 46:32-34).

David also was a shepherd (1Sam. 16:11) before he became king and was called the shepherd of Israel in his role as king. “Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the Lord said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’” (2Sam. 5:2). Hence when David wrote the 23rd Psalm, he was drawing from his personal experience as a shepherd. Jesus too called himself the good shepherd (Jn. 10:11, 13). The idea of a shepherd is the comforting thought of someone who cares for, leads, guide, protects, and feeds us, the sheep. ...

Both Peter (1Pet 5:1-4) and Paul (Acts 20:17,28) called the elders of the church shepherds ...  In addition there is the exhortation to the Hebrews to obey those who watch out for your souls as those that must give account.
  • Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Heb 13:17
This too perfectly describes the work God gave Ezekiel. They watch and they must give an account just as Ezekiel must watch and give account. Hence the responsibility of the elders to the church is clearly revealed in the terms “shepherd” and “overseer.” ...
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For more, 
1) click on Malawi_2015_Report_5 (pdf) to display the full report
2) select the "more…  >  Malawi" menu item to see the report, associated pictures, and previous reports.
3) select the "Topics  >  E" menu item to see articles on the topic of "Elders" as well as "C" for "Church Government".

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    Alan Hitchen

    Alan is a preacher for the Holly Street church of Christ in Denver, CO. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career.  He is also active in spreading the Gospel to Malawi, Africa.

 Bible Questions is a work of the Holly Street church of Christ in Denver, CO. 
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