Msg #2639 A 4 Point Christian Walk
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan’s Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
An old preacher gave a four-point charge to a young preacher, the points fit well in the life of any Christian. In Matthew and Mark Jesus gives the first and greatest commandment, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” In Luke Jesus adds, “with all thy strength.” Doing this great commandment requires a daily focus, a daily diligence. Paul said it, “I am crucified with Christ, therefore, I no longer live,” and he beseeched, “make your bodies a living sacrifice.“ Putting God in the first conscious thought of each day is a key. Awake singing, “Good morning Lord, this is your day, I am your child, show me the way – A – A 2X.“
Secondly, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed… Take my yolk upon you, and learn of me.” Be a disciple indeed, take up that yolk. Read God‘s word daily, privately, in family time, in public, DAILY, out loud, silently, systematically, in meditation, in prayer. Paul told Timothy to give attendance to reading. Be a disciplined disciple. Learn.
Third, be a leader. In the military, I acquired multiple books and courses on leadership and learned a natural leader is the lad on the playground who could organize and get a ball game started. He could see the bigger picture, involve all the kids, and meet the needs of pursuing the goal. The best leaders are God‘s servants. The bar-none best leadership books are Exodus, Numbers, and Joshua. Read them twice a year for life.
Lastly, sheep need a Shepherd, and a Pastor shepherds (Num.27:16–17). Read the 23rd Psalm and Jeremiah 23:4-6 to learn what a Shepherd does, read Jeremiah 10:21, 23:1–2, 50:6, and Ezekiel 34:9–10 to learn what they ain’t. Pastors according to God‘s heart have sheep that 1) are well fed; 2) fear no evil; 3) are not dismayed; and 4) shall not want. Be under that kind of Shepherd. Pastors, be that kind of Shepherd.
An Essay for week #39 Sep 27, 2026
Msgs in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com
A Volume on Anthropology at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/theology
A Journaled Tour of the Holy Land www.GSBaptistChurch.com/israel23
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