Missionary Gas

Next entry in Ayuda Pastoral  (Pastoral help) According to the Bible what ministry can women have within the church? Strengthener of the work.    The woman's ministry in the church is particularly to accompany, support and provide for others.  This has been the case since creation:   "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" (Gen 2:18).  It is seen in the work of couples:   "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus" (Rom 16:3).  Christ and the apostles received material help from women:  " Joanna...Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means" (Luke 8:3). Diaconal ministry.   Although it might appear that the diaconate is just for men we do read of Pheobe who was " a servant of the church in Cenchrea". (Rom 16:1 cf 1 Tim  2:11-13) .   In some versions the word servant is translated "deaconess".   The idea is that of

Next issue addressed in Ayuda Pastoral : What biblical principles deal with the use of instrumental music in worship? Dealing with the following questions helps to answer this: 1.  What was the most important part of New Testament worship? Probably the form of 1 st century Christian worship was similar to that of the synagogue.    James even uses "synagogue" to describe the meeting place of Christians (Jas  2:2).    Such worship was directed to the Lord with particular emphasis upon his Word.   Jesus was “teaching in their synagogues…” (Luke 4:15-30) and Paul wrote to Timothy:  “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,  to preaching and to teaching”  (1 Tim 4: 13 cf Col 4:15-16). 2.  How did the first Christians sing? The early Christians would have sung Psalms and probably some Christian hymns:  “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns,  and songs from the Spirit.  Sing and make music from your heart …”  (Eph 5:19 cf 1 Cor 14:26;  Co

Next subject in Ayuda Pastoral What biblical principals bear upon  how much a minister should be paid? It should be sufficient for a full-time ministry.       It was necessary for Paul at times to be  self-sustaining:     "... these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions"  (Act 20:34 cf 18:3).   But this was not the normal situation:  "... the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (1Cor 9:14).  So as a general rule it is better for the church that the pastor is full-time and supported as such:  "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables" (Act 6:2). It should be sufficient for the needs of life.      Christ and his apostles were provided for materially by some women disciples  (Luk. 8.3).   In the case of Paul he was helped by Christians from Macedonia and Thessalonica   (2 Cor 11:9;  Phil 4:16)

Next issue dealt with in Ayuda Pastoral : How would you advise someone whose family member is in an openly homosexual relationship? This is a very delicate matter,  and the starting point is to think about how our heavenly Father treats us all.   This involves: Mercy and patience.    The Bible says  "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"  (Rom.  3:23).   Everyone is sinful,  and the mercy and patience of God extends to each one of us to encourage our repentance  (Rom.  2:4).   Our attitude to the homosexual person should be similar,   and this may involve years of compassion .      Prayer and knowledge.    Obviously we pray for the person for only God can change their heart  (Jn.  16:8;  James 5:16-20).     But also God's Spirit works through the Word (Acts 2:37) since he is the Spirit of truth (Jn.  15:26).  So it is good for the person to know what the Bible says about his or her lifestyle.    And that message is clear:   homosexual pract