The evangelical church needs to recapture an appreciation for calling a man as a pastor as opposed to simply hiring one. I don't mean that in terms of semantical vernacular (the word 'calling' versus the word 'hiring'), but in the context of assuming that mere academic accomplishment alone equates to a man being endowed by the Spirit of God to preach and to lead. In saying that, I'm reminded of what Alexander Strauch writes in his book Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership (Lewis & Roth Publishers, 1995, paperback, 67): In a letter to a young presbyter named Nepotian, dated A.D. 394, Jerome (A.D. 345-419) rebuked the churches of his day for their hypocrisy in showing more concern for the appearance of their church buildings than the careful selection of their church leaders: "Many build churches nowadays; their walls and pillars of glowing marble, their ceilings glittering with gold, their altars studded with jewels. Yet to the choice of Christ's ministers no heed is paid."
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and unfading, having been kept in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
— 1 Peter 1:3-5, LSB
I've often been dumbfounded at the fact that people to whom God does not owe salvation complain about how He chooses to save those to whom He does not owe salvation.
“A belief in the human capacity to choose God . . .”
“human capacity”
But from where does such capacity come? How is it generated? The only answer is that it is self-generated. That is the only answer to that question. Your use of the term “human capacity,” by definition, argues that such “capacity” is self-generated. You’re saying that an innately sinful human being can, apart from God, volitionally, independently, and arbitrarily transform his state of unrighteousness into a state of righteousness before God—and do so without God.
We’re all sinful by nature, Dinesh—by nature!
How does a sinner change his own sinful nature? How does the leopard change its spots or the Ethiopian his skin (Jeremiah 13:23)?
Do you struggle to pray to God with consistency? If so, then, perhaps your real struggle is doubt. You simply don't believe that God will hear your prayers, let alone answer them. Doubt is a robber. It is a thief of joy and hope. Doubt leads to laziness in seeking God in prayer and laziness breeds apathy which, if left unaddressed, will quench any desire you might have to pray at all. If this is your struggle, I encourage you to consider Hebrews 11:6, which declares: And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
God is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
So seek Him.
Mark 9:24b: "I do believe; help my unbelief."
When you neglect communion with God, in prayer and in the study of His Word, the effects of such neglectfulness will be apparent in your life. It is impossible for it not to be. You will see evidence of it in yourself and, likewise, others will see it in you. And when God convicts you that such is the case with you, consider it an act of His grace and mercy toward you so that you respond in confession and repentance, asking Him to restore to you the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12).
Southwest Dekalb HS (GA.) LEGEND Coach William “Buck” Godfrey has passed away at 83. (1943-2026)🕊️
• 274 Wins (Most in Dekalb County Schools History)
• 12 Region Titles
• 1995 4A State Champs
• Atlanta Sports / GACA Hall of Fame
Panthersville Stadium in DeKalb County was renamed "William 'Buck' Godfrey Stadium" in his honor in 2015.
Hot take: You can promote your eschatology without slandering a brother in the faith who has passed. I know it sounds crazy, but it is possible to just teach what you believe without slandering faithful brothers who believe differently.