Category: theology

Posted in theology

Report back: Apologetics Live interview & list of women’s ministries

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

This past week Andrew Rappaport of Striving for Eternity ministry asked me to come on his show which is a live show broadcast on Thursday nights with Anthony Sylvestro. It’s called Apologetics Live and people call or write in with comments and questions. The topic they’d asked me to speak to is women in ministry, women talking theology, and discernment. Did I mention it was live? And two hours long?

I was honored to be asked and also nervous. But it turns out I can talk about Jesus all night long. The time flew. I’ll leave it to you to decide if it was a good talk. If it wasn’t, that’s on me, the two gentlemen are personable and knowledgeable with a long history of preaching & teaching, apologetics ministry as well as evangelism and discernment.

My podcast is The End Time Blog Podcast, available on Apple and all the rest. Also it’s a direct widget on my right sidebar at the blog, https://the-end-time.org

Welcome to new folks who heard about this site from the show and checking me out. I appreciate it! If you would like to know a bit more about me I wrote about why I named this blog The End Time, a few nuggets of quirky info about me, and my doctrinal stance, this information is here at my ABOUT page.

I’ve been writing here at The End Time since 2009. I started the podcast 6 months ago. It’s just me reading what I wrote that day on the blog, lol. Nothing fancy. The longest one was I think about 25 minutes but mostly they last between 5 and 10 minutes long. A friend of mine said that is a great length because she can listen to two or three episodes while driving in to work. I had busy women in mind moms at home, busy working singles, who might not have the time to sit and read, but can listen while they do something else like fold laundry or drive. I’m pleased to report 10,000 listens already. Thank you!

One of the questions Andrew asked me on Apologetics Live was who I thought credible and solid women’s ministries are. I shared a list of several I enjoy, my list is certainly not exhaustive. Quite a few of these are pastor’s wives. Though that certainly isn’t a requirement for a women’s solid ministry, I believe it helps. Many men do not pay attention to what their wives are reading or the conferences they attend. Pastors have a higher diligence in protecting the flock and that includes their wives, as well as striving to maintain an orderly household as the scripture says they must.

Another thing that helps is if the woman has a long track record of being in the public eye without compromising their message nor becoming immoral in any way (in other words, fame or influence hasn’t gone to their head). There are many other solid ministries by women too besides the ones on my short list, who are proclaiming Jesus and honoring His name by being a diligent daughter of the King.

You can find many of these women in their blogs, on Youtube, Instagram, etc. The links I offer are just one of their many presences online. I’m listing women, because the topic I was asked to speak on was women doing theology and women in ministry, but at my blog there is a blogroll that contains many great men’s ministries. I don’t feel that women must listen to women only. In fact, I encourage women to listen to men.

1. Dr. Shelbi Cullen & Kimberly Cummings– Women’s Hope Podcast, part of the Master’s University. https://womens-hope.masters.edu/

Shelbi and Kimberly have 25 years of combined experience in biblical discipleship and counseling as ACBC counselors, and their content deals with both theology and practical life issues for women.

2. Susan Heck– With the Master. https://www.withthemaster.org/

Susan is a certified counselor with the ACBC, recently widowed after 46 years of marriage to her husband- who was a pastor for 50 years, an author, and serves in her church as well as online and at conferences.

3. Martha Peace– https://www.facebook.com/marthapeaceofficial/

Martha is also an ACBC counselor, speaker, and author. Her books The Excellent Wife and The Exemplary Husband are in 3rd printings and translated into many languages.

4. Brooke Bartz & Erin Coates – Open Hearts Podcast; Open Hearts in a Closed World free online annual conference- https://www.openheartsinaclosedworld.com/

Younger and newer to the scene are these two ladies. Brooke is Founder of Open Heart’s in a Closed World Conference which is now featured on American Gospel TV, and author of “Chronic Love: Trusting God while suffering with a chronic illness.” Co-Host, with her husband, of the “LIT” (Lead in Truth) Podcast.

Erin is wife to Canadian pastor James Coates, conference speaker, and Bible teacher of women. https://www.instagram.com/erincoates80

Erin and Brooke just started a podcast together which will be dropped for the first time in November, and available on AGTV, the BAR Network available on all major podcast streaming and on the YouTube page-Open Hearts in a Closed World. They are also starting an online woman’s book club in November!

5. Amy Spreeman & Michelle Lesley – A Word Fitly Spoken https://awordfitlyspoken.life/

Amy helped launch a discernment radio program called Stand Up for the Truth, speaks at conferences and women’s groups and is the founder of Berean Research and Naomi’s Table Bible Studies for Women. She is married with two grown children.

Michelle is a family-focused stay at home mom of 6, home school veteran, is active at church and in women’s ministry, and trains Christian women through her blog, speaking engagements, and the podcast with Amy.

6. Lauren Hereford – Host of Tulips and Honey Podcast, and Technical director of Open Hearts in a Closed World. Lauren is married, and is a Reformed, Christian blogger/podcaster who also homeschools her daughter. https://afterthoughtbybiblicalbeginnings.podbean.com/

7. Robin Self – A Worthy Walk- https://aworthywalk.com/

Robin Self is a Baptist pastor’s wife in a tiny town in Oklahoma, serving alongside her husband in church ministry for 28 years. She has 3 grown children.

The key for me is in this set of verses. Older women are to be reverent, younger are to be subject to their husbands, for the sole purpose of NOT dishonoring God. And isn’t that our chief aim? Whether we’re in a ministry or enjoying the benefits of someone else’s ministry, we women should honor God. It is our chief end in life.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. (Titus 2:3-5)

Posted in theology

Though There Be Wolves

Posted on by elizabethprata

Poetry by Kay Cude

Poetry is by Kay Cude. Used with permission. Kay Cude is a Texas poet.

The Sheepfold, Moonlight. 1856-1860

Through shadows long the dusk drew near to spread its cloak ov’r all;
and watched I there the setting sun, its glory long displayed.
And as the eve flowed like the sea, there saw its breaking tide;
wash ov’r that shore, submerge that line that marks the night from day.

And as the twilight covered me, upon the path I trode,
heard I a howling–not afar–yea, wolves therein at bay.
What then that sound, that too-near cry, that breaks upon my ears?
T’was Satan’s voice through men–his words–deception’s planned foray.

So then my step at quickened pace, determined to avoid,
the rushing onslaught of those fiends, proficient with their lies.
From mouths perverse I heard their yelps–distortion, rank deceit!!
Through mouths profane, egregious words, revealed demonic ties.

Then on that path near where I stood, upon a group they came;
engaged them there to turn aside and listen to their words,–
to capture those within that flock, with clever speech persuade;
they narcigeted God’s Sure Word, made theirs the “truth” preferred.

And I distressed in shadows stayed, perchance their faces see;
for in that pack, before me clear, saw faces I knew well!
And greatly shaken to my core, with trembling heart I watched;
and there was grieved that “who they seemed,” their idiom dispelled.

And as the eve became the night, that veil that sets our rest;
I watched as they revealed themselves as hunters for a prey.
Though garbed these men in cleric’s robes, through doctrines of Sheol,
perverted they God’s Holy Word; blasphemed Salvation’s way.

With souls suborned spoke they the words borne through the Devil’s lips,
neath shepherd’s cloaks, dressed they like those of Christ’s beloved redeemed;
supplanted they the Word of God with flagrant disregard;
contrived their will, incited doubt, their dogma there esteemed!

And soon saw I the faltering steps of some turn slight their heads;
to hearken to deception’s swill, therein perceived as truth!
Beheld bewitchment glaze their eyes, confound their reasoning;
watched them beguiled, near trance-like state, no longer resolute.

Like pigs at feast midst slop and filth, some joined to sup their fill,
there wallowed in idolatry; renounced Christ’s finished work.
Bedazzled by the lure of wealth, of health and “easy” grace,
defiled they soon Christ’s sacrifice; atonement there besmirched.

And as they trode upon the grace of God’s redemptive plan,
they as the wild ass roams the plains, as harlots sin pursued!
There turned from Light they said was theirs, yet proved themselves as fools;
enraptured with self-righteousness, their love for Christ withdrew.

How then? I queried of myself, can evil overtake,
so quickly those who name the Lord their sovereign Christ I AM?
–Through words or script that hold not fast to God’s delivered Word;
–preferring tales that tickle ears, make Christ mere mortal man.

As tears and anger filled my breast, I shouted out a plea!
“turn now from myths, forsake these wolves whose writ consumes the soul!”
Reject this feast they offer you–’tis vomit you’ll consume,
belched forth from depths of Satan’s bile–THIS hatred’s not its whole.

–It never rests, nor does it sleep, it never sates his need;
therein is set his subterfuge to render you bemused.
–Then she deception casts her net, delusion her end yield;
and round your soul draw tight the ropes, reel in the dragnet’s due.

Like greedy dogs still they pursued this gospel borne of Hell;
like mindless men devoid of sense, joined to that wicked throng!
And they like Judas took that sop and dipped it in the bowl,
there seared their minds incapable of judging right from wrong.

And as the shadows of the night grew deeper in the dark,
saw I deception master them; delusion unconstrained.
And they who “seemed” like branches true, engrafted into Christ,
bewitched by lies, removed themselves preferring sin’s domain.

And then I fell upon my knees neath failure’s crushing weight,
there realized the choice they made, my pleas would not deter!
And suddenly a fear arose that gripped my very heart!
Now I a hindrance for the wolves, their vengeance might incur!

And in that shock of sudden fear, my face prone to the earth,
cried to the Lord to wash me clean, this sin to set aside!
Then quick within my spirit rose the reason not to fear–
the battles we engage with wolves, o’er each the Lord presides!

Remember, those who leave the flock, those never to return,
were never Christ’s but of the world; pretenders from the start.
But there amongst that depraved throng, perchance are God’s elect–
know ’tis Christ’s will to seek them out, redeem their errant heart.

The brands we seek to pluck from Hell IS NOT a work of ours;
for ’tis Christ’s Spirit that prevails, our part is faithfulness.
And when think we that we have failed to reach those ones deceived:
THE DRAW IS GOD’S FOR HIS ELECT; SALVATION TO POSSESS.

kaycude October 10, 2021©

Description of Millett’s painting, The Sheepfold, Moonlight: In this nocturnal scene, the waning moon throws a mysterious light across the plain extending between the villages of Barbizon and Chailly. Millet was recorded as saying of the solitary shepherd: Oh, how I wish I could make those who see my work feel the splendors and terrors of the night! One ought to be able to make people hear the songs, the silences, and murmurings of the air. They should feel the infinite.

Posted in theology

Dis/Contentment in your life and how to overcome it

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Are you discontent? Discontent because you’re single? Discontent because you’re married? Didn’t get the job you wanted? Lost the job you loved? Hate where you live? Didn’t make the grade? Your boss hates you? You hate your boss?

Life is hard, it always has been. “In this world you will have trouble” Jesus said. (John 16:33). But lately it seems that the trouble is increasing, and coming from directions we had not expected. It’s a lot to keep up with.

We’ve always been a people to attach our happiness to comfortable or satisfactory circumstances, even though the Bible warns us to keep our eyes on Jesus and remain heavenly minded. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us, said Paul in Romans 8:18. But us puny humans forget, and we weep, we complain, we grumble. I know I do, before I have to metaphorically slap myself and say ‘Snap out of it!’

I listened to two podcasts yesterday that were on opposite ends of this spectrum, one was about severe and deep suffering, the kind that no husband or parent should ever have to deal with. But we do deal with it because, I refer again to John 16:33.

“The Cellar of Affliction” was episode 7 in Season 1 of The MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching, “The Expositor: The Story of How John MacArthur Became the World’s Premier Expository Preacher.”

L-R-Austin Duncan, Narrator, and John MacArthur, interviewee. Source: MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching
The episode is described thus: John Donne called them Job's sick days. They are days of unexpected, and often unimaginable, suffering. They are part of life in a fallen world, both for believers and nonbelievers. And they are a constant reality in the life of a preacher. John MacArthur is certainly no stranger to suffering. This episode describes a dark day in the MacArthur family, and how that suffering shaped his life and ministry. And it looks at how John's life and preaching have cared for those in what Samuel Rutherford called "the cellar of affliction."

The episode also shared about other parents and families going through a trial and suffering. What they went through and how they came to the other side without complaint, or grumbling, clinging to joy in the darkest of days, is inspiring.

I also listened to The Women’s Hope podcast with Dr. Shelbi Cullen and Kimberly Cummings discuss “Contentment in the Midst of Chaos“

Episode Description - Episode 125, Oct 14, 2021- Shelbi and Kim open up about times when they’ve battled discontentment. What passages of Scripture helped them navigate life's most challenging moments? What did God teach them through trials? Listen to find out.

In addition to discussing the issue that brought discontentment into their lives and the realizations they discovered as they walked through it to the other side, the two women offer practical advice at the end as well.

I found these two discussions helpful. I tend to tie my happiness to my circumstances. Last week, my car broke down. That is one area I have a hard time accepting disruptions. It may not be a huge issue to others but it is to me. I worked hard to focus on Jesus during that week and not complain, even under the guise of ‘asking for prayer’. It all got resolved in providential ways and the Lord even took care of me financially afterward. I need to do more of that for when the next circumstance changes, and it will. Whether it’s a minor disruption like the car issue or something major like the sufferings discussed in the MacArthur Expositor podcast, the advice remains the same.

Listen to these two podcasts and see if you think so too. 🙂

Posted in theology

This woman spoke volumes by not speaking

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

When I was a young adult my social sphere overlapped with a group of women who liked to party. Individually they were fine. But when they got together they were loud, raucous, lewd, and coarse. Because they got so loud at times they were dubbed The Deci-Belles.

I’m extremely sensitive to noise. I don’t like loud noises. When women get together their voices go up several octaves. Loud, high-pitched laughter or raucous conversation is just plain old hurtful to my ears. When I was with these ladies, I’d often stand on the sidelines and just watch in amazement at the goings on.

Today’s secular society proclaims these kind of women “strong”, “assertive”, or “powerful.” Nor does Christian ministry escape from the cultural twisting of what God wants women to be. We are constantly being told that we have “influence”, “potential”, or that we need “activating” (Are we inert robots with an ‘on’ button?) Christine Caine’s organization, Propel Woman is such an example of this attitude. Her Propel Woman “is a woman who leads—and believes she was made to lead. She gives all that she has. Puts it all on the line. Leaves nothing behind.” Caine’s Propel Woman sounds more like an Amazonian Nomad than a quietly serving Christian wife…

Caine’s website declares that the Christian ‘Propel’ woman is-

BOLD + DARING
CLASSIC + MODERN
IMAGINATIVE + INTELLIGENT
PLAYFUL + PROFESSIONAL
PRESENT + VISIONARY
EFFORTLESS + EVERYDAY
COMPASSIONATE + STRONG
COURAGEOUS + TENDER
TRUSTWORTHY + TENACIOUS
INFORMED + HOPEFUL
PASSIONATE + COMMITTED
LEADER + LEARNER
LOCAL + GLOBAL
AUTHENTIC + ACCOUNTABLE

That’s a lot of things. Who can live up to THAT? I certainly can’t. I don’t focus solely on Caine’s Propel Woman, many ‘Christian Women’s Ministries’ these days have the same attitude about what a woman should be. Do you notice what’s missing from Caine’s list? Some key words. Titus 2:3-5 words, for example-

Reverent
Self-controlled
Pure
Kind
Submissive (to their own husbands)

and…

Working at home.

Hard to do when we’re propelling all over the place.

Women were not “made to lead”. This is in direct scriptural opposition to the reason God made woman. (Genesis 2:18-25). It was to help, not to lead. As Christians in general, man or woman, we are made to serve our Lord by glorifying Him, but women especially serve. We serve our husbands, if we have one. We serve our home. We serve in our church. We don’t lead.

Sadly, Christian women’s ministries these days are perpetually claiming that we do. Worse, they are acting like unless you possess a speaking gift, which they say is the best one of all, you’re nothing. Unequal. Marginalized. Invisible.

Paul spends most of 1 Corinthians 12 chastising the members at Corinth for envying the members who have more prominent gifts. Note the first four words of this verse from 1 Corinthians 12:28,

And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues.

God appoints his people to do various functions in the church, including speaking. GOD does. To disdain what God has appointed is to disdain God.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:4-5).

And there are the other two members of the Trinity. The God-head is fully involved in His church, and if He designated men to be the main speakers in the church so be it. Women are to be quiet/silent.

Contempt, hatred, envy, and strife, are very unnatural in Christians. It is like the members of the same body being without concern for one another, or quarrelling with each other. The proud, contentious spirit that prevailed, as to spiritual gifts, was thus condemned. ... The Spirit distributes to every one as he will. We must be content though we are lower and less than others. We must not despise others, if we have greater gifts. How blessed the Christian church, if all the members did their duty! Instead of coveting the highest stations, or the most splendid gifts, let us leave the appointment of his instruments to God, and those in whom he works by his providence. Remember, those will not be approved hereafter who seek the chief places, but those who are most faithful to the trust placed in them, and most diligent in their Master's work. Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 12:27-31.

I was a new Christian, saved maybe 5 or 6 years but losing the first 18 months by not being in church and in following Joel Osteen. There was a woman in my Sunday School class. It was a small class, not many members, and only a few women. This one woman was older, and long time married. She appeared each week to church. This in itself was pretty noticeable for a church with a small membership. Regular attendance these days seems like an optional event.

When she appeared, she was always dressed for church. She didn’t dress lavishly, nor casually. You could always tell she put effort into her outfit and that it was a church outfit.

She sat next to her husband, of course, and was perfectly attentive. She looked, listened, took a few notes, occasionally touched her husband’s elbow. She remained silent. She did not speak. Even when the Class teacher invited comment, she waited until her husband spoke, and only spoke if directly asked a question or encouraged to share an insight. It’s not that she was shy. Not at all.

This kind of church woman, or any kind of woman in or out of church, was new to me. As a person having grown up during the feminist 1960s and 70s, having been pressed by my own family to be a feminist, having been a teacher and used to speaking and teaching, her silence was resounding. She wasn’t invisible. Silence did not render her invisible. In fact, she was more visible than if she had brashly offered comment after comment. Her meekness didn’t mean weakness. No, far from being marginalized, her gentle and quiet demeanor broke through to my newly Christian mind and still resounds across my soul all these years later, now that I myself am older.

Ladies, Peter wrote our adornment is not in our tongue, in speaking great things and strutting around a stage. Our adornment is inner, by our spirit, and,

should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. (1 Peter 3:4).

God does not look with favor on loud, brash, footloose women

She is boisterous and rebellious, Her feet do not remain at home; (Proverbs 7:11)

The word boisterous is hamah in Hebrew and it means to be in a stir, be in a commotion; to be boisterous, be turbulent. This bespeaks an unquiet spirit, a woman characterized by constant unrest or disorder. To be this way, live this way, is exhausting to your family, your church, the people in your sphere whether online or real life. In other words, don’t be a Deci-belle. Speak God’s language. Be quiet, peaceful, gentle, attentive, humble, meek, with an attitude of service. This is precious in the sight of God. I want to be precious in the sight of God. Don’t you?

Posted in theology

Jesus, the High Name Over All

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” (Matthew 17:1-8)

The Holy Spirit’s ministry is to point to Christ (John 16:13-14). Christ is the pre-eminent Person in all the universe (Colossians 1:18). Peter, in his boundless and sometimes unthinking enthusiasm, wanted to make a tabernacle for all three of the glorified beings he saw before him. One for Moses, one for Elijah and one for Jesus. In verse 4 Peter makes it clear, he says it twice, ‘three tents’ and then explains, ‘one for you and you and you…’

Continue reading “Jesus, the High Name Over All” →
Posted in theology

Are Daisy Duke Shorts modest?

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

The answer is no. But I’ll get to that shortly. See what I did there?

I wrote about modesty in general earlier today, here. This is a little addendum.

Daisy Dukes were coined back in the late 1970s when the actress playing the character Daisy Duke in the TV show The Dukes of Hazzard sported short-shorts. The style became synonymous with her character, hence, the name of the garment stuck.

Continue reading “Are Daisy Duke Shorts modest?” →
Posted in theology

Modesty: what are the limits and what does scripture say?

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Usually the discussions about modesty come in late spring as the temps heat up and we enter the summer season peeling off some layers of clothes. When bathing suit season approaches, the discussions online often turn to the limits of skin being shown, where to obtain modest clothing, and what the Bible actually describes modesty as.

Continue reading “Modesty: what are the limits and what does scripture say?” →
Posted in theology

Pop Tart

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

The first task I do at school every day is to be at my station at opening bell, having unlocked the door so car riders can come in. I am to greet the students, by name if possible, and generally be pleasant and welcoming. By 7:10am the kids may already have been awakened dog-tired, fussed at, rushed, and generally hustled to the car so mama or daddy can get to work. My job is to be calm, smiling, and joyful to see them. I love this duty because I genuinely love seeing the kids come in. Each of them, every day.

They are so cute. The kids enter at different speeds, displaying different emotions, some shy and looking away from me, some shrinking against the wall, some literally bounding in.

Continue reading “Pop Tart” →
Posted in theology

Introducing: ‘Country Preacher at Large’, David Miller

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

When I plan to attend the National G3 Conference put on by Josh Buice and his church, Pray’s Mill Baptist, I eagerly look forward to the moment when lineup of speakers and their topics for preaching are published for the public. I usually know of most of the men slated to speak, I mean, how can you NOT know of Voddie Baucham, Paul Washer, John MacArthur and so on?

But there was one name this year with which I was not familiar – David Miller.

David Miller?

I was anticipating his sermon, it was on The Excellency of Christ. What a great theme for a sermon.

David Miller is an Arkansas pastor, now evangelist with Line Upon Line Ministries. I’d offer a website url or a Facebook page but there is little public or current about this ministry other than churches and organizations announcing that Brother Miller is set to speak at their event. Line Upon Line was founded in 1985 and since 1995 Miller has been evangelizing, speaking at various places in and around his home of Heber Springs Arkansas.

Here is Miller’s bio, from Tumbling Shoals Baptist Church, Line Upon Line’s partner in their joint endeavor, the Expository Preaching Conference (EPC). More about that in a moment. Here is a partial bio of Miller-

“David Miller has been preaching for over 50 years. He has been in full-time evangelism since 1995 with Line Upon Line Ministries. He prefers the title “Country Preacher at Large.” He resides in Heber Springs, Arkansas, with Glenda, his wife of 50 years.”

Miller has suffered from a degenerative muscular disease called peroneal muscular atrophy. Miller is in a wheelchair and cannot hold a Bible. His work-around? Miller has memorized the Bible. He also memorizes his sermons.

The Baptist Press published a good story on Miller and the Expository Preaching Conference, here. The opening of this story is a huge encouragement-

In a quiet little town two miles north of Heber Springs, Ark., a church with a congregation of no more than 75 on an average Sunday morning has been providing training for pastors for the past 19 years. Through the Expository Preaching Conference (EPC), Tumbling Shoals Baptist Church has helped train more than 1,500 pastors in biblical preaching and ministry.

I’m always gladdened by the news that in various corners of the world, Jesus is raising up churches. He is raising up men. He is sustaining his elders who persevere in gracious joy. I mean, you know in your heart, He is. But what a joy to see the layers peeled back a bit and learn of new pockets of His remnant!

Not every preacher has opportunity to attend seminary. Yet many men are called to preach. The article on Miller further states,

"Many of the pastors who attend the EPC are not, and probably will not be, seminary-trained," said Brad Johnson, pastor of Tumbling Shoals Baptist, about the event held this past spring. He said the conference is "often the closest they will come to being formally educated in biblical preaching and ministry." The conference began in 1997 as the brainchild of Miller, who has preached expository sermons for 51 years. After serving as director of missions for Little Red River Association for 25 years, often counseling preachers on how to preach from the Bible, Miller retired in 1995 and began looking for another mission position to fill."

Miller calls himself “Country Preacher at Large”. He has the country accent, much gravitas, an understated delivery of the truths anchored in the word of God, and an arched wit. His precise understanding of the scriptures combined with his delivery make for a powerful listening experience.

At G3, Miller delivered the sermon, “The Excellency of Christ“. I was eager to hear this new voice, one of which I had not been aware. I trust the G3 ministry to properly vet who they will choose to platform, so my discernment radar was on low volume.

David Miller at the 2018 G3 Conference, video screen shot

And what a voice it was. During sermons or at conferences, especially one like G3, my spirit will connect in a major way with the Sprit in me. The Holy Spirit will use the words preached to convict my heart, awaken my conscience, expand my mind in knowledge and aroma of Christ, lead me in sanctification, all that and more that the Bible promises He will do when we revel in the Word. Mike Riccardi’s sermon on the Cleansing of the Leper plunged my mind into the depths of despair over my sin before raising me to see the glory of Christ as compassionate Savior of our sinful state.

Miller, though…David Miller! I heard, I rejoiced. For the rest of the day I never came down from the mountaintop of glorious words. Miller’s sermon knit a view of Christ in my mind that brought me over beams of light traveling back to before the universe began to glimpse the holy and loving intra-Trinitarian delight the Three Persons of the One God has in each other. I lay at Christ’s feet in the starry ether, alone, reveling in His excellency. I closed my minds’ eye to the bright glory evoked by the words he delivered. David Miller is an amazing preacher.

David Miller’s sermons are on SermonAudio. I am interested to listen to his Overview of the book of Ruth, for a start. There are videos of his sermons on Youtube as well, including his address at the 2018 G3 Conference.

Apart from your own pastor, if you are looking for a preacher to add to your list, David Miller is a good one to add. Isn’t it wonderful to see that the Lord is working among the Lampstands of heaven to persevere men all around the globe? That He is sustaining men, churches, ministries for the good and glory of His name? And Jesus will do so all the days until the consummation of His prophetic plan, when we will be united as one Bride, adoring our Groom, ‘up there’. Revelation 1:12-16 shows us our Lord, at work, curating his church, leading as Head of the Church. For he is El Roi, our God who sees.

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and wrapped around the chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze when it has been heated to a glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.

Posted in theology

Paul Washer with an admonishment to pastors

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Plagiarism is a plague in the church. Many pastors are not working out their sermons with fear and trembling under illumination of the Holy Spirit. They are reading other men’s sermons, reformatting, swapping out some words with synonyms and re-delivering the other man’s words to their churches as if they were their own. Or they take another guy’s sermon outlines and his structure and his flow, rename the sermon points, and pretend they crafted it together with their own brain and sweat and labor.

In no case did the preacher dig out truths the Spirit wanted him to pass to the local body. He didn’t spend time sweating and laboring and unearthing scriptural gems with the precise emphasis the Spirit wanted for this specific congregation to hear. The plagiarizing pastor just took the easy way out.

THIS IS BAD.

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