A SOLEMN CHARGE
A NEW BEGINNING
(Part 2)


As we grow in our walk with God we are reminded often that, as someone once said, “The only constant in life is change.” Someone also has said, “God loves us too much to leave us where we are.” He wants us as individuals as well as a church to continue to move forward and to be blessed with maturity no matter what happens. He ends one thing only to begin a new one. We can see with hind sight that God is constantly preparing us for what lies ahead. The Apostle Paul, as a wise leader, knew this truth and when his ministry to the Ephesian church was nearing its’ end he prepared them with a reminder of his example in the past, and a solemn charge for the future. Then he left them to carry on the ministry. We here at MBC can learn from their example.

(Acts 20:28-38)

I.) Take Heed (vv28-31):

a. To Yourself: 2Chron 19:6,7; 1Cor 9:26,27
b. To the Flock: Jn 21:15-17; 1Pet 5:2-3
c. Watch and Warn: 1Thes 5:14; Col 1:28

II.) Commending to God and Word (v32):
a. To God: Acts 14;23,26; Luke 23:46
b. To the Word: Eph 4:11-13

III.) Labor for Others and The Gospel (vv33-35):
a. The Weak: 1Thes 5:14; Rom 15:1; Heb 13:3
b. The Gospel: 1Cor 9:13-19

IV.) Praying and Weeping (vv36-38):
a. Pray With the Flock: Acts 21:3-6
b. Weep with the Flock: Rom 12:15

Food for thought: Let us follow the examples before us. God holds a bright future.