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A Faithful Minister - by John Newton (1725-1807)

Pastoral Theology and Expository Preaching Articles

Today, many Christians are turning back to the puritans to, “walk in the old paths,” of God’s word, and to continue to proclaim old truth that glorifies Jesus Christ. There is no new theology. In our electronic age, more and more people are looking to add electronic books (ePubs, mobi and PDF formats) to their library – books from the Reformers and Puritans – in order to become a “digital puritan” themselves. Take a moment to visit Puritan Publications (click the banner below) to find the biggest selection of rare puritan works updated in modern English in both print form and in multiple electronic forms. There are new books published every month. All proceeds go to support A Puritan’s Mind.

Being a Faithful Minister.

“Tychicus is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:7)

Dear fellow pastor,
You have desired a good work — may the Lord give you the desires of your heart. May He give you . . .
the wisdom of Daniel,
the meekness of Moses,
the courage of Joshua,
the zeal of Paul, and
that self-abasement and humility which Job and Isaiah felt — when they not only had heard of Him by the hearing of the ear — but when they saw His glory, and abhorred themselves in dust and ashes!

May you be taught of God — for none teaches like Him — and come forth an able minister of the New Covenant, well instructed to rightly divide and faithfully distribute the Word of truth.

In the school of Christ, you will have to learn some lessons which are not very pleasant to flesh and blood. You must learn to labor, to run, to fight, to wrestle — and many other hard exercises — some of which will try your strength, and others your patience.

You know the common expression, ‘a jack of all trades’. I am sure a minister had need be such a one:
a brave soldier,
an alert watchman,
a caring shepherd,
a hardworking farmer,
a skillful builder,
a wise counselor,
a competent physician,
and a loving nurse.

But do not be discouraged — you have a wonderful and a gracious Master, who does not only give instructions — but power and ability! He engages that His grace shall be sufficient, at all times and in all circumstances, for those who simply give themselves up to His teaching and His service.

“Be an example to all believers . . .
in what you teach,
in the way you live,
in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12

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