The first century church was directed to organize itself with elders serving as shepherds of the flock, overseers and teachers. Every congregation should seek to be organized with this biblical leadership structure. Qualifications of elders are provided in 1 Timothy 3:1-2 and Titus 1:5-9. From Titus, these qualifications include (1) blameless, (2) the husband of one wife, (3) having faithful children not accused of dissipation [debauchery ESV] or insubordination, (4) not self-willed, (5) not given to wine, (6) not greedy for money, (7) hospitable, (8) lovers of what is good, (9) sober-minded, (10) just, (11) holy, (12) self-controlled, holding fast to the faithful Word as he has been taught that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort, and convict those who contradict. From 1 Timothy, additional qualifications include (1) temperate, (2) of good behavior, (3) able to teach, (4) not violent, (5) gentle, (6) not quarrelsome, (7) not covetous, (8) one who rules his own house well, (9) not a novice, (10) have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Paul instructed the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28-30 as follows: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves

Patience is a required trait and behavior for one to be a faithful Christian. We are struggling with this requirement today. We are accustomed to having our wants and needs immediately and are stressed and frustrated when we are required to wait. Many things in everyday life are instant and immediate that once were not that way. Communications, news, business services, fast food, travel, career change, etc. are quick and easy today. We seldom are required to be patient. This may not be a good thing, considering the teaching of the Bible concerning patience. Jesus stated in Luke 21:19, “By your patience possess your souls.” Patience is an essential element required for one to behave acceptably as a Christian. Consider Romans 5:3-4, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance [patience]; and perseverance, character; and character hope.” James 1:2-4 states, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Patience is required for one to possess all the traits to make one’s call and election sure (2 Peter 1:4-6). First century Christians were commended for their patience (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; Colossians 1:11; 2 Timothy 3:10). Leaders are commanded to be patient (Titus 2:2) in order to be sound and acceptable. Through patience we can inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12) of God for a

The apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy and to us concerning Scripture is short and practical. With all of the division in the beliefs of the “Christian” community today, biblical guidance is needed. First, from 2 Timothy 2:14-17, we read: Remind them of these things and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene… These instructions are direct and easy to understand. The problem is that they are not easy to follow because much study is required to “rightly handle” the Word of God. Believers are unwilling to take time and make the effort to achieve this competence in knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. Next, Paul made a straightforward statement concerning the comprehensive quality and authority of Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:12-16, we read: Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you

The Bible provides the basis for us to make decisions from day to day and in all situations concerning right and wrong behavior. We tend to follow social norms in deciding what is acceptable behavior. This approach allows us to adjust behavior based on current values and social trends. The result is (1) the acceptance of abortion, homosexuality and perverted sexual norms, (2) aggressive, selfish and greedy lifestyles, (3) dishonesty in every relationship, including family, business and government, and (4) disregard for the needs of the less fortunate among us. We must return to using biblical benchmarks to assess behavior and determine right and wrong in every situation and on every issue. The best place to start is with the response of Jesus in Matthew 22:36-40 when He was asked what was the greatest commandment. His response was, “And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all you mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” These commands are repeated over and over as the apostles taught believers and followers of Jesus in the first century (Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). Luke’s account of this question (Luke 10:27-37) includes the story of the “good Samaritan.” Other benchmarks that reflect this basic commandment are provided to address specific situations and attitudes.

A physical structure is no stronger than its foundation. We are reminded of this fact when earthquakes shake the ground and buildings fall. This principle also applies to our lives. Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-25, Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these saying of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. Jesus was finishing His great Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5-7. These chapters record a powerful summary of the core teachings of Christianity. Jesus gave essential guidance and commandments that can be followed to result in Godly lives that assure our spiritual well-being and obedience to God. Paul referred to the teaching of Christ as a foundation for life as he stated in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Some key elements of this great sermon that create a foundation of rock include the following.  There are many other teachings in this sermon. Read and study every