“WHY I WANT TO QUIT THE MINISTRY.”

Here is an interesting article that I’ve run across in recent weeks. 

http://barryboucher.typepad.com/ministers_matter/2008/11/a-pastors-cry-why-i-want-to-quit-the-ministry.html

Why I am a Protestant!

 On October 21, 1517, Martin Luther’s hammer echoed forth on the wooden door of the castle church in Wittenberg.  The ninety-five theses that were affixed that day are the hallmark of what the Protestant church confesses.  Imbedded in these ninety-five complaints against the Roman Catholic Church, are the three solas and one solus.  The Protestant church is much divided into its various denominations and associations, but they all accept the Bible as the absolute standard of their faith and practices, rejecting the supremacy of the pope, the sacramental system of the Roman Church, and the works salvation as a means to God.

SOLA SCRIPTURA

      Scripture Alone: The Bible is the absolute and final authority for all beliefs and practices.  Whenever something is to be found contrary to the scriptures it must be discarded.  This confession cuts deep into the Roman Catholic, emphasis of tradition and canonical law equal to or more than equal to Holy Scripture.  This belief means that the Scriptures alone, carries all that is necessary for salvation and atonement.  The emphasis that Protestant’s place on the importance of the Bible separates us from the Roman Catholic Church, which places its emphasis on the Pope, as the Vicar of Christ.

SOLA GRATIA

    Grace Alone: This is rooted in the grace that God offers us; His gracious act of offering atonement and justification to undeserving mankind.  God alone is the source of this grace.  There us no chance a human could merit his own favour with God.  Ephesians 2 declares “For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves.”  This verse declares that salvation comes from God by faith, not by any work we can to by our own selves. 

SOLA FIDE

      Faith Alone: Salvation is by grace, but we must respond to it by faith, believing in Christ alone for our salvation.  Ephesians 2 declares again “ye are saved through faith.”  Good works are not the way to God, but are rather the fruits of the faith that we place in God. 

CHRISTUS SOLUS

     Christ Alone: Together the three solas, affirm that Christ is the object of the Protestant faith.  The Easter message or Christ incarnate, crucified, risen again, is the entire object of the Protestant faith.  We are saved by Him alone.

MARRIAGEUS SOLUS

   Marriage Alone:  Lastly we are Protestants because God has not called us to be celibates, and to be alone the rest of our days.  God has given us the privilege of accepting marriage as an honourable estate founded in the very structure of the Church.  Protestant clergyman can not be Roman Catholic, for this very important reason, they must find a helpmate for their ministry.  If we are going to be Protestants, we must follow Martin Luther’s example in this area of his life, and ascend upwards to the high calling of matrimony. 

CONCLUSION

     The term Protestant means that we stand for something.  Our forefathers had something to say against the established Church, and took their stand.  In many cases this stand, cost them their lives, but they realized that truth merits any price.  The Protestant Reformation caused a beam of light to shine once more in the Church, causing people to truly have right relationship with God.  May the Protestant church always confess in their creeds: Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Christ Alone!

Rules for a Preacher’s Conduct:

1. Be conscientious and apply yourself in the administration of the gospel and in the means of grace.  In whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.  Never partake in something that is not beneficial for His kingdom; do not waste time, for every second is precious to God. 

2. Hold dearly to your heart, the word of God and follow the path that Christ laid, with fervor and take the ordinances of God seriously.  Follow the Lord, with all your heart, soul, might, and strength.  Do not waist time with thoughtless matters.  

3.  Talk less, minister much. Avoid all appearances of evil and be respectful to women.

4. Do not pronounce judgment against someone when you do not have all the facts.  If you see something that violates scripture, then report it.  Always remember that God has forgiven you, so observe this statute carefully and do not judge others prematurely. 

5. Do not talk about someone behind their back.  If you have to talk to someone do it carefully; and respect everyone’s feelings.

6. If you see sin, do not hesitate to rebuke it, but take care in how you express yourself to others.

7. Avoid all divisions among the brothers and sisters of Christ.  Always remember you are not there to serve half the Church, but to serve all of it.  You are the pastor of the entire Church body and should treat each one equally.

8. Do not allow anything sinful to enter into your life or into the Church.  Be ashamed of evil, such as are listed in the Ten Commandments and avoid all things that destroy and corrupt the mind. 

9. Time is the key to success.  Remember, one who keeps time and allows the clock to run smoothly will have a successful pastorate.  Follow and keep all the rules of the Discipline and forsake not one article of it.  

10. Be diligent in use of your time.  Remember that your occupation’s focus is one winning souls, therefore spend much of your time focused on the means of grace and witnessing to others.  Share the gospel with everyone!

11. Remember that you are employed by God; you are not to act according to your own will, but follow His ordinances and His directions for your daily life.  Keep all rules outlined in your Discipline, as long as; they do not violate God’s Holy Word.

12. Take heed in all your actions, do nothing that will not or can not glorify God.  Always remember for all that you do, you will be held accountable for it someday.