Podcasts about chief shepherd

This Lord's Day we will take a brief break from John's Gospel and turn to 1 Peter 5:1–5, where Peter gives one of Scripture's clearest pictures of shepherding in the church. We will consider what it means that Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, and that He lovingly provides undershepherds to know, feed, lead, and protect His people—leaders like Himself. Sheep need shepherds, and Christ has given shepherding as a gift to His church. Please come prayerfully, asking the Lord to teach us how to live together as His flock under His loving care.

God calls elders to shepherd the church with willing, eager, Christlike care—leading by example, feeding the saints with the Word, and protecting the flock from error under the watch of the Chief Shepherd. From the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 to the warnings of Acts 20, this sermon clarifies that spiritual authority is exercised as humble service, not domination. As Mosaic considers new elders, the church is invited to pray, to value mature godly character, and to grow in stability through sound doctrine and faithful shepherding.

Your mind is not neutral ground.It is the battlefield of spiritual warfare.In this message, we break down how spiritual warfare often targets the mind first—through subtle thoughts, distraction, fear, and compromise. Using Scripture and practical insight, this teaching explains why vigilance matters, how the enemy operates, and what it means to stand firm and resist.HaSatan (Did the Devil Make You Do It?) part 17Rabbi Steve Berkson offers an in-depth exploration of Scripture to better understand the nature of our adversary, known as HaSatan or the Devil. • Reset / Review• 1 Peter 5:8–Be sober and watch…• Shepherd the flock• Be examples to the flock• When the Chief Shepherd appears…• Cast all your worries?• This is not a cult• Seeking someone to devour?• Be sober and watch• Resist the devil• The battle for your mind• Life is a game• You are here to do something • After you have suffered a while…• Because you can• Stand up and fight• You were called to this walk• PrayerListen to the Afterburn tomorrowSubscribe to be notified of new content each week.Learn more about MTOI:https://mtoi.orgThe MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-appFollow MTOI:https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwidehttps://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide Contact MTOI: 

This exploration of 1 Peter 5:1-5 takes us deep into the heart of biblical leadership and community life. We discover that shepherding isn't just an ancient metaphor—it's a living picture of how spiritual leadership should function in our lives today. The passage reveals three crucial characteristics of godly leadership: willingness rather than compulsion, eager service rather than selfish gain, and leading by example rather than domineering control. What makes this particularly powerful is the reminder that the church isn't owned by human leaders—it belongs to God. Elders serve as under-shepherds to Christ, the Chief Shepherd, who will one day reward faithful service with an unfading crown of glory. The imagery of sheep and shepherds runs throughout Scripture, from Psalm 23 to Jesus's restoration of Peter in John 21, reminding us that we need guidance, protection, and someone willing to go first into danger. But here's where it gets personal: the call to humility isn't just for leaders—it's for all of us. We're invited to clothe ourselves daily in humility, treating it like getting dressed each morning. This isn't a one-time decision but a daily surrender to Christ's lordship. The passage challenges us to examine whether we're allowing ourselves to be shepherded, whether we're contributing to our local body in meaningful ways, and whether we're living with the humility that reflects Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

February 1, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode a pastoral sermon addresses the reality of change—in personal life, in the church, and in the spiritual life—while celebrating a momentous shift in local leadership. Speakers reflect on recent transitions (the appointment of new elders), offer biblical perspective, and give practical guidance for how a congregation should respond. The message draws on scripture and church history—Peter's Pentecost sermon, the inclusion of Cornelius and the Gentiles, Hebrews, Acts 20 and 1 Peter—to show how spiritual change is both God-ordained and costly. Listeners will hear how believers are called to view themselves as strangers and pilgrims, why the gospel remains unchanging, and how growth inevitably brings organizational shifts. Neal lays out a three-word framework for healthy change: anticipate, analyze, accept. He illustrates these points with personal anecdotes (a difficult 1,150-mile move and a long-standing building relocation) and memorable stories—the Grady Nutt radio tale, the railroad gauge history, and an airline crew-resource-management example—to highlight why some traditions persist and when change is necessary. Hiram closes by focusing on constants that never change and four elder responsibilities that endure: elders must watch themselves, guard the flock, be honored and obeyed, and remember the Chief Shepherd. These points are grounded in passages such as Acts 20, 1 Peter 5, Hebrews 13, and John 14 and include modern analogies (cybersecurity and pastoral oversight) to show how elders protect and shepherd the congregation. Practical takeaways include how the church can support and submit to shepherding leadership, how to evaluate changes biblically rather than reactively, and why spiritual stability rests on unchanging truths about Christ. The episode ends with an invitation to respond to the gospel—repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins—and a closing song.   Handout: THREE WORDS TO USE WITH "CHANGE" — Neal Pollard  Introduction    A. The _______________ Began With A Dramatic _________________    B. This Church Has Been Through A Lot Of _________________    C. Let's Consider 3 Things About Change As We Install New Elders:    I. _________________________ CHANGE    II. __________________________ CHANGE    III. _________________________ CHANGE     4 Responsibilities that Don't Change — Hiram Kemp  1. __________________ must ____________________ themselves (Acts 20:28)    2. ___________________ must __________________ the _________________ (1 Peter 5:2)    3. ________________ must be _________________ & _______________ (Hebrews 13:17)    4. ________________ must __________________ the __________________ Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)    Duration 35:45

Pastor Luke Wolfe 1 Peter 5:1-5 A sermon of Rocky Mountain Community Church, PCA in Billings, MT   (2/1/2026)

1 Peter 5:1-5 (NKJV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin continue the discussion of the organization of Christ's church. Today, they discuss the nature and organization of the universal church. And they discuss who is the Chief Shepherd of the universal church and every local congregation.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=24244The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Lydia McMillan is joined by Pastor Tyler Campbell and Pastor Devin Black for a sermon follow-up conversation on 1 Peter 5:1–4 and the Bible’s vision for healthy church leadership. Together they clarify what leadership is (and isn’t), why shared accountability matters, and how Scripture guides the church when concerns arise. They also reflect on why these issues are mission-critical for the health and witness of the local church, and offer hope for those who have been hurt by past leadership while calling listeners back to Christ as the Chief Shepherd.

Lydia McMillan is joined by Pastor Tyler Campbell and Pastor Devin Black for a sermon follow-up conversation on 1 Peter 5:1–4 and the Bible’s vision for healthy church leadership. Together they clarify what leadership is (and isn’t), why shared accountability matters, and how Scripture guides the church when concerns arise. They also reflect on why these issues are mission-critical for the health and witness of the local church, and offer hope for those who have been hurt by past leadership while calling listeners back to Christ as the Chief Shepherd.

Media information about this sermon Title: The Chief Shepherd And The Bishop Of Our SoulIn Tamil: பிரதான மேய்ப்பரும் நம்முடைய ஆத்துமாவின் கண்கானியும்Type: MediaAuthor: Pastor A. SamuelLanguage: TamilEvent: Sunday WorshipSession: Morning @ 8:30 AMTotal Duration: 2 Hours 43 Minutes Note: For any questions, please reach us from here

This sermon, drawn from 1 Peter 5:1–4, presents a biblical vision of pastoral ministry as a sacred, servant-led calling under Christ, the Chief Shepherd. It emphasizes three core elements: the duties of shepherding—leading with willingness, not compulsion, and rejecting greed or domineering control; the example of shepherding, where elders must model Christlike humility, integrity, and personal care; and the reward of shepherding, the unfading crown of glory promised to faithful leaders at Christ's return. The message is both a theological instruction and a heartfelt tribute to a retiring pastor, affirming that true leadership is not about power or permanence, but about faithful stewardship, relational commitment, and eternal accountability. Through this passage, the preacher calls the church to honor its leaders not for their titles, but for their godly example and enduring service, while reminding all believers that ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ alone.

2026-01-11 The Chief Shepherd (Scott Warner) by Scott Warner

The Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd

Questions? Thoughts? Comments? Leave me a voicemail message to use in a future podcast episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/timschmoyerComment on the full post here: https://read.timschmoyer.com/p/training-for-authority-i-dont-haveI've really appreciated the feedback I've received lately from people who are following along as I explore this “eldership” role in more detail, especially the critical comments that point out the gaps I'm missing in all this.I want to address one of the most common critiques because it was helpful for me to wrestle through, so hopefully it is for you, too.The critique is best theologically summarized by my friend, Sonny Silverton, who commented on an earlier post:Do you delineate between πρεσβύτερος and ἐπίσκοπος or ποιμήν? Have you considered that Paul might be talking about ordained overseers vs older dudes who are merely wise and righteous?The heart of the question is this: “Tim, you're talking about eldership as if it's something for every God-fearing man out there, but the Bible doesn't seem to treat it that way. The Bible talks about elders as men who are specifically selected and ordained by the laying-on of hands.”The honest answer? I hadn't worked through the details of it yet, so I'm glad he pushed me in that direction. I've been writing about city elders and elder qualifications more generally because I still believe they are noble qualifications and roles that every man can aspire to live by (1 Timothy 3:1).But Sonny's question forced me to dig a bit deeper into what Scripture actually means when it uses these three terms for elders. What I discovered brings a lot of clarity to what we're aspiring towards as God-fearing men.Three Words, But One TrajectoryVery briefly, scripture uses three primary Greek words that English translations render as elder, overseer, or shepherd.* Presbyteros refers to an older man, someone with age, maturity, and experience. The guy has authority simply because of accumulated years and demonstrated character. These are the men at the city gates in Proverbs 31:23, the respected voices in community decisions, the ones younger men seek out for counsel.* Episkopos means overseer or guardian. It's someone who watches over others with authority. Paul uses this term interchangeably with presbyteros in passages like Titus 1, suggesting these aren't separate offices but overlapping roles. The overseer holds responsibility for the welfare of those under his care.* Poimen is shepherd, the one who feeds, protects, and guides the flock. Peter uses this image when he tells elders to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you” (1 Peter 5:2). The shepherd doesn't just manage — he knows his sheep, understands their needs, leads them to good pasture.Scripture often blends these terms together. The ordained elder (presbyteros) serves as an overseer (episkopos) who shepherds (poimen) God's people. An elder carries all three dimensions: maturity, authority, and care.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).The Office vs The CharacterYet scripture does create a distinction between the office and the qualifications of eldership. The office of elder (presbyteros) in the church requires ordination, the laying on of hands by apostles or those they appointed. Timothy himself was charged to appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5), establishing them with authority to teach, correct, and shepherd the congregation.Not every mature man holds this office. Paul is clear: these men must be appointed, recognized, set apart for this specific work.But the qualifications? Those belong to every God-fearing man who want to engage in this noble pursuit. Mature in the faith. Self-controlled. Hospitable. Able to teach. Managing his household well. Not a drunkard, not violent, not quarrelsome. Respected by outsiders.These aren't requirements set aside solely for church government. They're the portrait of biblical manhood at its fullest expression. They describe the kind of man who fathers well, works with integrity, speaks wisdom into difficult situations, and earns the trust of his community whether or not he ever holds an official church position.This is why Paul writes that aspiring to the office of overseer “is a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1). The nobility isn't in the title. It's in the character formation required to serve that way. It's in becoming the kind of man whose life qualifies him for such responsibility.What this means practically: not every mature man will be ordained to church leadership. But every mature God-fearing man should be growing toward elder-level character. The qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 aren't just for those who might someday serve as church elders. They're the target for masculine development for all of us.City Eldership in the Old Testament (and us today)So where does this leave city eldership, the idea of men serving as fathers to their communities, not just their congregations and homes?As far as we know, the city elders at the gate in Scripture weren't ordained religious leaders. They were respected men whose character gave them natural authority in community decisions. When Boaz needed witnesses for his transaction with Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, he gathered ten elders from the city gate (Ruth 4:2).The Hebrew word used in Ruth 4 (and throughout the Old Testament) is zaqen (זָקֵן), which primarily means “old man,” “aged,” or “bearded one.” The meaning is consistently about age and the natural authority and wisdom that comes with it.This is closer to what I mean by city eldership. Not running for city council (though some men will be called there too), but becoming the kind of man the community knows they can trust. The father who helps other fathers navigate raising teenagers in a digital age. The business owner who mentors younger men building their own companies. The grandfather whose home becomes a gathering place where wisdom flows freely.These aren't ordained shepherds of God's flock in the appointed sense, but they're men living out elder-level character in their spheres of influence.What Eldership Looks Like in the KingdomFor me, this all connects directly to Jesus' principle that faithful stewardship today is the training ground for authority in the Kingdom in the age to come.I know I use this passage a lot, but in the parable of the minas (Luke 19), Jesus rewards the faithful servants not with retirement or rest, but with responsibility. The servant who proved faithful in managing one mina receives exousia (authority) over ten cities.Some dismiss this as “just a parable,” and we shouldn't read too much into it, but Jesus isn't the only one teaching this principle. Paul states it as settled fact in 1 Corinthians 6:2-3:“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? ... Do you not know that we will judge angels?”And in Revelation 2:26-27, Jesus promises directly:“The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.”I don't think Jesus' parable in Luke 19 is just a metaphor. Scripture repeatedly affirms that faithful believers will exercise actual governing authority in the age to come. The only question is how much authority, which seems to depend on how we steward what God entrusts to us now.The Progression Scripture Describes for MenNotice the progression Scripture lays out:* The zaqen at the city gate earned natural authority through decades of faithful living. And some of those men are appointed to a be the presbyteros in the church.* The faithful steward in Luke 19 receives Kingdom exousia, the ruling authority over cities, as a reward from Jesus himself based on how they managed what He entrusted to them.* The overcomer in Revelation 2 who perseveres in faithfulness receives exousia over entire nations, ruling alongside Christ with the authority to govern.* The saints in 1 Corinthians 6 will judge not only the world but even angels, exercising authority that extends beyond human affairs into the spiritual realm itself.It's the trajectory that starts in Genesis 1 to “rule and reign, to be fruitful and multiply.” And all of it rooted in one principle: present management determines future authority.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).Why This MattersThis is why elder qualifications matter for every man, not just those pursuing church office. You're in training for rulership.* The father managing his household well today is being prepared to govern cities and nations in the Kingdom.* The business owner treating employees with justice and mercy is learning how to exercise authority righteously.* The man navigating conflict with wisdom and patience is developing the character required for judging between people—and eventually, even judging angels.Peter connects these dots when he reminds elders that “when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). Crowns are worn by rulers. Present faithfulness as an elder—whether ordained in office or living out elder character in your sphere—is rewarded with future glory.God is looking for men He can trust with nations because they first proved faithful with minas. Men who learned to serve before they're given authority to rule. Men who became zaqen-level leaders in their communities before receiving exousia-level authority in the Kingdom.Answering Sonny's QuestionSo where does this leave Sonny's original critique? He's right. There absolutely is a distinction between ordained church elders and “older dudes who are merely wise and righteous.” The office requires ordination. Not every mature man will hold it, and that's ok.But I don't think that distinction minimizes what I'm after here. The elder qualifications are a character blueprint for every man headed toward Kingdom rulership, whether you're ever ordained or not.Paul assumes the Corinthians already know this. “Do you not know?” he asks, almost incredulously. God-fearing believers will rule. The only variables are scope and timing, and those seem to depend entirely on present faithfulness.The question is: am I becoming the kind of man whose character qualifies me for Kingdom responsibility? Am I managing my household in a way that proves I'm ready for tomorrow's city?My family isn't the finish line. Neither is a church office. They're training ground for authority that stretches into eternity—over cities, over nations, over the world, even over angels. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit read.timschmoyer.com

This is message 26 in The Names of God Series Jehovah-Tsidkenu, The Lord Our Righteousness God the Great Shepherd Jeremiah 23:1-6 The righteousness we need is not something we can produce for ourselves, but something God gives through the Chief Shepherd who never fails. He exposes the emptiness of false leaders, gathers His scattered people, and provides the perfect righteousness that makes us right with Him. Our hope does not rest in our efforts, our religion, or our leaders. It rests in the Lord who is our righteousness, the One who saves, restores, and leads His flock with truth and grace. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Peter 5 Peter encourages the elders among the believers to shepherd God's flock willingly, not for personal gain but with eagerness and humility. They are to lead by example, knowing that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive a crown of glory that will never fade. All believers are urged to clothe themselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Peter calls them to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them. He warns them to be alert and of sober mind, as the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. They are to resist him, firm in faith. God will restore, strengthen, and establish them after they have suffered for a little while.  We are directed to live humbly, placing others above ourselves and trusting that God will lift us up in His perfect timing. As we serve in our roles, whether as church leaders or members, we must feature willing and eager hearts, not for recognition, but to honor Christ. We cast our worries on God because He genuinely cares for us. We remain alert and watchful, knowing that the enemy seeks to discourage and destroy. Yet we do not fear because our faith stands firm in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Even in suffering, we hold on to His promise to always be with us. We find comfort in knowing that God loves us and will guide us safely to eternal glory.  Gracious God, thank You for establishing our faithful Shepherd, who loves us so deeply. Help us walk in humility and trust in Your timing for all things. Be with our leaders, who shepherd voluntarily, not seeking their own gain, but bringing honor to Your name. Remind us to cast all our burdens on You, knowing You care for every detail of our lives. Keep us alert and strong in faith when the enemy tries to instill fear or doubt. Strengthen us through every trial and help us keep our eyes set on the return of Jesus and the glory to come.   Thought Questions: -       What is God's exhortation to the elders of local churches? How can you help them do their work well in the Chief Shepherd's honor? -       What does it mean to “clothe yourself with humility”? Why is a humble spirit so crucial to fighting the efforts of Satan? -       Is it possible to face suffering as a result of resisting the devil? What has God promised you after you have suffered a little while?

The world is shaking—but God's grace still holds. This Sunday, as we close out our 1 Peter series, we'll hear Peter's final challenge to a church under pressure: stand firm, stay humble, and trust the Chief Shepherd who never lets go.

What does faithful church leadership look like? In 1 Peter 5:1–4, the apostle Peter gives us a picture of pastors who serve as fellow elders, exercise authority as patient overseers, and answer to Christ as under-shepherds.This passage reminds us that the church belongs to Jesus, that every pastor will one day give an account to the Chief Shepherd, and that every believer is called to follow godly leadership with joy and humility.For more sermons or information about our church, visit HoriconBaptist.com.#1Peter5 #1PeterHBC #Elders #ChurchLeadership #ShepherdTheFlock #UnderShepherds #HoriconBaptistChurch #GraceAndTruth #FaithComesByHearing

The world is shaking—but God's grace still holds. This Sunday, as we close out our 1 Peter series, we'll hear Peter's final challenge to a church under pressure: stand firm, stay humble, and trust the Chief Shepherd who never lets go.

Isaiah 29:13–14 reveals God's rebuke of those who honor Him outwardly but lack true devotion. In response, He promises to perform a “marvelous work and a wonder,” which Dake interprets as the gospel of Jesus Christ—teaching, preaching, healing, and transforming lives. This divine work amazed some but offended others, as human wisdom clashed with God's truth. Paul reinforces this in 1 Corinthians 1:18–21, declaring that the message of the cross seems foolish to the world but is God's power to those who believe. The gospel divides humanity—it is life to believers and death to rejecters, as 2 Corinthians 2:14–17 describes believers as carrying the “sweet savor” of Christ wherever they go. Each person must ask: Do I reflect the fragrance of Christ, or the emptiness of worldly wisdom? Finally, 1 Peter 5:1–4 urges church leaders to faithfully “feed the flock of God,” serving with humility and sincerity, not for personal gain. The main work of the church is not social programs or popular trends, but preaching the gospel—the true “marvelous work” of God. Those who remain faithful in this calling will receive a crown of glory when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears.

1 Chronicles 24 deals with the division of the 24 orders of priests arranged by Samuel and David. Chapter 25 deals with the orders of the singers and musicians for the temple choirs. Why were the musicians and singers so arranged? It is because divine worship is sacred and not haphazard. It is related to the "worshiping of Yahweh in the beauty of holiness" Psalm 96:8. There were 24 appointed divisions of the singers and this surely takes us to the 24 elders who praised the LORD's appointed king Messiah i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation 4 verse 8-11; 5 verses 8-14. Heman and Jeduthan were the chief arrangers of the choirs and the musicians. Asaph was the one who oversaw the process and who also wrote several magnificent Psalms. Asaph's legacy to the nation lasted 450 years. Ezekiel 34 tells of the disgraceful behaviour of the cruel and greedy shepherds of Israel. The primary sin of those shepherds was selfishness: they looked after themselves and not God's flock. It was true in the days of the prophet. Even more true at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yahweh would not tolerate the treatment of His sheep by these corrupt and profligate leaders. God would care for them. Israel's Sovereign will provide for them and seek out pasture for His people. And by His Son the Almighty would restore and feed them. The Lord Jesus Christ in John 10 is the Good Shepherd; in 1 Peter 5 he is the Chief Shepherd; and in Hebrews 13 he is the Great Shepherd. According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provides the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi., where his preaching awaits "hearts opened by God" in Lydia and the Philippian jailor and others. Philippians is called Paul's letter of joy and its theme is, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle describes his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city. Philippi was a colony which was heavily Roman in every way. Paul tells the believers in Christ in that city of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all 'brethren' were happy - there was a group of false believers (known as Judaizers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed, would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that by continuing to live he would be of greater benefit to the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ's mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every faithful saint. As God's Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone yet he suffered as a servant in his death on the cross. Christ is now exalted at the Father's right hand and having his Father's name the of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45): compare with Revelation 14 verses 1-5. Believers bear the responsibility of shining as lights to this twisted world. The Apostle shows that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrate Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. The two faithful and indefatigable labourers own lives were put behind them in the course of their own efforts to advance the gospel.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Preacher: Kathy Maskel 1 Peter 5:1-11 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

September 25, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To Bishops, Pastors and PreachersDaily Lectionary: Malachi 1:1-14; Matthew 3:1-17“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.As Lutherans, we teach that when the water of Baptism is joined to the Word of God, it becomes a true Baptism, and when the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper are joined to the Word of God, it is the true Body and Blood of Jesus. But what about the Pastor? When the man is joined to the Word of God, does he become a “true man” with some special gift that the ordinary layperson cannot receive? Not at all. When a man becomes a Pastor, he is placed into an office, like that of a child to a parent, a husband to his wife, or a father to his child. His office is that of a servant to a master. This is why Pastors are called “Ministers.” They are servants. As a child serves his parent, the Pastor serves God the Father; as a husband serves his wife, the Pastor serves the church; as a father serves his child, the Pastor serves the children of God in his congregation. This is also why, in some places, a Pastor is called a “Father.” But when the Pastor is placed in this office, the focus is never on him or his work. He is not put into a human institution or office, but a divine institution! The Pastor serves and points people to Jesus, who instituted the Office of the Holy Ministry.So, what does the Pastor serve? He is not in the catering business where he serves whatever he or the people want. No, he is in the Word business. He is a servant of the Word. One of the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3 is that the man must be “able to teach.” This is less about teaching style, use of technology, classroom management, or creativity, but more about faithfulness to the Word, both in teaching and practice. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message and handle rightly the Word of truth in teaching, but he also does so in practice. The Bible says that teachers will be judged with greater strictness. If they teach others, they should teach themselves, lest they fall under the judgment of God. Thus, the pastor must be “above reproach.” This is not that he must be fully blameless and free from all sin (which is impossible), but that he does not disqualify himself from teaching publicly by falling into outward, manifest sins. If he fails to meet or keep these qualifications, he cannot be or stay a pastor, lest he offend God and others and become the hypocrite who “judges those who practice such things and yet does them himself” (Romans 2:3). What a comfort it is that Jesus, the Chief Shepherd of our souls, sends his under-shepherds to proclaim Christ's “sound doctrine” to all the world!   In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Seek where you may To find a way That leads to your salvation. My heart is stilled, On Christ I build, He is the one foundation. His Word is sure, His Works endure; He overthrows All evil foes; Through Him I more than conquer. (LSB 557:1) Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

Lead By Example Not By Force 1 Peter 5:1-4 1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

A new MP3 sermon from Kabwata Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: When the chief shepherd appears Subtitle: Anniversary Sermons Speaker: Conrad Mbewe Broadcaster: Kabwata Baptist Church Event: Sunday - PM Date: 9/7/2025 Bible: 1 Peter 5:4 Length: 54 min.

A study of Jesus as our Chief Shepherd as found in Psalm 24.

True leadership isn't about titles—it's about the posture of your heart. Every one of us has a “table” of influence, whether at home, work, school, or church. In 1 Peter 5:1–4, we see that leadership in God's Kingdom flows from humility, not hierarchy—choosing to kneel before we lead, just as Jesus did when He chose the towel over the throne.In this message, we'll uncover how gospel-shaped leaders pour out rather than puff up, and lift others instead of lording over them. You'll be challenged to consider who's sitting at your table, who's watching your life, and how your influence can reflect the Chief Shepherd more clearly in every sphere of your life.

This is not a medal pinned on a uniform but the eternal reward...

Pastors are called to shepherd the flock of God. Their character must reflect the humility of Christ, the Chief Shepherd, who laid down His life for His people. Today, Derek Thomas considers the responsibilities of church leaders. Request Derek Thomas' teaching series The Pilgrim's Progress: A Guided Tour on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to all 19 video messages and the study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4159/donate   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? You can request lifetime digital access to the teaching series and study guide with your gift of any amount: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Save when you register today for Ligonier's 2026 National Conference, Crucial Questions: https://www.ligonier.org/2026   Meet Today's Teacher:   Derek Thomas is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and Chancellor's Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In this deeply personal episode, Bobby Bosler reflects on a recent moment when the pressures of pastoral ministry weighed heavily on his soul. Drawing encouragement from 1 Peter 5, he shares how the Lord—our Chief Shepherd—met him in his weakness and restored his joy. This message is not just for pastors, but for anyone who finds themselves burdened while trying to follow God.Topics DiscussedA fresh look at 1 Peter 5 from the perspective of a new pastorThe biblical call to “feed the flock of God”How leadership can lead to personal anxietyCasting your cares on Christ as an act of humility and faithA powerful moment of personal soul restorationEncouragement for teens to seek wisdom from those who've gone beforeThe universal need for dependence on the Chief ShepherdKey TakeawaysTrue spiritual leadership flows from a willing, humble heart—not from obligation or control.The weight of responsibility can become overwhelming—but it's not ours to carry alone.Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, not only cares for us, but actively lifts and restores our souls when we turn to Him.Whether leading or following, every believer is called to humble dependence on the Lord.Would you like me to include a blurb about your current sermon series or location in the summary, or keep the focus general for broader audience connection? If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

This week's study in 1 Peter 5 focuses on godly leadership—especially in times of crisis—emphasizing that all believers are called to lead through humility, love, and example, not control or selfish ambition. Drawing from Peter's personal failures and restoration by Jesus, the teaching highlights that even failed leaders can be restored and used powerfully when they follow the Chief Shepherd.

This sermon is about the way in which our Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, rules his church through deacons, elders and ministers. Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 63:7-14 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm-sheep-06-15-2025.MP3

Worship, Wilderness, and the Way to RighteousnessThis episode focused on biblical worship, the importance of submitting to God's authority, and the contrast between earthly and heavenly people. Drawing from stories and verses from Psalms, John, and Revelation, the message emphasized the believer's identity as part of Christ's heavenly bride. Listeners were exhorted to worship in spirit and truth, remain tenderhearted, and grow in righteousness through Christ as the Chief Shepherd. It closed with a call to thanksgiving, joy, and the enduring power of God's justice and love.Themes:Worship and submission to God as Creator (Psalm 95; John 4:23)Lessons from the wilderness and unbelief Jesus as the one who draws all to God (John 6:44; Eph. 5:25–27)Earthly vs. heavenly people: understanding true IsraelChrist as Messiah, Prophet, King—and our Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4–6)Finding joy, peace, and righteousness in Christ (Matt. 5:6; John 16:33)The power of thanksgiving and spiritual songs (Col. 3:16; Psalm 19)The dangers of a hardened heart and resisting God's callThe process of sanctification and growing in graceGod turns curses into blessings (Deut. 23:5)Scripture References: Psalm 95; John 17:14–16; John 4:23; John 6:44; John 16:33; Ephesians 5:25–27; Colossians 3:16; Revelation 21; Matthew 5:6; 1 Peter 5:4–6; Deuteronomy 23:5; John 1:1–3; Psalm 19

Lead Associate Pastor, Rich Sylvester, brings a message from 1 Peter 5:1-14 as we conclude our series, "The New Exile."For more information about the Williamsburg Community Chapel• Website: http://www.wcchapel.org• Facebook: wcchapel757• Instagram: wcchapel757

Message from Elder Ronnie Loudermilk on June 8, 2025

June 1, 2025. Pastor Zach Vaughn. www.machiasvalley.org Text: Ezekiel 34   Sermon Points: 1) Bad shepherds use the flock for their own gain. 2) The flock belongs to God.      a) He feeds them.      b) He corrects them.      c) He rescues them.  3) God will dwell with His sheep forever in paradise. 4) Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. 

Take Aways: 1. Though false apostles often challenged and opposed the ministry of Paul, he recognized that his ability and sufficiency were found in the Lord, who faithfully and abundantly equipped him to prove the legitimacy of his apostleship—“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,” 2 Corinthians 3:52. Paul's opponents wrongly judged him based on his unassuming appearance, leading them to doubt the genuineness of his apostleship. However, Paul demonstrated the reality of his apostolic authority through deeds, conduct, and actions that edified the body of Christ—“in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:7-83. Though God had indeed appointed authority to Paul, he did not wrongly lord his authority over others, did not proudly boast in his authority, nor did he attempt to commend himself by his authority; rather, he understood that his approval came from the Lord whom Paul was simply called to serve with this authority—“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4

This message from 1 Timothy 3:1–7 calls the church to embrace Jesus-shaped leadership, where authority is a sacred stewardship meant to bless, not harm. Elders are called to know, feed, lead, and protect the church with character marked by faithful home leadership, maturity, relational health, and spiritual vitality. Ultimately, the health of the church rests not on human leaders, but on the faithfulness of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, who gave His life for His bride.

3 Focal Points for the Effective Church (p.3) - HCP 250On this episode, Larry and Drew discuss THE most important aspect of these 3 points to consider and that's the SPIRITUAL. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, it is His church, and we want to do more than go through the motions or understand contextually what the culture is in the area of our church. We want to meet with, experience, learn from our King - and to do those things we must have an awareness and intentionality of the Spiritual aspects of our own lives and the life of our church.You can email us at info@healthychurchpodcast.com orTo find more information about The Healthy Church Podcast go to:http://www.healthychurchpodcast.comor find us on FaceBook!

Who is this king of glory? Join us in our study today as we discover that the Christ in the valley is the Christ on the hill.

Jesus warns the Church about false prophets who will call us away from the narrow, difficult path that leads to life. Instead, we should follow wholehearted undershepherds leading the way toward everlasting life. All the while keeping our eyes on the Chief Shepherd.

[1 Peter 5:4] Elders are servants of the chief shepherd, no authority in themselves, and consequently are rewarded by Him for faithful service. When are they rewarded? Not primarily now but at Christ's return-when He, the Chief Shepherd, appears. Do you love His appearing? Are you looking for this day of His return with eager anticipation and watchfulness, abiding in Him and His word? All believers are rewarded for eternity based on our faithful labor and productivity in our kingdom work, not just elders. Are you striving to earn this reward from your Lord as you follow the example of Jesus to bear much fruit?

The Bible has many portraits of God, ways we can understand who he is and how he relates to us. One of the most beautiful is what we will explore today, he is our “Chief Shepherd.”

The First Letter of St. Peter exhorts us to tend to the people in our midst as we follow the example of Christ, the chief Shepherd of our souls. (Lectionary #535) February 22, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Man, are you digging the Democratic National Convention? Barack Hussein Obama, God bless Rush Limbaugh, got up and read from a teleprompter in his classic cadence. Oh, and Michelle Obama brought the roof down talking about policy. Well, no, sorry. No, they just talked about President Trump. At the convention they did a roll call vote of the many states and magically they all voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz . Magically I say, because not a single vote has been cast for them.What if there was some actually important stuff going on? And, what if I told you that there is a county in the United States of America where autism rates are dropping?.What does God's Word say? 1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV To the Elders and the Flock5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.Episode Links:The first US county to ever experience a decrease in childhood autism rates has been pinpointed, says economic researcher Toby Rogers, who explains that starting in 2000, parents in Marin County, California began to do something differently.Bill Gates: "There's no excuse for not getting to the point where we get to zero CO2 emissions...that's a very daunting task. The both the subsidization and non taxation of oil and gas is a barrier. If you could politically put that tax on, thats a very good thing.""Somebody with that pattern should not be one heartbeat away from the Oval Office." @GordonGChang on the disturbing amount of activity the Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz has with the Chinese Communist Party.Dictator Kamala Harris discussing government takeover of companies' patents: "I will snatch their patent, so that we [the American government] will take over.CNN: How Kamala Harris's Campaign Unraveled Before The Iowa Caucus: "She's not able to articulate a consistent and compelling message."Alan's Soaps alansartisansoaps.comUse coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bioptimizershttps://magbreakthrough.com/toddfreeGet your 30-capsule bottle of Magnesium Breakthrough for FREE!  No promo code needed. ONLY at magbreakthrough.com/toddfreeBonefroghttps://bonefrogcoffee.com/toddMake Bonefrog Cold Brew at home!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.Bulwark CapitalBulwark Capital Management (bulwarkcapitalmgmt.com)Learn about Bulwark's strategies with their FREE Common Cents Investing Guide.  Get yours by calling 866-779-RISK or go to KnowYourRiskRadio.com.EdenPUREhttps://edenpuredeals.comUse code TODD3 to save $200 on the Thunderstorm Air Purifier 3-packGreenHaven Interactive Web Marketinghttps://greenhaveninteractive.comGet more leads & customers! Show up on Google. Dave is here to help.  Native Pathhttps://getnativepath.com/toddStock up on NativePath Collagen for up to 45% off plus free shipping.  Renue Healthcarehttps://renue.healthcare/toddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare.  Visit https://renue.healthcare/todd