Needed...Faithful Men

Editorial

The desperate need of the hour is faithful men in the pulpits of our churches. We have an over-abundance of preachers. We do not need any more slick,polished, well-educated professionals in "the ministry". But we do,most desperately,need some faithful men,pastors after God's own heart,who feed his people with knowledge and understanding. Thank God,we have a few! If you are privileged and blessed of God to have a faithful pastor,cherish him,take care of him,pray for him and follow him. Few in this world have such a privilege. WE NEED MEN WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO THE GOSPEL. It is one thing to hold a sound creed,but another thing altogether to be faithful to the gospel. That man is faithful to the gospel who gives his life to it. You will find a faithful pastor in his study,seeking an understanding of Divine Truth,praying for God's elect, seeking a message from God. He does not serve up left-overs,warmed up and rehashed outlines. He comes to the pulpit from the Altar,with a fresh message from God for his people. And he faithfully delivers God's message,the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ,the sinners' Substitute. WE NEED MEN WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO THE GLORY OF GOD. God deliver us from self-seeking,self-serving,self-promoting preachers. Those who serve their own interests are always ready to compromise truth to get a following,slander a friend to improve their image,flatter and court the flesh to build "their ministries",and divide brethren to give themselves pre-eminence. God give us men who are sold out to Christ,the gospel of his grace,and the interests of his glory. WE NEED MEN WHO ARE FAITHFUL IN THEIR LIVES. Those who stand before men in the name of God to preach the gospel of Christ must be blameless men of good report in their homes and in their communities. They must be men of principle,honesty and integrity. A man who lives to enrich himself and who refuses to pay his debts is scandalous,and knows nothing of the grace he claims to preach. He is a hireling,motivated and governed only by his own interests. He is a thief and robber,but not a pastor. God,have mercy upon Your Church and give us FAITHFUL MEN.

Don Fortner