Theological Articles (from Ph.D. Program & other)
Matthew's Fulfillment View of the Messiah... Mark's dissertation work
| a_fresh_look_at_matthew_fulfillment.pdf |
Gnosticism - A school article by Mark
| gnosticism.pdf |
2/28/2020 The Humble Tenderhearted Leader
In my early years of ministry, I was fortunate to hear a message from an older preacher from 1 Kings 3:5–10. It was a prayer offered to God by the young King Solomon. When you read the following biblical text, notice the tender and humble heart of this young leader.
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.
9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
There are a number of things that stand out to me about Solomon…
Solomon understood God’s grace and mercy to his father David.
He knew that he needed to walk in the truth and in uprightness of heart as his father.
He admitted that his kingship was a gift given to him by God.
He knew that he was a servant, before being gifted with a kingship.
Solomon humbly admitted his childlikeness, insecurity and inability.
He recognized that he was reigning over God’s people, they were not his own.
He asked God for the supernatural ability to lead God’s people biblically and righteously.
Lastly, notice how God was pleased with Solomon. May we desire to please the Lord as the young King Solomon had.
Often, I have prayed this prayer as an under shepherd of the Lord’s people. It is sobering to think that the people I lead and teach belong to Jesus, and He is expecting me to trust Him and follow Him with all of my heart, which will enable me to lead uprightly.
My fellow servants, we are living in a world where many bow down to the idols of money and fame, for that is what they love. Solomon started well, but in later years he fell into great sin as his heart turned towards ungodliness.
My we reject these temptations that many have fallen into, it’s not about seeking fame or fortunes, for these are Satanic traps, it is about being the best godly minded leaders that we can be… Servant Leaders, first at home and then in Christ’s body, the church.
God’s best for you my dear brothers, Pastor Mark
In my early years of ministry, I was fortunate to hear a message from an older preacher from 1 Kings 3:5–10. It was a prayer offered to God by the young King Solomon. When you read the following biblical text, notice the tender and humble heart of this young leader.
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.
9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
There are a number of things that stand out to me about Solomon…
Solomon understood God’s grace and mercy to his father David.
He knew that he needed to walk in the truth and in uprightness of heart as his father.
He admitted that his kingship was a gift given to him by God.
He knew that he was a servant, before being gifted with a kingship.
Solomon humbly admitted his childlikeness, insecurity and inability.
He recognized that he was reigning over God’s people, they were not his own.
He asked God for the supernatural ability to lead God’s people biblically and righteously.
Lastly, notice how God was pleased with Solomon. May we desire to please the Lord as the young King Solomon had.
Often, I have prayed this prayer as an under shepherd of the Lord’s people. It is sobering to think that the people I lead and teach belong to Jesus, and He is expecting me to trust Him and follow Him with all of my heart, which will enable me to lead uprightly.
My fellow servants, we are living in a world where many bow down to the idols of money and fame, for that is what they love. Solomon started well, but in later years he fell into great sin as his heart turned towards ungodliness.
My we reject these temptations that many have fallen into, it’s not about seeking fame or fortunes, for these are Satanic traps, it is about being the best godly minded leaders that we can be… Servant Leaders, first at home and then in Christ’s body, the church.
God’s best for you my dear brothers, Pastor Mark
| the_tenderhearted_leader.pdf |