A Great Example

Tonight I sit at my computer having just attended the funeral of Pastor Preston Richardson. I served under Brother Preston in several capacities including Youth Church Director and Deacon. He was a man that inspired greatness in many. Not necessarily in words alone, but in his actions and the example of hard work and dedication he set for those around him. His enthusiasm and desire to serve the Lord was unwavering. The example he set many young pastors would do well to emulate and learn from. Even though my discovery of right division and dispensational Bible study would cause us to disagree doctrinally on some issues, my love and respect for him has not faded. One thing Brother Preston used to say was “you have time to do the things you really want to do”. Isn’t this so true? We can find time for soccer practice, Monday night football or whatever steals our time during the week, but what about eternal things? Why is it so much more convenient to run that errand on Sunday instead of Saturday? Right division clears up many confusing things Christians struggle with in scripture but we still need dedicated people that are willing to work, serve and set an example for others to look up to and follow. The Bible tells us very clearly that the Apostle Paul is our example to follow but remember Paul was constantly training people under him to teach right doctrine and to live a godly life. Jesus would have you follow Paul, this is clear in scripture. But there are men who through their uncompromising life and the example they set for us give us examples of how to serve the Lord not just out of duty, although that is reason enough, but out of a loving and grateful heart. Brother Preston was this kind of example.

Php 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 

What about you? Does your walk and work warrant others to follow your example? Scripture tells you to follow Paul and clearly shows that some men around him were worthy of following also. A good start would be to learn how to be a Bible believer. This means to believe your Bible exactly as it is written, to whom it is written, regardless of what anyone else says. Paul wrote 13 books of doctrine that are addressed to you as a gentile to live by in this age of Grace. Start here and learn what God is doing now in this age.