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To the Editor:
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Not just in October but every month we should appreciate and honor our pastor the Bible teaches. The Bible says in everything give thanks. The Bible in 2 Timothy 3 says in the last days people would be unthankful and selfish. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5, “We beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” God never removes His calling, so a pastor is never out to pasture. Pastors in nursing homes can pastor their nursing home. Churches and friends can have their pastor’s pictures put in the Elizabethton Star to recognize and honor them.
At one time Christian pastors were the most respected leaders in America. Pastor John Witherspoon was one of the most respected leaders in the founding of America. Pastor James Garfield was elected president in 1880. As a result of major media and Hollywood demonizing Christian pastors and churches and America’s social and moral decay, respect for pastors and churches has declined to shocking low levels in America. Today, Christian pastors aren’t the most respected voice or the loudest voice, but they are still the most needed and truest!
The Bible in Hebrews 10 says not to forsake going to church especially as you see the return of Jesus approaching. We can see the return of Jesus is very close with all the record earthquakes, volcanoes and fires. More and greater earthquakes and fires are coming. For the first time there are over 1,000 large fires burning at the same time on earth. The late David Wilkerson said God told him that 1,000 fires are coming to New York in judgment. Many have had dreams of the rapture and judgment coming to America. Even Dolly Parton dreamed of judgment coming to America. It’s a dangerous time to live in large cities and on an earthquake fault or on the coast.
In these last days people are more easily offended than ever before and have more distractions than ever before. In these last days the Bible says to focus on love. The most loving thing you can do is tell someone about Jesus. The Bible says love isn’t easily offended or provoked. Christians shouldn’t waste time with arguments, but tell of the love of Jesus and your personal experience of how Jesus changed you. No one can argue about or refute your testimony. The Bible says we are overcome by the blood of Jesus and our testimony!
A century from now it won’t matter what kind of house we lived in, how much money we had, or how many friends we had on Facebook. It will only matter that we repented (changed our mind and turned from sin) and had saving faith (turned to Jesus and trusted Jesus only as Savior) and believe the gospel that Jesus died for our sins was buried and rose again. Because having a saving relationship with Jesus is all that matters in the long run. There’s no other profession except Christian pastors touching people in such a vital way and with such lasting impact, since eternity goes on forever! In fact, God gives a Shepherd’s Crown (Crown of Glory) only to faithful ministers that set an example (1 Peter 5). All Christians are to spread the gospel and be soul winners and work for unity in the church.
Christianity isn’t a solitary religion. Christians need fellowship and encouragement from one another. Paul says there is more joy and power when Christians get face to face. The church is to help members bear one another’s burdens. (Gal.6:2) The church helps us do what 2 Peter 3 says to do. “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Jesus still promises to work in and through His church which He calls His body. William Smith said, “No other organization has the same relationship to Jesus, the saving ministries committed to it by Him, or the spiritual authority to exercise on His behalf. That is why meaningful membership is mandatory. Once you’ve found an expression of the true church (where Jesus and the Bible are the highest authority) join it, enthusiastically support its worship and work, welcome its oversight and help maintain its purity and unity. Don’t expect to receive or grow in salvation outside the church!” The church will soon be relocated when King Jesus says come up here. “Soon and very soon we are going to see the King! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!”

D.D. Nave
Elizabethton