In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the fourteenth lesson, we will discuss Planning and budgeting wisely and how in the end, you need to trust God completely . Join us for the conversation.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the thirteenth lesson, we will discuss giving God the firstfruits. Join us for the conversation.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the twelfth lesson, we will discuss the importance of seizing the day. Join us for the conversation.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the eleventh lesson, we will consider the prayer of Jabez. Join us for the conversation.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the tenth lesson, we will consider what it means that Jesus builds the Church. Join us for the conversation.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the ninth lesson, we will consider the person of the Holy Spirit and how he works in our lives and ministry. Join us for the conversation.

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the eighth lesson, we will consider the topic of calling. Join us for the discussion.

Lessons from a Life of Ministry

To Our Northside Team

Lesson #8 Answering the Call

Biblical Backdrop

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV

The Call to Ministry

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It is from the Lord.

And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’ Colossians 4:17, ESV

It is all about the gospel.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. Romans 1:1, ESV

The call of God is clear and continuous.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29, ESV

The call of God was not based upon human ability.

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26, ESV

It is a holy calling.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 1:8-9, ESV

It Is from God, for God and with God.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.’ Jeremiah 1:5-8, ESV

What God begins He will finish.

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5, ESV

Key Reminder

This work is not about us but all about Him.
This work was not procured by us but given by Him.
This work is all about the gospel of the grace of God.
This calling may come over time or in a moment but is undeniable.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24, ESV

Theological Truth

The one who called you us will enable us and empower us to serve Him.

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1, ESV

In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the seventh lesson, we have a conversation about what it looks like to prepare a sermon. Join us for the discussion.

Lesson #7 Preparing to Preach

Biblical Backdrop

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and is kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2, ESV

Prepare the Message

Step 1. Select the text.
Step 2. Read it and pray through it.
Step 3. Put together a brainstorming (first thoughts page).

• - Two columns – left side just scripture – right side – overview – thoughts – outline.

• - Make a second page with just scripture to return to later after you have worked on it and

  read it like it was the first time again for what God points out most to you now.

Step 4. Distribute to research team.

• - Enlist those who have good understanding of scripture and application

• - This may be other staff, people within the church, or ministry friends from other places.

Step 5. Put together study pages.

• - Put together a single page for each verse in the passage.

• - Go through multiple translations

o Start with original language
o More literal translations – ESV, NASB, NKJV
o More readable translations – CSB, NIV,
o More modern paraphrases – NLT, GNT, MSG
o On occasion have read The Voice, and The Passion translation (though I find

they take a lot of liberty with the text

• - Write the verse out in each translation (I typically do 8) – with original at the top

• - Leave space at the bottom for notes on language or from commentaries

Step 6. Outline first draft and edit.

• - Think of clarity and connectivity.

• - Accurately and adequately teach then apply the text.

Step 7. Complete outline

Step 8. Write manuscript

Step 9. ‘Sleep on it’ – revisit and edit – listen to messages by others on the passage Jim Cymbala, James Merritt, Alistair Begg, Adrian Rogers

Step 10. Reread pray and deliver. Know your sermon in a sentence.

Prepare the Messenger

Having prepared the message, make sure you have prepared your heart.

Prepare for the Moment

Worship service? Special event? Funeral? Wedding? Context?
Key Reminder: It will not be our speaking ability that makes the difference, but the power of God.

My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, CSB

Theological Truth

The call to preach is a call to prepare. Prepare your mind, soul, body and spirit.