The Joy of Pastoring

Temple Baptist Church - 12-9-2015

3 John 4

Introduction. 

A.  I have often said that pastoring a church is a “Bitter – Sweet” experience.  I love what I do!  I cannot over-emphasis this enough!  I always wanted to do something for a living that I enjoyed and now I have that blessed privilege.  Pastoring is not always glorious, but is always worthwhile!

B.  There are many things that bring sorrow to a pastor’s heart.  I will name several before I get into the “good stuff.”  Before I begin, I want everyone here to realize that:

1.  God has never saved a perfect man!  Pastors are men of fault and failure just like you are.  Do not be too disappointed in your pastor when he does not live up to your expectations.

2.  God has never called a perfect man!  So many hold the pastor to a different standard.  Did you know that you are to be as good and godly as your pastor?  Did you know that you are to labor MORE in the ministry than your pastor as he is to give his time to the Word of God and prayer?

3.  God uses imperfect men because He is God and both the man and the work of the ministry are His.

C.  God’s men should have a threefold goal in mind.  2 Timothy 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

1.  To fight the good fight of faith.  1 Timothy 6:12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2.  To finish the course set before him.  Acts 20:23-24  Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  (24)  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

3.  To keep the faith once delivered which involves two things:

a)  Remain true to the Word of God.  Jude 3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

b)  Remain true to the Old Paths.  Jeremiah 6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

D.  When I speak of “bitter” in reference to the ministry of God’s men, I am not say that God’s men are bitter in spirit.  I am saying that the ministry, just like life, is full of ups and downs, good and bad times, winter as well as summer times, times of sorrow as well as happiness.

1.  The sorrow of the failures within the church.  2 Corinthians 11:28   Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 

2.  The sorrow or the rejection of truth.  2 Timothy 1:13-15  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  (14)  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.  (15)  This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

3.  Sorrow of losing families to sin. 2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

4.  Sorrow of losing families because of God’s Word. Galatians 4:16  Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

5.  Sorrow of losing brethren through death. 1 Thessalonians 4:13  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

6.  Sorrow of seeing the church become apathetic. Revelation 3:15  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

7.  Sorrow of trying to help and being rejected. 1 Peter 3:16  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

8.  Sorrow of preaching falling on deaf ears.  James 1:21-22  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  (22)  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

9. Sorrow of facing the Lord with my pastoral failures.  1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  (7)  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

10.  Sorrow of having pastored people that I could not help.  Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

E.  And, yet, there are many things that bring both joy and rejoicing!  The joys greatly outweigh the sorrows.  I want to look to look at some things tonight that bring joy to this pastor’s heart.

1.  Joy of Fellowship with God’s People - Romans 15:32  That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

2.  Joy of Encouraging God’s People - 2 Corinthians 2:1-4  But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?  And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.  For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

3.  Joy of Bearing The Burdens of God’s People - 2 Corinthians 7:1-4  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.       

4.  Joy of Hearing That God’s People Are Steadfastly Serving  - 2 Corinthians 7:12-16  Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.  I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

Colossians 2:5  For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10  But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:  For now we live,if ye stand fast in the Lord.  For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;  Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

5.  Joy of Sharing The Ministry With God’s People - Philippians 1:3-11  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.  (Workers, visitation, teachers, choir - get involved!!)

6.  Joy of Seeing God’s People Unified - Philippians 2:1-4  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  (Greatest heartache - bickering children!)

7.  Joy of A Godly Testimony of God’s People - Philippians 2:14-18   Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.  (So much said about hypocrites – it is refreshing to hear good about God’s people!)

8.  Joy of An Inner Witness With God’s People - Philippians 4:1  Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

9.   Joy of Leading Others To Christ - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  For ye are our glory and joy.  (Some of you were came to Christ under my ministry.  Not that I am anything, but what a joy.  Just think of Tracy!)

10.  Joy of Giving Account For God’s Faithful People - Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

When The Saints Take A Nap

Temple Baptist Church - 12-6-2015

1 Thessalonians 5:1-7

Introduction:

A.  Last week, we took a short look at time from God’s perspective.  Six thousand years have gone since the creation of the heavens and the earth.  God’s allotted time for man to work is at end.  The Bible speaks of the coming night when no man works.  The Rapture of the Church and the beginning of Jacob’s Trouble or the Tribulation Period is about to begin.

B.  God’s people know what time it is!  I want to look at the verses that I read tonight in light of the times.

1.  When Christ came the first time, both Israel and the world slept.  Matthew 4:16  The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.  (Only a few were aware of His first coming.  In the darkness of religion, Israel slept!  In the darkness of sin, the world slept. 

2.  When Christ comes again for His Church, both Christendom and the world once again sleep.  Christendom sleeps in the darkness of their religion.  Lukewarm speaks of comfort: not too hot and not too cold.  The world again sleeps in their sinfulness.

C.  God’s church is to be awake in this hour in which we live.  We are to be expectant.  We are to be excited.  We are to be encouraged.  We are to be exhorting one another.  We are to be evangelizing the lost.

1.  God’s children are children of light, not darkness.  1 Peter 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

2.  God’s children are the light of the world.  Matthew 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

3.  God’s children are not to walk in darkness. John 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

D.  Have you ever sat in front of a fire and gotten sleepy?  We have a fireplace that is used and, when there is an open fire in it and we are sitting in our recliners, it is almost impossible to stay awake.  In our day of apathy and lukewarmness, it is easy to take a spiritual nap.

Romans 13:11-12  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  (12)  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

E.  When you are sleepy, you are virtually useless!  I know that I am.

1.  Sleepers are out of touch with reality – They do not properly access the spiritual decline of self, loved ones, or the church.

2.  Sleepers spend most of their time dreaming – They do not have a proper perspective of what is going on around them.

3.  Sleepers are very comfortable – They are lethargic.  They have no desire to spiritually grow as they are comfortable where they are.

4.  Sleepers do not like to be disturbed – They do not like straight preaching; they do not like revivals; they do not like serving the church or each other; they do not like to labor in the Lord’s vineyard.

5.  Sleepers do not hear and respond well – They becomes hearers of the Word.  They apply it to others while ignoring it in their personal lives.

6.  Sleepers are not aware of the needs of others – Their lives revolves around their own person desires and well-being.

7.  Sleepers get nothing done – The work of the ministry remains done by other; the buildings and grounds can fall down if someone else does not take care of them;

F.  The effects of spiritual sleep.

1.  Fall into Satan’s Snare  - Proverbs 6:4-5  Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.  Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

1.  Brings to spiritual poverty - Proverbs 6:6-11  Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,  Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.  How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?  Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:  So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. (progression)

Proverbs 20:13  Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

 2.  Causes the harvest to perish - Proverbs 10:5  He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

3.  Causes to give into sin - Luke 22:46  And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

4.  Causes you to fall out of church - Acts 20:9  And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

                        a.  Become unfaithful

                        b.  Become undependable

5.  Causes you to stumble - Ephesians 5:14  Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

How Do We Know That Christ Was The One?

Temple Baptist Church - 12-6-2015

Luke 7:19-22

Introduction: 

A.  Yes, this will be one of my Christmas messages.  I have picked a strange text for this morning but I believe it is what the Lord would have me to preach so hang on and put on your listening ears.  The world is full of different religions and I have been asked, “How do you know that you are worshiping the right One?”  I believe that this is a legitimate question and needs to be answered.

B.  There are thousands of religions in the world and everyone thinks that theirs is the right one.  The innate desire to know and worship a “creator” shows the reality of God.  If there was no God, then all men would be born atheistic and have to be taught the concept of God but all men, everywhere, worship a god and have to be taught to be an atheist.  Atheism is a learned behavior.   If there is a Creator, and there is, then there is one and only one way or true worship. 

C.  Was this Jesus who was born so long ago who He claimed to be?  Was He the long awaited Messiah of Israel?  The question is legitimate because it is here that our eternity hinges!  I believe that He was exactly that: Almighty God, the Saviour of the world, born in the flesh.  There are many things that differentiate our Lord from the little “g” gods of this world and I do not have time this morning to teach a course in Systematic Theology, so I will mention a few.

1.  His Person makes Him different.  Our Lord is a God that created all things for us to richly enjoy and loves those whom He created.  He is infinitely holy and almighty in power yet condescends to sinful and weak men.  There is just too much to speak of here but you get the gist of it.

2.  His Purpose makes Him different.  Our Lord desires our fellowship instead of homage alone.  He listens to our prayers and gives to us the desires of our hearts.  He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and finds preciousness in the death of His saints.

3.  His Propitiation makes Him different.  Our Lord died for us!  He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.  Instead of mankind dying for God, God died for mankind.

4.  His Place makes Him different.  Our Lord made heaven for us (most religions teach a form of paradise) and His heaven is a holy place of eternal joy where no carnality or sin is.  A prepared place for a prepared people not based upon works but founded in the amazing grace of God.

5.  His Promise makes Him different.  Our Lord made salvation easy and free!  He paid the price and we are free indeed from the penalty of sin.

6.  His Perfect Word makes Him different.  Our Lord has given us a bible without flaw: historically correct, scientifically correct, medically correct, correct in every aspect before man ever experientially learn the truth on his own.

7.  I will stop here for time sake because this will introduce my message for this morning.

D.  John the Baptist asked: “Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?”  I want to look at our Lord’s message to John and find the answer to the question.  I believe that it answered John in a very personal way because our Lord has affected us in the same ways.  “Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard!”

1.  I know that Jesus is the one because the blind see.  Our Lord gave sight to a blind man but He also gave sight spiritually to us in salvation.  The world sees through blinded eyes and cannot see afar off but we, as God’s children, can see through the scripture what is and will transpire. 

2 Corinthians 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2.  I know that Jesus is the one because the lame walk.  Our Lord gave strength to the legs of the lame so that they leaped with joy in His presence.  The world walks according to the dictates of the “god of this world” but we that are saved have a new walk of righteousness.

1 Peter 4:3-4  For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:  (4)  Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

3.  I know that Jesus is the one because the lepers are cleansed.  Throughout His ministry, Christ cleansed the lepers.  This world is full of the leprosy of sin!  I have never seen it on this wise but I know what Jesus did for me!  When He saved me, He took away all of my sin!  You ask me why I am happy?  Because my sins are gone!

Isaiah 38:17  Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

4.  I know that Jesus is the one because the deaf hear.  Our Lord gave physical hearing to those who could not hear.  The world of our day refuse to hear the Word of God but I thank the Lord Jesus Christ that, one day, He gave me the opportunity to hear the Word of God and live!

John 5:25-26  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.  (26)  For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

5.  I know that Jesus is the one because the dead are raised.  Jesus is the LIFE and gives to us physical life.  Every one of us got our physical life from the LORD but one day the LORD raised me from the dead to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:1, 4-5  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins … But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  (5)  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6.  I know that Jesus is the one because to the poor the gospel is preached.  In the world, the rich have privilege!  They do not walk by the same rule as the poor walk.  But, in Christ Jesus, the poor have privilege!  It is not that the LORD cannot save the rich but that the rich do not desire Him.  Last night, we rode around Lake Lyman and, as I looked at some of the water front homes, I made this comment: “This is their heaven.  Their heaven is on this earth but I thank the Lord that—though I may not live in “heaven” on earth, I will life forever in the real heaven with the Lord.”

James 2:5  Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Conclusion:  Matthew 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The Well Beloved Gaius

Temple Baptist Church - 12-2-2015

3 John 1-6

 

Introduction:

 

A.  We have covered the first two epistles of John.  Tonight, I want to begin the third one.

 

1.  1 John was written to “my little children.”  It is what is called a “General Epistle” that is written to all of God’s children.  We that are saved take 1 John personal.

 

2.  2 John was written to a local church.  It is called a “Church Epistle” and we can make applications to our local church.

 

3.  3 John was written to a little known individual named Gaius.  The name “Gaius” means “A Christian.”  By application, it is a letter written to each of us individually.  Little known to the world but well known to the Lord and God’s man.

 

B.  Someone once said, “In the drama of life the scenery shifts and the draperies change, but the plot is the same and the characters the same.”  God is writing to one of His special people.  The times and circumstances have changed but each of us face the same problems today that Gaius faced in the 1^st Century.

 

C.  We will study three men in this little Epistle:

 

1.  Gaius: A Prosperous Man – Vs. 1-8

 

2.  Diotrephes: A Proud Man – Vs. 9-10

 

3.  Demetrius: A Praised Man – Vs. 11-12

 

D.  We know how much God loved this man as this 3^rd Epistle of John was written to him in particular to commend him on his faithfulness to God and love for the saints.  This epistle also shows the love that God’s people had for Gaius.  The word “beloved” is used 4 times in reference to Gaius.  Well beloved shows the love of not only John but also the love that the church people had for him.

 

E.  I want to take a short look at this man, Gaius, tonight.  Gaius is mentioned only 5 times in the Bible.  I personally believe that all of these mentions were of the same man.

 

1.  In the first mention of Gaius, Paul was in Ephesus, a country under Roman rule, when the people began to persecute them because of one Demetrius, a silver smith, who made idols for the people to worship.  Gaius was one who was taken captive and ushered into the theatre and, for the space of two hours, heard the praise their goddess, Diana.  Acts 19:29  And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

 

2.  In the second mention of Gaius we find that, after the persecution in Ephesus, he continued with the Apostle Paul. 

 

3.  In the third mention of Gaius, we find him playing host to the Apostle Paul and the whole church. 

 

4.  In the fourth mention of Gaius, we find that he was a convert of the Apostle Paul. 

 

5.  In the fifth mention of Gaius, we find the Apostle John writing to him personally.  Here in 3 John, we find the fifth mention of Gaius which gives a vivid description of his Christian character that is expressed in his name.  3 John 1:1  The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

 

Proverbs 20:6  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

 

F.  John mentioned that Gaius was a man whose soul prospered!  John’s desire for him was that he prosper in material things and also in health.  This should be our desire for people who love and live for the Lord.  No, this is not a “Prosperity Gospel” but the Lord does want us to be satisfied with good things as I preached this morning.

 

1.  Gaius was a man who was saved under the ministry of the Apostle Paul.  1 Corinthians 1:14  I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

 

2.  Gaius was a man who was a companion to the Apostle Paul.  Acts 19:29  And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

 

3.  Gaius was a man who suffered persecution for the cause of Christ.  Acts 19:29  And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

 

4.  Gaius was a man who endured and continued to life for Christ. Acts 20:4  And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

 

5.  Gaius was a man who loved God’s men and the local church.  Romans 16:23  Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

 

6.  Gaius was a man loved by those who knew him well.  Vs 1 “the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.”

 

7.  Gaius was a man who spiritually matured.  Vs 2 “as thy soul prospereth”

 

8.  Gaius was a man who was trustworthy enough to write an inspired epistle to. Vs 3 “the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.”

 

9.  Gaius was a man who had a desire to follow Christ. Vs 3-4 “even as thou walkest in the truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

 

10.  Gaius was a man who was a blessing to his local church along with God’s men. 3 John 1:5-6  Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;  (6)  Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: