About the scriptures
What is the most effective thing a pastor can do to build a healthy church?How should a shepherd respond to a weak sheep struggling hard with sin?What is the cure for the root of sin?In response to these questions faced by pastors. Bucer offers the same answer: the scriptures. Even about the true care of souls he greatly makes this affirmation of the Bible. Bucer begins each chapter with passages that provide a basis for his later reasoning.
- Speaking of weak and suffering sheep.
- Bucer says that the most important thing is to designate them and warn them to attend church meetings diligently.
- Listen in advance to the Word of God.
- Receive the sacraments.
- And be jealous and respectful.
- In all the practices of the church? (168).
- In other words.
- Bucer argues that the Bible’s plan for restoration and spiritual growth is to pay attention to the preaching of the Word and receive administration of the Lord’s Supper.
- In our entertainment world full of? Gurus of self-help.
- The biblical plan to listen to the Word silently and humbly receive the Last Supper may seem weak; However.
- We must never forget.
- As Bucer reminds us.
- That these seemingly inciting disciplines include God’s plan for spiritual health.
- Who seek the well-being of their flock will focus on that plan.
Bucer praised the Word, for it provides the cure for the root of our sinful actions: disbelief. “Since all the diseases and weaknesses of the Christian life come from the weakness and ignorance of faith, and faith comes through the Word of God and is strengthened. and encouraged by her, any reinforcement of weak and sick sheep depends on the Word of God, which is faithfully proclaimed to them, and can they feel moved to listen to her with pleasure and have in her all their joy?Pastoral care simply begins with the scriptures, and as pastors, we must ensure that those under our ministry receive it in abundance. More than anything else, it is the path to spiritual health.
About Evangelism
Finally, I am impressed by the fact even before the so-called “Modern Missionary Movement”. and in the context of the so-called “Christian” Europe, Bucer repeatedly urges pastors to seek out the lost. Do you announce the apostolic call and the order to turn to strangers?(88). He argues that “The ministers of Christ should do all they can to encourage people to have fellowship with Christ so that it is obvious that they are forcing people to enter. “(75).
Pastor, brother, or sister in the Lord: How has evangelism worried you?When you see someone completely separated from Christ, is there a sadness that makes you pray and speak when the opportunity presents itself?Bucer and the Bible do not know any category of shepherd too busy studying to look for the lost sheep. As Bucer has observed vehemently, a true shepherd goes in search of those who perish. Finish your chapter, how to look for the lost sheep?With these touching words to the shepherds who do not seek the lost: “The Lord will accuse these disloyal and unfaithful shepherds of great repudiation: “Have you not sought the lost [sheep]?(Ezekiel 34. 4)? (89).