Perspective On Eternity

Three Characteristics of a Servant Leader (Part 1)   What does it mean to really be a leader?  Leadership has been defined and redefined in so many different ways that we may have lost it's essence.  However, I believe Robert Kuest, from Hope International University, really grasps the heart of leadership when he defines it as “the ability to grasp a vision, to influence others to own it, and empower them to accomplish it.” (Timms 1). This three tiered definition is a dynamic approach to being a true genuine leader. If this is what a true leader is I would argue that there are certain essential characteristics that identify a leader.  These essential characteristic are:  having a proper perspective, a high level of integrity, and a strong vision of what God has called him/her to.  Each of these characteristics have multiple layers and each layer will be explored to show why I am convinced that these are essential for a godly servant leader and the implications for the local chu

Servant/Slave 1. Biblical texts There are a few different Greek words that are translated as “Servant” or “Slave.” The two primary words that are most often used in a spiritual sense, especially when referring to the Church, are δο ῦ λος, and διάκονος. There are other Greek words like θεράπων which refers to Moses in Hebrews 3:5 and ὁ πα ῖ ς which is frequently used by Jesus to refer to himself. But the first two words will be the focus of this Bible study. These words are expressed in many different ways, through parables, the author directly calling someone a servant servants/slaves, other believers calling themselves a slave, and in quotes from God or the O.T. In a holy sense, the word is used to designate the normal believer, part of someone’s body, the nation of Israel, John the Baptist, the Apostles, O.T. prophets, and Jesus. δο ῦ λος - is used 126 times in the new Testament with the majority of its uses in Matthew, Luke, and Revelation.

Is Baptism a work?   Many have written extensively on the question of baptism's role in salvation.  It seems to me that the clearest and most honestly straightforward reading of scripture points to the fact that baptism is involved in the salvation event.  In scripture baptism does not take place after one is saved but an act that the repentant sinner must do in order to be saved (see scripture references at bottom of the post).     This view has been rejected by many because of the assumption that baptism is a work.  This way of thinking has lead many to understand and reject baptism's role in salvation assuming it would lead to the belief that one is saved by faith and works.     One must understand that the burden of proof lies on those that want to identify biblical baptism as a work.  Since baptism is never directly identified as a work one can simply deny the accusation that baptism should be defined in that way.  However, I believe it is important to address t