1. Christian Heritage Church Indeed my Heritage is Beautiful To Me (Psalm 16:6b)

2. Acts 20:13-38 But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending from there to take Paul on board; for so he had arranged it, intending himself to go by land. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. Sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios; and the next day we crossed over to Samos; and the day following we came to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.

3. Acts 20:13-38 And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. "And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,

4. Acts 20:13-38 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. "And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. "Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.

5. Acts 20:13-38 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

6. Acts 20:13-38 "I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. "You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again And they were accompanying him to the ship.

7. Paul’s Example of Ministry 1.Paul’s Discourse 2.Paul’s Example 3.Consistent Service 4.Single-Hearted Service 5.Humble Service 6.Passionate Service 7.Persistent Service

8. 1 - Paul’s Discourse Acts 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.Acts 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.Acts 20:17Acts 20:17 Acts 20:25 "And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.Acts 20:25 "And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.Acts 20:25Acts 20:25 This is a record of Paul’s last words to the Elders of a church that Paul planted and labored in for over three years.This is a record of Paul’s last words to the Elders of a church that Paul planted and labored in for over three years. These are the most important instructions about ministry that Paul could have given to these church leaders.These are the most important instructions about ministry that Paul could have given to these church leaders.

9. 1 - Paul’s Discourse vs. 17-24 Paul’s Example to the Eldersvs. 17-24 Paul’s Example to the Elders vs. 25-31 Paul’s Charge to the Eldersvs. 25-31 Paul’s Charge to the Elders vs. 32-35 Paul’s Commendation of the Eldersvs. 32-35 Paul’s Commendation of the Elders vs. 36-38 Paul’s Farewell to the Eldersvs. 36-38 Paul’s Farewell to the Elders Besides the specific instruction and Paul’s personal testimony there are various warnings and clarifications of ministry practicesBesides the specific instruction and Paul’s personal testimony there are various warnings and clarifications of ministry practices It is a thesis on how orthodoxy and orthopraxy relateIt is a thesis on how orthodoxy and orthopraxy relate This was not just anybody sharing their views on ministry this was the Apostle Paul.This was not just anybody sharing their views on ministry this was the Apostle Paul.

10. 1 - Paul’s Discourse This discourse is God-breathed and recorded for our instructionThis discourse is God-breathed and recorded for our instruction The modern church is always looking to the experts for advice on how to do ministry.The modern church is always looking to the experts for advice on how to do ministry. It seems we have been ignoring God’s clear instructions and choosing the latest and greatest innovations insteadIt seems we have been ignoring God’s clear instructions and choosing the latest and greatest innovations instead Mark 7:6-8 And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."Mark 7:6-8 And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."Mark 7:6-8Mark 7:6-8

11. Nordstrom and J.C Penney In the mid 1980’s a group of executives from Nordstrom’s invited several top executives from JC Penny’s to a luncheon. They were all seated around a large table enjoying their meal when one of the JC Penny executives asked, “How do you do it? Nordstrom’s has become a model that people all over the world are studying. What is the secret of your success?” One of the executives from Nordstrom’s left the table to retrieve an old book from the next room. This book looked worn and it was 100 years old. He said, “We just do everything that this book tells us to do.” (The book was the Original Operations Manual for JC Penney) (The book was the Original Operations Manual for JC Penney)

12. 2 - Paul’s Example Acts 20:18-19a And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the LordActs 20:18-19a And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the LordActs 20:18-19aActs 20:18-19a In this discourse did you notice how much time Paul spent talking about himself?In this discourse did you notice how much time Paul spent talking about himself? Acts 20:20-21 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 20:20-21 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 20:20-21Acts 20:20-21

13. 2 - Paul’s Example Acts 20:26-27 "Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.Acts 20:26-27 "Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.Acts 20:26-27Acts 20:26-27 Acts 20:31 "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.Acts 20:31 "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.Acts 20:31Acts 20:31

14. 2 - Paul’s Example Act 20:33-35 "I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. "You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"Act 20:33-35 "I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. "You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"Act 20:33-35Act 20:33-35 Paul personally demonstrated the things he taughtPaul personally demonstrated the things he taught 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.1 Corinthians 11:11 Corinthians 11:1 This is what Deuteronomy 6 is all aboutThis is what Deuteronomy 6 is all about

15. 2 - Paul’s Example Not only was what Paul taught foundational to the church, his example serves as a foundation for how elders should live their livesNot only was what Paul taught foundational to the church, his example serves as a foundation for how elders should live their lives Elders like Apostles are to serve in a representative way in the Lord’s church.Elders like Apostles are to serve in a representative way in the Lord’s church. Are the Elder qualifications in Timothy and Titus only for Elders in the church?Are the Elder qualifications in Timothy and Titus only for Elders in the church? Elders must have these qualities because they serve in a representative role as examples to the flock.Elders must have these qualities because they serve in a representative role as examples to the flock. Church leadership in America is missing this important fact and the church is suffering because of it.Church leadership in America is missing this important fact and the church is suffering because of it.

16. 2 - Paul’s Example 1 Peter 5:2-4 Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.1 Peter 5:2-4 Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.1 Peter 5:2-41 Peter 5:2-4 Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.Philippians 3:17Philippians 3:17 Can we, with a clear conscience exhort others to follow our example?Can we, with a clear conscience exhort others to follow our example?

17. 2 - Paul’s Example Paul’s ministry was so powerful because it was authenticPaul’s ministry was so powerful because it was authentic There is no power in a ministry of hypocrisyThere is no power in a ministry of hypocrisy 2 Peter 2:19 These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption2 Peter 2:19 These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption2 Peter 2:192 Peter 2:19 The fact that Paul was calling these Elders to follow his example, was setting the standard for how these Elders (as well as all future Elders) should liveThe fact that Paul was calling these Elders to follow his example, was setting the standard for how these Elders (as well as all future Elders) should live

18. 3 - Consistent Service Acts 20:18-19a And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the LordActs 20:18-19a And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the LordActs 20:18-19aActs 20:18-19a Acts 20:31 "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.Acts 20:31 "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.Acts 20:31Acts 20:31 The Ephesian Elders witnessed a tremendous consistency in Paul’s service to themThe Ephesian Elders witnessed a tremendous consistency in Paul’s service to them Do I still minister in the same way and with the same fervor as I did three years ago?Do I still minister in the same way and with the same fervor as I did three years ago? How about my ministry at home?How about my ministry at home?

19. 3 - Consistent Service Are we good finishers or are we just good starters?Are we good finishers or are we just good starters? Many are all fired up when they begin something, but do they finish strong?Many are all fired up when they begin something, but do they finish strong? Acts 20:24 "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus.Acts 20:24 "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus.Acts 20:24Acts 20:24 2 Timothy 4:6-7 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith2 Timothy 4:6-7 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith2 Timothy 4:6-72 Timothy 4:6-7

20. 4 - Single-Hearted Service Acts 20:18-19a And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the LordActs 20:18-19a And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the LordActs 20:18-19aActs 20:18-19a Even though Paul served the church in Ephesus for the last three years, his focus was on faithfully serving Jesus.Even though Paul served the church in Ephesus for the last three years, his focus was on faithfully serving Jesus. We must keep the focus on Who it is we are really serving otherwise we will seek our praise from the wrong person.We must keep the focus on Who it is we are really serving otherwise we will seek our praise from the wrong person. Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.Galatians 1:10Galatians 1:10

21. 4 - Single-Hearted Service If our focus is to please men, we are no longer the bond- servants of Christ.If our focus is to please men, we are no longer the bond- servants of Christ. Am I training my children to please my friends at church or to please God?Am I training my children to please my friends at church or to please God? Am I keeping my home to please my husband or to please God?Am I keeping my home to please my husband or to please God? Do I work hard to please my boss or to please God?Do I work hard to please my boss or to please God? 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:311 Corinthians 10:31

22. 5 - Humble Service Acts 20:18-19b And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humilityActs 20:18-19b And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humilityActs 20:18-19bActs 20:18-19b By describing his attitude while serving the Lord - Paul was pointing out how they should serve the LordBy describing his attitude while serving the Lord - Paul was pointing out how they should serve the Lord Pride will destroy any ministry, because it puts you in opposition against God HimselfPride will destroy any ministry, because it puts you in opposition against God Himself It is a privilege to serve Christ, we must not take offense at anyone or anythingIt is a privilege to serve Christ, we must not take offense at anyone or anything

23. 6 - Passionate Service Acts 20:18-19c And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tearsActs 20:18-19c And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tearsActs 20:18-19cActs 20:18-19c He served the Lord with tears – Paul was passionate with his concern for the churchHe served the Lord with tears – Paul was passionate with his concern for the church 2 Corinthians 11:28-29 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?2 Corinthians 11:28-29 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?2 Corinthians 11:28-292 Corinthians 11:28-29

24. 7 - Persistent Service Acts 20:19-21 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 20:19-21 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 20:19-21Acts 20:19-21 In spite of on going persecution and trials Paul was unstoppable.In spite of on going persecution and trials Paul was unstoppable. He did not shrink back.He did not shrink back. Both great and small, publicly and from house to house.Both great and small, publicly and from house to house.

25. Paul’s Example of Ministry Are We Committed to Living Out What We Say We Believe?Are We Committed to Living Out What We Say We Believe? Is Our Ministry Characterized by Consistent, Single- Hearted, Humble, Passionate and Persistent Service to the Lord?Is Our Ministry Characterized by Consistent, Single- Hearted, Humble, Passionate and Persistent Service to the Lord?

26. Christian Heritage Church Indeed my Heritage is Beautiful To Me (Psalm 16:6b)