Synod Emphasis


popcorn. One of the seasonings is a Bacon/cheddar seasoning. Upon reading the listed ingredients, one is initially encouraged by the bold print of “Real Cheese”.  Why? And how? Immediately comes to mind. Why would anyone in their right mind want imitation bacon? I used two different warnings from Scripture to emphasize the point of be-


ing aware of imitations. In I Peter 2: 1-3, Peter warns against false prophets and teachers. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul warns of turning to another gospel, which is no gospel at all.


It was said at a Ligonier conference several years ago that it is estimated that


      Gospel. In choosing a Moderator’s Theme for the coming year, this echoed through my mind. Hence, the theme “The Whole Counsel Of God”. On Paul’s return journey from Macedonia, he sailed past Ephesus to Miletus. In Miletus, he sends for the Ephesian Elders to come to him. The Greek word used for Elder in verse 28, is Episcopos, translated Overseers. This is referencing those we call Teaching Elders or Ministers. These are the who Paul refers to in I Corinthians 4:1 “…as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” In 2 Timothy 4:1-5 they are, to “…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…”(v.2). Paul warns Timothy, and every preacher, that “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching”, “…and will turn away from listen- ing to the truth…”(v.3-4). Some things never change. Paul’s warning of those who will have “itching ears” is just as applicable today as ever. As Paul encouraged Timothy, we too are called to be faithful in proclaiming the truth of this indispensable Word. We are called to be faithful witnesses “…rightly handling the Word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15. Back to Acts chapter 20. The late James Montgomery Boice says, of this chapter: “He (Paul) preached publicly…privately…to everybody…pointedly”, and that his preaching “was comprehensive (v.27). This brings us to the moderator’s emphasis.


“Shepherding Christ’s Flock” M


By Rev. David Walkup, Moderator


y children’s sermon from a couple of weeks ago used as an illustration, popcorn seasoning. My grandchildren like to eat popcorn as a bedtime 


Comprehensive here means that Paul preached the “Whole Counsel of God”. John Stott refers to Paul’s preaching/  in depth,” noting that “he shared all possible truth with all possible people in all possible ways.” As overseers, we are called to double


duty. On the one hand, we are called to “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (I Tim. 4:16). On the other hand, we are to look after the - herd in his teaching even saying “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Paul rarely uses the image, but when he does as in verse 28, it seems obvious that he is telling these leaders (and us) to imitate Jesus. As Dr. Boice says, “The reason they were to do this          with his blood.”


As if we needed any other motiva- tion than these true and trustworthy words, we should heed the words of John the Apostle.


In Revelation 2 Je-


sus speaks to the church at Ephesus words of encouragement, repentance, and warning. “I know you are endur- ing patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.


Acts 20:24-30


But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you  where you have fallen; repent, and do  come to you and remove your lamp- stand from its place, unless you re- pent.” (Revelation 2:3-5)


In closing, Paul commends these El- ders to God and to the word of his grace verse 32. Then in verse 36, he prayed with them. Fathers and Brothers, “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of Elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:14-16)


July/August 2025 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32