Welcome to the World of a Pastor also known as Pastoral Theology Course Notes Lesson Seven

Dr. John Waters

Index to Lessons Lesson One Lesson Two Lesson Three Lesson Four Lesson Five Lesson Six Lesson Seven Lesson Eight Lesson Nine Lesson Ten Lesson Eleven Lesson Twelve Lesson Thirteen Lesson Fourteen Lesson Fifteen Lesson Sixteen Lesson Seventeen Lesson Eighteen Lesson Nineteen Lesson Twenty Lesson Twenty-one Lesson Twenty-two Lesson Twenty-three Lesson Twenty-four Lesson Twenty-five Lesson Twenty-six Lesson Twenty-seven

Revival and Cheating By Dr. John Waters Revival has to do with God’s people and their relationship to sins - sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit. They may have cultured names, but the Bible calls them plain old “sins”. One such term used today is “cheating”; mostly dealing with marriage, but we desire to expand on other things. Taking marriage first, “cheating” on one’s mate leads to a break-up of a marriage, and it hinders the spiritual growth of a child of God. “Fornication” should not be once named among us, but Revival should lead to strengthen people against that sin, which is a stumbling - block to revival. Then, there is “cheating” in ethics. Doctors have more ethics than many fundamental preachers and Christians I know. Doctors leave the other doctor’s patients alone, as a rule. While there is no book of ethics for preachers, there is one Book—the Bible—that governs all such. We need an input on this subject from several experienced men of God, because some with zeal and little knowledge “have a law unto themselves”. Do we have some input from some of you? Cheating in ethics hinders the spirit of revival. Again, there is “cheating” in attainments or climbing the ladder of success. Politics in religion for the most part “stinks” unless the politics are Spirit-led and scripture-motivated, and we know there is very, very little of this . There is constant manipulation to favor this one or that one because he is from “my circle” or “my school”, regardless of doctrinal faithfulness or convictions. This leads to “schisms” and “men-following”, and hinders a cooperative effort in revival. “Cheating” in this area is wrong and costly. Last, there is “cheating” in money”, both with God and with men. Toward God, it is inexcusable to “cheat”. We have some who misfigure God’s tithe. This group brings a curse upon their home and their church (Mal. 3:8-10). Oh, how they need to repent. Cheating in this area brings stiff penalty. Also, it is deplorable when one preacher “cheats” another in a business matter. Cheating in this area is wrong and wicked, and stops any real revival. Men of God and Christians must be above reproach in this area. Revival is impossible until we align with God and His word in this area. Brethren, let’s all seek TRUE REVIVAL through Christ and His Word!

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Contact writers:
Dr Dennis Carter, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC
Pastor Steven Mays, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Laurens, SC