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

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

Revivals and Ethics By Dr. John Waters This subject might frighten some preacher’s gizzard, but somebody ought to write on it anyway. We have tried to get some pastors to write a column along this line, but all seem afraid of it. It has been said that the only army that shoots its own soldiers is that of fundamentalism. This is not a fault of fundamentalism but of some fundamentalists. Fundamental-ism’s doctrine is perfect and holy, upholding the perfect Bible and the perfect Christ. But everyone that flies under the banner of fundamentalism is far from perfect, and some are downright faulty in the area of ethics. Bad ethics hinder revival; good ethics performed in the power of the Holy Ghost promote revival. Fundamental churches with day schools and colleges are increasing. Some are building under the shadow of one another, presenting stiff competition, strife, rivalry in the flesh, and are manifesting more fleshly worldliness than some of the mainline denominations. This negates, in a large measure, their fundamentalism. The name should not be used as an umbrella or cover to perform works of the flesh. The independence of the local church should not be used as an excuse for mistreating a fellow pastor or for outdoing another fleshly rival or for strife. Brethren, these things ought not to be; and just because we are saved eternally does not give an excuse to resort to carnal warfare, slander, false accusations, and other carnal weapons to reach a goal. Let us be done with jealousies, and striving in vain glory, but rather confess and pray for Revival.

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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