The Name
Shepherding the Flock Ministries derives its name from the exhortation that the apostle Peter delivered to pastors (shepherds) in 1 Peter 5:2-4. Certainly, I recognize that God the Holy Spirit has specifically made me overseer only of Melvin Baptist Church (Melvin, MI). Yet I pray that the Chief Shepherd, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, might use my book publications, blogging material, and Bible ministry to feed others spiritually with the truth and wisdom of His Holy Word.
1 Peter 5:2-4 -- Feed [shepherd] the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Acts 20:28 -- Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed [shepherd] the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Jeremiah 3:15 -- And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. |
The Purpose
The purpose of Shepherding the Flock Ministries is to exalt the name of Jesus Christ and the truth of God's Word through the power of the Holy Spirit unto the glory of the Father. The only righteous and faithful answer for guidance in our daily walk is through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and through the truth of God's Holy Word. The only effective ministry is through the power of God the Holy Spirit. And the only worthy motivation is unto the glory of the Lord our God and heavenly Father.
Acts 4:12 -- Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 15:4-5 -- Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Psalm 19:7-11 -- The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 119:105 -- Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. |
The Burden
With the above truths in mind, I am deeply burdened that churches and Christians have forsaken the truth of God's faithful Word and have replaced it with the thoughts of men's faulty wisdom. The truth and wisdom of God's Word is no longer considered, studied, proclaimed, honored, or obeyed. This is the way of spiritual destruction to the ruin of our lives.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 -- For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Proverbs 8:32-36 -- Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. Hosea 4:6 -- My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. |
The Prayer
Because of all this, it is my prayer that our Lord might graciously use all of my book publications, blogging material, and Bible ministry to direct the attention of those who read and hear unto the wisdom and counsel of HIs Holy Word. Furthermore, it is my prayer that such might be "good to the use of edifying," that it may minister God's grace unto others (Ephesians 4:29), and thereby that such might promote Biblical revival in our lives, homes, and churches. Finally, it is my prayer that in all things such might be found unto the glory of the Lord my God and Savior.
Ephesians 4:29 -- Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Colossians 4:6 -- Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Acts 20:26-27 -- Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 -- I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. |
For the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord,
Abiding in Christ, and Christ in us,
Pastor Scott Markle
Abiding in Christ, and Christ in us,
Pastor Scott Markle