The Master's Plan for the Church sermon series at Lake Country Bible Church

The Master's Plan for the Church

Sermon 1 (5/26/19)- By Whose Authority? How Jesus Governs the Universe.
Romans 13; Eph. 6; Heb. 13:17

Sermon 2 (6/2/19)- By Whose Authority?  How Jesus Runs the Church.
Selected Scriptures.

Sermon 3 (6/9/19)- The Biblical, Historical, and Apostolic Precedent of Elder-led Churches
Acts 1-28 and Selected Scriptures.

Sermon 4 (6/16/19)- Sheepology 101: Embracing the Good Shepherd's Plan for My Life and His Church.   
Selected Scriptures

Sermon 5 (6/23/19)-  Sheepology 101: Embracing the Good Shepherd's Plan for My Life and His Church.  Part 2
Selected Scriptures

Sermon 6 (6/30/19)- "You Cannot Do it Alone!" Why Every Church Needs Multiple Shepherds
Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-4

Sermon 7 (7/7/19)-  The Elder's Mandate: Shepherd the Flock of God Among You
1 Peter 5:1-5  (pt. 1)

Sermon 8 (7/21/19)- The In's and Out's of Biblical Soul Care
1 Peter 5:1-5, Selected Scriptures (pt. 2)

Sermon 9 (8/4/19)- Shepherds After God's Own Heart
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 3)

Sermon 10 (8/11/19)- Lead (by Example), Follow, or Get Out of the Way!
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 4)

Sermon 11 (8/18/19)- Christ Rewards the Faithful: Great Our Reward Shall Be!
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 5)

Sermon 12 (8/25/19)- I Want to Serve But I'm Not Worthy (Not so Fast)!
Selected Scriptures

Sermon 13 (9/1/19)- You Know That So and So's Biblically Qualified IF _______________
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (pt. 1)

Sermon 14 (9/8/19)- Ministry Must Have's: Spiritual Maturity and Exemplary Character
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (pt. 2)

Sermon 15 (9/15/19)- Why Church Members (Sometimes) Need Biblical Overseers Looking Over Their Shoulder?
Selected Scriptures

Sermon 16 (9/22/19)- The Attitudes  and Actions of a Godly Congregation
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Sermon 17 (9/29/19)- The Purposeful Prioritization of Biblical Instruction in the Life of the Church

1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Timothy 4:13-14; Selected Scriptures

Sermon 18 (10/6/19)- The Anatomy of a Biblical Church: Theology Matters!

Selected Scriptures (pt. 1)

Sermon 19 (10/20/19)- The Anatomy of a Biblical Church Leader

Selected Scriptures (pt. 2)

Sermons are available for free at www.lakecountrybible.org

Choosing Appropriate Praise Songs and Hymns for Corporate Worship

"The church possesses two books to aid in worship: the Word of God and the hymnal. The Scriptures stand as the perfect and unwavering revelation of God throughout the ages. It is our rule, and the only infallible word on all matters of our faith and practice. The hymnal exists in submission to the authority of Scripture and assists the people of God in singing truth. Its songs are an ever-flowing stream, sung by people responding to God in worship.

Choosing hymns for the local church is a sacred task. Even when the hymnal used is electronic and lacks binding and pages, the practice of Christian singing remains vital. As Colossians 3:16 says, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

In this text, Paul teaches the Colossians the importance of singing in the local church. The hymns and praise songs we sing are not to be chosen clumsily, but with intentionality and with care. Hymns have the ability to teach us, to admonish us, and to provoke our hearts to worship our Savior with thankfulness.

CHOOSE HYMNS THAT TEACH

The hymns of the church ought to be built on, shaped by, and saturated with the Word of God. While the New Testament is silent on many of the specifics of corporate worship, Scripture is clear that the Word of Christ must be central. When the hymns we sing are aligned with the Word of God, our souls are nourished by its truth. Singing is a unique way to “let the word of Christ dwell richly” in us. One reason our songs should be closely tied to the Word of God is their didactic effects. Singing for the Christian is formative and responsive, and therefore must be informed by Scripture. We learn what we sing.

THE Long-Awaited Messiah is our Prophet, Priest, and King! John 20:30-31 and Selected Scripture (pt. 1)

1) What is a Messiah? Why does John identify Jesus as THE Christ? 

John does not say Jesus is simply “a” Christ. The New Testament proves that Jesus is "the Anointed One, the Son of God."

In the Old Testament prophets, priests, and kings were all consecrated to God for special service.   

Prophets, priests, and kings are called “anointed” ones.  (Note Exodus 28:1, 41; 30:31-33. 1 Sam. 13; 19:21;  2 Chron. 26.  Psalm 105:15; 1 Chron. 16:22)

2) What crucial roles did these “anointed” ones play?

A) Godly prophets revealed the divine will and holy purposes of Yahweh.

B) Godly priests brought people into Yahweh’s holy presence for worship and service.

C) Godly kings rules over God’s people on Yahweh’s behalf.

3) Why were “messiah figures” even needed? 

A) Godly prophets were necessary because post-fall man is spiritually lost and spiritually ignorant.

B) Godly priests were necessary because post-fall man is sinful and unclean and thus alienated from Holy God.  

C) Godly kings were necessary because post-fall humanity is like a wild bronco that desperately needs to be reigned in.

4) What does all this have to do with Jesus Christ and with us (personally)?  John 1:41; 20:31.

A) As the Prophet par excellence- Messiah Jesus is the perfect revelation of God.

B) As the Great High Priest- Messiah Jesus offers a perfect, once for all sacrifice.  Through Him we can draw near to serve and worship Yahweh.

 C) As the conquering King- Messiah Jesus subdues rebellious hearts and reigns over His people as Lord!

The Divine Christ is our Prophet, Priest, and King! Said differently, Messiah Jesus is Lord and Savior of all who truly believe in Him. 

The Old Testament predicts and anticipates a coming Messianic-Savior!  While the New Testament announces He came for us and that He's coming again.  One of my favorite songs that underscores this glorious theme is "Come For Us." 

All sinners need not just a messiah but THE Messiah, Jesus Christ (John 1:41; 3:16; 14:6; 20:30-31 Acts 4:12) !  The King of the Jews is the Savior (Light) of the world.  Let every heart enthrone Him and crown Him Lord of all!

Every incentive and motivation we need to live obediently as Christians is found in the Person and Work of Christ!  The book of Colossians underscores this glorious truth.  The Gospel of John compels us to live Christ-centered lives.

This sermon series on Messiah Jesus should heighten our worship, fortify our faith, and strength our witness to the glory of God.

Ruth Series: How is God at Work When Times Are Really, Really Hard?

Ruth (Covid 19) Sermon Series: From Famine to Fulness!

How Ruth speaks to the issues and trials in our own day.

A verse-by-verse study at Lake Country Bible Church (2020) 

Losing Everything: How is God at Work When Times Are Really, Really Hard? (Part 1)  3/29/20

God’s Steadfast Love and the Gift of Godly Friendship During Famines, Funerals, and Covid Pandemics (Part 2)  

Even in the Darkest of Nights, God is Mightily at Work! (Part 3)  

Sin and Judgment and Lovingkindness and Mercy! (Part 4)  

God’s Providential Mercies and Steadfast Love for Israel and Beyond! (Part 5)

A Tale of Two Widows: Bitter and Broken Versus Broken and Believing (Part 6) 

The Providential Provision and Protection of the LORD! (Part 7) 

A Man After God’s Own Heart is Godly and Generous. (Part 8)  

A Man After God’s Own Heart is Strong and Kind (Part 9)  

The Ideal and Virtuous Believer (Part 10)  

A Total Turn Around of Perspective (Part 11) 

Matchmaker! Matchmaker! Naomi’s Masterplan. (Part 12)  

A Midnight Heart to Heart on the Threshing Floor.  (Part 13)  

The Day of Days and Night of Nights. (Part 14)  

All’s Well That Ends Well! (Part 15)  

A Kinsman Redeemer to the Rescue (Part 16)  

Countless Blessings, Answered Prayers, and Corporate Worship. (Part 17)  

The Scandalous and Wonderful Grace of God (Part 18)  

Needed: A Righteous King and a Gracious Redeemer (Part 19)  

Why So Many Boring, Irrelevant, and Tedious Genealogies? (Part 20); preached on 8/19/20 at Lake Country Bible Church.

Letting God's Word Do Its Work Among God's People

Happy New Year! As we launch into 2020 I have the great privilege of preaching my 125th Sunday morning sermon since taking over as the Senior Pastor at Lake Country Bible Church in June of 2017. My family and I have been overwhelmed with gratitude as we consider how blessed we have been since moving to Nashotah, Wisconsin. This congregation loves God's Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, the lost, and one another greatly! Lake Country Bible is a very special church family and we are so blessed to be part of what God is doing here. To Him be the glory, honor and praise!

Since assuming the lead teaching role within this church, I have done my best to preach sermons that are Text-driven (2 Tim. 2:15/4:1-2), Spirit-filled, and contagiously worshipful (AKA-"expository exultation").

In this vein, I have worked hard (per Ezra 7:10) to "declare the full counsel of God" (per Acts 20:27-28). During corporate worship I have exposited a number of Old Testament passages, such as: Genesis 1-2; 12:1-4; 15; Exodus 18:13-27; 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 100; Hosea 3; Isaiah 7:1-16. Other gifted teachers in other contexts have taught through Joshua, the Psalms, and the Minor Prophets, Galatians, 1 Peter, and 1 John.

I have also carefully walked through a number of New Testament texts with the congregation, including: Matthew 1:18-23; 24:29-51, 25:31-46; Luke 1:5-66; 13:34-35; 19:11-44; 23:34; Romans 11:13-36; 13:1-7; 1 Corinthians 3:1-7; 16-17; 11:1-16; 15:1-19; Galatians 3:13-14, 29; Ephesians 6:1-4; Philippians 4:2-3; Colossians 1:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:1-15; Hebrews 6:11-19; 11:10; 13:17; 1 Peter 2:1-3; 5:1-5; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Jude 22-23; Revelation 5:9-14; 14:6-11; 19:1-22:21.

We have also considered a few overview messages of the Gospel of John, Acts, Colossians 1-2; and Revelation 6-18.

We have looked at the Great Covenants of the Bible; what the Word of God really teaches concerning Mary and Roman Catholic outreach; we have considered Paul's inspired "Philosophy of Ministry" statement, and have had special Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas themed expositions. We have studied what the prophesied future holds (the future Tribulation, the coming Kingdom of Christ, the glories of heaven, the agonies of hell, the delights of the New Jerusalem, etc). This past summer we spent many months seeking to establish a robustly biblical shepherdology, sheepology, and ecclessiology (the doctrine of the church) before starting our Gospel of John series.

During the Sunday School hour I provided a detailed overview of what the Old and New Testament Scriptures teach concerning "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood," as well as addressing the (now) controversial subject of gender and sexuality. I also had an opportunity to teach some sessions on "the Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life;" (how to mature in the Christian faith).

During Wednesday nights I taught a special summer series in 2018 on "the Plight of Israel: a Historical, Biblical, and Theological study."

In the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2, one of my favorite ministry roles has been to guide our men's leadership training and discipleship ministry. Over the past 2 1/2 years 50+ men have studied/discussed a number of subjects/doctrines and have read many helpful books. As “iron sharpens iron” so one brother has helped equip another.

I have also enjoyed providing pre-marital, marriage/family counseling, and discipleship. The one constant in all of these ministries is the inerrant, infallible, and sufficient Word of God. Everything this local church does is grounded in the timeless truths of Scripture.

During the Protestant Reformation one of the chief leaders made a humble and profound observation- that is equally true of my pastoral ministry. I close with this quotation: "I/we simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word, otherwise I did nothing; the Word did it all...I did nothing; I left it to the Word...!"

Ephesians 3:20-21; Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Colossians 1:28-29; We proclaim Him (Christ), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.


Together for the Gospel,

Pastor Caleb Kolstad

The Shepherd as Theologian: Accurately Interpreting and Applying God's Word for God's People

“No profession in the world suffers more from a serious lack of clarity, when it comes to the basic requirements of the job, as the pastorate/eldership. Everyone but pastors seem to know what their job is. In fact, if we are honest, clergy malpractice goes on everywhere, all the time. It is ubiquitous. It is pandemic. There is widespread confusion about what it means to be a pastor/church leader, and widespread indifference to biblical duties. As a result, the church has no concept of what the pastor is to be or do. One thing is clear. Most pastors have no interest in being theologians, nor do their congregations expect them to be. The devolution of theology and biblical scholarship as a serious matter for Christians can be traced back to the absence of doctrine and careful biblical scholarship from the pulpit. This is a dereliction of duty. This is clergy malpractice. The pastorate is no longer an intellectual calling, and no longer do pastors/elders provide serious intellectual leadership. Instead today’s pastors merely manage programs. They give uplifting talks, apply culturally invented principles, and put their energy into everything but biblical scholarship- everything but an intense study of the text, which yield sound doctrine.” All of this contradicts the clear direction of the New Testament Scriptures (note 2 Timothy 1:14; 2:1-2, 15; 4:1-5; Jude 3). 

From John MacArthur's book- The Shepherd as Theologian.

The Shepherd as Theologian: Resurrecting an Ancient Vision

The Evangelical Church in America is, by in large, "a mile wide and an inch deep" yet relatively few seem to notice or even care. What does the God of the Word think of this trend? "By New Testament standards, pastors/elders are, whether they like it or not, the appointed theological leaders of the church; the theological integrity of the church will seldom ever rise above its pastors/leaders, no matter how astute the local university's religion department. And insofar as pastors have largely lost their ability to provide theological leadership, and indeed no longer see doing so as part of their vocation, the theological integrity of our congregations has suffered considerably. But most significantly, as an inevitable consequence, with the collapse of theological integrity in our churches, a corresponding erosion of ethical integrity has followed (for examples- note Galatians, 1 Corinthians, and James)... Correct understanding can't get us all the way there, but wrong understanding is often all that is needed to shipwreck one's faith. And it is the pastor's sacred duty, above all others, to guard the theological integrity of the people of God." Hiestand- (see Titus 1:5-11; 2:1, 15; 3:1, 8; 1 Timothy 1:5-11, 18-20; 3:1-2; 4:13-16; 5:7; 17-18; 6:2-5; to name but a few proof texts).

Pastors/elders must also shepherd, lead, oversee, and care for the spiritual needs of the flock BUT never at the expense of fulfilling the God-ordained role of being a shepherd-theologian within the local church.

Join us Sunday at Lake Country Bible Church as we consider "The Anatomy of a Biblical Church" and specifically address the role theology/doctrine plays in the maturation process of ordinary believers (Ephesians 4:11-16).