3 FAITHFUL pastors

 

Isaiah 6:8

King James Version

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 

Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? 

Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Should born again churches be alarmed?

Now that three vocal, visible, victorious pastors had gone home to JESUS?

What's to happen to the churches, and the gospel?

Can Satan now have a foothold, in their absence?

How will their families, and friends, fare?

Is there a gap in their ministry that cannot be filled?

Here's when it all happened, just in a space of two months:

14 July 2025

"John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. (June 19, 1939 – July 14, 2025) was an American Calvinist Baptist pastor, theologian, author, and broadcaster. He was the founder of Grace to You, a nationally syndicated radio and television Bible teaching program.[1] He was also the longtime pastor of Grace Community Church, a non-denominational church in Sun Valley, California from 1969 until his death in 2025."

"MacArthur was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in January 2023 and underwent surgery to correct it with the implantation of cardiac stents."

"On July 13, 2025, Grace Community Church associate pastor Tom Patton announced during a Sunday service that MacArthur had contracted pneumonia and was not expected to recover."

He was 86.

10 September 2025

"Charles James Kirk (October 14, 1993 – September 10, 2025) was an American right-wing political activist, entrepreneur, and media personality. He co-founded the conservative organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 and was its executive director."

"On September 10, 2025, while on stage at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, for a TPUSA event, "The American Comeback Tour",[241][242] Kirk was fatally shot in the neck. The shooting took place at 12:23 p.m. MDT (18:23 UTC), around 20 minutes after the event began, in front of an audience of about 3,000 people."

He was 31.

25 September 2025

"Voddie Tharon Baucham, Jr. (March 11, 1969 – September 25, 2025) was an American pastor, author and educator. He served nine years as Dean of Theology from 2015 to 2024 at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia."

"In February 2021, Baucham experienced heart failure and had to travel to the Mayo Clinic Florida for treatment."

"Baucham died on September 25, 2025, after suffering an emergency medical incident."

He was 56.

But their work keeps on.

Their churches, and organizations, keep on.

Their families, friends, and colleagues, keep on.

The WORD of GOD remains.

The gospel continues.

Forever.

As JESUS said:

Matthew 24:35

King James Version

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, 

but my words shall not pass away.

They will be greatly missed, but this we must remember:

Colossians 2:8-10

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

9 For in him dwelleth 

all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, 

which is the head of all principality 

and power:

To honor these remarkable men, and servants of CHRIST, we share their teachings here:

Simply Believe (John 3:11-14) John McArthur

1 Conservative vs 25 Liberal College Students (Feat. Charlie Kirk) | Surrounded

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil -- Voddie Baucham

We also offer our sympathies, and support, to their families, friends, and colleagues.

GOD always has a purpose.

No matter the circumstances, or the enemy's intent:

Genesis 50:20

King James Version

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; 

but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, 

as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Ecclesiastes 11:5

King James Version

5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, 

nor how the bones do grow in the womb 

of her that is with child: 

even so thou knowest not 

the works of God who maketh all.

Isaiah 55:8-9

King James Version

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are my ways higher than your ways, 

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Related material:

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REPENTANCE

SALVATION

SINS of the FLESH

Sin AWARENESS

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Image: Clipart Library

EXCERPTS on LEADERSHIP

Luke 22:24

King James Version

24 And there was also a strife among them, 

which of them should be accounted 

the greatest.

What does it take to be a decent leader?

The HOLY SPIRIT and I started this blog on 17 February 2021.

With the intent to reveal what TRUE leadership is.

To quote the "Introduction":

"If you have the heart for true leadership, then you're on the right blog.

If you care to know Jesus, you've come to the right place.

If you desire to know more about God, we welcome you here!

If you wish to lead better, you're on the right page."

Here are excerpts from NINE articles:

From "A Call for a New Form of Leadership" (18 February 2021):

"A new form of leadership is needed now.

One perfectly attuned to God, delighted in following His commandments, eager as a child to know everything about Him, in perfect obedience to Him, repentant of all personal errors, and focusing completely on His Word -- Jesus."

"The new breed of leaders must now be guided by the Holy Spirit, for He is the Advocate, the teacher of all things Jesus."

From "Jesus Redefined Leadership" (19 February 2021):

Matthew 23:11 

King James Version

11 But he that is greatest among you 

shall be your servant.

"This world has a chance for survival, if we seek God.

With our only aim to serve, to love, and to get God's Word right.

Following the example of Jesus, our only desire must be to lead everyone to the Father, the One who deserves ALL the glory."

"Everything will now be defined if we have Jesus in it.

The very survival of this world hinges upon our knowledge, belief, and acceptance of Jesus.

Whether it's work, leadership, life, relationships, the only question that matters now is this -- is Jesus in it?"

"I invite you to commit yourself to the Lord's way.

A good start would be to become born again, so you can understand the ways of the Spirit.

Let the Holy Spirit of God teach you.

Let Him lead you to the truth you've longed so much for.

And prepare for the most wonderful adventure of your life!

You will be the rare leader, the world needs so much of."

From "A Challenge to ANY Leader" (2 March 2021):

"I don't care who you are, how much you earn, how much you have, how good you look, or how powerful you are.

I only have one question for you:

Does God rule your heart?"

"There is only ONE rightful Master.

Jesus."

Philippians 2:9-11 

King James Version

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, 

and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 

of things in heaven, 

and things in earth, 

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess 

that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

to the glory of God the Father.

From "Leadership Beyond Reproach" (27 December 2021):

1 Corinthians 9:27 

King James Version

27 But I keep under my body, 

and bring it into subjection: 

lest that by any means, 

when I have preached to others, 

I myself should be a castaway.

"True leaders are not hypocrites.

They must live, as they teach.

This blog is about those called to Christ.

When you are Christ's, all the more you must be spotless.

Your leadership must be beyond reproach.

You must be true to the Lord.

Be not like the leaders of the world, who say one thing, and yet do another.

Have no room for politics, division, distraction, deception, destruction, debauchery, and decadence.

Most of all, a true follower and believer of Jesus, will have no room for disobedience to the commandments of God."

"JESUS taught us to obey the will of God.

To endure, by enduring.

To live by FAITH alone.

It can be done."

Luke 1:37

King James Version

37 For with God 

nothing shall be impossible.

Philippians 4:13

King James Version

13 I can do all things through Christ 

which strengtheneth me.

"Only by being born again can you understand such task, and discipline, of being a SPIRIT-led leader.

You will then make a discipline, out of that discipline."

"Being born again will help you get through the most crucial moments of temptation, where, one small slip, can cause your downfall.

That small slip is the only opening satan waits for.

Whatever challenges we have in life right now, it is all so worth it, especially if your end goal is God.

Focus on JESUS alone.

Let GOD's WILL be done, through you.

The lusts of the flesh, the delusions of the mind, the confusion of self, can be conquered if you have CHRIST in your heart."

From "RATING your COUNTRY" (15 January 2022):

"Are there righteous nations?

Here's how to judge your nation."

Psalm 33:12

King James Version

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; 

and the people whom he hath chosen 

for his own inheritance.

Isaiah 32:17

King James Version

17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; 

and the effect of righteousness quietness 

and assurance for ever.

Romans 13:1

King James Version

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. 

For there is no power but of God: 

the powers that be are ordained of God.

James 3:18

King James Version

18 And the fruit of righteousness 

is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Philippians 4:8

King James Version

8 Finally, 

brethren, 

whatsoever things are true, 

whatsoever things are honest, 

whatsoever things are just, 

whatsoever things are pure, 

whatsoever things are lovely, 

whatsoever things are of good report; 

if there be any virtue, 

and if there be any praise, 

think on these things.

From "Who Do You Serve?" (25 January 2022):

"That is the call of leadership now.

That we have a heart.

And that heart, must be of God."

From "On RESPONSIBLE leaders" (8 February 2023):

"The world will turn out well.

If we have responsible leaders.

The kind who loves GOD and others, before self.

The kind who knows GOD's laws, will, and ways.

The kind who honors JESUS' sacrifice on the cross.

Give us a leader like that, and there will be hope for homes, organizations, and nations."

"TRUE leaders love GOD.

They obey GOD.

They believe in JESUS.

They listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.

They lead everyone back to GOD.

They live by Scripture.

Such leadership revives a home, organization, and nation.

All our efforts must be "God-ward".

From "JESUS on LEADERSHIP" (29 September 2023):

"Scripture describes His leadership:"

Philippians 2:5-6

King James Version

5 Let this mind be in you, 

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, 

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:7

King James Version

7 But made himself of no reputation, 

and took upon him the form of a servant, 

and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:8

King James Version

8 And being found in fashion as a man, 

he humbled himself, 

and became obedient unto death, 

even the death of the cross.

"JESUS, being the Son of God, taught us to be servants to each other.

He served us by dying on the cross, that we may be saved.

What better, than to offer one's life for another?"

"That's the PARADOX of leadership.

We are all servants to each other.

There is no lordship over another.

Something the world fails to recognize.

All GLORY belongs to GOD alone.

Servant leadership is the PERFECT form of leadership.

For JESUS showed us by example."

From "ULTIMATE leadership book" (10 April 2024):

"In ONE, GLORIOUS book, I found ALL my answers.

I wouldn't touch any other book after that.

You can have your leadership, and management books.

I'll stick to GOD's WORD."

"If you want to lead perfectly, read about JESUS.

If you want practical leadership tips, read Book of Proverbs.

If you want a smart time management system, look to what Jethro told his son-in-law, Moses:"

 Exodus 18:21

King James Version

21 Moreover thou shalt provide 

out of all the people able men, 

such as fear God, 

men of truth, 

hating covetousness; 

and place such over them, 

to be rulers of thousands, 

and rulers of hundreds, 

rulers of fifties, 

and rulers of tens:

Exodus 18:22

King James Version

22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: 

and it shall be, that every great matter 

they shall bring unto thee, 

but every small matter they shall judge: 

so shall it be easier for thyself, 

and they shall bear the burden with thee.

"Only by being born again, can you be taught by GOD's SPIRIT.

Only by learning from SPIRIT, can you know JESUS.

Only by knowing JESUS, can you understand GOD's WORD.

Only by understanding GOD's WORD, can you know love, life, and leadership."

Related material:

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WORD of GOD

On LOVING GOD

GOD and BUSINESS

GOD and NATIONS

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

This HELPED me

 

Proverbs 15:14

King James Version

14 The heart of him that hath understanding 

seeketh knowledge: 

but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

How important is independent thinking?

How vital is tireless search for truth?

How essential is finding the right teacher?

If you're a researcher, you'd find these important.

If you're a journalist, you'll find these compulsory.

If you're a seeker, you'll be grateful to know these things.

If you're a leader, you'll gravitate to these.

Well, that is if you're a true researcher, journalist, seeker, and leader.

And who's to judge that you are?

Self, for one.

You know what you seek.

You know what you aspire for.

And ideally, you know where to look.

If you have tons of mileage to your years, you've gone through the process.

I have, and did.

Only thing?

There was always something vital missing.

I couldn't seem to put a finger to it.

I've read tons of books.

Worked tons of jobs.

And yet, my search continued.

Sure, others could spoonfeed me.

But I refused.

I wanted to find things out for myself.

A foolish trait?

A stubborn trait?

More like the latter.

Knowledge had to satisfy the soul.

I couldn't seem to "buy" what others said I should "buy".

I always wanted to know why, and if it was trustworthy.

I always tried to look behind the curtain.

Surface was not good.

I went deep.

What was being kept from me?

What more did I need to know?

Who can give me the answers?

I had no idea such a trait would serve me much later on.

Where people sought riches, I wasn't as fascinated.

Where people sought fame, I absolutely had no interest in it.

Where people sought knowledge, I asked "what" knowledge?

Who was dishing out the knowledge?

Was it something you could embrace, for real?

As you can imagine, I had embarked on a solitary path.

But not a lonely path.

If anything, it was the MOST exciting path!

I was tireless sleuth.

I had my mind to myself.

Never mind what people thought of me.

I was predictable.

I was always buried in books.

All my money went to finding something out.

What, I didn't know what, then, and yet.

So, I kept on, unmindful of how others progressed.

But when they regressed, that's when I paid attention.

Why did that happen?

And that's when they'd dish their own form of wisdom.

After failure.

After humiliation.

After setbacks.

And that's when I'd listen to them.

For I suffered all that, too.

Now, we had real stories to tell.

To my mind, unless you've been in all parts of the spectrum, how can you really tell?

If you've always been successful, how can you know failure?

If you've always been rich, how can you know poverty?

If you've always been healthy, how can you know illness?

If you've always been free, how can you know bondage?

Nothing like experiencing it for yourself, to know firsthand.

Firsthand experience rocks.

Never lip service.

Authenticity, folks.

It's always been about authenticity.

At least, for me.

That's why I can't really take men's words for it.

We all tend to make up tall tales.

I wanted something guileless, unembellished.

Also, I had to know they went through "hell", and back.

I have, and did.

Of course, time came I got stumped.

There was ALWAYS something missing.

No matter how many books I read, or knowledge I gathered.

I didn't know where to turn for ABSOLUTE knowledge.

I didn't know how to right my life.

I didn't know where to begin.

What good were all my experiences for?

What was I missing?

And that's when GOD rescued me.

And made me born again.

Same day, I started reading the Bible.

And began to understand it, as if I'd been reading it all my life.

Notebooks, and pieces of paper, littered my room.

From all the verses I was jotting down, hoping to remember everything.

The Bible was THE treasure trove I had been searching for ALL my life.

My hungry heart couldn't have enough of GOD's TRUTH.

Imagine -- all it took was ONE book to explain everything!

But this I must tell you.

Only through SPIRIT can you understand the Bible.

That is essential to know.

Then, the blogs and books came.

Almost on its own, for I loved writing.

But really, SPIRIT dunnit.

He taught me everything.

Now, I could write about GOD's WORD.

And share with all of you.

I couldn't wait to share my many discoveries with you.

So, I think to myself now, was all that independent thinking worth it?

Were all those books necessary?

Was all that stubbornness to know for myself, a must?

At this stage, I must say GOD liked it all.

He allowed me to find out for myself.

To face all the hits, and misses.

He knew I was on a mission.

A personal mission to find truth.

So, He gave it.

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

You see, I wanted to know who the absolute leader was.

I wanted to know what absolute power was.

Everything had to be ABSOLUTE, or I wasn't there.

I wanted to know who I can really follow.

Who I can really trust.

And give my heart to.

Turned out, GOD was It.

With matching proof.

Through Scripture.

In the person of JESUS.

As taught by the HOLY SPIRIT.

What other book would I be needing?

I already have the Bible.

It tells me past, present, and future.

It tells me about GOD, you, and me.

What other reference could there be?

What other book could teach you to be a better leader?

What other book could teach you how to live your life?

What other book could teach you how to love?

What other book could teach you how to be?

Now, I'm peaceful.

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Image: Clipart Library

JESUS on LEADERSHIP

 

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

King James Version

4 Let a man so account of us, 

as of the ministers of Christ, 

and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, 

that a man be found faithful.

What would ideal leadership be like?

Do we have ideal leaders?

Have we had one?

Yes, we've had.

If you're born again, a believer in JESUS, you know He's the One.

The ONLY leader we can truly follow.

Scripture describes His leadership:

Philippians 2:5-6

King James Version

5 Let this mind be in you, 

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, 

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:7

King James Version

7 But made himself of no reputation, 

and took upon him the form of a servant, 

and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:8

King James Version

8 And being found in fashion as a man, 

he humbled himself, 

and became obedient unto death, 

even the death of the cross.

In SUMMARY, this is the LORD's form of leadership:

JESUS, being equal to God, nevertheless, took on the form of a servant

He was made in the likeness of man

He humbled Himself

He was obedient

even to the point of dying on the cross

JESUS taught us the BEST way to lead:

Mark 9:35

King James Version

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, 

and saith unto them, 

If any man desire to be first, 

the same shall be last of all, 

and servant of all.

Mark 10:40

King James Version

40 But to sit on my right hand 

and on my left hand

 is not mine to give; 

but it shall be given to them 

for whom it is prepared.

Mark 10:41-45

King James Version

41 And when the ten heard it, 

they began to be much displeased with James and John.

42 But Jesus called them to him, 

and saith unto them, 

Ye know that they which are accounted 

to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; 

and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

43 But so shall it not be among you: 

but whosoever will be great among you, 

shall be your minister:

44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, 

shall be servant of all.

45 For even the Son of man came 

not to be ministered unto, 

but to minister, 

and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 12:25

King James Version

25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; 

and he that hateth his life in this world 

shall keep it unto life eternal.

John 13:3-5

King James Version

3 Jesus knowing that the Father 

had given all things into his hands, 

and that he was come from God, 

and went to God;

4 He riseth from supper,

and laid aside his garments; 

and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, 

and began to wash the disciples' feet, 

and to wipe them with the towel 

wherewith he was girded.

John 13:6-9

King James Version

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: 

and Peter saith unto him, 

Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

What I do thou knowest not now; 

but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, 

Thou shalt never wash my feet. 

Jesus answered him, 

If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith unto him, 

Lord, not my feet only, 

but also my hands and my head.

In the process:

Philippians 2:9-11

King James Version

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, 

and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus 

every knee should bow, 

of things in heaven, 

and things in earth, 

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess 

that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

to the glory of God the Father.

JESUS, being the Son of God, taught us to be servants to each other.

He served us by dying on the cross, that we may be saved.

What better, than to offer one's life for another?

Again, JESUS taught us that.

John 15:13

King James Version

13 Greater love hath no man than this, 

that a man lay down his life for his friends.

He also taught us to serve Him.

The Servant was to be served.

John 12:26

King James Version

26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; 

and where I am, there shall also my servant be: 

if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

That's the PARADOX of leadership.

We are all servants to each other.

There is no lordship over another.

Something the world fails to recognize.

All GLORY belongs to GOD alone.

Servant leadership is the PERFECT form of leadership.

For JESUS showed us by example.

Related material:

JESUS

Image: Clipart Library

On RESPONSIBLE leaders

 

Exodus 18:13

King James Version

13 And it came to pass on the morrow, 

that Moses sat to judge the people: 

and the people stood by Moses 

from the morning unto the evening.

The world will turn out well.

If we have responsible leaders.

The kind who loves GOD and others, before self.

The kind who knows GOD's laws, will, and ways.

The kind who honors JESUS' sacrifice on the cross.

Give us a leader like that, and there will be hope for homes, organizations, and nations.

May our world be filled with such men as these:

Exodus 18:21

King James Version

21 Moreover thou shalt provide 

out of all the people able men, 

such as fear God, 

men of truth, 

hating covetousness; 

and place such over them, 

to be rulers of thousands, 

and rulers of hundreds, 

rulers of fifties, 

and rulers of tens:

Exodus 18:22

King James Version

22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: 

and it shall be, 

that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, 

but every small matter they shall judge: 

so shall it be easier for thyself, 

and they shall bear the burden with thee.

Exodus 18:23

King James Version

23 If thou shalt do this thing, 

and God command thee so, 

then thou shalt be able to endure, 

and all this people shall also go 

to their place in peace.

In sharp contrast to how the world leads:

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts: 

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

Romans 3:11

King James Version

11 There is none that understandeth, 

there is none that seeketh after God.

Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

TRUE leaders love GOD.

They obey GOD.

They believe in JESUS.

They listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.

They lead everyone back to GOD.

They live by Scripture.

Such leadership revives a home, organization, and nation.

All our efforts must be "God-ward".

Exodus 18:19

King James Version

19 Hearken now unto my voice, 

I will give thee counsel, 

and God shall be with thee: 

Be thou for the people to God-ward, 

that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

Just so you know, we can pray to have men like these.

Tenth article in the BROKENNESS series.

Related posts:

BEWARE these leaders

GOD's LAWS

GOD's WILL

GOD's WAYS

Image: Free Bible Images