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Imperial Library
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Index
Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Prologue
Preface
Introduction
Part 1: The Basis for Christian Ethics—Scripture
Chapter 1: The New Morality of Christ: Ethics Defined
Flesh, Spirit, and Popular Theology
New Birth, New Nature
Restitution
The Pleasure Principle
1. When Self-Love Dominates the Pleasure-Seeker’s Heart
2. When Pleasure is Harmful to Oneself or to Others
3. When Pleasure Seeking Becomes Obsessive
4. When Pleasure Seeking is with the Wrong Crowd
5. When the Pleasure Seeker is Engaged in Pleasure and the Lord’s Presence is Not Enjoyed
The Power of the Cross
The Secret of Victory: Spirit over Flesh
Study Questions
Chapter 2: The Basis of Morality: The Ten Commandments
Background of the Law
Moses and the Children of Israel
The Ten Commandments
Application of the Statutes to Ethical Conduct
Relationship to New Testament Ethics
Significance of the Law in Today’s World
Study Questions
Chapter 3: Transition from Law to Grace: The Sermon on the Mount
Significance of the Sermon
Blessings from above—Deserved and Undeserved (Matt. 5:1–16)
Transition from Mere Morality to Pure Spirituality (Matt. 5:20–22,28; 6:1–8, 16–18)
The Disciples’ Prayer (Matt. 6:7–15)
Cares of Life and Their Cure (Matt. 6:19–34)
Honesty Versus Hypocrisy (Matt. 7:1–20)
A Secure Life on a Solid Premise (Matt. 7:24–29)
Study Questions
Part 2: Ethics and Church Doctrine
Chapter 4: Ethical Concepts from Church History
From John the Baptist to Paul
The Church Fathers
The Medieval Era
Early Reformers
Martin Luther and Later Reformers
The Wesleyan Revival
The Great Awakening
Religio-Sociological Influences in America
Liberal Theology and Ethical Thought
The Rise of the Holiness Movement
Study Questions
Chapter 5: The Work of the Holy Spirit: The Minister’s Response
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
The Holy Spirit in the New Testament
The Promise of the Spirit (Acts 2:17)
“Now about Spiritual Gifts” (1 Cor. 12:1)
“Fitting and Orderly” (1 Cor. 14:40)
“Do Not Put Out the Spirit’s Fire” (1 Thess. 5:19)
“Do Not Treat Prophecies with Contempt” (1 Thess. 5:20)
“Not a God of Disorder” (1 Cor. 14:33)
Study Questions
Chapter 6: Belief in the Second Coming: The Minister’s Role
Establishing the Biblical Basis of the Second Coming
Responding Responsibly to Messianic Predictions
Coping with Kingdom Now and Related Philosophies
Espousing a Divergent Eschatological View
Interpreting Scripture from a Pre-Tribulation Perspective
Recognizing the Imminence of Christ’s Return
Realizing One’s Potential as Prophet/Priest
Study Questions
Chapter 7: Contemporary Moral Issues: The Minister’s Stance
Divorce and Remarriage
Abortion
Euthanasia
Sexual Promiscuity
Pornography
Immorality in Films and Television
Homosexuality
Child Abuse
Crime and Punishment
Racial Problems
Study Questions
Part 3: Ethics in Practical Ministry
Chapter 8: The Minister and the Congregation: Providing Spiritual Leadership
Leader or Facilitator?
The Power of Ethical Example
Love, Respect, or Both?
Problems Peculiar to the Preacher-Counselor
Confidence for the Keeping
“No Respecter of Persons”—The Folly of Favoritism
Relationships with Former Parishioners
Study Questions
Chapter 9: Ministers and Their Peers: Maintaining Professional Relationships
Relationship with Your Predecessor in the Pastorate
Relationship with Your Successor in the Pastorate
Relationship with the Troubled Neighboring Church
Relationship with Guest Ministers
Relationship with Fellow Ministers in the Community
Relationship with Your Denomination
Study Questions
Chapter 10: The Minister and Money: Filthy Lucre in Clean Hands
Handling Family Funds
Providing for the Family
Paying Taxes with Precision
Spending with Common Sense
Social Security Exemption: Conscientious Objection
Building a Savings Account and an Investment Portfolio
Planning for the Future
Study Questions
Chapter 11: The Minister and Sex: Joy or Jeopardy?
The Minister and His Sexuality
A Biblical View of Sexuality
Marriage, An Extended Romance
Counseling in Sexual Matters
Sexual Pitfalls to Avoid
Conduct with Members of the Opposite Sex
Study Questions
Chapter 12: The Minister and Moral Failure: Finding Restoration through Grace
Factors Contributing to Moral Failure
Necessity of the Disciplinary Process
Impact of a Friend’s Failure
Consequences of the Fall of Nationally Known Figures
Concerns with the Disciplinary Process
Proper Attitudes toward the Other Party
Ministry to the Family of the Fallen Minister
Positive Relationship with the Disciplined Minister
Study Questions
Chapter 13: The Minister and Influence: Dealing with Power and Authority
The Scope of Ministerial Influence
Biblical Models of Spiritual Authority
The Minister’s Response to the Lordship of Christ
Ministerial Authority and Ethical Relationships
The Ego Problem
The Temptation to Abuse Power
The Minister’s Reputation at Home and Away
Study Questions
Chapter 14: The Minister and Personhood: Being Authentic
The Minister in the Pulpit
The Minister in the Parsonage
The Minister on Pastoral Business
The Minister at Play: Planned Recreation and Relaxation
Study Questions
Selected Bibliography
Scripture Index
Old Testament
New Testament
Subject Index
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