What Is In A Title?

It Is Written, Ephesians 4:11, and He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.
You have probably heard the old expression "you can't judge a book by its cover". Have you ever thought about what it really means? I am not trying to insult anyone, but that saying doesn't just apply to books. It applies to many things. Here are just a few to get you started.
Let's start with a simple question. How did you decide to read this message? Was it the title? Was it because you are familiar with this ministry? Can you decide if a message is meaningful that way? Are you being fair to yourself?
A few more examples. 20 or so years ago, a friend of mine was selling new Cadillacs. He was experienced and successful. One day two scruffy looking black men came in, and one of my friends fellow salesman said look, a couple of prospects, and they both laughed and decided to let the new guy take care of them.
To make a long story short, the new guy treated both of the prospects like real customers. A half-hour later each prospect gave a very large cash down payment, and drove away in their own cars. The new guy made several thousand dollars in commissions, and my friend and his buddy got humble pie.
Just because someone acts nice, doesn't mean they are nice. You may see people at church that know all the right words, profess to be Christians, and make a show of giving. Is that who they really are? If you follow them around for a week without them knowing, would they pass the real Christian test?
Let's look at another example. This time let's look at a pastor and his church. I am not talking about the building, or how many people belong to it. Unfortunately though, that is how many people evaluate a church. A church or pastor should be evaluated by what they are actually teaching, and how they are living. If it isn't according to the Bible, you should consider somewhere else.
Remember this. In nature, gems look like rocks or pebbles. Valuable minerals like gold are usually hidden in a rock. Don't be too quick to dismiss, or accept anything at first glance. It is common knowledge that many things are not what they seem. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me. Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You
Amen