Do you remember that first day on your new job? You know what I mean. The great and fuzzy feeling about the new employer and the fact that you actually liked what you were doing! Do you also remember how it was, a month later, when the newness wore off? I guess we have all felt that way before about some job we have had in the past. The ministry, however, should never be seen this way. The honeymoon period of taking a new church does come to an end, but that should not deter you one iota! After all, we are in the King’s business!(1 Timothy 1:12) “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;” (KJV)
The ministry, as we term it, usually refers to serving in a full time capacity. Whether you are a traveling Evangelist or a Missionary and Pastor, the ministry is something special. However you define it, every child of God realizes that it is a gift from God! He could have chosen other people to do what we are doing, but He chose us. What a privilege!
It Is A Divine Appointment
(1 Corinthians 9:16) “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (KJV)
You never see the Apostle Paul referring to his apostleship as some job that he could take or leave. It was a necessity and a mandate! When one has this high and exalted view of ministry, then you tend to be more serious about the job which lay before you.
It Is An Opportunity
(2 Corinthians 4:1) “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;” (KJV)
The ministry is an opportunity to serve like none other. With all of Heaven behind you and every soul you meet a prospect, what other business could one be in with such a vast opportunity to pursue? God has mercifully given each servant of Christ a part to play and a task to accomplish! There is no reason to quit with such an opportunity like the ministry!
It Is A Calling You Cannot Shirk
(Romans 11:29) “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (KJV)
God puts the desire in your heart for the ministry and it lays there in such a way that you cannot dabble in it. You must be all in or not at all! The ministry is not just a second chance or a last resort. It is not some venture that is pursued because there is nothing else to do! God calls a man and puts him into the ministry! Praise the Lord for this!
Conclusion
The ministry is all of the above and much more! Nehemiah summed it up best when he refused to come off of the wall because he was doing “a great work”. Oh, how we need more with this lofted view of the ministry! Laying one block at a time till the job is complete!
Would you consider purchasing…
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Tozer Speaks: 128 Compelling & Authoritative Teachings, 2 Volumes |
By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Publishers
In this two volume set you receive 128 compelling and authoritative teachings by one of America’s most beloved preacher A.W. Tozer. Tozer’s sharp and incisive style may startle some readers, but what is to be gained from his wisdom and exposition of Scripture is immeasurable. Tozer Speaks includes well over one hundred sermons including:
- 50 Selections from his pulpit ministry
- 10 Messages on the Holy Spirit
- 10 Sermons on the Gospel of John
- 12 Essays on Spiritual Perfection
- 12 Sermons on 1 Peter
- 12 Sermons on Well Known and Favorit Biblical Texts
- 12 Sermons on the Life & Ministry of the Christian Church
- 10 Sermons of the Voice of God Calling Man
