The Holy Ministry – Persecution looks rough. Knowing that a life of temptation and hardship awaits the Christian doesn’t sound very appealing. What kind of motivation would move someone to sacrifice his or her life?

The Holy Ministry – Persecution looks rough. Knowing that a life of temptation and hardship awaits the Christian doesn’t sound very appealing. What kind of motivation would move someone to sacrifice his or her life?
The Holy Ministry – Compassion is a wake up call. It was the time when the disciples became Apostles. They went from being the students in the seat to the preachers on the streets! What does that look like for us? I think it’s helpful for us to see our audience. There was work to do!
We are all sinners because of the one trespass of Adam. When did that hit him like a ton of bricks? Was it when an angel kicked him and his wife out of Paradise? Maybe it was when his one of his sons killed the other. The curse of sin carries on even today, but so does the promise. Jesus is the promised Savior. We get to be his messengers of hope and forgiveness! The is the first Sunday that we will consider the Holy Ministry.
Christ has not only given us his powerful Word. In his grace, he gives us ministers who proclaim that Word to us in whatever ways we need at the time: words of comfort, words of instruction, or even words of rebuke. Those who are entrusted with the care of Jesus’ flock are expected to shepherd that flock just as Jesus would.
Everyone loves a well seasoned entrée prepared by a professional trained in the culinary arts. This Sunday we’ll see how Jesus prepares his people to be salty. Christians impact our world in powerful ways.
The first must be last. That sounds fine on paper, but I work really hard. Why should I take a back seat to someone less deserving than me?! How can we balance out being confident in the gifts God has given us and still give God all the glory? It’s hard to be humble.