“God does not bless my ministry …
… God blesses us when we join Him in His ministry.”
What happens when my “ministry” is my own, and not God’s?
• Empowered by my personal pride.
• Guided by my own direction.
• Work outside of my giftedness.
• Limited drive and motivation.
• Subject to “burnout.”
• I tend to take the credit for the work.
What happens when my “ministry” is God’s, and not my own?
• Empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Directed by God’s true purpose.
• Engages our own areas of giftedness.
• We are motivated by inspiration.
• We are strengthened to maintain the work.
• The Lord gets all the credit for the work.
How do we join the LORD in His ministry of grace to the people of this world?
Recall Jesus’ command immediately prior to His Ascension:
Acts 1:8. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
• Jerusalem: Your home: family, friends, and acquaintances.
• Judea: Your culturally-accepted community.
• Samaria: Your culturally-unaccepted community.
• Uttermost: Everyone beyond your community.
We at Crosspoint Church are uniquely placed, as a fellowship, and as individuals to be engaged in God’s ministry to the people of this region, to this State, this Nation, and the world.
• Well trained Christian Army.
• Urban environment.
• Baptist Association.
What is our part in God’s ministry of grace to the people of this world?
Matthew 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
How do we, as individuals, fit into this mission?
We partner with the LORD in His ministry by expressing agape love for others through the exercise of the gifts, talents, interests, and resources that He has given us.
Romans 12:9a. Let love be without dissimulation.
Romans 12:9b. Abhor that which is evil;
Romans 12:9c. cleave to that which is good.
Romans 12:10a. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
Romans 12:10b. in honour preferring one another;
Romans 12:11. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the LORD;
Romans 12:12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Romans 12:13a. Distributing to the necessity of saints;
Romans 12:13b. given to hospitality.
Romans 12:14a. Bless them which persecute you:
Romans 12:14b. bless, and curse not.
Romans 12:15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:16a. Be of the same mind one toward another.
Romans 12:16b. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
Romans 12:16c. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Romans 12:17a. Recompense to no man evil for evil.
Romans 12:17b. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Romans 12:20. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Romans 12:21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.