posted on May 16, 2010 10:30
To Reach the World, Part 4 - The Ministry - 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Are you in the ministry? You reply, “No, I’m not a pastor!” For most people, “minister” is the title for a church leader. Scripture says all Christians have been given a ministry! What does it mean to have a “ministry”? What is our ‘ministry’? Let’s see…
Ministry: Clearing Up A Confusing Word
· In religious circles, a ‘ministry’ describes what a church leader does.
· In some countries, a ‘ministry’ is a government office.
· In Scripture, a ‘ministry’ = a specific service, office
Getting Our Focus on 2 Corinthians 5
· Context: Paul’s trials as an Apostle (ch.4)
· Lessons from Paul’s struggles (5:1-15)
o Looking forward to the life to come! (1-8)
o Preparing for the judgment to come! (9-15)
· The ‘Bottom Line’: We’ve Got a Ministry! (16-21)
o Looking at men in a new way (16)
o Telling the good news of reconciliation (17-19)
o Being ambassadors for Christ (20-21)
“God…gave us the ministry of reconciliation”
2 Cor 5:18
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