“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” II Corinthians 4: 1-7
The comfort that we all need, comes from God. The work of the ministry is to share the message of God’s Love. The message of Redemption is Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It brings a transforming power that is outside of ourselves. God’s work on full display. How many tongues have attempted to speak of, and pens to write of, the Love of God. What a blessing to the lives of so many. Oh that it would reach every person on the face of this earth!
We can be thankful that this ministry continues. It brings forgiveness and healing to us. With so much pain and hurt in the world around us, we need this ministry that the Apostle Paul wrote of to the church at Corinth. In the next chapter of this letter, Paul reminds us we have the ministry and word of reconciliation. We have this ministry because we have received mercy. Let us pray for one another, that we can share this ministry of love, that we would “faint not”.
The power that the Word of God has is beyond our minds to conceive. It is not in our abilities, but rests in the power of God. Faith calls us to be servants to this message.
We were blessed to share time this past weekend, with the ALC Balm of Gilead. We thank the servants of this ministry. They minister to those that have suffered sexual abuse. It is a difficult subject to discuss. Yet the suffering that many have gone, and are going through, is beyond what most of us can comprehend. We pray for this work of restoration and healing. We may not be able to fully understand the suffering, but we have a God that does. May His power be fully manifested in the word and ministry of reconciliation.
Pastor Stan
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