New Testament Christian Ministry!

New Testament Christian Ministry

Both in the Old Testament and New Testament anyone who wants to minister to a congregation, or a Church must be specifically called by God. In the Old Testament it was called as “Priesthood” and was specifically allotted to the tribe of Levi and the descendants of Aaron. Old Testament priesthood and New Testament Christian ministry differ in many aspects. New Testament Christian ministers are not the equivalent of Old Testament priests. In New Testament, all believers in Jesus Christ are addressed as saints and partakers of a royal priesthood (Ephesians 1:1; I Peter 2: 4,5,9). In the Old Testament the High Priest acted as a mediator between God and man (Hebrews 5:1). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. Hence, Christian ministers are not mediators, and every Christian believer can communicate directly with God and approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4: 14-16). 

Two types of Christian Ministries

In the New Testament period, there are two important Christian ministries

1) Ministry aimed at unbelievers for the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19,20)

2) Ministry that is done for the spiritual growth and edification of Christian believers (Ephesians 4:11 – 13).

The charge for the first ministry done towards the unbelievers is given to all Christian believers. However, for the second ministry, to serve the Christian believers for the spiritual growth and edification, the individual has to be specifically called by God (Hebrews 5:4).

Call of God for Christian Ministry

There are many types of “calling” mentioned in the Holy Bible, but there is a calling specially for ministry. There are 5 types of ministries within the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13). The calling could be for any one type or more than one types of ministries (II Timothy 1:11). No one can become a Christian minister without the call of God. A man or woman cannot become a pastor, teacher, apostle, prophet or shepherd simply because they are interested, devoted or someone dedicated them, laid their hands on them, prayed for them, forced them or as a family inheritance or because of any other motive. Hannah's dedication of Samuel for ministry even before he was born is sometimes erroneously quoted to encourage people to enter ministry without the call of God, merely because someone dedicated them for ministry. Hannah's dedication of Samuel was sealed by the call of God on his life and was revealed at the right time. The Holy Bible clearly states that Samuel was identified as a prophet by people only when God's acts was revealed through him and authenticated his call (I Samuel 3:19 - 21). 

In Matthew 9:36 - 38, when Jesus Christ saw the crowd of people, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus Christ told his disciples that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Jesus Christ recognised the need for workers in the field. Still, instead of directly commissioning them to work on the field, he told them to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field. It shows us the importance of receiving the call from God to do ministry. It is the call of God that enabled and still enables Christian missionaries, both men and women, to push boundaries and go to unknown and unchartered territories around the world to spread the love of God. It is the call of God upon their life that helps them to withstand the challenges, trials and persecutions.

Ministerial Families and Christian Ministry

The call of God for ministry does not automatically get transferred between husband and wife or from parents to children. There are no rules or regulations or compulsion in the Holy Bible that the partner of a Christian minister has to be called by God for ministry. If the call of God is not evident in their life they should desist from getting involved in ministerial roles. But it is highly beneficial if the life partner of a Christian minister is also called by God for ministry and equipped (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10). When a man or woman is not called by God and not equipped for ministry, he or she may try to use the acts of the flesh and ways of the world to engage in ministry which would result in believers' spiritual life being destroyed instead of being edified. Christian ministry involves watching over the souls of people, being accountable to God and being judged more strictly (Hebrews 13:17, James 3:1), hence it should be done only when someone is sure of their calling.

Children of Christian ministers should not be treated as little Christian Pastors and forced to perform spiritual acts on stages. This puts enormous unwarranted pressure on these children for which they are unequipped and unprepared. At times, it may also lead to these children having a false sense of spiritual supremacy and spiritual pride. There are some instances when families are called together by God for Christian ministry and appointed, but that should not be taken as the norm. 

Identifying true Christian Ministers

The call of God for ministry upon an individual’s life need not be advertised and it can be easily identified through

(i) Burden for souls with Agape love & humility - genuine care, concern and burden for souls expressed through agape love for people without differentiation or discrimination and true humility

(ii) Anointing and Spiritual strength upon that person’s life to take responsibility and accountability for the spiritual life of others 

(iii) Gifted with Grace, talents, abilities needed to fulfill the ministry through the gifts and fruit of the Spirit

The call of God upon a person's life cannot be negated by the actions of any other individual, leader or organization. No rejection, cancellation, isolation or persecution can stop a person who has received the call of God on their life. The call of God can be thwarted only by the disobedience and inaction of the particular individual himself or herself. If an individual submits himself or herself to the call of God, all the purposes of God for that individual's life will be brought into completion by God himself (Philippians 1:5,6). 

Being Equipped for Ministry

Any man or woman who are assured of God’s call in their life for ministry, should wait upon God till the appointed time to receive strength from on high and also equip themselves through thorough studying of scriptures and learning from the life of other senior Christian ministers. No one can teach others what he or she has not learnt first. Being well-versed in Scriptures and being spiritually and emotionally mature as explained in I Timothy 3rd chapter, Hebrews 5:12 – 14, II Corinthians 6:3 - 10 through spiritual experiences and life lessons are some of the basic qualifications for engaging in Christian ministry. Being proficient in Scripture doesn't refer to winning Memory Verse competition or Bible quiz competition. Such competitions are conducted to motivate and encourage young children and new believers to study the Scriptures. Understanding and unravelling the meaning and messages given in the Scriptures through the revelation given by the Holy Spirit and applying it in real life is the mature way of learning Scriptures. Studying theological courses is beneficial for those with the call of God to equip themselves with the word of God. But graduating from a Bible college should not be taken as an authentication for the call of God. 

Merely wearing a consecrated white dress or a special attire is also not a sign of the call for ministry. Men and women wearing a consecrated white dress or a special attire and having an unconsecrated dark heart is a disgrace not only to themselves but to the entire body of Christ. Jesus Christ condemned the seemingly sacred consecrated dresses of the Pharisees because of the wrong motive in their heart (Matthew 23:5-7). On the other hand, wearing extravagant and immodest dresses is also unworthy of the calling of God (I Corinthians 10:23). Immodest and extravagant dressing has a lot to do with the intent and motive of the heart behind wearing a particular dress than the colour or pattern of that dress. 

Pattern for Christian Leadership - Servant Leadership

Jesus Christ set the standard for all Christian ministers, when he denounced the practices of Old Testament Priests and Pharisees in Matthew 23rd Chapter. The pattern of leadership in Christianity is "servant Leadership" which was explained by Jesus Christ in Mark 10:45 "the son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" when a dispute arose between his disciples as to who was the greatest among them. In the epistle to the Philippians addressed to the saints, overseers and deacons, Apostle Paul encouraged them to value others above themselves in humility having the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:1 - 11). 

Being involved in ministry or possessing special spiritual gifts does not place anyone above a fellow brother or sister in Christ. Jesus Christ did not remove himself the common crowd or from the people whom he served to take up a special place to show his superiority, speciality or place of authority. Instead, Jesus knowing that the Father had put all things under His power, took off his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist and began to wash the feet of his disciples. That is the example he wanted us to follow (John 13:1-17). If Jesus Christ, being God incarnate and without sin can humble himself and take the place of a slave, how much more humility mere human beings need (Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 5:4 – 10). 

Duties of Christian Believers towards Christian Ministers

The Holy Bible acknowledges true Christian ministers as those who watch over the souls of the believers under their care and they are accountable to God (Hebrews 13:17). It takes a lot a spiritual effort and struggle to minister to people with various struggles, problems and burden of sin. Hence believers are encouraged to hold true Christian ministers in the highest regard in love because of their work. The Holy Bible also teaches that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel (I Corinthians 9:1-14). Many tribes, societies, cities and nations have been transformed because of the sacrificial work of Christian missionaries and ministers. It is an undeniable historical fact that most of the pioneering transformational works among nations were done by Christian missionaries and ministers. Many of the modern radicals accuse Christian missionaries and ministers of destroying their ancient culture. Christian missionaries have not prevented these radicals from rejecting and abandoning all the modern conveniences and returning back to the culture, customs and systems of their ancestors. But none of these accusers seemed to have done that so far!

Rewards for Christian Ministry

A true Christian minister does not expect or work for special honour, benefits or privileges and avoids any special treatment (Acts 14:1 – 18). God has promised reward for Christian life and ministry in the life after (Revelations 22:12). According to the Holy Bible, all those who enjoy the approval of people, and eagerly desire special acclamations, treatment, and placements for the good deeds they do or the service they provide, have already received their reward in full on earth itself and may have to miss out on their eternal rewards (Matthew 23:5 - 12; 6:1-5, 16). It would be deplorable to be considered the least in heaven after receiving all possible honours while on earth.

Jesus Christ forewarned that there will be many false Christian ministers in the last days. They will be like wolves in sheep’s clothing. Just like the Old Testament days, when the inferior priests appointed by Jeroboam became one of the main reasons for the downfall of the Kingdom of Israel (I Kings 13:33, 34; II Kings 17:21 - 23), any ministry that is done by a man or woman without the call of God and not according to the will of God can end up being a hindrance to the work of the Kingdom of God. Such individuals may be punished instead of being rewarded (Matthew 7:21 – 23; I Corinthians 3:9- 15). 

 

Nail in a Sure Place

 NAIL IN A SURE PLACE

Bible Verse for Devotion: Isaiah 22:23, 24

23 And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house. 24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.

Isaiah 22 can be called as a chapter of lamentations of Prophet Isaiah (verse 4) over the Valley of Vision. In this devotion, the contextual message of the entire chapter is not taken, only the essence of verses 23 & 24 is considered.

Eliakim, son of Hilkiah

The above two verses (23 & 24) of Isaiah 22 is about a man named Eliakim, son of Hilkiah whom God had chosen to replace Shebna, a treasurer. Shebna had accumulated great wealth and as was the custom of ancient rich men, he had even hewed out a sepulcher for himself on a rock. He did great works for himself, but failed to look unto his maker (verse 11) and hence God intended to strip him of his role, wealth and honor and send him into captivity. His place was given to Eliakim. God said that Shebna’s robe, girdle, positions and authority would be given to Eliakim. He will be also given the custody of the key of the house of David and will inherit the blessings.

Nail in a Sure Place

Photo courtesy: photos-public-domain.com

The final promise made by God to Eliakim was that: He would fasten Eliakim as a nail in a sure place. Eliakim would be like a nail driven deep into a secure and firm wall. Consider a nail, if it is not driven deep into the wall and not kept secure, it will break off and fall if a burden is hung on it. If the wall is not strong enough to hold the nail also, the nail will dislodge. But in these verses, God promised to fasten Eliakim as a nail in a sure place. When a nail is driven deep into a firm wall, it can be of much use to those around it. When a burden is hung on the nail, it does not swerve or budge under the weight. Because the firm wall bears the weight of the burden hung on the nail.

Servants of God - Firm Nails:

When a nail is fastened in a wall, it is done so with a purpose. In village houses we can see all sorts of things hung on the nail. From expensive to inexpensive items, from heavy to light objects, pots, baskets and fruits everything was hung in those days from nails driven on wooden planks or walls (at least common in eastern countries). In verse 24, God told Eliakim that people will hang all the glory of his father’s house on him. People would appreciate him, honor him, respect him and glorify him and that would be marvelous. But that is not the only thing to be hung on him.

People of his household will also hang vessels on him from small cups to magnificent articles. In olden days, vessels were an essential part of day-to-day life. Unlike present days, where we can shop for vessels wherever and whenever we want. In olden days it took great effort and time to make these vessels. People would be careful and responsible with their vessels. There were vessels and cups of gold and silver that were of great importance and also clay pots that were of lesser significance. Gold told Eliakim all sort of vessels would be hung on him. Vessels indicate their means of livelihood, duties, cares, responsibilities etc.

Bearing Each Other’s Burden

As servants of God, like Eliakim there are different phases. There are times when we feel encouraged and appreciated. But there are other times, when our friends, family and the people whom we minister share their pain, loss, sickness, sadness with us it is like a burden is hung on the nail of our heart. Many ministers feel bogged down under the weight of the burden and they feel pressurized. If you are a nail fastened on a firm wall you don’t have to bear the weight of the burden. The firm wall will bear the weight for you and help you to remain stable.

We all know about Jesus Christ’s invitation to those who are weary in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. But when people around us go through trials and tribulations and reach out to us for help, as children of God we have to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” as Apostle Paul says in Galatians 6:2. But before that we have to make sure that we are like the nails fastened on a firm wall.

A Firm Wall and a Sure Place:

In the New Testament we can often find phrases such as, built on a strong foundation, being deeply rooted etc. All of these have similar meaning i.e. being strong and steady. What is our secure and firm place where we can stay stable and steady? Jesus himself is our sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16) of our strong city. The Bible tells in Isaiah 26:1, “We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks”. The salvation we have received through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ gives us firmness and security. The hope we received through the promises of God gives us surety as given in Hebrews 6:14 – 20.

Finally, the exhortation given by Apostle Paul to the Ephesian Church to remain steadfast in their faith saying “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” in Colossians 2:6,7 encourages us also to do the same. If we are careful about our relationship with God, we will be like a nail fastened on a firm place. And whenever a burden is hung on us, we don’t have to bear the weight, because the weight will be transferred on to the firm place we are driven into and we can remain stable and steady through it all. 

So, before you venture out to minister especially during these days of great need, spend some time to check whether your nail is fastened onto a firm place. If not, take God’s help to fix you deep in a sure place.

Click this link to visit the English Sunday School Lessons Blog

Click this link to learn how to organize VBS / Retreats

Click this link to get Sunday School Guidelines (Part - 1) - Division of Sunday School Classes 

  Click this link to get Sunday School Guidelines (Part - 2) - Effective & Creative Teaching methods for Sunday School 

Click this link to learn how to help kids memorize Bible Verses

For Sunday School activities and stories in English https://jacobsladderactivity.blogspot.com/