Three ministries
Hebrews 4:14~16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (15~16)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #93 Jesus is All the World to Me (#93 in previous version)
Possessing the Gospel signifies that we possess a mystery that the world does not know of. There are numerous people in the world who must receive salvation, yet the number of people to share the Gospel with them is few. Also, small and big conflicts arise within the church, and many people who seek comfort by attending church find themselves trifled by even more problems. Evangelism is not difficult. It is delivering the answer to those who are in the midst of conflicts. What is the ministry that God has given to us who possess the Gospel?
1. Priestly ministry
God has deemed those with the Gospel as His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). The disciples of the Early Church helped those caught in disasters and suffering through the Gospel and fulfilled their priestly ministry. In addition, they received the blessing of courageously praying before God and holding onto the Gospel. Peter made his confession of faith in Matthew 16:16, and professed the Gospel to those who did not know it. Confessing only Jesus Christ, only God’s kingdom, and only the filling of the Holy Spirit while helping those separated from God is the priestly ministry.
2. Kingly ministry
The reason the son of God came to this earth was to destroy the devil’s work (1 John 3:8). God has given to His children the authority to bind the forces of Satan. Not by my own strength and power, but only by God’s authority and by the blessing of the throne can we combat the forces of darkness in the field. Wherever I go I must enjoy the authority of Christ as king, and enjoy the kingdom of God as my background. That is the kingly ministry.
3. Prophetic ministry
Paul managed the prophetic ministry of sharing the Gospel to numerous people. Nothing but the Gospel was delivered to these people. Abandoning the problems of finances, conflicts with others, and worries of the future, Paul yearned to only discover the Gospel. The goal of God’s children should not be to merely survive. The goal of God’s children is to enjoy the citizenship of heaven on earth and profess the Gospel to others.
-In order to fulfill the ministry that God has entrusted to you, you must enlarge your vessel and acquire the power of communicating and working together with others. Meditate upon the ministry that has been given to you and pray to stand as a witness of God’s Word. Remnant Theological Seminary Opening Seminar / 2012.3.7