LOST AT SEA - WHERE HAS CHRIST CALLED HIS SHEEP?
Where has Christ called his sheep? The first century church indeed carried out the specific commission that their Master had instructed of them. All authority had been given to him, and the disciples were to carry the message of salvation to all nations and make disciples within those nations, baptizing them and teaching them observance of all he had shown them. [?]
There are indeed places in the far reaches of the world where the name of Christ and perhaps the even existence of God has not been specifically made known. And for those places, I believe the message of true salvation through Christ should continue to be shared.
I have never really understood the term “convert”, much less liked it (such as the act of converting someone). It just doesn’t sound right. I think many Christians miss some very specific points when it comes to sharing there faith. Perhaps I might get into that in another article for now let me try to stay on topic.
Just as God meets us right where we are in salvation, in our sin, depravity, confusion, frustration, and selfishness, he also uses us in the same way to minister to others.
Further on down in the definition list of the word “minister”, (once you get past the more common synonym of “pastor” ) you will see that it describes that to minister to someone is “…..
to give service, care, or aid; attend, as to wants or necessities.: to minister to the needs of the hungry…..” [?]
The “church”, cross denominationaly*, has a good record of ministering to those in need. Over the centuries church buildings have opened their doors to the poor, sick, those seeking refuge from the law, and have been used as soup kitchens, hospitals, schools, as well as their intended purpose as places of worship. I encourage and believe this is necessary to continue.
However we don’t need to always go to the other side of the world to share our faith with the hurting. I am not bashing overseas ministries at all. I believe them to be biblically true in its intention, necessary, and very effective in their own right.
My only slap in the face to some of you may be this. How many times to do you drive by a homeless person everyday and not give them a second mind, let alone a few bucks you were more then likely going to use to buy a triple mocha latte you really don’t need? How many of your coworkers are hurting in their day to day lives and you share nothing with them, not even your time? I’m not saying that your everyday conversation needs to be asking people “… do you know Jesus?… or if you die tonight, are you going to heaven?…”
I’m real, and I do think that those questions have even there time and there place. Most times I think those are questions the individual must ask themselves when the Spirit has them on their knees, convicting them that a life without God is “a chasing after the wind”.
One of the many points I think Christians let blow over their heads is that their is both “direct” ministry and “indirect” ministry. I’ll explain.
Direct ministry is just as we talked about above. The soup kitchens, shelters, clinics, and providing to the otherwise physical needs of the hurting and dying world (and yes this eventually includes the necessity of salvation in Christ… in case you thought I forgot).
Indirect ministry is the very day to day opportunities God places in our lives to minister to the needs of others. This is honestly where we are more effectively able to share our faith, not so much in words, but in our actions and how we live our own lives. Whether it’s the job we hate, or the hobby we love, we are called even more so to make the most of these opportunities. [?]
Do you not agree that if your are passionate about something, say music, that you would be more suited and effective in sharing your faith and using that as a means to “minister” to the needs of others? I assure you that this is not by accident, and this lays such a foundation for indirect ministry, because it is something we would normally be doing anyways.
Our lives are short, blessed, and wayward. We cannot foresee the ups and downs. Do I believe that we can be called to “direct” and “indirect” ministry at varying points in our lives, or even at the same time for that matter? I assure you I do.
Don’t be frustrated about trying to figure our where God desires you to be, because chances are, you are right exactly where he wants you to be. Continue to seek him in truth and give our Father the thanks and glory he deserves by living your life in all that you do. [?]
God has called you right where you are, whether you are “lost at sea” or on a mission trip to Mexico. HIs Spirit will empower you according to His will, in His timing and purpose, to his glory, because of his mercy and love for us. [?][?]
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, be blessed.
#purpose #sheep #christ #church #christian #faith
