While speaking with a college student earlier this week, I was prompted to discuss the validity of the Bible and the value of Ministry.
Jake is an opinionated 24 year old Texan on a mission to prove the books of the Bible are true. Jake is also struggling with his Faith.
When he asked me about this Ministry, I explained it was the best way I could serve, praise and worship God using skills given to me by the Lord himself.
I compared our Ministry to Mister Rogers Neighborhood.
The late Fred Rogers, creator and host of the much-loved children’s television program had a special understanding of his ministry and his work.
His widow, Joanne, told a journalist: “I always remind people that he was an ordained Presbyterian minister and this was his ministry. His work was his ministry, and he loved his work; my, did he love his work. That’s what makes me sad about losing him. Because I think he would have worked for a long time more if he could have, yet he accepted that with all of his heart and was ready to go to heaven.”
We may feel that our work, our hobbies or even our entire lives are secular, yet view being a pastor, serving on missions abroad or even leading a Bible study, as spiritual. The Bible draws no such distinction, however.
Paul instructed Christians to work “not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24).
When we honor God and help people, then our work and ministry blend together in pleasing service to the Lord.
A great biblical example of ministry can be found in the Parable of the Revealed Light which describes that we are to use our skills and talents to minister to all those around us. “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” (Luke 8:16-18)
Mister Rogers showed us how we can minister and witness in our own neighborhood, and I believe this Ministry is following the same path using the internet as a pulpit.
This ministry is our way of picking up our cross and following in Jesus footsteps. Well short of a lifelong pilgrimage on foot through Israel, the Thrive Through Christ Ministry is a valiant attempt at reaching a worldwide audience in real time according to their schedule. It is how we serve Jesus Christ who said: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26)
I hope you will continue to walk along a purpose driven path with us and even invite your friends, family and co-workers to join us as we strive to please God with all that we are in return for eternal life by His side in heaven.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For your strength, your forgiveness
And for allowing us to worship you.
Lord we pray you will continue to lead our footsteps
And help us be more like You
So that we may fulfill your mission for us in this life
And rejoice with you in the next.
We thank you Lord for looking after us,
After our families, our friends,
And answering the prayers of those in need.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
