6/25/2023: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

THE HOLY MINISTRY

“Ministry” simply means “service.” Throughout history, God has called individuals to serve God’s people by sharing God’s Word. Many today feel they do not need to be part of a church, do not need Christian preaching and teaching. “I can be a believer without any of that.” Well, if that is true, then why does Jesus’ bother to keep calling ministers to share his gospel: pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc.? Clearly, Jesus himself believes ministry is necessary. He knows what we need better than we do.

We call it “holy ministry” because the Holy Spirit does his work through his ministers. As ministers proclaim God’s Word, the Spirit unleashes his power. We also call it “holy ministry” because through gospel ministry our faith is sustained, which is what makes us holy in God’s eyes. Our worship for the next three weeks follows this path:

2nd Sunday after Pentecost: The Holy Ministry Is Filled with Sinners Called by God

3rd Sunday after Pentecost: The Holy Ministry Demonstrates Compassion for God’s People

4th Sunday after Pentecost: The Holy Ministry Preaches Christ Despite Persecution

The Holy Ministry Preaches Christ Despite Persecution

From its birth the New Testament Church has been persecuted. The religious leaders in Jerusalem tried to stamp it out, but they only succeeded in spreading Christianity throughout Judea and Samaria. The Roman Empire persecuted Christians with stakes and lions, yet God’s Church exploded with growth in those early centuries. In Martin Luther’s day, both pope and emperor sought to stop the gospel movement that was spreading from Germany. But God was a mighty fortress for the Church.

Still today the Church is persecuted. Every day thirteen Christians worldwide are killed because of their faith. Another twelve are arrested or imprisoned simply because they profess faith in Christ Jesus. In the U.S. we have freedom of religion enshrined as a constitutional right, but that is no guarantee for a life free of persecution. Until Judgment Day, some will attempt to shout down the truth of Christ. We will be persecuted. That won’t stop us. The holy ministry preaches Christ despite persecution. Christ never promised his Church that ministry would operate unopposed. But he did promise to give courage to his witnesses.

God bless your worship.

Pastor Adam Mueller will preach on Matthew 10:5a,21–33 “Acknowledge God Before Men”

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