Purpose in Ministry
Purpose in Ministry2
Vessels of Ministry (Hebrews 9:21)
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 3:7JER 1:5ACT 9:15EPH 1:4HEB 9:21T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being 'vessels of ministry' as described in Hebrews 9:21, highlighting that every vessel in the tabernacle, regardless of its size or perceived importance, was chosen and anointed by God for a specific purpose. He explains that God's sovereignty governs not only the selection of these vessels but also their creation and function, asserting that each individual has a unique role in the body of Christ. Sparks encourages believers to recognize their value and purpose in God's plan, regardless of their perceived limitations, and to cooperate with God's work in their lives. He concludes by stressing the importance of being emptied of self to be filled with God's presence and power.
Xiii. Aimless Efforts
By John Sung0MAT 7:20MAT 28:19LUK 19:10JHN 3:51CO 9:26John Sung reflects on his past three years of aimless efforts in ministry, where he engaged in various programs but failed to lead anyone to salvation. Despite his busy schedule promoting social movements and educational initiatives, he realized that these efforts lacked spiritual depth and did not address the fundamental need for salvation. His journey took him through various cities, where he encountered the emptiness of modernism and the futility of his previous endeavors. Ultimately, it was in Nanchang that he discovered the true purpose of his calling: to win souls for Christ, emphasizing that the need of the hour is to save sinners rather than merely improve livelihoods. Sung's experience serves as a reminder that without a focus on the heart and soul, efforts in ministry can be fruitless.