clcgh.org Building The Capacity Of Christian Leaders, Equipping The Saints For The Work Of Ministry, Redirecting Straying Christians To The Sound Knowledge Of Christ
Persecutions are unavoidable in ministry, especially for preachers who commit themselves to doing extraordinary works in truth to glorify God and advance His kingdom. It is not surprising, therefore, that John the Baptist was imprisoned after preaching against Herod the Tetrarch (Luke 3:19-20).
It appears John expected Jesus’ intervention but the Lord did not, making the prophet doubt the reality of Jesus. However, John’s doubt did not lead him away from the Lord; it led him to enquire from the Saviour. This teaches us that even highly anointed ministers sent from God sometimes face moment of doubts in their lives. Doubts about acts of God should draw true believers closer to God not farther away from Him.
Thus, John sent two of his disciples to ask the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Luke 7:19). Jesus Christ’s indirect response to John through his disciples forms the basis of this article.
“And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them” (Luke 7:22).
Wherever Jesus Christ is, evidences abound. Proofs are given to clear doubts and strengthen faith. God’s servants serve by the Spirit of God. Thus, David said, “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his word is on my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2). Yes, ministers of the gospel minister by the Spirit of Jesus who is God.
Thus, true ministers preach, teach, prophecy, pray and counsel by the Spirit of Jesus. In other words, Jesus is involved in the ministries of His servants. Therefore, wherever true servants of Jesus are ministering in the name of the Lord, the Lord is present.
And when Jesus Christ is present at church meetings, two things must happen: people must SEE and HEAR. John’s disciples represent a church. They saw and heard what Jesus did and taught or preached. Whatever they saw and heard must be seen and heard in today’s churches where Christ is present.
What To See
John’s disciples saw in the ministry of Jesus Christ the blind receiving their sight, the lame walking, lepers are being cleansed, and the deaf hearing, the dead being raised up.
If Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, then, the working of miracles, signs and wonders did not end with Him or the earliest apostles. They must happen today too. And of course, they do happen. I am a testimony of the healing power of God as He healed me of a deadly disease between 2016 and 2018.
It must be understood that a church is not like a school. An assembly of Christians with Jesus present is not like an assembly of students with a lecturer present. In the former, power is demonstrated by the presence of Christ through His Spirit, leading to healing of diseases and sicknesses, casting out of evil spirits and prophecies.
If we are not seeing these things happen during church gatherings today, God is not the cause; we are. For God to use us to demonstrate power gifts, we must pay a price of consecration, living a life of love, faith and humility, ensuring divine alignment, committing to regular prayer with fasting, abiding in the truth of God’s Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to have authority over us.
What To Hear
The second thing that must happen at church meetings is what people hear. In the ministry of Jesus, John’s disciples also heard something. They did not hear motivational messages but the Good News that Jesus preached to draw people to have eternal salvation (Luke 7:22).
This implies that in every church where the Spirit of Jesus is present, believers must often hear their pastors teach not about themselves or money. They must hear about the truths of the Good News which is the gospel.
Hearing a teaching about the gospel is hearing a teaching about Jesus Christ as the gospel points to Him. Thus, we must teach and hear about Jesus’ birth, growth, preparation for ministry, ministries, persecutions, arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and promised return.
Moreover, we must hear testimonies about wondrous things God has done for people. It honours God when believers tell families, friends, colleagues, communities and nations about the salvation of the Lord. This clears doubts and strengthen faith.
Finally, we must hear prophecies of edification, warning, exhortation and comfort for individuals, families, groups, communities and nations. Prophecies among other benefits foretell God’s plan for our lives, reveal hidden schemes of our enemies, and confirms revealed will of God for our lives.
Now, as John’s disciples heard and saw things in the ministry of Jesus in the first century, we must also expect to see miracles, signs and wonders and hear the gospel truths preached and taught in churches where Jesus is present by His Spirit for the glory of God the Father.
By James Quansah
