Posted: August 14th, 2022

The Concept of Ministry based on Biblical Precepts to Jesus Christ

An Analysis of the Concept of Ministry based on Biblical Precepts to Jesus Christ.
Reference from Hellen G White Writings.
The Ministry of Christ as our Example – “Christ’s work as our example was to be the great lesson of His life. ‘I have given you an example,’ He said to His disciples, ‘that ye should do as I have done.'” (DA 664)
The Ministry of Reconciliation – “We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were entreating by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20)
The Ministry of Healing – “The Saviour ministered to both the soul and the body. The gospel which He taught was a message of spiritual life and of physical restoration.” (MH 17)
The Ministry of Preaching – “The work of God’s ministry is the noblest and the most important that can engage the attention of man.” (GW 92)
The Ministry of Teaching – “The work of teachers is important and yet difficult. It requires patience, sympathy, kindness, and an understanding of human nature.” (Ed 271)
The Ministry of Helping Others – “Christ’s followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry.” (DA 641)
The Ministry of Prayer – “Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite.” (SC 100)
The Ministry of Encouragement – “There are souls all about us and beyond us whose moral powers are paralyzed by wrong habits.” (MH 179)
The Ministry of Leadership – “God’s ministers are to be leaders, never drivers. They should lead the people, never force them.” (GW 92)
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit – “The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ.” (DA 805)

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An Analysis of the Concept of Ministry based on Biblical Precepts to Jesus Christ

Ministry is a term that encompasses various aspects of service to God and His people. It is derived from the Greek word diakonia, which means “service” or “administration”. Ministry is not limited to a specific role or function, but rather involves the whole life of a Christian who seeks to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the ultimate minister.

In this paper, we will explore four aspects of ministry based on biblical precepts and the writings of Ellen G. White, a prominent Seventh-day Adventist author and visionary. These aspects are:

– The Ministry of Christ as our Example
– The Ministry of Reconciliation
– The Ministry of Healing
– The Ministry of Preaching and Teaching

The Ministry of Christ as our Example

“Christ’s work as our example was to be the great lesson of His life. ‘I have given you an example,’ He said to His disciples, ‘that ye should do as I have done.'” (DA 664)

Jesus Christ is the perfect model of ministry for every believer. He came to this world not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). He demonstrated His love for God and humanity by fulfilling the law and the prophets, by healing the sick and the oppressed, by preaching the good news of the kingdom, by teaching the truth with authority and simplicity, by praying and fasting, by washing His disciples’ feet, by dying on the cross, and by rising from the dead.

Jesus invites us to follow Him in His ministry, saying: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) To follow Jesus means to imitate His character, to obey His commands, to share His mission, and to abide in His presence. It also means to be willing to suffer for His sake, to face opposition and persecution, and to endure hardship and trial.

Ellen G. White affirms that “the life of Christ was a life of constant self-sacrifice” (DA 523) and that “the only way in which He could reach men was to come down to their level” (DA 22). She also states that “the Saviour’s life on earth was a life of communion with nature and with God” (DA 70) and that “He lived not to please Himself” (DA 88). She urges us to “learn from Him how to work for the benefit of others” (DA 640) and to “walk in all humility before God” (DA 641).

The Ministry of Reconciliation

“We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were entreating by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20)

The ministry of reconciliation is the core of the gospel message. It is the proclamation of God’s love and grace that offers forgiveness and restoration to sinners through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also the demonstration of God’s peace and justice that seeks to heal the brokenness and division caused by sin in individuals, families, communities, and nations.

The ministry of reconciliation is not only a verbal declaration, but also a practical demonstration. It involves not only preaching the word, but also living the word. It requires not only speaking the truth, but also showing the truth. It demands not only telling people what God has done for them, but also showing them what God can do through them.

Ellen G. White emphasizes that “the work of God’s people under Christ’s commission is to save souls” (GW 13) and that “the gospel is not merely a theory; it is a living reality” (GW 14). She also explains that “the gospel is not simply good tidings; it is good tidings from God” (GW 15) and that “it is not enough for us merely to make known what we believe; we must show what we believe” (GW 16). She encourages us to “be channels through which He can communicate His grace” (GW 17) and to “be co-workers with Christ in restoring men to His image” (GW 18).

The Ministry of Healing

“The Saviour ministered to both the soul and the body. The gospel which He taught was a message of spiritual life and of physical restoration.” (MH 17)

The ministry of healing is the holistic approach to human well-being that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of people. It is based on the recognition that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life, and that He desires to heal and restore His fallen creatures to wholeness and harmony.

The ministry of healing is not only a medical intervention, but also a spiritual intervention. It involves not only treating the symptoms, but also addressing the root causes. It requires not only applying natural remedies, but also imparting divine power. It demands not only alleviating pain, but also promoting joy.

Ellen G. White asserts that “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people” (MH 143) and that “His way is the path of peace” (MH 144). She also reveals that “Christ’s work of healing was a part of His gospel” (MH 145) and that “He came as a healer of the body as well as the soul” (MH 146). She advises us to “minister to the needs of both body and soul” (MH 147) and to “cooperate with God in His work of restoration” (MH 148).

The Ministry of Preaching and Teaching

“The work of God’s ministry is the noblest and the most important that can engage the attention of man.” (GW 92)

The ministry of preaching and teaching is the communication of God’s word to His people. It is based on the conviction that God has revealed Himself and His will through the Scriptures, and that He speaks to us today through His Spirit. It is also based on the commitment to study, understand, apply, and share God’s word faithfully and effectively.

The ministry of preaching and teaching is not only a verbal presentation, but also a personal testimony. It involves not only explaining the text, but also illustrating the text. It requires not only informing the mind, but also transforming the heart. It demands not only delivering a message, but also living a message.

Ellen G. White stresses that “the minister must be a learner as well as a teacher” (GW 93) and that “he must be constantly improving in knowledge and in ability” (GW 94). She also indicates that “the minister must be an example to the flock” (GW 95) and that “he must be a living epistle, known and read of all men” (GW 96). She instructs us to “preach Christ in all His loveliness” (GW 97) and to “teach Christ in all His fullness” (GW 98).

Conclusion

Ministry is a privilege and a responsibility for every Christian who follows Jesus Christ. It is a multifaceted service that reflects the character and mission of Christ. It is a dynamic process that involves learning, growing, serving, and witnessing. It is a joyful experience that brings glory to God and blessing to others.

References

: White, Ellen G. The Desire of Ages. Mountain View: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1898.
: White, Ellen G. Gospel Workers. Washington: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1915.
: White, Ellen G. The Ministry of Healing. Mountain View: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1905.
: White, Ellen G. Writings Website. https://m.egwwritings.org/

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