Pentecost 8

Meaningful Ministry: Sent with God's own authority

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When a child asks a sibling to do something it's not certain what the outcome will be. The sibling might simply ignore the request. It might not get done.

But if that same child goes to a brother or sister with “Dad said so,” it’s a very different story. Now the father’s authority is behind the child’s request.

As believers carry out gospel ministry, encouraging others to turn to Christ in repentance, people might push back. “What gives you the right?” Maybe we ask that question ourselves. “I’m far from perfect. What gives me the right to talk about things like sin?” 

This week we are given the answer to that question: “Dad said so.” 

When heavenly Father instructs us to serve, he also gives us authority. In calling us to service, God isn’t asking us to share our advice or our opinion or even our values. We are sharing God’s own authoritative Word. 
 

Gospel ministry is conducted by believers but with God’s own authority behind the effort.