PROBLEMS AND PROVIDENCE

 

Is God sovereign?  Of course He is or He would not be God. That being the case, do we affirm that when problems come, they are according to His providence?  The Apostle Paul affirms it to be so. Writing to the Philippians, he does not merely resign himself to be confined in chains, but rejoices that he is. 

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-18 NKJV)

Joy is the note that sounds over and over in this small letter. Perceiving providence in his problems led to praise. How are you responding to your adversity and dealing with adversaries?  These are inescapable realities in ministry. Being a preacher does not mean we escape them, but assures that we will face them. You either recently faced trouble, or are in the midst of a conflict, or soon will be in one. 

Paul calls on us to STAND FAST, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast…” (Philippians 1:27a). This is a matter of conviction. I am at an age where I can no longer run fast…but I can stand fast!  The man of God dare not compromise. While we seek peace—it is not “peace at any price.”  The preacher who is surrendered to the Word must never surrender to the world.  In this sinful world, we will always face strong winds and surging waves.  Dig in your heels!  Providence has brought you where you are.

We stand fast when we STRIVE FEARLESSLY, “in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God,” (1:27b-28). This is a matter of courage. Satan whispers, “Flee!”  God speaks and says, “Fight!”  The providence that brought you to the problems will bring you through the problems. You can be fearless, when you recall that you are not in this fight alone. Of course, our Commander is there and He is more than sufficient, but it is also helpful to know we have other warriors alongside us. Paul calls for unity—to strive together. Too often we fight with each other. How many churches become a circular firing squad?  Do not see your fellow pastor as a competitor. See him as a fellow soldier!

To stand fast and strive fearlessly, requires a resolve that by the grace of God, we will SUFFER FAITHFULLY, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me,” (v.29-30). This is a matter of consistency. Whatever our circumstances—and problems will often be present and in seasons be powerful—we must consistently embrace that God’s providence has brought us there. He has supplies us with faith to come to Christ and therefore will give us grace to suffer for Christ. Paul was a great man of faith, yet still a man. The same Spirit that empowered him is with us. Others have suffered faithfully, so may we.  Old Isaac Watts asked us:

1. Am I a soldier of the cross,
   A follow’r of the Lamb?
   And shall I fear to own His cause,
   Or blush to speak His name?
2. Must I be carried to the skies
   On flow’ry beds of ease,
   While others fought to win the prize,
   And sailed through bloody seas?
3. Are there no foes for me to face?
   Must I not stem the flood?
   Is this vile world a friend to grace,
   To help me on to God?
4. Sure I must fight if I would reign;
   Increase my courage, Lord;
   I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
   Supported by Thy Word.
5. Thy saints in all this glorious war
   Shall conquer, though they die;
   They see the triumph from afar,
   By faith’s discerning eye.
6. When that illustrious day shall rise,
   And all Thy armies shine
   In robes of vict’ry through the skies,
   The glory shall be Thine.

COURAGEOUS COMMUNICATION

“Evan-jellyfish,” is a term I have heard used to describe evangelicals without a spine.  To such, Christianity is about being nice—just like Jesus.  After all, “He gets us,” as the multi-million dollar TV campaign nicely presents. Of course Jesus was nice, except when He was flipping over tables, cracking a whip, demanding repentance or you perish in hell, calling people vipers, and prophesying wrath to come!  

Yet, Jesus spoke the truth in love. He neglected neither. Christ was “full of grace and truth,” (John 1:14). Our message is not one of condemnation, but compassion. Yet, the way out of condemnation is not human goodness (however we define it), but heavenly grace. To promote love without truth is liberalism that has no saving power.  If we are already nice, then we can have this very nice Jesus whomever we imagine Him to be, and think all is well for the afterlife—whatever we conceive that to mean.

Paul is contrasting the ministry of the Old Covenant with the message of the New Covenant in chapter three of 2 Corinthians. There was a glory in the law given to Moses, for it came from Holy God. It set forth God’s standard, but gave no means to keep it. Moses’ face reflected the glory for a time, but it faded. In opposing liberalism, we are not promoting legalism. That is a ministry of the letter that kills. 

Rather, we have a ministry of righteousness—that very righteousness which comes by faith in Christ and gives us grace to change from the inside out. The Apostle would later state in this letter, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (‭5‬:‭17‬‬). It is the ministry of the Spirit that gives eternal life.  Our focus is on courageous communication that Paul commends in 2 Corinthians 3:12, “Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—”. 

This conveys THE BASIS OF COURAGEOUS COMMUNICATION, “Therefore, since we have such hope…”.  The unshakeable hope we have rests in the finished work of Christ. It is a not the “hope so” of legalism or liberalism, but the concrete assurance of justification from Christ’s work in the past that saves us from sin’s penalty, sanctification in His ongoing work in the present that saves us from sin’s power, and glorification at His return that saves us from sin’s presence. There is no hope to be found in a message that declares we are good already as liberalism does, or demands that we be good in our own ability as legalism does. Rather, it is about Jesus who is, “the Way, the Truth, and the LIfe.”  The only hope, for none come to the Father but by Him, (John 14:6). 

This means we can have THE BOLDNESS OF COURAGEOUS COMMUNICATION, “we use great boldness of speech—”.  Paul did not say, “I’m OK; you’re Ok” but confronted us with the reality of our sin and the gravity of the sentence upon us. Nether did he tell us to pray to Mary, confess to a priest, keep some ritual, be nice and so forth—hoping that in the scales of justice, the good may outweigh the bad.  False religion—whether of a cult or some perverted Christianity—has the works of bad people put in the scales and so our religiosity and ritual on the other side tip the balance in our favor. The problem with that it is actually the holiness of God in one side of the balance, and whatever we put into the other side will not even move the scale. Only one human ever equaled the perfect righteousness of God—the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we boldly proclaim the Gospel. 

This is the good and glorious work that Christ does in us by His Spirit who regenerates and sanctifies. In HIs abiding presence and our pursuing an abiding relationship with Him that transformation occurs: 

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor. 3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬‬). 

Our courageous communication is of freedom in Christ—free to be all that God wants me to be, realizing it in increasing measure, as I grow and glow from the glory of Christ in and with me. “He gets us,”—yes, if you mean Christ gets us by reaching into the pit of sin and pulling us out of the muck and mire, cleaning us up, and clothing us in His righteousness, fitting us for glory. 

Hallelujah, what a Savior we preach!  May His Gospel be our courageous communication!

THE WORTHY WATCHMAN

 

God called Ezekiel the prophet to be as a watchman on the wall, (cf. Ezek. 3:16-27 and 33:1-11).  He had the spiritual duty as a sentry to be vigilant for the enemy’s approach and with the trumpet of truth to sound the alarm. Paul seems to draw from that same analogy in 1 Corinthians 16:13 when he writes, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”  I want to use this word picture to challenge the preacher to be a worthy watchman. Here is the anatomy of a faithful man of God.

We must have DISCERNING EYES—“Watch.”  The keener the vision, the more readily will the approach of an enemy be detected. The sooner the alarm is sounded, the better. False teachers are subtle in their approach, and vigilance is required of the worthy watchman. We dare not sleep at our post. Jesus rebuked the disciples in Gethsemane for their slumber: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation,” (Matt. 26:41). They would be unprepared for the crisis that was approaching. If Satan can bring down the shepherd, he can scatter the flock. As shepherds, we are not only watching for predators that would devour the flock, but are watchful against temptation that would ensnare us.

We must also have STABLE FEET and “stand fast.”  When the enemy is on the march, the worthy watchman does not run and hide in fear, but stands resolute with conviction. His responsibility is to be at his post, not looking for a way out.  It is always too soon to quit. When trouble comes in the front door of the church, it is tempting to run for the back door.  Some churches have established a pattern of attacking the watchman when they weary of him. They brand him an alarmist. Content to be in spiritual slumber, they do not want to be disturbed. If there is any hope for that congregation, some pastor has to take a stand.

Further, we must have BRAVE HEARTS—“be brave,” the Apostle commands. Here is the promise, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him,” (Is. 59:19b). That standard is placed in the hand of the preacher. We are at the front of the fight. I think of the movie, “Braveheart,” as William Wallace rallies the troops to face the foe: 

“Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!”

We want the people of God to be free from the tyranny of sin, and that starts with our example and exhortation.  Now, raise the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and rally the troops!

Finally, Paul calls for SPIRITUAL MUSCLES with “be strong.”  It is time to hit the gym—now, I don’t mean literally, but spiritually. While it might not hurt some of us to get in better physical condition, that is not Paul’s meaning here. He calls for the building of spiritual muscle. Our “gym” is the study where we meet with God and feed on His Word, and then wrestle against the enemy in the time of prayer. Some may think that being a preacher is a life of leisure.  Such do not know the reality of the task and immensity of the responsibility. 

May the Holy Spirit open our eyes, ground our feet, embolden our preaching, and strengthen our leadership!

THANK GOD AND TAKE COURAGE!

 

We face challenging times in Gospel ministry. But, that has ever been true, and will be until Jesus comes. The devil will see to that. Such a champion of faith as Paul seemed to face persistent problems that would have collapsed a weaker man. Being a soldier of Christ assumes we are in a war zone. 

Thank God and take courage!  Thank God you are on the winning side and take courage that all ends well. Your labor for the Lord  is never in vain. 

Paul had arrived in Rome—the hub of the empire. “All roads lead to Rome,” is the old saying. It was true. If Paul were to proceed with getting the Gospel to the ends of the earth, then he needed to get to Rome, where Great Commission activity could proceed exponentially. 

The way he arrived there was not on a luxury liner, but on a piece of lumber from a sinking ship!  He came—not to freedom to preach—but, under house arrest. He had faced many trials in crises, and now awaited a trial in court. 

But, he could thank God and take courage, for the Lord was already at work in Rome. Brothers arrived to console him. That time of fellowship would encourage the Apostle. We need others, for we will face discouraging days. Brothers in ministry who have experienced our plight can pray with us and stand by us. It is why I take time to send out these devotionals. It is in hope that it will help some servant of the Lord to keep going when tempted to throw in the towel.

So, first, “Thank God.”  He has a purpose for our problems. We may not know everything about it, but He has promised to work all things together for our good and His glory, (cf. Rom. 8:28). When we look around us, it can lead us to grumble at our circumstances. But, when we look above us, it can bring us to gladness for God’s goodness. May we cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

I recall flying out of Charlotte airport once and as I looked out the window, ominous clouds shrouded the sky with darkness. As we rose through that, we found ourselves in sunshine and those same clouds now appeared as a blanket of cotton balls below us. It is a matter of perspective. 

Then, “Take courage.”  Reach out a hand of faith and seize courage and take it to heart. It is courage of conviction to stand and courage of commitment to serve. To be DIScouraged is to have courage dissipate from you. To be ENcouraged is to have courage enter you. 

So, look up and thank God. Lean on Him and take courage!

SEMPER FIDELIS

 

“Semper Fidelis,” is the Marine Corps motto. It is Latin for, “always faithful.”  It is an apt description for a soldier of the cross, also, and is illustrated by the Gospel general, Paul, as we see him in his ministry. Like the Apostle here, we find ourselves in a carnal Corinthian culture.  The words of our Lord to Paul speak to our ministry today. 

It is a call to COURAGE, “Do not be afraid.”  Fear will bid us flee if we listen to its threats. Yet, we are called to go forward in faith. Don’t look around at the danger, but look up to the Savior—“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb.‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬‬). 

It is a call to COMMUNICATE, “speak, and do not keep silent… for I have many people in this city.”  There is power in the Word of God. It is the Sword of the Spirit and will always accomplish its purpose, (cf. Rom. 1:16-17; Isa. 55:11). We call out those God has already chosen. We do the speaking, God does the saving. Even in a pagan place like Corinth, God had His elect.

It is a call to COMMUNION, “for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you.”  God + 1 = a majority!  With Christ by our side, what do we have to fear?  Let us cultivate our communion with Him instead of concentrating on the challenges before us.  That communion will inspire confidence.

It is a call to COMMITMENT, “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”  Stick with it—always faithful. Stay in the Word and share it consistently. It will get the job done.

Semper Fidelis!

WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOR

Many years ago I had a deacon pray for me, “Lord, may he preach without fear or favor.”  That expression made an impression on me and I have never forgotten it. 

That was the spirit of Peter and John as they faced opposition to their preaching. The very ones who had called for Christ’s crucifixion were then trying to silence His men who were preaching salvation in that cross—and the Risen Lord they hated. 

The Apostles boldly told them that they could not help it. They had a commission that brought the compulsion of their communication. You might as well try to stop a volcano from erupting as suppress that wondrous proclamation. Threaten the sun not to shine and it will go on shining.  

This does not give the preacher a license to berate, belittle, and badger the people. He speaks the truth in love. He is motivated by love, but does not shun to speak the truth. In fact, love does not excuse sin, but exposes it, for love knows that sin causes the greatest harm and truth points to the greatest good. 

Pleasing God is our ultimate goal—being faithful to Him and promoting His glory. That means that there will be some people who are displeased. Neverthless, may all God’s men preach without fear or favor!

LED THAT WE MIGHT LEAD

 

Joseph provides an example of how those in church leadership should be led by the Lord. We can only be effective if we are directed by Him. Unlike Joseph, we may not expect an angel to guide us, but we have God’s Word to speak to us and the Spirit of God to specifically apply the principles revealed in our current context. The issue in much of our leadership is not so much a failure of knowing what to do, but knowing it and failing to do it!  Certainly, we must ask God for clear direction, but my problem has often been knowing more than I have been doing!  

The three responses of Joseph, as underscored by Olford here are vital in being led that we might lead. Preacher, stand fast, shun fear, and show faith!  In these days of doctrinal and moral compromise, may God give us a backbone of steel—clarity and courage of conviction!

NO FEAR

Stephen Olford comments on this text:

What an encouraging verse this is! Solomon says, “The fear of man brings a snare” (Prov. 29:25). How true this is! Bondage to men because of fear is one of the greatest snares in a Christian's life. But this need not be if the heart is in the experience of this verse: “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:6). 

O, that I may enter into the practical experience of this verse; that I may be delivered from the fear of man. It would almost seem that Timothy suffered from the same things, for Paul writes to him, “Stir up the gift of God… . For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (2 Tim. 1:6-8). (According to Your Word, pp.216-217)

As I think of those who preach the Gospel, there will frequently be the roar of the devil, as a lion, seeking to terrify us. “If you say that, then so-and-so will be angry. Deal with that topic and this family will leave the church or that businessman will withhold his giving.”  There will be those who seek to intimidate the pastor, bully him and threaten him.

We cannot cave and compromise.  Our Helper is with us.  Fear God and we need fear nothing or no one else! 

FACING LIONS WITHOUT FEAR

Satan is pictured as a roaring lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). We may be sure that his offspring—lions and lionesses, often in the church—will lurk, ready to pounce. Paul spoke of such here, and God’s servants will face them. You may hear their roar, smell the stench of their breath, and even feel the pain of their fangs clamping down on you and claws leaving you bleeding. Preacher, you will face lions—maybe dressed as deacons, or a slanderous woman—not only in the world, but in the church. Hope this encourages you to do as Paul, “so that the message might be preached fully through [you]”!  Do not back down and do not tailor the truth to fit the whims of the critics.  Paul tells us that we can face these lions without fear.  

We can STAND for the Lord stands with us. Get your eyes off the lion and look to the Lord.  Ravenous beasts are no match for Jesus Christ!  He is the Creator and Conqueror and since He is with us, we don’t have to flee in fear. He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Nehemiah was threatened and answered, “Should such a man as I flee?”  Stand your ground.

We are STRONG for our strength is from the Omnipotent. The power of the Spirit indwells us.  While in myself, I am weak—in His strength I am more than sufficient to overcome my adversaries.  They whimper and slink into the shadows when the Lion of Judah, King of the jungle of this world roars!

We are SECURE since none can truly harm us.  What is the worst an enemy might do—kill us?  But, our times are in God’s hands. He numbers our days and when He is through with us, by whatever means He sovereignty selects, He will take us home. Paul was spared from the lion before, but soon would lose his head!  Yet, He was secure in knowing that would only deliver him to glory and the greatest gain of all!  As Luther sang, “the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!”

You can face the lion without fear!

WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL

 

Paul challenges us to a manner of life that is worthy of the Gospel. By this, he does not mean that we are deserving of the grace we have received, nor could ever be. Rather, it is about bringing our lives into alignment with the Gospel we proclaim—one with conduct consistent with our claim. How can we do this?

It demands FIRMNESS, “standing firm…striving…for the faith of the gospel.”  The way is steep, the occasion for retreat—under withering fire from the enemy—is ever present, and many a soldier of the cross has slipped and fallen. The way to stand firm is to stand beside other warriors, “in one spirit, with one mind…side by side.”  I want to remind you that you are not in this battle alone. It is not a sign of weakness to call on your fellow soldiers, but an indication of wisdom to do so.

It demands FEARLESSNESS, “not frightened in anything by your opponents.”  Those who stand for truth and speak the Gospel will face opposition. The devil will see to that. They may come in the form of a hostile secular culture, in the guise of a fellow church member, or even one of our own family. Do not be blind-sided. Expect there will be an enemy. Not all will be your friends to help you stand firmly, but there will be the foes intent to make you run fearfully.

It demands FAITHFULNESS, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have,” (.29-30). ‬‬The Apostle had been a faithful example and now challenges us to walk the same pathway—the bloody Calvary Road. He writes as a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel. His sufferings were intense and inescapable. If we should be faithful, then we will find them inevitable.  Be faithful to the end!  

This is a life worthy of the Gospel!

BIBLICAL BOLDNESS

“A minister, without boldness, is like a smooth file, a knife without an edge, a sentinel that is afraid to let off his gun. If men will be bold in sin, ministers must be bold to reprove.” (William Gurnall)

That kind of boldness was manifest in the prophet Nathan. Imagine walking into the throneroom of a powerful monarch, pointing your finger in his face, and declaring David’s guilt before God!  Nathan knew he had a greater King that he served. He had an assignment from heaven and he would discharge that duty with courage and conviction. It took such rebuke to bring David to repentance. 

Will there be some in the congregation today who will need such bold confrontation?  Are they power brokers in the church who might well run you off?

CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS COMMUNICATION

There is a wondrous work being accomplished when the Word of God is declared and digested. The Spirit of God has brought the one in the pulpit and in the pew into communion with Christ through the inspired Word. This is the glory of preaching—a courageous communication that leading to ingestion and application is of eternal significance. 

We are being changed, bit by bit, into the glorious image of the Lord. Truth unveiled brings us face to face with  Jesus. A sermon is meant to be more than informational, although principles are stated; it is more than inspirational, although passion is generated; it is meant to be transformational, with Christ being encountered.

The faithful preacher who immerses himself in the truth, living and breathing Christ,—Whom he grows to adore—can stand with a Bible in his hand  and confidently, courageously communicate Christ in His glory. This brings the congregation face to face with the One who is our blessed hope!  

Ultimately, the hope will be fulfilled when we see Him—not just spiritually—but literally and this is what John describes, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John‬ ‭3:2-3‬‬).

This is our hope and the glory of preaching! 

FOR THE YOUNG MAN IN MINISTRY (OLD-TIMERS MIGHT PROFIT TOO)

 

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.  (Acts 18:24)

If an arrow is aimed in the right direction, it is more likely to hit its target.  A good beginning as a young man in ministry does not insure a great ending, but it surely helps.  Apollos was one who was aimed the right way, and what a difference it made in him and those he served.  There are a few brief helps drawn from his story in Acts 18 which can guide the young preacher.

Develop your communication skills.  Apollos was “an eloquent man.”  While it might be a few exceptional preachers that are worthy of the description, “eloquent,” we must aim at least at being effective!  Pronouncing words clearly, the cadence of the voice, eye contact, and such may not come naturally to us, but we can work at it and improve.  The best sermon poorly delivered will be a waste of your time in preparation and the congregation’s in attendance.

Immerse yourself in Scripture and expound it.  Apollos was “mighty in the Scripture…instructed in the way of the Lord… he spoke and taught accurately….”  Believe it and apply it every day.  Feed your soul or you will not be able to feed your sheep.  This is more than preparing a sermon; it is preparing the servant—being strong in Scripture in our own personal life, so we can speak with authority in the pulpit.  The mandate is to, “Preach the Word!”  (2 Tim.4:2)   We are not to impose our opinions on the text.  That is pastoral malpractice!  Impressive communication can never substitute for inspired content.

Preach passionately.  Apollos was, “fervent in spirit.”  Why should our audience be excited about the sermon if we are not?  This isn’t just about volume, but we are not giving a classroom lecture on Bible history or theology.  We are enthusiastically proclaiming the truth that will transport one from darkness into light, and transform sinners into saints!  That is something to get stirred up about!

Preach courageously.  Apollos spoke, “boldly,” because he spoke Biblically. The temptation these days is to skirt the tough issues and make the message palatable to the culture.  Open the Book and open your mouth, speaking with clarity and conviction.

Listen and learn all your life.  A godly old couple, Aquila and Priscilla “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”  Apollos knew a lot, but he did not know it all.  He was not an arrogant man, but a teachable preacher.  He knew how to talk, but he also knew how to listen.  You cannot teach someone who knows it all!  One thing a young preacher assuredly does not have is experience.  There are lessons learned in the laboratory of life that older, wiser lay people and elderly pastors can teach us.  Our peers are important, but our elders are indispensable.  The white-headed men in suits need to help the spikey-haired men in jeans!  The church needs both.

Exhort the saints and exalt the Savior.  Apollos “greatly helped those who had believed.”  Exhortation is giving people a pat on the back or a kick in the rear, depending on which is needed to move them along, with the discernment to know which is applicable.  Above all keep the focus on Jesus, “showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.”  Apollos set that standard for us to emulate.  The ministry is about Jesus and not about us!