Simplify: Back to Basic Christianity

For those who are interested in what The Ministry is and is not, I recommend the article at the end of my post. What he writes is definitely not the usual yada-yada. If you go to the link you can also read the discussion. I also recommend this man's ministry which I have followed for years. The following is a copy of my comment in the discussion of his article:

While in South Africa visiting my son and his wife who were administrators at an urban church there, I met and chatted with a black pastor affiliated with the church. The Holy Spirit communicated with me that I needed to listen carefully to what this man had to say. He never shared the circumstances of his salvation but apparently he did not receive much discipling at that time. He explained that after being saved he began to have a great concern for those in his community who were in need, including the many AIDS victims. At times he was almost overwhelmed by their needs and his desire to help them. In fact, he said, he began to think there was something “wrong” with him because of the strong urges in his heart. He spent many hours sharing Christ and giving whatever help he could.

Finally, someone from the church (mentioned above) visited his area and the pastor shared with this man his concerns for his community, and the anxiety he had that there was something wrong with him. After further instructing him in the Word, this man told him that he most likely had a pastor’s ministry and calling. Now, the pastor said, everything began to make sense and he understood how the Holy Spirit had been working in and through his life.

I have never forgotten my chat with this black pastor. Somehow I felt like I had met with a real New Testament “ministry”. Ministry expressed as the loving and concerned heart of Jesus--no titles, no financial perks or status among fellow ministers. As a member of a poor black community, if he was "known" at all, it was for his love and good works. He was in "full-time" ministry, but not like we usually define it.

My "word" for 2010 is "Simplify". And, in regards to everything Christian I really desire to clear the field, shovel back all the trash that has accumulated over the years and covered the treasure; to dig out and go back to the basics: Christianity 101. God has restored much to the Church of His Son, especially in the last 100 years. But, I remember what happened to Rebecca. Once she got a look at Isaac, she forgot all about the gifts Abraham had sent ahead for her--gold, silver, rich clothing! (Genesis 24:53,61-67) She only had eyes for her Bridegroom! The purpose of God's restoration is not so we could fall in love with the restoration or His gifts, but so we might fall in love with Him and then minister the gifts for others.

Article: The Ministry of One-Anothering by Chip Brogden

http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/the-ministry-of-one-anothering.html