The Rollercoaster Ride Of Ministry Series

Series: Action [#30]

THE ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF MINISTRY

Acts 14:1-28

Introduction:

What a week. It looked like the Governor was going to shut down Churches again; but she never used the words Houses of Worship- So as far as I am concerned, we are good to go. The ups and downs that we have had over the last 31 weeks has been tough; but the ups and downs of ministry is nothing new. Before you all start thinking, “Awesome, this sermon isn’t for me because I am not a Minister”- Think again. If you are a Christian, then you are a minister of the Gospel. I want you to see this morning, that you can continue to serve God even with all of the ups and downs of life.

Acts 14:1-7

While on the rollercoaster ride of Ministry…

1. Be bold.

I believe that Christians in the US are dealing with these current challenges because we have been quiet and timid about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To be bold, means that you are not afraid of what will happen to you. Paul and Barnabas were bold.

They were bold in their…

* Preaching.

They preached the Word of God unafraid of the consequences. They preached the truth of the Word, not adding or subtracting anything.

They were bold in their…

* Healing.

They knew that God was using their spiritual gift of healing to lift up Jesus; and to strengthen the Body of Christ.

They were bold in their…

* Reliance on God.

They understood that God was in control and He would move them and leave them wherever He chose.

Acts 14:8-20

While on the rollercoaster ride of Ministry…

2. Be humble.

It is difficult to humble yourself. In fact, the Word says that you are to humble yourself in the sight of the Lord; and He will lift you up. Paul and Barnabas had to be humble in 2 totally different situations.

They were humble when people wanted to…

* Worship them.

The people saw the man healed and they assumed that Paul and Barnabas were 2 of the most important Greek gods- Zeus and Hermes. Zeus was believed to be the king of the gods at Mounty Olympus. Hermes was believed to be the god of luck as well as other traits. The priest of Zeus brought items to be offered as a sacrifice.

When Paul and Barnabas realized what was going on, they tore their clothes, ran out, and shouted at the people to stop. They told them that they were just humans and were not to be worshipped.

They were humble when people wanted to…

* Kill them.

This just proves how fickle people are. They went from wanting to worship them to trying to kill them. Some Jews that wanted them dead, followed them to Lystra and stirred everybody up against Paul and Barnabas. The crowd turned on them and stoned Paul. They dragged him outside of the city and left him for dead.

What was Paul’s reaction? He got up and went back into the city. The next day, Paul and Barnabas started traveling to Derbe. They were humble in both situations.

Acts 14:21-28

While on the rollercoaster ride of Ministry…

3. Be faithful.

Paul and Barnabas continued to minister wherever God sent them. They were faithful to God in all that they did.

They were faithful to…

* Preach the Gospel.

* Make disciples.

* Establish local Churches.

* Appoint Elders in every Church.

* Trust God to take care of the people.

* Be accountable to the Church that sent them out.

Conclusion:

I know that things are like riding a rollercoaster right now; but don’t forget your calling and purpose in Christ. Be bold, humble, and faithful.