Weekly Ministry Tip #7 Spring 2014
Finding Forgiveness
It is always inspirational to read about the many miracles that Jesus performed during his earthly ministry (and I believe He still does miracles today). The teaching of Jesus is also powerful along with His interactions with people. We’ll read many more of Jesus’ words and actions in up and coming tips.
What sets Jesus apart from anyone who walked on the earth was the fact that He could forgive sins. Only God can forgive sins. That’s the whole point – Jesus was God in the flesh, the Messiah, our Savior who came in obedience to the Father to pay the ultimate price for the forgiveness of sins. In the Old Testament there were thousands of sacrifices according to the Law of Moses. In the New Testament there was only one sacrifice that lasted for all time – the sacrifice of Jesus.
Luke 5:18-25 is a powerful clip from Scripture in our journey through the harmony of the gospels, that shows the power of Jesus to forgive sins:
18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.
Notice in verse 20 the amazing statement that Jesus made. Jesus was saying that his sins were truly forgiven. Verse 24 proved it, argument settled. This is the message to proclaim to others in your ministry situation. Nothing will more radically transform someone’s life than when they give their heart to Jesus and allow Him to change their life.
#My2Words
At the University of Illinois, the Cru ministry came up with a strategy where they would interview some of their students who would describe two important words in their life. The first word would describe what their life was like before placing their trust in Christ. The second word would show transformation that occurred after they started trusting Him. Check out these videos for #My2Words here for some great examples.
What would it look like in your ministry situation if you could put your own videos on YouTube and then ask the people around you to go and view some of them. The door could be wide open to share the gospel message with them.
Prepare The Leadership Team For The Fall
It sounds early to be thinking about the fall term but now is the time to be considering who will be on your leadership team this fall. Every term there are some who graduate, transfer, or move away from your ministry situation. Who will take their place? Be thinking now about who you will train and groom to join your leadership team. Here is a good article on the forming a good leadership team and the different roles needed.
Talk to you next week,