What is ministry?
Posted by appolus on November 11, 2023
“Today I am going out and I am going to cast a shadow.” Imagine someone made that statement. Obviously we cannot cast our own shadow. The shadow comes from the fact that we are outside standing in the sun. For only by being in the right position at the right time and only by the presence of the sun itselfΒ could a shadow ever be cast. The power is not ours, the only power we have in this regard would be to put ourselves in a position where a shadow would be cast. The power comes from the sun and the very nature of God’s creation.
Can I put it to you that “ministry,” works by exactly the same principle. The problem with us is that we give something a name and it takes on a a whole other character. Ministry is not a thing, it’s a person, and its a person who resides within us by the power of the Holy Spirit and His name is Jesus. You cannot “do,’ ministry and you cannot “join,” a ministry. You can do works and join organizations, but none of that is necessarily Jesus working in us, and I would make an assertion that most of it is not. When we act according to our nature, the nature of Christ in us, then we are “ministering.” It’s merely the overflow of Christ in us to others.
No sun, no shadow, No Son, no ministry. If He is not at the beating heart of what we do, If He is not the one operating through the very gift He gave you for His very own purposes then we are merely indulging in what we think we should do. And what we think we should do is almost entirely wrong. We allow others to tell us what they think we should do. We allow others to identify “gifts,” in us that are no gifts at all but merely our human natures. For example, someone is a good musician “you must join the worship team.” Someone is naturally kind “you must join the care team.” Yet what we have in us by reason of our DNA and the environment we were raised in is not what should lead us and guide us.
The only thing that should lead us and guide us is what flows from our new nature. For the flesh is dying or should be. That cross that we take up is killing the flesh and leaving behind only that which is refined by the fire of God Himself. Out out of this refinement we find our place in the Kingdom of God. Out of this fire we walk in an entirely new direction. What flows from us to others only matters in the eternal things of God when it only comes from Him. In our own strengths and giftings we shall surely grow weary and tired and often discouraged. Yet when the Lord is flowing through us and we are moving in Him the very opposite thing happens. We run and we do not grow weary. We walk and we do not faint. We mount up with wings as eagles and leap tall mountains in Him and the world is shaken by this passion that flows from us.
And whether this passion takes the form of Evangelism or exhortation or healing of giving or speaking wisdom that casts down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, it will not be easily ignored or dismissed by the darkness. The shadow only takes the form of a very pale imitation of what is actually real. It’s the one whom the Sun shines upon that basks in the light and is warmed by it’s rays. The shadow is flat and without form and without power. We have been called to walk in the light as He is in the light and we shall have fellowship one with another. And when we walk with Jesus shall not our hearts burn within us? And shall not others benefit from this heat? That heat, that light, those rays are ministry and everything else is but the shadow.
A Call To The Remnant 
What is ministry? | Boardwalk of words said
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Anonymous said
HalleluJAH Amen Brother Frank
ladysheepdog said
Ok, you kind of lost me on this one. Not sure if I agree with the shadow analogy as The Light shines in and through us. There is no shadows in the heavenly realm. So, I don’t think we cast shadows as Yeshua shines His light through us onto the darkness and He dispels evil, as He IS Thee light.
Shadows are from the enemy realm, even though He uses them for His purposes sometimes.
Even secular musicians and singers can be used and “minister” to us and bring healing. Its a mysterious miracle. And sad when we won’t spend eternity with them.
I open to your thoughts.
appolus said
If you read it a few more times sister, you will realize that I did not state there was shadows in the heavenly realm. The analogy is that we have no power to cast a shadow, we cannot choose to cast a shadow, just as we do not choose ministry, for ministry is but the outflow of God in us which is why earthly talent is just that and can only ever be just that. We can agree to disagree on this……..bro Frank.
ladysheepdog said
Do you travel(go to museums, attend musicals, go to art festivals, shop at craft shows) in artistic worlds? I see Jesus in many of these people’s creations, even if they are not in any type of relationship with Him. Is that something you don’t see?
appolus said
I do travel, no to the rest. I do not see Jesus in the world, in fact Jesus says to people who call themselves after His name “depart from me you WORKERS OF INIQUITY.” Now, if He considers all the things they did in His name as works of iniquity, what do you think He might say to those who revile and reject His name which is very prevalent in the art world? I think John chapter 3 verse 18 says it all. The people of the world are already condemned and what they need is Jesus, not another statue or painting. I do appreciate someone’s ability to paint or to sculpt, but it’s not because I see Jesus in them, for the truth is quite the opposite…….bro Frank.
anita414 said
Agreed. You put in the right way and words. I dont always say it how others can understand it. But I know the Lord knows what I am saying. π
anita414 said
Honestly I SEE NO ONE around me in my area of Christian friends leaders etc, do as I do. Meaning, because I donβt want to do as they do, they think Im the strange one and they make excuses as to why they do as they do and have been told, I cant tell people stuff like I say, which is insane to me. I honestly feel like an alien. In a world I dont belong. I dont judge or condemn them, I used to be as such. But now seeing and knowing THE TRUTH. I have no desires for the things this world has to offer. I believe as the Word says, BE HOLY AS I AM HOLY. I am VERY careful in whom I receive what from.
Well, again, if I were not just typing here, I could say explain more but I hope you understand what Im trying to say.
Most do talk a good talk and even online, but, what about the walk?
Then you meet in person and find out, they are not as they preach to others. And this is NOT a game to me. I take my relationship serious with a fear of God very seriously. Not arrogantly just sincere humbly yet boldly STAND as to what HE has revealed to me. ππΌπ
ladysheepdog said
What would be your suggestion for witnessing to these people. Can not the love of painting, quilting, woodworking, etc. be an open door to sharing Christ with them? Do you understand the discipline, endurance, perseverance, patience, etc. it takes to be good at those things? Those are things that our Lord Jesus tries to teach us. Romans 5:3-5 They need hope for their future. Finding that balance between showing Yahweh’s extreme love and His sovereign justice.
Your son has down syndrome, correct? Do you know how many non-Christians deal with that and need someone to compassionately minister and carry their burdens in that area. Are there not challenges with that condition? Being Christ to them is not just finger pointing but also gentle compassion. Again the balance between love and justice……Sis Susan
appolus said
Forgive me sister but I’m afraid you have went down a rabbit hole. You asked me if I saw Christ in secular music or art, I said no. That has nothing to do with my appreciation of people’s skills. Everywhere I go, when the opportunity arises, I share Jesus. I’m not saying Christians cannot have hobbies or express their human gifting, but that was not the question. What I will say, is what Jesus said much stronger than me. If you love anything more than Jesus then you are not worthy to be His disciple. As for my son and the special needs community, my wife and I have been a part of special Olympics since he was eight, so over 22 years. Countless opportunities to befriend and come alongside other young people and their parents and share the love of Jesus. So my suggestion for witnessing to people is to speak from the overflow of your heart wherever you may be and from your primary passion, Jesus. As one grows deeper in the Lord then the passions of this world grows dim in comparison to His light and therefore we shine all the greater…….bro Frank.
anita414 said
Amen agreed. π
ladysheepdog said
He brings each of us through different lessons at different times. He just has shared with me lately in the last few years that I’ve been too critical and haven’t really shared His love and compassion with others when I could have. I’ve been quick to share the fire and brimstone, but some need to see His love and acceptance first, and then He deals with their sin. And He has been trying to used art in my life to do that. I do not understand how you could not see Christ in someone painting a sunset or a meadow with a fawn even though they are not a Christian person.
Whatever He is teaching you, go with that. His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways, so we have to trust that His teaching is for His purposes, which ever ones they are at the time. More power to ya.
appolus said
I see Jesus in the sunrise, not in the one who merely recreates an image of it on canvas. The balance between sharing his love and judgment is perfectly seen in Acts 2 where men and women ripped their shirts and cried out “what must we do.” It was said they were “stabbed in the heart.” The Greek word is katanusso which means to thoroughly penetrate, to violently agitate. When we speak with the power of the Holy Spirit then the balance is perfect, this is what saints aim for. The power of love and the power of truth, the truth spoken in love is the power of God in us…….bro Frank.
anita414 said
I agree. Iβve tried leaving a comment. For what ever reason IT WONT LET ME. π so, I am having to do it this way. By hitting the reply button to your response.
I agree and understand. He who hath an ear let him hear. We are all in different understandings in our walk. So itβs not quite understood some times. Thats ok. For me personally, I am not interested in the things in this world, I donβt live here to go to only travel and vacation like many years ago. I truly allow and want the Holy Spirit to lead me for whatever He wants me to go and do. Anything that will fulfill my purpose before I leave this earth. Now, as I would be obedient and go, yes I see God in a-lot of things and ways, people, etcβ¦ that He chooses to show me.
Its really much more, I wont share here. But, As for me? Im not judging anyone or want to sound like lifting myself up, I choose not to listen to secular music, nor watch worldly shows, movies etc. I truly guard my temple as to what I let in. And honestly I have no desires to participate in worldly secular things. And a whole lot of so called Christian shows/music IS NOT!
As with most so called leaders/preachers etc. live any kind of life and mislead the sheep, thinking its all ok. IT IS NOT.
We should be growing in the Lord and the old desires should be removing and HIS DESIRES replaced in us. Anyways, It was very well written, I get what you were saying. πππΌππΌ
ladysheepdog said
I’ve pretty much cut hollywood out myself. I can no longer listen and watch their agendas. I listen to very little secular music, but there is much talent and skill in that realm. I like when Christians change the words to be healthier. I like many secular songs, but can not tolerate the lyrics. And I agree, not all that wears the Christian label is Christian. The fashion industry is very talented too, but their agendas don’t fit mine and many Christians (and non-Christians) have brought those agendas into the church.
anita414 said
π