
There is nothing new under the sun!
That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”?
It has already been in ancient times before us. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10
In ministry, we deal with all varieties of sin, misery and perversion, but nothing comes that Jesus did not die for. Nothing surprises God. What was, is. Only the faces change. We do not need to find new and varied ways to preach, teach, counsel or pray for them. They are sinners in need of a savior. They are deceived and unable to see the truth of God's Word and His love for them. They can not see beyond their sin, disobedience and lustful desires. They have believed the lie and embraced it as truth.
We cannot convince them of the truth of God's Word. But we can pray that the Holy Spirit would draw them, shatter the darkness that enslaves them. We can pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal His truth to them and convict them to repentance. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:21-23
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44
Sin and disobedience are at the root of all our problems and misery. If you follow an issue back to the beginning, you will find sin, rebellion and disobedience of God's Word. We don't like to think of that, but if we are honest, that is what is at origin of all misery. Sin separates us from God. He never leaves us, we leave Him. Picture God's protection as an umbrella in a rainstorm of misery and woe. When we sin, we step out from under that umbrella. He is still there. His protection is still there. We just need to come back!
If you feel challenged and uncertain of how to handle today's "sticky ministry situations" be bold in the Holy Spirit. Speak the Word with the love of Christ, pray for the Holy Spirit to do His work in their lives and then trust Him to move in their lives. Be a stable example to them of what God can do in their lives if they will only repent and submit to His will.
Yes, there is nothing new under the sun, even in these times when it seems that the world has given itself over to all the sin and perversion Satan has to offer.
Remember this: You have the answer to this world's problems. Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh, is the answer. God's character and Will is unchanging. The Holy Spirit is their guide and their comforter.
Now, what is the question?
~~Arlene Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are listed at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you