Though surrounded by flux and ambiguities, let’s remember that there are some constants. We need to make creative changes in ministry to keep up with the times in which we live but not everything changes.
Methods and structures may need to change to meet the times in which we live but not His eternal purpose.
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Eph. 3:10-12; also see Phil. 2:9-11; Col. 1:18-20)
In thinking through how to change to meet the needs of today’s world, make sure that what you do lines up with His eternal purpose. Keep Jesus central in all you do.
The way we communicate may need to change to meet the times but not His Word. The content never changes. His Word “is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Ps. 119:89). If His Word could become irrelevant for today, then God could not be trusted for He would not be true to what He said.
God is not man that he should lie, nor a son of man that he should change his mind. Does he not speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Num. 23:19)
In thinking through how to communicate effectively in today’s world, make sure that you do not compromise truth. Truth is what will set people free (Jn. 8:32). Never abandon the Truth of God’s Word for what you think people want to hear.
People may try to make God into who they think He should be (Rom. 1:21-25) but they cannot add to or take away from who He is. He does not change. “From everlasting to everlasting, He is God” (Ps. 90:2).
In thinking through how to best serve people in today’s world, make sure that what you do lines up with the true character of God. Determine who are you going to let define the way you do ministry … an immutable God or the changing world in which you live.
Let’s keep perspective in these uncertain days.
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It is so wonderful that we know such a God that never changes! God loves us so much that we can’t even comprehend a love like His! As we serve Him in this horrible world that we have today He is always there when we need Him! We go to Church now and there are many good people in Church but the sad thing is there are too many who go to Church and really don’t understand what is being preached to them. We as Christians can recognize this sometimes and should try to talk to them to help them understand if we can so that God through us can rescue them! We need to try to do this helped by God so they will not go to eternal damnation in their situation! We all fail to do the right thing sometimes. We should pray with them that need help! We all know that we can fail God sometimes as mere mortals! When we pray for anyone we need to be humble and understanding as we pray for others! God Is Great! God Bless You For Doing Your Much Needed Work! Leonard!
Yes, Leonard, we certainly should try to help people understand this wonderful God of ours and the difference He can make in our lives. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Knowing God in the fullness of who He is and honoring and revering Him as such is the answer. As Proverbs 14:27 says, “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” When we put the focus on HIM, not ourselves, and not even the sin people may be caught up in, it keeps us humble as it is about Him and not us. And, people are pointed to the One who true is their hope for change.
In 2 Cor. 4:4 it says that the people’s minds and understanding were blinded so that they couldn’t understand God’s Word. Even now peoples’ minds are veiled and don’t understand the real meaning of God’s Word. It goes on to say that some people still think that obeying the Ten Commandments will save them. In verse 17, the Lord is the Spirit who gives them life and with the Lord we can be saved! As the Spirit of The Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him! Through the Holy Spirit we understand! Leonard!