Discouragement, the Demonic, and Victory in Christian Ministry (Acts 13:1-12)

Over many years of teaching and writing, I have noted a pattern with many of my students and one that I have experienced in my own life of ministry: The possibilities for great achievements often bring discouragement and even spiritual opposition. The Christian must press on and press through in order to mature spiritually and to increase his or her ministry effectiveness.

Six Principles for Ministry from Acts 13:1-12:    

1. We need the wisdom of the church to discern God’s call to mission and to receive God’s power for ministry. 

2. We need a God-ward orientation to discern God’s call to mission and to receive God’s power for ministry and need to be led by the Holy Spirit for ministry.

3. We need to proclaim God’s word to find power over error. Through the Holy Spirit.

4. Behind-the-scenes helpers are vital for ministry.

5. The power of error opposes the truth of the gospel. Expect it and plan for conflict and struggle in ministry.

6. A Spirit-filled and biblically-informed Christian challenges error courageously and effectively.

Discouragement, the Demonic, and Victory in Christian Ministry (Acts 13:1-12)
Over many years of teaching and writing, I have noted a pattern with many of my students and one that I have experienced in my own life of ministry: The possibilities for great achievements often bring discouragement and even spiritual opposition. The Christian must press on and press through in order to mature spiritually and to increase his or her ministry effectiveness.
Six Principles for Ministry from Acts 13:1-12:    
1. We need the wisdom of the church to discern God’s call to mission and to receive God’s power for ministry. 
2. We need a God-ward orientation to discern God’s call to mission and to receive God’s power for ministry and need to be led by the Holy Spirit for ministry.
3. We need to proclaim God’s word to find power over error. Through the Holy Spirit.
4. Behind-the-scenes helpers are vital for ministry.
5. The power of error opposes the truth of the gospel. Expect it and plan for conflict and struggle in ministry.
6. A Spirit-filled and biblically-informed Christian challenges error courageously and effectively.

Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis is a podcast dedicated to finding the truth through reason, and evidence about what matters most. Our subjects include how to defend the Christian faith (through apologetics), biblical ethics, and social issues.

Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis

Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis is a podcast dedicated to finding the truth through reason, and evidence about what matters most. Our subjects include how to defend the Christian faith (through apologetics), biblical ethics, and social issues.

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