A Church Jesus Wants to Be In, Pt.5

Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (Mat 16:18 NLT)

Number Five: and all the powers of hell WILL NOT CONQUER IT

If we are to be a part of JESUS’ UNSTOPPABLE CHURCH then we must come to grips with this paradox: Ministry is both grueling and great; it is both risky and rewarding. In fact, one of my mentors (I only met him a few times in person, but I love to follow his ministry online) Ed Young Jr (www.edyoungblog.com) says that MINISTRY IS BRUTAFUL. There is a BRUTAL side to ministry, and there is a BEAUTIFUL side to ministry. Ministry is BRUTAFUL. If you are in ministry in any capacity and you are looking to be a part of the UNSTOPPABLE CHURCH OF JESUS, THEN EXPECT THE PATH TO BE BRUTAFUL. You will be beat up, you will be attacked, you will be worn out, you will get tired; but be of good cheer – greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! What an honor to be BRUTIFIED BY JESUS, TO BE BEAT UP FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST! It is only as the church engages the brutal side of ministry that she can become the beautiful bride she is meant to be! Consider it an honor to absorb the brutal blows of ministry, knowing full well that your reward in heaven will be far greater than any pain or suffering here on earth!

What brutal side of ministry are you facing right now? Have you talked with your ministry coach or pastor about this? What beautiful side of ministry can you be thanking Jesus for right now (do that and then share it with someone else who is feeling the brutal side)?