“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” -2 Corinthians 5:18.
Take time to consider the many churches all around us, and the various different ministries they represent; all are said to be Christian, or done “in the name” of Christ. These ministries are founded to meet a variety of needs in their communities which are all materialistic, but seldom is there emphasis placed on the spiritual condition of these people if it's mentioned at all.
Think about it; churches will minister in things like food, clothing, housing, or medicine. When there's mission work done overseas, organizations come with the promise of schools, hospitals, wells, and even computers at times. Witnessing life abroad can be VERY moving to the Christian, when they realize the impoverished state of much of the world.
We Christians are meant to show our love in deeds, and not only with words, yet this was NOT the purpose for God's coming to earth in human form, and scripture is clear about this point. Jesus did not die a horrible death on the cross to bring us into worldly wealth, but to save us from our sins by taking the just wrath of God in our place.
“8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” -Romans 5:8,9.
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” -John 3:36.
The rich and very poor will die together, but eternal life will never end. What will it matter to the soul of that one who lacked food, clothing, and good health here, when he'll be elevated beyond it eternally? In fact, God has shown a favor toward the poor of this world, but tells us the present reward of the rich is all they'll ever receive.
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.” -Luke 6:20.
“...Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” -James 2:5.
“But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.” -Luke 6:24.
What happens is that it's far easier to give others gifts, than to preach against sin (John 7:7). People are very offended about the purpose of the cross; it indicts them for their sin, when they think themselves to be good. This is why churches have “All Welcome” signs, and strive to show acceptance to everyone, when scripture tells us we need to be reconciled to God; this automatically infers we are separated from Him and found unacceptable (Galatians 2:6).
Oh, brethren, I am NOT telling you to ignore the needs of those around you (James 2:16-18), and genuine faith in Jesus will produce such work, but we mustn't overlook the only ministry that matters; Jesus death on the cross for our sins, which Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 2:2;
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
One danger is that the apparent acceptance of Christianity may be built upon receiving material gifts; because again, that's what people gladly take from us without surrendering their lives to Christ. We even see examples of this in the gospel, showing us that tendency was present even with Jesus;
“Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:” -Matthew 11:20. Bold type added to emphasize.
“Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” -John 6:26. Bold type added.
There is only one ministry that really matters and will last, and we must find a way to address needs without giving the cross 2nd place status. Only too often what's advertised are churches and their programs, but these will not save the sinner. If they come to the Lord for what they'll “get,” there's a good chance they will defect for a better offer! Remind them of the love Jesus showed for them that they may live with Him forever, and the very temporary condition of their current circumstances.
“23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? -Luke 9:23-25.
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” -Matthew 6:24, see v.19-24.
Please also check out my short YouTube video on this subject at https://youtube.com/shorts/E2MhIHWxm04?feature=share
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