Covenant Ministry

 Covenant Theology, as understood in the Westminster Confession of Faith is the understanding that the promise supports a degree of continuity between the Old Covenant (represented by works) and the New Covenant (representing grace). Covenant Ministry is about service and the fact that the power for this service is given by the Holy Spirit. As Paul was telling the Ephesians you who were once dead in your sins are now alive in Christ and the Spirit of the Living God is at work in you and because of this you are to minister to others. You, a believer born again, have the Holy Spirit living in you to teach you and direct you to work for the glory of God. As you have discovered when you try and do work for God in your own strength the work becomes hard and incomplete but when you allow the Holy Spirit to work in you then you are filled with power to work for God.

Ephesians 2:1-3

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [ESV]

What is this work?

Phil 1:6

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. [The Message]

This work is about obedience. We are to be obedient to God by pointing others to Jesus and to do this as you work out your faith daily. Rely on the saving grace of Jesus Christ to prepare you and move you to do that which you would never have thought possible. Remember you are not the only one, for all God’s children are called to be ministers. To help others learn and grow, to help others within the community of believers when in need and to come together as a group and worship our LORD in a manner that is worthy and acceptable to Him.

For Thought:

1.     Remember you are not the only one called to minister to others, you are not alone. God has called thousands upon thousands to work for Him and spread the gospel.

2.     Are you afraid to minister? Do you feel unlearned or unworthy? As the elect, God calls you and the power of the Holy Spirit lives with-in you, call upon that power and do that which God has empowered you to do.

Romans 10:17

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. [HCSB]

            As you end your time with God today pray He helps you to understand the work He has given for you to do. That even if you are afraid to speak out that God will teach you to listen to the Holy Spirit that empowers you. Then for you to become bold and proclaim to all who will hear; JESUS IS LORD! That you will serve Him to the end and Christ will forever be your friend. And finally ask God for the power and courage to tell another of your faith the next time opportunity arises.