Ministry in a Multi-Cultural and Unchurched Society

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Mi n i s t r y i n a Mu l t i -Cu l tura l and Unchur ched Soc i et y

James 2.1-5 (ESV) – My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. [2] For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, [3] and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, "Sit down at my feet,” [4] have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? [5] Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? Col. 3.9-11 (ESV) – Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. [11] Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

III. The Church Is the Agent (the Deputy) Where the Authority and Power of the Kingdom of God Are Heralded and Enforced

The Church of Jesus Christ is the Agent through which his kingdom authority and power are being exercised, and the Army through which his war is waged against his enemies. The Church of Jesus is the Vehicle through which the Spirit of God announces the good news of the Kingdom, and demonstrates its force in the midst of the contested ground of the earth.

A. The Church is the agent of apostolic witness and word.

1. As ambassadors of Christ to proclaim deliverance in Jesus name to the World, 2 Cor. 5.18-21