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Launching Out Into Ministry

Christ4Ever

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"So if a Levite comes from any of your gates, from where he dwells among all Israel, and comes with all the desire of his mind to the place which the LORD chooses, "then he may serve in the name of the LORD his God as all his brethren the Levites [do], who stand there before the LORD. Deuteronomy 18:6-7

The Levites weren't given a tribal homeland, but dwelt in cities throughout Israel (Joshua 21:1-42). Also, a select number worked full-time in the temple. How did they earn a living? God promised, "I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel…in return for the work they do" (Numbers 18:21). He also specified that "they shall live on the food offerings presented to the Lord" (Deuteronomy 18:1).

However, the Israelites frequently neglected to tithe. As a result, Levites were forced to stop God's work and return to supporting themselves (Nehemiah 13:10).

Perhaps like the bright-eyed, idealistic Levite in the first verse, you've felt God leading you to serve Him full-time. Know that you must trust Him. He has promised to supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19), but not all the people He has commanded to give are faithful to give (v.15). You may often experience hardship as a result. So enter ministry prepared to trust God during tight financial times.

Prayer: Dear Lord, whenever I step out to serve You, help me to trust that You'll supply my needs. Help me not to become disillusioned or bitter if I go through lean times.
 
Prayer: Dear Lord, whenever I step out to serve You, help me to trust that You'll supply my needs. Help me not to become disillusioned or bitter if I go through lean times.

I think before anyone steps out in faith to go full time they must first have a back up plan like a good fall back qualification. Paul was a tent maker. And tried not to burden small assemblies. And if you are married first provide for your spouse your bride before you can think about the bride of Christ.
 
And if you are married first provide for your spouse your bride before you can think about the bride of Christ.

I wonder how that relates to what the bible teaches, about putting God first??

this verse comes to mind

Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 12:31
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
 
I wonder how that relates to what the bible teaches, about putting God first??

this verse comes to mind

Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.


Luke 12:31
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.


Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Yep - but can anyone stick legalistically to the word. Without going insane. That is why the Apostle Paul denigrated marriage to a degree so that you might give full service to God. You cannot have two masters. One will suffer or both will.
 
I think before anyone steps out in faith to go full time they must first have a back up plan like a good fall back qualification. Paul was a tent maker. And tried not to burden small assemblies. And if you are married first provide for your spouse your bride before you can think about the bride of Christ.

Hello Victor,
With many who go through Seminar, there is taught a secondary profession if you will. Many of the missionaries are nurses, dentists, doctors, laborers, etc. that the ability to assist those who you are coming to with the Word of God, can not only do as you say, and as Paul is an example of, be spiritually a bounty, but a temporal one as well to the people they go to live with.

As far as being married, well, one can always do as Paul did. Stay unmarried so as to dedicate oneself the fullest to the calling one is sent to. In many cases now a days, the missions field have many couples who are not only one in matrimony but also to their calling. Truly a blessing to be able to see this, and I'm sure even more so to live it!

Still, I can agree that thoughtful consideration with much prayer should be given to this calling!

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
Thanks for sharing brother.
YBIC
Nick
<><
 
Yep - but can anyone stick legalistically to the word. Without going insane. That is why the Apostle Paul denigrated marriage to a degree so that you might give full service to God. You cannot have two masters. One will suffer or both will.

Hello Victor,
The problem with this is that Paul did not "denigrate", if that is the proper word to use in how Paul described it, but rather was clear that it was an easier task to have oneself only to be concerned with, without the worldly ties being married would bring into it. Remembering, which I'm sure he was fully aware of. Marriage was seen not as two separate individuals, but one flesh, in the eyes of God.

The Covenant of Marriage should not be described as you have, or put forth as if it was not of God to be so unified, and/or incompatible with ministry/service to God. Creating somehow diminishing returns. This does not have to be or has ever been an either or proposition, even if Paul personally believed it more suitable to his type of service. On TJ there is a Sister in Christ Jesus who hasn't been online for awhile, that would be an awesome witness and give you a good account of how it has worked with her and her husband over the years.

However, I will say that you do like to bring to shake things up with your observations, don't you :-)

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><
 
The Lord wants us to fulfill our vows. Perhaps a wife and children can fit into God's plan, if He desires us to do something, for God wants us to keep our promises and vows.
 
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