Helpers of Your Joy

Dear Brethren,

Is the concept of a trained ministry becoming obsolete?  Has God promised to provide shepherds to help feed His flock?  What is the role of the ministry for today's people of God?  It is true that God said to Peter, "Feed My Sheep," but who's duty is it to provide nourishment at this time?  The role of the ministry of Jesus Christ is well defined in Scripture.

"Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jona, love thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

"He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jona, love thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

"He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jona, love thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Love thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."  (John 21:15-17)

Some of the important responsibilities of God's true ministers are to comfort, encourage, edify and entreat the brethren.  "He that [preaches] prophesies, speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."  (1 Corinthians 14:3)

"We [entreat] beseech you, brethren, and [encourage] exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more."  (1 Thessalonians 4:1)

Probably the most important characteristic of a minister's duties today, is to help bring joy into the lives of the saints. "Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand."  (2 Corinthians 1:24)

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Sermon:

"Helpers of Your Joy"