A recent conversation causing me to think about what believers (men or women) want in ministry prompts me to think about the message of the gospel in its entirety. What do people want to hear when they listen to a message? Read a Blog? Engage in a discussion? Today's generations want inspirational, encouraging and uplifting information; based on biblical principles but not necessary The Bible. Of course that's my opinion. What's yours?

It is an interesting thought to ask ourselves what we are walking away with when we read a Blog, engage in a discussion or listen to a sermon. A lot of what we walk away with will depend on what we are seeking and how willing we are to embrace Truth (God's Word).

Everyone wants to be encouraged and uplifted and talk about God's love for us and how he will bless us and give us the victory. Most of today's ministry messages are geared toward the prosperity of God and being blessed going in and coming out. There is little to no mention of having to be set free from our sinful nature, having to deal with our issues and maturing spiritually.

An interesting thing happened in Acts 2 when the word of God was preached, some had their hearts pricked, repented and were added to the church. Acts 2:41,44 leads me to believe that some that were present heard the words ministered but did not have their hearts pricked, did not repent and were not added to the church. What is the difference in the hearers? It's a good question for theological discussion because we know that no man comes to the father except the Spirit draw him, right? Three thousand souls were added, that's phenomenal! Think about it, the ministry that God has entrusted to us does it cause souls to be added to the church, does it cause hearts to be pricked or is it a comfortable gospel?

Lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3) draws people to Christ and to us; at the same time we must examine our message as CalledWomen on assignment for God. The Bible presents a gospel that is a twoedged sword (Hebrews 4:12); demonstrating lovingkindness but producing kingdom fruit and having kingdom impact.
This two edged sword makes a division between the spirit and the soul (will, emotions and intellect) and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. Much of today's ministry lacks the substance needed to prick hearts unto repentance and deliverance while showing love and kindness.

Personally, it is the gospel of the bible that I desire; I desire my heart to be pricked unto repentance and deliverance that I may always be able to produce kingdom fruit and kingdom impact. I prefer to be loved by God's chastening (Hebrews 12:6) and to not hear a comfortable gospel that scratches itching ears ministered to me. Each person is different and has different needs and desires. Do I want lovingkindness? Absolutely. But I want God's love that is accompanied with his chastening; it may not be easy but it is necessary! Of course that's my opinion. What's yours?

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Comment by Pastor Turner on October 10, 2008 at 11:13pm
I enjoyed reading this blog. I left with a question. In your opinion, what kind of gospel would you say, is designed to scratch itching ears? How many preahers do you think today are just ear scratchers?

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