JesusMinistry

Jesus' New Testament Ministry

(Luke 4:14-19) Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His Custom. He stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has Anointed Me to Preach the Good news to the Poor, He has Sent Me to Proclaim freedom for the prisoners and Recovering of Sight to the Blind, to Release the oppressed, to Proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (NIV)

(John 17: 14-24) Jesus said "I have given them (12 Apostles) thy Word; and the world has Hated them...I Pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but thou shouldest keep them from the Evil One... As Thou has SENT ME into the world, even so have I SENT them into the world. Neither I pray for these alone, but for them also which shall Believe On ME Through Their Word."

After Jesus' resurrection He confirmed what He had told them before He died. (John 20: 19-23) "Peace be unto you: As MY Father has SENT ME, even so SEND I You. Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosever sins ye Remit (Forgive); they're Remitted (Forgiven); and whosoever Sins ye are Retain (Not Forgiven), they are retained."

Those who proclaim the Gospel of Christ as Ministers are in Effect Forgiving or Not forgiving Sins, depending on whether the Hearers Accept or Reject Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Apostles were not given the Power to Forgive Sins, but to proclaim the Terms of Forgiveness to the Hearers through Believing in Jesus as the Lamb of God who died for our sins.

(II Cor. 5: 18-21) God who has Reconciled us (humanity) to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given Us (Apostles) the Ministry of Reconciliation; God was reconciling the World to himself through Christ, Not Counting Men's sins against them; and He has Committed to Us the Message of Reconciliation. Now then we (Apostles) are Ambassadors for Christ as God making His Appeal through us: we pray you on Christ's behalf, be ye Reconciled to God. We then are Workers together with him. (NIV)

Christ, the only entirely Righteous One, at Calvary took our sin upon Himself and Endured the Punishment We deserved namely Death and Separation from God. Thus by his death on the Cross of Calvary, He made it Possible for us to receive his Righteousness and thereby be Reconciled to God. Our Standing and our acceptance before God are solely in Him. Again this is God's doing; all this is Freely available to us because of the initiative of Divine Grace of Christ. (Heb.13: 8) Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever.

The confession of the changelessness of Christ. Yesterday--- Probably the days of Christ's life on earth, when the eyewitnesses observed him. Today--- The Christ whom the eyewitnesses saw was still the same, and what they had said about him was still true. Forever--- And it will always be true.

Five Marks identifying the Unique Ministry of Jesus:

(Ephesians 4:11-13) It was Jesus Christ who gave some to be Apostles, some to be Prophets, some to be Evangelists, and some to be Pastors and Teachers to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be Built up Until we all reach Unity in the Faith and in the Knowledge of the Son of God and become Mature, attending to the Whole measure of the Fullness of Christ.

Apostles---the Apostles means, "One Who is sent" as Messengers with a Message because Jesus had commissioned them as his representatives. (Heb 3:1) Holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest.

He is the Supreme Apostle, the One from whom all other Apostleship flows. Jesus repeated spoke of himself as having been sent into the world by the Father. (Matt 10:40; 15:24; Mark 9:37; Luke 9:48; John 4:34; 5: 24-30; 36-38; 6:38)

Prophets--- are those to whom God made known a message for his people that was appropriate to their particular need or situation. (I Cor.14: 3-4; I Cor 12:10).

Evangelists---helped the Church to grow by sharing the gospel of Christ to All.

Pastors and teachers---Those who have pastoral care for God's people (the image is that of shepherding) will naturally provide "food" from the Scripture (teaching). To prepare God's people for works of service---The Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers were not to do ALL the work for the People, but were to train the People to do the work themselves. So that the body of Christ might build up and maturity of the Perfectly balance of the Character of Christ.

# 1. No Bible Seminary necessary: Jesus' Apprenticeship training for his 12/70 Disciples (Learners, evangelists, elders, bishops) to become Apostles (Ministers, Evangelists, Teachers, Pastors, Servants of God, etc.) of the Gospel.

A. (Matthew 4:18-19) As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, Follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you Fishers of men, and once they left their nets and followed him."

B. (John 7:14-17) Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to Teach. The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man get such learning, without having studied?" Jesus answered, "My Teaching is not My Own. It comes from the Father who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will Find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak my own..."

***** Without having studied--- Under a Rabbi. Jesus had never been the disciple of recognized Jewish leader. Not my Own---The Father, from Whom He came, had been His Rabbi. A person sincerely set on doing God's will Welcome Jesus' Teachings and Believes in him.

C. (Matthew 9:35-38) Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news...When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a Shepherd. Then he said to His Disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful but the Workers are Few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to Send out Workers into his harvest."

(Matthew 10:1-40) Jesus sent out his 12 Disciples as Apostles were caring out their FIRST mission, Jesus continued his ministry in Galilee. The Apostles were Jesus' authorized agents or representatives with the gospel message to the Jews first. (10:40) He who Receives You Receives Me, and he who Receives Me Receives Him that Sent Me.

(Luke 10:1-17) After this the Lord Jesus appointed 70 others and sent them 2x2 ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go... He told them, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the Workers are Few, Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out Workers into his harvest." (10:16) Jesus said to the 70, "He who Listens to you listens to me; he who Rejects you Rejects Me; but he who Rejects me Rejects Him who Sent Me." The 70 returned with Joy and said, "Lord, even the demons Submit to Us in Your name."

D. (Acts 4:1-13) ... When they Saw the Courage of Peter and John and realized that they were Unschooled, Ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Courage---A certain boldness characterized by the Assurance, Authority, and forthrightness of the Apostles, and shared by believers also. Unschooled, Ordinary men--- Peter and John had not been Trained in the rabbinic schools, nor did they hold officials positions in recognized religious sects.

(John 16:8-13) When the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of Truth comes, He will Guide you into ALL Truth...When He comes He will Convict the world of Guilt in regard to sin and Righteousness, and Judgment.

The Spirit's convicting work---People can never see themselves as sinners because men do not believe, or that their Unbelief is a classic example of sin. The Righteousness brought about by Christ's sacrificial death. No one, but the Holy Spirit, can reveal to a person that a righteousness status before God does not depend on Good Works, but Christ's death on the Cross.

(I John 2:27) As for you, the Anointing you receive from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about all things and as that Anointing is real, not counterfeit-just as it has taught you.

Anointing---Since the Bible constantly advocates teaching (Matt.28: 20, I Cor. 12:28; Eph 4:11; Coll 3:16. I Tim. 4:11; II Tim. 2:2,24), John the Apostle is NOT ruling out Human teachers. John was taught under the Spirit's ministry, through the apostles, not Only was adequate but also was the only reliable Truth. The teaching of the ministry does not involved revelation of New Truth or the explanation of all difficult passages of scripture to our satisfaction. Rather, it is the development of the capacity to appreciate and appropriate God's truth already revealed, making the Bible meaningful in thought and daily living.

(Matt. 28:16-20) Jesus said this to His 11 disciples (A.D. 33),

(II Timothy 2: 1-7) Paul wrote this to a younger minister before he was beheaded by the Romans in (A.D. 68). The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witness entrust to Reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others...Historical Document & Facts: The Pilgrim Church 1931 edition by E.H.Boardbent

Chapter V pages 85-101. (70-1700 A.D.) At St. Felix de Caraman, near Toulouse, in 1167, a Conference of teachers of these churches was held at which an elder from Constantinople took a leading part, be brought good news of the progress of the churches in his own district and also in Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, and Dalmatia. In 1201 the visit of another leader, from Albania, was the occasion of widespread revival in the South of France. Some among the brethren devoted themselves entirely to Traveling and Ministering the Word and were called "The Perfect" and in accordance with the Lord's words in (Matthew 19: 21) "If thou wilt be Perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven" and come and Follow Me."

They possessed nothing, had No Homes, and literally acted upon this command. It was recognized that ALL are not Called to such a Path, and that the majority of believers, while acknowledging that they ALL have belong to Christ and should serve Him while remaining in their families and Continuation in their Usual occupation.

Peter Waldo, a successful Merchant and Banker, was aroused to see his need of Salvation by the sudden death of the guest at a feast he had given. A Theologian directed Waldo to the Lord's words in Matthew 19:21 "If thou will be Perfect, Go and Sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven and Come and Follow Me." He Therefore (1173) made over his Land property to his wife, sold the remainder and distributed it among the Poor."

And then in (1180) gave himself to Traveling and Preaching, taking as a guide the Lord's words: Therefore Jesus said to his Apostles, "The harvest truly is great but laborers are Few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest." Companions joined him, and Traveling and Preaching in this Way, came to be known as the "Poor Men of Lyons".

The relations of Peter Waldo and the Waldenses were so intimate that many call him the Founder of a Sect of that Name. It is true that Waldo was highly esteemed among them, but NOT possible that he should have been their Founder. Since they have founded their Faith and Practice on the scriptures and were followers of those who from the earliest time had done the same. For outsiders to give them the name of a man Prominent among them was only to follow the usual habit of their opponent, who did not like to admit their right to call themselves, as they did. "Christians" or "Brethren". Peter Waldo continued his travels and eventually reached Bohemia, where he died (1217)

The Waldenses or Vaudois, though they did not themselves accept the name. They traced their origin in that part back to the apostolic time. From the time of Constantine in 321 A.D. there had been continued to be a Succession of those who preached the Gospel and Founded Churches. The Inquisitor Reinerius, who died in 1259, had left it on record: Concerning the sects of ancient Heretics, Runcarians, Leonists, Manicheans and the Arians have infected Germany. It has been of Longer Continuance, for some say that it has lasted from the time of Pope Sylvester, others, from the time of the Apostles. For there is scarcely any land, in which this Sect does not exist.

To Francis I of France they said, in 1544: "This confession is that we have received from our Ancestors, even from Hand to Hand, according as their Predecessors in all time and in every age have Taught and Delivered. Let your Highness consider, that this Religion in which we live is not merely our religion of the present day, or a religion Discovered for the first time only a few years ago."

As Our Enemies falsely Pretend, but it the religion of our Father and of our Grandfathers, yea, of our Forefathers and of our Predecessors still more remote. It is the religion of the Saints and of the Martyrs of the Confessors and of the Apostles.

When they came in contact with the Reformer 16 the century they said: "Our ancestors have often recounted to us that we have existed from the Time of the Apostles themselves, we have been consistent respecting the Faith."

On the Return of the Vaudois to their valleys, their minister, Henri Arnold, in 1689 said: "That their religion is as primitive as their name venerable is attested even by their adversaries." And then quotes Reinarius the Inquisitor who, in a report admits, "They have existed from the time Immemorial. It would not be difficult to prove that this Poor band of the faithful was in the valleys of Piedmont more than 400 centuries before the appearance of Luther and Calvin the subsequent lights of the Reformation. The Vaudois are in Fact descended from those refugees from Italy, who after Paul the Apostle had there preached the gospel. Abandoned their beautiful country and fled, like (Rev 12) the Woman mentioned in the Book of Revelation, to these mountains. Where they have to this day hand down the Gospel, from Father to Son, in the same Purity and Simplicity as it was preached by Paul the Apostle."

# 2. Apostles Left All Possessions/Homelessness: Disciples to have homes/families.

A. Jesus/Apostles left All/Homeless: Only those who entered the Ministry.

(Luke 9: 57-62) As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

(John 7:53,8:1) Every man went unto his own house. Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives.

(Matthew 27:57-51) Joseph a rich man and disciple asked for the body of Jesus and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and placed in his own tomb. Only those who entered the Ministry: Were asked to Sell All/Trust God for provision.

(Luke 4:1-11) And when they had brought their ships to land, James, John, Peter, Andrew Forsook All, and followed Jesus. He said to Peter, "Fear not, from now on you shall catch men.

(Matt.19: 16-28) Jesus said to the rich man, "If you want to be Perfect, Go, Sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then Come and Follow me." And this man's went away sad, because he had great wealth. Peter said, "We have Left Everything to follow you! What then will there be for us? " Jesus said to them, " I will tell you the Truth. When the Son of man sits on his glorious throne, you have followed me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And Everyone who has Left houses, brothers, sisters, father or mother, children, fields for My Sake will Receive 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life..."

(Acts 4: 32-37) Barnabas, the son of consolation, a Levite, having Land, Sold it, and brought the money, and laid at the Apostles' feet. (Acts 13:1-3) ... As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted the Holy Ghost said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the Work to which I have called them." And when they had fasted and prayed, they place their hand on them.

(II Cor. 6: 4-10) Paul wrote: We put no stumbling blocks in anyone's path, so that our Ministry will not be discredited...in great endurance, in troubles, hardship, distresses, in beatings, imprisonments, riots, in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger...Poor yet making many rich, having Nothing, and Yet possessing everything.

(II Cor. 8: 9) The Lord Jesus Christ though he was Rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his Poverty might become rich. In Christ, Truth Wealth does not consist in worldly possessions, but in being "Rich toward God.

***** (Acts 10: 32) The angel say, "Cornelius, send men to Joppa, and call Simon, who is Peter; he is Lodged in the house of Simon a tanner by the sea side..."

***** (Act 16: 14,15) Lydia, saying "If you judge me to be faithful to the Lord, come into My house and abide with us."

(Acts 18: 1-3) Paul abode with Aquilla and Priscilla they were tent makers.

(Acts 21: 7, 8, 16) Paul and his companions came and stayed with the brethren and abode with them one day. The next day we departed and came of Caesarea, and we entered in the house of Philip, the evangelist and abode with him.

Historical documents facts: The Pilgrim Church. Page # 99-100 70-1700 A.D.

Those whom they called "Apostles" played an important part in their testimony. While the elders remained in their homes and churches, the Apostles Traveled Continually, Visiting churches. A distinction of the followers of Christ, based on the fact that in the Gospel, some Were Called to Sell ALL that they had and Follow Christ, while others of His disciples were equally called to serve Him in the surroundings in which He found them.

The Waldenses Apostles had No Property or Goods or Home or Family; if they had these they left them. Their life was one of self-denial, hardship, and danger. They traveled in utmost Simplicity, without money, without second suit, their needs being supplied by the Believers among whom they ministered the Word.

They went two and two, an Elder and a Younger man, of whom the latter waited on his Companion. Their visits were highly esteemed, and they were treated with every token of Respect and Affection.

They never asked for anything; indeed, many took serious medical studies that they might be able to care for the bodies of those who they met with. The Name "Friends of God" was often given to them. Great care was used in commending men to such service, since it was felt that one devoted man was worth more than a 100 whose call to this ministry was less evident.

The Apostles Chose Poverty, but otherwise it was considered a principle duty of each church to Provide for its poor. Often, when private houses were insufficient and simple meetings rooms were built, there would be houses attached to these where their poor or aged could live and be cared for.

Regular individual reading of the Scriptures, regular daily worship, and frequent Conferences were among the Most Highly-Prized means of maintaining spiritual life.

They Valued education as well as spirituality; many who ministered the Word among them had taken a degree at one of the Universities. Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) bore a double testimony to them when he said that among the Waldenses educated laymen undertook the functions of Preachers.

# 3. Free will offerings only from the Believers: No charge for the Gospel. A. (Matthew 10: 7-8) Jesus said to the 12 Apostles "As you go, preaching this message: The kingdom of God is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have Received, Freely Give...

(I Cor. 9: 18) Paul wrote, what then is my reward? Just this that in preaching the Gospel I may offer it Freely of Charge.

(Matt 6: 25-34) Jesus said, But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given you as well. O you of little faith, so Do Not worry what shall we eat? What shall we wear? The Father knows that you need them.

(Luke 8: 1-3) After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. Some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herold's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to Support Them out of their own means.

(II Cor. 11: 8,9) (Paul) I robbed other churches by receiving Support from them so as to serve you. When I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia Supplied what I Needed.

(I Cor. 9: 9-14) For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not Muzzle an Ox while it is treading out the grain. Is about Oxen that God is Concern? Surely He says this for Us (Apostles), doesn't He? Because when a Plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the Harvest. If We (Apostles) have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? Don't you know those who work in the Temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the Same way the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their Living from the Gospel.

Paul and Barnabas, as God's servants have a Right to have their food and other physical needs, supplied at the church's expense.

(Luke 10: 5-8) Jesus said to the 70 apostles, "When you enter a house, first say, "Peace be to this house... eat what set before you."