PR. DENIS KALUNGI

KIREKA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

28/07/2021 SERMON

Why do some churches start and fall both spiritually and physically?

What is a ministry of God?

The phrase “ministry of God” is depicted from the phrase ministry of the Word,” the word “ministry,” in the Greek, it means “serving” — and the word means word of God now the phrase ministry of God means very simply, to serve or execute the command of someone else {Acts 6:1-4}

So if we are to understand this, let us go beyond the surface a little, you will notice that in verse four, when the apostles said that they needed to devote themselves to the “ministry of the Word,” the word “ministry, “the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them

This brings me to different services in the ministry which is further explained by Apostle Paul in {Ephesians 4:11-12}, So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. We see in Acts 6 that some people like the widows were neglected.

The above statement brings me to what Apostle Paul explained herein {1 Corinthians 12:12-16}, Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many.” While doing the service we all need each other to form one body.”

We are all called to do ministry and even minister, but in all kinds of different ways so that the gospel can be proclaimed, the kingdom can be built, and God can be glorified — it is the calling of God announced but as we are doing this let us know that the” Ministry” is in us like a baby its God who gives it life for us we only stewards. Meaning if shortcut from the giver or designer you go astray.

No matter where we look, we find that the word “ministry” in Scripture means a type of general service. However, that does not mean that everything else that is done in conjunction with that (such as the ministry of helping the widows as needed to be done in {Acts 6} or whatever we do today). But it does mean that the main goal for every believer, every church, and every organized ministry with the church must be to work together to proclaim the gospel to the world around us with our actions as well as words, so that, through the church, the “manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” {Ephesians 3:10}.

While serving God let us all know God is the only hero in our story, the gospel is the only idea that is profound, and how He calls us, equips us, and chooses to use us in His ministry is one of His many acts of grace upon us and the world.

Following the idea that is echoed in Paul’s description of the Church as a “body” in 1 Corinthians {12-14}. While some of us may be in more obvious, vocal, or even leadership roles, we must remember that we are all simply members of a body with Jesus as the head. That is not to say that we are not important in God’s Church, but we are certainly not as important as we think!

The statement above prompts me to mention this. “God the Creator has uniquely designed each of us to function in ways that bring us purpose and significance God equips us with a unique calling to play a specific role in accomplishing his mission on earth as we make disciples.” I, therefore, encourage you, my brothers and sisters, we were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love {Galatians 5:13}.

Let us work in one accord it’s also echoed herein {Acts 1:13-15}, and when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Leaders can easily succumb to pressures from serving in a leadership role. Success, honor, and wealth each have a dark side. Some leaders become narcissistic or egotistic as the ministry grows, believing they deserve something better than others, or that the rules don’t apply to them. It’s a total downfall, 

Based on Jesus’s teaching herein {Mathew 20:25-26}, But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. “Allow me to answer this question.”

Why do some churches start and fall both spiritually and physically?

So many churches are started out of disobedience, so and so had a disagreement with a fell minister and he or she decided to go and start his or her church because he or she has money, remember we are shepherds if we can’t resolve our issue how are we equipped to help our herds. “We are called to work in one accord, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind {Philippians 2:2}. And finally, he who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.”

To discuss this question exhaustively or fully we must look at it from the top leaders of the church because grace flows from top to bottom like-wise the springs of water if water is spoilt from where it comes from. “We don’t expect it to be clean at the termination.”

Some leaders resist the advice and direction of mentors. They avoid being vulnerable and transparent because they’re focused on influencing others. People become impressed with them, so they give them esteem. This mindset can make leaders feel like they’ve “arrived.” Not knowing that leadership is also a form of service you will give account for.” “If you’re a leader and not a learner, you’re going to have a short shelf-life.”

Our direction and leadership should primarily come from God. In Romans 8:14, Jesus calls us to follow Him and be guided by the Holy Spirit. However, if a leader stops feeling desperate for God’s leading, they may be traveling down the wrong road. 

The very first thing which needs to be said about Christian ministers of all kinds is that they are “under” people as their servants rather than “over” them (as their leaders, let alone their lords). Jesus made this absolutely plain. The chief characteristic of Christian leaders, he insisted, is humility, not authority, and gentleness, not power

Accountability is often breached or minimized. Accountability is a safeguard, but it’s not bullet-proof. Accountability, by itself, doesn’t work—if doing anything concerning God’s ministry let accountability be your heart. Your heart must be focused on honoring God’s Word. Accountability simply adds another level of security in the battle against sin. 

It’s healthy to say to those we trust, “I’m struggling in this area. Can you pray with me and ask the hard questions from time to time.” The enemy loves to work in darkness and deceit. Exposing cracks in the armor helps others keep an eye on them as well. But leaders develop an ego and tend to distance themselves and silence everyone around them who may need to know accountability.

Count every tribulation a joy in our lord as a leader. “Never try to look for shortcuts, every situation you go through is there to train you preparing you to serve others. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance {James 1:2-3}, most leaders tend to look for status before their incubation period. “God uses prisons to train people for future roles of leadership or martyrdom.”

When God starts completes {Philippians 1:6} but as the ministry grows most leaders tend to increase in greed as if they did not make the vision true, they get external advisers rather than the people they have been with and they feel like kicking them out and in most cases, they succeed. I have seen a few of them but the ministries have suffered a total fall. “Great vision without great people is irrelevant.”

A sense of entitlement or power. Feeling a sense of entitlement is often the beginning of justifying wrong choices and can lead to “the King Syndrome or disease.” As popularity increases, we begin to follow our own set of rules. We can easily become jealous and judgmental of those whom we have started with, some leaders start to see their powers as the children in the spirit praise them, majority of us develop “all the fun or excitement.” We feel like they’re not worth it, we start to count their weakness which we did not count before. “No one can be a good bishop if he loves his title and not his task.”

God buries His men [and women] in the midst of paltry or miserable things, no monuments are erected to them; they are ignored, not because they are unworthy, but because they are in the place where they cannot be seen.” Luke 17:10 should be a great encouragement, “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” Sin can be silenced in a thankful heart set on worshiping God. 

God has given us the privilege to serve Him, proclaim His truth, and help others. Don’t allow frustration and negativity to lead you down the wrong path. We are not “entitled” to anything it’s by his grace that we are blessed. “A spiritual leader will first and foremost, have a calling from God. His work will not be his profession, but his calling.”

We fail to strengthen weak areas. We all have cracks in our armor. The demands of life often tempt us to seek gratification in unhealthy ways. The enemy uses “opportune time or the most convenient time.” to draw us away from God. Luke 4:13, the line is so thin that it is often hard to determine when we cross over. Weak areas such as drugs, alcohol, sex, anger, marriage issues, and selfish interests, and so on are “opportune times” for the enemy to strike. We must expose these areas through repentance, and install safeguards and accountability. “To be forewarned is to be forearmed”

It will never happen to me, I talk to God why didn’t he talk to me.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 reminds us that if we think that we are standing firm, we should be careful that we don’t fall. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty or proud spirit is before a fall” {Proverbs 16:18}. Pride says, “I’ve never committed adultery. It will never happen to me.” Humility says, “By the grace of God, I haven’t, but I can.” 

Strength is found in admitting our weaknesses: “For when I am weak I am strong” {2 Corinthians 12:10}. Pride opens the door to compromise and unwise decisions; it ignores opinion. Conviction is not always a hammer to the head, it’s a still small voice to the heart. Many confuse God’s patience with His approval. One writer said, “We are never, never so much in danger of being proud as when we think we are humble.” As honor increases so must humility. ​Sadly, the opposite often happens.

I’m “too busy.” We are all susceptible to putting God second and ministry first. If we’re too busy to cultivate a prayer life that places God first—we’re too busy. Men would live better if they prayed better. We’re often too busy because we’re doing too much. “When faith ceases to pray, it ceases to live”. It’s hard to fall when you’re always on your knees. Moral failing cannot gain a stronghold in a broken praying heart, spends time in the Word and obedience to it {James 1:22}. Nine times out of ten, when a person falls, he or she has no meaningful prayer or devotional life. It’s impossible to spend extended time with God and not be changed and challenged.

Holiness is compromised. The enemy attempts to draw us away from God’s holy standard. I vividly remember a story of a young boy who kept falling out of his bed. He finally asked his mother why he kept falling. She wisely answered, “It’s because you don’t stay far enough in.” In the same way, many of us fall back into sin because we don’t get far enough into God’s framework of safety and protection via holiness. In the words of Isaac Watts, “True Christianity, where it reigns in the heart, will make itself appear in the purity of life.”

Holiness must come from brokenness and humility, not legalism. A low view of holiness always damages morality…we rationalize instead of repent. I’m convinced that today’s media plays a significant role in the decline of holiness. Sadly, Hollywood, not the Holy Spirit, influences many. We cannot fill our minds with darkness all week and expect the light of Christ to shine in our lives. Before a person falls their mental diet is very unhealthy. They simply act on what they've been feeding their mind. “Take every thought captive to obey Christ” is not a recommendation, it's vital to victory. {See 2 Corinthians 10}

Poor structures, I can call them ministry systems for example we have got accountability management system, security system, welfare system, pastoral system, etc if all these systems are neglected there could arise ministry failure. This raised a concern among the disciples to see herein {Acts 6:1} In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. “This raised concern to choose and trust some people in certain offices.”

 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them, “that is how systems come in but today the pastorals leaders think that everything should be on their heads.” {Acts 6:2-4}

Failure to follow up the herds, herein {John 10:11-12} we learn from Jesus. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. It’s important to follow up with the flock.

Leading by intimidation, it’s a common matter “Do not touch My anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” {Psalm 105:15} yes but he never said we should not advise them or never to pass out a message to them if we are sent by God. Suppose King David herein {2 Samuel 12:1-15} had rejected Prophet Nathan would he have known that the Lord was annoyed with him?” so let us respect each other and be loving King David was anointed too.

Flatterers or people who look for a favor, this kind of people there not kingdom builder, for them every word from there head is yes they do not advise yet anyone is perfect they have fear when it comes to objections and they hardly tell facts.  Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, came to the king of Israel (Ahab), and Ahab asked Jehoshaphat whether he would join him in retaking Ramoth Gilead – to which Jehoshaphat agreed. So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?” Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.” 

 So the king of Israel brought together the prophets—about four hundred men—and asked them, “Shall I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?” “Go,” they answered, “for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand.” But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of? {1 Kings 22:1-7} all the 400 prophets lied him to go but Jehoshaphat saw no truth in them.

 The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say such a thing,” Jehoshaphat replied. So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.” {1 Kings 22:8-9} these men were used to King Ahab’s arrogance and they were telling him only what he wanted to hear. Stay warned.

Let us love people who tell us the truth, the messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.” But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me {1 Kings 22:13-14}, Ahab did not listen to prophet Micaiah and he passed on.

 Reckless talks due to arrogance, on the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died {Acts 12:21-23}, let us watch the words we use in front of the congregation because our ministries can die spiritually.

Constant sin, Ahab was also anointed but due to constant sin God got fade-up of him this is what prophet Micaiah says herein {1 king 22:19-21}. He heard the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing around him on his right and his left. And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?’ “One suggested this, and another that. Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will entice him.’

So this what the Lord did, by what means?’ the Lord asked.“‘I will go out and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,’ he said.“‘You will succeed in enticing him,’ said the Lord. ‘Go and do it.’ “So now the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours. The Lord has decreed disaster for you.” {1 king 22:22-23}

Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, ‘These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.’{1 kings 22:17, how many leaders get such messages like this and hate the messengers. And King David lamented herein {psalm 51:11-12}, do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Some Christian leaders bounce between over-confidence and arrogance when it comes to living out their faith. But our confidence shouldn’t come from ourselves or our ministry. Our confidence should come only from Jesus, who he is, and what he did for us. 

Other leaders are tempted to justify their decisions. As a result, their values drift down a slippery slope. Most Christian leaders start out possessing solid and clear ethics. Over time, they rationalize their integrity, and the things that were once black and white slowly take on hues or tones of grey. Unfortunately, it’s even worse when the leader believes they are above the inquiry of peers. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory o your Father who is in heaven. {Matthew 5:16} 

God bless you. Thanks to brother Muzanganda Ivan Lugazi for his contributions