Chris' Ordination.

Gods preparation.

Chris, you have felt the power of Gods word in your own life. You know its saving and transforming power in your own heart. The Bible says Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites . It wasn’t just his preaching that saved Nineveh. It was his testimony, his conviction the Lord used.

2 Timothy 3:15 ESV

and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Our only authority is the Bible. You can be confident In Gods word, and in God to be with you in full support when you preach His word.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

It is through the preaching of Gods word that God calls his sheep, Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice and a strangers voice they will not follow.”

There are times we are tempted to think that the Bible isn’t enough but it is. Not only do we believe in the inspiration of scripture, But we also believe in its sufficiency. Everything we need is in there. It is what the Holy Spirit uses as the sword of the Spirit the word of God.

2 Timothy 3:17 ESV

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Paul reminded Timothy of the seriousness of His charge. He is sending you to preach to a people who will one day stand before the Judge and be Judged. Those who have died and those who are still living. In the sight of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. who is appearing and bringing his kingdom with him.

2 Timothy 4:1 ESV

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

The time is coming when accounts will be made and all those under your hearing will give account for receiving or rejecting your message.

2 Timothy 4:2 ESV

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

You need to remember you are not responsible for the result. But you are required to be faithful. You will sow and sometimes water, but its God who gives the increase. So be faithful brother in your proclamation and God will grant an increase.

2 Timothy 4:3 ESV

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

You will find that some will not endure your sound teaching, but there will be those that do. There are people longing for sound, healthy teaching.

Don’t take it personal when people reject your message, for it’s not you they are rejecting but Christ.

2 Timothy 4:4 ESV

and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

2 Timothy 4:5 ESV

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

You must be clear minded. Don’t get caught up or swamped with worldly issues. But learn to answer all these things from the lens of Scripture. Don’t let your sword get dirty but keep a clean sword.

In taking care of the Sheep, those who are already believers, Don’t forget to evangelize. Not everyone in your congregation is necessarily saved. Plus we need to reserve moments in ministry when we are focused on the lost.

Finally, fulfill your ministry. Do it with all your heart so you can say at the end of the day, I have given it my all, I have done my very best. We love you brother and are proud of you. My prayer for you is, that God will richly bless you in your ministry. Seeing spiritual growth in Gods people. and may you see many come to the Lord Jesus Christ. Bless you! Amen.