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29 lines
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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Day By Day By Grace</div>
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<div class="subhead">Bob Hoekstra</div>
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<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020">May 16</div>
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<h2>Our Approach to Ministry</h2>
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<div class="block"><i>We have <b>renounced</b> the hidden things of <b>shame</b>, <b>not</b> walking in <b>craftiness</b> nor <b>handling</b> the <b>word</b> of God <b>deceitfully</b>, but by <b>manifestation</b> of the <b>truth</b> commending <b>ourselves</b> to every man's <b>conscience</b> in the sight of God.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Cr',4,2);">2 Corinthians 4:2</a>)</div>
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<p>God has made us His servants under the new covenant of grace. <i>"God…made us…ministers of the new covenant"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Cr',3,'5-6');">2 Corinthians 3:5-6</a>). Those who desire to serve the Lord by <b>grace</b> have a very distinctive <b>approach to ministry</b>. <i>"We have <b>renounced</b> the hidden things of <b>shame</b>, <b>not</b> walking in <b>craftiness</b> nor <b>handling</b> the <b>word</b> of God <b>deceitfully</b>."</i></p>
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<p>It is so sad that many ministry approaches in the church world include motives and methodologies that are kept <b>hidden</b>, because their true character is shameful. Some of these dishonorable approaches involve <i>"<b>walking</b> in <b>craftiness</b>"</i> (such as, manipulating people through carnal enticements). Others involve <i>"<b>handling</b> the <b>word</b> of God <b>deceitfully</b>"</i> (such as, preaching what people want to hear, instead of what the Scriptures actually say). If we are going to serve God by grace, we must reject such tactics.</p>
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<p>Instead, we want to serve God <i>"by <b>manifestation</b> of the <b>truth</b>."</i> We minister by a candid declaration of God's truth, not by a deceptive operation of man's tricks. Also, we desire that our lives be a commendation of our message, not a contradiction of it: <i>"<b>commending ourselves</b> to every man's <b>conscience</b>."</i> As we proclaim God's truth, we humbly ask God to impact our lives by that truth, in order to become an example of what we preach. The Lord will use this to touch others deep in their consciences.</p>
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<p>It is God's will that our ministries impact more than men's minds (which can be reached by mere ideas, concepts, or systems). It is His intention that our testimonies reach beyond men's emotions (which can be touched by exciting stories, condemning insinuations, or inspiring ideals). He certainly does not want us to appeal to people's pride ("let God make you someone others will envy") or to their covetousness ("give to our ministry, and God will give you ten-fold in return"). Rather, God desires to reach their <b>consciences</b>, that "image-of-God" imprint that convicts people of sin and of their need for God: <i>"who show the work of the <b>law</b> written in their <b>hearts</b>, their <b>conscience</b> also bearing <b>witness</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',2,15);">Romans 2:15</a>).</p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">O God of truth and holiness, I long to serve You by grace. I renounce any manipulating of people or any distorting of Your word. Make my life a vessel of honor that confirms Your truth. As I minister to others, touch them deep in their hearts, by the power of Your grace, stirring them to seek after You, Amen.</div>
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