Preparation For And Fulfillment Of The Way!

'Preparation For And Fulfillment Of The Way.'
Mark 1:9-39.
a) 1:9. The Baptism of Jesus Christ by John.
b) 1:10-11. The Affirmation of Christ by the Holy Spirit and the Father.
c) 1:12. The initial Leading of the Holy Spirit.
d) 1:13. The Victory of Jesus over Satan.
e) 1:14-15. The clear Message of Jesus Christ.
f) 1:16-20. The Calling of Jesus Christ on people's lives.
g) 1:21-22. The wonderful Teaching Ministry of Jesus Christ.
h) 1:23-28. The wonderful deliverance Ministry of Jesus Christ.
i) 1:29-31. The Family Ministry of Jesus Christ.
j) 1:32-34. The Public Ministry of Jesus Christ.
k) 1:35. The Prayer Life of Jesus Christ.
l) 1:36-38. The wide boundaries of Jesus Christ.
m) 1:38-39. The Clear Vision of Jesus Christ.
(Through this QT, Preparation For And Fulfillment Of The Way, I learn the importance of preparation for Ministry. It is not just a question of seminary education (which is important), but also: Baptism - a submitted and obedient life. Affirmation of our calling by God - it is not just a job. The humility of being led by the Holy Spirit. A clearly victorious life over Satan)
--------------------------------------------------------
'Jesus Christ - The True Vine.'
John 15:1-8.
a) 15:1. Jesus Christ declares His Identity. The True Vine.
b) 15:2. Jesus Christ declares the identity of the True Believer.
c) 15:3. Jesus Christ declares the method of Purification for Believers.
d) 15:4. Jesus Christ declares the True Believer's way to Fruitfulness.
e) 15:5-7. Jesus Christ declares the necessity of the True Believer's abiding in Him:-
1. 15:5-In order for the True Believer to be fruitful.
2. 15:6-In order to continue in the Mercy of God.
3. 15:7-In order to experience with confidence answered Prayer.
f) 15:8. Jesus Christ declares the way for the True Believer to Glorify the Father is to be fruitful and to prove our discipleship.
(Through this Second one I am challenged by Jesus Christ - The True Vine)
--------------------------------------------------------
Chris.
Being prepared for ministry is something that all potential Ministers need to be. This is not just a job - it is a high calling. The great majority of Ministers need to be trained in seminary, but before entering seminary they need to prove their character and ability in one Local Church for at least 3-4 years. Seminaries should not be too eager to recruit everyone. There needs to be a clear interview process which includes all aspects of life - not just Bible knowledge alone. There needs to be physical and mental health checks for every applicant. After Graduation there needs again to be a submitted and obedient life in a Local Church Ministry. The seminary and Local Church leaders should confirm this candidate for Ministry is affirmed by God, that the candidate is able to be led by the Holy Spirit and has a victorious life over Satan. Maybe this way would produce fewer Ministers but it would produce Ministers of Biblical standard. Maybe today there are too many low grade and struggling Churches, simply because the Ministers are not properly prepared.