Perhaps ministers have made the ministry too complicated in our age of "professionalism"? The Apostle leaves the Ephesian elders with a simple model and example of ministry. One, entrust the Church to God and to the Word of His Grace, and second exemplify sacrifice, that is, like our Lord Who died for us, lay down your life for His bride in giving yourself for her. These two actions will minister more deeply to His people than anything else they could ever want or need.

True ministry is difficult as to be a true minister you must die to yourself! Ministry is not for the purpose of indulging one's flesh, but for the purpose of caring for the people of God, for whom His blood was shed! We will be held accountable on that final day, may it be said of God's servants that they were innocent of the blood of all men!

Brothers, Jesus laid down His life for us that we may have life. Let us lay down our lives for others in order that others may find life! The example of the Apostle Paul for those who would minister was faithfulness amidst conflict, and selfless sacrifice for the sake of the Church. We are called today to nothing less!

We have all known people who have started off on a good foot with Jesus Christ, but then, because of false expectations of Christ, doctrines we don't like or people who let them down, they walk away from Jesus. A true Disciple remains with Jesus. While they don't necessarily understand everything about Jesus, they know that He is the Messiah come from God and that His words are life! Are you a true disciple?

People view Jesus as a means to an end, but not the end itself! Jesus is not an optional way to God, but the ONLY way to God. A man must turn from himself, lay down his pride and look to Jesus Christ as his only hope or else he will perish in his sins! What friends do you believe about Jesus Christ?

It is a terrible thing, and so unbecoming of a servant of Christ, to fight for notoriety, or greatness; to lord over others as if they are masters! Jesus, the King of Glory, came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. His people are to follow His example by serving, by laying down their lives that others in turn may come to know life in Christ.

It is not only the down-n-out who must hear the truth of Christ, but the religious as well! The religious are disciplined. The religious are law abiding. The religious are good...but good is never good enough for God. Christ came into this World to save His people. You shall be saved if you eat His flesh and drink His blood. His flesh is true food and His blood true drink. He is the bread of life...he who eats this bread will live forever.

Grumbling is the outward expression of unbelief! The Jews, to whom Jesus spoke, grumbled at His words that He was (IS!) "...The Bread of Life that came down out of heaven." Again, Jesus will not, cannot fail, in saving His people...the unbelief of the Jews is no indictment on the truthfulness of Who Jesus Christ is! Be not shaken! For, "No one can come to Me" says Jesus, "unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day" (John 6:44)

Without the Resurrection there is no hope. However, because He was raised from the dead, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, my sin is gone. Because He lives, I, too, will live, even though I should die. He has risen and so shall I!

Are you alarmed that the World refuses to believe in Jesus Christ? Don't be! The Gospel message is not failing nor is Jesus Christ failing! He will save all that the Father gives Him to save! And not only, but He will also preserve them until the end in holiness, and raise them up on the day He comes again! None who believe in Jesus Christ will be disappointed!