Ministry: The Clash Of Two Kingdoms

In the chapter below, Paul gives us a detailed account of what a true apostolic ministry should look like. He speaks of its spiritual disposition as well as the things it ought to be able to accomplish.

The scriptures declare the disciples as our examples; therefore, we should do true diligence to this exposition.

2 Corinthians 6:1

1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

Workers together with him…

The apostle proclaims that he and Peter, and Apollos, are working with God to bring the Church to righteousness. This is important, in that a minister must be able to see his true disposition in ministry. Those of us who do any true form of ministry, can only do so by the power of God the Father working with and through us. So where is the boaster? Where is the arrogant heart that proposes to invade the kingdom of darkness with lip service and foolishness?

Ministry is the clash of two kingdoms; the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Therefore, those who dare to challenge the kingdom of darkness must be approved by God. This approval is the anointing.

The anointing is the power in the Kingdom of Light. Every son of God has that power in him. However, at the unction of God, the Father, that power flows out of us as a river of living water, capable of bringing salvation and healing to those trapped in the kingdom of darkness.

But why is it that we do not see that power flowing into the darkness of this world? Could it be that the modern Church has become as Israel was in the days of old?

Jeremiah 2:13-14,

13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns,broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

14 Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?

We were told; He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38. But when we look at the Body of Christ, for the most part, this is not happening.

The living water is the anointing. It is the power of the Holy Ghost. Have we done the same as Israel? Have we hewed out cisterns or vessels that are broken by sin and wantonness and cannot manifest the anointing? Could it be that the Holy Spirit is grieved with the sin and iniquities of the Church?

God asked the question: Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? Why is he spoiled? The Holy Ghost is asking that question today. Have members of the Body of Christ become servants of satan? Why is darkness able to rule in the lives of the people of God? Are they truly born of God? Or, have they become full of the shadows of turning?

It is time for each and every one of us to answer these questions. If the river of living water is not flowing from us, then, why? If the Spirit of God is not resting upon us, then, we are no match for the kingdom of darkness. It is righteousness that moves God. It is the love for God and his people that compels him to work through us. The answer is simple. Obey the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 3:10

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

I don’t think some leaders in the Body of Christ even consider the verse above. They are not wise in their church-building. Their primary focus is on increasing the numbers, thus, increasing the revenue; rather than increasing the spirituality of the people of God.

Consider the rebuke God rendered to those of the Old Covenant through the Prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 2:7-8.

And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. 8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

This Scripture should be a call to self-examination of our individual ministries. You may not be the pulpit-preacher, but everyone of us should have some influence in the lives of those in our sphere of influence.

ye defiled my land,...

Here we know that the Father is referring to the physical land of Israel. However, in principle, the same statement can be made concerning the environment in the Household of Faith. The culture of the Church has been defiled. Indeed there is a universal decline in righteousness in the Body of Christ. But one can look inside the Church and observe a shameful progression of unrighteousness.

made mine heritage an abomination…The Church is God's heritage, as revealed in Peter's teachings when he instructed leaders not to lord over God’s heritage. It is God's masterpiece and His cherished possession. However, the conduct of the Saints in these times is nothing short of detestable.

This is a serious rebuke for the leaders of yesterday and today. It is no strange thing that the Lord has ministered to us continuously on Church culture. It takes an unholy environment for there to be corruption of the masses. Here, God blames the leaders for this corruption. Howbeit so?

• As a Body, we have sought positions, power, offices, and wealth, but we have not truly desired holiness and the fear of the Lord.
• We have not sought God's anointing to rest upon us, so that we may effectively minister in the lives of those for whom Jesus died.
• Are we not an abomination if we walk contrary to what God has designed for us to be?

they that handle the law knew me not:... …

Many of the preachers and teachers present in pulpits today lack genuine care for God or His people. Nevertheless, they receive great praise and adulation. We are in a time when many do not endure sound doctrine, but instead, heap up teachers for themselves who cater to their own desires. If these leaders themselves do not truly desire to see the Church as described in the Scriptures, how can they lead others to do the same?

Leaders must seek God with holiness, belief, and a heart of submission to the commands found in the Word. They must have the passion of Christ to see those they lead walk in true holiness and as true manifestations of the Scriptures. We must ensure that we are truly in touch with God as opposed to a pseudo-god, created in the imagination.

pastors also transgressed…

The anointing that pastors once received to nurture and care for the congregation has been replaced with business strategies, political agendas, and worldly pursuits. Many pastors have become brutish and have not sought the Lord for guidance as they shepherd His people. Their focus has shifted towards worldly ambitions, drawing many away from heavenly things.

prophets prophesied by Baal,

Division and sin in the church are at an all-time high due to the prevalence of false doctrines and lying prophets. Those who claim to speak for God have perverted the grace of God, allowing for sin and lack of discipline in the Church.

Additionally, games and gimmicks have replaced the true gift of prophecy. The Church now eagerly seeks prophecies that validate their worldly desires and ambitions. It is rare to hear a voice calling for repentance to escape the impending day of wrath. This, my friends, is the work of seducing spirits. Scripture teaches that every prophet since the beginning of the world spoke about Jesus Christ. However, those who now claim the title of prophet often speak only to earthly concerns, using their position to engage in political battles and exploiting God’s Name for personal gain. All these things will be judged. For the heritage of God today to be an abomination, is to say the Saints have become anti-Christs. Even with the Spirit of Christ living within, there is no regard for it. Leaders of the Body, we must not allow satan to win this battle. We must fight for our own souls and those of the flock. We can change this narrative by simply submitting to the will of God and walking in obedience to his Word.