Christian ministry by Charles Bridges (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
In Chapter 1 Bridges teaches us that success in the ministry is sure, but it is also varied.
In Chapter 2 Bridges teaches us that the main cause of the want in ministerial success is the withholding of divine influence.
In Chapter 3 Bridges teaches us that another cause of the lack of success is the enmity of the natural heart of man toward the gospel.
In Chapter 4 Bridges teaches us that Satan is a huge hindrance to the minister's success.
And in the last chapter of today's reading, Chapter 5, Bridges teaches us that there can be hindrances in the local community that interfere with a minister's success.
I liked that although Bridges was clear that if God withholds his divine influence there will be no success, Bridges did not allow this to relieve the minister of all responsibility for a lack of success: 'But why is this promised blessing withheld? — "Even so, Father ; for so it seemeth good in thy sight." Yet we must not slumber in acquiescence without self-inquiry. Do we fervently seek and cherish this influence? Do we actively "stir up the gift of God which is within us?" Above all, does our pulpit set out that full exhibition of our Divine Master, which alone commands this heavenly blessing? The encouragement of prayer and faith are always the same. God is indeed absolutely sovereign in the distribution of his blessing; but by his command to seek, he has pledged himself, that we shall not seek in vain. Having freely promised, he will faithfully perform. Let all means be used in diligence, but in dependence — in self-denial, but in self-renunciation. Let not ministers be unduly exalted among their people. We are only instruments "by whom they believe," and a dependence on our labour may provoke the grand Agent — who "giveth not his glory to another" — to wither the most effective Ministry, that these idolaters may "know that we are but men." We may be reduced to ask — "Where is the Lord God of Elijah ?" — who can accom-plish more by one feeble sentence from the feeblest instrument, than we can do without him by the most powerful preaching.'
If God is withholding his influence, a little self-examination wouldn't go astray.
Next week's reading
Finish reading Part 2 by reading Chapter 6.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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